Attia, A., Rapp, S.R., Case, L.D., D'Agostino, R., Lesser, G., Naughton, M., . . . Shaw, E.G. (2012). Phase II study of Ginkgo biloba in irradiated brain tumor patients: Effect on cognitive function, quality of life, and mood. Journal of Neuro-Oncology, 109, 357–363.
To test the hypothesis that ginkgo biloba may be helpful for radiation-induced cognitive impairment
120 mg ginkgo biloba was given for 24 weeks and then discontinued for 6 weeks as a washout period. Tests were administered at baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, and 30 weeks after the initial evaluation.
Phases of Care: Late effects and survivorship
An open label phase II study design was used.
Trail Making Test (TMT) results improved significantly from baseline to 24 weeks; however, TMT-Part B continued to improve significantly from week 24 to week 30 after ginkgo was stopped. It is unclear if changes seen demonstrate improvement with treatment or learning effect. Scores for immediate and delayed recall on the Rey-Osterreith Figure were better (p < 0.0002), but these were not measured and reported at 30 weeks. There were no other changes in mental function scores. POMS scores improved for overall mood for the first 24 weeks and then began to decline. By 24 and 30 weeks, only 19 patients remained in the study. Most common toxicities reported were cognitive issues and memory problems. Five patients (16%) discontinued treatment because of gastrointestinal symptoms. One patient discontinued treatment because of intracranial bleed in one patient. Another five patients (16%) discontinued treatment because of no perceived benefit.
Findings from the study do not provide clear support for the effectiveness of gingko biloba on cognitive impairment caused by brain irradiation.
Findings do not support effectiveness of gingko biloba to improve cognitive function in patients who have impairment associated with brain radiation.