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Guan X, Hu B, Zheng W, Chen N, Li X, Hu C, Han X, Yan Z, Lu Z, Ou Y, Gong J. Changes on Cognition and Brain Network Temporal Variability After Pediatric Neurosurgery. Neurosurgery 2024:00006123-990000000-01290. [PMID: 39023270 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000003124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Pediatric intracranial space-occupying lesions are common, with prognoses improving markedly in recent years, significantly extending survival. As such, there is an imperative to pay increased attention to the postoperative cognitive functions and brain network alterations in these children because these factors significantly influence their quality of life. Temporal variability (TV) analysis of brain networks captures the full extent of resting-state activities, reflecting cognitive functions and rehabilitation potential. However, previous research rarely uses TV analyses and most focus on adults or children after multidisciplinary treatments, not reflecting the combined effect caused by neurosurgery only and self-repair. This study gives our insights into this field from a holistic perspective. METHODS We studied 35 children with intracranial space-occupying lesions, analyzing pre- and postsurgery MRI and cognitive tests. We used TV analysis to assess changes and correlated imaging indicators with cognitive performance. RESULTS We observed a tendency for cognitive recovery after about 3 months postsurgery, primarily in the domains of social cognition and nonverbal reasoning. TV analysis of brain networks indicated increased nodal variability within systems such as the visual and sensorimotor networks, which are integral to external interactions. Correlative analysis showed that alterations in certain occipital regions were associated with changes in social cognition and nonverbal reasoning. CONCLUSION These findings suggest significant intrinsic repair in cognitive functions and brain networks at around 3 months postneurosurgery in children. This study not only enriches our comprehension of postoperative cognitive and brain network self-repair processes in children but also furnishes potential therapeutic targets for rehabilitation interventions and establishes a theoretical foundation for proactive surgical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyi Guan
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bohan Hu
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjian Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ning Chen
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Cuiling Hu
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Han
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zihan Yan
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Lu
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunwei Ou
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Gong
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
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Zahid N, Enam SA, Mårtensson T, Azam I, Mushtaq N, Moochhala M, Kausar F, Hassan A, Kamran Bakhshi S, Javed F, Rehman L, Mughal MN, Altaf S, Kirmani S, Brown N. Factors associated with changes in the quality of life and family functioning scores of primary caregivers of children and young people with primary brain tumors in Karachi, Pakistan: a prospective cohort study. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:389. [PMID: 38851708 PMCID: PMC11161978 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04867-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are limited data available, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), on the long-term quality of life (QoL) and family functioning of primary caregivers of children and young people (CYPs) affected by primary brain tumors (PBTs). This study aimed to assess the factors associated with the mean change in QoL and family functioning scores of primary caregivers of CYP patients with PBTs 12 months posttreatment. METHODS This prospective cohort study enrolled CYPs aged 5-21 years with newly diagnosed PBTs and their primary caregivers. The study was carried out between November 2020 and July 2023. The primary caregivers of CYPs were recruited from two major tertiary care centers in Karachi, Pakistan. The primary caregivers QoL were assessed by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Family Impact Module. The assessment was undertaken by a psychologist at the time of diagnosis and 12 months posttreatment. The data were analyzed with STATA version 12. RESULTS Forty-eight CYPs with newly diagnosed PBTs and their primary caregivers (46 mothers and 2 fathers) were enrolled. At 12 months posttreatment, 25 (52%) CYPs and their primary caregivers (mothers) were reassessed, and 23 (48%) were lost to follow-up. On multivariable analysis, a significant decrease in mothers' mean 12-month posttreatment QoL and family functioning scores was associated with CYP having posttreatment seizures (beta= -10.2; 95% CI: -18.4 to -2.0) and with the financial burden associated with the CYP's illness (beta= -0.3; 95% CI: -0.4 to -0.1). However, in those cases where CYP had higher posttreatment quality of life scores (beta = 0.4; 95% CI = 0.1, 0.6) and posttreatment higher verbal intelligence scores (beta = 0.1; 95% CI = 0.01, 0.3), the mothers' QoL and family functioning scores were significantly greater. CONCLUSION We found a significant decrease in QoL of mothers who had a high financial burden and whose CYP had posttreatment seizures. However, those whose CYPs had higher posttreatment verbal intelligence scores and quality of life scores had significantly greater QoL scores. Identification of the factors that influence primary caregivers QoL has the potential to aid in the development of targeted strategies to alleviate stressors and improve the overall quality of life for primary caregivers and their children who are at high risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nida Zahid
- Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
- Global Health and Migration Unit Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Box 256, Uppsala, 751 05, Sweden.
| | - Syed Ather Enam
- Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Thomas Mårtensson
- Global Health and Migration Unit Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Box 256, Uppsala, 751 05, Sweden
| | - Iqbal Azam
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Naureen Mushtaq
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Mariya Moochhala
- Department of Psychiatry, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Faiza Kausar
- Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Aneesa Hassan
- Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Farrukh Javed
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinnah Post graduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Lal Rehman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinnah Post graduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Sadaf Altaf
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Salman Kirmani
- Division of Women & Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Nick Brown
- Global Health and Migration Unit Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Box 256, Uppsala, 751 05, Sweden.
- Department of Pediatrics, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
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Hagan AJ, Bailey S, Verity SJ. Barriers to the use of Methylphenidate in Pediatric Neuro-oncology Services. Cogn Behav Neurol 2024; 37:57-61. [PMID: 37724747 DOI: 10.1097/wnn.0000000000000357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survivors of childhood CNS tumors are at a significant risk of chronic and multifaceted neurocognitive late effects. Recent findings indicate the potential utility of methylphenidate in addressing neurocognitive and academic plateauing and improving quality-of-life outcomes in this clinical population. However, the prescription of methylphenidate in neuro-oncology services remains inconsistent. OBJECTIVE To explore the neurocognitive assessment and rehabilitative interventions (including the use of methylphenidate) offered to survivors of childhood CNS tumors within mainland UK. METHOD We used a semi-structured questionnaire to gather qualitative data from clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists within National Health Service pediatric neuro-oncology principal treatment centers (PTCs) during May 2018. Thematic analytical methods were used to explore themes within the collected data. RESULTS Eleven (58%) of the 19 PTCs returned the completed questionnaire. Respondents reported inadequate resource of psychology in many pediatric neuro-oncology PTCs, which limited the provision of methylphenidate to a restricted proportion of the patient group (i.e., those with the most profound neurocognitive difficulties). Respondents reported an interest in exploring the utility of methylphenidate in their patient group yet described a lack of appropriate evidence of its efficacy. In addition, respondents highlighted the need for the provision of accessible research summaries and treatment protocols addressing the use of methylphenidate. CONCLUSION We anticipate that national collaboration between clinicians and researchers working in the cancer survivorship field will support the advancement of interventions such as methylphenidate for the growing clinical population of survivors of childhood CNS tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Bailey
- Paediatric Neuro-Oncolgy, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
| | - Sarah J Verity
- Departments of Paediatric Health Psychology
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
