Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Quantifying Cognitive Decrements Caused by Cranial Radiotherapy
Published on: October 18, 2011
Late effects following central nervous system radiation in a pediatric population
V N Avizonis1, D B Fuller, J W Thomson
1LDS Hospital, SLC, UT.
Insights
Radiation therapy for childhood central nervous system malignancies can impact growth and endocrine function. Higher radiation doses, particularly to the pituitary, are linked to decreased height and increased endocrine deficiencies in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Neuro-oncology
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) malignancies are a significant concern in pediatric oncology.
- Radiation therapy has been a cornerstone treatment for various pediatric CNS tumors.
- Long-term effects of radiation on growth, endocrine function, and neurocognition require careful evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the late effects of radiation therapy on growth, endocrine function, IQ, and hair regrowth in children treated for CNS malignancy.
- To identify specific treatment parameters, such as radiation dose and location, associated with adverse outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 120 children treated with radiation therapy for CNS malignancy between 1970 and 1986.
- Evaluation of growth, endocrine function (including somatomedin-C levels), IQ, and hair regrowth in a subset of 51 patients.
- Correlation of late effects with radiation dose, treatment volume, tumor histology, and patient demographics.
Main Results:
- Mean height was 1.5 standard deviations below the mean, with significant reductions in patients receiving pituitary radiation or with somatomedin-C deficiency.
- Pituitary radiation increased the likelihood of endocrine deficiency (p=0.004); 21/51 patients had somatomedin-C deficiency.
- Mean IQ was 92.7, with a trend toward decreased IQ correlating with higher whole-brain radiation doses. Hair regrowth was diminished with increased radiation volume and dose.
Conclusions:
- Radiation therapy for pediatric CNS malignancies is associated with significant long-term effects on growth and endocrine function.
- Pituitary radiation dose is a critical factor in endocrine dysfunction.
- While IQ and hair regrowth may also be affected, these outcomes appear less sensitive to specific treatment parameters compared to growth and endocrine function.
Abstract:
Between 1970 and 1986, 120 children with central nervous system malignancy were treated with radiation therapy. These included 44 low-grade astrocytomas, 11 high grade astrocytomas, 32 medulloblastomas, 15 ependymomas/ependymoblastomas, 3 primitive neuroectodermal tumors and 8 pineal tumors. Seven children were treated without biopsy. Fifty-one treated children were evaluated for the effects of therapy on growth, endocrine function, IQ and hair regrowth. Mean height was 1.5 standard deviations below the mean height for the patient's age at study (range 0-5.7). Height was significantly less in patients receiving radiation to the pituitary and those with somatomedin-C deficiency. Height was also decreased with whole CNS radiation and spine dose > 20 Gy but not to a significant degree. Pituitary radiation in any dose increased the chance of endocrine deficiency (p = 0.004) and 21 of 51 patients had somatomedin-C deficiency. Mean IQ was 92.7 (+/- 18.8), with a slight trend toward decreased IQ with increasing whole brain dose of radiation. Hair regrowth was complete in 20 of 46 evaluated patients, diminished regrowth occurring with increasing volume and dose of radiation. No difference in the measured late effects could be detected with respect to age at treatment, sex, histology or location of tumor.
Related Concept Videos
02:59Biological Effects of Radiation
01:25Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology