Assessment of everyday executive functioning in children and adolescents treated for childhood noncentral nervous...

Few studies have documented executive functions (EFs) following treatment of childhood noncentral nervous systems (non-CNS) solid tumor although treatments administered for several months or even a year during active brain development could affect EF development. The aims of this study were to explore everyday life executive complaints and associated factors.

EFs were assessed using parent form of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function in a large sample of participants diagnosed with a non-CNS solid tumor (n = 253).

The study sample comprised 253 patients (139 boys [55%]; mean age at diagnosis 6.12 years [SD = 4.18] years, mean age at assessment 11.65 years [SD = 3.21], 17 [7%] with a history of developmental delay or learning disability before cancer). Parental education level was medium-low (i.e., <12 years of formal education) in 94 families (37%). Mean Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function T-scores were in the normative range, but significantly elevated compared to norms across all three composite indices and most clinical scales (all p < .001), with small effect sizes (Cohen's 0.20 < d ≤ 0.30). Thirty-eight (15%) participants evidenced global executive composite scores in the clinical range (T ≥ 65). Executive complaints were significantly more frequent in boys, in older participants at assessment, in those with longer time since diagnosis, and in those with a history of developmental delay/learning disabilities. Clinically significant global executive composite scores were also associated with greater need for school support and ongoing rehabilitation at the time of assessment.

Our results suggest significant, albeit mild parent-reported EF impairments following treatment of childhood non-CNS tumor. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).