Brain Tumor Survivors Research Articles

NCOG-01. VOCATIONAL STATUS OF PATIENTS WITH GLIOMA AT 5 YEARS AFTER DIAGNOSIS

Abstract BACKGROUND Glioma (WHO grade 2-3) commonly affects adults, with a mean age at diagnosis of 41 years old. Given the demographic age of these brain tumor (BT) survivors, employment is the primary source of income, medical benefits, and financial stability. Unfortunately, job performance problems can occur at any time after diagnosis. This study aims to describe the vocational status and symptoms of these patients approximately five years following diagnosis. METHODS The study employed a cross-sectional cohort design among persons with glioma treated with radiation approximately 5 years from the original diagnosis. Vocational-Independence Scale was used to ascertain employment status. Patients were asked about their experience returning to work after treatment. Symptoms were measured using the MDASI-BT Module. RESULTS Thirty-nine participants completed the study. The median age was 44 years old (range 26-78). Nineteen were diagnosed with oligodendroglioma, 18 with astrocytoma. Thirty-seven (95%) were working full-time at the time of diagnosis. Approximately five years following diagnosis, only 49% of participants are employed, working at least 15 hours per week (n=19). The remainder are unemployed (n=15, 39%), in a volunteer position (n=2, 5.1%), or working <15 hours per week (n=3, 7.7%). Interview data suggest those who are unemployed (n=9, 23%), retired early (n=2, 5%), or had reduced roles (n=11, 28%), were unable to return to prior roles due to symptoms they were experiencing 1-2 years after treatment. The frequently reported symptoms were fatigue (n=29, 74%), sleep disturbance (n = 24, 62%), distress (n = 25, 64%), drowsiness (n = 26, 67%), sadness (n = 25, 64%), issues with speaking (n = 25, 64%), short-term memory issues (n=35, 90%), and difficulty with concentration (n=20, 74%). CONCLUSION In addition to financial stability, employment is a valuable contributor to the quality of life, maintenance of identity, and physical and emotional health. Future research should examine and evaluate interventions that promote the return to work or engagement in the community.

Environmental Enrichment and Health Outcomes Among Low-Grade Glioma Brain Tumor Survivors.

BACKGROUND: Brain tumor survivors who received radiotherapy (RT) are at a disproportionately increased risk of accelerated aging and symptom burden. We aim to examine the association between environmental enrichment (EE) and health outcomes among low-grade glioma survivors who received brain RT. METHODS: The study used a cross-sectional cohort design, enrolling participants approximately 5 years from diagnosis. The construct of EE consisted of social network, physical activity, employment status, and financial stability. Berkman-Syme Social Network Index, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Vocational Index Scale, and a Socioeconomic Questionnaire were used to measure the construct of EE. Health outcome measures included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Symbol Digit Modality Test, clinical brain magnetic resonance images (pre-RT, approximately 2-3 years after RT, and approximately 5 years after RT), Karnofsky Performance Status Scale, and the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory Brain Tumor Module. Ordinal logistic regression estimated the association between levels of EE and health outcomes. RESULTS: Thirty-nine participants completed the study and experienced varying levels of EE. The median age was 44 years old, ranging from 26 to 78 years old. Nineteen individuals were diagnosed with oligodendroglioma, and 18 were diagnosed with astrocytoma. Thirteen participants had low EE, 17 had moderate EE, and 9 had high EE. Although not statistically significant, we observed patterns of increasing health outcomes (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Symbol Digit Modality Test, and Karnofsky Performance Status Scale) related to increasing levels of EE. CONCLUSION: This study is an initial exploration into the role of EE in health outcomes and survivorship programs for persons with glioma. Future research should assess EE before treatment or at the time of diagnosis and be longitudinal to accurately ascertain the association between EE and health outcomes. Comprehensive neuro-oncology survivorship programs structured to facilitate EE may reduce symptom burden, promote neuroplasticity, and improve cognitive and functional outcomes after brain radiation.

Feasibility of transcranial Doppler to evaluate vasculopathy among survivors of childhood brain tumors exposed to cranial radiation therapy.

