Psychological Impact of various Therapeutic Modalities in Childhood Malignancy

Abstract

Background: The purpose of the study is to evaluate and compare the psychological impact of various therapeutic modalities in pediatric cancer by comparing them to healthy children across age groups.
Methods: The semi-structured and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric interview (M.I.N.I Kids Test) were administered to 80 children including 40 cancer patients and 40 healthy children.
Results: CNS tumors were the most commontumor 47.5% followed by heamatological malignancies 35% and Non CNS solid tumors 17.5%. About two thirds of the sample reported social problems followed by school problems in 57.5% of cases. By analyzing the mood changes, there was significant depression, anxiety disorders, panic attacks and separation anxiety between the patients and the control (p= <0.001). The patients had also significant lack of attentionand stubbornness (p=<0.001). These problems did not show any difference between sex except for depression and social worries which were more in girls. These symptoms did not show any difference as regard receiving or not chemotherapy, radiotherapy or combination.
Conclusion: The psychological problems were more evident in cancer patients compared to healthy children and was higher than developing countries. The present study highlighted the need of a health care team and integration of a comprehensive psychological support in the treatment plan in Egypt. This will improvequality of life and reduce the burden of treatment.