Medical and neurocognitive late effects among survivors of childhood central nervous system tumors

The overall 5-year survival probability for children with central nervous system (CNS) tumors is approximately 67%. Pediatric patients generally have a better prognosis than adults with CNS tumors, although the morbidity from these tumors and their treatment can be very substantial. As more children with CNS tumors survive and require treatment in primary care settings, it is increasingly important for health care providers to anticipate and recognize long-term medical and neurocognitive complications. The purpose of this article is to provide a concise review of the long-term effects of pediatric CNS tumors and their treatment.