Cortical Morphometry and Its Relationship with Cognitive Functions in Children after non-CNS Cancer

Background: Childhood cancer survivors (Ccs) are at risk for cognitive late-effects, which might result from cortical alterations, even if cancer does not affect the brain. The study aimed to examine gray and white matter volume and its relationship to cognition. Methods: Forty-three Ccs of non-central nervous system cancers and 43 healthy controls, aged 7-16 years, were examined. Cognitive functions and fine motor coordination were assessed and T1-weighted images were collected for voxel-based morphometry. Results: Executive functions (p = .024, d = .31) were poorer in Ccs than controls, however still within the normal range. The volume of the amygdala (p = .011, ŋ.117) and the striatum (p = .03, ŋ.102) was reduced in Ccs. No significant structure-function correlations were found, neither in patients nor controls. Conclusion: Non-CNS childhood cancer and its treatment impacts on brain structures relevant to emotion processing.