Abstract:
Paediatric cancer not only affects physical health but also influences various aspects of neurocognitive functioning, which are pivotal for a child's overall development. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of existing research in this domain, highlighting key themes and gaps in the literature. Methodology comprises of the review systematically surveyed a wide range of sources, including peer-reviewed articles, conference proceedings to comprehensively capture the breadth of knowledge on neurocognitive functioning in paediatric cancer. By utilizing a scoping review methodology (based on the Prisma Guidelines for Scoping Reviews), a search strategy was formulated, where all search terms were transformed into a free term formulation. The study sought to map the existing evidence from their time of inception until July 2023 and elucidate potential avenues for future research and intervention.
Key findings reveal that neurocognitive functions, including attention, memory, executive functioning, and processing speed, are significantly impacted in paediatric cancer survivors. The etiology of these impairments is complex and multifaceted, stemming from a combination of disease-related factors, treatment modalities (such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery), and psychosocial variables. Moreover, the review uncovers variations in cognitive outcomes based on cancer type, age at diagnosis, and time since treatment completion.
The scoping review identifies a notable gap in consistent assessment protocols and a lack of standardized tools for evaluating neurocognitive functioning in paediatric cancer patients. This gap poses challenges in comparing findings across studies and limits the ability to develop targeted interventions.
In conclusion, this scoping review underscores the critical importance of addressing neurocognitive functioning in the context of paediatric cancer. It calls for further research endeavours that delve into the mechanisms underlying these impairments, the long-term trajectories of cognitive functioning, and the development of evidence-based interventions aimed at enhancing the quality of life and cognitive outcomes for this vulnerable population.
Audience Take Away Notes
- The audience will gain insights into the complexity of neurocognitive challenges faced by pediatric cancer patients, the multifactorial nature of these challenges, and the gaps in research and practice that need to be addressed
- This review serves as a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge in this field, guiding healthcare practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and others toward a better understanding of the cognitive implications of pediatric cancer and the potential avenues for further exploration and intervention
