This study harnessed the data and biospecimens from the <a href="https://prevention.cancer.gov/clinical-trials/clinical-trials-search/nct02793921">Exercise Program in Cancer and Cognition</a> (EPICC) study (parent study) that collected data on cognitive function, demographics, other symptoms and biospecimens at two time points (T1: enrollment, T2: six months later) within the context of a six-month randomized controlled trial of a moderate intensity aerobic exercise intervention. This study collected genome wide DNA methylation data from T1 and T2 and conducted epigenome-wide association-based analyses to find genes and biological pathways explaining variability in cognitive function and explaining how exercise mitigates cognitive decline. Our initial findings identified cg10331779 near <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/1501">CTNND2</a> (p-value=9.65×10-9) associated with processing speed and cg25906741 in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/90523">MLIP</a> (p-value=2.01×10-8) associated with subjectively measured cognitive function. Additionally, differentially methylated regions were identified near <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/6538">SLC6A11</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/5592">PRKG1</a>/<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/23283">CSTF2T</a>, and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/54097">FAM3B</a> for processing speed and near <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/5298">PI4KB</a> and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/8910">SGCE</a>/<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/23089">PEG10</a> for mental flexibility.

Epigenomics of Neurocognitive Function in Breast Cancer

Protocol for Exercise Program in Cancer and Cognition (EPICC): A randomized controlled trial of the effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive function in postmenopausal women with breast cancer receiving aromatase inhibitor therapy.