Cognitive sequelae in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia with dexamethasone or prednisone

How we approach steroid-induced affective disorder in pediatric oncology

High-dose corticosteroids are an essential component of treatment for pediatric cancers. Yet, these agents often cause psychiatric disturbances including sleep disruption, steroid-induced psychosis, and steroid-induced affective disorder (SIAD). SIAD, identified as a specific form of substance/medication-induced mental disorder, can present with various psychiatric symptoms, including mania, depression, irritability, and inconsolability. SIAD's varied presentation can lead to underdiagnosis and complicates clinical care, research, and identification of best practices. Here we highlight three pediatric oncology cases involving SIAD and discuss recommendations for supporting patients with SIAD, while introducing a tiered intervention framework (modified from Kazak) that stratifies responses based on symptom severity.

Glucocorticoid Therapy in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Navigating Short-Term and Long-Term Effects and Optimal Regimen Selection

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Glucocorticoids are a mainstay in acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment and lack of early response is predictive for overall disease prognosis. Given the vital position of glucocorticoids and well known long and short-term side effects associated with differing glucocorticoids, we aim to highlight the wide breadth of historical and more contemporary data to describe the current landscape of glucocorticoid use in this arena.

RECENT FINDINGS

Emerging studies aim to overcome issues such as steroid resistance and to optimize the antileukemic effects of glucocorticoids while aiming to mitigate the risks and side effects associated with their exposure. Glucocorticoids have and likely always will be a fundamental component of acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment and understanding how to navigate short- and long-term effects and how to optimize regimens is at the heart of continued treatment success.

Neuropsychological task outcomes among survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Malaysia

This study intended to explore the neuropsychological ramifications in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors in Malaysia and to examine treatment-related sequelae. A case-control study was conducted over a 2-year period. Seventy-one survivors of childhood ALL who had completed treatment for a minimum of 1 year and were in remission, and 71 healthy volunteers were enlisted. To assess alertness (processing speed) and essential executive functioning skills such as working memory capacity, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and sustained attention, seven measures from the Amsterdam Neuropsychological Tasks (ANT) program were chosen. Main outcome measures were speed, stability and accuracy of responses. Mean age at diagnosis was 4.50 years (SD ± 2.40) while mean age at study entry was 12.18 years (SD ± 3.14). Survivors of childhood ALL underperformed on 6 out of 7 ANT tasks, indicating poorer sustained attention, working memory capacity, executive visuomotor control, and cognitive flexibility. Duration of treatment, age at diagnosis, gender, and cumulative doses of chemotherapy were not found to correlate with any of the neuropsychological outcome measures. Childhood ALL survivors in our center demonstrated significantly poorer neuropsychological status compared to healthy controls.

Supportive methods for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia then and now: A compilation for clinical practice

Survival of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia has significantly improved over the past decades. In the early years of chemotherapeutic development, improvement in survival rates could be attained only by increasing the cytostatic dose, also by modulation of the frequency and combination of chemotherapeutic agents associated with severe short- and long-time side-effects and toxicity in a developing child's organism. Years later, new treatment options have yielded promising results through targeted immune and molecular drugs, especially in relapsed and refractory leukemia, and are continuously added to conventional therapy or even replace first-line treatment. Compared to conventional strategies, these new therapies have different side-effects, requiring special supportive measures. Supportive treatment includes the prevention of serious acute and sometimes life-threatening events as well as managing therapy-related long-term side-effects and preemptive treatment of complications and is thus mandatory for successful oncological therapy. Inadequate supportive therapy is still one of the main causes of treatment failure, mortality, poor quality of life, and unsatisfactory long-term outcome in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. But nowadays it is a challenge to find a way through the flood of supportive recommendations and guidelines that are available in the literature. Furthermore, the development of new therapies for childhood leukemia has changed the range of supportive methods and must be observed in addition to conventional recommendations. This review aims to provide a clear and recent compilation of the most important supportive methods in the field of childhood leukemia, based on conventional regimes as well as the most promising new therapeutic approaches to date.

