Bridging Speech Language Therapy Assessment in Neuro-oncology: A Systematic Review of Cognitive and Linguistic Evaluation Tools for Brain Tumor Patients

Introduction: Brain tumors frequently cause cognitive-linguistic impairments that affect communication, daily functioning, and quality of life. Despite advancements in oncology, cognitive-linguistic evaluation remains underutilized, which hinders the early identification and management of these impairments. The objective of this study was to identify and evaluate Speech- Language Pathology (SLP) tools for assessing cognitive-linguistic function in brain tumor patients, focusing on their psychometric properties, clinical relevance, and integration of digital innovations. Methods: A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between 2010 and 2024. Studies were included if they assessed brain tumor patients using standardized or digital cognitive-linguistic tools. Data on study design, population, assessment domains, and clinical utility were extracted. The risk of bias was assessed using JBI tools and NOS. The review adhered to PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO. Results: Out of 26 studies, 46% used traditional tools (e.g., Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination), 62% utilized domain-specific tools (e.g., Trail Making Test), and 19% incorporated digital tools (e.g., OCS-Bridge). Traditional tools showed higher sensitivity (85%) for detecting language impairments compared to digital tools (65%). (categories not mutually exclusive) Discussion: Traditional tools remain essential for detecting language impairments, although digital tools hold potential for future integration. This review highlights the need for ongoing validation and interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance cognitive-linguistic assessments in brain tumor care. Conclusion: Cognitive-linguistic deficits are under-assessed in brain tumor care. Standardized frameworks, early evaluations, and collaboration with SLPs are crucial for improving patient outcomes.