A systematic review of interventions for neurocognitive dysfunctions in
patients and survivors of a pediatric brain tumor.
Abstract
Due to a high burden of neurocognitive impairment on patients with a
pediatric brain tumor, interventions mitigating these symptoms are
highly needed. Currently, evidence on the efficacy and feasibility of
such interventions remain scarce. A systematic literature study was
performed based on four different databases (PubMed, Web of Science Core
Collection, Embase and PsycArticles). Resulting articles (n=2232) were
screened based on title and abstract, and full text. We included 28
articles, investigating cognitive effects of either a lifestyle
intervention (n=6), a cognitive training (n=15), or pharmacological
intervention (n=7). The most frequently studied interventions were the
Cogmed and methylphenidate. Most interventions showed short-term
efficacy. Fewer interventions also showed long-term maintenance of
positive results. Despite positive trends of these interventions,
results are heterogeneous, suggesting relatively limited efficacy of
existing interventions and more potential of more individualized as well
as multimodal approaches for future interventions.