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Neurodevelopmental Outcome of Childhood Cancer Survivors Treated at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex

D Coombs1, C Bodkyn2, J Ramcharan3

  • 1Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.

The West Indian Medical Journal
|March 25, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Childhood cancer survivors treated at EWMSC showed developmental delays, particularly in cognitive function. Close monitoring is recommended to ensure timely interventions for better long-term outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
  • Childhood Cancer Survivorship

Background:

  • Childhood cancer treatment can impact long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • Early identification of developmental delays is crucial for intervention in pediatric cancer survivors.
  • The Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) treats various childhood cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the neurodevelopmental status of childhood cancer survivors treated at EWMSC.
  • To identify potential factors influencing neurodevelopmental outcomes in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 26 children, treated for various childhood cancers at EWMSC between January 2003 and March 2012, were evaluated.
  • Participants had completed treatment and were in remission.
  • The McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities (MSCA) was administered to assess neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Main Results:

  • A significant proportion of survivors (15.4%) exhibited a general cognitive index (GCI) below 68.
  • Children's mean estimated mental age was significantly lower than their mean actual age (p = 0.0086).
  • Statistically significant gender differences were observed in GCI, with males scoring lower than females (p = 0.0302).

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric cancer survivors treated at EWMSC demonstrate developmental delays.
  • Close developmental monitoring is essential for early detection and intervention.
  • Proactive management supports survivors' transition to independent adult life post-cancer.
Abstract

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