Characterizing academic performance in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia with population-based achievement tests
Hend M Al-Kaylani1, Erin E Reasoner1, Bradley T Loeffler2
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
Cancer Reports (Hoboken, N.J.)
|October 1, 2021
Summary
Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuroscience
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment has shifted from radiation to chemotherapy, reducing morbidity.
- However, ALL survivors face increased risks of long-term cognitive impairments.
- Understanding factors affecting academic performance in these survivors is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify demographic and treatment factors associated with school performance in pediatric ALL survivors.
- To analyze the impact of socio-economic status and radiation exposure on academic outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized standardized test scores (reading, math, science) from grades 3-11 for 63 ALL survivors.
- Collected data across multiple grades (median 5) with 269 total observations.
- Employed mixed-effects linear regression, analyzing treatment exposures and socio-economic status (free/reduced lunch).
Main Results:
- ALL survivors' academic scores were comparable to state norms.
- Lower reading scores were significantly associated with participation in free/reduced lunch programs (β = -12.52, p = .01).
- Radiation exposure during treatment also correlated with lower reading scores (β = -30.81, p = .01).
Conclusions:
- Socio-economic status and radiation exposure are key factors impacting reading performance in ALL survivors.
- Early monitoring and intervention are recommended for survivors with low socio-economic status or radiation exposure.
- These interventions can help maximize academic success and mitigate long-term cognitive effects.
