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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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2
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Baratto L, Singh SB, Williams SE, Spunt SL, Rosenberg J, Adams L, Suryadevara V, Iv M, Daldrup-Link H. Detecting High-Dose Methotrexate-Induced Brain Changes in Pediatric and Young Adult Cancer Survivors Using [ 18F]FDG PET/MRI: A Pilot Study. J Nucl Med 2024; 65:864-871. [PMID: 38575193 PMCID: PMC11149594 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.123.266760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Significant improvements in treatments for children with cancer have resulted in a growing population of childhood cancer survivors who may face long-term adverse outcomes. Here, we aimed to diagnose high-dose methotrexate-induced brain injury on [18F]FDG PET/MRI and correlate the results with cognitive impairment identified by neurocognitive testing in pediatric cancer survivors. Methods: In this prospective, single-center pilot study, 10 children and young adults with sarcoma (n = 5), lymphoma (n = 4), or leukemia (n = 1) underwent dedicated brain [18F]FDG PET/MRI and a 2-h expert neuropsychologic evaluation on the same day, including the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, second edition, for intellectual functioning; Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (DKEFS) for executive functioning; and Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning, second edition (WRAML), for verbal and visual memory. Using PMOD software, we measured the SUVmean, cortical thickness, mean cerebral blood flow (CBFmean), and mean apparent diffusion coefficient of 3 different cortical regions (prefrontal cortex, cingulate gyrus, and hippocampus) that are routinely involved during the above-specified neurocognitive testing. Standardized scores of different measures were converted to z scores. Pairs of multivariable regression models (one for z scores < 0 and one for z scores > 0) were fitted for each brain region, imaging measure, and test score. Heteroscedasticity regression models were used to account for heterogeneity in variances between brain regions and to adjust for clustering within patients. Results: The regression analysis showed a significant correlation between the SUVmean of the prefrontal cortex and cingulum and DKEFS-sequential tracking (DKEFS-TM4) z scores (P = 0.003 and P = 0.012, respectively). The SUVmean of the hippocampus did not correlate with DKEFS-TM4 z scores (P = 0.111). The SUVmean for any evaluated brain regions did not correlate significantly with WRAML-visual memory (WRAML-VIS) z scores. CBFmean showed a positive correlation with SUVmean (r = 0.56, P = 0.01). The CBFmean of the cingulum, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex correlated significantly with DKEFS-TM4 (all P < 0.001). In addition, the hippocampal CBFmean correlated significantly with negative WRAML-VIS z scores (P = 0.003). Conclusion: High-dose methotrexate-induced brain injury can manifest as a reduction in glucose metabolism and blood flow in specific brain areas, which can be detected with [18F]FDG PET/MRI. The SUVmean and CBFmean of the prefrontal cortex and cingulum can serve as quantitative measures for detecting executive functioning problems. Hippocampal CBFmean could also be useful for monitoring memory problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Baratto
- Division of Pediatric Radiology, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Shashi B Singh
- Division of Pediatric Radiology, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Sharon E Williams
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences-Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Child Development, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Sheri L Spunt
- Department of Pediatrics-Hematology/Oncology, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Jarrett Rosenberg
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California; and
| | - Lisa Adams
- Division of Pediatric Radiology, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Vidyani Suryadevara
- Division of Pediatric Radiology, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Michael Iv
- Neuroimaging Division, Radiology Department, Stanford Health Care, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Heike Daldrup-Link
- Division of Pediatric Radiology, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California;
- Department of Pediatrics-Hematology/Oncology, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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3
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Pereira LM, Bono MH, Hilbert S. Developmental surveillance and screening practices in a pediatric oncology clinic: Initial progress of a quality improvement study. Psychooncology 2024; 33:e6348. [PMID: 38730533 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric cancer patients' oncology teams regularly take on a primary care role, but due to the urgent nature of cancer treatment, developmental screenings may be deprioritized. This leaves patients at risk of developmental diagnoses and referrals being delayed. AIMS Clarify the current developmental surveillance and screening practices of one pediatric oncology team. MATERIALS AND METHODS Researchers reviewed charts for patients (n = 66) seen at a pediatric oncology clinic in a suburban academic medical center to determine engagement in developmental screening (including functioning around related areas such as speech, neurocognition, etc.) and referrals for care in these areas. RESULTS Developmental histories were collected from all patients through admission history and physical examination (H&P), but there was no routinized follow-up. Physicians did not conduct regular developmental screening per American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for any patients but identified n = 3 patients with needs while the psychology team routinely surveilled all patients seen during this time (n = 41) and identified n = 18 patients as having delays. DISCUSSION Physicians did not routinely screen for development needs beyond H&P and were inconsistent in developmental follow-up/referrals. Integrated psychologists were key in generating referrals for developmental-based care. However, many oncology patients were not seen by psychologists quickly or at all, creating a significant gap in care during a crucial developmental period. CONCLUSION The case is made for further routinization of ongoing developmental screening in pediatric oncology care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lila M Pereira
