The role of rehabilitation measures in reintegration of children with brain tumours or leukaemia and their families after completion of cancer treatment: a study protocol

Reintegration into school, kindergarten and work in families of childhood cancer survivors after a family-oriented rehabilitation program

Objective

To describe the situation of childhood cancer survivors and their parents before and one year after a family-oriented rehabilitation program (FOR) and to identify factors influencing reintegration.

Methods

We included parents of children diagnosed with leukemia or central nervous system tumor. We assessed parental functioning using the functioning subscale of the Ulm Quality of Life Inventory for Parents (ULQIE) and children's school/kindergarten related quality of life (parental assessment, subscale KINDL-R). Descriptive analyses, group comparisons and multiple regression analyses on data of 285 parents of 174 children diagnosed with leukemia or central nervous system tumor.

Results

Parents reported changes in their work situation (e.g., reduction of working hours) due to their child's diagnosis. Parental functioning increased significantly over time. Children's leukemia diagnosis and shorter time since the end of treatment were associated with higher functioning in parents one year after FOR. Parents reported difficulties in the child's work pace, concentration, stress resilience and empathy. The school/kindergarten-related quality of life (QoL) of the children was lower than in the general population. One year after FOR, most children reintegrated fully in school/kindergarten, partly with support (e.g., integration assistant). No significant predictors for children's reintegration were identified.

Discussion

Parents and children experience major changes in their work/school/kindergarten life. One year after FOR most parents reported a reintegration of their children, however the children's school/kindergarten-related QoL remained below average compared to norm values. Even after rehabilitation families of childhood cancer survivors might benefit from psychosocial and practical support offers to support families with the reintegration into work/school/kindergarten.

Parent-reported health-related quality of life in pediatric childhood cancer survivors and factors associated with poor health-related quality of life in aftercare

PURPOSE

Despite advances in cancer treatment, there is a prevalence of pediatric childhood cancer survivors still at risk of developing adverse disease and treatment outcomes, even after the end of treatment. The present study aimed to (1) explore how mothers and fathers assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of their surviving child and (2) evaluate risk factors for poor parent-reported HRQoL in childhood cancer survivors about 2.5 years after diagnosis.

METHODS

We assessed parent-reported HRQoL of 305 child and adolescent survivors < 18 years diagnosed with leukemia or tumors of central nervous system (CNS) with the KINDL-R questionnaire in a prospective observational study with a longitudinal mixed-methods design.

RESULTS

In agreement with our hypotheses, our results show that fathers rate their children's HRQoL total score as well as the condition-specific domains family (p = .013, d = 0.3), friends (p = .027, d = 0.27), and disease (p = .035, d = 0.26) higher than mothers about 2.5 years after diagnosis. Taking variance of inter-individual differences due to family affiliation into account, the mixed model regression revealed significant associations between the diagnosis of CNS tumors (p = .018, 95% CI [- 7.78, - 0.75]), an older age at diagnosis, (p = .011, 95% CI [- 0.96, - 0.12]), and non-participation in rehabilitation (p = .013, 95% CI [- 10.85, - 1.28]) with poor HRQoL in children more than 2 years after being diagnosed with cancer.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results, it is necessary for health care professionals to consider the differences in parental perceptions regarding children's aftercare after surviving childhood cancer. High risk patients for poor HRQoL should be detected early, and families should be offered support post-cancer diagnosis to protect survivors' HRQoL during aftercare. Further research should focus on characteristics of pediatric childhood cancer survivors and families with low participation in rehabilitation programs.

Neurosurgical Outcomes for Pediatric Central Nervous System Tumors in the United States

BACKGROUND

Limited data exist on pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors, and the results from the National Cancer Database, the largest multicenter national cancer registry, have not previously been comprehensively reported.

OBJECTIVE

To capture pediatric neurosurgical outcomes and investigate possible disparities of care.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for pediatric patients who were diagnosed with CNS tumors from 2004 to 2018. Primary outcomes included 30/90 days postoperative mortality (30M/90M), readmission within 30 days of discharge (30R), and length of inpatient stay (LOS).

RESULTS

Twenty four thousand nine hundred thirty cases met the inclusion criteria, of which were 4753 (19.1%) juvenile pilocytic astrocytomas, 3262 (13.1%) medulloblastomas, 2200 (8.8%) neuronal/mixed neuronal-glial tumors, and 2135 (8.6%) ependymal tumors. Patients aged 0 to 4 years had significantly poorer outcomes than patients in older age groups (90M: 3.5% vs 0.7%-0.9%; 30R: 6.5% vs 3.6%-4.8%; LOS: 12.0 days vs 6.0-8.9 days). Tumor size was a strong predictor of poor outcomes with each additional cm in diameter conferring a 26%, 7%, and 23% increased risk of 90M, 30R, and prolonged LOS, respectively. Data over the study period demonstrated year over year improvements of 4%, 3%, and 2%, respectively, for 90M, 30R, and prolonged LOS. Facilities with a high volume of pediatric tumor cases had improved 90M (1.1% vs 1.5%, P = .041) and LOS (7.6 vs 8.6 days, P < .001). Patients with private health insurance had better outcomes than patients with government insurance.

