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Neurocognitive Late Effects in Children Treated for Cancer: Psychological Impact, Identification, and Prevention and Remediation

  • Chapter
Handbook of Long Term Care of The Childhood Cancer Survivor

Part of the book series: Specialty Topics in Pediatric Neuropsychology ((STPN))

Abstract

Cure rates for childhood cancer have improved significantly over the past three decades, owing success to advances such as multidrug regimens, innovations in treatment are delivery, refinements in surgical techniques, the introduction of conformal and proton radiation, and enhancements in imaging techniques. Whereas the goal of cancer therapy is to cure disease, oncologists strive to carefully balance effective therapy with possible toxicity, in an effort to promote a good quality of life for children as they develop and mature into adults (Askins and Moore 2008). Neurocognitive late effects often occur in pediatric cancer survivors who received central nervous system (CNS) therapies. Children with brain tumors or acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the two most common types of childhood cancer, are at greatest risk for neurocognitive late effects. This chapter will provide an overview of the neurocognitive domains typically affected by cancer and its treatment, impact on day-to-day functioning, and review the literature on the remediation of neurocognitive deficits in childhood cancer survivors. Recommendations for student access to academic supports will also be highlighted.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Martha A. Askins Ph.D., Sujin Ann-Yi Ph.D. & Bartlett D. Moore III Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Martha A. Askins Ph.D.
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  2. Sujin Ann-Yi Ph.D.
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  3. Bartlett D. Moore III Ph.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Martha A. Askins Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatric Psychology, CHOC Children’s Hospital, Neuropsychology Services, Orange, Newport Beach, California, USA

    Grace A. Mucci

  2. Division of Oncology, CHOC After Cancer Treatment Survivorship Program, CHOC Children’s Hospital, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, Orange, California, USA

    Lilibeth R. Torno

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Askins, M.A., Ann-Yi, S., Moore, B.D. (2015). Neurocognitive Late Effects in Children Treated for Cancer: Psychological Impact, Identification, and Prevention and Remediation. In: Mucci, G., Torno, L. (eds) Handbook of Long Term Care of The Childhood Cancer Survivor. Specialty Topics in Pediatric Neuropsychology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7584-3_26

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