Conclusions
Regardless of radiation modality, pediatric brain tumor survivors are at
risk for long-term social difficulties, with perceived friendship
quality and peer acceptance being areas of particular vulnerability.
Survivors are also at risk for cognitive late effects, and those with
weaknesses in verbal memory may be at higher risk for peer relationship
challenges. Treatment variables such as time since radiation,
hydrocephalus/shunt placement, and tumor diameter may prove more
influential for long-term social functioning than radiation modality,
although further investigation is needed. Overall, survivors will
benefit from continued monitoring of cognitive and social functioning
over the course of survivorship. It is hoped that further inquiry into
cognitive and clinical predictors of social outcomes will inform
interventions to support survivor social adjustment and overall quality
of life.