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Aldiss S, Hollis R, Phillips B, Ball-Gamble A, Brownsdon A, Chisholm J, Crowther S, Dommett R, Gower J, Hall NJ, Hartley H, Hatton J, Henry L, Langton L, Maddock K, Malik S, McEvoy K, Morgan JE, Morris H, Parke S, Picton S, Reed-Berendt R, Saunders D, Stewart A, Tarplee-Morris W, Walsh A, Watkins A, Weller D, Gibson F. Research priorities for children's cancer: a James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership in the UK. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e077387. [PMID: 38128939 PMCID: PMC11148658 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077387] [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] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To engage children who have experienced cancer, childhood cancer survivors, their families and professionals to systematically identify and prioritise research questions about childhood cancer to inform the future research agenda. DESIGN James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership. SETTING UK health service and community. METHODS A steering group oversaw the initiative. Potential research questions were collected in an online survey, then checked to ensure they were unanswered. Shortlisting via a second online survey identified the highest priority questions. A parallel process with children was undertaken. A final consensus workshop was held to determine the Top 10 priorities. PARTICIPANTS Children and survivors of childhood cancer, diagnosed before age 16, their families, friends and professionals who work with this population. RESULTS Four hundred and eighty-eight people submitted 1299 potential questions. These were refined into 108 unique questions; 4 were already answered and 3 were under active study, therefore, removed. Three hundred and twenty-seven respondents completed the shortlisting survey. Seventy-one children submitted questions in the children's surveys, eight children attended a workshop to prioritise these questions. The Top 5 questions from children were taken to the final workshop where 23 questions in total were discussed by 25 participants (young adults, carers and professionals). The top priority was 'can we find effective and kinder (less burdensome, more tolerable, with fewer short and long-term effects) treatments for children with cancer, including relapsed cancer?' CONCLUSIONS We have identified research priorities for children's cancer from the perspectives of children, survivors, their families and the professionals who care for them. Questions reflect the breadth of the cancer experience, including diagnosis, relapse, hospital experience, support during/after treatment and the long-term impact of cancer. These should inform funding of future research as they are the questions that matter most to the people who could benefit from research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susie Aldiss
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | | | - Bob Phillips
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
- Hull-York Medical School and Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Alex Brownsdon
- Patient Representative on the Children's Cancer Priority Setting Partnership Steering Group, London, UK
| | - Julia Chisholm
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, UK
- Institute of Cancer Research Sutton, Sutton, UK
| | - Scott Crowther
- Parent Representative on the Children's Cancer Priority Setting Partnership Steering Group, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Jonathan Gower
- James Lind Alliance, National Institute for Health Research Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Nigel J Hall
- Southampton Children's Hospital, Southampton, UK
- University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Helen Hartley
- Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jenni Hatton
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Louise Henry
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, UK
| | - Loveday Langton
- Parent Representative on the Children's Cancer Priority Setting Partnership Steering Group, London, UK
| | | | | | - Keeley McEvoy
- Medical Needs Teaching Service, Leeds Children's Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Jessica Elizabeth Morgan
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Helen Morris
- Children, Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Operational Delivery Network, South West, Bristol, UK
| | - Simon Parke
- Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Rosa Reed-Berendt
- Psychological Services, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Dan Saunders
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Andy Stewart
- Parent Representative on the Children's Cancer Priority Setting Partnership Steering Group, Perth, UK
| | | | - Amy Walsh
- Parent Representative on the Children's Cancer Priority Setting Partnership Steering Group, Keswick, UK
| | - Anna Watkins
- Parent Representative on the Children's Cancer Priority Setting Partnership Steering Group, London, UK
| | - David Weller
- The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Faith Gibson
