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Mastrangelo S, Peruzzi L, Guido A, Iuvone L, Attinà G, Romano A, Maurizi P, Chieffo DPR, Ruggiero A. The Role of the Cerebellum in Advanced Cognitive Processes in Children. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1707. [PMID: 39200172 PMCID: PMC11351585 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081707] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the last several years, a growing body of evidence from anatomical, physiological, and functional neuroimaging studies has increasingly indicated that the cerebellum is actively involved in managing higher order cognitive functions and regulating emotional responses. It has become clear that when children experience congenital or acquired cerebellar lesions, these injuries can lead to a variety of cognitive and emotional disorders, manifesting in different combinations. This underscores the cerebellum's essential role not only throughout developmental stages but particularly in facilitating learning processes, highlighting its critical importance beyond its traditional association with motor control. Furthermore, the intricate neural circuits within the cerebellum are believed to contribute to the fine-tuning of motor actions and coordination but are also increasingly recognized for their involvement in cognitive processes such as attention, language, and problem solving. Recent research has highlighted the importance of cerebellar health and integrity for optimal functioning across various domains of the human experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Mastrangelo
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (L.P.); (A.G.); (G.A.); (A.R.); (P.M.)
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Peruzzi
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (L.P.); (A.G.); (G.A.); (A.R.); (P.M.)
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Antonella Guido
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (L.P.); (A.G.); (G.A.); (A.R.); (P.M.)
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Laura Iuvone
- IRCCS Don Gnocchi Foundation, 50143 Florence, Italy;
| | - Giorgio Attinà
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (L.P.); (A.G.); (G.A.); (A.R.); (P.M.)
| | - Alberto Romano
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (L.P.); (A.G.); (G.A.); (A.R.); (P.M.)
| | - Palma Maurizi
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (L.P.); (A.G.); (G.A.); (A.R.); (P.M.)
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Pia Rosaria Chieffo
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Ruggiero
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (L.P.); (A.G.); (G.A.); (A.R.); (P.M.)
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Papatzalas C, Papathanasiou I. Exploring tumor-related language disorders: Pretreatment and post-treatment considerations. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2024; 11:100526. [PMID: 39040223 PMCID: PMC11261801 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2024.100526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christos Papatzalas
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, University of the Peloponnese, Kalamata, Greece
| | - Ilias Papathanasiou
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
- Medical School, National Kapodistreian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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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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Irestorm E, Schouten-van Meeteren AYN, van Gorp M, Twisk JWR, van Santen HM, Partanen M, Grootenhuis MA, van Litsenburg RRL. The development of fatigue after treatment for pediatric brain tumors does not differ between tumor locations. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e31028. [PMID: 38698502 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31028] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children and adolescents treated for a brain tumor suffer from more fatigue than survivors of other types of childhood cancer. As tumor location might be predictive of fatigue, our aim was to investigate the longitudinal development of fatigue in children with brain tumors and risk factors for fatigue separately for different tumor locations. METHODS Fatigue was assessed 1235 times for 425 participants. Self-report versions of PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale were used to repeatedly assess fatigue from the end of treatment up to 8 years later. Mixed models were used to analyze fatigue over time and determinants separately for infratentorial (N = 205), supratentorial hemispheric (N = 91), and supratentorial midline tumors (N = 129). RESULTS Cognitive fatigue worsened with time, while sleep-rest and general fatigue first decreased and then increased. There was no difference in fatigue between the tumor locations, but the risk factors differed when stratified by location. Radiotherapy was associated with more fatigue for infratentorial tumors, and centralization of care was associated with less fatigue for the supratentorial midline tumors. For supratentorial hemispheric tumors, female sex was associated with more fatigue. Higher parental education was associated with less fatigue regardless of tumor location. CONCLUSIONS The development of fatigue seems to be more related to sociodemographic and treatment variables than to tumor location. Healthcare providers need to be aware that fatigue may develop in the years following end of treatment, and that patients with a low/middle educational family background might be more vulnerable and in need of targeted support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin Irestorm
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marloes van Gorp
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jos W R Twisk
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hanneke M van Santen
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, UMCU, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marita Partanen
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martha A Grootenhuis
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Raphaele R L van Litsenburg
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Turner EM, Olsen E, Duvall S. Neurocognition in Pediatric Temporal Lobe Tumor-Related Epilepsy. Dev Neuropsychol 2024; 49:178-189. [PMID: 38753032 DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2024.2354745] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Tumor-related epilepsy is a common and understudied neurological comorbidity among pediatric temporal lobe tumor patients that poses risk for neurocognitive impairment (NCI). Forty-one youth with either TLT+ (n = 23) or nonneoplastic temporal lobe epilepsy (n = 18) ages 6-20 years completed routine neuropsychological evaluations. Rates of NCI were similar across groups; however, NCI was more common in nonneoplastic participants on a task of phonemic fluency, p = .047. Younger age of seizure onset and greater number of antiseizure medications were associated with NCI among TLT+ participants only. Preliminary findings suggest separate prognostic models of cognitive outcomes between TLT+ and nonneoplastic epilepsy populations may be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise M Turner
- Section of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Colorado/University of Colorado School of Medicine, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Emily Olsen
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Susanne Duvall
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Holland AA, Shamji JF, Clem MA, Perez R, Palka JM, Stavinoha PL. Parent ratings of executive functioning in pediatric survivors of medulloblastoma and pilocytic astrocytoma. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. CHILD 2024; 13:52-61. [PMID: 36111630 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2022.2123707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The present study compared parent-rated executive functioning in pediatric medulloblastoma (MB) and pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) survivors. Although standard care for both includes surgical resection, children with MB additionally receive chemotherapy and craniospinal irradiation. Given well-documented neurocognitive late effects associated with the latter, we anticipated poor parent-reported executive functioning in MB survivors. Parents/guardians of 36 MB survivors and 20 PA survivors completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF). PA survivors were younger at diagnosis (t[51.97] = 3.07, p < .001, d = 0.86) and demonstrated higher IQ (t[54] = -3.51, p < .001, d = 0.95). However, relative to the MB group, the PA group was rated as having significantly more problems on all BRIEF scales (all p ≤ .05; d = 0.30 - 1.10), except the Shift scale. Additionally, all mean BRIEF scores for MB survivors were within normal limits, whereas for PA survivors, all mean BRIEF scores except for Organization of Materials were significantly discrepant from normative means. Overall, PA survivors were rated as demonstrating poorer executive function than MB survivors. Five theories are discussed as possible explanations for these surprising findings: two related to group differences, two related to potential sources of parental bias, and one related to the nature of questionnaire-based assessment. All these theories represent directions for future research. Parent questionnaires such as the BRIEF may have real-world implications for pediatric brain tumor survivors. Future research should explore factors affecting parent ratings of executive functioning in these populations, along with comparison to performance-based measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Ann Holland
