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Research Article
Predicting behavioral problems in craniopharyngioma survivors after conformal radiation therapy
Article first published online: 3 FEB 2009
DOI: 10.1002/pbc.21947
Copyright © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Additional Information
How to Cite
Dolson, E. P., Conklin, H. M., Li, C., Xiong, X. and Merchant, T. E. (2009), Predicting behavioral problems in craniopharyngioma survivors after conformal radiation therapy. Pediatr. Blood Cancer, 52: 860–864. doi: 10.1002/pbc.21947
Publication History
- Issue published online: 7 APR 2009
- Article first published online: 3 FEB 2009
- Manuscript Accepted: 22 DEC 2008
- Manuscript Received: 5 FEB 2008
Funded by
- National Cancer Institute. Grant Number: CA21765
- American Cancer Society. Grant Number: RPG-99-252-01-CCE
- American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC) Rhodes College Summer Plus Program
Keywords:
- brain tumor;
- child behavior checklist;
- craniopharyngioma;
- pediatric
Abstract
Background
Although radiation therapy is a primary treatment for craniopharyngioma, it can exacerbate existing problems related to the tumor and pre-irradiation management. Survival is often marked by neurologic deficits, panhypopituitarism, diabetes insipidus, cognitive deficiencies, and behavioral and social problems.
Procedure
The Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was used to evaluate behavioral and social problems during the first 5 years of follow-up in 27 patients with craniopharyngioma treated with conformal radiation therapy.
Results
All group averages for the CBCL scales were within the age-typical range at pre-irradiation baseline. Extent of surgical resection was implicated in baseline differences for the internalizing, externalizing, behavior problem and social scores. Significant longitudinal changes were found in internalizing, externalizing, behavior problem and school scores that correlated with tumor and treatment-related factors.
Conclusions
The most common variables implicated in post-irradiation behavioral and social problems were CSF shunting, presence of an Ommaya reservoir, diabetes insipidus, and low pre-irradiation growth hormone levels. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:860–864. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.