Executive function late effects in survivors of pediatric brain tumors and acute lymphoblastic leukemia

J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2014;36(8):818-30. doi: 10.1080/13803395.2014.943695. Epub 2014 Aug 15.

Abstract

Background: Survivors of pediatric brain tumors (BT) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are at risk for neurocognitive late effects related to executive function.

Procedure: Survivors of BT (48) and ALL (50) completed neurocognitive assessment. Executive function was compared to estimated IQ and population norms by diagnostic group.

Results: Both BT and ALL demonstrated relative executive function weaknesses. As a group, BT survivors demonstrated weaker executive functioning than expected for age. Those BT survivors with deficits exhibited a profile suggestive of global executive dysfunction, while affected ALL survivors tended to demonstrate specific rapid naming deficits.

Conclusion: Findings suggest that pediatric BT and ALL survivors may exhibit different profiles of executive function late effects, which may necessitate distinct intervention plans.

Keywords: Brain tumor; Executive function; Late effects; Leukemia; Pediatric.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brain Neoplasms / complications*
  • Child
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Executive Function / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / complications*
  • Survivors / psychology*