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Published on: November 17, 2021
Neurodevelopmental outcomes of children with low-grade gliomas
1Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3039, USA. douglas.ris@cchmc.org
Insights
Children with low-grade gliomas (LGGs) face significant neurobehavioral challenges post-treatment. Further research is crucial to understand and mitigate these long-term cognitive and behavioral effects in pediatric brain tumor survivors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuropsychology
- Childhood Brain Tumors
Background:
- Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) have high survival rates but are understudied for long-term effects.
- Survivors are often presumed to have favorable neurobehavioral outcomes, leading to less research compared to higher-grade tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on neurobehavioral effects in pediatric LGG survivors.
- To highlight the need for further investigation into cognitive and behavioral outcomes in this population.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on neurobehavioral effects in pediatric low-grade glioma survivors.
- Analysis of findings from small- and large-scale studies comparing LGG survivors to healthy peers.
Main Results:
- Low-grade gliomas represent a large, understudied group of pediatric brain tumor survivors.
- Studies indicate an increased risk in multiple cognitive-behavioral domains after LGG treatment.
- These risks are not uniform and depend on tumor location and treatment modalities.
Conclusions:
- A lifespan development perspective is essential for understanding LGG survivor risks.
- Further research is recommended on effective biopsychosocial treatment models and educational needs.
- Investigations into genetic influences and prospective, longitudinal studies are also advised.
Abstract:
As a group, children with low-grade gliomas (LGGs) enjoy a high rate of long-term survival and do not require the intensity of neurotoxic treatments used with higher risk pediatric brain tumors. Because they are generally considered to have favorable neurobehavioral outcomes, they have not been studied as thoroughly as higher-grade brain tumors by late-effects researchers. In this article, we review the literature on the neurobehavioral effects associated with low-grade gliomas and conclude that, (1) this is a large, understudied group of survivors of pediatric brain tumors; (2) recent small- and large-scale studies document increased risk in multiple cognitive-behavioral domains after treatment for LGGs compared with healthy peers; (3) such risk is not uniform but varies with tumor location and treatments; and (4) a life span development perspective is essential to a complete understanding of the risks faced by these children. More research on the most efficacious biopsychosocial treatment models for improving the outcomes of survivors of low-grade glioma is recommended, informed by a better understanding of theireducational needs. Investigations of genetic influences on outcome as well as prospective studies of these patients as they age are also recommended.
