The BLTT (Bonn Leistungs Tracking Test) in Patients with Temporal Lobe Gliomas-Feasibility of a Novel Neurocognitive Test Battery.

BACKGROUND: Neurocognitive testing in neuro-oncological patients often relies on time-intensive batteries with limited feasibility in this patient cohort. We evaluated the feasibility of the Bonn Leistungs Tracking Test (BLTT), a time-efficient screening tool assessing episodic memory, semantic memory, and executive functions in patients with high-grade temporal lobe gliomas. METHODS: Twenty patients undergoing resection of temporal high-grade glioma between 2019 and 2022 underwent preoperative cognitive assessment using either the BLTT or a comprehensive neuropsychological battery routinely applied in temporal lobe epilepsy surgery. RESULTS: Twelve patients (60%) underwent the BLTT, and eight (40%) underwent the standard neuropsychological test battery. The BLTT was feasible in all 12 individuals (0% drop-out), whereas only four of eight patients (50% drop-out) were able to complete the standard battery. The mean BLTT total score was 69.3 (SD 4.5), indicating impaired neurocognitive performance relative to normative data. The BLTT provided evaluable domain-specific measures across episodic memory, semantic memory, and executive functioning despite the high discontinuation rate observed with standard testing. CONCLUSIONS: The BLTT showed high feasibility for preoperative neurocognitive testing in patients with temporal high-grade gliomas. Its brief administration time and consistent applicability across relevant cognitive domains support its utility for routine neurocognitive assessment.