Discrepancy between subjective perception and objective cognitive performance in attention assessment within the winners project for cancer survivors. a case report

TL;DR

This case report highlights a mismatch between caregivers' subjective assessments and objective test results in measuring attention in pediatric cancer survivors.

Contribution

The study demonstrates the importance of using objective cognitive tests over subjective reports for accurate attention assessment in cancer survivors.

Findings

Objective tests showed improved attention after intervention, shifting from an ADHD-like to a slowed pattern.

Parent-reported assessments indicated worsened attention, while self-reports showed no significant change.

Subjective reports cannot replace objective tests in evaluating neurocognitive outcomes in cancer survivors.

Abstract

Paediatric cancer survivors have a risk for neuropsychological impairment due to the disease and the treatment received. These affections have been neglected in the follow-up of these patients. It is important to identify the most valid outcomes in the evaluation of neurocognitive sequelae in childhood cancer survivors.

This work aims to compare the results obtained between subjective perception of caregivers and objective cognitive performance based on validated attention tests.

In a randomized controlled and unblinded trial to demonstrate the benefit of video games on different neurocognitive areas in cancer survivors, we studied attention functioning before and after the intervention program. The attention deficit subscale from the Behavior Assessment System for Children 3rd edition (BASC-3), self- and parent-reported versions, and the Continuous Performance Test, 3rd edition (CPT 3) will be used as outcomes (z scores: mean = 0, S.D. = 1).

We observed an improvement in attention after intervention using the CPT-3 (omissions z = 1.2; hit reaction time z = 3.4; hit reaction time block change z = 1.2 versus hit reaction time z = 3.6 without other atipycal z scores after intervention), changing the attentional pattern from “ADHD” to “slowed”. However, in the parent-reported version of the BASC-3, a worsening in the attention subscale is observed (z = 0.3 pre-intervention vs z = 1.0 post-intervention) while the self-reported version of the patient didn’t show any significant changes (z = 1.4 pre-intervention vs z = 1.1 post-intervention).

It is essential to use objective tests to measure neurocognitive sequelae in these patients. Subjective surveys can provide additional information, but not substitute the above.

None Declared