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Centre for Outcomes and Experience Research in Child Health, Illness and Disability (ORCHID), Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Fisher AP, Patronick J, Moscato EL, Gerhardt CA, Treble-Barna A, Radonovich K, Wade SL. Barriers to Care and Perceived Need for Mental Health Services Among Adolescent and Emerging Adult Survivors of Pediatric Brain Tumors. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023. [PMID: 38100322 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2023.0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) commonly experience mental health challenges, which can be exacerbated during adolescence and emerging adulthood (AEA). We examined survivors and caregivers' perceived need for mental health services and barriers to receiving mental health care. Methods: Families completed surveys to assess perceived need for mental health services, socioemotional impairment, and barriers to mental health services. Survivors were between 13 and 25 years of age and were at least 5 years from diagnosis. Results: Sixty-nine caregiver-PBTS dyads participated, as well as 18 survivors and 20 caregivers who participated individually. Approximately half of survivors were male (n = 57, 52.3%), 85% (n = 93) were White, and their average age was 19.31. Most caregivers (n = 63, 70.8%) and survivors (n = 55, 63.2%) endorsed need for services for the survivors. Adolescents endorsed more barriers related to perceived helpfulness, t(18) = 2.3, p = 0.03, d = 0.54, and effects of services, t(18) = 3.8, p < 0.001, d = 0.88, than their caregivers. Emerging adults, t(34) = 2.4, p = 0.02, d = 0.41, endorsed more content barriers than their caregivers.. Discussion: Both survivors and their caregivers reported obstacles to accessing mental health services such as perceived lack of need, concerns regarding the effectiveness and usefulness of services, and limited knowledge about the content of services. Psychoeducation and psychosocial screening can support families in understanding survivors' need for mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison P Fisher
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jamie Patronick
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Emily L Moscato
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Cynthia A Gerhardt
- Department of Pediatrics and Psychology, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Amery Treble-Barna
- Neurodevelopmental Center, WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Krestin Radonovich
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Clinical and Translational Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shari L Wade
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Moscato EL, Fisher AP, Pillay-Smiley N, Salloum R, Wade SL. Caregivers matter: Neurological vulnerability for pediatric brain tumor survivors. Neurooncol Pract 2023; 10:418-428. [PMID: 37720398 PMCID: PMC10502790 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npad010] [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] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) are at risk of worse quality of life (QOL) due to the impact of neurotoxic treatments on the developing nervous system. Parenting factors such as protectiveness have been linked to worse QOL in childhood cancer survivors generally, but have yet to be explored for PBTS. We examined whether parenting behaviors moderated the association between neurotoxic treatment and QOL for PBTS. Methods PBTS (n = 40; ages 10-25) and their caregivers (n = 47) completed measures of parenting behaviors including warmth (support/connectedness) and psychological control (protectiveness) and QOL. We divided the sample into moderate/high and low neurotoxicity groups based on chart review using the Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Rating of Treatment Intensity and examined moderator effects. Results Survivor-reported primary caregiver warmth moderated the relationship between neurotoxicity and caregiver-reported QOL. Moderate/high neurotoxicity was associated with lower caregiver-reported QOL only when survivor-reported primary caregiver warmth was low, P = .02. Similar results were found for survivor-reported QOL. Caregiver-reported psychological control moderated the association between neurotoxicity and caregiver-reported QOL such that neurotoxicity only affected QOL at high levels of psychological control, P = .01. Conclusions Heightened associations between parenting and QOL in the context of neurotoxic treatments underscore the need to better support PBTS. Findings are consistent with research suggesting that family factors may be particularly important for children with other neurological insults. Limitations include cross-sectional design and a small/heterogeneous clinical sample with low ethnic/racial diversity. Prospective studies are needed to refine evidence-based screening and develop psychosocial intervention strategies to optimize QOL for PBTS and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Moscato
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Allison P Fisher
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Natasha Pillay-Smiley
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, The Cure Starts Now Foundation Brain Tumor Center; Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Ralph Salloum
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Shari L Wade
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Kang KA, Han SJ, Chun J, Kim HY, Oh Y, Yoon H. Healthy lifestyle interventions for childhood and adolescent cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. CHILD HEALTH NURSING RESEARCH 2023; 29:111-127. [PMID: 37170490 PMCID: PMC10183760 DOI: 10.4094/chnr.2023.29.2.111] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigated the effects of healthy lifestyle interventions (HLSIs) on health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in childhood and adolescent cancer survivors (CACS). METHODS Major databases were searched for English-language original articles published between January 1, 2000 and May 2, 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs were included. Quality was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, and a meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS Nineteen studies were included. Significant effects on HR-QoL were found for interventions using a multi-modal approach (exercise and education) (d=-0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]=-0.84 to -0.07, p=.02), lasting not less than 6 months (d=-0.72; 95% CI=-1.15 to -0.29, p=.0010), and using a group approach (d=-0.46; 95% CI=-0.85 to -0.06, p=.02). Self-efficacy showed significant effects when HLSIs provided health education only (d=-0.55; 95% CI=-0.92 to -0.18; p=.003), lasted for less than 6 months (d=-0.40; 95% CI=-0.69 to -0.11, p=.006), and were conducted individually (d=-0.55; 95% CI=-0.92 to -0.18, p=.003). The physical outcomes (physical activity, fatigue, exercise capacity-VO2, exercise capacity-upper body, body mass index) revealed no statistical significance. CONCLUSION Areas of HLSIs for CACS requiring further study were identified, and needs and directions of research for holistic health management were suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Ah Kang