The ability of transcranial Doppler (TCD) to detect asymptomatic cerebrovascular disease among childhood brain tumor survivors following exposure to cranial radiation therapy has not been established. Survivors of childhood brain tumors, more than 3years since diagnosis and exposed to greater than 30Gy cranial radiation, underwent a history and physical exam, laboratory biomarkers of cerebrovascular disease (cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-sensitivity CRP, hemoglobin A1C, apoprotein A, and apoprotein B), and a TCD evaluation of their cerebral arteries. In all 165 cerebral arteries from 13 patients (medulloblastoma=10; germ cell tumor=3; females=5; mean age at diagnosis=8.0years; mean age at time of study=20.9years) were examined. Twenty-eight of 165 (17%) were considered abnormal by pre-specified criteria. Total 114 cerebral arteries from 13 patients were assessed for greater than 50% stenosis velocities. Arteries most likely to be considered abnormal included the distal bilateral vertebral arteries (right 38%, left 30%), basilar artery 30%, bilateral siphon internal carotid arteries (right 30%, left 23%), bilateral middle cerebral arteries (23% bilaterally), and bilateral anterior cerebral arteries (7% bilaterally). Two vessels had mean flow velocities consistent with 50% stenosis (1.8%). No vessels were found to have greater than 80% stenosis. TCD may be a useful and practical tool to examine asymptomatic cerebrovascular disease among childhood brain tumor survivors after exposure to cranial radiation therapy. Posterior circulation vessels appear to have the highest burden of disease in this group of brain tumor survivors, a majority of whom had medulloblastoma.

Efficacy of a brief mindfulness-based intervention for brain tumor survivors experiencing depressive symptoms: a pilot study

Efficacy of a brief mindfulness-based intervention for brain tumor survivors experiencing depressive symptoms: a pilot study

A - 140 The Association between Executive Functioning and Adaptive Outcomes in Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors

Abstract Objective Pediatric brain tumor (PBT) survivors are at high risk for cognitive and adaptive challenges. We aimed to examine the relationship between executive functioning (EF) and adaptive functioning in PBT survivors to identify critical cognitive skills that are associated with functional impact to inform intervention and transition to adulthood. Method Retrospective neuropsychological data was collected for 95 clinically referred PBT survivors (8–24 years). A composite EF measure was created based on the average of selected EF subtest scores. The associations between EF skills, parent-report of child adaptive functioning, and full-scale IQ were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and multiple regression. Results Adaptive functioning was significantly related to parent (r = −0.701, p < 0.001) and teacher ratings (r = −0.372, p = 0.004) of EF, the testing composite measure of EF (r = 0.455, p = 0.033), as well as FSIQ (r = 0.386, p < 0.001), general cognitive ability (r = 0.328, p = 0.003), working memory (r = 0.279, p = 0.007), and processing speed (r = 0.425, p < 0.001). Parent reports of EF were not significantly related to the EF testing composite score, but both significantly predicted adaptive functioning (p < 0.001). Of parent-reported domains of EF, self-monitoring was most predictive of overall adaptive functioning (B = −0.415, p = 0.017). FSIQ and age did not impact the relationship between parent reports of EF and adaptive functioning. Conclusions Overall, EF on both parent reports and testing, especially self-monitoring, was predictive of adaptive functioning in PBT survivors, regardless of age and overall intellectual functioning. Future research should further examine the impact of individual and treatment factors.

A - 58 Grit and Resilience Predict Emotional Functioning in Pediatric Cancer Survivors

