Atención interdisciplinar a las secuelas de la enfermedad y/o tratamientos en oncología pediátrica

Abstract

Medical advances in the last decades have increased the cancer survival rate, leading to short- and long-term sequelae caused by the disease and/or treatment and with different degrees of severity. Recent imaging studies have shown brain damage (white and grey matter involvement) by chemo- and radiotherapy. Pathology, treatments, age, sex, etc. modulate brain damage and its sequelae. Together with neuropsychological defi cit, which has been largely described, motor problems and daily life activities are frequent and determine subsequent social, school and work adaptation. We propose specialists’ interdisciplinary involvement in and follow-up of brain damage in children with more serious sequelae. Interaction of different disciplines (neuropsychology, pediatric neurology, family therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, among others) in these teams can improve quality of life of patients and their families.