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Zahid N, Enam SA, Mårtensson T, Azam I, Mushtaq N, Moochhala M, Javed F, Kausar F, Hasan A, Rehman L, Mughal MN, Altaf S, Kirmani S, Brown N. Predictors of neurocognition outcomes in children and young people with primary brain tumor presenting to tertiary care hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan: a prospective cohort study. Childs Nerv Syst 2024; 40:1707-1719. [PMID: 38363314 PMCID: PMC11111568 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-024-06306-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Primary brain tumors are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in children and young people (CYP) globally. Impaired neurocognitive function is a potential severe consequence in primary brain tumor (PBT) survivors. There are no in-depth studies from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to inform management and follow-up. The research questions of this study were as follows: Are the sociodemographic factors (lower age of CYP, female gender, low socioeconomic status, low parental education), disease-related factors (high grade of tumor, presence of seizures, presence of hydrocephalous), and treatment-related factors (adjuvant therapy, no surgical intervention, post-treatment seizures, placement of shunts) associated with decline in neurcognition outcomes 12 months post-treatment in CYP with PBTs? METHODS A prospective cohort study was conducted from November 2020 to July 2023 at the Aga Khan University Hospital and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. All CYP aged 5 to 21 years with a newly diagnosed PBTs were eligible. The neurocognition assessment was undertaken by a psychologist at two points, i.e., pre-treatment and at 12 months post-treatment using validated tools. The verbal intelligence was assessed by Slosson Intelligence tool, revised 3rd edition (SIT-R3), perceptual reasoning by Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM), and the Processing Speed Index by Wechsler Intelligence Scale (WISC V) and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV). The data were analyzed by STATA version 12 software. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to determine the factors associated with the mean change in 12 months post-treatment verbal and non-verbal neurocognition scores. Unadjusted and adjusted beta coefficients with their 95% confidence intervals were reported. RESULTS A total of 48 CYPs with PBTs were enrolled, 23 (48%) of them were lost to follow-up and 10 (21%) died. The remaining 25 (52%) were reassessed 12 months after treatment. On multivariable analysis, a significant decline in verbal intelligence scores at 12 months was predicted by post-treatment seizures beta = - 20.8 (95% CI, - 38.2, - 3.4), mothers having no formal educational status and lower household monthly income. Similarly, a significant decline in perceptual reasoning scores was also predicted by post-treatment seizures beta = - 10.7 (95% CI, - 20.6, - 0.8), mothers having no formal education and having lower household monthly income. Worsening of processing speed scores at 12 months post-treatment were predicted by tumor histology, post-treatment seizures beta = - 33.9 (95% CI, - 47.7, - 20.0), lower educational status of the mother, and having lower household monthly. However, an improvement was seen in processing speed scores after surgical tumor resection. CONCLUSION In this novel study, the post-treatment mean change in verbal and non-verbal neurocognition scores was associated with sociodemographic, tumor, and treatment factors. These findings may have potential implications for targeted early psychological screening of higher risk CYP with PBTs. Identification of these predictors may serve as a foundation for developing more cost-effective treatment thereby alleviating the burden of neurocognitive morbidity. However to establish generalizability, future research should prioritize larger-scale, multicountry studies. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05709522).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nida Zahid
- Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
- Global Health and Migration Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - S Ather Enam
- Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Thomas Mårtensson
- Global Health and Migration Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Iqbal Azam
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Naureen Mushtaq
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Mariya Moochhala
- Department of Psychiatry, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Farrukh Javed
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Faiza Kausar
- Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Aneesa Hasan
- Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Lal Rehman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - M Nouman Mughal
- Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sadaf Altaf
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Salman Kirmani
- Division of Women & Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Nick Brown
- Global Health and Migration Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Pediatrics, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
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Tong Y, Udupa JK, McDonough JM, Xie L, Hao Y, Akhtar Y, Wu C, Rajapakse CS, Gogel S, Mayer OH, Anari JB, Torigian DA, Cahill PJ. Virtual Growing Child (VGC): A general normative comparative system via quantitative dynamic MRI for quantifying pediatric regional respiratory anomalies with application in thoracic insufficiency syndrome (TIS). BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.28.591554. [PMID: 38746219 PMCID: PMC11092456 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.28.591554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Background A normative database of regional respiratory structure and function in healthy children does not exist. Methods VGC provides a database with four categories of regional respiratory measurement parameters including morphological, architectural, dynamic, and developmental. The database has 3,820 3D segmentations (around 100,000 2D slices with segmentations). Age and gender group analysis and comparisons for healthy children were performed using those parameters via two-sided t-testing to compare mean measurements, for left and right sides at end-inspiration (EI) and end-expiration (EE), for different age and gender specific groups. We also apply VGC measurements for comparison with TIS patients via an extrapolation approach to estimate the association between measurement and age via a linear model and to predict measurements for TIS patients. Furthermore, we check the Mahalanobis distance between TIS patients and healthy children of corresponding age. Findings The difference between male and female groups (10-12 years) behave differently from that in other age groups which is consistent with physiology/natural growth behavior related to adolescence with higher right lung and right diaphragm tidal volumes for females(p<0.05). The comparison of TIS patients before and after surgery show that the right and left components are not symmetrical, and the left side diaphragm height and tidal volume has been significantly improved after surgery (p <0.05). The left lung volume at EE, and left diaphragm height at EI of TIS patients after surgery are closer to the normal children with a significant smaller Mahalanobis distance (MD) after surgery (p<0.05). Interpretation The VGC system can serve as a reference standard to quantify regional respiratory abnormalities on dMRI in young patients with various respiratory conditions and facilitate treatment planning and response assessment. Funding The grant R01HL150147 from the National Institutes of Health (PI Udupa).
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Lam KKW, Ho KY, Liu APK, Liu CQ, Ng MH, Lam TC, Belay GM, Hammoda AO, Yang F, Yuen WM, Chan GCF. Effectiveness of Computerized Cognitive Training on Working Memory in Pediatric Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Cancer Nurs 2024:00002820-990000000-00234. [PMID: 38527112 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interactive features of computerized cognitive training (CCT) may enhance adherence to training, providing a relatively low-cost intervention. A robust systematic review on the effectiveness of CCT for improving working memory (WM) among pediatric survivors with cancer is lacking. OBJECTIVE To summarize the available evidence and determine the effectiveness of CCT for WM among pediatric survivors with cancer. INTERVENTIONS/METHODS Five databases were searched. The Effective Public Health Practice Project was used to assess the study quality. ReviewerManager was used. The primary outcome was WM performance. Secondary outcomes included processing speed, attention, intervention adherence, and number of adverse events. RESULTS Six studies were included. Regarding overall quality, 1 study was weak, and 5 studies were moderate. Five studies reported a significant improvement of WM postintervention (P < .05). The meta-analysis of Cogmed interventions on symbolic WM revealed a significant difference between groups (vs placebo), with an overall pooled effect size of 0.71 (95% confidence interval, 0.02-1.41; P = .04). Two and 4 studies investigated the effects of CCT on processing speed and attention, respectively, with conflicting results. Four studies reported adherence of 80% or greater. Two studies reported no adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Computerized cognitive training using Cogmed has a significant positive effect on WM. The effects of CCT on processing speed and attention remain inconclusive. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE More rigorous trials should be conducted to elucidate the cognitive effects of CCT, particularly processing speed and attention, in the pediatric population with cancer. Further studies should consider combining CCT with other existing interventions to strengthen their effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine K W Lam
- Author Affiliations: School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Drs Lam, Ho, Hammoda, and Yuen; Mss Liu and Yang; and Messrs Ng, Lam, and Belay); and Hong Kong Children's Hospital (Drs Liu and Chan)
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Sahrizan NSA, Manan HA, Abdul Hamid H, Abdullah JM, Yahya N. Functional Alteration in the Brain Due to Tumour Invasion in Paediatric Patients: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072168. [PMID: 37046828 PMCID: PMC10093754 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Working memory, language and speech abilities, motor skills, and visual abilities are often impaired in children with brain tumours. This is because tumours can invade the brain's functional areas and cause alterations to the neuronal networks. However, it is unclear what the mechanism of tumour invasion is and how various treatments can cause cognitive impairment. Therefore, this study aims to systematically evaluate the effects of tumour invasion on the cognitive, language, motor, and visual abilities of paediatric patients, as well as discuss the alterations and modifications in neuronal networks and anatomy. The electronic database, PubMed, was used to find relevant studies. The studies were systematically reviewed based on the type and location of brain tumours, cognitive assessment, and pre- and post-operative deficits experienced by patients. Sixteen studies were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria following the guidelines from PRISMA. Most studies agree that tumour invasion in the brain causes cognitive dysfunction and alteration in patients. The effects of a tumour on cognition, language, motor, and visual abilities depend on the type of tumour and its location in the brain. The alteration to the neuronal networks is also dependent on the type and location of the tumour. However, the default mode network (DMN) is the most affected network, regardless of the tumour type and location.Furthermore, our findings suggest that different treatment types can also contribute to patients' cognitive function to improve or deteriorate. Deficits that persisted or were acquired after surgery could result from surgical manipulation or the progression of the tumour's growth. Meanwhile, recovery from the deficits indicated that the brain has the ability to recover and reorganise itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Shaheera Aidilla Sahrizan
