Assessment and Rehabilitation of Cognitive Impairments in Pediatric Survivors of Cancer

Assessment and Rehabilitation of Cognitive Impairments in Pediatric Survivors of Cancer

This research involves assessment of cognitive outcome in childhood cancer as well as evaluation of a cognitive rehabilitation program for improving learning and problem solving difficulties in children with cancer.

The purpose of this study is to help determine specific cognitive-behavioral and neurobiologic impairments associated with chemotherapy treatments in children with cancer and to assess the efficacy of a cognitive intervention program for improving cognitive impairments in these children.

INCLUSION

Everyone:

• At least 9 years of age and less than 17 years

Patients

• Diagnosis of brain tumor or acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
• Completed all anti-cancer treatment(s) including chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgery

Control group

• Typical for age

EXCLUSION

Everyone:

• Non-English speaking (translated cognitive testing and MRI assessments unavailable)
• MRI contraindication, including but not limited to orthodontia, metal implants, and/or pacemaker
• Major sensory deficit disorders, including but not limited to blindness or deafness

Patients

• Shunt placement
• Received bone marrow transplant
• History of neurologic, psychiatric, developmental or major medical condition (eg, diabetes) NOT related to cancer
• Participation in any concurrent cognitive rehabilitation study

Control group

• History of neurologic, psychiatric, developmental or major medical condition (eg, diabetes)