Abstract Objective Grit—one’s “perseverance and passion for long-term goals” (Duckworth et al., 2007)—is distinct from resilience, one’s ability to bounce back after negative events. In healthy populations, both promote emotional well-being and quality-of-life (Datu et al., 2019; Sharkey et al., 2017). Limited research has investigated how grit and resilience affect emotional functioning after pediatric cancer. We hypothesized resilience would mediate grit’s effects on emotional functioning in pediatric cancer survivors. Methods Our clinically referred sample of 214 pediatric cancer survivors ages 4–25 years was predominantly lower- to upper-middle class (73%) and racially diverse (Caucasian = 53%, Hispanic = 25%, Black = 12%). We administered the parent-report Behavior Assessment System for Children, Third Edition (BASC-3; variables: Resiliency, Anxiety, Depression), parent-report Short Grit Scale, and self-report BASC-3 (variables: Sense of Inadequacy, Locus of Control). Multiple regression and simple mediation analyses were conducted. Results Overall, the sample demonstrated average grit and resilience. Leukemia and brain tumor survivors demonstrated greater grit and resilience than survivors of other cancers. Grit predicted Anxiety (p = 0.026), Depression (p = 0.001), and Sense of Inadequacy (p ≤ 0.001). Resiliency had a significant indirect effect on grit’s prediction of Anxiety (β = −0.107, 95% CI [−0.206, −0.011]) and Depression (β = −0.192, 95% CI [−0.271, −0.117]), but not Sense of Inadequacy (β = −0.055, 95% CI [−0.200, 0.102]). Conclusion Higher levels of grit predicted better emotional outcomes in pediatric cancer survivors. Grit affected anxiety and depression in this sample via resiliency. Exploratory analyses regarding cancer type and age at diagnosis will be described. Findings support the need for further research on “positive neuropsychology” factors affecting neuropsychological outcomes in pediatric cancer survivors.

Psychosocial and executive functioning late effects in pediatric brain tumor survivors after proton radiation.

Pediatric brain tumor survivors can experience detrimental effects from radiation treatment. This cross-sectional, large cohort study examined late psychosocial and executive functioning effects in pediatric patients treated ≥ 3years after proton radiation therapy (PRT). Parents of 101 pediatric brain tumor survivors completed the Behavior Assessment System for Children and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function. Standard scores were compared to published normative means, rates of impairment (T-score > 65) were calculated, and demographic and clinical characteristics were examined. Mean age at PRT was 8.12years and mean interval from PRT to assessment was 6.05years. Half were female (49.5%), 45.5% received craniospinal irradiation (CSI), and 58.4% were diagnosed with infratentorial tumors. All mean T-scores were within normal range. Mean T-scores were significantly elevated compared to the norm on the withdrawal, initiate, working memory, and plan/organize scales. Rates of impairment were notably high in working memory (24.8%), initiate (20.4%), withdrawal (18.1%), and plan/organize (17.0%). Greater withdrawal was significantly associated with CSI and also with chemotherapy and diagnosis of hearing loss. Mean T-scores were significantly lower than the norm on the hyperactivity, aggression, conduct problems, and inhibition scales. No significant problems were identified with social skills or depression. Interval since treatment was not correlated with any scale. Although psychosocial and executive functioning was within the normal range, on average, social withdrawal and metacognitive executive functioning (working memory, initiating, planning/organizing) were areas of concern. Targeted yearly screening and proactive executive skill and social interventions are needed for this population.

Evaluating Scholastic Achievement in Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors Compared With Healthy Controls

BackgroundRadiotherapy (RT) causes cognitive deficits in pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS). Traditionally, this is measured using neuropsychological testing, which lack pre-diagnosis baseline and do not necessarily trigger action. This pilot project investigated a novel patient-centered outcome of scholastic performance using state-collected educational data. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed scholastic achievements in children residing in Florida. Eligibility in the treatment group received brain-directed RT between 2007 – 2020 at our institution. Controls were matched at a 3:1 ratio by age, grade, district, and free or reduced lunch (FRL) eligibility. The Florida Department of Education provided educational records for both groups. Generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to predict scholastic outcomes with covariates age, time (binary value of pre- or post-RT), treatment group, and the primary independent variable as the interaction term between time and treatment. Scholastic data was matched with institutional clinical data. ResultsFifty PBTS and 150 matched controls were included for analysis. Median age of PBTS was 12, 12% identified as Black, and 18% as Hispanic. Fifty-two percent were FRL eligible. Forty percent received craniospinal irradiation, and 56% received chemotherapy. Post-RT PBTS had 21 times the odds of receiving accommodations (p=0.006), twice the odds of being retained (p=0.010), and 42% lower odds than controls receiving a passing mathematics score (p=0.068). ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first American experience to successfully link individual scholastic and clinical data. Scholastic performance serves as a meaningful patient-centered outcome complementing the existing suite of neuropsychological testing.