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Children's Medical Center Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jabeen F Shamji
- Department of Psychiatry, Children's Medical Center Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
- University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Matthew A Clem
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Private practice in Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Roger Perez
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Private practice in Mission Viejo, California, USA
| | - Jayme M Palka
- Department of Psychiatry, Children's Medical Center Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Peter L Stavinoha
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Children's Medical Center Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Chang L, Patel PP, Zhang Y, Cohen A, Cohen K, Jacobson L, Ladra M, Peterson RK, Acharya S. Impact of socioeconomic status and chemotherapy on neurocognitive performance in children with brain tumors. Neurooncol Pract 2023; 10:576-585. [PMID: 38009122 PMCID: PMC10666804 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npad049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although the relationship between radiation and neurocognition has been extensively studied in the pediatric brain tumor population, it is increasingly recognized that neurocognitive impairment is multifactorial. Therefore, we quantified the effect of socioeconomic status (SES) and chemotherapy on neurocognitive impairment and decline post-treatment. Methods Eligible patients included those diagnosed with a brain tumor at < 22 years of age with ≥1 neurocognitive assessment. Neurocognitive impairment was defined as performance 1.5 standard deviations below the normative mean using age-standardized measures of intellectual function. Neurocognitive decline was defined as a negative slope. Neurocognitive outcomes included Wechsler indices of Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (IQ). Logistic regression identified variables associated with neurocognitive impairment. Longitudinal data was analyzed using linear mixed models. Results Eligible patients (n = 152, median age at diagnosis = 9.6 years) had a mean neurocognitive follow-up of 50.2 months. After accounting for age and receipt of craniospinal irradiation, patients with public insurance had 8-fold increased odds of impaired IQ compared to private insurance (odds ratio [OR]: 7.59, P < .001). After accounting for age, change in IQ was associated with chemotherapy use (slope: -0.45 points/year with chemotherapy vs. 0.71 points/year without chemotherapy, P = .012). Conclusions Public insurance, an indicator of low SES, was associated with post-treatment impairment in IQ, highlighting the need to incorporate SES measures into prospective studies. Chemotherapy was associated with change in IQ. Further work is needed to determine whether impairment associated with low SES is secondary to baseline differences in IQ prior to brain tumor diagnosis, brain tumor/therapy itself, or some combination thereof.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Chang
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Palak P Patel
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alan Cohen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kenneth Cohen
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lisa 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
| | - Matthew Ladra
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - 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
| | - Sahaja Acharya
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Semendric I, Pollock D, Haller OJ, George RP, Collins-Praino LE, Whittaker AL. "Chemobrain" in childhood cancer survivors-the impact on social, academic, and daily living skills: a qualitative systematic review. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:532. [PMID: 37606711 PMCID: PMC10444646 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07985-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine children's experiences of chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment--colloquially "chemobrain"--and the impact on children's social, academic, and daily living skills via a qualitative systematic review. Experiencing chemotherapy as a child, when the brain is still developing, may cause lifelong detriment to survivors' lives. There is a significant gap in understanding their lived experience, including the self-identified barriers that children face following treatment. Such a gap can only be fully bridged by listening to the child's own voice and/or parent proxy report through an exploration of the qualitative research literature. METHODS A search of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases was conducted. Inclusion criteria were qualitative studies with a focus on children (0-18 years) during and/or following chemotherapy treatment and explored children's experiences of chemobrain. RESULTS Two synthesized findings were identified from six studies. (1) Chemobrain has an academic and psychosocial impact, which may not be understood by education providers. (2) Children and their parents have concerns about their reintegration and adaptation to school, social lives, and their future selves as independent members of society. Children's experiences primarily related to changes in their academic and social functioning. CONCLUSION This review highlights two important considerations: (1) the lived experiences of pediatric childhood cancer survivors guiding where future interventions should be targeted, and (2) a need to perform more qualitative research studies in this area, as well as to improve the quality of reporting among the existing literature, given that this is a current gap in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Semendric
- School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Danielle Pollock
- Health Evidence Synthesis, Recommendations and Impact (HESRI), School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Olivia J Haller
- School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rebecca P George
- School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Alexandra L Whittaker
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia
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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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McCurdy MD, Raghubar KP, Christopher K, Okcu MF, Wilde E, Desai N, Chu ZD, Gragert M, Stancel H, Warren EH, Whitehead WE, Grosshans D, Paulino AC, Chintagumpala M, Kahalley LS. Predicting neurocognitive function in pediatric brain tumor early survivorship: The neurological predictor scale and the incremental validity of tumor size. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29803. [PMID: 35709014 PMCID: PMC10265925 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29803] [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: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Neurological Predictor Scale (NPS) quantifies cumulative exposure to conventional treatment-related neurological risks but does not capture potential risks posed by tumors themselves. This study evaluated the predictive validity of the NPS, and the incremental value of tumor location and size, for neurocognitive outcomes in early survivorship following contemporary therapies for pediatric brain tumors. PROCEDURE Survivors (N = 69) diagnosed from 2010 to 2016 were administered age-appropriate versions of the Wechsler Intelligence Scales. Hierarchical multiple regressions examined the predictive and incremental validity of NPS score, tumor location, and tumor size. RESULTS Participants (51% female) aged 6-20 years (M = 13.22, SD = 4.09) completed neurocognitive evaluations 5.16 years (SD = 1.29) postdiagnosis. The NPS significantly predicted Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ; ΔR2 = .079), Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI; ΔR2 = 0.051), Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI; ΔR2 = 0.065), and Processing Speed Index (PSI; ΔR2 = 0.049) performance after controlling for sex, age at diagnosis, and maternal education. Tumor size alone accounted for a significant amount of unique variance in FSIQ (ΔR2 = 0.065), PRI (ΔR2 = 0.076), and PSI (ΔR2 = 0.080), beyond that captured by the NPS and relevant covariates. Within the full model, the NPS remained a significant independent predictor of FSIQ (β = -0.249, P = 0.016), VCI (β = -0.223, P = 0.048), and PRI (β = -0.229, P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS Tumor size emerged as an independent predictor of neurocognitive functioning and added incrementally to the predictive utility of the NPS. Pretreatment disease burden may provide one of the earliest markers of neurocognitive risk following contemporary treatments. With perpetual treatment advances, measures quantifying treatment-related risk may need to be updated and revalidated to maintain their clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. McCurdy
