Journal of neuro-oncology
-
Journal of neuro-oncology · May 2005
Neuropsychological performance and quality of life of 10 year survivors of childhood medulloblastoma.
Survivors of medulloblastoma, the most frequently occurring malignant brain tumor of childhood, suffer neuropsychological damage in the first decade after diagnosis. Cognitive performance, psychosocial functioning and quality of life were assessed in medulloblastoma survivors in the second decade after diagnosis. ⋯ Survivors of childhood medulloblastoma frequently suffer severe persistent deficits in a wide-range of neuropsychological functional domains. Nevertheless, survivors and their families do not report impaired quality of life. These severe neuropsychological and psychosocial deficiencies justify further attempts to reduce or delay the use of craniospinal radiation therapy for childhood medulloblastoma.