- Department of Radiology, Makmal Pemprosesan Imej Kefungsian (Functional Image Processing Laboratory), University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- Department of Radiology and Intervency, Hospital Pakar Kanak-Kanak (Children Specialist Hospital), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Hanani Abdul Manan
- Department of Radiology, Makmal Pemprosesan Imej Kefungsian (Functional Image Processing Laboratory), University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- Department of Radiology and Intervency, Hospital Pakar Kanak-Kanak (Children Specialist Hospital), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Hamzaini Abdul Hamid
- Department of Radiology, Makmal Pemprosesan Imej Kefungsian (Functional Image Processing Laboratory), University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- Department of Radiology and Intervency, Hospital Pakar Kanak-Kanak (Children Specialist Hospital), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Jafri Malin Abdullah
- Jabatan Neurosains, Pusat Pengajian Sains Perubatan, Jalan Hospital USM, Kampus Kesihatan, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu 16150, Malaysia
- Brain and Behaviour Cluster, Pusat Pengajian Sains Perubatan, Kampus Kesihatan, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu 16150, Malaysia
- Department of Neurosciences & Brain Behaviour Cluster, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kampus Kesihatan, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu 16150, Malaysia
| | - Noorazrul Yahya
- Diagnostic Imaging & Radiotherapy Program, School of Diagnostic & Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
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Peterson RK, Ng R, Ludwig NN, Jacobson LA. Tumor region associated with specific processing speed outcomes. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30167. [PMID: 36625401 PMCID: PMC10101562 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Processing speed (PS) is a vulnerable cognitive skill in pediatric cancer survivors as a consequence of treatments and, less consistently, tumor region. Studies conventionally examine graphomotor PS; emerging research suggests other aspects of PS may be impacted. This study examined types of PS in pediatric brain tumor survivors to determine which aspects are impaired. Given discordance across studies, we additionally investigated the relationship between brain region and PS. METHODS The sample consisted of 167 pediatric brain tumor patients (100 supratentorial). PS (oral naming, semantic fluency, phonemic fluency, motor speed, graphomotor speed, visual scanning) was gathered via clinical neuropsychological assessment. To examine PS by region, infratentorial and supratentorial groups were matched on age at diagnosis and neuropsychological assessment, and time since diagnosis. RESULTS The whole sample performed below normative means on measures of oral naming (p < .001), phonemic fluency (p < .001), motor speed (p = .03), visual scanning (p < .001), and graphomotor speed (p < .001). Only oral naming differed by region (p = .03), with infratentorial tumors associated with slower performance. After controlling for known medical and demographic risk factors, brain region remained a significant predictor of performance (p = .04). Among the whole sample, greater than expected proportions of patients with impairment (i.e., >1 standard deviation below the normative mean) were seen across all PS measures. Infratentorial tumors had higher rates of impairments across all PS measures except phonemic fluency. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate pediatric brain tumor survivors demonstrate weaknesses in multiple aspects of PS, suggesting impairments are not secondary to peripheral motor slowing alone. Additionally, tumor region may predict some but not all neuropsychological outcomes in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel K Peterson
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rowena Ng
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Natasha N Ludwig
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lisa A Jacobson
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Rhodes A, Martin S, Toledo-Tamula MA, Loucas C, Glod J, Warren KE, Wolters PL. The neuropsychological profile of children with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) before and after radiation therapy: A prospective longitudinal study. Child Neuropsychol 2022:1-25. [DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2022.2144189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Rhodes
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Staci Martin
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mary Anne Toledo-Tamula
- Clinical Research Directorate (CRD), Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Caitlyn Loucas
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - John Glod
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katherine E. Warren
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Pediatric Neuro-Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pamela L. Wolters
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Youn SH, Ha B, Lee EH, Park B, Yang SE, Yu ES, Kim JY. Neurocognitive and psychological functioning of pediatric brain tumor patients undergoing proton beam therapy for three different tumor types. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29430. [PMID: 34766721 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A high proportion of pediatric patients with brain tumors (BTs) are known to experience a decline in neurocognitive function after treatment. We prospectively examined neuropsychological functioning of patients with BTs of varying tumor types at different time points before, during, and after proton beam therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 98 patients with posterior fossa tumors (PFTs; n = 33), germ cell tumors (GCTs; n = 52), and other supratentorial tumors (STTs; n = 13) underwent baseline neuropsychological assessments and 57 patients underwent follow-up assessments. RESULTS All groups displayed significantly lower performance intelligence quotient (PIQ) and processing speed (PS) scores than the normative means at baseline. The PFT group exhibited significantly lower scores for full-scale IQ, PIQ, PS, attention, and executive function. The GCT group displayed full-scale IQ scores within the normal range, but a significantly high proportion had memory deficits. In the STT group, all functions except for the PIQ and PS were intact. Longitudinal evaluations demonstrated stable global IQ scores over time in all groups. In the PFT group, verbal comprehension, attention, and PS improved over time. However, in the GCT group, verbal IQ scores declined significantly and psychological problems worsened over time, which were correlated with poorer neurocognitive function at 3-5 years after treatment. In the STT group, no significant changes were observed. CONCLUSION Because patients with BTs exhibit various types of neurocognitive deficit before radiotherapy, early cognitive treatment tailored to the tumor type maybe beneficial. Interventions for psychological problems and memory function may be necessary, especially for patients with GCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hee Youn
- Proton Therapy Center, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Boram Ha
- Proton Therapy Center, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Hee Lee
- Proton Therapy Center, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Boram Park
- Biostatistics Collaboration Unit, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Song Ei Yang
- Proton Therapy Center, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Seung Yu
- Mental Health Clinic, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo-Young Kim
- Proton Therapy Center, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
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11
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Chen P, Hudson MM, Li M, Huang IC. Health utilities in pediatric cancer patients and survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis for clinical implementation. Qual Life Res 2022; 31:343-374. [PMID: 34224073 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-021-02931-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Health utility (HU) is a useful metric for evaluating cost and utility of cancer therapies or prioritizing healthcare resources. We conducted a meta-analysis to compare HUs in association with clinical parameters and identify missing cancer-related themes from the extant HU measures for pediatric cancer patients and survivors. METHODS Studies published in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were identified. Meta-analyses were performed to estimate weighted means of HUs assessed by self- and proxy-responses. Mixed-effects meta-regressions were applied to compare HUs between cancer patients/survivors and general populations. Missing themes in the extant measures were identified based on established patient-reported outcomes frameworks. RESULTS Of 123 selected studies included pediatric cancer populations, 44% used the Health Utilities Index version 2 (HUI2), and 48% used version 3 (HUI3). Compared to general populations, cancer patients undergoing therapies for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) had 0.129 (95% CI - 0.183 to - 0.075) and brain tumor had 0.257 (95% CI - 0.354 to - 0.160) lower HUs per proxy-reported HUI3, whereas survivors of ALL had 0.028 (95% CI - 0.062 to 0.007) and brain tumor had 0.188 (95% CI - 0.237 to - 0.140) lower HUs per proxy-reported HUI3. Compared to general populations, cancer patients treated with multimodality therapy and survivors off therapy 2-5 years had significantly poorer HUs (p's < 0.05). Missing cancer-specific contents from the HU measures were identified. CONCLUSION Pediatric cancer patients and survivors had poorer HUs than general populations. It is important to select appropriate HUs for economic evaluations, and offer interventions to minimize HU deficits for particular cancer populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingyu Chen
- Department of Health Economics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 881 Madison Avenue, Room 219, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA
| | - Melissa M Hudson
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Minghui Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 881 Madison Avenue, Room 219, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA.