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, US
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, US
| | - Kimberly P. Raghubar
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, US
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, US
| | | | - M. Fatih Okcu
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, US
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, US
| | - Elisabeth Wilde
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, US
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, US
| | - Nilesh Desai
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, US
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, US
| | - Zili D. Chu
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, US
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, US
| | - Marsha Gragert
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX US
| | | | - Emily H. Warren
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, US
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, US
| | - William E. Whitehead
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, US
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, US
| | - David Grosshans
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX US
| | | | - Murali Chintagumpala
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, US
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, US
| | - Lisa S. Kahalley
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, US
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, US
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12
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Cox E, Tseng J, Bells S, Dockstader C, Laughlin S, Bouffet E, de Medeiros C, Mabbott DJ. Neural and cognitive function in a pediatric brain injury model: The impact of task complexity. Cortex 2022; 155:307-321. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2022.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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13
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Mastrangelo S, Attina G, Triarico S, Romano A, Maurizi P, Ruggiero A. The DNA-topoisomerase Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy. BIOMEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGY JOURNAL 2022; 15:553-562. [DOI: 10.13005/bpj/2396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
DNA-topoisomerases are ubiquitous enzymes essential for major cellular processes. In recent years, interest in DNA-topoisomerases has increased not only because of their crucial role in promoting DNA replication and transcription processes, but also because they are the target of numerous active ingredients. The possibility of exploiting for therapeutic purposes the blocking of the activity of these enzymes has led to the development of a new class of anticancer agents capable of inducing apoptosis of tumor cells following DNA damage and its failure to repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Mastrangelo
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Attina
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Triarico
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Romano
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Palma Maurizi
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Ruggiero
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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14
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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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15
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Levitch CF, Malkin B, Latella L, Guerry W, Gardner SL, Finlay JL, Sands SA. Long-term neuropsychological outcomes of survivors of young childhood brain tumors treated on the Head Start II protocol. Neurooncol Pract 2021; 8:609-619. [PMID: 34594573 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npab028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Head Start treatment protocols have focused on curing young children with brain tumors while avoiding or delaying radiotherapy through using a combination of high-dose, marrow-ablative chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AuHCT). Late effects data from treatment on the Head Start II (HS II) protocol have previously been published for short-term follow-up (STF) at a mean of 39.7 months post-diagnosis. The current study examines long-term follow-up (LTF) outcomes from the same cohort. Methods Eighteen HS II patients diagnosed with malignant brain tumors <10 years of age at diagnosis completed a neurocognitive battery and parents completed psychological questionnaires at a mean of 104.7 months' post-diagnosis. Results There was no significant change in Full Scale IQ at LTF compared to baseline or STF. Similarly, most domains had no significant change from STF, including verbal IQ, performance IQ, academics, receptive language, learning/memory, visual-motor integration, and externalizing behaviors. Internalizing behaviors increased slightly at LTF. Clinically, most domains were within the average range, except for low average mathematics and receptive language. Additionally, performance did not significantly differ by age at diagnosis or time since diagnosis. Of note, children treated with high-dose methotrexate for disseminated disease or atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor displayed worse neurocognitive outcomes. Conclusions These results extend prior findings of relative stability in intellectual functioning for a LTF period. Ultimately, this study supports that treatment strategies for avoiding or delaying radiotherapy using high-dose, marrow-ablative chemotherapy and AuHCT may decrease the risk of neurocognitive and social-emotional declines in young pediatric brain tumor survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara F Levitch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Benjamin Malkin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lauren Latella
- Graduate School of Education, Fordham University, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Whitney Guerry
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sharon L Gardner
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jonathan L Finlay
- Department of Pediatrics and Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Stephen A Sands
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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16
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Attina G, Mastrangelo S, Ruggiero A. The Role of Bisphosphonates in Childhood Diseases. BIOMEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGY JOURNAL 2021; 14:1501-1507. [DOI: 10.13005/bpj/2251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Bisphosphonates have found in recent years an increasingly wide application in adult neoplastic diseases and osteoporosis. Their mechanism of action is based on the inhibition of bone turnover favouring, in particular, the mineralization and the reduction of the frequency of the remodelling cycles. The fields of application of bisphosphonates in paediatric age are constantly evolving although new trials are needed to define the schedule of administration and their long-term side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Attina
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Mastrangelo
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Ruggiero
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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17
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Attinà G, Tepedino R, Ruggiero A. Acute Tumor Lysis Syndrome: A Metabolic Emergency in Cancer Patients. BIOMEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGY JOURNAL 2021; 14:1721-1729. [DOI: 10.13005/bpj/2273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) can be a life-threatening complication that occurs following the onset of chemotherapy treatment, most commonly in association with high-grade lymphoproliferative pathologies such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia and Burkitt lymphoma. The massive cell lysis caused by cytotoxic therapy leads to the rapid release in the blood of intracelullary products and the onset of severe metabolic and electrolytic complications (hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia and hyperuricemia) upto the acute renal failure. This article describes the incidence and pathophysiological basis of TLS, focusing on the new therapeutic strategies implemented over the last few years, especially with regard to the treatment of hyperuricemia. In particular, it highlights the characteristics of a recent drug, Rasburicase, as a safe and effective alternative, compared to traditional allopurinol therapy, for prophylaxis and treatment of children with hyperuricemia induced by chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Attinà
