The Effects of Physical Activity and Low-Dose Ibuprofen on Cognitive Function in Cancer Patients

To conduct a feasibility pilot to assess preliminary efficacy of a 6 week course of ibuprofen (200 mg BID with does 8 hours apart) and a structured home based walking/progressive resistance program, EXCAP, alone or together, on cognitive function and levels of inflammatory molecules among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy (beginning at cycle 2). If these interventions prove to be useful and have potential benefit, they could have a substantial impact on treating cognitive difficulties experienced by cancer patients as well as improve quality of life. Moreover, if there is an effect of these interventions on cognitive functioning and inflammation, we will gain more knowledge of a possible mechanism of chemotherapy-related cognitive difficulties.

Inclusion criteria

• Must report cognitive difficulties of 3 or higher on a 0-10 scale
• Must provide informed consent
• Be able to read English
• Have a primary diagnosis of cancer
• Be able to swallow medication
• Women of child-bearing potential must not be pregnant or become pregnant during the 6 week study
• Agree not to take NSAIDs during the 6 week intervention period
• Be scheduled to receive at least 2 additional cycles of oral or IV chemotherapy over the 42-day study period.
• Must have the approval of their treating physician to begin the exercise program and receive the ibuprofen
• Must be over 18 years of age

Exclusion criteria

• Currently taking a consistent dosage of a NSAID at least 3 days a week for the last 3 months that is over 400mg daily
• Have an allergy to ibuprofen
• Be identified as in active or maintenance stage of exercise behavior as assessed by the single-item exercise stages of change short form
• have physical limitations that contraindicate participation in sub-maximal physiological fitness testing or a low to moderate home-based walking and progressive resistance program
• have a history of peptic ulcer disease within the last 12 months
• Diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease
• Had a myocardial infraction within the past 6 months
• Patients with a neutropenic episode during the first cycle of chemotherapy or at high risk for a neutropenic episode during future chemotherapy cycles at the treating physicians discretion
• Have confirmed metastatic disease to the central nervous system
• Have been hospitalized for a major psychiatric illness within the last 5 years