CONCLUSION

There is substantial variability in surgical morbidity and mortality of pediatric CNS tumors. Additional investigation is warranted to reduce outcome differences that may be based on socioeconomic factors.

Development and field testing of a neuro psychomotor multidimensional grid for the assessment of children with cns tumor

Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors are the most common pediatric solid tumor and development neuro psychomotor (DNPM) therapy can contribute to the rehabilitation of these children. This paper describes the development of a DNPM multidimensional assessment grid for children with CNS tumor (DNPM-CNS grid).The development process included 4 phases: (P1) literature review and grid development (Version 1.0), (P2) two rounds consultations with experts (Version 1.1 and 2.0), (P3) field testing, (P4) final revision (Version 3.0).(P1) The DNPM-CNS grid was developed based on previous tools and manuals and on clinical experience with this patient population. (P2) A total of 52 questionnaires were filled in by experts about relevance of assessment areas, pertinence, comprehensibility and feasibility of the grid. Average scores ranged from 7.6 to 10. (P3) At case level, good inter-rater agreement scores (78%) and limited non-evaluability rates (18%) emerged. At item level, 27% of items reached high disagreement and 26% high not-evaluability rates. The qualitative assessment was judged clinically useful for planning the neuro-oncology rehabilitation treatment and a good feasibility of the DNPM-CNS grid emerged both for preschool and school-age children. (P4) The final version of the grid consists of 8 assessment areas with 133 items.The DNPM-CNS grid is a comprehensive tool that can guide the overall DNPM assessment in a limited amount of time. It can be used as a screening tool to customize more specific assessments. Further research is needed to better characterize grid psychometric properties.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/08880018.2021.1948648 .

Fear of progression in parents of childhood cancer survivors: prevalence and associated factors

PURPOSE

Recent research demonstrated that fear of progression (FoP) is a major burden for adult cancer survivors. However, knowledge on FoP in parents of childhood cancer survivors is scarce. This study aimed to determine the proportion of parents who show dysfunctional levels of FoP, to investigate gender differences, and to examine factors associated with FoP in mothers and fathers.

METHODS

Five hundred sixteen parents of pediatric cancer survivors (aged 0-17 years at diagnosis of leukemia or central nervous system (CNS) tumor) were consecutively recruited after the end of intensive cancer treatment. We conducted hierarchical multiple regression analyses for mothers and fathers and integrated parent-, patient-, and family-related factors in the models.

RESULTS

Significantly more mothers (54%) than fathers (41%) suffered from dysfunctional levels of FoP. Maternal FoP was significantly associated with depression, a medical coping style, a child diagnosed with a CNS tumor in comparison to leukemia, and lower family functioning (adjusted R² = .30, p < .001). Paternal FoP was significantly associated with a lower level of education, depression, a family coping style, a child diagnosed with a CNS tumor in comparison to leukemia, and fewer siblings (adjusted R² = .48, p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

FoP represents a great burden for parents of pediatric cancer survivors. We identified associated factors of parental FoP. Some of these factors can be targeted by health care professionals within psychosocial interventions and others can provide an indication for an increased risk for higher levels of FoP.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Psychosocial support targeting FoP in parents of childhood cancer survivors is highly indicated.

[Childhood Cancer Patients in a Family-Oriented Rehabilitation Program: Goals and Change in Physical Functioning]

PURPOSE

Childhood cancer often leads to physical and psychosocial burdens that can persist beyond the end of treatment. Family-oriented rehabilitation programs (FOR) focus on long-term consequences and support families in returning to daily life. The objectives of this study were to describe rehabilitation goals and goal attainment, to analyze the relationship between physical functioning and physical well-being and to examine predictors of changes in physical functioning during the FOR.

METHODS

In a prospective observational study, statements of physicians regarding rehabilitation goals, goal achievement and physical functioning of 175 children (<18 years of age at the time of diagnosis of leukemia or central nervous system tumor) at the beginning and the end of a FOR were analyzed. The physical well-being of the patients was assessed from a parent and child perspective. Correlation coefficients were calculated to analyze the relation between physical functioning and physical well-being. Predictors of changes in physical functioning were examined with a multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

The most frequently mentioned rehabilitation goals were the increase of physical functioning and the integration into the peer group. Overall, the goal achievement ranged from 82 to 100%. Physical functioning improved significantly during the FOR. A significant positive correlation between the physician's assessment of physical functioning and the parental assessment of physical well-being could be found at the beginning of the FOR. According to the regression model, female gender of the child and a longer time since diagnosis were associated with a lower change in physical functioning. Furthermore, a higher degree of physical consequential damages was associated with a larger change.

