A meta-analysis of the neuropsychological sequelae of chemotherapy-only treatment for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Mixed findings on the neuropsychological sequelae of chemotherapy-only treatment for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), without radiation, indicate the need for a comprehensive meta-analytic review. The purpose of the current study was to conduct a meta-analysis assessing neuropsychological and academic functioning differences between children with ALL treated solely with chemotherapy and comparison groups.

PROCEDURE:
Thirteen articles met inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis and were analyzed using a random effects model, weighted least squares methods.

RESULTS:
Mean effect sizes were significantly different from zero for multiple domains of intelligence and academic achievement; processing speed; verbal memory; and some aspects of executive functioning and fine motor skills, indicating worse functioning in ALL survivors. Effect sizes for visual-motor skills and visual memory were not significantly different from zero.

CONCLUSIONS:
Results support the presence of neuropsychological and academic sequelae for ALL survivors treated solely with chemotherapy and highlight the need for ongoing follow-up of children with ALL using a standardized neuropsychological test battery and research methodology.(c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

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Author information

Author/s: Peterson, Catherine C (CC); Johnson, Courtney E (CE); Ramirez, Lisa Y (LY); Huestis, Samantha (S); Pai, Ahna L H (AL); Demaree, Heath A (HA); Drotar, Dennis (D);

Affiliation: Division of Child Behavioral Health, Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan Medical School, Michigan, USA. catpeter@med.umich.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Meta-Analysis; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Pediatric blood & cancer (Pediatr Blood Cancer), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Jul; vol 51 (issue 1) : pp 99-104

Dates: Created 2008/05/13; Completed 2008/07/31;

PMID: 18322925, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Antineoplastic Agents - adverse effects; therapeutic use
Child
Child, Preschool
Cognition Disorders
Female
Humans
Infant

Intelligence
Learning Disorders
Male
Models, Statistical
Nervous System Diseases
Neuropsychological Tests
Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma - complications; drug therapy

Associated Chemicals: Antineoplastic Agents (0)

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