Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Background: Pediatric brain tumours (PBT) are the second most common pediatric cancer in Canada with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 68%. Cancer treatments, though necessary, are toxic with serious negative long-term impacts on cognitive functioning. The most vulnerable cognitive functions are attention-related abilities and executive functions (A/EF; e.g., sustained attention, processing speed, working memory, flexibility, inhibition). Unfortunately, very few accessible, evidence-based interventions exist for cognitive deficits in survivors of PBT (SPBT) and a parent-delivered home-based intervention may be a more feasible approach. Dino Island (DI) is a novel game-based, parent-delivered A/EF intervention that incorporates evidence-based processes-specific and compensatory treatment approaches to address cognitive decline in SPBT. Method: For this mixed methods study, SPBT (n = 30) and their parents will be randomly assigned to active or control groups. Parents will be trained to deliver the intervention to their child from home with support of the research team. Assessments (composite measures of A/ EF and parent proxy reports) will be conducted at baseline, post intervention, and 6-week follow-up. Exit interviews will be conducted with parents to assess feasibility, acceptability, and intervention facilitators/barriers. Analysis: Quantitative data will be analyzed through an analysis of covariance. Qualitative data will be recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Significance: There are currently very few interventions for cognitive deficits in SPBT. Novel and innovative treatments for SPBT are imperative and this study will research a new treatment option with potential to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes in SPBT.