Prospective longitudinal decline in cognitive-communication skills following treatment for childhood brain tumor

The effect of childhood brain tumor and its treatments on the developing brain are recognized to cause late-occurring structural and functional changes, inclusive of neurocognitive and communication disturbances.

The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in function in the prospective cognitive-communication and language abilities of two children surviving childhood brain tumor (CBT) over a 12-month period post-treatment.

The comprehensive language and cognitive-communication abilities of two cases (male aged 7;8-8;8, female aged 10;9-11;9) were assessed at two timepoints over a 12-month period: six months and 18 months following completion of CBT cancer treatment.

Findings revealed a sharp decline in problem solving abilities over a 12-month period in the early stages of recovery from CBT in both cases examined, despite no or mild-moderate deficits in cognitive-communication or language function at initial assessment. Pre-literacy skills were noted to deteriorate on one task for one child, despite intact abilities at first assessment.

The findings of progressive deterioration of cognitive-communication skills in both children treated for CBT highlights a clear need for ongoing surveillance and full comprehensive assessment across development. The critical need for ongoing management after discharge and implementation of early intervention throughout development is highlighted.