QOL-49. THE IMPACT OF OTOTOXICITY AND VISUAL IMPAIRMENT ON EDUCATION IN CHILDREN TREATED FOR CNS TUMOURS

INTRODUCTION: Children treated for CNS tumours experience a very high burden of adverse effects. Platinum-based chemotherapy and cranial radiotherapy can cause ototoxicity, which may be particularly problematic in patients who have impaired vision and cognition as a result of their tumour and associated treatment. This study assessed the prevalence of impaired hearing and vision and how this may impact upon education. METHODS: 53 patients diagnosed with solid tumours in Edinburgh, UK between August 2013–2018 were included in the study. Patients were split into three groups according to treatment received: Group 1 – cisplatin-based chemotherapy and cranial radiotherapy; Group 2 - platinum-based chemotherapy, no cranial radiotherapy; Group 3 – benign brain tumours treated with surgery only. Data was collected retrospectively from patient notes. RESULTS: Overall 69.5% of those treated with platinum-based chemotherapy experienced ototoxicity as assessed by Brock grading and 5.9% of patients had reduced visual acuity. Patients in Group 1 had the highest prevalence of both. 44.4% of patients in Group 1 needed increased educational support following treatment, either with extra support in the classroom or being unable to continue in mainstream school. 12.5% of Group 2 patients required such support and 31.3% in Group 3. CONCLUSIONS: Children with CNS tumours frequently require support for future education but those treated with both platinum-based chemotherapy and cranial radiotherapy are at particular risk, which may be compounded by co-existent ototoxicity and visual impairment. It is essential to provide appropriate support for this patient cohort in order to maximise their educational potential.