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Pediatric Cancer Survivors: Neurocognitive Late Effects

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Pediatric Cancer, Volume 2

Part of the book series: Pediatric Cancer ((PECA,volume 2))

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Abstract

Neurocognitive deficits are a common late effect experienced by pediatric cancer survivors and can manifest across a variety of domains including: attention and concentration, executive functioning, processing speed, psychomotor skills, verbal memory, visuospatial skills, and language (Moore J, Pediatr Psychol 30:51–63, 2005). Deficits have also been found to manifest across the broader domains of global intellectual functioning and academic performance. These deficits, however, seem to be limited to the specific diagnoses of leukemia and brain tumors. This is largely due to the aggressive CNS-directed treatments, as they induce inalterable structural damage to the brain, which has been linked back to observable deficits in neurocognitive functioning. Preliminary research also indicates that neurocognitive deficits can have serious implications for survivors’ overall functional capabilities as well as their general quality of life. As such, a variety of interventions have begun to be developed in order to address these issues. However, research surrounding these two areas is still in its infancy. Future research needs to address how neurocognitive late effects interfere with greater functional capabilities and general quality of life as well as how interventions can help combat these problems.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychology Department, University of New Mexico, MSC03 2220, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001, USA

    Sarah Hile Ph.D. & Erica Montague M.S.

  2. Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Psychology Services, 360 Sherman Street # 200, St. Paul, MN, 55102, USA

    Bonnie Carlson-Green Ph.D. (Pediatric Neuropsychologist)

  3. Division of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Primary Children’s Medical Center, 100 North Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84113-1100, USA

    Paul Colte Psy.D.

  4. Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 333 N. Santa Rosa Street – 8th floor, San Antonio, TX, 78207, USA

    Leanne Embry Ph.D.

  5. Department of Pediatrics and Psychology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA

    Robert D. Annett Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Sarah Hile Ph.D.
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  2. Erica Montague M.S.
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  3. Bonnie Carlson-Green Ph.D.
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  4. Paul Colte Psy.D.
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  5. Leanne Embry Ph.D.
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  6. Robert D. Annett Ph.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Robert D. Annett Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Kean University, Room 213, Library building, Morris Avenue 1000, Union, 07083, New Jersey, USA

    M.A. Hayat

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Hile, S., Montague, E., Carlson-Green, B., Colte, P., Embry, L., Annett, R.D. (2012). Pediatric Cancer Survivors: Neurocognitive Late Effects. In: Hayat, M. (eds) Pediatric Cancer, Volume 2. Pediatric Cancer, vol 2. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2957-5_23

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