Advantages and drawbacks of dexamethasone in glioblastoma multiforme

The most widespread, malignant, and deadliest type of glial tumor is glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Despite radiation, chemotherapy, and radical surgery, the median survival of afflicted individuals is about 12 months. Unfortunately, existing therapeutic interventions are abysmal. Dexamethasone (Dex), a synthetic glucocorticoid, has been used for many years to treat brain edema and inflammation caused by GBM. Several investigations have recently shown that Dex also exerts antitumoral effects against GBM. On the other hand, more recent disputed findings have questioned the long-held dogma of Dex treatment for GBM. Unfortunately, steroids are associated with various undesirable side effects, including severe immunosuppression and metabolic changes like hyperglycemia, which may impair the survival of GBM patients. Current ideas and concerns about Dex's effects on GBM cerebral edema, cell proliferation, migration, and its clinical outcomes were investigated in this study.

Effects of chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia on cognitive function in animal models of contemporary protocols: A systematic literature review

Survival rates of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have improved greatly due to advanced therapies and supportive care. Intrathecal chemotherapy replaced cranial radiation due to radiation-induced neurotoxicity and late-effects. Survivors treated with chemotherapy-only experience neurologic and cognitive problems following cessation of treatment. Very long-term cognitive outcomes remain unclear. Animal models are being generated to assess late-effects of chemotherapy on cognitive function. Although, few address juvenile models of chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI) and developing brain, results of this review outline neurocognitive effects of chemotherapy consistent with childhood ALL therapy. Studies demonstrate deficits across cognitive domains including spatial memory, executive function, short-term memory, anxiety and depression. Inflammation, oxidative stress, excitotoxity, and other metabolic disruptions may lead to neurodegeneration associated with cognitive impairment observed in ALL survivors. Interventions directly targeting these mechanisms may prevent and/or promote recovery of cognitive function and improve long-term outcomes. Evidence suggests success of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant treatments in reducing cognitive decline. Animal models provide basis for assessing effects of chemotherapy on neurologic processes to guide future clinical investigations.

Intensive pulmonary rehabilitation in a pediatric lung transplantation patient: A case report

BACKGROUND

The pediatric lung transplant is a very important treatment for patients with end-stage lung diseae, and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is also an important factor in determining the prognosis. However, there is no much literature available on pulmonary rehabilitation in pediatric patients' post lung transplant. Through this case report, we would like to present our intensive PR program for pediatric patients' post-lung transplant.

PATIENT CONCERNS

The 10-year-old boy's breathing before receiving a lung transplant continued to deteriorate and he eventually became dependent on a wheelchair.

DIAGNOSIS

He was diagnosed with infantile acute lymphoblastic leukemia at 6 months of age. At the age of one year, he underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, but was diagnosed with post-transplantation bronchiolitis obliterans (PTBO) two months later. He had a lung transplant at the age of 10.

INTERVENTIONS

He was hospitalized and received an initial assessment. This assessment included functional, cognitive, and psychological evaluations. He additionally completed PR exercises twice daily for two weeks. After discharge, he continued to participate in an outpatient-based PR program for three months. During the outpatient phase, PR exercises were performed once weekly, in addition to home-based cognitive training.

OUTCOMES

Our intensive post-lung PR program improved our patient's exercise capacity, lung function, and quality of life. As a comprehensive rehabilitation service, our program also included a cognitive training component.

CONCLUSION

We describe an intensive PR program tailored to pediatric patients' post-lung transplant. The program was feasible and resulted in improvements in functional exercise capacity, lung function, and quality of life. Future research into our method is necessary for continued improvement of this novel program.

