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Walsh KS, Pizer B, Samargia-Grivette S, Lux AL, Schmahmann JD, Hartley H, Avula S. Proceedings of the first global meeting of the Posterior Fossa Society: state of the art in cerebellar mutism syndrome. Childs Nerv Syst 2024; 40:2177-2191. [PMID: 38647662 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-024-06411-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Posterior Fossa Society, an international multidisciplinary group, hosted its first global meeting designed to share the current state of the evidence across the multidisciplinary elements of pediatric post-operative cerebellar mutism syndrome (pCMS). The agenda included keynote talks from world-leading speakers, compelling abstract presentations and engaging discussions led by members of the PFS special interest groups. METHODS This paper is a synopsis of the first global meeting, a 3-day program held in Liverpool, England, UK, in September 2022. RESULTS Topics included nosology, patient and family experience, cerebellar modulation of cognition, and cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome. In addition, updates from large-scale studies were shared as well as abstracts across neuroradiology, neurosurgery, diagnosis/scoring, ataxia, and rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS Based on data-driven evidence and discussions, each special interest group created research priorities to target before the second global meeting, in the spring of 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin S Walsh
- , 15254 Shady Grove Road, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA.
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Barry Pizer
- Oncology Department, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Andrew L Lux
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, UK
| | - Jeremy D Schmahmann
- Ataxia Center, Cognitive Behavioral Neurology Unit, Laboratory for Neuroanatomy and Cerebellar Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Helen Hartley
- Department of Physiotherapy, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Shivaram Avula
- Department of Radiology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
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Agelink van Rentergem JA, Lee Meeuw Kjoe PR, Vermeulen IE, Schagen SB. Subgroups of cognitively affected and unaffected breast cancer survivors after chemotherapy: a data-driven approach. J Cancer Surviv 2024; 18:810-817. [PMID: 36639610 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-022-01310-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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE It is assumed that a segment of breast cancer survivors are cognitively affected after chemotherapy. Our aim is to discover whether there is a qualitatively different cognitively affected subgroup of breast cancer survivors, or whether there are only quantitative differences between survivors in cognitive functioning. METHODS Latent profile analysis was applied to age-corrected neuropsychological data -measuring verbal memory, attention, speed, and executive functioning- from an existing sample of 62 breast cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy. Other clustering methods were applied as sensitivity analyses. Subgroup distinctness was established with posterior mean assignment probability and silhouette width. Simulations were used to calculate subgroup stability, posterior predictive checks to establish absolute fit of the subgrouping model. Subgrouping results were compared to traditional normative comparisons results. RESULTS Two subgroups were discovered. One had cognitive normal scores, the other -45%- had lower scores. Subgrouping results were consistent across clustering methods. The subgroups showed some overlap; 6% of survivors could fall in either. Subgroups were stable and described the data well. Results of the subgroup clustering model matched those of a traditional normative comparison method requiring small deviations on two cognitive domains. CONCLUSIONS We discovered that almost half of breast cancer survivors after chemotherapy form a cognitively affected subgroup, using a data-driven approach. This proportion is higher than previous studies using prespecified cutoffs observed. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS A larger group of cancer survivors may be cognitively affected than previously recognized, and a less strict threshold for cognitive problems may be needed in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost A Agelink van Rentergem
- Department of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, Room H8.014, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Philippe R Lee Meeuw Kjoe
- Department of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, Room H8.014, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ivar E Vermeulen
- Department of Communication Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne B Schagen