- Boston Children's Health Physicians, Hawthorne, New York, USA
- Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Valhalla, New York, USA
- New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | | | - Samuel Hilbert
- Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Valhalla, New York, USA
- Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, USA
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4
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Parrillo E, Petchler C, Jacobson LA, Ruble K, Paré-Blagoev EJ, Nolan MT. Integrative review of school integration support following pediatric cancer. J Cancer Surviv 2024; 18:325-343. [PMID: 36318444 PMCID: PMC9628445 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-022-01276-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to understand parents' experiences of school integration support for their child's transition to K-12 schooling during or after cancer treatment. METHODS This integrative literature review used PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Embase databases and included articles from January 2000 to July 2022 describing parent experiences with support from healthcare providers, school faculty/systems, and school integration programs. This review was guided by an adapted School Re-Entry Model and used constant comparison to identify common themes and guide synthesis. The Johns Hopkins Evidence and Quality Guide was used to appraise article quality and level of evidence. RESULTS Thirty-five articles were included in the final review: seventeen qualitative, fourteen quantitative, and four mixed or multi-method designs. Parents reported experiences receiving support from healthcare providers, school faculty/systems, school integration programs, and "other" sources. Parents reported both facilitators and barriers to communication, knowledge, and the process of receiving school integration support. CONCLUSIONS Parents found neuro/psychologists highly supportive but reported limited support from other healthcare providers. Most parents reported mixed experiences with school faculty and reported many barriers to school system support. Parents reported positive experiences with school integration programs; however, limited programs were available. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Future programs and research should focus on addressing identified barriers and facilitators of school integration support. Further work is also needed to understand a wider range of parent experiences during school integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaina Parrillo
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Claire Petchler
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lisa A Jacobson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathy Ruble
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Marie T Nolan
- Conway School of Nursing, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, USA
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5
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Kuil LE, Varkevisser TMCK, Huisman MH, Jansen M, Bunt J, Compter A, Ket H, Schagen SB, Meeteren AYNSV, Partanen M. Artificial and natural interventions for chemotherapy- and / or radiotherapy-induced cognitive impairment: A systematic review of animal studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 157:105514. [PMID: 38135266 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer survivors frequently experience cognitive impairments. This systematic review assessed animal literature to identify artificial (pharmaceutical) or natural interventions (plant/endogenously-derived) to reduce treatment-related cognitive impairments. METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched and SYRCLE's tool was used for risk of bias assessment of the 134 included articles. RESULTS High variability was observed and risk of bias analysis showed overall poor quality of reporting. Results generally showed positive effects in the intervention group versus cancer-therapy only group (67% of 156 cognitive measures), with only 15 (7%) measures reporting cognitive impairment despite intervention. Both artificial (61%) and natural (75%) interventions prevented cognitive impairment. Artificial interventions involving GSK3B inhibitors, PLX5622, and NMDA receptor antagonists, and natural interventions utilizing melatonin, curcumin, and N-acetylcysteine, showed most consistent outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Both artificial and natural interventions may prevent cognitive impairment in rodents, which merit consideration in future clinical trials. Greater consistency in design is needed to enhance the generalizability across studies, including timing of cognitive tests and description of treatments and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Kuil
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - T M C K Varkevisser
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - M H Huisman
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - M Jansen
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - J Bunt
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - A Compter
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - H Ket
- Universiteitsbibliotheek, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - S B Schagen
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - M Partanen