Neighborhood resources are associated with neuropsychological outcomes among pediatric brain tumor survivors

Background: Cancer-related cognitive impairment in survivors of pediatric brain tumors is a public health concern, yet studies seldom explore the role of social determinants of health beyond treatment effects. We investigated the influence of neighborhood resources using the Child Opportunity Index (COI) on neuropsychological functioning in survivors. Methods: Intelligence (IQ) and untimed reading and math proficiency were assessed retrospectively in 190 survivors. Multiple regression analyses explored associations among the COI composite and indices (Education, Health-Environment, Social-Economic) and neuropsychological outcomes, controlling for cumulative neurological risk and treatment exposures (Neurological Predictor Scale; NPS) and parental education. Results: Performance was on average within normal limits: IQ (M = 94.08, SD = 15.85, d=.37) with 13.4% of scores below impairment thresholds; reading (M = 95.08, SD = 17.36, d=.28) and math calculation (M = 91.84, SD = 18.82, d=.43) with 16.92% and 20.63% of scores below impairment thresholds, respectively. Each COI domain predicted reading and IQ after controlling for NPS, parental education, and age at diagnosis; however, the Education domain was the only significant predictor of math outcomes. Conclusion: The COI domains significantly predicted IQ and untimed academic skills in survivors, revealing the critical role of neighborhood resources on cognition above and beyond parental education and treatment factors. This is among the first studies to illuminate the influence of neighborhood resources on cognition in survivors. Future research should examine neighborhood context, an understudied construct, with importance in the move toward precision medicine.

Microglia depletion and repopulation do not alter the effects of cranial irradiation on hippocampal neurogenesis

Cranial radiotherapy can cause lifelong cognitive complications in childhood brain tumor survivors, and reduced hippocampal neurogenesis is hypothesized to contribute to this. Following irradiation (IR), microglia clear dead neural progenitors and give rise to a neuroinflammatory microenvironment, which promotes a switch in surviving progenitors from neuronal to glial differentiation. Recently, depletion and repopulation of microglia were shown to promote neurogenesis and ameliorate cognitive deficits in various brain injury models. In this study, we utilized the Cx3cr1CreERt2-YFP/+Rosa26DTA/+ transgenic mouse model to deplete microglia in the juvenile mouse brain before subjecting them to whole-brain IR and investigated the short- and long-term effects on hippocampal neurogenesis. Within the initial 24 h after IR, the absence of microglia led to an accumulation of dead cells in the subgranular zone, and 50-fold higher levels of the chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2) in sham brains and 7-fold higher levels after IR. The absence of microglia, and the subsequent repopulation within 10 days, did neither affect the loss of proliferating or doublecortin-positive cells, nor the reduced growth of the granule cell layer. Our results argue against a role for a pro-inflammatory microenvironment in the dysregulation of hippocampal neurogenesis and suggest that the observed reduction of neurogenesis was solely due to IR.

Full and Partial Facial Affect Recognition in Pediatric Brain Tumour Survivors and Typically Developing Children Following COVID-19 Pandemic.

Affect recognition has emerged as a potential mechanism underlying the social competence challenges experienced by pediatric brain tumour survivors (PBTSs). However, many social interactions were altered during the pandemic, with the widespread use of masking potentially impacting affect recognition abilities. Here, we examine affect recognition in PBTSs and typically developing youth (TD) after the onset of the global pandemic. Twenty-three PBTSs and 24 TD between 8 and 16 years old were recruited and completed two performance-based affect recognition tasks (full and partial facial features) and a self-reported questionnaire on mask exposure in their social interactions. Their parents completed parent proxy questionnaires on their child's social adjustment and sociodemographics. The scores between the PBTSs and TD did not differ significantly in full (t(45) = 1.33, p = 0.19, d = 0.39, 95% CI [-0.69, 3.40]) or partial (t(37.36) = 1.56, p = 0.13, d = 0.46, 95% CI [-0.47, 3.60]) affect recognition, suggesting similar affect recognition between the two groups. These skills were also not significantly correlated with social adjustment or mask exposure (p > 0.05). However, the combined sample had significantly better scores in affect recognition when exposed to partial facial cues versus full. Additionally, participants obtained lower scores on a measure of full facial affect recognition and higher scores on a measure of partial affect recognition compared to pre-pandemic data. The pandemic may have influenced affect recognition across youth, underscoring the importance of further research into its lasting impact on the social competence of youth.

