Computer-Based Cognitive Training in Children with Primary Brain Tumours: A Systematic Review.
Francesco Sciancalepore, Leonardo Tariciotti, Giulia Remoli, Danilo Menegatti, Andrea Carai, Giuseppe Petruzzellis, Kiersten P Miller, Francesco Delli Priscoli, Alessandro Giuseppi, Roberto Premuselli, Alberto E Tozzi, Angela Mastronuzzi, Nicola Vanacore, Eleonora Lacorte, Allena-Mente Study Group
Author Information
Francesco Sciancalepore: National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy. ORCID
Leonardo Tariciotti: Fondazione IRCCS C�� Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Unit of Neurosurgery, 20122 Milan, Italy. ORCID
Giulia Remoli: Neurology Ward, San Gerardo Hospital, 20900 Monza, Italy.
Danilo Menegatti: Department of Computer, Control, and Management Engineering (DIAG), University of Rome "La Sapienza", 00161 Rome, Italy. ORCID
Andrea Carai: Neurosurgery Unit, Neuroscience Department, IRCCS Bambino Ges�� Children's Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy. ORCID
Giuseppe Petruzzellis: Division of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASUFC), 33100 Udine, Italy.
Kiersten P Miller: Multifactorial and Complex Diseases Research Area, IRCCS Bambino Ges�� Children's Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy. ORCID
Francesco Delli Priscoli: Department of Computer, Control, and Management Engineering (DIAG), University of Rome "La Sapienza", 00161 Rome, Italy.
Alessandro Giuseppi: Department of Computer, Control, and Management Engineering (DIAG), University of Rome "La Sapienza", 00161 Rome, Italy.
Roberto Premuselli: Department of Oncology/Hematology, Cell Therapy Gene Therapies and Hemopoietic Transplant, IRCCS Bambino Ges�� Children's Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy.
Alberto E Tozzi: Multifactorial and Complex Diseases Research Area, IRCCS Bambino Ges�� Children's Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy. ORCID
Angela Mastronuzzi: Department of Oncology/Hematology, Cell Therapy Gene Therapies and Hemopoietic Transplant, IRCCS Bambino Ges�� Children's Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy. ORCID
Nicola Vanacore: National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy. ORCID
Eleonora Lacorte: National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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. : 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. 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. 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.