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Larsen PA, Amidi A, Ghith N, Winther JF, Pedersen C. Quality of life of adolescent and adult survivors of childhood cancer in Europe-A systematic review. Int J Cancer 2023; 153:1356-1375. [PMID: 37377041 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Advances in diagnostics and treatment of childhood cancer during the past few decades have substantially increased survival, resulting in a growing population of survivors of childhood cancer. Somatic and mental late effects of the cancer and the treatment may impact the quality of life (QoL). Previous reviews of QoL in survivors of childhood cancer have shown contradictory findings across studies and the majority of studies included have been based on data from North America and may not be directly comparable to a European setting. The aim of our study was to critically evaluate and summarise the latest evidence on the QoL of childhood cancer survivors in Europe and to identify survivors at particular risk. The eligible studies were published between 2008 and 2022, conducted in Europe and included participants who had survived at least 5 years after diagnosis of a childhood cancer. The main outcome of interest was QoL of survivors which was measured with validated qualitative and quantitative QoL questionnaires. A systematic literature search conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINALH resulted in inclusion of 36 articles with a total of 14 342 survivors of childhood cancer. The majority of included studies found that childhood cancer survivors reported poorer QoL than comparisons. Female gender, treatment with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and a brain tumour diagnosis were associated with lower QoL. With a growing population of childhood cancer survivors with many years ahead of them, targeted interventions and optimal follow-up care are important to improve the QoL of survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Amidi
- Unit for Psychooncology and Health Psychology, Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nermin Ghith
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jeanette Falck Winther
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University and University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Camilla Pedersen
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Aarhus, Denmark
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Esbenshade AJ, Sung L, Brackett J, Dupuis LL, Fisher BT, Grimes A, Miller TP, Ullrich NJ, Dvorak CC. Children's Oncology Group's 2023 blueprint for research: Cancer control and supportive care. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70 Suppl 6:e30568. [PMID: 37430431 PMCID: PMC10528808 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the Cancer Control and Supportive Care (CCL) Committee in the Children's Oncology Group (COG) is to reduce the overall morbidity and mortality of therapy-related toxicities in children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer. We have targeted five major domains that cause clinically important toxicity: (i) infections and inflammation; (ii) malnutrition and metabolic dysfunction; (iii) chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting; (iv) neuro- and oto-toxicty; and (v) patient-reported outcomes and health-related quality of life. Subcommittees for each domain prioritize randomized controlled trials and biology aims to determine which strategies best mitigate the toxicities. The findings of these trials are impactful, informing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and directly leading to changes in the standard of care for oncology practice. With the development of new therapies, there will be new toxicities, and the COG CCL Committee is dedicated to developing interventions to minimize acute and delayed toxicities, lessen morbidity and mortality, and improve quality of life in pediatric and young adult patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Esbenshade
- Department of Pediatrics Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lillian Sung
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julienne Brackett
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - L Lee Dupuis
- Department of Pharmacy and Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children and Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Brian T Fisher
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Allison Grimes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Tamara P Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine/Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nicole J Ullrich
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher C Dvorak
- Division of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology & Bone Marrow Transplantation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Papini C, Fayad AA, Wang M, Schulte FSM, Huang IC, Chang YP, Howell RM, Srivastava D, Leisenring WM, Armstrong GT, Gibson TM, Robison LL, Oeffinger KC, Krull KR, Brinkman TM. Emotional, behavioral, and physical health consequences of loneliness in young adult survivors of childhood cancer: Results from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. Cancer 2023; 129:1117-1128. [PMID: 36645710 PMCID: PMC9998368 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young adults in the general population are at risk of experiencing loneliness, which has been associated with physical and mental health morbidities. The prevalence and consequences of loneliness in young adult survivors of childhood cancer remain unknown. METHODS A total of 9664 young adult survivors of childhood cancer (median age at diagnosis 10.5 years [interquartile range (IQR), 5-15], 27.1 years at baseline [IQR, 23-32]) and 2221 siblings enrolled in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study completed a self-reported survey question assessing loneliness on the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 at baseline and follow-up (median follow-up, 6.6 years). Multivariable models evaluated the prevalence of loneliness at baseline only, follow-up only, and baseline + follow-up, and its associations with emotional distress, health behaviors, and chronic conditions at follow-up. RESULTS Survivors were more likely than siblings to report loneliness at baseline + follow-up (prevalence ratio [PR] 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7-3.0) and at follow-up only (PR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.7). Loneliness at baseline + follow-up was associated with elevated risk of anxiety (relative risk [RR], 9.8; 95% CI, 7.5-12.7), depression (RR, 17.9; 95% CI, 14.1-22.7), and current smoking (odds ratio [OR], 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3-2.3) at follow-up. Loneliness at follow-up only was associated with suicidal ideation (RR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.1), heavy/risky alcohol consumption (RR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.5), and new-onset grade 2-4 chronic conditions (RR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0-1.7). CONCLUSIONS Young adult survivors of childhood cancer have elevated risk of experiencing loneliness, which is associated with future emotional distress, risky health behaviors, and new-onset chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Papini