Social and Emotional Functioning of Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors and Typically Developing Youth Following the Onset of the Pandemic.

Background: Social competence is a domain in which pediatric brain tumour survivors (PBTS) are at risk of challenges. To follow-up on our earlier work, in this study we assessed specific social interaction behaviors and emotional functioning in PBTS relative to typically developing youth (TD). The study coincided with the onset of the global pandemic. Methods: Sixteen PBTS and 16 typically developing youth (TD) between 8-16 years old participated in the study. Youth completed an assessment of social behavior and parents completed online surveys regarding child social and emotional adjustment. Results: PBTS experienced greater impairments in social interaction behaviors and on indices of social adjustment relative to TD. PBTS and TD experienced similar levels of emotional problems. Social behavior challenges were associated with indices of anxiety, rather than depression. Time since pandemic onset was not associated with social emotional outcomes. Conclusions: It will be important to monitor and support the social adjustment of populations such as PBTS, as well as the emotional adjustment across PBTS and TD youth, following the pandemic.

NURS-05. CATALYZING AND INFORMING THE DEVELOPMENT OF MORE COMPREHENSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE PROGRAMS FOR CAREGIVERS OF YOUNG ADULT SURVIVORS OF CHILDHOOD BRAIN TUMORS

Abstract BACKGROUND The chronic and intensive care needs of young adult survivors of childhood brain tumors are most often addressed by their maternal caregivers with limited, specific psychosocial or other programs to reduce caregiving demands and enhance their family management. Using a social ecological perspective, the purpose of this study was to catalyze and inform the development of more comprehensive and accessible programs for caregivers of young adult survivors of childhood brain tumors. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 maternal caregivers, 6 post baccalaureate students/professional coaches for a problem-solving intervention for maternal caregivers, and 16 neuro-oncology clinical experts using interview guides tailored to their roles and constructed based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Science. Qualitative. Interview data were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS Barriers included: need for internet connected devices (microsystem level); lack of care matched to their identified needs (mesosystem); poor tracking of long-term survivors and lack of survivorship psychosocial services (macrosystem); and lack of supportive health care policies and funding mechanisms for individuals and organizations (exosystem). Facilitators included: web-based platform accessible to the individuals and population (microsystem); widespread acknowledgement regarding gaps in survivorship psychosocial care (mesosystem); partnerships with survivors of childhood brain tumors, caregivers, and organizations that treat them (macrosystem); and dissemination among childhood brain tumor treatment/survivorship programs, healthcare systems, and community organization and endorsement from them (exosystem). CONCLUSIONS Multilevel approaches that address barriers and facilitators for improving health equity for maternal caregivers of young adult survivors of childhood brain tumors incorporate the design and dissemination of accessible, web-based programs designed in partnership with survivors, caregivers, and organizations to build care matched to need, as well as organizational, political, and community advocacy.

