From childhood to adulthood: long-term outcome of medulloblastoma patients. The Institut Curie experience (1980-2000)

Abstract

Medulloblastoma patients treated at the Institute Curie between 1980 and 2000 were reviewed. Only patients whose primary treatment included craniospinal radiation were considered. Surviving patients were identified and evaluated by means of self-report questionnaires using the Health Utility Index (HUI). Psychosocial functioning, employment, and other health-related indicators were recorded. Seventy-three patients were treated during the study period. At a median follow-up from diagnosis of 14.4 years, 49 patients were alive and 45 surviving patients could be contacted. Late sequelae were frequent, particularly neurological deficits (71%) and endocrine complications (52%). Impairments of psychosocial functioning, including employment, driving capacity, independent living, and marital status, were identified in most patients. Most long-term medulloblastoma survivors suffer persistent deficits in several domains, with a significant impact on their psychosocial functioning. These findings reinforce the importance of early intervention programs for all survivors in order to reduce the psychosocial impacts of their disease.