| | - I-Chan Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS 735, Room S6027, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
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12
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Remes TM, Hovén E, Ritari N, Pohjasniemi H, Puosi R, Arikoski PM, Arola MO, Lähteenmäki PM, Lönnqvist TRI, Ojaniemi MK, Riikonen VP, Sirkiä KH, Winqvist S, Rantala HMJ, Harila M, Harila-Saari AH. Neurocognitive impairment, employment, and social status in radiotherapy-treated adult survivors of childhood brain tumors. Neurooncol Pract 2021; 8:266-277. [PMID: 34055374 PMCID: PMC8153831 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npab004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known of the cognitive functions, employment, and social status in adult survivors of childhood brain tumor (BT). We aimed to determine the long-term neurocognitive profile of radiotherapy-treated adult survivors of childhood BT and the relationship between cognitive functions and employment and social status. Methods Neurocognitive profiles of survivors were assessed in a Finnish national cohort of 71 radiotherapy-treated survivors of childhood BT (median follow-up time: 21 years [range: 5-33 years]) using a cross-sectional design. Neurocognitive outcomes were compared to control (n = 45) and normative values. Tumor- and treatment-related data were collected from the patient files. Information on employment and social status was gathered. Results Survivors’ (median age: 27 years [range: 16-43 years]) median verbal and performance intelligence quotient (IQ) was 90 (range: 49-121) and 87 (range: 43-119), respectively. The cognitive domains with the greatest impairment were executive functions (median z score, −3.5 SD [range: −25.0 to 1.3 SD]), and processing speed and attention (median z score, −2.5 SD [range: −24.9 to 0.5 SD]). Executive functions were associated with employment, educational level, living independently, having an intimate relationship, and having a driving license. Processing speed and attention were related to educational level, living independently, having an intimate relationship, and having a driving license. Performance IQ was associated with educational level and employment status. Working memory was associated with educational level and living independently. Conclusions Radiotherapy-treated adult survivors of childhood BT experience significant neurocognitive impairment, which is associated with difficulties related to employment and social status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiina M Remes
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescence, PEDEGO Research Unit and Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Child Neurology, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Emma Hovén
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Niina Ritari
- Department of Child Neurology, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heli Pohjasniemi
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescence, PEDEGO Research Unit and Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Riina Puosi
- Department of Child Neurology, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pekka M Arikoski
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescence, Kuopio University Hospital, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikko O Arola
- Department of Pediatrics, Tampere University Hospital and University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Päivi M Lähteenmäki
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital, and Turku University, Turku, Finland
| | - Tuula R I Lönnqvist
- Department of Child Neurology, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marja K Ojaniemi
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescence, PEDEGO Research Unit and Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - V Pekka Riikonen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescence, Kuopio University Hospital, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kirsti H Sirkiä
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescence, Helsinki University, and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Satu Winqvist
- Department of Neurology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Heikki M J Rantala
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescence, PEDEGO Research Unit and Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Marika Harila
- Department of Neurology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Arja H Harila-Saari
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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13
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Predictors of cognitive function in pediatric brain tumor patients: Pre-surgery through 24-month follow-up. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. CHILD 2021; 10:340-347. [PMID: 31887256 PMCID: PMC7326643 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2019.1706179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of cognitive assessment from pre-surgery through 2-year follow-up in a sample of pediatric brain tumor (BT) patients. We sought to investigate cognitive function over the course of diagnosis and treatment, and as a function of presenting problems, tumor location, treatment type, and tumor severity. Using a prospective, longitudinal design, standardized IQ measures were administered to pediatric BT patients (ages 6-16) prior to surgery (n = 25), 6 months post-diagnosis (n = 24), and 24 months post-diagnosis (n = 23). Group differences emerged based on tumor severity and treatment type at multiple time points, including prior to surgical intervention; children with high grade tumors performed more poorly than children with low grade tumors, and children receiving surgery plus adjuvant therapy performed more poorly than children who received surgery only. When considered together, an analysis of covariance demonstrated that tumor grade significantly accounted for variability in cognitive functioning, while treatment type did not. Although there is overlap clinically between tumor severity and treatment received, results suggest that tumor severity is an important factor contributing to variability in cognitive functioning and should also be considered when monitoring risk for cognitive deficits in children diagnosed with BT.
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14
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Traunwieser T, Kandels D, Pauls F, Pietsch T, Warmuth-Metz M, Bison B, Krauss J, Kortmann RD, Timmermann B, Thomale UW, Luettich P, Neumann-Holbeck A, Tischler T, Hernáiz Driever P, Witt O, Gnekow AK. Long-term cognitive deficits in pediatric low-grade glioma (LGG) survivors reflect pretreatment conditions-report from the German LGG studies. Neurooncol Adv 2020; 2:vdaa094. [PMID: 32968720 PMCID: PMC7497816 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdaa094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Disease and treatment contribute to cognitive late effects following pediatric low-grade glioma (LGG). We analyzed prospectively collected neuropsychological data of German pediatric LGG survivors and focused on the impact of hydrocephalus at diagnosis, neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) status, and extent of surgery. Methods We used the Neuropsychological Basic Diagnostic screening tool based on the Cattell-Horn-Carroll model for intelligence and the concept of cross-battery assessment at 2 and 5 years from diagnosis for 316 patients from the German pediatric LGG study and LGG registry (7.1 years median age; 45 NF1; cerebral hemispheres 16%, supratentorial midline 39%, infratentorial 45%). Hydrocephalus was classified radiologically in 137 non-NF1 patients with infratentorial tumors (95/137 complete/subtotal resection). Results Patients with NF1 versus non-NF1 exhibited inferior verbal short-term memory and visual processing (P < .001-.021). In non-NF1 patients, infratentorial tumor site and complete/subtotal resection were associated with sequelae in visual processing, psychomotor speed, and processing speed (P < .001-.008). Non-NF1 patients without surgical tumor reduction and/or nonsurgical treatment experienced similar deficits. Degree of hydrocephalus at diagnosis had no further impact. Psychomotor and processing speed were impaired comparably following chemo-/radiotherapy (P < .001-.021). Pretreatment factors such as NF1 or tumor site were relevant at multivariate analysis. Conclusions All pediatric LGG survivors are at risk to experience long-term cognitive impairments in various domains. Even surgical only management of cerebellar LGG or no treatment at all, that is, biopsy only/radiological diagnosis did not protect cognitive function. Since pattern and extent of deficits are crucial to tailor rehabilitation, neuropsychological and quality of survival assessments should be mandatory in future LGG trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Traunwieser
- Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Kandels
- Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Franz Pauls
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Helmut Schmidt University, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Torsten Pietsch
- Institute of Neuropathology, DGNN Brain Tumor Reference Center, University Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Monika Warmuth-Metz
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Brigitte Bison
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Juergen Krauss
- Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | | | - Beate Timmermann
- Department of Particle Therapy, University Hospital Essen, West German Proton Therapy Centre Essen (WPE), West German Cancer Center (WTZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen, Germany
| | | | - Peggy Luettich
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Tanja Tischler
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Pablo Hernáiz Driever
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universitaet Berlin, Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olaf Witt
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Astrid K Gnekow
- Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
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15
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Corti C, Urgesi C, Massimino M, Gandola L, Bardoni A, Poggi G. Effects of supratentorial and infratentorial tumor location on cognitive functioning of children with brain tumor. Childs Nerv Syst 2020; 36:513-524. [PMID: 31832765 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-019-04434-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Effects of tumor location on cognitive performance of patients with brain tumor are controversial: some studies reported higher risks related to supratentorial locations, some to infratentorial locations, and still others did not find any differences. We aimed to address this issue by comparing school-aged children with supratentorial or infratentorial tumor with respect not only to cognitive outcomes but also to the associations between core cognitive domains and academic abilities. METHODS 32 children with infratentorial tumor and 22 with supratentorial tumor participated in the study. To detect relationships among cognitive domains, we tested which neuropsychological variable(s) predicted academic skills, controlling for the effects of radiotherapy and time since diagnosis. RESULTS Radiotherapy and time since diagnosis, but not tumor location, predicted cognitive outcomes. Radiotherapy negatively influenced attention and executive functioning, as well as reading speed and arithmetic operations accuracy. Unexpectedly, longer time since diagnosis was associated with improvement in attention and reading speed. Tumor location showed an effect on the relationships between core cognitive domains and academic skills: verbal and visual-spatial memory influenced reading and mathematical performance in supratentorial patients; in infratentorial patients, an only effect of visual-spatial memory on mathematical performance was detected. CONCLUSIONS Tumor location seems not to influence cognitive performance, while radiotherapy constitutes a key risk factor for cognitive impairment. Attentional and reading abilities may improve over time, possibly due to the weakening of cancer care effects. Different patterns of cognitive associations seem to characterize supratentorial and infratentorial patients, probably associated with different neuroplastic reorganization processes after tumor occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Corti
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy.
