Monitoring and Assessment of Neuropsychological Outcomes as a Standard of Care in Pediatric Oncology

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2015 Dec:62 Suppl 5:S460-513. doi: 10.1002/pbc.25749.

Abstract

Central nervous system cancers or exposure to CNS-directed therapies increase risk for neuropsychological deficits. There are no accepted guidelines for assessment of neuropsychological functioning in this population. A multifaceted literature search was conducted and relevant literature reviewed to inform the guidelines. Studies of neuropsychological outcomes are widely documented in the pediatric oncology literature. There is strong evidence of need for neuropsychological assessment, but insufficient evidence to guide the timing of assessment, nor to recommend specific interventions. Children with brain tumors and others at high risk for neuropsychological deficits should be monitored and assessed for neuropsychological deficits.

Keywords: children; neuropsychology; outcomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Brain Neoplasms / complications
  • Central Nervous System / drug effects
  • Central Nervous System / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Neuropsychological Tests / standards*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Standard of Care / standards*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents