Functional Connectivity Differences in Posterior Fossa Tumor Survivors and Healthy Controls: An Exploratory Study

Presenter: Ysa Alegre & Grace Mucci, Ph.D., M.S., ABPdN, ABPP

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Abstract: 

Treatment for pediatric posterior fossa tumor patients typically include surgery, chemotherapy, and irradiation, which have improved survival rates for these patients. Some survivors have experienced neurocognitive late effects (e.g. difficulty with attention, recalling information, planning, etc.) due to treatment factors. This article researches two posterior fossa tumor populations (low grade Astrocytoma vs. high grade Medulloblastoma) with patients between the ages of 6-17 years old in the United States 1 -10 years posttreatment. The researchers used resting state functional magnetic resonance (rs-fMRI) to evaluate the integrity of the connection across brain regions. Significant interactions were observed between specific brain regions and functions (e.g. left lingual gyrus and tumor type on processing speed). This research highlights support in utilizing neuroimaging techniques to elucidate the underlying cause of neurocognitive late effects and the brain regions impacted to better inform cognitive intervention recommendations.

Objectives:

1) Identify which brain regions demonstrate significant group differences in medulloblastoma survivors, low-grade astrocytoma (LGA) survivors and healthy controls

2) Investigate how functional connectivity in identified brain regions is associated with cognitive and executive functions

3) Contrast overall patterns of functional connectivity across medulloblastoma survivors, LGA survivors and healthy controls

The American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology (AAPdN) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. AAPdN maintains responsibility for this program and its content.  

AAPdN is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board of Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0059. AAPdN maintains responsibility for this program and its content.