Neurocognitive impairment, employment, and social status in radiotherapy-treated adult survivors of childhood brain tumors. Issue 3 (22nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Remes, Tiina M; Hovén, Emma; Ritari, Niina; Pohjasniemi, Heli; Puosi, Riina; Arikoski, Pekka M; Arola, Mikko O; Lähteenmäki, Päivi M; Lönnqvist, Tuula R I; Ojaniemi, Marja K; Riikonen, V Pekka; Sirkiä, Kirsti H; Winqvist, Satu; Rantala, Heikki M J; Harila, Marika; Harila-Saari, Arja H
• Is Part Of: Neuro-oncology practice. Volume 8:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 266
• Page End: 277
• Publication Date: 2021-01-22
• Subjects: brain tumor -- employment -- neurocognitive impairment -- radiation -- social status; Brain -- Tumors -- Periodicals; Brain -- Cancer -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Cancer -- Periodicals; 616.99481005
• DOI: 10.1093/nop/npab004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2054-2577

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Little is known of the cognitive functions, employment, and social status in adult survivors of childhood brain tumor (BT). We aimed to determine the long-term neurocognitive profile of radiotherapy-treated adult survivors of childhood BT and the relationship between cognitive functions and employment and social status. Methods: Neurocognitive profiles of survivors were assessed in a Finnish national cohort of 71 radiotherapy-treated survivors of childhood BT (median follow-up time: 21 years [range: 5-33 years]) using a cross-sectional design. Neurocognitive outcomes were compared to control (n = 45) and normative values. Tumor- and treatment-related data were collected from the patient files. Information on employment and social status was gathered. Results: Survivors' (median age: 27 years [range: 16-43 years]) median verbal and performance intelligence quotient (IQ) was 90 (range: 49-121) and 87 (range: 43-119), respectively. The cognitive domains with the greatest impairment were executive functions (median z score, −3.5 SD [range: −25.0 to 1.3 SD]), and processing speed and attention (median z score, −2.5 SD [range: −24.9 to 0.5 SD]). Executive functions were associated with employment, educational level, living independently, having an intimate relationship, and having a driving license. Processing speed and attention were related to educational level, living independently, having an intimate relationship, and having a driving license. Performance IQ was associated with educational level and employment status. Working memory was associated with educational level and living independently. Conclusions: Radiotherapy-treated adult survivors of childhood BT experience significant neurocognitive impairment, which is associated with difficulties related to employment and social status.