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Young adult childhood cancer survivors (YACCS) are a vulnerable group in need of psychosocial support, but tailored interventions are lacking. To examine feasibility and satisfaction, and to explore preliminary effectiveness of an online group intervention (Op Koers Online for YACCS) aimed at teaching active coping skills and providing peer-contact, thereby reducing and preventing psychosocial problems in YACCS. The intervention is based on psycho-education, cognitive behavioral therapy, and aspects of acceptance and commitment therapy. YACCS completed questionnaires pre- and post-intervention. Feasibility was based on attendance, drop-out, and an evaluation questionnaire was administered to assess satisfaction. Preliminary effectiveness was evaluated with the Mastery Scale, Illness Cognition Questionnaire, Distress Thermometer, Impact of Cancer - Childhood Survivors, and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Preliminary effectiveness was investigated by testing differences on the psychosocial outcomes (coping and psychosocial wellbeing) between T0 and T1 within respondents, using paired samples t tests and Cohen's d. 10 YACCS participated in the intervention and completed all questionnaires. There was no drop-out; 90% of participants attended five out of six sessions. Overall, participants were satisfied with the intervention; 7.6 on a 0-10 scale. Distress (Cohen's d=-.6, p=.030) and feelings of helplessness (Cohen's d=-.8, p=.001) reduced from T0 to T1, while self-efficacy (Cohen's d=.8, p=.013,) improved. Other outcomes displayed small effects, but did not change significantly. This first, small pilot study showed short-term decrease in distress and feelings of helplessness and improvement of self-efficacy. Op Koers Online was positively evaluated by YACCS and course leaders, filling a gap in psychosocial services for YACCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With more children surviving a brain tumor, insight into the late effects of the disease and treatment is of high importance. This study focused on profiling the neurocognitive functions that might be affected after treatment for a pediatric brain tumor, using a broad battery of computerized tests. Predictors that may influence neurocognitive functioning were also investigated. A total of 82 pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTSs) aged 8–18 years (M = 13.85,SD = 3.15, 49% males) with parent-reported neurocognitive complaints were compared to a control group of 43 siblings (ageM = 14.27, SD = 2.44, 40% males) using linear mixed models. Neurocognitive performance was assessed using measures of attention, processing speed, memory, executive functioning, visuomotor integration (VMI), and intelligence. Tumor type, treatment, tumor location, hydrocephalus, gender, age at diagnosis, and time since diagnosis were entered into regression analyzes as predictors for neurocognitive functioning. The PBTSs showed slower processing speeds and lower intelligence (range effect sizes .71–.82,p < .001), as well as deficits in executive attention, short-term memory, executive functioning, and VMI (range effect sizes .40–.57,p < .05). Older age at assessment was associated with better neurocognitive functioning (B = .450,p < .001) and younger age at diagnosis was associated with lower intelligence (B = .328,p < .05). Medical risk factors, e.g., hydrocephalus, did not show an association with neurocognitive functioning. Late effects in PBTSs include a broad range of neurocognitive deficits. The results suggest that even PBTSs that were traditionally viewed as low risk for neurocognitive problems (e.g., surgery only, no hydrocephalus) may suffer from decreased neurocognitive functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to assess the following: (1) The impact of medical determinants on the course of life of survivors of childhood cancer and (2) the impact of the course of life on Quality of Life (Q0L) in young adulthood. A total of 353 Dutch cancer survivors, aged 18-30, completed the RAND-36 Health Survey and the Course-of-Life questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Survivors of brain tumors and survivors having been treated with radiotherapy reported the achievement of significantly fewer milestones in the psychosexual and social domain than the other survivors. Survivors who achieved fewer milestones in the social domain scored worse on QoL. Health-care providers should help to minimize the harm for children who grow up with cancer by encouraging social and psychosexual development. Children should be encouraged to make friends and to participate in peer activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]