- Professor, College of Nursing, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Suk Jung Han
- Professor, College of Nursing, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jiyoung Chun
- Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun-Yong Kim
- Researcher, Logos Health Design Institute, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yerin Oh
- Researcher, College of Nursing, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heejin Yoon
- Researcher, College of Nursing, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Korea
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Brown KL, Fairclough D, Noll RB, Barrera M, Kupst MJ, Gartstein MA, Egan AM, Bates CR, Gerhardt CA, Vannatta K. Emotional Well-Being of Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors and Comparison Peers: Perspectives From Children and Their Parents. J Pediatr Psychol 2023; 48:166-175. [PMID: 36190446 PMCID: PMC9941833 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsac077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the emotional well-being of pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) from the perspective of children's self-reports and parents' reports relative to matched comparison peers (COMP) and their parents. It was hypothesized that PBTS would self-report more depression symptoms, loneliness, and lower self-concept than COMP. We also hypothesized that mothers and fathers of PBTS would report more internalizing symptoms and lower total competence for their children. Age and sex effects were examined in exploratory analyses. METHODS Families of 187 PBTS and 186 COMP participated across 5 sites. Eligible children in the PBTS group were 8-15 years of age and 1-5 years post-treatment for a primary intracranial tumor without progressive disease. COMP were classmates matched for sex, race, and age. RESULTS PBTS self-reported lower scholastic, athletic, and social competence, but not more depression, loneliness, or lower global self-worth than COMP. Parents of PBTS reported more internalizing symptoms and lower total competence than parents of COMP. With few exceptions, group differences did not vary as a function of child age and sex. CONCLUSION PBTS reported diminished self-concept in scholastic, athletic, and social domains, while their parents reported broader challenges with internalizing symptoms and total competence. Discrepancies between self-report and parent report require further study to inform targeted interventions for PBTS. Screening survivors for emotional challenges in follow-up clinic or in school setting may help with the allocation of psychosocial support and services for PBTS and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara L Brown
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, USA
| | - Diane Fairclough
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, USA
| | - Robert B Noll
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, USA
| | - Maru Barrera
- Psychology Department, The Hospital for Sick Children, USA
| | - Mary Jo Kupst
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Anna M Egan
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Mercy Kansas City, USA
- University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, USA
| | - Carolyn R Bates
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Kansas Medical Center, USA
| | - Cynthia A Gerhardt
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, USA
| | - Kathryn Vannatta
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, USA
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6
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Kim HY, Kang KA, Han SJ, Chun J. Web-Based Research Trends on Child and Adolescent Cancer Survivors Over the Last 5 Years: Text Network Analysis and Topic Modeling Study. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e32309. [PMID: 35103615 PMCID: PMC8848247 DOI: 10.2196/32309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Being diagnosed with cancer during childhood or adolescence can disrupt important periods in an individual’s physical, psychosocial, and spiritual development and potentially reduce the quality of life (QOL) after treatment. Research is urgently required to improve the QOL for child and adolescent cancer survivors, and it is necessary to analyze the trends in prior research reported in international academic journals to identify knowledge structures. Objective This study aims to identify the main keywords based on network centrality, subgroups (clusters) of keyword networks by using a cohesion analysis method, and the main theme of child and adolescent cancer survivor–related research abstracts through topic modeling. This study also aims to label the subgroups by comparing the results of the cohesion and topic modeling. Methods A text network analysis method and topic modeling were used to explore the main trends in child and adolescent cancer survivor research by structuring a network of keyword (semantic morphemes) co-occurrence in the abstracts of articles published in 5 major web-based databases from 2016 to 2020. A total of 1677 child and adolescent cancer survivor–related studies were used for data analyses. Data selection, processing, and analyses were also conducted. Results The top 5 keywords