Cognitive function in long survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Thirty long survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia were compared with their healthy siblings on cognitive and neuropsychological measures. The subjects were comparable in treatment variables except for type of central nervous system prophylaxis received. Thirteen were given radiotherapy with intrathecal medication, and seventeen received only intrathecal treatment. Patients receiving only intrathecal medication did not differ from controls. Patients receiving radiotherapy scored lower on several measures including Wechsler Full Scale and Performance IQ. Irradiated girls scored lower than boys on most measures. Children whose clinical management has included radiation therapy appear to be at risk for later mild cognitive deficits. No consistent pattern of neuropsychological deficits has emerged and observed deficit patterns may reflect individual vulnerabilities.