NURS-03. NEED FOR PROGRAMS FOCUSING ON CAREGIVERS FOR YOUNG ADULT SURVIVORS OF CHILDHOOD BRAIN TUMORS

Abstract BACKGROUND The physical, emotional, social, developmental, and economic risk experienced by survivors of childhood brain tumors and their families is well documented, as is the acceleration of those risks as survivors transition into young adulthood. Further, the impact of the lack of services in the community is compounded by insufficient investigation of interventions to support survivor functioning and their caregiver’s management of their medical and psychosocial needs.The purpose of this study was to describe maternal caregivers’ perspectives about key components of potential interventions to support maternal caregivers of young adult survivors of childhood brain tumors. METHODS Data were obtained from 21 at-risk maternal caregivers (based on the Family Management Style Measure) of young adult survivors aged 18-29 years old who were not partnered, were presently living at home, and who participated in a pilot randomized trial Training in Problem Solving (TIPS) for Caregiver of Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Brain Tumors. Caregivers were interviewed using a semi-structured qualitative interview guide constructed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Science. Codes, categories, then themes were identified by means of directed content analysis. RESULTS All caregivers agreed these services were absent and the most effective timing would be at the transition to survivorship with ongoing follow-up. Key components of potential interventions identified by maternal caregivers were skill-building, motivational interviewing to increase readiness to change long-standing patterns of family management, use of validation of their efforts as parents and caregivers to build confidence in trying new approaches and shifting their perspectives on ongoing caregiving for a childhood brain tumor survivor to find hope in even small changes. CONCLUSIONS Caregivers endorsed the importance of targeted psychosocial support throughout survivorship for caregivers within the context of their family, facilitating their roles as both parents and caregivers to young adult childhood brain tumor survivors.

QOL-33. CANCER WORRY AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS IN ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS SURVIVORS OF PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMORS

Abstract BACKGROUND Adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of pediatric brain tumors may experience cancer-related worries, defined as concerns about relapse and late effects of treatment. Late psychological effects include psychological distress, depression, immaturity, and poor development of social skills. Furthermore, pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) are more vulnerable to developing long-term neurocognitive and psychosocial consequences compared both to the general population and survivors of other types of childhood cancer. The purpose of the study was to identify the presence of cancer worry and psychopathological symptoms in AYA survivors of pediatric brain tumors. METHODS AYA survivors were assessed using the Cancer Worry Scale and Child Behavior Checklist questionnaires. Neurocognitive evaluation was performed using the age-appropriate Wechsler Scale. RESULTS Among 22 AYA survivors (M =14; F=8), the diagnosed tumor types were: germ cell tumor (10/22), low-grade glioma (4/22), embryonal tumor (3/22), high-grade glioma (2/22), craniopharyngioma (2/22), and mesenchymal tumor of the meninges (1/22). Survivors received the assessment at a median age of 20.2 years (range 13.6-28.7), with a median of 92 months after diagnosis. Cancer worry was reported in 50% of patients. The psychological evaluation showed clinical levels of internalizing problems in 17% and externalizing problems in 8%. Depressive and anxiety problems were reported in 25% of our cohort. Neurocognitive assessment demonstrated an average tIQ of 104. CONCLUSIONS As reported in the literature, cancer worry can influence the psychosocial adjustment process, alter self-image, and influence lifestyle decisions in PBTS. These concerns can affect their life prospects and their ability to successfully complete developmental tasks. Therefore, these issues must be early identified to prevent, through targeted psychosocial interventions, the onset of troubles in having romantic relationships, finishing school, entering the job market, and obtaining a good quality of life.

QOL-34. POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS SURVIVORS OF PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMORS

Abstract BACKGROUND Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) often report late psychosocial effects following the disease and the treatments. Recent studies have shown that PBTS can experience growth in their personal and interpersonal dimensions and develop coping strategies that allow them to deal with the stress caused by cancer diagnosis and subsequent therapies. This study aimed to describe post-traumatic growth (PTG) experiences and coping strategies among adolescents and young adults (AYA) survivors of pediatric brain tumors. METHODS AYA survivors were assessed using Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) questionnaires. They received evaluation at a median age of 20.2 years (range 13.6-28.7), with a median of 92 months from diagnosis. RESULTS Among 22 AYA survivors (M =14; F=8), the diagnosed tumor types were: germ cell tumor (10/22), low-grade glioma (4/22), embryonal tumor (3/22), high-grade glioma (2/22), craniopharyngioma (2/22), and mesenchymal tumor of the meninges (1/22).The domains of PTG in which positive changes were most frequently reported were Personal Strength (25%), Appreciation for Life (25%), and New Possibilities (23%). The less impacted domain was Spiritual Growth (9%). As regards the most adopted coping style, 38% showed higher values in the Distraction scale, 31% in the Task-Oriented scale, 15% in the Avoidance scale, and 15% in the Social Diversion scale. CONCLUSIONS PTG and coping are important indicators of psychosocial adaptation to difficult or stressful events. To develop specific interventions that enhance PTG, it is essential to understand which factors influence growth in PBTS. Our preliminary data show that all AYA survivors report PTG after treatments, at least in some domains. Further analysis is needed to identify which coping styles may influence the development of PTG.

