Abstract
Objective. Pediatric oncology survivors are at risk for executive
function (EF) and working memory (WM) deficits, which can be measured
via performance-based measures or rating scales. Previous studies have
shown these measurement methods to be weakly correlated. This study
aimed to describe parent rated EF and performance-based working memory
(PBWM) in pediatric cancer survivors; examine change in EF and PBWM
across time; and investigate the relationship between parent rated WM
and PBWM. Method. The sample included 59 patients (50 brain tumor, 9
Leukemia) diagnosed in childhood (Mage=6.92 years; SD=4.12) seen twice
for clinical neuropsychological evaluation. PBWM was examined via the
auditory working memory scale from a Wechsler intelligence measure or
Differential Ability Scales-II. Parents completed the BRIEF/2 as a
measure of global EF (GEC), metacognitive skills (MI/CRI), and
behavioral regulation (BRI). Results. MI/CRI and GEC at Time 1 were
significantly above the mean (p<.01), while PBWM did not
differ from the normative mean. GEC, MI/CRI, and BRI were significantly
higher than the normative mean at Time 2 (p<.05). PBWM was
both clinically and statistically elevated (p<.001). There was
a significant change across time in GEC, MI/CRI, and PBWM
(p<.05), but not BRI. PBWM was only weakly correlated with the
BRIEF WM subscale at Time 1 and Time 2 (all p>.05).
Conclusions. Multiple measures of EF should be considered when providing
diagnoses and recommendations for pediatric cancer survivors.
Furthermore, given declines across time, findings document need for
continued monitoring and re-assessment of pediatric survivors as they
get further out from treatment.