- Department of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, Room H8.014, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129-B, 1018 WS, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Traunwieser T, Loos E, Ottensmeier H, Gastberger K, Nemes K, Mynarek M, Bison B, Kandels D, Neumayer P, Neumann-Holbeck A, Lüttich P, Baust K, Faulstich-Ritter K, John R, Kreisch A, Landmann J, Manteufel E, Nest A, Prüfe J, Schubert L, Stamm W, Timmermann B, Gerss J, Rutkowski S, Schlegel PG, Eyrich M, Gnekow AK, Frühwald MC. Survivors of infant atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors present with severely impaired cognitive functions especially for fluid intelligence and visual processing: data from the German brain tumor studies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e30910. [PMID: 38342954 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30910] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The contribution of tumor type, multimodal treatment, and other patient-related factors upon long-term cognitive sequelae in infant brain tumor survivors remains undefined. We add our retrospective analysis of neuropsychological and quality of survival (QoS) outcome data of survivors of atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (ATRT) and extracranial malignant rhabdoid tumors of the soft tissues (eMRT) and kidneys (RTK) treated within the same framework. Neuropsychological data from children with ATRT were compared to data from children with non-irradiated low-grade glioma (LGG). PATIENTS AND METHODS Following surgery, patients (0-36 months at diagnosis) had received radio-chemotherapy (up to 54 Gy; ATRT: n = 13; eMRT/RTK: n = 7), chemotherapy only (LGG: n = 4; eMRT/RTK: n = 1) or had been observed (LGG: n = 11). Neuropsychological evaluation employing comparable tests was performed at median 6.8 years (ATRT), 6.6 years (eMRT/RTK), and 5.2 years (LGG) post diagnosis. RESULTS We detected sequelae in various domains for all tumor types. Group comparison showed impairments, specifically in fluid intelligence (p = .041; d = 1.11) and visual processing (p = .001; d = 2.09) in ATRT patients when compared to LGG patients. Results for psychomotor speed and attention abilities were significantly below the norm for both groups (p < .001-.019; d = 0.79-1.90). Diagnosis predicted impairments of cognitive outcome, while sex- and age-related variables did not. QoS outcome for all rhabdoid patients displayed impairments mainly in social (p = .008; d = 0.74) and school functioning (p = .048; d = 0.67), as well as lower overall scores in psychosocial functioning (p = .023; d = 0.78) and quality of life (p = .006; d = 0.79) compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSION Survivors of infant ATRT experience various late effects in cognition and QoS following multimodal treatment, while infant LGG patients without radiotherapy demonstrated comparable impairments in psychomotor and attention abilities. Early onset and multimodal treatment of rhabdoid tumors require close monitoring of neuropsychological and QoS sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Traunwieser
- Swabian Children's Cancer Center, Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Elena Loos
- Swabian Children's Cancer Center, Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Holger Ottensmeier
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Gastberger
- Swabian Children's Cancer Center, Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Karolina Nemes
- Swabian Children's Cancer Center, Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Martin Mynarek
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center HaTriCS4, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Brigitte Bison
- Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Neuroradiological Reference Center for the Pediatric Brain Tumor (HIT) Studies of the German Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Kandels
- Swabian Children's Cancer Center, Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Petra Neumayer
- Swabian Children's Cancer Center, Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Anne Neumann-Holbeck
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peggy Lüttich
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katja Baust
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Rainer John
- Department Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Center for Chronically Sick Children (SPZ), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Kreisch
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl-Gustav-Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Judyta Landmann
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eva Manteufel
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Nest
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jenny Prüfe
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Pediatrics III, Essen University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Lisa Schubert
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Walther Stamm
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, 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
| | - Joachim Gerss
- Institute of Biostatistics and Clinical Research, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Rutkowski
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paul-Gerhardt Schlegel
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Eyrich
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Astrid K Gnekow
- Swabian Children's Cancer Center, Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Michael C Frühwald
- Swabian Children's Cancer Center, Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center, Augsburg, Germany