in terms of degree and eigenvector centrality were risk, control interval, radiation, childhood cancer treatment, and diagnosis. Of the 1677 studies used for data analyses, cluster 1 included 780 (46.51%) documents under risk management, cluster 2 contained 557 (33.21%) articles under health-related QOL and supportive care, and cluster 3 consisted of 340 (20.27%) studies under cancer treatment and complications. Conclusions This study is significant in that it confirms the knowledge structure based on the main keywords and cross-disciplinary trends in child and adolescent cancer survivor research published in the last 5 years worldwide. The primary goal of child and adolescent cancer survivor research is to prevent and manage the various aspects of the problems encountered during the transition to a normal life and to improve the overall QOL. To this end, it is necessary to further revitalize the study of the multidisciplinary team approach for the promotion of age-specific health behaviors and the development of intervention strategies with increased feasibility for child and adolescent cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Yong Kim
- Logos Health Design Institute, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Ah Kang
- College of Nursing, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Jung Han
- College of Nursing, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoung Chun
- College of Nursing, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Moscato E, Patronick J, Wade SL. Family functioning and adaptation following pediatric brain tumor: A systematic review. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29470. [PMID: 34842339 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) experience psychosocial difficulties and poor quality of life (QOL). Family functioning may be adversely impacted by the stress of diagnosis and associated symptoms, which may, in turn, affect PBTS outcomes. The objective of this study was to complete a systematic review of family functioning and psychosocial outcomes in PBTS. METHODS We conducted systematic searches of PubMed and PsychInfo. Full-text articles (n = 324) were screened and 14 were included. A risk-of-bias assessment was conducted to evaluate the quality of study conclusions. RESULTS Studies examined associations of family functioning with adaptive, social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes, and QOL. More adaptive family functioning (cohesiveness, effective communication, lower conflict) was associated with better PBTS outcomes. Studies were limited by heterogeneous/small samples and cross-sectional designs. CONCLUSIONS Results provide preliminary support for the relationship between family functioning and psychosocial outcomes. Common outcome measures and prospective research designs can further advance understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Moscato
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jamie Patronick
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Shari L Wade
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Sharkey CM, Hardy KK, Gioia A, Weisman H, Walsh K. Suicidal ideation and executive functioning in pediatric cancer. Psychooncology 2021; 31:745-752. [PMID: 34797956 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neurocognitive impairments and psychological distress are among the most common difficulties experienced by children treated for cancer. Elevated rates of suicidal ideation (SI) are documented among cancer survivors, and a link between neurocognitive deficits and SI is evident, yet the relationship between SI and pediatric cancer-related neurocognitive effects has not yet been studied. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS Participants were 166 pediatric cancer patients (57.8% Brain Tumor, 31.3% leukemia, 10.8% other cancers) aged 6-23 (M = 11.57, SD = 3.82; 45.8% female) referred for neuropsychological surveillance. SI prevalence was measured by parent, teacher, or patient endorsement of self-harm related items on informant-report measures (e.g., the Child Behavior Checklist). Executive functioning (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function), ADHD symptoms (ADHD Rating Scale), and performance-based measures were compared between those with SI and those without. RESULTS 17.5% of pediatric cancer patients experienced SI, of which 44.7% had self-endorsement only, 58.5% parent-endorsement only, 20.6% teacher-endorsement only, and 24.1% had two endorsements. Those with SI had significantly greater impairments in global executive composite scores by both parent- and teacher-report (ps < 0.05). Parents of children with SI endorsed significantly more inattention symptoms (M = 6.10, SD = 15.48) than those without SI (M = 50.56, SD = 8.70; p < 0.01), but hyperactivity symptoms did not differ. Intellectual and executive function performance did not differ between those with and without SI (ps > 0.1). CONCLUSIONS An elevated number of children treated for cancer experience SI and related neurocognitive problems. Screening for SI and further assessment of the connection between executive functioning and SI in pediatric cancer populations is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Sharkey
- Division of Pediatric Neuropsychology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Kristina K Hardy
- Division of Pediatric Neuropsychology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Anthony Gioia
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hannah Weisman
- Division of Pediatric Neuropsychology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Karin Walsh
