Long-term Course of Executive Functioning after Proton Therapy in Low-grade Glioma, Considering Treatment Effects of Chemotherapy and Anti-epileptic Drugs

Rienstra, Fiona (2026) Long-term Course of Executive Functioning after Proton Therapy in Low-grade Glioma, Considering Treatment Effects of Chemotherapy and Anti-epileptic Drugs. Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Executive functions (EF) are often impaired in patients with low-grade glioma (LGG), due to the tumor as well as consecutive treatment of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). A promising new form of radiotherapy is proton therapy, which can precisely target the tumor. The current study investigates the long-term course of EF in patients with LGG receiving proton therapy, considering the effects of type of chemotherapy and AEDs. Method: In the current longitudinal study, 95 patients were included. Objective EF consisting of complex planning, working memory and mental flexibility were measured with neuropsychological tests. Self-reported dysexecutive complaints were measured with a patient and proxy questionnaire. Results: After surgery till 2.5 years after proton therapy, no significant differences were found in objective EF measures. For subjective EF- measures, an increase in global executive complaints by proxies and an increase in more task-directed EF by patients and proxies were found. Patient-proxy agreement remained stable. Significant differences between type of chemotherapy and AED use were seen on a subtest of working memory. Discussion: These results show stable performance of objective EF 2.5 years after receiving proton therapy in patients with LGG, with an increase in subjective EF complaints. Self-awareness does not seem to decline 2.5 years after proton therapy. This addresses the importance of assessing and monitoring EF over the long-term in patients with LGG after treatment, giving the opportunity to offer appropriate care timely. Key words: Low-grade glioma, Executive Functions, Proton therapy, Chemotherapy, Anti- epileptic drugs

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Siebenga, F.F.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Clinical Neuropsychology (CN) [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	28 Jan 2026 10:23
Last Modified:	28 Jan 2026 10:23
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/6092

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