CONCLUSIONS

The 4-week multimodal rehabilitation program of the FOR addressed various physical and psychosocial burdens and was accompanied by a significant improvement of the physical functioning of childhood cancer patients. The change in physical functioning was associated with different sociodemographic and medical factors (eg, sex). The consideration of these factors could help with optimizing the program.

Parents' perception of their children's process of reintegration after childhood cancer treatment

Our objective was to further the understanding of the process of reintegration of childhood cancer patients after treatment and to identify factors influencing that process. Using a qualitative approach, we conducted 49 interviews with parents (n = 29 mothers, n = 20 fathers) from 31 families with a child (<18 years) with leukemia or CNS tumor. Interviews were conducted about 16 to 24 months after the end of the treatment. We used a semi-structured interview guideline and analyzed the data using content analysis. Average age of pediatric cancer patients was 5.5 years at the time of diagnosis; mean time since diagnosis was 3.5 years. Parents reported immediate impact of the disease on their children. Reintegration had gone along with delayed nursery/school enrollment or social challenges. In most cases reintegration was organized with a gradual increase of attendance. Due to exhaustion by obligatory activities, reintegration in leisure time activities was demanding and parents reported a gradual increase of activity level for their children. Parents described several barriers and facilitators influencing the reintegration process into nursery/school and leisure time activities (structural support, social support, health status, intrapersonal aspects). Although many children reintegrate well, the process takes lots of effort from parents and children. Childhood cancer survivors and their families should be supported after the end of intensive treatment to facilitate reintegration.

Fear of progression in parents of childhood cancer survivors: A dyadic data analysis

OBJECTIVE

Fear of progression (FoP), also referred to as fear of cancer recurrence, is gaining increasing interest in survivorship research as it constitutes a great burden for patients and relatives. However, only little is known about FoP in parents of childhood cancer survivors. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of FoP on quality of life (QoL) in parental couples.

METHODS

We analyzed dyadic data of 197 couples parenting childhood cancer survivors (aged 0-17 years at diagnosis of leukemia or central nervous system tumor) after the end of intensive cancer treatment. The actor-partner interdependence model calculated by structural equation modelling was used to examine actor effects (effect of one's own FoP on one's own QoL) and partner effects (effect of one's own FoP on the partner's QoL).

RESULTS

Eighty-one percentage of the parents reported moderate or high FoP levels. Mothers reported higher FoP levels (p < .01) and lower overall QoL levels than fathers (p < .01). The results revealed a significantly positive intra-dyadic correlation between FoP of mothers and fathers of the same dyad (r = .431, p < .001). We found significantly negative actor effects for both mothers and fathers for the overall QoL (p < .001) as well as for several QoL subscales. No significant partner effects were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Most parents reported elevated levels of FoP. Our results show that FoP in parents of childhood cancer survivors is strongly negatively associated with QoL. Parental FoP should therefore be explored in future research and needs to be targeted by health care providers.

Returning to daily life: a qualitative interview study on parents of childhood cancer survivors in Germany

OBJECTIVES

To investigate experiences of parents of paediatric cancer survivors in cancer-related changes in the parents' daily life (work life, family life, partner relationship and social life) during and after intensive cancer treatment and to examine the reintegration process with its impeding and facilitating factors.

DESIGN

The design of this cross-sectional study involves a qualitative content analysis of semistructured interviews.

SETTING

Participants were consecutively recruited in clinical settings throughout Germany.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-nine parents (59% female) of 31 cancer survivors (aged 0-17 at diagnosis of leukaemia or central nervous system tumour) were interviewed approximately 16-24 months after the end of intensive cancer treatment (eg, chemotherapy).

RESULTS

During treatment, more than 70% of parents reported difficulties reconciling paid work, household and family responsibilities and caring for the ill child. Couples spent little time with each other and approximately 25% reported dispute and burden. Many parents did not have enough energy for pursuing any hobbies during treatment. However, over the long term, being faced with the child's disease also led to strengthened relationships, new priorities, improved communication, increased mutual trust and greater appreciation for daily life. Supportive social networks (family/friends/employers), a strong partner relationship prior to the diagnosis and the use of psychosocial services (eg, family-oriented rehabilitation) had a positive impact. At the time of the interview, most families had adapted well. However, reintegration took time and some parents lacked the energy required to continue life as they did before the diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though most parents successfully readjusted to a new 'normality', reintegrating into daily life after paediatric cancer treatment remains difficult. Professional psychosocial support could help families with the reintegration process. Lastly, clinical staff (eg, physicians, psychologists, social workers) should bear in mind that the burden of parents does not automatically end with the end of intensive cancer treatment.