Peer-reviewed article

QOL-06. QUALITY OF LIFE IN MEDULLOBLASTOMA SURVIVORS IN WESTERN MEXICO

del Campo R, Macias-Toscano J, Toral-Casillas E, Sánchez-Zubieta F, Orozco-Alvarado A · 1 Dec 2020

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND Treatment of children with medulloblastoma (MB) can lead survivors to lidiate with long term sequelae and affect their quality of life (QoL). This study evaluates QoL in long term MB survivors. DESIGN/ METHODS Clinical files of MB survivors from 1997 to 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. QoL was defined by Schipper Criteria in a five dimensional evaluation: clinical data, physic effects of treatment, academic develop, functional state and self welfare report. RESULTS Clinical data: Twenty eight survivors were identified, mean age at review was 18 years, median follow up was 106 months. Functional state: Last visit Karfnosky/lansky were 90 to 80% in 25% of patients. Physic effects of treatment: Cerebellar Mutism or ataxia were present in 25% of cases. Two patients required external dispositives. Audiometry detected an auditive tonal decrease in 25% of cases. An endocrine disfunction was present in 46% of cases, 32% required hormone replacement and 28% having short size. Renal damage without dialysis was detected in 7% and 10% had a transient tubulopaty. One case had bilateral amaurosis and 14% uses glasses. Three patients had a life partner. One female has offspring and two males had azoospermia. Academic development: While 90% attends to school, 35.7% complained of learning difficulties and 18% needed special education. Self welfare report: Difficulties in social environment were described in 21% and 14% still feeling sick during years. CONCLUSIONS Survivors of MB had adverse physical effects, followed by academic development, functional state and self welfare report and all this has a negative impact in their QoL.