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Mingjuan Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - I-Chan Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Yu-Ping Chang
- School of Nursing, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, NY, USA
| | - Rebecca M. Howell
- Department of Radiation Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Deokumar Srivastava
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Wendy M. Leisenring
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gregory T. Armstrong
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Leslie L. Robison
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kevin C. Oeffinger
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kevin R. Krull
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Tara M. Brinkman
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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9
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Ng DQ, Ritt-Olson A, Freyer DR, Miller KA, Thomas SM, Milam J, Chan A. Substance Use Among Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer With Cognitive Impairment: An Analysis of the Project Forward Cohort. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:e345-e354. [PMID: 36508698 PMCID: PMC10022886 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Young adult childhood cancer survivors (YACCSs) are often impacted by cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) and psychological distress. Using the Project Forward Cohort, we evaluated the relationship between CRCI and substance use behaviors. METHODS YACCSs were surveyed between 2015 and 2018 (N = 1,106, female = 50.8%, Hispanic = 51.5%, median age = 25.5 years). Associations between CRCI and substance use (tobacco, binge drinking, marijuana, prescription drug misuse, and e-cigarette/vaporizer) were examined in multivariate logistic or log-binomial regressions, adjusting for child at diagnosis (0-14 years), years since diagnosis, sex, race/ethnicity, cancer type, and treatment intensity. Mediation analysis was performed to determine opportunities for interventions. RESULTS CRCI was reported by 144 (13.0%) survivors. The highest prevalence was observed in CNS cancers (25.4%) and leukemia (13.3%) survivors. After covariate adjustment, CRCI was associated with 2.26 times the odds of prior 30-day vaping (95% CI, 1.24 to 4.11; P = .007). Mediators with significant indirect effects in the CRCI-vaping relationship include depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale) and having two or more cancer-related late effects (P < .05). CONCLUSION CRCI among YACCSs was associated with reports of vaping. Oncologists should screen for vaping behavior if CRCI is apparent. Increasing access to long-term follow-up clinics, addressing physical and mental health issues, and monitoring and educating on vaping and other substance use behaviors is recommended to improve the long-term health of YACCSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding Quan Ng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Anamara Ritt-Olson
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - David R. Freyer
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Kimberly A. Miller
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Stefanie M. Thomas
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Joel Milam
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Alexandre Chan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
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10
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Ruble K, Paré-Blagoev J, Carey LB, Milla K, Thornton CP, Henegan S, Jacobson LA. Strategies to improve communication about neurocognitive impacts in pediatric oncology: Quality improvement findings. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30072. [PMID: 36326122 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurocognitive deficits are common among children who receive central nervous system (CNS)-directed therapy for childhood cancer. Parents report that they lack information from and communication with oncology providers about neurocognitive impacts of therapy. Furthermore, oncology providers report they lack training and institutional support to appropriately address the neurocognitive needs of these patients/families. METHODS A parent/provider stakeholder informed, quality improvement (QI) project was conducted to educate providers about neurocognitive impacts, increase parent/provider communication, and improve adherence to supportive care guidelines for neuropsychological assessment for children receiving CNS-directed therapy. A 1-h Continuing Medical Education (CME) course was developed to educate providers about neurocognitive impacts and their relation to schooling. A provider-focused electronic medical record (EMR) strategy was used to deliver parent stakeholder-informed return-to-school "roadmaps," with prompts to scaffold parent/provider communication and enhance documentation of findings. RESULTS Hospital-based CME sessions were attended by 76% (41 out of 54) of providers from our institution. Among the 34 who completed both pretest and posttest, the mean knowledge score improved from 56% at pretest to 74% at posttest. Compliance with the EMR strategy was 80% and there was a 42% increase in neuropsychological assessment referrals. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that this QI project is an example of a successful parent/provider stakeholder collaboration that achieved demonstrable positive change in the areas of provider knowledge, patient/provider communication, and alignment of neuropsychological assessment referrals with existing guidelines. Our results confirm that improving knowledge, communication, and compliance with neuropsychological standards of care is possible with this evidence-based approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Ruble
