Barton, D.L., Burger, K., Novotny, P.J., Fitch, T. R., Kohli, S., Soori, G., . . . Loprinzi, C.L. (2013). The use of ginkgo biloba for the prevention of chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction in women receiving adjuvant treatment for breast cancer, N00C9. Supportive Care in Cancer, 21, 1185–1192.
Evaluate ginkgo biloba for the prevention of cognitive decline associated with adjuvant treatment for breast cancer
Patients were randomized to receive 60 mg of ginkgo biloba or a matching placebo twice a day starting before the second cycle of thermotherapy and continuing throughout treatment and 1 month beyond chemotherapy completion. Participants were stratified by type of chemotherapy, age, menopausal status, and lymph node involvement. Data were collected at baseline before the first or second chemotherapy cycle, during chemotherapy, at the first visit after chemotherapy (1 month), and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post-chemotherapy.
Participants were receiving active antitumor treatment.
Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study
No significant differences were seen between groups over 24 months in any study measures. All cognitive test scores improved from baseline to the first chemotherapy follow-up and then stabilized.
The study does not support the use of ginkgo biloba for prevention of cognitive impairment resulting from chemotherapy treatment in women with breast cancer.
Findings do not support the use of ginkgo biloba to prevent cognitive changes resulting from chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer.