An improved methodology for modeling neurobehavioral late-effects of radiotherapy in pediatric brain tumors.
BACKGROUND
Technical advances in radiation oncology provide new opportunities to study neurobehavioral outcomes of radiation therapy (RT) in children treated for brain tumors.


METHODS
In this study, we describe an approach to modeling late-effects using integral biologically effective dose (IBED) combined with improved measurement of critical neuropsychological functions.


RESULTS
IBED was found to provide more differentiated information about dose distribution than prescribed dose in five subjects treated for brain tumors. Furthermore, IBED was more closely related than was prescribed dose to specific changes in Attention 2-3 years post-RT.


CONCLUSIONS
Results support the feasibility of this methodology as well as promising preliminary evidence of the relationship of IBED to the construct of Attention. Improved modeling could lead to more refined radiation therapy protocols that preserve critical neuropsychological functions and also provide new insights into the treatment of neurobehavioral sequelae.
Ris
M Douglas
MD
Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Children's Hospital Medical Center, Ohio 45229, USA. douglas.ris@cchmc.org
Ryan
Patricia McDonough
PM
Lamba
Michael
M
Brenemen
John
J
Cecil
Kim
K
Succop
Paul
P
Ball
William
W
D001288:Attention; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D002648:Child; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D008954:Models, Biological; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011874:Radiometry; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*; D012062:Relative Biological Effectiveness; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013997:Time Factors