Impact of “chemobrain” in childhood cancer survivors on social, academic, and daily living skills: a qualitative systematic review protocol

Abstract

The objective of this review is to examine children's experiences of chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (also known as ''chemobrain'') and the impact of chemobrain on children's social, academic, and daily living skills. Introduction:The effect of childhood chemotherapy treatment on cognition is of concern because of the vulnerable nature of children's developing brains and the potential to cause lifelong detriments socially, academically, and economically. Furthermore, this population is under-represented in the chemobrain literature and in survivorship care plans. As cancer survivorship among this group increases, it is important to understand childhood experiences so that rehabilitation strategies and suitable supports can be put in place.Inclusion criteria: This review of qualitative studies will focus on the pediatric population (0 to 18 years of age) during and/or following chemotherapy treatment to identify their experiences with chemobrain. The review will include any studies using a qualitative research methodology (eg, surveys, focus groups, interview transcripts), conducted in any geographic location, where experiences are presented from the child's perspective. Studies assessing children's experiences of cancer, other chemotherapy-related side effects, or the parent's personal experience will be excluded.Methods: A search of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases will be conducted. Full-text, Englishonly articles employing a qualitative research methodology will be included in the screening process. Two independent reviewers will retrieve and screen full-text studies, and assess methodological quality of the included studies. Meta-aggregation will be performed and a ConQual Summary of Findings will present the confidence in the findings.Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42021240573.

Parents' Distress & Demands for Children with Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment in Western China: A qualitative study

“…Thoroughly analyzing the symptom burden and needs of children with cancer-related cognitive impairments or their parents is crucial for guiding the implementation of future intervention measures.Therefore, understanding the experiences and needs of cancer patients with cognitive impairments is imperative 11,12 . However,current research both domestically and internationally primarily relies on quantitative methods to explore factors in uencing cognitive impairments and prognosis in cancer patients, which cannot comprehensively re ect the symptom burden and needs faced by both parents and patients 13,14 .…”

Performance of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in Oncopediatric Patients in an Oncology Unit in Cali, Colombia: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

“…The typical results of cognitive deterioration reported in cancer survivors include deterioration in working memory; in the speed of information processing; in attention; and in executive functions, which has a negative impact on academic performance and, in the long term, on job support or education [5,6].…”