Screening of Neuropsychological Late Effects in Survivors of Childhood Cancer

Sponsored by the Frank M. Ewing Foundation, Inc.

Because oncology patients present with many significant medical problems, physicians report that there is unfortunately insufficient, or very limited, time during clinic appointments to assess for neuro-cognitive and psychosocial problems. Given that these problems are thought to impact roughly 40-100 percent of patients, a large proportion of childhood cancer survivors are believed to have undiagnosed and undertreated problems in these areas. At present, there is no established procedure in place in JHH oncology clinics to screen and monitor for neurocognitive and psychosocial problems that likely impact the functioning of a large majority of pediatric patients in the oncology program.

Given this need, the Kennedy Krieger Neuropsychology Department has developed a simple and efficient screening method which can potentially be used as part of routine JHH oncology clinic visits to systematically assess for problems related to neurocognitive and psychosocial functioning. Implementation of this screening method will allow JHH medical providers to routinely monitor these important, and often over-looked, domains of functioning. This screening procedure is designed to be efficient so that it can be used universally in JHH oncology clinics. Problems with neurocognitive and psychosocial functioning can then be more accurately identified and appropriate recommendations/referrals can be made, resulting in better patient care.