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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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Taddei M, Esposito S, Marucci G, Erbetta A, Ferroli P, Valentini LG, Pantaleoni C, D'Arrigo S, Saletti V, Pollo B, Paterra R, Riva D, Bulgheroni S. Cognitive and Behavioral Outcome of Pediatric Low-Grade Central Nervous System Tumors Treated Only with Surgery: A Single Center Experience. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13091568. [PMID: 37174959 PMCID: PMC10178267 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13091568] [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: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present mono-institutional report aimed to describe the cognitive and behavioral outcomes of low-grade central nervous system (CNS) tumors in a cohort of children treated exclusively with surgical intervention. METHODS Medical records from 2000-2020 were retrospectively analyzed. We included 38 children (mean age at first evaluation 8 years and 3 months, 16 females) who had undergone presurgical cognitive-behavioral evaluation and/or at least 6 months follow-up. Exclusion criteria were a history of traumatic brain injury, stroke, cerebral palsy or cancer-predisposing syndromes. RESULTS The sample presented cognitive abilities and behavioral functioning in the normal range, with weaknesses in verbal working memory and processing speed. The obtained results suggest that cognitive and behavioral functioning is related to pre-treatment variables (younger age at symptoms' onset, glioneuronal histological type, cortical location with preoperative seizures), timing of surgery and seizure control after surgery, and is stable when controlling for a preoperative cognitive and behavioral baseline. Younger age at onset is confirmed as a particular vulnerability in determining cognitive sequelae, and children at older ages or at longer postsurgical follow-up are at higher risk for developing behavioral disturbances. CONCLUSIONS Timely treatment is an important factor influencing the global outcome and daily functioning of the patients. Preoperative and regular postsurgical cognitive and behavioral assessment, also several years after surgery, should be included in standard clinical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Taddei
- Department of Paediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Esposito
- Department of Paediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Marucci
- Neuropathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Erbetta
- Department of Neuroradiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Ferroli
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Grazia Valentini
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Pantaleoni
- Department of Paediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano D'Arrigo
- Department of Paediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Saletti
- Department of Paediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Bianca Pollo
- Neuropathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Rosina Paterra
- Molecular Neuroncology Unit, IRCCS Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Daria Riva
- Department of Paediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Bulgheroni
- Department of Paediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Computer-Based Cognitive Training in Children with Primary Brain Tumours: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163879. [PMID: 36010873 PMCID: PMC9405613 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163879] [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: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Brain tumour survivors are often burdened by late sequelae, especially neurocognitive deficits, ultimately affecting their quality of life. For many years, treatments for neurocognitive impairments have been limited to educational, pharmacological, home-based interventions, or clinic-based cognitive rehabilitation, but these treatment modalities showed several limits. More recently, cognitive rehabilitation through digital tools to increase cognitive performance through exercises and games is spreading in experimental clinical settings. However, since these are innovative interventions, there is a need to further investigate their effects on cognitive outcomes and quality of life for children with brain tumours. Therefore, in this systematic review, we analyse the current evidence and trends regarding computer-based cognitive rehabilitation in paediatric patients diagnosed with, or survivors of, brain tumours. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review investigating these new approaches to cognitive rehabilitation in children with brain tumours. Abstract Background: Late neurocognitive sequelae are common among long-term brain tumour survivors, resulting in significantly worse quality of life. Cognitive rehabilitation through specific APP/software for PC/tablets represents an innovative intervention spreading in recent years. In this study, we aim to review the current evidence and trends regarding these innovative approaches. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed. Inclusion criteria were: (i) Studies recruiting patients diagnosed with any brain tumour before 21 years of age; (ii) studies assessing the role of digital interventions on cognitive outcomes. Case reports, case series, reviews, letters, conference proceedings, abstracts, and editorials were excluded. Results: Overall, nine studies were included; 152 patients (67.8% males) with brain tumours underwent a digital intervention. The mean age at diagnosis and the intervention enrolment ranged from 4.9 to 9.4 years and 11.1 to 13.3 years, respectively. The computer-based software interventions employed were: Cogmed, Captain’s Log, Fast ForWord, and Nintendo Wii. Most of these studies assessed the effects of cognitive training on working memory, attention, and performance in daily living activities. Conclusions: The studies suggest that this type of intervention improves cognitive functions, such as working memory, attention, and processing speed. However, some studies revealed only transient positive effects with a significant number of dropouts during follow-up. Trials with greater sample sizes are warranted. Motivating families and children to complete cognitive interventions could significantly improve cognitive outcomes and quality of life.
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Siciliano RE, Thigpen JC, Desjardins L, Cook JL, Steele EH, Gruhn MA, Ichinose M, Park S, Esbenshade AJ, Pastakia D, Wellons JC, Compas BE. Working memory training in pediatric brain tumor survivors after recent diagnosis: Challenges and initial effects. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-CHILD 2021; 11:412-421. [PMID: 33501845 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2021.1875226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Research shows promise for cognitive interventions for children diagnosed with brain tumors. Interventions have been delivered approximately 5 years postdiagnosis on average, yet recent evidence shows cognitive deficits may appear near diagnosis. The present study assessed the feasibility and initial effects of working memory training in children with brain tumors delivered soon after diagnosis and followed 2 years postdiagnosis. Children completed baseline assessments 10 months postdiagnosis and were randomized to complete adaptive or nonadaptive (i.e., control) Cogmed Working Memory Training. Children were administered the WISC-IV Working Memory Index (WMI) and NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery (NTCB), and parents completed attentional and executive function measures at four time points. On average, participants completed half of prescribed Cogmed sessions. Retention for the three follow-up assessments proved difficult. For both Cogmed groups, WMI and NTCB scores significantly improved immediately postintervention compared to baseline scores. Significant differences were not maintained at the remaining follow-ups. There was preliminary evidence for improved executive function at the final follow-up on parent-reported measures. Working memory training closer to diagnosis proved difficult, though results suggest evidence of cognitive improvement. Future studies should continue to examine potentially efficacious interventions for children with brain tumors and optimal delivery windows to maximize impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Siciliano
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jennifer C Thigpen
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Leandra Desjardins
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jessica L Cook
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ellen H Steele
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Meredith A Gruhn
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Megan Ichinose
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sohee Park
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Adam J Esbenshade
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Devang Pastakia
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - John C Wellons
- Department of Neurosurgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Bruce E Compas
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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