Neurocognitive outcomes in survivors of childhood cancer

Objectives To review issues associated with neurocognitive outcome in survivors of pediatric cancer. Recommendations are made for future research directions. Methods A large body of literature pertaining to neurocognitive outcome in cancer survivors was reviewed. Brain development and methodological issues that provide challenges to conducting meaningful research in cancer outcomes also are discussed. Results Neurotoxic agents used in some cancer therapies produce permanent neurocognitive sequelae, especially in very young children. Conclusions The state of neurocognitive research for pediatric cancer survivors needs to move beyond empirical studies of neurocognitive sequelae to research that will identify individual patients at risk for neurocognitive morbidity.