Work

PICU associated social-emotional adversity in early childhood cancer patients: consequences in neurodevelopment and mental health

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Here we propose that PICU hospitalization accentuates extreme early social-emotional adversity and compounds hospital-associated trauma that may result in neurodevelopmental and mental health challenges for pediatric cancer survivors. We focus specifically on the first three years of life, when the incidence of childhood cancer is the highest and the brain is in its most vulnerable period of development. A comprehensive understanding of risks associated with PICU hospitalization is necessary for informing improvements to the inpatient environment and proposing new models for administering mental health care, evidence-based intervention, and long-term follow-up.

Source: Frontiers in Oncology

DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2026.1627533

Authors: Maria Kroupina, Quannah Parker-McGowan, Madeline Kotz, Arif Somani

Institution: University of Minnesota

Language: English

Topic: Childhood Cancer Survivors' Quality of Life

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801