- Division of Pediatric Neuropsychology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Fisher AP, Patronick J, Gerhardt CA, Radonovich K, Salloum R, Wade SL. Impact of COVID-19 on adolescent and emerging adult brain tumor survivors and their parents. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29116. [PMID: 34028992 PMCID: PMC8209896 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted unprecedented challenges, contributing to greater difficulties among families of children with special health care needs, such as pediatric brain tumor survivors. We examined the impact of the pandemic on psychosocial functioning of adolescent and emerging adult survivors and their parents. We hypothesized that COVID-19 disruptions and survivor social connectedness would be associated with survivor-reported posttraumatic stress and family outcomes, including family functioning, parenting, and parent mental health. PROCEDURE Fifty-five families (44 survivors, 48 parents) were recruited via phone and email to participate in the study. Survivors were ages 13-25 (M = 19.62, SD = 3.47) and at least 5 years post diagnosis. Parents completed the COVID-19 Exposure and Family Impact Survey (CEFIS), and survivors completed the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) COVID-19 child self-report form, which assessed pandemic impacts on their psychosocial functioning. RESULTS Parents reported a mean of 7.52 (SD = 2.83) disruptions to their families' lives. The pandemic negatively affected survivors' life satisfaction (Mdiff = 0.46, t(44) = 3.96, p < .001), with 92% reporting reduced social connectedness (n = 39). Total disruptions due to COVID-19 and survivor social connectedness predicted survivor-reported posttraumatic stress, above and beyond survivors' pre-pandemic psychosocial risk. Most parents reported positive changes in their parenting (n = 31, 67.4%) and family cohesion (n = 30, 66.7%). However, they also reported worsened mood (n = 28, 62.3%) and increased anxiety (n = 31, 71.1%). CONCLUSIONS Parents and survivors reported positive and negative impacts of COVID-19, which had downstream consequences on survivor psychosocial functioning. Follow-up care should consider potential adverse effects on social connectedness and stress symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison P. Fisher
- Division of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Jamie Patronick
- Division of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Cynthia A. Gerhardt
- Center for Biobehavioral HealthAbigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's HospitalColumbusOhioUSA,Departments of Pediatrics and PsychologyThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Krestin Radonovich
- Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Ralph Salloum
- Neuro‐Oncology Program, Division of Hematology, Oncology & Bone Marrow TransplantNationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Shari L. Wade
- Division of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOhioUSA,Department of PediatricsUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhioUSA
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10
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Sharkey CM, Mullins LL, Clawson AH, Gioia A, Hawkins MAW, Chaney JM, Walsh KS, Hardy KK. Assessing neuropsychological phenotypes of pediatric brain tumor survivors. Psychooncology 2021; 30:1366-1374. [PMID: 33823083 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) are at risk for both neurocognitive impairments and psychological difficulties, yet these two domains have historically been discretely examined, with assessment of psychosocial outcomes rarely included in studies of cognitive outcomes. Taking a person-centered approach, the current study aimed to more comprehensively evaluate PBTS late effect profiles, including both neurocognitive and psychological sequelae, and predictors of these profiles. METHOD PBTS (N = 89) were assessed in a pediatric neuropsychological clinic between May 2009 and May 2018, diagnosed at least 1 year prior, and off-treatment for at least 3 months (Mage = 6.57 years, SD = 4.53; 46.1% female). Parent- and teacher-report of psychological symptoms, and performance-based measures of neurocognitive functioning were examined using latent profile analysis. The R3STEP procedure identified predictors of class membership. RESULTS The optimal model identified four classes characterized by: (1) average functioning across all measures ("Average," n = 47), (2) average psychosocial functioning and impaired neurocognitive functioning ("Cognitive Deficit," n = 25), (3) elevated social problems and significant neurocognitive impairments ("Social/Cognitive Deficit," n = 9), and (4) impaired visual planning and problem-solving and elevated parent-reported psychosocial problems, but average processing speed, working memory, and teacher-reported psychosocial outcomes ("Discrepant," n = 8). Ethnicity, race, radiation treatment, and diagnoses of neurofibromatosis 1, hydrocephalus, and cerebellar mutism syndrome were significant predictors of class membership (ps < 0.05). CONCLUSION The present study identified distinct phenotypes with unique patterns of relations among neurocognitive and psychological domains. These findings are a vital first step toward identifying those at highest risk for poor outcomes and informing interventions that effectively address interrelated treatment targets for specific groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Sharkey
- Children's National Hospital, Division of Pediatric Neuropsychology, Washington DC, USA
| | - Larry L Mullins
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Ashley H Clawson
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Anthony Gioia
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Misty A W Hawkins
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - John M Chaney
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Karin S Walsh
- Children's National Hospital, Division of Pediatric Neuropsychology, Washington DC, USA
| | - Kristina K Hardy
- Children's National Hospital, Division of Pediatric Neuropsychology, Washington DC, USA
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