- 1Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Ruggiero
- 1Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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18
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Sands SA. Patients With Pediatric Brain Tumor: When Do Their Delays Begin? J Clin Oncol 2021; 39:2324-2326. [PMID: 34129387 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.01076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Sands
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
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19
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Phillips NS, Duke ES, Schofield HLT, Ullrich NJ. Neurotoxic Effects of Childhood Cancer Therapy and Its Potential Neurocognitive Impact. J Clin Oncol 2021; 39:1752-1765. [PMID: 33886374 DOI: 10.1200/jco.20.02533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas S Phillips
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Elizabeth S Duke
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Hannah-Lise T Schofield
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.,Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Nicole J Ullrich
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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20
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Miranda Pereira M, Befi-Lopes DM, Soares AJC, Sassi FC, de Andrade CRF. Linguistic-Cognitive Outcomes in Children with Acute Lymphoid Leukemia: An Exploratory Study. J Multidiscip Healthc 2021; 14:1285-1295. [PMID: 34103929 PMCID: PMC8179787 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s313795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) is the most prevalent cancer of childhood. Impairment in linguistic and memory skills is a possible late sequela in cancer survivors that can limit their quality of life and the overall performance of the individual in society. There is evidence that survivors of ALL treated exclusively with chemotherapy demonstrate significant differences in long-term linguistic and memory functions and also changes in neuroanatomical integrity. However, most studies described do not count on a speech-language pathologist in their team, which we consider important to discuss. Thus, the objective of the present study was to assess memory and vocabulary skills in the pediatric population diagnosed with acute lymphoid leukemia during chemotherapy treatment. Materials and Methods An observational cohort study was conducted over a 1.8-year period. Participants of this research were children diagnosed with ALL. All participants were assessed on their linguistic-cognitive skills (ie, vocabulary, short-term memory and lexical access). All data underwent statistical analyses. Results The results of the current study found no major significant difference in the linguistic-cognitive performance of children with ALL and their healthy controls. Regarding the linguistic variables, we believe that there should be a differentiation between the effects of the drugs and the effects of social communication skills on performance. Conclusion This first characterization of the linguistic-cognitive abilities of children with ALL did not identify differences between these children and their healthy peers, although we were able to identify variables regarding the multidisciplinary team and social communication that should be considered in future studies.
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21
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Nangarwal B, Singh S, Sinha S, Bhaisora KS, Sardhara J, Das KK, Mehrotra A, Srivastava AK, Desh S, Jaiswal AK, Behari S. How Important Is to Know the Psychosocial Performance in an Operated Child of Meningioma? Devil Is in the Details. J Pediatr Neurosci 2021; 16:125-130. [PMID: 35018180 PMCID: PMC8706583 DOI: 10.4103/jpn.jpn_70_20] [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: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Meningioma constitutes only 0.4%–4.1% of all the pediatric tumors. This article aims to find the impact of the pediatric meningioma surgery on the developmental and scholastic performance among these children over long-term follow-up. Materials and Methods: This study is a retrospective analysis of all the histopathological proven pediatric meningioma and a cross-sectional analysis to study the functional outcome, using Malin’s Intelligence Scale for Indian children (MISIC); scholastic performance was assessed from behavioral checklist for screening the learning disabled (BCSLD) and subjective self-filled questionnaire to know parent satisfaction. Results: Twenty-eight patients (mean age 14.52 ± 0.722 years) (M:F = 16:12) were analyzed (6 [21.4%] were grade-schooler and 22 [78.5%] were teenage), with most common symptom being headache (n = 20, 71.4%) and mean duration of symptoms was 11.19 ± 16.25 days. The mean intelligent quotient (IQ) of grade-schooler was 83.4 ± 9.072 compared to 75.69 ± 9.903 among teenage group. The BCSLD analyses showed that the postoperative score was poorer. Similarly, an average change in BCSLD was observed among the patients with complications (10) compared to the patients without complication (8). Conclusion: The discontinuation in schooling or lack of alternative education may lead to poor MISIC scores, wrongly categorizing the children in poor IQ group. In pediatric benign disease such as meningioma, the holistic approach should be opted from the time of first visit to neurological care team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhawan Nangarwal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Suyash Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shruti Sinha
- Department of Psychiatry, TS Misra Medical College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kamlesh S Bhaisora
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Jayesh Sardhara
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kuntal K Das
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anant Mehrotra
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Arun K Srivastava
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shakti Desh
- Consultant Psychologist, Shakti Centre of Learning Disability, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Awadhesh K Jaiswal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sanjay Behari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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22
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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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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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24
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Attina G, Maurizi P, Triarico S, Capozza MA, Romano A, Mastrangelo S, Ruggiero A. Management of Children with Optic Gliomas and Neurofibromatosis Type 1. BIOMEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGY JOURNAL 2020; 13:1601-1606. [DOI: 10.13005/bpj/2035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Optic pathway gliomas (OPG) are a common cancer in children with neurofibromatosis type 1. OPGs can cause clinical symptoms such as reduction of visual acuity, alterations of the visual field, pallor of the optical papilla, strabismus, endocrinological alterations up to diencephalic syndrome.The current guidelines provide for wait and see as the main approach if the tumor is not causing visual deterioration and adopting treatment only in the event of significant impairment of the visual function. Therefore, it is essential to early detect the visual deterioration changes as well as the identification of children eligible for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Attina
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Palma Maurizi
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Triarico
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Antonio Capozza
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Romano
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Mastrangelo
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Ruggiero
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Attina G, Ariano A, Maurizi P, Triarico S, Capozza MA, Coccia P, Rizzo D, Mastrangelo S, Ruggiero A. Treatment and Long-Term Sequelae in Childhood Brain Tumors. Open Neurol J 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/1874205x02014010079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In children treated for brain tumors, important deficits in cognitive development have been described. The reduction of Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is correlated with multiple conditions such as tumor location, obstructive hydrocephalus, surgical intervention, and above all, the use of radiotherapy, especially in young children. Demyelinization represents the most striking microscopic alteration following radiation: cerebral white matter’s loss and failure to white matter development could partly account for changes in IQ score.Recently, combined chemo-radiotherapeutic approaches and the improvement of radiotherapy techniques have enabled the reduction of neurocognitive symptoms and improved the standard of life of childhood brain tumor survivors.
