Neuropsychological sequelae after treatment for medulloblastoma in childhood - the Taiwan experience

The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional independence, intellectual performance and academic achievement of children treated for medulloblastoma at the Veterans General Hospital - Taipei. Adverse factors that it was thought would result in significant intellectual impairment were also studied. Nineteen patients with medulloblastoma located over the posterior fossa were enrolled in this study. Their mean age at tumor removal was 6.16 ± 3.30 (range 2-14) years. Mean full intelligent quotient (FIQ) was 86.00 ± 22.66, performance intelligent quotient (PIQ) was 85.29 ± 21.23, and verbal intelligent quotient (VIQ) was 90.50 ± 23.50. In 11 cases academic achievement at school was poor. Sixteen patients received radiation therapy after tumor removal. Significant negative correlations were noted between IQ and whole-brain irradiation dose (r = -0.72) and between IQ and years after radiation therapy (r = -0.63). The results indicate a need for ongoing attention and intervention to prevent, remedy or minimize deficits produced by the tumor itself and by the cancer treatment.