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Juliana Paré-Blagoev
- Division of Advanced Studies in Education, Johns Hopkins University School of Education, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Lisa B Carey
- Division of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kimberly Milla
- Division of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Clifton P Thornton
- Center for Pediatric Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Children's Hospital of Phildelphia, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Sydney Henegan
- Department of Nursing, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, MD, United States
| | - Lisa A Jacobson
- Division of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Division of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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11
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Chipeeva N, Deviaterikova A, Glebova E, Romanova E, Karelin A, Kasatkin V. Comparison of Neurocognitive Functioning and Fine Motor Skills in Pediatric Cancer Survivors and Healthy Children. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235982. [PMID: 36497461 PMCID: PMC9738267 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235982] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The late treatment outcomes of pediatric brain tumors and of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissue tumors are an important focus of both rehabilitation and research. Neurocognitive and motor disorders induce further learning problems impeding social-emotional adaptation throughout a whole lifespan. Core deficits in short-term and working memory, visuospatial constructional ability, verbal fluency, and fine motor skills underlie distorted intellectual and academic achievement. This study aimed to assess the individual differences in cognitive ability and fine motor skills of pediatric tumor survivors and the age-matched healthy controls. Methods: A total of 504 tumor survivors after treatment and 646 age-matched healthy controls underwent neurocognitive and fine motor assessments. Findings: The group of tumor survivors scored significantly worse in both neurocognitive and fine motor skill in compared with the healthy control group. The pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBT group) performed worse in cognitive (p < 0.001 for verbal fluency and p < 0.001 for visuospatial constructional ability) and motor tests (p < 0.001) compared to the healthy controls. Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues tumors survivors (THL group) performed worse in verbal fluency (p < 0.01) and visuospatial constructional test (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Furthermore, the PBT group had worse results in visuospatial constructional ability (p < 0.05) and fine motor (p < 0.001) ability than the THL group. Significant differences between females and males were found in fine motor test performance in the PBT group (p < 0.05), as well as in verbal fluency (p < 0.01) and visuospatial constructional ability (p < 0.01) in the control group. Neurocognitive and fine motor skill characteristics in the THL group did not correlate with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezda Chipeeva
- Research Institute for Brain Development and Peak Performance, Peoples Friendship University of Russia, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-950-737-08-43
| | - Alena Deviaterikova
- Research Institute for Brain Development and Peak Performance, Peoples Friendship University of Russia, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Glebova
- Research Institute for Brain Development and Peak Performance, Peoples Friendship University of Russia, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elizaveta Romanova
- Research Institute for Brain Development and Peak Performance, Peoples Friendship University of Russia, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Karelin
- Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Kasatkin
- Research Institute for Brain Development and Peak Performance, Peoples Friendship University of Russia, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology, 117198 Moscow, Russia
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12
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Cr V, Das G, Seth R, Sapra S, Sri P, Meena JP, Gupta AK, Sreenivas V. Neurocognitive outcomes in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Experience from a tertiary care center in India. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29688. [PMID: 35403813 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data of neurocognitive deficits in survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is scarce from low middle-income countries (LMICs), and is influenced by biological and cultural variations. