Publications by authors named "Andy Gillespie"
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is associated with below average writing achievement. However, little is known about specific aspects of written language impacted by NF1, changes in writing over time, and associations between cognitive aspects of the NF1 phenotype and writing. At three timepoints over six years, children with NF1 and plexiform neurofibromas (PNs) completed Woodcock-Johnson tests of writing mechanics (Spelling, Punctuation & Capitalization, handwriting), written expression of ideas (Writing Samples), writing speed (Writing Fluency), and tests of general cognitive ability, executive function, memory, and attention.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- - A new observer disfigurement severity scale was created to evaluate changes in disfigurement from plexiform neurofibromas, focusing on its feasibility, reliability, and validity.
- - Twenty-eight raters assessed photographs of treated and untreated children with neurofibromas, finding that the average disfigurement scores were similar at the start, but the treated group showed significant improvement after one year.
- - The results indicated that the scoring system was reliable, with consistent ratings among raters and a moderate correlation between changes in disfigurement scores and tumor volume during treatment.
Objective: To examine how executive functioning (EF) relates to academic achievement longitudinally in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and plexiform neurofibromas (PNs) and whether age at baseline moderates this relationship.
Method: Participants included 88 children with NF1 and PNs (ages 6-18 years old, = 12.05, = 3.
Individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and plexiform neurofibromas (PNs) have a higher risk for socioemotional problems. The current study aims to identify the socioemotional developmental pattern and its predictors across childhood and adolescence in individuals with NF1 and PNs. Participants included 88 children with NF1 and PNs (aged 6-18 years old, M = 12.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy arising from the adrenal cortex. ACC carries a dismal prognosis and surgery offers the only chance for a cure. Germline pathogenic variants among certain oncogenes have been implicated in ACC.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAim: To describe the cognitive development of children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and plexiform neurofibromas, and identify predictors of cognitive development.
Method: Participants included 88 children with NF1 and plexiform neurofibromas (50 males, 38 females, aged 6-18y, mean=12y, SD=3y 7mo) on a natural history study at the National Cancer Institute. Neuropsychological assessments (e.
Introduction: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are highly aggressive soft tissue sarcomas in which complete surgical resection is the mainstay of therapy. However, the recurrence rate is high and few options remain for refractory or metastatic MPNST. This study examines the outcomes of adjuvant radiation therapy in MPNST in patients with and without neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and reviews the literature on use of radiation for MPNST.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: A phase I trial of intrathecal (IT) topotecan was performed to determine the optimal dose, the dose-limiting toxic effects, and the incidence and severity of other toxic effects in patients 3 years and older with neoplastic meningitis.
Patients And Methods: Twenty-three assessable patients received IT topotecan administered by means of either lumbar puncture or an indwelling ventricular access device (Ommaya reservoir). Intrapatient dose escalation from 0.