Peer-reviewed article

QOL-23. ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF METHYLPHENIDATE ON LATE COGNITIVE EFFECTS IN PAEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOUR SURVIVORS: A SERVICE-BASED EVALUATION

Verity S, Hill R, Halliday G, Ryles J, Bailey S · 1 Dec 2020

Abstract

Abstract OBJECTIVE One of the most disabling side effects of treatment in survivors of brain tumours is the resultant reduction in level of processing speed and attention. This study aimed to evaluate intellectual and psychological benefit of short-acting methylphenidate to survivors of brain tumour. METHODS Paediatric BT patients attending a UK specialist treatment centre received assessment of cognitive performance. All patients identified with attentional difficulties were screened for contraindications to methylphenidate. Participants (N=23), mean age 11.09 years, completed a 6-month trial of methylphenidate. Measures of attention (Test of Everyday Attention for Children 2; SNAP-IV), side-effects (Stimulant Side-Effects Rating Scale), Health-Related Quality of Life (PEDS-QL), and experience of methylphenidate questionnaire (purpose-developed semi-structured questionnaire) were administered prior to medication and after six months. RESULTS Participants showed improvement in selective attention (t(18)=-5.4, p=<.001, d=.93) and processing speed (t(16)=-3.0, p=.01) at follow up. Family ratings of attention were significant (t(17)=14.46, p<.001, d=-1.19). Change in subjective measures of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) was also statistically significant as reported by children (t(16)=3.91, p=.001, d=-.99), and on a parental-report measure of child HRQoL (t(15)=-8.19, p<.001, d=-1.09). HRQoL measures show improvement to physical, academic, and emotional domains as reported by participants. CONCLUSIONS Paediatric BT survivors showed benefit from provision of methylphenidate in terms of reduced attentional and processing deficit, and in terms of emotional wellbeing. Treatment was well tolerated. Continued follow-up of the current participants in a longitudinal study aims to evidence longer-term benefit to participants.