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and spectrum of neurocognitive deficits in a cohort of survivors from India. PROCEDURE Seventy survivors of childhood ALL were evaluated for neurocognitive deficits by the Indian adaptation of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fourth Edition (WISC-IVINDIA ). The prevalence of neurocognitive deficits was calculated based on the full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ), and scores in discrete domains like verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed were calculated and compared to demographics, treatment, and sociocultural factors. RESULTS The mean (SD) current age and time since diagnosis was 10.5 (±3.2) years and 5 (±2.8) years, respectively. The mean FSIQ was 86.1 ± 20.5, with significant neurocognitive deficit (FSIQ <90) being prevalent in 50% (95% CI: 38%-62%) of the cohort. The proportion of survivors with deficits in individual domains of verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed were 49%, 50%, 47%, and 44%, respectively. The odds of having neurocognitive deficits were higher when a child belonged to lower socioeconomic strata (OR 5.7, p = .004), parents with lower education attainment (OR 4.3, p = .041), and whose birth order was higher (OR 20.1, p = .005). Age at diagnosis/assessment, chemotherapy received, or dose of radiotherapy did not have a direct impact on neurocognition. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Rates of neurocognitive deficits are higher in survivors in LMICs, with socioeconomic variables contributing more than the direct neurotoxic effects of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishwa Cr
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Gargi Das
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rachna Seth
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Savita Sapra
- Division of Child Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Prasanth Sri
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Jagdish Prasad Meena
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Aditya Kumar Gupta
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vishnu Sreenivas
- Department of Biostatistics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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13
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A review of long-term deficits in memory systems following radiotherapy for pediatric posterior fossa tumor. Radiother Oncol 2022; 174:111-122. [PMID: 35640769 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2022.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In recent years, progress in pediatric posterior fossa tumor (PFT) treatments has improved survival rates. However, the majority of survivors present neurocognitive sequelae that impact academic achievement. METHODS This review examines the literature from 2000 to 2020 on long-term outcomes in different memory systems for survivors of pediatric PFT, considering the impact of radiotherapy which is a well-known prognostic factor for global neurocognitive function. RESULTS Of the 43 articles selected, 31 explored working memory, 19 episodic memory, 9 semantic memory and 2 procedural memory. Irradiated survivors had scores of < -2 standard deviation (SD) (n = 4 studies/25) or between -2SD and -1SD (n =7 studies/25) for working memory; < -1SD for anterograde memory (n = 11/13), with a progressive decline in these two memory systems; < -1SD (n = 4/7) in semantic memory, and a deficit in perceptual-motor procedural learning (n = 1/1). Reducing craniospinal irradiation dose, limiting tumor bed boosts, and using proton therapy seem to have had a beneficial effect with better preservation of the memory score and a reduction in the decline over time. Non-irradiated survivors had memory systems that were less affected, with preservation of anterograde memory and maintenance of long-term stability. CONCLUSION Memory deficits are a core feature in survivors of pediatric PFT, especially when treatment requires radiotherapy. To limit these effects, dose constraints for specific brain areas involved in memory should be defined. During long-term follow-up, specific attention is essential to identify these deficits in order to limit their impact on the quality of life.
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14
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Refractory Epilepsy as a Late Effect of Chemoradiation in Childhood Cancer: A Case Series. Pediatr Neurol 2022; 127:56-59. [PMID: 34971847 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seizures are a common complication of both primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors and other oncologic processes with CNS involvement. They occur most frequently during induction or consolidation therapy, but there is a growing body of evidence that they can also develop later in life. Refractory epilepsy can develop as a late complication for survivors of pediatric cancer with CNS involvement who undergo chemoradiation therapy. PATIENT DESCRIPTIONS We report three patients who presented with atypical nonconvulsive seizures (behavioral arrest, falls, nonsensical speech) up to 14 years after cancer diagnosis. All underwent whole-brain radiation in addition to chemotherapy. None had a prior epilepsy diagnosis or known prior seizures. One patient suddenly passed away of unclear causes five months after diagnosis, and the other two continued to have EEG findings consistent with cerebral dysfunction and epileptogenicity years after diagnosis. CONCLUSION We hypothesize that the development of refractory epilepsy may be a late effect of radiation treatment. Given the high morbidity and mortality associated with epilepsy, early identification is crucial to improve outcomes and quality of life for this vulnerable population. This is especially true for patients with medication-refractory epilepsy as there is an increasing breadth of effective surgical options.
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15
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Hardy KK, Hudson MM, Krull KR. Life-Altering Consequences of Neurocognitive Impairment in Survivors of Pediatric Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2021; 39:1693-1695. [PMID: 33886347 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.00211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina K Hardy
- Neuropsychology Division, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC.,Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Melissa M Hudson
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.,Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Kevin R Krull
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.,Department of Psychology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
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