Samsung foundation-sponsored research helps children with brain tumors lead longer, better lives
Published: 03 May. 2026, 07:00
![Profs. Lee Joo-ho, left, and Lee Jung pose for a photo at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno District, central Seoul, during an interview with the JoongAng Ilbo on April 21. [JANG JIN-YOUNG]](https://koreaseafood.online/data/photo/2026/05/03/c839f92b-2775-4a6c-9931-67d4a5f2758e.jpg)
Profs. Lee Joo-ho, left, and Lee Jung pose for a photo at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno District, central Seoul, during an interview with the JoongAng Ilbo on April 21. [JANG JIN-YOUNG]
A brain tumor no longer marks the boundary between life and death. The question now is how to ensure child survivors can live fulfilling lives.
“More children with brain tumors are now cured and living long lives,” Lee Joo-ho, a professor of radiation oncology at Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH), said during an interview with the JoongAng Ilbo on April 21. “We’ve entered a new era where we contemplate how to improve patients' quality of life after their survival.”
While in the past, only about half of pediatric brain tumor patients survived, now more than two-thirds survive and tend to live longer lives. What matters now is to help children live independently after treatments.
Lee and the SNUH research team have led a joint study tracking long-term changes in cognitive, emotional and physical functions before and after treatment with eight institutions, including Samsung Medical Center, the National Cancer Center, and Yonsei Cancer Center, since 2022.
The research is funded by a 300 billion won ($202 million) donation from the families of late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee. The fund is used to support pediatric cancer and rare disease research.
![Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno District, central Seoul, is seen in an undated file photo. [JOONGANG ILBO]](https://koreaseafood.online/data/photo/2026/05/03/794c37ac-7c64-4c03-9e24-85abddb6a48c.jpg)
Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno District, central Seoul, is seen in an undated file photo. [JOONGANG ILBO]
The project aims to map how children’s brain functions shift during treatment and to streamline rehabilitation care once illnesses are identified.
“Radiation therapy is highly effective in treating cancer, but some patients later develop cognitive impairment,” Lee said. “By accumulating data on how radiation exposure to specific brain regions leads to functional decline, we might be able to develop treatment strategies that better preserve brain function,” he said.
Children treated for brain tumors can face declines in memory, attention and information processing speed, coupled with emotional distress and difficulties in their mobility.
International studies show childhood cancer survivors face more than double the risk of failing to live independently once they become adults, with higher risks among those who received radiation therapy.
![A plaque commemorating late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee is seen at Seoul National University Children's Hospital in Jongno District, central Seoul, in 2024. [JANG JIN-YOUNG]](https://koreaseafood.online/data/photo/2026/05/03/d04ae565-f549-46db-aa91-e20eb788a3ee.jpg)
A plaque commemorating late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee is seen at Seoul National University Children's Hospital in Jongno District, central Seoul, in 2024. [JANG JIN-YOUNG]
The problem is that those signs are often subtle.
“Childhood and adolescence are critical periods for rapid brain development,” said Lee Jung, a professor at Child and Adolescence Psychiatry at Seoul National University Children's Hospital. “Performance decline in cognitive capability during this time can amplify at later stages of growth.”
She added that Korea has lacked a system to closely monitor and address such issues, which has often led to missed opportunities for timely intervention.
The ongoing study enabled child patients to undergo detailed evaluations after surgeries and before and after radiation therapy, with follow-ups continuing through treatment and their return to school.
This allows clinicians to detect problems early and refer patients to rehabilitative treatments.
“The biggest advancement is providing timely rehabilitation through monitoring during treatment stages,” Lee Jung said.
A total of 106 pediatric patients had been registered and received long-term tracking care as of March this year.
Although overall IQ is retained in most cases, declines in brain processing speed, memory and attention have been noted, along with reduced muscle strength and physical activity. About 10 to 15 percent of the tested patients showed impairments beyond the normal range. They were referred for early intervention.
![Profs. Lee Joo-ho, right, and Lee Jung pose for a photo at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno District, central Seoul, during an interview with the JoongAng Ilbo on April 21. [JANG JIN-YOUNG]](https://koreaseafood.online/data/photo/2026/05/03/8c1b3a78-d25b-481a-908a-34f6b5d732e6.jpg)
Profs. Lee Joo-ho, right, and Lee Jung pose for a photo at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno District, central Seoul, during an interview with the JoongAng Ilbo on April 21. [JANG JIN-YOUNG]
In one case, a female patient demonstrated an IQ within the normal range, but her attention and learning speed had deteriorated. Her academic performance improved after taking medication.
Another male patient, who was discouraged because he thought his cognition had declined after radiation therapy, underwent a round of testing that showed his above-average performance. The results reassured him and his family.
The assessments have served not only as diagnostic tools but also as a source of reassurance.
“We knew these evaluations were essential, but they were excluded from national health insurance coverage,” Lee Joo-ho said.
“The donation now allows us to provide testing, counseling and feedback. Over time, the accumulated data could become substantial evidence backing policy improvements in insurance coverage, rehabilitation and work force development.”
Further improvements are needed to secure medical instruments and technologies for pediatric use, according to experts.
“Proton therapy is key to preserving function in pediatric patients, but few centers in Korea offer it,” Lee Joo-ho said. “Pediatric-focused facilities with advanced equipment and specialized staff should be established, and dedicated medical centers for children are urgently needed.”
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY RHEE ESTHER [[email protected]]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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