title: Craniopharyngioma radiotherapy: endocrine and cognitive effects.
abstract: Potential existing and treatment associated deficits in neurological, endocrine and cognitive function influence treatment decisions and the use of radiation therapy in children with craniopharyngioma. Neurological deficits are uncommon after radiation therapy, endocrine deficiencies are typically present prior to treatment, and cognitive effects depend on a wide range of clinical and treatment-related factors in addition to radiation dosimetry. Early and accurate evaluation of these functions should be considered for all patients to provide parents and caregivers with the information necessary to plan intervention and mitigate the consequences of tumor and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Division of Radiation Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 332 North Lauderdale Street, Memphis, TN 38104, USA. thomas.merchant@stjude.org
authors.forename: Thomas E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Merchant
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003397:Craniopharyngioma / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D015259:Dopamine Agents; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000172:deficiency; D006801:Humans; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D007980:Levodopa; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010907:Pituitary Hormones / Q000097:blood; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D015259:Dopamine Agents; D010907:Pituitary Hormones; D019382:Human Growth Hormone; D007980:Levodopa