| | - Cosimo Urgesi
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy.,Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy.,Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, San Vito al Tagliamento, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Maura Massimino
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Lorenza Gandola
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Geraldina Poggi
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
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16
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Pellegrini C, Caraceni AT, Bedodi LI, Sensi R, Breggiè S, Gariboldi FA, Brunelli C. Tools for the assessment of neuropsychomotor profile in the rehabilitation of children with central nervous system tumor: a systematic review. TUMORI JOURNAL 2019; 106:12-24. [DOI: 10.1177/0300891619868011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective: This study reviews the scientific literature to identify and describe which assessment tools (ATs) are used in pediatric oncology and neuro-oncology rehabilitation and which development neuropsychomotor (DNPM) ATs were built for children with central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Methods: A systematic review was performed searching PubMed, CINAHL, PEDro, Science Direct, and Catalog of National Institute of Tumors databases and specialized journals. The search covered 7 years (2010–2017) and used relevant keywords in different combinations. A further search was carried out on DNPM rehabilitation manuals and academic thesis. Results: The review retrieved 35 eligible articles containing 63 ATs. The most common ATs were the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC). Most of the ATs covered a single area of child development among behavioral/psychological, cognitive, and motor areas. A total of 159 ATs were found in manuals and thesis, and only 17 of them were already identified in the journal search. None of the ATs identified in both searches had been specifically developed for children with CNS tumor. Conclusion: The results highlight the need to develop and validate a global multidimensional AT for children with CNS tumor, overcoming the fragmentation of the assessment procedures and promoting standardized rehabilitation protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pellegrini
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Augusto T. Caraceni
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Livia I.E. Bedodi
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Raffaella Sensi
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Simona Breggiè
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Fulvia A. Gariboldi
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Cinzia Brunelli
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
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17
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Aleksonis HA, Wier R, Pearson MM, Cannistraci CJ, Anderson AW, Kuttesch JF, Compas BE, Hoskinson KR. Associations among diffusion tensor imaging and neurocognitive function in survivors of pediatric brain tumor: A pilot study. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-CHILD 2019; 10:111-122. [PMID: 31146596 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2019.1613993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine associations among neurocognitive outcomes and white matter integrity in the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF), uncinate fasciculus (UF), and genu of the corpus callosum (gCC) in survivors of pediatric brain tumor and healthy controls (HCs). Eleven survivors (ages 8-16; >2 years post-treatment) and 14 HCs underwent MRI; diffusion tensor imaging tractography (DSI Studio) was used to assess white matter integrity. Participants completed neuropsychological assessment of overall cognitive ability, executive function, processing speed, divided attention, and memory. As previously reported, survivors performed significantly worse than HCs on measures of overall IQ, working memory, processing speed, and executive function (ps < .01), but not on measures of long-delay memory. Mean fractional anisotropy was significantly lower in survivors than HC in the right IFOF, left UF, and gCC (ps < .05). Correlations with the total sample revealed a number of significant positive associations among white matter tracts and scores on neurocognitive measures. Survivors show deficits on measures of cognitive function and decreased white matter integrity compared to HCs. Results revealed a more general pattern of associations among white matter pathways and neurocognitive outcomes than initially hypothesized. It is possible that survivors with diffuse pathology from treatment effects (i.e., hydrocephalus or posterior fossa syndrome) show more general decreases in cognitive functioning and white matter integrity. Additional research with a larger and more diverse group of survivors is needed to better understand white matter integrity and neurocognitive outcome associations in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly A Aleksonis
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Ryan Wier
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Matthew M Pearson
- Institute for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Sacred Heart Medical Group, Pensacola, Florida, USA
| | - Christopher J Cannistraci
- Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Adam W Anderson
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - John F Kuttesch
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Bruce E Compas
- Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kristen R Hoskinson
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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18
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Kasatkin VN, Anisimov VN, Dreneva AA, Borodina ID, Karelin AF, Rumyantsev AG. [The use of the visuo-motor reaction training device for the improvement of the coordination in the eye-hand system of the children and adolescents following the completion of the antineoplastic treatment of brain tumours]. VOPROSY KURORTOLOGII, FIZIOTERAPII, I LECHEBNOĬ FIZICHESKOĬ KULTURY 2018; 95:13-18. [PMID: 30499481 DOI: 10.17116/kurort20189506113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The survivors among the children and adolescents with a brain tumour are likely to show evidence of the impairment of the most important cognitive functions, such as attention, visual-motor integration, and working memory, following the completion of the antineoplastic treatment. The basic characteristics of these functions compromised in the patients presenting with the most serious cognitive deficiency are the information processing rate and the time needed for carrying out any cognitive activity in the patients experiencing deficit of white matter in the brain. AIM The objective of the present study was to demonstrate the possibility and the effectiveness of the application of the new method for the stimulation of the information processing activity of the brain, the enhancement of its effectiveness, and the improvement of the quality of the visual-motor coordination in the children and adolescents following the completion of the antineoplastic treatment of brain tumours. This paper reports the first experience of the application of the Dynavision d2 visuo-motor reaction training device which has been used for the visual-motor integration and the increase of the information processing speed. MATERIAL AND METHODS The sample included in the study was comprised of a total of 46 children at the mean age of 10.6±3.34 years that had undergone the treatment of the brain neoplasm. Each patient participated in 5 to 8 sessions of exercises with the use of the the Dynavision d2 visuo-motor reaction training device during 21 days. RESULTS All the treated patients exhibited the stable reduction of the mean time of the reaction from the first session to the last one. The comparison of the outcomes of the treatment between the children of different sexes has demonstrated better results (in absolute terms and in dynamics) in the girls in comparison with the boys. The exercises with the use of the Dynavision d2 visuo-motor reaction training device were not accompanied by any negative subjective sensations in the treated patients, nor did they induce the adverse somatic side effects. CONCLUSION The results of the present study give evidence of both the applicability and the effectiveness of the application of the Dynavision d2 visuo-motor reaction training device for the diagnostics of the disturbances in the motor and visual coordination and the associated cognitive functions and for their correction in the children following the treatment of the neoplasm of the posterior cranial fossa.