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Kesler SR, Henneghan AM, Prinsloo S, Palesh O, Wintermark M. Neuroimaging based biotypes for precision diagnosis and prognosis in cancer-related cognitive impairment. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1199605. [PMID: 37720513 PMCID: PMC10499624 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1199605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is commonly associated with cancer and its treatments, yet the present binary diagnostic approach fails to capture the full spectrum of this syndrome. Cognitive function is highly complex and exists on a continuum that is poorly characterized by dichotomous categories. Advanced statistical methodologies applied to symptom assessments have demonstrated that there are multiple subclasses of CRCI. However, studies suggest that relying on symptom assessments alone may fail to account for significant differences in the neural mechanisms that underlie a specific cognitive phenotype. Treatment plans that address the specific physiologic mechanisms involved in an individual patient's condition is the heart of precision medicine. In this narrative review, we discuss how biotyping, a precision medicine framework being utilized in other mental disorders, could be applied to CRCI. Specifically, we discuss how neuroimaging can be used to determine biotypes of CRCI, which allow for increased precision in prediction and diagnosis of CRCI via biologic mechanistic data. Biotypes may also provide more precise clinical endpoints for intervention trials. Biotyping could be made more feasible with proxy imaging technologies or liquid biomarkers. Large cross-sectional phenotyping studies are needed in addition to evaluation of longitudinal trajectories, and data sharing/pooling is highly feasible with currently available digital infrastructures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelli R. Kesler
- Division of Adult Health, School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine, Dell School of Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Department of Oncology, Dell School of Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Ashley M. Henneghan
- Division of Adult Health, School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Department of Oncology, Dell School of Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Sarah Prinsloo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Oxana Palesh
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Max Wintermark
- Department of Neuroradiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer, Houston, TX, United States
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Sciancalepore F, Fabozzi F, Albino G, Del Baldo G, Di Ruscio V, Laus B, Menegatti D, Premuselli R, Secco DE, Tozzi AE, Lacorte E, Vanacore N, Carai A, Mastronuzzi A. Frequency and characterization of cognitive impairments in patients diagnosed with paediatric central nervous system tumours: a systematic review. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1198521. [PMID: 37274224 PMCID: PMC10235613 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1198521] [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: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This systematic review has been conducted with the aim of characterizing cognitive deficits and analyzing their frequency in survivors of paediatric Central Nervous System tumours. Materials and methods All literature published up to January 2023 was retrieved searching the databases "PubMed", "Cochrane", "APA PsycInfo" and "CINAHL". The following set of pre-defined inclusion criteria were then individually applied to the selected articles in their full-text version: i) Retrospective/prospective longitudinal observational studies including only patients diagnosed with primary cerebral tumours at ≤ 21 years (range 0-21); ii) Studies including patients evaluated for neuro-cognitive and neuro-psychological deficits from their diagnosis and/or from anti-tumoral therapies; iii) Studies reporting standardized tests evaluating patients' neuro-cognitive and neuro-psychological performances; iv) Patients with follow-ups ≥ 2 years from the end of their anti-tumoral therapies; v) Studies reporting frequencies of cognitive deficits. Results 39 studies were included in the analysis. Of these, 35 assessed intellectual functioning, 30 examined memory domains, 24 assessed executive functions, 22 assessed attention, 16 examined visuo-spatial skills, and 15 explored language. A total of 34 studies assessed more than one cognitive function, only 5 studies limited their analysis on a single cognitive domain. Attention impairments were the most recurrent in this population, with a mean frequency of 52.3% after a median period post-treatment of 11.5 years. The other cognitive functions investigated in the studies showed a similar frequency of impairments, with executive functions, language, visuospatial skills and memory deficits occurring in about 40% of survivors after a similar post-treatment period. Longitudinal studies included in the systematic review showed a frequent decline over time of intellectual functioning. Conclusions Survivors of paediatric Central Nervous System tumours experience cognitive sequelae characterized by significant impairments in the attention domain (52.3%), but also in the other cognitive functions. Future studies in this research field need to implement more cognitive interventions and effective, but less neurotoxic, tumour therapies to preserve or improve neurocognitive functioning and quality of life of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sciancalepore
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fabozzi
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Cell Therapy Gene Therapies and Hemopoietic Transplant, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Albino
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Cell Therapy Gene Therapies and Hemopoietic Transplant, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giada Del Baldo
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Cell Therapy Gene Therapies and Hemopoietic Transplant, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Di Ruscio