QOL-14. EPILEPTIC SEIZURES, ANTI-SEIZURE MEDICATIONS, AND NEUROCOGNITION IN SURVIVORS OF PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMORS

Abstract BACKGROUND Younger age at diagnosis and cranial radiation therapy are associated with neurocognitive late complications in survivors of pediatric brain tumors (PBT). Less is known about the association between neurocognition and epileptic seizures, with the latter affecting 27% of 5-year survivors. This study aimed to explore whether epileptic seizures exacerbate neurocognitive late complications beyond treatment and demographic factors. METHODS Fifty-nine survivors of PBT who had experienced at least one epileptic seizure, and a control group of survivors matched on sex, age at diagnosis, and cancer treatment, all diagnosed at Skåne University Hospital, were included in the study. Demographic and clinical variables, along with neurocognitive measures of verbal and non-verbal reasoning, cognitive processing speed, working memory, and cognitive flexibility were collected from medical records. Neuropsychological scores, assessed on average 3.68 years after diagnosis, were transformed into z-scores employing age-adjusted norms (m=0, sd=1). Generalized linear models, controlling for increased intracranial pressure at diagnosis and tumor localization, were used to analyze the association between epileptic seizures, cumulative use of anti-seizure medications (ASM), and neurocognition. RESULTS Experiencing any type of epileptic seizures was associated with reduced processing speed (β = -0.91z, p<0.01) and cognitive flexibility (β =-1.05z, p<0.01). Treatment with one ASM was associated with reduced cognitive processing speed (β =-0.81z, p=0.03), and treatment with two or more ASM was associated with lower scores on measures of non-verbal reasoning (β =-0.81z, p<0.01), working memory (β =-0.77z, p=0.01), processing speed (β=-1.26z, p<0.01), and flexibility (β =-1.54z, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Epileptic seizures and treatment with ASM were both associated with neurocognitive late complications. Optimal seizure management presents a potential modifiable factor for reducing cognitive burden in survivors of PBT.

QOL-24. TREATMENT- AND TIME-RELATED IMPACT ON LONG-TERM NEUROCOGNITIVE OUTCOMES IN ADULT SURVIVORS OF A PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR

Abstract Treatment for pediatric brain tumors has been associated with the risk of developing long-term neurocognitive impairment. However, it is not well understood which neurocognitive profiles exist within this population. We investigated neurocognitive functioning (NF) in survivors in early adulthood and aimed to assess the impact of radiotherapy dose (RTD) and time since treatment (TxT) on NF. Forty-six survivors of pediatric brain tumors (mean age 23.99±4.71, mean age at diagnosis 9.29±4.54) performed an extensive neurocognitive test battery resulting in intelligence (n=5), memory (n=2), and language (n=3) scores. NF in long-term survivors was compared to sex-, age-, and education-matched controls, and between the different treatment strategies (surgery-only n=19, chemotherapy n=8, radiotherapy n=11, or chemo-radiotherapy n=8). Furthermore, relation between max-RTD (range 40.28 – 61.61 Gy) as well as TxT and NF was assessed. Three ANCOVA models were tested, and false discovery rate (FDR) was applied. For all scales and domain scores, survivors scored lower compared to controls. Scores were significant lower on full scale intelligence (pfdr< 0.001), verbal comprehension (pfdr< 0.001), working memory (pfdr= 0.003), perceptual reasoning (pfdr< 0.001), processing speed (pfdr< 0.001), spoken word comprehension (pfdr= 0.001), and semantic word generation (pfdr= 0.036) compared to controls. NF was not significantly different between the different treatments, nor did the association with max-RTD reach significance. TxT was associated with verbal comprehension and spoken word comprehension; albeit significance was not retained after FDR correction. In this study, the overall survivor cohort scored lower on multiple cognitive outcomes. More detailed analysis of various risk factors might further elucidate the different neurocognitive profiles for this population. Furthermore, more detailed analysis of RTD distributions and affected brain structures may provide greater insight on the impact of radiotherapy on NF.