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Affiliation(s)
- V N Kasatkin
- Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Centre of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - V N Anisimov
- Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Centre of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - A A Dreneva
- Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Centre of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - I D Borodina
- Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Centre of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - A F Karelin
- Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Centre of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - A G Rumyantsev
- Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Centre of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
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19
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Doger de Spéville E, Kieffer V, Dufour C, Grill J, Noulhiane M, Hertz-Pannier L, Chevignard M. Neuropsychological consequences of childhood medulloblastoma and possible interventions: A review. Neurochirurgie 2018; 67:90-98. [PMID: 29716738 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children who have been treated for a medulloblastoma often suffer long-term cognitive impairments that often negatively affect their academic performance and quality of life. In this article, we will review the neuropsychological consequences of childhood medulloblastoma and discuss the risk factors known to influence the presence and severity of these cognitive impairments and possible interventions to improve their quality of life. METHODS This narrative review was based on electronic searches of PubMed to identify all relevant studies. RESULTS Although many types of cognitive impairments often emerge during a child's subsequent development, the core cognitive domains that are most often affected in children treated for a medulloblastoma are processing speed, attention and working memory. The emergence and magnitude of these deficits varies greatly among patients. They are influenced by demographic (age at diagnosis, parental education), medical and treatment-related factors (perioperative complications, including posterior fossa syndrome, radiation therapy dose, etc.), and the quality of interventions such as school adaptations provided to the child or rehabilitation programs that focus on cognitive skills, behavior and psychosocial functioning. CONCLUSION These patients require specialized and coordinated multidisciplinary rehabilitation follow-up that provides timely and adapted assessments and culminates in personalized intervention goals being set with the patient and the family. Follow-up should be continued until referral to adult services.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Doger de Spéville
- Inserm U1129, CEA, Paris Descartes university, 75005 Paris, France; UNIACT, institut Joliot, DRF, Neurospin, CEA, Paris Saclay university, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; Department of pediatric and adolescent oncology, Gustave-Roussy, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - V Kieffer
- Department of pediatric and adolescent oncology, Gustave-Roussy, 94800 Villejuif, France; CSI (Outreach team for children and adolescents with acquired brain injury), department for children with acquired brain injury, hôpitaux de Saint-Maurice, 94410 Saint-Maurice, France
| | - C Dufour
- Department of pediatric and adolescent oncology, Gustave-Roussy, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - J Grill
- Department of pediatric and adolescent oncology, Gustave-Roussy, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - M Noulhiane
- Inserm U1129, CEA, Paris Descartes university, 75005 Paris, France; UNIACT, institut Joliot, DRF, Neurospin, CEA, Paris Saclay university, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - L Hertz-Pannier
- Inserm U1129, CEA, Paris Descartes university, 75005 Paris, France; UNIACT, institut Joliot, DRF, Neurospin, CEA, Paris Saclay university, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - M Chevignard
- CSI (Outreach team for children and adolescents with acquired brain injury), department for children with acquired brain injury, hôpitaux de Saint-Maurice, 94410 Saint-Maurice, France; Rehabilitation department for children with acquired neurological injury, and outreach team for children and adolescents with acquired brain injury, Saint-Maurice hospitals, 14, rue du Val-d'Osne, 94410 Saint-Maurice, France; Sorbonne université, laboratoire d'imagerie biomédicale, LIB, 75006 Paris, France; GRC n(o) 18, handicap cognitif et réadaptation (HanCRe)- Sorbonne université, 75013 Paris, France.
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20
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Wegenschimmel B, Leiss U, Veigl M, Rosenmayr V, Formann A, Slavc I, Pletschko T. Do we still need IQ-scores? Misleading interpretations of neurocognitive outcome in pediatric patients with medulloblastoma: a retrospective study. J Neurooncol 2017; 135:361-369. [PMID: 28779461 PMCID: PMC5663794 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-017-2582-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decades, many studies used global outcome measures like the IQ when reporting cognitive outcome of pediatric brain tumor patients, assuming that intelligence is a singular and homogeneous construct. In contrast, especially in clinical neuropsychology, the assessment and interpretation of distinct neurocognitive domains emerged as standard. By definition, the full scale IQ (FIQ) is a score attempting to measure intelligence. It is established by calculating the average performance of a number of subtests. Therefore, FIQ depends on the subtests that are used and the influence neurocognitive functions have on these performances. Consequently, the present study investigated the impact of neuropsychological domains on the singular "g-factor" concept and analysed the consequences for interpretation of clinical outcome. The sample consisted of 37 pediatric patients with medulloblastoma, assessed 0-3 years after diagnosis with the Wechsler Intelligence Scales. Information processing speed and visuomotor function were measured by the Trailmaking Test, Form A. Our findings indicate that FIQ was considerably impacted by processing speed and visuomotor coordination, which leaded to an underestimation of the general cognitive performance of many patients. One year after diagnosis, when patients showed the largest norm-deviation, this effect seemed to be at its peak. As already recommended in international guidelines, a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery is necessary to fully understand cognitive outcome. If IQ-tests are used, a detailed subtest analysis with respect to the impact of processing speed seems essential. Otherwise patients may be at risk for wrong decision making, especially in educational guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Wegenschimmel
- Association for the Promotion of Childhood and Adolescent Neurology, Psychiatry, Psychology and Psychotherapy (kjnp3), Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Leiss
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michaela Veigl
- Neuropsychology Unit, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Verena Rosenmayr
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Irene Slavc
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Pletschko
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna, Austria.
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21
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Hsiao CC, Chiou SS, Hsu HT, Lin PC, Liao YM, Wu LM. Adverse health outcomes and health concerns among survivors of various childhood cancers: Perspectives from mothers. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2017; 27:e12661. [PMID: 28169481 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Advanced therapies have improved outcomes and also resulted in a growing risk of long-term adverse health events. This study intends to estimate incidences of adverse health events and examine differences in adverse health events among childhood cancer survivors, and to understand the concerns of mothers after their child has completed cancer treatment. An explanatory sequential mixed-method was used. A total of 201 paediatric cancer survivors' mothers with mean age 43.6 years were recruited. Of the survivors, 12.4% experienced five or more adverse health events. The incidence of adverse health events of altered body image, fatigue and neurocognitive problems were 31.54%, 14.77% and 12.53% respectively. Among survivors, significant differences in adverse health events of pain, endocrine problems and altered body image issues were identified. Survivors receiving radiotherapy, bone marrow transplants or completing treatment after 6-10 years experienced significantly more adverse health events. Maintaining health was the greatest concern for mothers, and the qualitative reports of their concerns could be categorised: living in uncertainty, and keeping forward-looking. Childhood brain tumour survivors were identified as experiencing more adverse health events than other survivors. The need for healthcare teams to consider mothers' health concerns was highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Hsiao
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - S S Chiou
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - H-T Hsu
- College of Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - P C Lin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Y M Liao
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - L-M Wu
- College of Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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22
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Park Y, Yu ES, Ha B, Park HJ, Kim JH, Kim JY. Neurocognitive and Psychological Functioning of Children with an Intracranial Germ Cell Tumor. Cancer Res Treat 2017; 49:960-969. [PMID: 28052648 PMCID: PMC5654151 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2016.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study was conducted to investigate the neurocognitive functioning of children with intracranial germ cell tumor (IGCT) prior to receiving proton beam therapy (PBT), and to identify differential characteristics of their neurocognitive functioning depending on tumor location. As a secondary object of this study, neurocognitive functions were followed up at 1-2 years after PBT to examine early post-treatment changes. Materials and Methods Between 2008 and 2014, 34 childrenwith IGCT treatedwho received PBT atNational Cancer Center, Korea were enrolled in this study. Standardized neurocognitive tests of intelligence, memory, and executive functioning were performed with baseline psychological assessments using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Follow-up assessments after PBT were conducted in 20 patients (T2). The results were analyzed based on the locations of tumors, which included the suprasellar, pineal gland, basal ganglia, and bifocal regions. Results The neurocognitive function of IGCT patients was significantly lower than that of the normal population in performance intelligence quotient (p=0.041), processing speed (p=0.007), memory (p < 0.001), and executive functioning (p=0.010). Patients with basal ganglia tumors had significantly lower scores for most domains of neurocognitive functioning and higher scores for CBCL than both the normal population and patients with IGCT in other locations. There was no significant change in neurocognitive function between T1 and T2 for all types of IGCT patients in first 1-2 years after PBT. Conclusion Tumor location significantly affects the neuropsychological functioning in patients with IGCT. Neuropsychological functioning should be closely monitored from the time of diagnosis in IGCT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younghee Park
