title: Psychosocial adjustment in long-term survivors of childhood medulloblastoma and ependymoma treated with craniospinal irradiation.
abstract: Improved prognosis for pediatric brain tumors has stimulated research into the quality of life of survivors. To assess cognitive function and psychosocial and family adjustment among this population, 18 long-term survivors of childhood medulloblastoma or posterior fossa ependymoma treated with surgical resection and craniospinal irradiation were interviewed and administered achievement tests and psychosocial questionnaires. A majority of parents reported significant difficulty caring for their child with a brain tumor, but no significant adverse effects upon the family. Academic achievement was significantly impaired in 12/18 subjects. Psychosocial adjustment was normal in 10/18 subjects. Although specific treatment variables (radiation dosage, chemotherapy, etc.) were not significantly related to these two outcome measures, impaired academic achievement was correlated with young age at diagnosis (p < 0.05) and impaired psychosocial adjustment was correlated with greater time since diagnosis (p < 0.05). Overall quality of life reported by these individuals appears to be acceptable but neuropsychological and psychosocial examination is clearly indicated as part of the follow-up program.
authors.affiliation: Children's Hospital and Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle 98105.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Seaver
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Geyer
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sulzbacher
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Warner
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Batzel
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Milstein
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Berger
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D002648:Child; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D016371:Cranial Irradiation / Q000379:methods*; D004806:Ependymoma / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D008297:Male; D008527:Medulloblastoma / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012917:Social Adjustment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013534:Survival