Early Psychosocial and Executive Functioning Outcomes in Pediatric Brain
Tumor Survivors After Proton Radiation
Abstract
Background: Pediatric brain tumor survivors can experience
detrimental effects from radiation treatment. Proton radiation therapy
(PRT), which enables better targeting of radiation to tumors, may result
in fewer sequelae. This follow-up cross-sectional study examined
psychosocial and executive functioning in children and young adults
treated with PRT. Procedure: Psychosocial and executive
functioning was assessed by standardized parent rating scales for 187
patients. The sample was divided by age at baseline (<6 years
[35.8%] and ≥6 years [64.2%]) and PRT field (craniospinal
irradiation (CSI [36.9%]) and focal [63.1%]). Rates of
impairment were calculated. Results: Mean age was 8.49 years at
baseline; mean follow-up interval was 3.84 years. All mean scores were
within the normal range and within normative expectation. Younger CSI
group had significantly more problem behaviors and lower adaptive skills
compared to older CSI or focal groups; however, no significant
differences were found between younger PRT groups. There were no
significant differences in executive functioning between the four
age-by-PRT-field groups. Rates of impairment exceeded expected rates in
social withdrawal, somatic concerns, activities of daily living, and
metacognitive executive functioning. Age group was not significantly
related to impairment rates, although the younger group had more
problems with withdrawal, anxiety, activities of daily living, and
executive functioning with relatively higher anxiety and withdrawal in
the younger CSI group. Conclusions: Psychosocial and executive
functioning was within the normal range at follow-up. Younger patients,
particularly those treated with CSI, appeared more vulnerable. Screening
and proactive intervention are needed to support psychosocial well-being
and executive functions.