Risk factors for cancer-related cognitive impairment among individuals with lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) exerts a negative impact on the quality of life in lung cancer survivors. Risk factors for CRCI in lung cancer patients remain unclear.This study aimed to identify risk factors for CRCI in lung cancer patients. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Wanfang, VIP Database, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) from their inception until March 10, 2024. Studies were screened, data extracted, and quality assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4, assessing risk factors through odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results The analysis was comprised of nine studies, including 1,305 patients. Seven studies were high quality, and two were moderate quality. Identified risk factors for CRCI in lung cancer patients included advanced age (OR = 3.51, 95%CI: 2.14–5.74, I 2 = 0.0%), cranial irradiation (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.39–3.22, I 2 = 0.0%), anxiety (OR = 2.92, 95% CI: 1.65–5.25, I 2 = 37%), and symptom cluster burden (OR = 4.85, 95% CI: 2.99–7.87, I 2 = 0.0%). Physical activity (OR = 0.37, 95% CI; 0.23–0.58, I 2 = 9.0%) was identified as a protective factor. Conclusion Advanced age, cranial irradiation, anxiety, and symptom cluster burden are significant risk factors for CRCI, while physical activity serves as a protective factor. These insights provide healthcare professionals with an evidence-based framework for managing CRCI in lung cancer patients.