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[Psychological sequelae in longterm cancer survivors]
M C Benedito Monleón1, J A López Andreu, I Serra EstellésI
1Unidad de Oncología Pediátrica, Hospital Infantil La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
Anales Espanoles De Pediatria
|January 10, 2001
Summary
Long-term childhood cancer survivors generally have normal intelligence, but lower scores are linked to cranial radiotherapy, older age at diagnosis, and relapses. Survivors showed resilience, with higher depression rates but lower anxiety than the general population.
Area of Science:
- Childhood oncology
- Neuropsychology
- Long-term survivorship
Context:
- Childhood cancer survivors face potential long-term cognitive and emotional challenges.
- Understanding these sequelae is crucial for comprehensive post-treatment care.
- This study evaluates psychological outcomes in survivors at least 10 years post-diagnosis.
Purpose:
- To analyze psychological sequelae in long-term childhood cancer survivors.
- To correlate cognitive (IQ) and emotional (anxiety, depression) changes with diagnostic and therapeutic variables.
- To assess the relationship between these changes and sensory impairments (visual, auditory).
Summary:
- 138 survivors (leukemia, solid tumors) diagnosed before age 15 were assessed.
- Cognitive function (IQ), anxiety, depression, and sensory function were evaluated.
- Lower IQ scores correlated with cranial radiotherapy, intrathecal methotrexate, and relapses.
Impact:
- Childhood cancer survivors' intelligence quotient (IQ) is generally within normal limits.
- Cranial radiotherapy, age at diagnosis, and relapses negatively impact IQ.
- Survivors exhibit successful emotional coping, with increased depression but negligible anxiety compared to the general population.