QOS-35COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING OF CHILDREN WITH BRAIN TUMORS FOLLOWING FIT BRAIN, A COGNITIVE REMEDIATION PROGRAM

Abstract

The numberof childhood cancer survivors is growing due to increasinglyaggressive yet effective treatments, many of which directly target the central nervous system (CNS). As a result, more and more children experience neurocognitive deficits long after treatment has ended, and developing Methods to reduce this neurocognitive morbidity is becomingmoreimportant. In response to this growing need, we have developed a cognitive remediation program, CHOC Children's FIT Brain, for pediatric cancer survivors with the goals of: (1) reducing cognitive deficits, (2) teaching compensatory strategies, and (3) providing psychosocial support through a safe, peer-assisted atmosphere. The FIT Brain program utilizes cognitive-behavioral techniques in combination with daily training using Lumosity, a computer-based cognitive training system purported to increase processing speed, working memory, and cognitiveflexibility.CHOC's FIT Brainprogram is comprised of 8weekly groupsessions. We present data from a small sample of seven childhood brain tumor survivors who participated in this innovative program. Data was gathered at pre-and post-intervals for performance on Lumosity within the following domains: Lumosity Performance Index, processing speed, memory, attention, flexibility, and problem solving ability. Modest gains were seen across all domains, with flexibility demonstrating the greatest change. Limitations include small sample size and poor variable/domain definition. Future research should include larger sample size, as well as establishing concurrent validity with other established outcome measures, as well as to further explore the effectiveness of cognitive remediation strategies, such as Lumosity, with this population.