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Ruggiero A, Ariano A, Triarico S, Capozza MA, Romano A, Maurizi P, Mastrangelo S, Attinà G. Temozolomide and oral etoposide in children with recurrent malignant brain tumors. Drugs Context 2020; 9:dic-2020-3-1. [PMID: 32547627 PMCID: PMC7271709 DOI: 10.7573/dic.2020-3-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in the treatment of brain tumors, the prognosis of children with recurrent malignant brain tumors remains poor. Etoposide (VP-16), an inhibitor of nuclear enzyme deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-topoisomerase II, has shown activity in brain tumors. Its efficacy appears schedule dependent but, to date, the most effective schedule of administration has not been well defined. Temozolomide (TMZ), like VP-16, penetrates the blood–brain barrier and has activity against malignant brain tumors. This novel alkylating agent is rapidly absorbed and is highly bioavailable after oral administration. The antitumor activity of TMZ has been shown to be schedule dependent. Based on the evidence of different mechanisms of cytotoxicity, TMZ and VP-16 have been utilized in combination in patients with malignant brain tumors. This review evaluates the results derived from the combination use of TMZ and oral VP-16. The reported data suggest potential activity of oral VP-16 and TMZ alone or in combination. Further clinical trials are needed to explore and confirm their promising activity in relapsed brain neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Ruggiero
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Ariano
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Triarico
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Antonio Capozza
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Romano
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Palma Maurizi
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Mastrangelo
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Attinà
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Cobourn K, Marayati F, Tsering D, Ayers O, Myseros JS, Magge SN, Oluigbo CO, Keating RF. Cerebellar mutism syndrome: current approaches to minimize risk for CMS. Childs Nerv Syst 2020; 36:1171-1179. [PMID: 31273496 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-019-04240-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cerebellar mutism syndrome (CMS) is a serious source of morbidity following posterior fossa surgery in the pediatric population. However, methods for effectively decreasing its incidence and impact remain unclear. It is our aim to examine the impact of adjusting surgical factors, namely the use of a telovelar approach and avoidance of cavitronic ultrasonic aspirator, on the incidence of CMS in our population as well as outlining potential pre-, intra-, and postoperative factors that may contribute to its development. METHODS Retrospective review was performed to identify patients undergoing posterior fossa surgery for resection of a medulloblastoma. Demographic, surgical, and postoperative data were collected. These data were analyzed for possible correlations to the risk of developing CMS via univariate analysis. For factors found to be significant, a multivariate analysis was performed to assess their independence. RESULTS Seven of 65 patients (10.8%) developed CMS postoperatively. Factors found to be significantly associated with a higher risk of CMS were the degree of retraction utilized during the procedure (p = 0.0000) and incision of the vermis (p = 0.0294). Although they did not reach the threshold of statistical significance, tumor vascularity (p = 0.19), adoption of a transvermian approach (p = 0.19), and lack of intraoperative imaging (p = 0.17) exhibited strongly suggestive trends towards a correlation with CMS. DISCUSSION In an effort to reduce the incidence and severity of CMS in our population, our institution adopted surgical practices that minimize tissue trauma and mitigate postoperative edema. This included the use of a telovelar over a transvermian approach to obviate the need for vermian incision, avoidance of the CUSA, and minimization of heavy retraction during surgery. This was successful in reducing the incidence of CMS from 39% in our medulloblastoma patients to 10.8%. The development of CMS after posterior fossa surgery appears to be a "two-hit" phenomenon requiring a combination of existing predisposition, surgical injury, and postoperative exacerbation. Therefore, it is critical to identify the factors involved at each stage and investigate treatments to target them appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Cobourn
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children's National Medical Center, 4th Floor, Suite 100, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.,Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Fares Marayati
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children's National Medical Center, 4th Floor, Suite 100, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.,Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Deki Tsering
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children's National Medical Center, 4th Floor, Suite 100, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Owen Ayers
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children's National Medical Center, 4th Floor, Suite 100, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.,Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - John S Myseros
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children's National Medical Center, 4th Floor, Suite 100, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.,George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Suresh N Magge
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children's National Medical Center, 4th Floor, Suite 100, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.,George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Chima O Oluigbo
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children's National Medical Center, 4th Floor, Suite 100, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.,George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Robert F Keating
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children's National Medical Center, 4th Floor, Suite 100, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA. .,George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA.
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28
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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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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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30
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Georgakis MK, Tsivgoulis G, Pourtsidis A, Petridou ET. Gliomatosis Cerebri Among Children and Adolescents: An Individual-Patient Data Meta-analysis of 182 Patients. J Child Neurol 2019; 34:394-401. [PMID: 30887873 DOI: 10.1177/0883073819836551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gliomatosis cerebri is a rare but fatal widespread infiltrating central nervous system tumor. We aimed to describe diagnostic and prognostic features of gliomatosis cerebri among children and adolescents. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature review for published case reports and case series on patients with histologically confirmed gliomatosis cerebri and extracted data on an individual patient level for those aged 0-18 years. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were fit for overall survival. RESULTS Following screening of 274 published studies, 182 gliomatosis cerebri patients (63% males) aged 0-18 years with individual-level data available were identified. The most common presenting symptoms were seizures (52%), focal motor deficits (36%), and headache (30%). Imaging showed bilateral hemisphere involvement in 60%, infratentorial infiltration in 39%, and a focal contrast-enhanced mass (type II gliomatosis cerebri) in 27% of cases. Anaplastic astrocytoma was the most common histologic subtype of pediatric gliomatosis cerebri, whereas MGMT promoter methylation, IDH1 mutations, and codeletion of 1p/19q were less common molecular aberrations, as compared to adult gliomatosis cerebri. In the multivariable analyses, age at diagnosis >4 years, extended central nervous system infiltration, coordination abnormalities, and cognitive decline were predictors of worse outcome. Conversely, IDH1 mutations were associated with prolonged overall survival. Chemotherapy and extended surgical resection were associated with improved outcome, whereas radiotherapy was not associated with overall survival and was inferior to chemotherapy alone. CONCLUSION Gliomatosis cerebri among children and adolescents presents distinct histopathologic and molecular features compared to adults. However, similar associations of chemotherapy, and, when feasible, extended surgical resection, with favorable outcomes were noted among the 2 age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios K Georgakis
- 1 Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Tsivgoulis
- 2 Second Department of Neurology, "Attikon" University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- 3 Department of Neurology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Apostolos Pourtsidis
- 4 Department of Paediatric Hematology and Oncology, Panagiotis and Aglaia Kyriakou Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Th Petridou
- 1 Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- 5 Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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31
