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Faculty of Graduate Studies

Tessa M. Chomistek

  • BSc (University of Calgary, 2023)

Notice of the Final Oral Examination for the Degree of Master of Science

Topic

A Parent-Delivered Cognitive Intervention for Childhood Survivors of Cancer: A Case Series

Department of Psychology – Clinical Neuropsychology

Date & location

  • Tuesday, July 15, 2025

  • 9:00 A.M.

  • Cornett Building

  • Room A228

Reviewers

Supervisory Committee

  • Dr. Sarah Macoun, Department of Psychology, 51³Ô¹Ï (Supervisor)

  • Dr. Ulrich Mueller, Department of Psychology, UVic (Member) 

External Examiner

  • Dr. Doug Magnuson, Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies, UVic 

Chair of Oral Examination

  • Dr. Lara Lauzon, School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, UVic

     

Abstract

Background: Central nervous system cancers and leukemia account for 52% of childhood cancer diagnoses. Improved treatments have increased survival rates however, many of these children are left with significant long-term cognitive deficits. It is imperative to extend care beyond survivorship but currently, no accessible neurorehabilitation programs exist. The current study evaluated a novel computerized, game-based neurorehabilitation program (Dino Island (DI)) adapted for pediatric brain tumour/leukemia survivors. DI is a hybrid game-based intervention, delivered via tablet by parents, and is designed to remediate attention/executive functioning (A/EF) deficits. 

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of the DI intervention program, for survivors of childhood brain tumours and leukemia. 

Methods: Parent-child dyads (n=4) completed the DI program over eight-weeks. Functional cognitive assessments and parent-proxy reports were completed at baseline and post-intervention along with post-intervention parent interviews. Qualitative measures of feasibility and quantitative measures of cognition, behaviour and quality of life were collected. Pattern-matching and cross case synthesis were used to identify trends. Results: Participants (mean age=10.75(2.63)) diagnosed with brain tumour (n=1) and ALL (n=3) and their parents successfully completed the intervention and reported it to be feasible and acceptable. Main participation barriers included distractions in the home, time commitments of the program, and the game being tailored to younger children. DI showed some efficacy, though these results are limited due to the case series design. Future research should include a larger sample and conduct a randomized-control trial to determine the efficacy of the intervention.

Conclusion: The current study is the only study that has introduced a parent-led, tablet based, cognitive intervention to survivors of childhood cancer, providing insights to the feasibility and outcomes of a home-based program.

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