According to a study the journal Cancer, survivors of childhood neuroblastoma have neurocognitive impairments that affect their ability to reach adult milestones. The researchers found that these survivors were less likely than their siblings to graduate from college, live independently, or be in full-time employment. Using the CCSS Neurocognitive Questionnaire, the researchers compared neurocognitive impairments in neuroblastoma survivors enrolled in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study and sibling controls. A total of 837 neuroblastoma survivors were matched with 728 siblings. Neuroblastoma survivors reported impaired organization , task efficiency , emotional regulation , and memory . Compared with their siblings, neuroblastoma survivors were at greater risk of impaired task effectiveness CI, 1.22-2.06) and impaired emotional regulation . The risk of deterioration was higher when exposed to certain treatments. For example, neuroblastoma survivors diagnosed at age 1 year or younger had an increased risk of impaired task effectiveness associated with exposure to platinum chemotherapy . For survivors diagnosed greater than 1 year of age, receiving brain irradiation, impaired emotional regulation and impaired memory ). . Survivors treated with chest, neck, or whole-body irradiation were less likely to experience emotional dysregulation . Neuroblastoma survivors were more likely than their siblings to have chronic health conditions, including hearing loss, cardiovascular conditions, and neurological conditions. Survivors with chronic health conditions were more likely to have neurocognitive impairment. The researchers noted that the neurocognitive impairment had a "striking" effect on the ability of neuroblastoma survivors to reach adult milestones. Survivors aged 25 years or older were less likely than their siblings to graduate from college , work full-time , and live independently . The researchers concluded, "The high prevalence of neurocognitive impairment found in this study indicates that all neuroblastoma survivors should be carefully screened and there should be a low threshold for formal neuropsychological testing." "Also, because research has identified survivors at risk of neurocognitive impairment, intervention studies aimed at preventing and mitigating these consequences are needed." Disclosures Some study authors have declared affiliations with biotech, pharmaceutical, andor device companies. Please refer to the original reference for a complete list of descriptions. Reference Hesko C, Liu W, Srivastava DK et al. Neurocognitive outcomes in adults who are neuroblastoma survivors a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. Cancer. Published online on May 18, 2023. doi10.1002cncr.34847 Gotopnews.com