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Janss AJ, Mazewski C, Patterson B. Guidelines for Treatment and Monitoring of Adult Survivors of Pediatric Brain Tumors. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2019; 20:10. [PMID: 30739214 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-019-0602-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Pathologies of pediatric brain tumors are more varied than those diagnosed in adults and survival outcomes more optimistic. Therapies for pediatric brain tumors are also diverse and treatment options are expanding. The growing number of adult survivors of childhood brain tumors is quite diverse. Medical management of these adults requires understanding the tumor diagnosis and location, the modalities used to treat the tumor, the age of the survivor at the time of diagnosis and treatment, any complications of treatment, and, most importantly, the baseline medical condition and neurological function of each adult survivor. A network of medical, neurological, and mental health providers is critical in the care of a child with a brain tumor. A comparable network should be available to survivors of these tumors since they may transition to adulthood with medical and neurological deficits and can acquire additional late effects of treatments as they age. Optimally, each survivor will have an individualized survivor health plan (SHP) that concisely summarizes the tumor, treatments, potential late effects, and screening that may identify evolving late effects before they impact mental, social or physical functioning. This plan helps patients, families, and the medical team advocate for surveillance aiming to optimize the survivor's quality of life. Failure to support the health and function of these heroic cancer survivors renders the medical advances, the courage, and the struggle that permitted survival meaningless.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna J Janss
- Neuro-Oncology, Aflac Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Clinic/Emory Pediatric Institute, 5461 Meridian Mark Road, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA, 30342, USA.
| | - Claire Mazewski
- Neuro-Oncology, Aflac Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Clinic/Emory Pediatric Institute, 5461 Meridian Mark Road, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA, 30342, USA
| | - Briana Patterson
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Emory Children's Center/Emory Pediatric Institute, 2015 Uppergate Drive, Room 232, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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32
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Corti C, Manfredi V, Massimino M, Bardoni A, Borgatti R, Poggi G. Cognitive functioning of pediatric patients with brain tumor: an investigation of the role of gender. Childs Nerv Syst 2018; 34:2415-2423. [PMID: 30276651 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-018-3982-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The female gender has been considered a risk factor for cognitive impairment in pediatric brain tumor survivors. However, it is still unknown which specific cognitive domains are at greater risk of impairment in females. The aim of this study was to explore differences between male and female children in distinct domains of cognitive functioning, in order to deepen knowledge on the topic. METHODS The cognitive performance of 100 males and 71 females aged 6-16 years was assessed by Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children-Third Edition (WISC-III). Differences between males and females were tested not only on intellectual quotients, but also on WISC-III subtests, which allow the evaluation of different cognitive domains. Analyses were performed in the whole sample and dividing children based on the supratentorial vs. infratentorial location of the tumor. RESULTS Gender was the only predictor of VIQ in the whole group and in children with supratentorial tumor. Female children with supratentorial tumor performed significantly worse than males in four out of six verbal subtests. However, even among children with infratentorial tumor, females performed worse than males on two verbal subtests. CONCLUSIONS Overall, findings of this study suggest that females may have more difficulties than males at manipulating verbal oral material. A possible explanation of these findings could be that females present a greater vulnerability to white matter damage due to the illness and post-adjuvant therapies, in line with reports of the literature on female children with lymphoblastic leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Corti
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Neuro-oncological and Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Unit, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy.
| | - Valentina Manfredi
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Neuro-oncological and Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Unit, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Maura Massimino
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura Tumori, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bardoni
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Neuro-oncological and Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Unit, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Renato Borgatti
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Neuropsychiatry and Neurorehabilitation Unit, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Geraldina Poggi
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Neuro-oncological and Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Unit, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
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Cheng H, Chen H, Lv Y, Chen Z, Li CSR. Prospective memory impairment following whole brain radiotherapy in patients with metastatic brain cancer. Cancer Med 2018; 7:5315-5321. [PMID: 30259694 PMCID: PMC6198199 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the prospective memory (PM) impairment following whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) in cancer patients with brain metastases. METHOD Eighty-one patients with metastatic brain cancer, agreeing to undergo WBRT, were enrolled and subjected to a battery of cognitive neuropsychological tests, including the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), verbal fluency test (VFT), digit span test (DST), and event-based and time-based prospective memory (EBPM and TBPM) tasks, before and after radiotherapy. RESULTS The patients with metastatic brain cancer after WBRT exhibited a significant decrease in the MMSE, DST, VFT, and EBPM scores (t = 6.258, 10.192, 5.361, -5.892, P < 0.01), but nonsignificant decrease in the TBPM scores (t = -1.172, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION There is significant EBPM impairment in cancer patients with brain metastases after WBRT, whereas that in the TBPM remained relatively unaffected. The result suggests that EBPM impairment may be as an early cognitive impairment marker in patients with BM who undergo WBRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaidong Cheng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Haijun Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yue Lv
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhendong Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chiang-Shan R Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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34
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Irestorm E, Perrin S, Tonning Olsson I. Pretreatment Cognition in Patients Diagnosed With Pediatric Brain Tumors. Pediatr Neurol 2018; 79:28-33. [PMID: 29249552 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a large body of literature identifying risk factors for the long-term cognitive alterations found in survivors of pediatric brain tumors. Less is known about baseline cognitive functioning in this population, but studies suggest that cognitive dysfunctions are often present at the time of diagnosis. This study aimed to identify potential risk factors for lower cognitive function at the time of pediatric brain tumor diagnosis. METHODS Participants were children and adolescents (n = 101) diagnosed with a pediatric brain tumor between 2006 and 2015, who underwent a pretreatment neuropsychologic assessment. Multivariate regression models were used to estimate the association between gender, age at diagnosis, tumor size and location, increased intracranial pressure, epilepsy, and six different indicators of cognitive functioning. RESULTS Overall, cognitive performance was relatively intact, with results close to norm means, but impairments were found in memory and cognitive processing speed. Male gender, older age, epilepsy, increased intracranial pressure, and larger tumors were all associated with lower cognitive function at the time of brain tumor diagnosis; whereas tumor location was not. CONCLUSIONS Pretreatment neuropsychologic assessments, with some adjustments, can be carried out with children and adolescents with brain tumors. Our study adds to a small but growing body of literature documenting cognitive impairments at the time of diagnosis; these impairments may partly explain the longer-term deficits that commonly occur in pediatric brain tumor survivors. Consistent with previous research, pretreatment impairments were more common among boys, older children, and those with increased intracranial pressure, epilepsy, and larger tumors. The relationship between baseline and longer-term cognitive deficits requires further examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin Irestorm
