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Review
. 2022 Aug 11;14(16):3879.
doi: 10.3390/cancers14163879.

Computer-Based Cognitive Training in Children with Primary Brain Tumours: A Systematic Review

Francesco Sciancalepore  1 , Leonardo Tariciotti  2   3 , Giulia Remoli  4   5 , Danilo Menegatti  6 , Andrea Carai  7 , Giuseppe Petruzzellis  8 , Kiersten P Miller  9 , Francesco Delli Priscoli  6 , Alessandro Giuseppi  6 , Roberto Premuselli  10 , Alberto E Tozzi  9 , Angela Mastronuzzi  10 , Nicola Vanacore  1 , Eleonora Lacorte  1 , Allena-Mente Study Group
Affiliations
Review

Computer-Based Cognitive Training in Children with Primary Brain Tumours: A Systematic Review

Francesco Sciancalepore et al. Cancers (Basel). .

Abstract

Background: Late neurocognitive sequelae are common among long-term brain tumour survivors, resulting in significantly worse quality of life. Cognitive rehabilitation through specific APP/software for PC/tablets represents an innovative intervention spreading in recent years. In this study, we aim to review the current evidence and trends regarding these innovative approaches. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed. Inclusion criteria were: (i) Studies recruiting patients diagnosed with any brain tumour before 21 years of age; (ii) studies assessing the role of digital interventions on cognitive outcomes. Case reports, case series, reviews, letters, conference proceedings, abstracts, and editorials were excluded. Results: Overall, nine studies were included; 152 patients (67.8% males) with brain tumours underwent a digital intervention. The mean age at diagnosis and the intervention enrolment ranged from 4.9 to 9.4 years and 11.1 to 13.3 years, respectively. The computer-based software interventions employed were: Cogmed, Captain's Log, Fast ForWord, and Nintendo Wii. Most of these studies assessed the effects of cognitive training on working memory, attention, and performance in daily living activities. Conclusions: The studies suggest that this type of intervention improves cognitive functions, such as working memory, attention, and processing speed. However, some studies revealed only transient positive effects with a significant number of dropouts during follow-up. Trials with greater sample sizes are warranted. Motivating families and children to complete cognitive interventions could significantly improve cognitive outcomes and quality of life.

Keywords: brain tumours; cognitive; computer-based; neuro-oncology; paediatric.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA flow chart describing the inclusion process of the articles.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Qualitative assessment of the included studies through Cochrane Risk of Bias tool [5,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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