QOL-18. THE MODERATING ROLE OF SOCIAL VULNERABILITY IN THE RELATIONSHIP OF MATERNAL CAREGIVER CONDITION MANAGEMENT ABILITY AND TRANSITION READINESS OF THEIR YOUNG ADULT SURVIVORS OF PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMORS

Abstract BACKGROUND The transition into adulthood is a particularly vulnerable time for young adult survivors of pediatric brain tumors (YAS) due to tumor/treatment-related late effects. Reduced supportive resource access and social determinants of health (SDH) can exacerbate challenges, impacting caregiver condition management ability (CMA) and YAS transition readiness. This study’s aim was to evaluate the relationship between YAS cognitive late effects, caregiver CMA, and YAS transition readiness, and the moderating role of SDH for YAS and caregivers with condition-focused family management. METHODS Fifty-three maternal caregivers (93% white, 98% non-Hispanic) of YAS (Mage=22) reporting low CMA completed the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ; 5 subdomains) and rated YAS cognitive late effect severity. Medical experts scored 1) cognitive medical sequelae (0-6 scale), and 2) the Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Rating of Treatment Intensity. Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) measured cumulative SDH using 16 factors across US Census residential zip code data. Pearson correlations and moderated mediation analyses in Process Macro were used. RESULTS Caregiver ratings were associated with overall transition readiness (r=-.38, p=.005), cognitive medical sequelae (r=.53, p<.001), and treatment intensity (r=.28, p=.039). Expert ratings were not related to transition readiness (ps>.05); therefore, only caregiver ratings were used in moderated mediation models. For overall transition readiness, managing medications, appointment keeping, talking with providers, and managing daily activities, the direct effects of caregiver ratings (ps>.05) and indexes of moderated mediation via CMA (ps>.05) were not significant. For tracking health issues, the direct effect of caregiver ratings (p=.085) was not significant, but the index of moderated mediation was significant (95%CI=.026;.315). CONCLUSIONS Only caregiver cognitive late effect ratings were helpful in explaining YAS overall transition readiness. The role of social vulnerability in CMA and transition readiness warrants further exploration. Empirically based transition readiness YAS programs targeting access to resources for families with more social vulnerability are needed.

QOL-08. THE LONG-TERM UTILITY OF METHYLPHENIDATE FOR THE PRESERVATION OF INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDHOOD SURVIVORS OF BRAIN TUMOUR

Abstract BACKGROUND Enduring neurocognitive late effects are a common consequence of childhood brain tumour survivorship. Conceptual modelling of intelligence suggests initial deficits to processing speed and attention lead to the subsequent plateauing of intellectual and academic development. The utility of methylphenidate in improving attentional and processing speed deficits within the early phase of recovery has been previously reported. The longer-term contribution of methylphenidate in preserving intellectual ability through ameliorating these early deficits is yet to be evaluated. METHODS Twenty-nine childhood survivors were matched retrospectively with a no-treatment synthetic control. Intellectual assessments were conducted prior to starting methylphenidate and a minimum of 12 months thereafter. For the no-treatment control group, intellectual data were collected retrospectively from archival records, employing a similar assessment period. Linear Mixed Models were used to assess the influence of methylphenidate on intellectual trajectories between groups and fatigue scores over time. RESULTS Methylphenidate was associated with raw score improvements across all intellectual indices compared to no-treatment controls. Linear Mixed Modelling reported a borderline significant improvement in Processing Speed (t = 1.98, p =.05) for the methylphenidate group. In comparison, a borderline significant (p =.05) within-group decrease in Working Memory scores was reported for the no-treatment group. There was a significant within-group decrease in pooled PedsQL MFS scores between assessments for the treatment group (t = -4.01, p <.01), with the most notable decrease observed in Sleep/Rest Fatigue (t = -10.17, p <.01). CONCLUSIONS Methylphenidate may pose a valuable long-term rehabilitative strategy in preserving Processing Speed in childhood survivors of brain tumour. Whilst our sample size is small, there is tentative evidence for the utility of methylphenidate in alleviating fatigue experienced by childhood survivors.