Brain tumors in children leaves a permanent mark in the knowledge

Brain tumors in children cast a pall over the survivors. The first study on the lasting impact of these tumors - the solid tumors most common in children - shows that survivors are being cognitive problems. They also released less education, employment and income than their brothers and sisters and survivors of other cancers, according to a report published by the American Psychological Association. Given the risks now seen to meet survivors of the brain (also known as the central nervous system or CNS) cancer, the programs are making the transition to independent support in adulthood is essential, says study in the November issue of Neuropsychology.

The findings, part of a major Childhood Cancer Survivor Study conducted by nine major medical centers have been on a study by Leah Ellenberg, Ph.D., member of the clinical faculty of the School of Medicine David Geffen at the University of California, Los Angeles, coordinated basis.

The researchers sent a questionnaire in 25 points for cancer survivors neurocognitive at least 16 years after a diagnosis of cancer. Some have survived 785 CNS cancer survivors 5870 not CNS cancers such as leukemia, Hodgkin's disease and bone tumors and 379 siblings of cancer survivors CNS returned with enough information to analyze. In a significant minority of cases, "said the other for survivors of CNS cancer, an informal difficulties that may, in some, say the authors somebody.

The study was largely supported four hypotheses:

* CNS cancer survivors reported significantly more dysfunctional neurocognitive their brothers and sisters, and as survivors of other cancers.

* Although the major problems have been reported in the memory and task efficiency (high score on items such as "I do not know what I'm in the middle of things" and "I'm slower than others, if the completion of my work "), all aspects Recognizing affected were interviewed, including emotional regulation and organization. More than half of cancer survivors CNS reported significant problems with at least one task, the point of efficiency, more than three times higher than among siblings of the group.

* The biggest problems were cancer survivors CNS neurocognitive, motor or sensory issues important after treatment who were treated with radiotherapy, have seen their heads, and tumors were reported in the cerebral cortex rather than regions brain less.

* The neurocognitive problems were significantly associated with poorer adjustment in adulthood, which appears in poorer outcomes in education and employment to full time income, married and less likely the be.

Also medical complications such as stroke, paralysis, hearing loss, fluid structure and a shunt was necessary to cause more problems in all cognitive functions. Brain irradiation particularly affected by task efficiency and memory - but how much depends on the amount of radiation. And even with a low risk of brain tumor patients undergoing surgery was, but no radiation survived when compared to other cancers affected as a group.

"It shows [the report] the need for continued attention to reducing the long-term adverse effects of CNS malignant tumors and their treatment," wrote the authors. They expressed particular concern about radiation, since it affects the white matter of the brain, especially in childhood, slows cell communication and causes motor, sensory or neurocognitive problems.

The authors continue: "It will be important benefits of early and consistent use of compensatory strategies, including assistive technologies to investigate the transitional institutions, to promote independent living and improve the investment and coaching to business results.