1. STUDY TITLE: Predicting Neurocognitive and Neuropsychological Impairment by using Genetic Polymorphisms in Medulloblastoma Survivors. 2. WORKING GROUP AND INVESTIGATORS: 2.1. Working Group: Neuropsychology

Medulloblastoma is the second most common malignant brain tumor seen in children and adolescents accounting for 20 % to 25 % of all new cases. With advances in chemotherapy and radiation therapy, 60-80 % of patients can now be cured 1;2. However, a substantial number of patients have significant long-term residual effects from radiation therapy, including endocrinopathies, hearing loss, renal failure, second malignancies, neuropsychological and cognitive impairments2-5. These residual effects can have a profound impact on survivors’ quality of life, academic and professional achievement. Children who are treated for CNS tumors have been found to be at risk for development of serious neurocognitive problems, particularly those treated with cranial irradiation and intensive chemotherapy. Long-term effects include impairment in overall cognitive functioning (IQ), attention, memory, processing speed, executive functioning, and school performance. Fifty to 60 percent of patients develop progressive neurocognitive and neuropsychological deficits characterized by reduction in intelligence, impairment in executive function, memory and attention 6;7. Younger age at the time of treatment is associated with increased risk for such outcome 6. Almost all of the affected individuals live with learning disorders and require supplemental educational services. A recent study by Pang e