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Cell Therapy Gene Therapies and Hemopoietic Transplant, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Danilo Menegatti
- University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Department of Computer, Control, and Management Engineering (DIAG), Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Premuselli
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Cell Therapy Gene Therapies and Hemopoietic Transplant, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Domitilla Elena Secco
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Cell Therapy Gene Therapies and Hemopoietic Transplant, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Eugenio Tozzi
- Multifactorial and Complex Diseases Research Area, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Lacorte
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Vanacore
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Carai
- Neurosurgery Unit, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Cell Therapy Gene Therapies and Hemopoietic Transplant, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Neurobehavioral Impairment in Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors: A Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133269. [PMID: 35805042 PMCID: PMC9265927 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The neurocognitive outcomes of pediatric brain tumor survivors have been extensively studied but the risk and predictors for neurobehavioral impairment are less clearly defined. We systematically analyzed the rates of emotional, psychosocial, and attention problems in pediatric brain tumor survivors. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane were searched for articles published between January 2012 to April 2022. Eligible studies reported neurobehavioral outcomes for PBTS aged 2 to <23 years with a brain tumor diagnosis before 18 years of age. A random-effect meta-analysis was performed in R. Results: The search yielded 1187 unique publications, of which 50 were included in the quantitative analysis. The estimated risk of having emotional, psychosocial, and attention problems were 15% (95%CI 10−20%), 12% (95%CI 9−16%), and 12% (95%CI 9−16%), respectively. PBTS were more likely to have emotional difficulties (Hedge’s g = 0.43 [95%CI 0.34−0.52]), psychosocial problems (Hedge’s g = 0.46 [95%CI 0.33−0.58]), and attention problems (Hedge’s g = 0.48 [95%CI 0.34−0.63]) compared to normal/healthy control subjects. There was no significant difference in the rates of neurobehavioral impairment between children with and without history of cranial radiotherapy. Conclusions: PBTS are at elevated risk of neurobehavioral impairment. Neurobehavioral monitoring should be considered as the standard of care for PBTS.
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The Influence of Socioeconomic Status (SES) and Processing Speed on the Psychological Adjustment and Wellbeing of Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133075. [PMID: 35804846 PMCID: PMC9264789 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Processing speed (PS) is one of the most impaired functions in pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTSs) and it has been linked to difficulties in their psychological functioning, together with other non-insult-related risk factors, such as socio-economic status (SES). Given the psychological adjustment difficulties observed in PBTS, the aim of the current study was to explore the relationship between SES and psychological functioning, measured with the Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and considering the contribution of PS as a mediator. The results demonstrated that the influence of SES on the CBCL total index was mediated by PS. Furthermore, PS was found to have a mediating effect on the SES–internalizing problems relationship but not on the SES–externalizing problems relationship. These findings suggest that PS may be a rehabilitation target to prevent psychological distress and should be addressed, especially for PBTSs who live in a disadvantaged situation. Abstract (1) Background: The relationship between processing speed (PS) and psychological adjustment in the healthy population is well established, as is that between low socio-economic status (SES) and psychological distress. While PS is one of the most impaired functions in pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTSs), previous research has demonstrated that low SES may be a predictor of increased psychosocial risk in PBTSs. Given the psychological adjustment difficulties observed in PBTS, in the current study we aimed to explore the relationship between SES and psychological functioning, considering the contribution of PS as a mediator. (2) Methods: demographic and clinical data of 80 children (age range: 4–17 y.o.) were retrospectively collected. Psychological measures were the parent-compiled versions of the Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Mediation analysis models were performed on psychological measures with and without the inclusion of covariates. (3) Results: The influence of SES on the CBCL total index was mediated by PS. Furthermore, PS was found to have a mediating effect on the relationship between SES and internalizing problems but not on the relationship between SES and externalizing problems. (4) Conclusions: The results suggest that PS may be a rehabilitation target for the prevention of psychological distress and should be addressed especially for PBTSs who live in a disadvantaged situation.
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