Assessment of Executive Functions after Treatment of Childhood Acute Lymphoid Leukemia: a Systematic Review

Individuals treated for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have a high survival rate. This fact, however, may lead to neurocognitive impairments in survivors, as shown in some studies. The prefrontal cortex and executive functions seem to be particularly vulnerable due to the late maturation in the development process. Executive impairments have been associated with poorer quality of life in childhood cancer survivors. A systematic review was carried out with studies that assessed executive functions in childhood ALL survivors.\ Studies were collected from five electronic databases: MEDLINE (PubMed); PsycInfo; WebOfScience; LILACS and IBECS. Eighty-four studies were retrieved from the database search, of which 50 were read in full and 26 met the inclusion criteria. The studies were heterogeneous as to the instruments used to assess executive function, the skills assessed and the comparison methods. Despite some discrepancies, ALL survivors seem to exhibit poorer executive functioning than typical controls, but this result did not hold true when subjects were compared to normative mean. Changes in brain structure and dynamics resulting from the disease itself, the toxicity of the treatment and difficulties in coping with the stress during treatment may be related to executive impairments in ALL survivors. Discussion proposed standardized methods and measures for assessing executive functioning in children during and after ALL treatment.

Neuroanatomical abnormalities related to dexamethasone exposure in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated with chemotherapy only are at risk for neurocognitive impairment. Regions of interest were identified a priori based on glucocorticoid receptor distribution, and sex-stratified multivariable linear regression models were used to test associations between brain MRI morphology and total number of intrathecal injections, and serum concentration of dexamethasone and methotrexate. Compared with controls, ALL survivors have persistently smaller volumes in the bilateral cerebellum (P < 0.005), hippocampal subregions (P < 0.03), temporal lobe regions (P < 0.03), frontal lobe regions (P < 0.04), and parietal lobe regions (precuneus; P < 0.002). Long-term problems with learning may be related to residual posttreatment brain differences.

Genetics of pleiotropic effects of dexamethasone

OBJECTIVES

Glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone have pleiotropic effects, including desired antileukemic, anti-inflammatory, or immunosuppressive effects, and undesired metabolic or toxic effects. The most serious adverse effects of dexamethasone among patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia are osteonecrosis and thrombosis. To identify inherited genomic variation involved in these severe adverse effects, we carried out genome-wide association studies (GWAS) by analyzing 14 pleiotropic glucocorticoid phenotypes in 391 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We used the Projection Onto the Most Interesting Statistical Evidence integrative analysis technique to identify genetic variants associated with pleiotropic dexamethasone phenotypes, stratifying for age, sex, race, and treatment, and compared the results with conventional single-phenotype GWAS. The phenotypes were osteonecrosis, central nervous system toxicity, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, thrombosis, dexamethasone exposure, BMI, growth trajectory, and levels of cortisol, albumin, and asparaginase antibodies, and changes in cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins after dexamethasone.

RESULTS

The integrative analysis identified more pleiotropic single nucleotide polymorphism variants (P=1.46×10(-215), and these variants were more likely to be in gene-regulatory regions (P=1.22×10(-6)) than traditional single-phenotype GWAS. The integrative analysis yielded genomic variants (rs2243057 and rs6453253) in F2RL1, a receptor that functions in hemostasis, thrombosis, and inflammation, which were associated with pleiotropic effects, including osteonecrosis and thrombosis, and were in regulatory gene regions.

CONCLUSION

The integrative pleiotropic analysis identified risk variants for osteonecrosis and thrombosis not identified by single-phenotype analysis that may have importance for patients with underlying sensitivity to multiple dexamethasone adverse effects.

Non-infectious chemotherapy-associated acute toxicities during childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia therapy

During chemotherapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, all organs can be affected by severe acute side effects, the most common being opportunistic infections, mucositis, central or peripheral neuropathy (or both), bone toxicities (including osteonecrosis), thromboembolism, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, endocrinopathies (especially steroid-induced adrenal insufficiency and hyperglycemia), high-dose methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity, asparaginase-associated hypersensitivity, pancreatitis, and hyperlipidemia. Few of the non-infectious acute toxicities are associated with clinically useful risk factors, and across study groups there has been wide diversity in toxicity definitions, capture strategies, and reporting, thus hampering meaningful comparisons of toxicity incidences for different leukemia protocols. Since treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia now yields 5-year overall survival rates above 90%, there is a need for strategies for assessing the burden of toxicities in the overall evaluation of anti-leukemic therapy programs.

