A prospective study on neurocognitive effects after primary radiotherapy in high-grade glioma patients

Bodensohn R, Corradini S, Ganswindt U, Hofmaier J, Schnell O, Belka C, Niyazi M (2016)


Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2016

Journal

Book Volume: 21

Pages Range: 642-650

Journal Issue: 4

DOI: 10.1007/s10147-015-0941-1

Abstract

Background: Neurocognition is a very important aspect of a brain tumor patient’s quality of life following radiotherapy. The aim of the present study was to assess neurocognitive functions of patients diagnosed with high-grade gliomas undergoing radiotherapy by using the NeuroCogFx® test and to examine relevant dose/volume parameters as well as patient characteristics potentially influencing the neurological baseline status and subsequent outcome. Methods: The cohort consisted of 44 astrocytoma World Health Organization grade III/IV patients. The NeuroCogFx® test was carried out on patients during (N = 44) and after (N = 21) irradiation. The test examines verbal/figural/short-term/working memory, psychomotorical speed, selective attention and verbal speed. The results were compared with regular patient and treatment data with an emphasis on the dose applied to the hippocampus. Results: Overall there were only slight changes in the median test results when comparing the baseline to the follow-up tests. In the ‘verbal memory test’ lower percentile ranks were achieved in left-sided tumors compared to right-sided tumors (p = 0.034). Dexamethasone intake during radiotherapy was significantly correlated with the difference between the two test batteries. Concerning figural memory, a correlation was detected between decreased figural recognition and the radiation dose to the left hippocampus (p = 0.045). Conclusion: We conclude that tumor infiltration of the hippocampus has an impact on neurocognitive function. However, treatment with radiotherapy seems to have less influence on cognitive outcome than expected.

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APA:

Bodensohn, R., Corradini, S., Ganswindt, U., Hofmaier, J., Schnell, O., Belka, C., & Niyazi, M. (2016). A prospective study on neurocognitive effects after primary radiotherapy in high-grade glioma patients. International Journal of Clinical Oncology, 21(4), 642-650. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10147-015-0941-1

MLA:

Bodensohn, Raphael, et al. "A prospective study on neurocognitive effects after primary radiotherapy in high-grade glioma patients." International Journal of Clinical Oncology 21.4 (2016): 642-650.

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