AUTHOR=Patel Tirath , Johar Pulkit , Kanisetti Vaishnavi , Talacheru Sahithi , Avinash Vadali , Das Arghadip , Sahu Sweta , Goyal Abhishek , Szobody Megan W. , Sayers Tori , Gullapalli Sriya , Yallapu Murali M. , Shaikh Mushfiq H. , Anand Nikhilesh , Potter-Baker Kelsey , Gadad Bharathi S. 

TITLE=Long-term neurocognitive and behavioral outcomes in survivors of pediatric brain tumors: a systematic review

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neuroscience

VOLUME=Volume 19 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2025.1587059

DOI=10.3389/fnins.2025.1587059

ISSN=1662-453X

ABSTRACT=BackgroundBrain tumors are among the most common neoplasms in children. These patients suffer from neurocognitive impairment, treatment-related side effects, and experience a subpar quality of life (QoL), affecting academic endeavors, social interaction, and mental wellbeing.MethodsThis review investigated different long-term neurocognitive and behavioral outcomes in pediatric brain tumor survivors and evaluated various effective treatment methods. We identified 75 relevant articles published between 2019 and 2024 using PubMed, PMC, Embase, and Google Scholar databases. Duplicates were removed, and 14 studies were finally selected following the PRISMA guidelines. Initial observations noted significant variations in the study methodologies and inclusion criteria.ResultsOur study showed that children treated with proton radiotherapy experienced better neurocognitive and academic results than those treated with photon radiotherapy. Cognitive abilities were affected irrespective of the treatment, especially in early stage radiotherapy. Psychosocial impacts such as low self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and increased suicidal ideation were also demonstrated. Improvement in long-term outcomes was noted within therapeutic plans devoid of delayed high-dose radiotherapy and marrow ablation chemotherapy.DiscussionIncreasing our understanding of the long-term effects associated with brain tumors using our current treatment methodology will help us formulate better treatment protocols and improve survivors’ quality of life.