Neuropsychology Research
 Neurocognitive Outcomes in Pediatric Patients Treated For Primary Central Nervous System GerminomaPrincipal Investigator: Sharon O’Neil, Ph.D. Co-Investigator: Jaye Azoff, Psy.D. The purpose of this study is to evaluate neurocognitive outcomes following a combined chemotherapy and reduced dose irradiation strategy for primary CNS germinoma. This is the first study providing comprehensive long-term follow-up of the intellectual functioning, attention, processing speed, memory, and psychosocial functioning of patients treated for primary CNS germinoma. Neuroradiographic, Endocrinological, and Ophthalmic Correlates of Adverse Developmental Outcomes in Children with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia: A Prospective Study Developmental delay has been reported to occur with optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH), a leading cause of pediatric blindness, but has not been systematically examined for its prevalence and correlation with associated pathologies of ONH. The purpose of this study is to determine the developmental outcomes of children with ONH and the correlation of development with neuroradiographic, endocrinologic, and ophthalmic findings. Clinical Correlative Studies in Primary Central Nervous System Germ Cell Tumors: The Third International CNS Germ Cell Tumor Study Germinomas constitute nearly 60% of all intracranial Germ Cell Tumors (GCT) in children. Radiation therapy along with chemotherapy remains the gold standard for management. However, non-uniformity regarding therapy still exists. This purpose of this study was to evaluate a uniform treatment strategy for newly diagnosed primary central nervous system (CNS) germinomas in terms of survival and quality of life. Retrospective Review of Neuropsychologic Assessment in Patients with Posterior Fossa Syndrome Acute lesions of the cerebellum, most often following resection of posterior fossa tumors, are likely to result in disturbances in cognition, behavior, and mood. The pattern of changes has been termed the Posterior Fossa Syndrome (PFS), which may resolve or which may evolve into the Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Syndrome (CCAS). This study provides a retrospective review of neuropsychological assessments performed for clinical purposes to determine the cognitive, mood and behavioral symptoms in children and adolescents with posterior fossa lesions. HEAD START III: Dose Intensive Chemotherapy for Children Less Than Ten Years of Age Newly-Diagnosed With Malignant Brain Tumors: A Pilot Study This main purpose of this study is to learn whether intensive chemotherapy for a period of five months, followed by an intensive single course of drug treatment with blood stem cell rescue procedure can improve the cure rates for young children with malignant brain tumors. Secondly, the study evaluates the effects of lower dose radiation treatment on normal brain development. If we can avoid the use of radiation therapy, or at least use smaller amounts, we may be able to decrease the chances of serious long-term side effects, and increase both cure rate and quality of life. A Phase II Trial of Conformal Radiation Therapy for Pediatric Patients with Localized Ependymoma, Chemotherapy Prior to Second Surgery for Incompletely Resected Ependymoma and Observation for Completely Resected, Differentiated, Supratentorial Ependymoma: A Children’s Oncology Group Study There is a high risk of neurodevelopmental problems in young children treated for ependymoma. The assessment of functional and neuropsychological status is critical to obtain information about tumor and tumor related morbidity. The premise of this study is that newer radiation planning and delivery techniques are capable of reducing neuropsychological sequelae for all children, including the very young. A Study Evaluating Limited Target Volume Boost Irradiation and Reduced Dose Craniospinal Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy In Children With Newly Diagnosed Standard Risk Medulloblastoma; A Phase III Double Randomized Trial: A Children’s Oncology Group Study The purpose of this national cooperative study is to evaluate the quality of survival for children treated for newly diagnosed medulloblastoma with chemotherapy and reduced dose irradiation. Neuropsychological, Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Outcomes in Children with Cancer: A Childrens Oncology Group Study Neuropsychological and behavioral assessments are a crucial component of monitoring for late effects in patients being treated for cancer. However, it has historically been difficult to obtain neuropsychometric and quality of life data in cooperative group studies. The purpose of this study is twofold: a) to evaluate the effectiveness of a one hour neuropsychological screening in identifying potential late effects and b) to determine any increase in national cooperative Children's Oncology Group (COG) compliance in obtaining such data when cost is significantly reduced. |