Adaptive and Socio-Emotional Functioning in Childhood Cancer Survivors: An Analysis Using the Kaiser Permanente Neurocognitive Late Effects Brief Assessment Battery

Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children and adolescents (Askins & Moore, 2008; Haddy, Mosher, & Reaman, 2009). Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and/or other types of treatment such as bone marrow transplant (BMT), stem cell rescue and transplant, steroids, and immunotherapy. Despite these advances, there are negative side effects consequent to the neurotoxic exposure inherent to these methods.;Childhood cancer survivors may experience numerous and varied deficits, and outcome depends on various factors, including form of cancer, tumor size and location, treatment dosage, and complications. Research indicates difficulties with gross and fine motor coordination, executive function, non-verbal problem solving, memory, attention, processing speed, and working memory (Fennell & Butler, 2008; Semrud-Clikeman & Ellison, 2009). The present study aimed to focus on the impact on socio-emotional and adaptive functioning.;This study evaluated socio-emotional functions in 113 childhood cancer survivors assessed with the Kaiser Permanente Neurocognitive Late-Effects Brief Assessment Battery (KP-NCLE). The relationship between treatment dosage and daily functioning based on parent behavioral rating data was analyzed. Results show a significant effect of treatment risk on Hyperactivity. Furthermore, all standardized scores were within normal limits. Although this group was functioning at non-clinical levels at initial assessment, these results lend support for annual testing as part of survivorship planning for pediatric cancer survivors in order to identify and mitigate symptoms of cognitive, behavioral and emotional dysregulation.