- Department of Paediatrics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden; Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Paediatrics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Sean Perrin
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Tonning Olsson
- Department of Paediatrics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden; Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Paediatrics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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35
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The Effects of Attention Problems on Psychosocial Functioning in Childhood Brain Tumor Survivors: A 2-Year Postcraniospinal Irradiation Follow-up. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2017; 39:e46-e53. [PMID: 28099397 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000000766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the psychosocial outcomes and impact of attention problems in survivors of pediatric brain tumor. STUDY DESIGN The survivors' cognitive functioning was measured using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. The Child Behavior Checklist-Attention Problems scale was used to screen for attention problems, and participants were classified as having attention problems (n=15) or normal attention (n=36). Psychosocial functioning was examined with the Korean Personality Rating scale for Children (K-PRC) at precraniospinal radiation and at 2-year follow-up. RESULTS The attention problem group showed significantly higher depression and externalizing symptoms (delinquency, hyperactivity) and more significant impairment in family relationships than did the normal attention group at baseline. At follow-up, the attention problem group demonstrated significantly more delinquency and impaired family and social relationships. With the K-PRC scores, except for the somatization, social relationship subscale, there were significant differences between groups, but not in terms of treatment by time interaction or within time. At follow-up, multiple linear regressions showed that age at diagnosis significantly predicted K-PRC somatization (B=-1.7, P=0.004) and social relationships (B=-1.7, P=0.004), baseline full-scale intelligence quotient predicted K-PRC depression (B=-0.4, P=0.032) and somatization (B=-0.3, P=0.015), and attention problems at baseline predicted K-PRC depression (B=-15.2, P=0.036) and social relationships (B=-11.6, P=0.016). CONCLUSION Pediatric brain tumor survivors, in particular, patients with attention problems, had worse psychosocial functioning at baseline and follow-up. Attention problems at baseline need to be carefully evaluated in assessing psychosocial functioning of pediatric brain tumor survivors.
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36
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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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Preoperative neurocognitive evaluation as a predictor of brain tumor grading in pediatric patients with supratentorial hemispheric tumors. Childs Nerv Syst 2016; 32:1931-7. [PMID: 27659835 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-016-3170-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the relationship between tumor grading and a selective evaluation of neurocognitive and behavioral functions in children with supratentorial hemispheric brain tumors. METHODS Children admitted with a diagnosis of supratentorial hemispheric tumors involving the cerebral hemispheres or the thalamus at the Pediatric Neurosurgery Unit of the Catholic University of Rome between January 2008 and January 2014 were considered for the present study. Exclusion criteria were represented by age less than 2 years, severe neurological deficits, seizures, and a metastatic disease. A selective neurocognitive and behavioral workout was used for children aged less and more than 5 years. RESULTS Global cognitive functions as well as selective neurocognitive and behavioral profiles were found to be significantly worse in children with low-grade tumors, compared with those affected by higher-grades histotypes. Frontal locations for cortical tumors and thalamic lesions were significantly related with worse results, with a clear contribution of dominant vs. nondominant hemisphere involvement and an age higher than 5 years. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative global and selective neurocognitive evaluation might contribute to the prediction of the tumor aggressiveness. Due to a longer clinical history, more benign tumors more frequently arrive to the diagnosis with a neurocognitive compromise in spite of an apparently mild presence of neurological symptoms and signs.
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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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Tonning Olsson I, Perrin S, Lundgren J, Hjorth L, Johanson A. Long-term cognitive sequelae after pediatric brain tumor related to medical risk factors, age, and sex. Pediatr Neurol 2014; 51:515-21. [PMID: 25266614 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2014.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young age at diagnosis and treatment with cranial radiation therapy are well studied risk factors for cognitive impairment in pediatric brain tumor survivors. Other risk factors are hydrocephalus, surgery complications, and treatment with intrathecal chemotherapy. Female gender vulnerability to cognitive sequelae after cancer treatment has been evident in some studies, but no earlier studies have related this to tumor size. The purpose of our study was to find factors correlated with lowered IQ in a nationally representative sample of pediatric brain tumor patients referred for neuropsychologic evaluation. METHODS Sixty-nine pediatric brain tumor patients, diagnosed 1988-2005 and tested 1995-2006, were included in the study. In a series of stepwise multiple regressions, the relationship of IQ to disease, treatment, and individual variables (sex and syndromes) were evaluated. A subanalysis was made of the covariation between sex and tumor size. RESULTS The patients had generally suppressed IQ and impairments in executive function, memory, and attention. Lowered IQ was associated with young age at diagnosis, being male, tumor size, and treatment with whole-brain radiation therapy. A sex difference was evident for patients with increased intracranial pressure at diagnosis with males having larger tumors. Tumor size was found to be a better predictor of cognitive sequelae than sex. CONCLUSIONS Whole-brain radiation therapy, large tumors, young age at diagnosis, and male gender are risk factors for late cognitive sequelae after pediatric brain tumors. When examining sex differences, tumor size at diagnosis needs to be taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Tonning Olsson
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Pediatrics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Sean Perrin
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Johan Lundgren
- Department of Pediatrics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden; Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lars Hjorth
- Department of Pediatrics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden; Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Aki Johanson
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Armstrong CL. The Neuropsychology of Cancer and Oncology. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2014. [DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acu025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Castellino SM, Ullrich NJ, Whelen MJ, Lange BJ. Developing interventions for cancer-related cognitive dysfunction in childhood cancer survivors. J Natl Cancer Inst 2014; 106:dju186. [PMID: 25080574 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/dju186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Survivors of childhood cancer frequently experience cancer-related cognitive dysfunction, commonly months to years after treatment for pediatric brain tumors, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), or tumors involving the head and neck. Risk factors for cancer-related cognitive dysfunction include young age at diagnosis, treatment with cranial irradiation, use of parenteral or intrathecal methotrexate, female sex, and pre-existing comorbidities. Limiting use and reducing doses and volume of cranial irradiation while intensifying chemotherapy have improved survival and reduced the severity of cognitive dysfunction, especially in leukemia. Nonetheless, problems in core functional domains of attention, processing speed, working memory and visual-motor integration continue to compromise quality of life and performance. We review the epidemiology, pathophysiology and assessment of cancer-related cognitive dysfunction, the impact of treatment changes for prevention, and the broad strategies for educational and pharmacological interventions to remediate established cognitive dysfunction following childhood cancer. The increased years of life saved after childhood cancer warrants continued study toward the prevention and remediation of cancer-related cognitive dysfunction, using uniform assessments anchored in functional outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon M Castellino
- Department of Pediatrics, Section on Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC (SMC); Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC (SMC, MJW); Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (NJU); Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (BJL).
