New rehab for children after brain cancer described as 'life-changing'

Great Ormond Street Hospital has developed a new cognitive rehabilitation programme for children after brain tumours and is trialling it with 36 participants; families of early enrollees have described the impact as life-changing.

A new cognitive rehabilitation programme for children after brain tumours is being trialled at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Clinicians developed the programme after identifying a gap in post-treatment care for cognitive issues such as memory problems, attention difficulties and cognitive fatigue. One early participant is 11-year-old Sophia Chant, whose family described the study as life-changing. The trial includes children aged seven to 17 and involves 36 participants. Key facts: - The programme was developed at Great Ormond Street Hospital to help children and families manage cognitive challenges after brain tumour treatment. - The study aims to assess feasibility and acceptability among seven- to 17-year-olds and includes 36 children. - Participants receive either cognitive rehabilitation with cognitive fatigue management, cognitive rehabilitation alone, or usual healthcare. - The trial is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and the Success Charity - Life After Cure. - Family accounts note the programme offered techniques for memory and fatigue management and included online and in-person sessions. Summary: The trial will assess whether the programme is feasible and acceptable for young people after brain tumour treatment and gather evidence to inform a larger UK-wide trial. The research team says the findings could help pave the way for national cognitive rehabilitation services for children and young people who have had a brain tumour.