Effects of Cranial Radiation on Structural and Functional Brain Development in Pediatric Brain Tumors

There is emerging research connecting neuroimaging correlates and neurocognitive functioning in pediatric brain tumors. Current work has attempted to measure the impact of cranial radiation on brain and behavior outcomes with the goal of better understanding the mechanisms of treatment late effects. While critical for treatment, cranial radiation can have a substantial impact on the developing brain and on neuropsychological development. This paper provides a critical review of the most recent empirical structural and functional neuroimaging research evaluating the impact of cranial radiation on neuropsychological functioning in pediatric brain tumors. The importance in study methodology, potential outcome moderating variables, limitations, and future directions is discussed.