| | - Nicole J Ullrich
- Department of Pediatrics, Section on Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC (SMC); Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC (SMC, MJW); Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (NJU); Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (BJL)
| | - Megan J Whelen
- Department of Pediatrics, Section on Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC (SMC); Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC (SMC, MJW); Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (NJU); Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (BJL)
| | - Beverly J Lange
- Department of Pediatrics, Section on Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC (SMC); Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC (SMC, MJW); Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (NJU); Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (BJL)
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Abstract
Neurologic complications can result from direct or indirect effects of cancer
therapy. Treatment toxicity may affect both the central nervous system and the
peripheral nervous system. Early recognition of these toxicities plays an important
role in the management of patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Lu Lee
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Shortman RI, Lowis SP, Penn A, McCarter RJ, Hunt LP, Brown CC, Stevens MCG, Curran AL, Sharples PM. Cognitive function in children with brain tumors in the first year after diagnosis compared to healthy matched controls. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014; 61:464-72. [PMID: 24039108 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.24746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improved survival of children with brain tumors (BTs) has increased focus on ameliorating morbidity. To reduce the risk of progressive cognitive decline, remedial strategies need to be instituted early, based upon accurate appraisal of need, yet few studies have investigated cognition in BT children early post-diagnosis. The study aims were to investigate cognition in children with primary BTs 1, 6, and 12 months post-diagnosis compared with healthy children, exploring the impact of disease and treatment variables. METHODS Forty-eight children aged 2-16 years with primary BTs, referred to a Regional Neurosurgical Unit over the 2-year study period were eligible for enrollment. The "best friends" model was used to recruit matched controls. Cognition was assessed using age-appropriate Wechsler Intelligence scales; Children's Memory Scale; Test of Everyday Attention for Children, and Wechsler Quicktest. RESULTS Patients with BTs had significantly reduced performance compared to controls early post-diagnosis in tests of Performance IQ, processing speed, verbal and visual memory, and selective attention. Improved performance over 12 months was seen in patients with BTs although also, for some measures, in controls. Significant deficits in cognitive performance were seen one year post-diagnosis for Verbal IQ; processing speed, visual and verbal immediate memory, and selective attention. Infratentorial site, high tumor grade, hydrocephalus, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were associated with poorer functioning. CONCLUSION Early cognitive impairment is present in BT children, sometimes prior to radiotherapy/chemotherapy treatment, and is associated with hydrocephalus, high tumor grade and infratentorial site. Future studies should investigate the role of early rehabilitation in improving cognition.
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Smithson EF, Phillips R, Harvey DW, Morrall MC. The use of stimulant medication to improve neurocognitive and learning outcomes in children diagnosed with brain tumours: A systematic review. Eur J Cancer 2013; 49:3029-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2013.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Revised: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Palmer SL, Armstrong C, Onar-Thomas A, Wu S, Wallace D, Bonner MJ, Schreiber J, Swain M, Chapieski L, Mabbott D, Knight S, Boyle R, Gajjar A. Processing speed, attention, and working memory after treatment for medulloblastoma: an international, prospective, and longitudinal study. J Clin Oncol 2013; 31:3494-500. [PMID: 23980078 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2012.47.4775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The current study prospectively examined processing speed (PS), broad attention (BA), and working memory (WM) ability of patients diagnosed with medulloblastoma over a 5-year period. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included 126 patients, ages 3 to 21 years at diagnosis, enrolled onto a collaborative protocol for medulloblastoma. Patients were treated with postsurgical risk-adapted craniospinal irradiation (n = 36 high risk [HR]; n = 90 average risk) followed by four cycles of high-dose chemotherapy with stem-cell support. Patients completed 509 neuropsychological evaluations using the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities Third Edition (median of three observations per patient). RESULTS Linear mixed effects models revealed that younger age at diagnosis, HR classification, and higher baseline scores were significantly associated with poorer outcomes in PS. Patients treated as HR and those with higher baseline scores are estimated to have less favorable outcomes in WM and BA over time. Parent education and marital status were significantly associated with BA and WM baseline scores but not change over time. CONCLUSION Of the three key domains, PS was estimated to have the lowest scores at 5 years after diagnosis. Identifying cognitive domains most vulnerable to decline should guide researchers who are aiming to develop efficacious cognitive intervention and rehabilitation programs, thereby improving the quality of survivorship for the pediatric medulloblastoma population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawna L Palmer
- Shawna L. Palmer, Arzu Onar-Thomas, Shengjie Wu, Dana Wallace, Jane Schreiber, and Amar Gajjar, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; Carol Armstrong, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA; Melanie J. Bonner, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Lynn Chapieski, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX; Michelle Swain, Royal Children's Hospital of Brisbane, Queensland; Sarah Knight, Royal Children's Hospital of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria; Robyn Boyle, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; and Donald Mabbott, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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The Role of Neuropsychological Assessment in the Functional Outcomes of Children with ADHD. Neuropsychol Rev 2011; 22:54-68. [DOI: 10.1007/s11065-011-9185-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 11/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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