Assessing Discrepancies in Neurocognitive and Patient-Reported Measures of Brain Tumor Survivors

• Published in: Oncology nursing forum Vol. 47; no. 1; pp. E1 - E12
• Main Authors: Allen, Deborah, Carlson, Barbara W, Carlson, John R, Raynor, Renee H, Neelon, Virginia J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.01.2020
• Subjects: Adult; Brain Neoplasms - physiopathology; Cancer Survivors - statistics & numerical data; Cognition - physiology; Cognitive Dysfunction - physiopathology; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; North Carolina; Nursing; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Symptom Assessment - statistics & numerical data; North Carolina; neurocognitive performance; primary brain tumor; adult patients with cancer; survivors
• ISSN: 0190-535X; 1538-0688
• DOI: 10.1188/20.ONF.E1-E12

To examine the association between performance-based neurocognitive and patient-reported cognitive function tests and identify characteristics that may explain observed discrepancies as a means to advance intervention development. 40 adults diagnosed with a primary brain tumor (PBT) (high-grade, n = 35) were recruited from two academic neuro-oncology clinics in North Carolina. Eligibility included a Mini-Mental State Examination score of 24 or greater, having completed cancer treatment, and having tumor stability. Participants completed performance-based neurocognitive and patient-reported cognitive function, demographic, and symptom assessment tests at one time point. Neurocognitive impairments included executive control, memory, and attention. Age, time since diagnosis, and tumor- or treatment-specific variables were not associated with neurocognitive or patient-reported cognitive function. Those reporting worse cognitive impairment tended also to report greater severity of PBT-specific and depressive symptoms. Patient-reported cognitive concerns warrant additional assessment for potential interventions to maintain function.