title: Parental follow-through of neuropsychological recommendations for childhood-cancer survivors.
abstract: In the past 40 years, outcomes for children with cancer have changed considerably. The survival rate has increased to approximately 80%. With success and survival come detriments that often occur over time called late effects of cancer treatment. When the central nervous system is treated with radiation or chemotherapy, we often see impairment to the senses, cognition, and learning. For children who receive central nervous system treatment, follow-up with a neuropsychological evaluation is an excellent tool to evaluate learning and behavior in relationship to a child's brain. The authors' research examined neuropsychological evaluations for common themes related to diagnosis, age, sex, and/or treatment received, and the authors investigated whether the families implemented recommendations suggested in the neuropsychological evaluation. Less than 50% of recommendations from evaluations were implemented. The authors found that families need ongoing support and knowledge to implement the neuropsychological testing recommendations. Families need assistance navigating the school system and advocating for their child's needs. Continued surveillance of the child's academic needs by both the psychology and oncology teams is essential for long-term success.
authors.affiliation: Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA. joquille@nemours.org
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Quillen
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Crawford
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Plummer
authors.forename: Holli
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bradley
authors.forename: Rochelle
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Glidden
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult