Evaluating scholastic achievement in pediatric brain tumor survivors compared to healthy controls.
Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys
; 2024 Sep 20.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39307321
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Radiotherapy (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.METHODS:
We 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 31 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.RESULTS:
Fifty 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).CONCLUSIONS:
To 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.
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Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article