ID #444 The effects of non-pharmacological interventions to improve quality of life amongst those living beyond a paediatric brain tumour: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background

Quality of life (QoL) among those living beyond a paediatric brain tumour diagnosis is a priority for patients, clinicians, and researchers due to the enduring impact of tumour- and treatment-related outcomes[1]. Although non-pharmacological supportive interventions show promise for improving QoL in this population, the existing research is fragmented, with siloed studies creating a disconnected evidence base[2,3]. A rigorous synthesis of this evidence is therefore needed to inform real-world clinical guidance, provide evidence-based recommendations for future research, and create a roadmap for improving survivor care through targeted QoL interventions[4].

Methods

After registering the protocol on PROSPERO, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses (PRISMA)[5].

Results

Searches of seven electronic databases returned 6502 studies. Using Covidence, screening was conducted at title, abstract, and full-text levels and resulted in a final sample of 13 studies that met our eligibility criteria. The most common interventions included physical activity/exercise, social skills programmes, or visual rehabilitation. The meta-analysis identified that non-pharmacological interventions had a small to medium, positive effect on QoL (d = 0.38). Moderator analyses found that interventions lasting eight weeks or longer produced greater effects on QoL than shorter interventions (d = 0.56 vs. d = 0.18, p = 0.027).

Conclusions

The findings highlight the effectiveness of non-pharmacological supportive interventions for improving QoL among those living beyond a paediatric brain tumour diagnosis, with longer-term interventions demonstrating greater benefit than short-term approaches. Sustained supportive interventions should therefore be prioritised in clinical practice. Future research should evaluate interventions using robust longitudinal or randomised designs. This would develop a more comprehensive evidence base to inform practice and policy that optimise long-term QoL.

1. Pan-Weisz, T. M., Kryza-Lacombe, M., Burkeen, J., Hattangadi-Gluth, J., Malcarne, V. L., & McDonald, C. R. (2018). Patient-reported health-related quality of life outcomes in supportive-care interventions for adults with brain tumors: A systematic review. Psycho-Oncology, 28(1), 11–21. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.4906

2. Barrera, M., Hancock, K., Bartels, U., Solomon, A., & Desjardins, L. (2021). “I’m with my people!”: Perceived benefits of participation in a group social skills intervention for children and adolescent survivors of brain tumors. Cancer Nursing, 44(3), 197–204. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCC.0000000000000779

3. Khaleqi-Sohi, M., Sadria, G., Ghalibafian, M., Khademi-Kalantari, K., & Irannejad, S. (2022). The effects of physical activity and exercise therapy on pediatric brain tumor survivors: A systematic review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 30, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.11.003

4. Hewitt, M., Weiner, S. L., & Simone, J. V. (2003). Childhood cancer survivorship: Improving care and quality of life. The National Academies Press. http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10767.html

5. Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., et al. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71