Pamela L. Wolters, Ph.D., Neurobehavioral Program, National Cancer Institute
Program duration 2012-2013, one-year
Significant cognitive late effects are associated with cranial radiation therapy. Although treatment regimens have been modified in attempts to reduce neurotoxicity, limited research has focused on therapeutic interventions targeted toward ameliorating or preventing these impairments. One potential novel intervention for cognitive rehabilitation has not been explored in children with cancer involves physical activity. In children with ADHD, who have similar cognitive deficits as children treated for cancer, interventions using physical activity have improved attention and behavior as well as the underlying neurobiologic mechanisms. Such studies have found a positive impact of exercise on immune system function, cardiopulmonary fitness, fatigue and quality of life. We plan to evaluate the effects of a physical activity intervention on the cognitive deficits for children treated for brain tumors in a randomized controlled study.
Thank you so much to CBTF for supporting this study!
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