Functional connectivity networks and their recruitment during working memory tasks in adult survivors of childhood brain tumors

AbstractAdult survivors of childhood brain tumors are at risk for cognitive performance deficits that require the core cognitive skill of working memory. Our goal was to examine the neural mechanisms underlying working memory performance in survivors. We studied the working memory of adult survivors of pediatric posterior fossa brain tumors using a letter n-back paradigm with varying cognitive workload (0-, 1-, 2-, and 3-back) and functional magnetic resonance imaging as well as neuropsychological measures. Survivors of childhood brain tumors evidenced lower working memory performance than demographically matched healthy controls. Whole-brain analyses revealed significantly greater blood-oxygen level dependent (BOLD) activation in the left superior / middle frontal gyri and left parietal lobe during working memory (2-back versus 0-back contrast) in survivors. Left frontal BOLD response negatively correlated with 2- and 3-back working memory performance, Auditory Consonant Trigrams (ACT), and Digit Span Backwards. In contrast, parietal lobe BOLD response negatively correlated with 0-back (vigilance task) and ACT. The results revealed that adult survivors of childhood posterior fossa brain tumors recruited additional cognitive control resources in the prefrontal lobe during increased working memory demands. This increased prefrontal activation is associated with lower working memory performance and is consistent with the allocation of latent resources theory. (JINS, 2015, 21, 494–505)

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Pituitary disorders as a predictor of apathy and executive dysfunction in adult survivors of childhood brain tumors

Pediatric Blood & Cancer ◽

10.1002/pbc.26144 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 63 (11) ◽

pp. 2019-2025 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Michelle E. Fox ◽

Tricia Z. King

Keyword(s):

Brain Tumors ◽

Executive Dysfunction ◽

Adult Survivors ◽

Childhood Brain Tumors

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The relationship between working memory and cerebral white matter volume in survivors of childhood brain tumors treated with conformal radiation therapy

Journal of Neuro-Oncology ◽

10.1007/s11060-014-1476-4 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 119 (1) ◽

pp. 197-205 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Lisa M. Jacola ◽

Jason M. Ashford ◽

Wilburn E. Reddick ◽

John O. Glass ◽

Robert J. Ogg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Radiation Therapy ◽

White Matter ◽

Brain Tumors ◽

Cerebral White Matter ◽

White Matter Volume ◽

Childhood Brain Tumors ◽

Conformal Radiation Therapy ◽

Matter Volume ◽

The Relationship

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Radiation-induced accelerated aging of the brain vasculature in young adult survivors of childhood brain tumors

Neuro-Oncology Practice ◽

10.1093/nop/npaa002 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 415-427

Author(s):

Tiina Maria Remes ◽

Maria Helena Suo-Palosaari ◽

Päivi K T Koskenkorva ◽

Anna K Sutela ◽

Sanna-Maria Toiviainen-Salo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Young Adult ◽

Brain Tumors ◽

Small Vessel Disease ◽

Adult Survivors ◽

High Dose ◽

Childhood Brain Tumors ◽

Lacunar Infarcts ◽

Vessel Disease ◽

Young Adult Survivors

Abstract Background Cranial radiotherapy may damage the cerebral vasculature. The aim of this study was to understand the prevalence and risk factors of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in childhood brain tumors (CBT) survivors treated with radiotherapy. Methods Seventy CBT survivors who received radiotherapy were enrolled in a cross-sectional study at a median 20 years after radiotherapy cessation. The prevalence of and risk factors for CVD were investigated using MRI, MRA, and laboratory testing. Tumors, their treatment, and stroke-related data were retrieved from patients’ files. Results Forty-four individuals (63%) had CVD at a median age of 27 years (range, 16-43 years). The prevalence rates at 20 years for CVD, small-vessel disease, and large-vessel disease were 52%, 38%, and 16%, respectively. Ischemic infarcts were diagnosed in 6 survivors, and cerebral hemorrhage in 2. Lacunar infarcts were present in 7, periventricular or deep WMHs in 34 (49%), and mineralizing microangiopathy in 21 (30%) survivors. Multiple pathologies were detected in 44% of the participants, and most lesions were located in a high-dose radiation area. Higher blood pressure was associated with CVD and a presence of WMHs. Higher cholesterol levels increased the risk of ischemic infarcts and WMHs, and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein and higher waist circumference increased the risk of lacunar infarcts. Conclusions Treating CBTs with radiotherapy increases the risk of early CVD and WMHs in young adult survivors. These results suggest an urgent need for investigating CVD prevention in CBT patients.

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Neurocognitive and Family Functioning and Quality of Life Among Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Brain Tumors

The Clinical Neuropsychologist ◽

10.1080/13854046.2011.580284 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 25 (6) ◽

pp. 942-962 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Matthew C. Hocking ◽

Wendy L. Hobbie ◽

Janet A. Deatrick ◽

Matthew S. Lucas ◽

Margo M. Szabo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Young Adult ◽

Brain Tumors ◽

Family Functioning ◽

Adult Survivors ◽

Childhood Brain Tumors ◽

Young Adult Survivors

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The Neurological Predictor Scale Predicts Adaptive Functioning via Executive Dysfunction in Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Brain Tumor

Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society ◽

10.1017/s1355617720000624 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Rella J. Kautiainen ◽

Michelle E. Fox ◽

Tricia Z. King

Keyword(s):

Young Adult ◽

Brain Tumors ◽

Indirect Effect ◽

Cognitive Rehabilitation ◽

Adaptive Functioning ◽

Executive Dysfunction ◽

Adult Survivors ◽

Childhood Brain Tumors ◽

Young Adult Survivors ◽

Frontal Systems

Abstract Objectives: Survivors of childhood brain tumors experience neurological sequelae that disrupt everyday adaptive functioning (AF) skills. The Neurological Predictor Scale (NPS), a cumulative measure of tumor treatments and sequelae, predicts cognitive outcomes, but findings on its relation to informant-reported executive dysfunction (ED) and AF are mixed. Given known effects of frontal-subcortical system disruptions on AF, this study assessed the NPS’ relationship with AF as mediated by frontal systems dysfunction, measured by the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe). Methods: 75 participants (Mage = 23.5, SDage = 4.5) were young adult survivors of childhood brain tumors at least 5 years past diagnosis. FrSBe and Scales of Independent Behavior-Revised (SIB-R), a measure of AF, were administered to informants. Parallel multiple mediator models included Apathy and ED as mediators, and age at diagnosis and time between diagnosis and assessment as covariates. Results: More complex treatment and sequelae were correlated with poorer functioning. Mediation models were significant for all subscales: Motor Skills (MS), p = .0001; Social Communication (SC), p = .002; Personal Living (PL), p = .004; Community Living (CL), p = .007. The indirect effect of ED on SC and CL was significant; the indirect effect of Apathy was not significant for any subscales. Conclusions: More complex tumor treatment and sequelae were associated with poorer long-term AF via increased ED. Cognitive rehabilitation programs may focus on the role of executive function and initiation that contribute to AF, particularly SC and CL skills, to help survivors achieve comparable levels of independence in everyday function as their peers.

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