- Proton Therapy Center, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun-Seung Yu
- Mental Health Clinic, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Boram Ha
- Proton Therapy Center, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Hyeon-Jin Park
- Center for Pediatric Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Jong-Heun Kim
- Mental Health Clinic, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Joo-Young Kim
- Proton Therapy Center, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea.,Center for Pediatric Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
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23
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Taiwo Z, Na S, King TZ. The Neurological Predictor Scale: A predictive tool for long-term core cognitive outcomes in survivors of childhood brain tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2017; 64:172-179. [PMID: 27566994 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.26203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prior research has demonstrated the reliability and validity of the Neurological Predictor Scale (NPS) in relation to intelligence and adaptive functioning in survivors of pediatric brain tumors. To extend these findings, this study examined the relationship between the NPS and core neurocognitive skills hypothesized to underlie broad outcome measures of IQ and adaptive functioning. METHOD Sixty-one adulthood survivors of childhood brain cancers (Mage = 24 years, SD = 6) on average 16 years after diagnosis completed neuropsychological assessments examining attention (Wechsler Memory Scale Digit Span Forward), processing speed (Symbol Digit Modalities Test), and working memory (Auditory Consonant Trigrams). The medical information necessary to compute the NPS was extracted from a thorough medical record review. RESULTS The NPS score significantly predicted processing speed (R2 = 0.28, P < 0.05) and working memory (R2 = 0.15, P < .05) outcomes over and above each individual risk factor. NPS was significantly associated with attention outcomes after covarying for age (R2 = 0.13, P < 0.05) over and above each risk factor except presence of hormone deficiency, hydrocephalus, and chemotherapy. These three variables were not significantly associated with attention outcomes in this sample. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that survivors with more treatments and neurological sequelae experience greater deficits in working memory, processing speed, and attention. Further, the NPS affords the ability to predict how cumulative neurological factors impact core cognitive outcomes many years after initial diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinat Taiwo
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sabrina Na
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Tricia Z King
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.,Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
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24
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Ahomäki R, Harila-Saari A, Matomäki J, Lähteenmäki PM. Non-graduation after comprehensive school, and early retirement but not unemployment are prominent in childhood cancer survivors-a Finnish registry-based study. J Cancer Surviv 2016; 11:284-294. [PMID: 27714627 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-016-0574-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to assess neurocognitive and social outcomes after childhood cancer, we explored the educational and vocational attainments of Finnish survivors in comparison to matched population controls. METHODS From national registries, we identified survivors (n = 3243) born from 1960 to 1992 and aged below 16 at cancer diagnosis (years 1964-2009) as well as their controls (n = 16,215). Data on educational achievements, yearly income, employment status, and retirement were retrieved from Statistics Finland. RESULTS The median (range) age at study was 28 (17-50) years. The proportion of those with no education after comprehensive school was higher than controls for all the diagnostic groups: brain tumor (BT) (33.5 vs 23.0 %), solid tumor (ST) (25.0 vs 21.4 %), and leukemia/NHL (29.2 vs 23.1 %). Odds ratios (OR) for unemployment were not significantly elevated in any survivor group compared to controls, but OR for being retired was elevated in each survivor group (BT 14.8, ST 2.2, leukemia/NHL 4.0). Irradiation significantly increased that OR only in BT survivors. Leukemia/NHL survivors treated after 1992 had lower risk for early retirement (OR 0.6) compared to those diagnosed earlier. CONCLUSIONS Survivors had higher frequencies than controls for lacking further education after comprehensive school. Unemployment was not common, but risk for early retirement was significantly increased in each three survivor group. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Reassuring is that premature retirement was less common during the most recent treatment era. Screening and follow-up of psychosocial performance more effectively might be essential, and there is a need for studies on possibility for effective rehabilitation of the survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritva Ahomäki
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescence, Turku University Hospital, Tuijulankatu 24, 20540, Turku, Finland.
| | - Arja Harila-Saari
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Pediatrics and Adolescence, Oulu University Hospital, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Jaakko Matomäki
- The University of Turku, Turun Yliopisto, 20014, Turku, Finland
| | - Päivi M Lähteenmäki
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescence, Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20520, Turku, Finland
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25
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Thigpen JC, Pearson M, Robinson KE, Andreotti C, Dunbar JP, Watson KH, Dejardins L, Holmes L, Byram R, Fraley C, Compas BE. Presurgical assessment of cognitive function in pediatric brain tumor patients: feasibility and initial findings. Neurooncol Pract 2016; 3:261-267. [PMID: 27833756 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npv066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Establishing a presurgical baseline of neurocognitive functioning for pediatric brain tumor patients is a high priority to identify level of functioning prior to medical interventions. However, few studies have obtained adequate samples of presurgery assessments. METHODS This study examines the feasibility of completing tests to assess pre-surgical neurocognitive functioning in 59 identified pediatric brain tumor patients. RESULTS Eighty-five percent of patients (n = 50) were referred by the neurosurgery team before surgery and 83% of patients (n = 49) enrolled in the study. A full battery, including both performance-based and parent-report measures of neurocognitive function, was completed for 54% (n = 32) of patients. Rates of completion for either parent-report or performance-based measures were 68% (n = 40) and 69% (n = 41), respectively. While the performance-based assessment fell within the average range (M = 95.4, SD = 14.7, 95% CI, 90.7-100.0), 32% of participants had scores one or more standard deviations below the mean, or twice the expected rate. Parent-reports indicated higher level of concern than the general population (M = 55.4, SD = 11.3, 95% CI, 51.8-59.0) and found that 35% fell one or more standard deviations above the mean, or more than twice the expected rate. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest it is feasible to conduct pre-surgical assessments with a portion of pediatric brain tumor patients upon diagnosis and these results compare favorably with prior research. However, nearly half of identified patients did not receive a full test battery. Identifying barriers to enrollment and participation in research are discussed as well as recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Thigpen
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (J.C.T., B.E.C); Department of Neurosurgery , Vanderbilt University Medical Center , Nashville, TN (M.P.); Department of Psychology & Human Development , Vanderbilt University , Nashville, TN (K.E.R., C.A., J.P.D., K.H.W., L.D., L.H., R.B., C.F., B.E.C)
| | - Matthew Pearson
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (J.C.T., B.E.C); Department of Neurosurgery , Vanderbilt University Medical Center , Nashville, TN (M.P.); Department of Psychology & Human Development , Vanderbilt University , Nashville, TN (K.E.R., C.A., J.P.D., K.H.W., L.D., L.H., R.B., C.F., B.E.C)
| | - Kristen E Robinson
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (J.C.T., B.E.C); Department of Neurosurgery , Vanderbilt University Medical Center , Nashville, TN (M.P.); Department of Psychology & Human Development , Vanderbilt University , Nashville, TN (K.E.R., C.A., J.P.D., K.H.W., L.D., L.H., R.B., C.F., B.E.C)
| | - Charissa Andreotti
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (J.C.T., B.E.C); Department of Neurosurgery , Vanderbilt University Medical Center , Nashville, TN (M.P.); Department of Psychology & Human Development , Vanderbilt University , Nashville, TN (K.E.R., C.A., J.P.D., K.H.W., L.D., L.H., R.B., C.F., B.E.C)
| | - Jennifer P Dunbar
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (J.C.T., B.E.C); Department of Neurosurgery , Vanderbilt University Medical Center , Nashville, TN (M.P.); Department of Psychology & Human Development , Vanderbilt University , Nashville, TN (K.E.R., C.A., J.P.D., K.H.W., L.D., L.H., R.B., C.F., B.E.C)
| | - Kelly H Watson
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (J.C.T., B.E.C); Department of Neurosurgery , Vanderbilt University Medical Center , Nashville, TN (M.P.); Department of Psychology & Human Development , Vanderbilt University , Nashville, TN (K.E.R., C.A., J.P.D., K.H.W., L.D., L.H., R.B., C.F., B.E.C)
| | - Leandra Dejardins
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (J.C.T., B.E.C); Department of Neurosurgery , Vanderbilt University Medical Center , Nashville, TN (M.P.); Department of Psychology & Human Development , Vanderbilt University , Nashville, TN (K.E.R., C.A., J.P.D., K.H.W., L.D., L.H., R.B., C.F., B.E.C)
| | - Lindsay Holmes
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (J.C.T., B.E.C); Department of Neurosurgery , Vanderbilt University Medical Center , Nashville, TN (M.P.); Department of Psychology & Human Development , Vanderbilt University , Nashville, TN (K.E.R., C.A., J.P.D., K.H.W., L.D., L.H., R.B., C.F., B.E.C)
| | - Rebecca Byram
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (J.C.T., B.E.C); Department of Neurosurgery , Vanderbilt University Medical Center , Nashville, TN (M.P.); Department of Psychology & Human Development , Vanderbilt University , Nashville, TN (K.E.R., C.A., J.P.D., K.H.W., L.D., L.H., R.B., C.F., B.E.C)
| | - Claire Fraley
