Predicting intellectual outcome among children treated with 35-40 Gy craniospinal irradiation for medulloblastoma

Neuropsychology. 2003 Oct;17(4):548-55. doi: 10.1037/0894-4105.17.4.548.

Abstract

Fifty children diagnosed with medulloblastoma completed 188 psychological evaluations using the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children (D. Wechsler, 1974, 1991) over a 7-year study period following 35-40 Gy postoperative craniospinal irradiation. Random coefficient models were used to predict the trend in the children's intellectual performance as a function of time since diagnosis, with both patient and treatment variables as parameters of this function. A quadratic model demonstrated a delay prior to decline in performance for older patients, whereas the younger patients showed an immediate loss of performance with a plateau at approximately 6 years postdiagnosis. A steeper decline was found for those with higher baseline performance. Clinicians may use the proposed predictive model to identify those patients who are at risk of significant intellectual decline.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age of Onset
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Child
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Education
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intelligence / radiation effects*
  • Intelligence Tests
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Medulloblastoma / drug therapy
  • Medulloblastoma / psychology*
  • Medulloblastoma / radiotherapy*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Parents
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents