Table 2.

Summary of meta-analysis results comparing the neurocognitive outcomes of children and adolescents with brain tumors treated with XRT or PBRT

Outcome	Studiesa (participants)	Z-score (95% CI)	P-value	I2	Begg’s P
Full scale intelligence quotient	8 (n = 512)	0.75 (0.52, 0.99)	< 0.001	0	0.451
Verbal comprehension index	7 (n = 385)	0.46 (0.20, 0.73)	0.001	0	0.382
Perceptual reasoning index	8 (n = 439)	0.69 (0.44, 0.94)	< 0.001	0	0.193
Working memory index	9 (n = 464)	0.35 (0.07, 0.63)	0.016b	0	0.301
Processing speed index	9 (n = 468)	0.29 (0.01, 0.56)	0.046b	0	0.377
Visual motor integration	5 (n = 318)	0.52 (0.15, 0.88)	0.006	3.5	0.110
Attention	9 (n = 468)	0.29 (0.01, 0.57)	0.044b	0	0.377
Verbal memory	4 (n = 262)	0.64 (0.31, 0.96)	< 0.001	0	0.367
Non-verbal memory	3 (n = 144)	0.43 (− 0.53, 1.40)	0.377	0	0.148
Verbal working memory	9 (n = 464)	0.35 (0.08, 0.63)	0.012b	0	0.174

Data are shown as Z-scores. Significant P-values are in bold font. ^aThe study by Child et al., was counted as two studies as it included two control and interventions groups. ^bThis result did not remain significant in sensitivity analyses. Results statistically significant are shown in bold characters. CI confidence interval, MD mean difference, XRT x-ray radiotherapy group, PBRT proton beam radiation therapy