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (J.C.T., B.E.C); Department of Neurosurgery , Vanderbilt University Medical Center , Nashville, TN (M.P.); Department of Psychology & Human Development , Vanderbilt University , Nashville, TN (K.E.R., C.A., J.P.D., K.H.W., L.D., L.H., R.B., C.F., B.E.C)
| | - Bruce E Compas
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (J.C.T., B.E.C); Department of Neurosurgery , Vanderbilt University Medical Center , Nashville, TN (M.P.); Department of Psychology & Human Development , Vanderbilt University , Nashville, TN (K.E.R., C.A., J.P.D., K.H.W., L.D., L.H., R.B., C.F., B.E.C)
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26
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Annett RD, Patel SK, Phipps S. Monitoring and Assessment of Neuropsychological Outcomes as a Standard of Care in Pediatric Oncology. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015; 62 Suppl 5:S460-513. [PMID: 26700917 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.25749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Central nervous system cancers or exposure to CNS-directed therapies increase risk for neuropsychological deficits. There are no accepted guidelines for assessment of neuropsychological functioning in this population. A multifaceted literature search was conducted and relevant literature reviewed to inform the guidelines. Studies of neuropsychological outcomes are widely documented in the pediatric oncology literature. There is strong evidence of need for neuropsychological assessment, but insufficient evidence to guide the timing of assessment, nor to recommend specific interventions. Children with brain tumors and others at high risk for neuropsychological deficits should be monitored and assessed for neuropsychological deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Annett
- Universityof Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Sunita K Patel
- City of Hope Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California
| | - Sean Phipps
- St. Jude Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
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27
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de Ruiter MA, Grootenhuis MA, van Mourik R, Maurice-Stam H, Breteler MHM, Gidding C, Beek LR, Granzen B, van Vuurden DG, Schouten-van Meeteren AYN, Oosterlaan J. Timed performance weaknesses on computerized tasks in pediatric brain tumor survivors: A comparison with sibling controls. Child Neuropsychol 2015; 23:208-227. [DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2015.1108395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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28
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Margelisch K, Studer M, Ritter BC, Steinlin M, Leibundgut K, Heinks T. Cognitive dysfunction in children with brain tumors at diagnosis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015; 62:1805-12. [PMID: 26053691 PMCID: PMC5054885 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.25596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survivors of brain tumors have a high risk for a wide range of cognitive problems. These dysfunctions are caused by the lesion itself and its surgical removal, as well as subsequent treatments (chemo- and/or radiation therapy). Multiple recent studies have indicated that children with brain tumors (BT) might already exhibit cognitive problems at diagnosis, i.e., before the start of any medical treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the baseline neuropsychological profile in children with BT compared to children with an oncological diagnosis not involving the central nervous system (CNS). METHODS Twenty children with BT and 27 children with an oncological disease without involvement of the CNS (age range: 6.1-16.9 years) were evaluated with an extensive battery of neuropsychological tests tailored to the patient's age. Furthermore, the child and his/her parent(s) completed self-report questionnaires about emotional functioning and quality of life. In both groups, tests were administered before any therapeutic intervention such as surgery, chemotherapy, or irradiation. Groups were comparable with regard to age, gender, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS Compared to the control group, patients with BTs performed significantly worse in tests of working memory, verbal memory, and attention (effect sizes between 0.28 and 0.47). In contrast, the areas of perceptual reasoning, processing speed, and verbal comprehension were preserved at the time of measurement. CONCLUSION Our results highlight the need for cognitive interventions early in the treatment process in order to minimize or prevent academic difficulties as patients return to school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Margelisch
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, Children's University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Center of Cognition, Learning and Memory, University of Berne, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martina Studer
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, Children's University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Center of Cognition, Learning and Memory, University of Berne, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Catherine Ritter
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, Children's University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Center of Cognition, Learning and Memory, University of Berne, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maja Steinlin
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, Children's University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Center of Cognition, Learning and Memory, University of Berne, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kurt Leibundgut
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Theda Heinks
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, Children's University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Center of Cognition, Learning and Memory, University of Berne, Bern, Switzerland
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29
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Hanzlik E, Woodrome SE, Abdel-Baki M, Geller TJ, Elbabaa SK. A systematic review of neuropsychological outcomes following posterior fossa tumor surgery in children. Childs Nerv Syst 2015; 31:1869-75. [PMID: 26351236 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-015-2867-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Central nervous system tumors are the most common solid tumors in the pediatric population. As children with central nervous system (CNS) tumors are surviving into adolescence and adulthood, more research is being focused on the long-term cognitive outcomes of the survivors. This review examines the literature on different cognitive outcomes of survivors of different childhood posterior fossa CNS tumor types. METHODS The authors reviewed the literature for articles published from 2000 to 2012 about long-term neuropsychological outcomes of children diagnosed with posterior fossa brain tumors before the age of 18, which distinguished between histological tumor types, and had a minimum follow-up of 3 years. RESULTS The literature search returned 13 articles, and a descriptive analysis was performed comparing intelligence quotient (IQ), attention/executive function, and memory components of 456 survivors of childhood posterior fossa tumors. Four articles directly compared astrocytoma and medulloblastoma survivors and showed medulloblastoma survivors fared worse in IQ, attention/executive function, and memory measurements. Five articles reporting medulloblastomas found IQ, attention, and memory scores to be significantly below the standardized means. Articles examining astrocytoma survivors found IQ scores within the normal range for the population. Survivors of ependymomas reported 2/23 survivors impaired on IQ scores, while a second study reported a significant number of ependymoma survivors lower than the expected population norm. CONCLUSIONS Tumor histopathology and the type of postoperative adjuvant therapy seem to have a significant impact on the long-term neuropsychological complications of pediatric posterior fossa CNS tumor survivors. Age at diagnosis and treatment factors are important variables that affect the outcomes of the survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Hanzlik
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Stacey E Woodrome
- Department of Psychology, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mohamed Abdel-Baki
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Thomas J Geller
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Samer K Elbabaa
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurological Surgery, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1465 South Grand Blvd, Suite 2705, Saint Louis, MO, 63104, USA.
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Gass D, Dewire M, Chow L, Rose SR, Lawson S, Stevenson C, Pai ALH, Jones B, Sutton M, Lane A, Pruitt D, Fouladi M, Hummel TR. Pediatric tectal plate gliomas: a review of clinical outcomes, endocrinopathies, and neuropsychological sequelae. J Neurooncol 2015; 122:169-77. [PMID: 25582835 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-014-1700-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric tectal plate gliomas are indolent slow-growing gliomas that often present with increased intracranial pressure or incidentally on routine brain imaging. We investigated clinical outcomes, endocrinopathies, and neuropsychological sequelae associated with tectal plate gliomas. Twenty-six patients with tectal plate glioma were identified in a 20-year retrospective review. Clinical outcomes, treatments, endocrine function, neuropsychological testing outcomes and radiographic imaging were reviewed for possible signs correlating with tumor progression. Among 26 patients, 19 presented with signs or symptoms of increased intracranial pressure (73 %) versus an incidental finding in 7 (27 %). Median follow-up was 46 months (range 8-143 months). Six of 26 (23 %) experienced progressive disease after diagnosis. Five of 26 (19 %) required more than one surgical procedure due to failure of initial endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Seven of 26 had history of endocrine dysfunction, of which, five presented with endocrine dysfunction (precocious puberty or short stature), 1 developed menstrual irregularities after surgical intervention and 1 had preexisting pan hypopituitarism. Of 12 patients with available neuropsychological testing, eleven had at least one indicator of executive functioning in the low-average to impaired range. While tectal plate gliomas have been considered indolent tumors that are rarely progressive, 23 % of patients in our cohort experienced disease progression and required further therapy. Neurocognitive deficits may occur, while endocrine deficiency is uncommon. Regular multidisciplinary oncology follow-up, routine monitoring with MRI and formal neurocognitive evaluation are imperative to provide early recognition of disease progression or recurrent hydrocephalus and to improve school functioning in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Gass
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Division of Oncology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA,
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