The relationship between cognitive and neuroimaging outcomes in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia with chemotherapy only: A systematic review

Cognitive late-effects have been identified in patients treated with chemotherapy-only protocols for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), yet the underlying neuropathology is not well understood. This review synthesized recent findings from eight articles investigating the relationship between neurocognitive and neuroimaging outcomes for patients treated for ALL with chemotherapy-only protocols. Reported cognitive domains, imaging methods, and neuroanatomy examined were variable. Despite this, 62.5% (n = 5) of the reviewed studies found a significant relationship between cognitive and imaging outcomes. Greater understanding of the effects of treatment on neuroanatomy and cognitive outcomes is critical for proactively managing ALL cognitive late-effects. Research directions are suggested.

Adverse neuropsychological effects associated with cumulative doses of corticosteroids to treat childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A literature review

Corticosteroids (CS) are an essential component of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatments (cALL). Although there is evidence that daily doses of CS can have neuropsychological effects, few studies have investigated the role of cumulative doses of CS in short- and long-term neuropsychological effects in cALL. The aims of this review were to identify the measures used for documenting adverse neuropsychological effects (ANEs) of CS treatment and to study the association between cumulative doses of CS and the presence of ANEs. Twenty-two articles met the inclusion criteria. A variety of measures were used to evaluate outcomes in the domains of emotion, behaviour, neurocognition, and fatigue/sleep. The results suggest that we cannot conclude in favour of an association between the cumulative dosage of CS and ANEs. Yet, several factors including the heterogeneity of measures used to evaluate outcomes and reporting biases may limit the scope of the results. We offer several recommendations that could help improve the future published evidence on ANEs in relation to CS treatment in cALL.

Hydrocortisone as an Intervention for Dexamethasone-Induced Adverse Effects in Pediatric Patients With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Results of a Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

Dexamethasone is a key component in the treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but can induce serious adverse effects. Recent studies have led to the hypothesis that neuropsychological adverse effects may be a result of cortisol depletion of the cerebral mineralocorticoid receptors. We examined whether including a physiologic dose of hydrocortisone in dexamethasone treatment can reduce neuropsychologic and metabolic adverse effects in children with ALL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial with a crossover design. Of 116 potentially eligible patients (age 3 to 16 years), 50 were enrolled and were treated with two consecutive courses of dexamethasone in accordance with Dutch Childhood Oncology Group ALL protocols. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either hydrocortisone or placebo in a circadian rhythm (10 mg/m(2)/d) during both dexamethasone courses. Primary outcome measure was parent-reported Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire in Dutch, which assesses psychosocial problems. Other end points included questionnaires, neuropsychological tests, and metabolic parameters.

RESULTS

Of 48 patients who completed both courses, hydrocortisone had no significant effect on outcome; however, a more detailed analysis revealed that in 16 patients who developed clinically relevant psychosocial adverse effects, addition of hydrocortisone substantially reduced their Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire in Dutch scores in the following domains: total difficulties, emotional symptoms, conduct problems, and impact of difficulties. Moreover, in nine patients who developed clinically relevant, sleep-related difficulties, addition of hydrocortisone reduced total sleeping problems and disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep. In contrast, hydrocortisone had no effect on metabolic parameters.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that adding a physiologic dose of hydrocortisone to dexamethasone treatment can reduce the occurrence of serious neuropsychological adverse effects and sleep-related difficulties in pediatric patients with ALL.

Neurocognitive Outcome in Very Long-Term Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia After Treatment with Chemotherapy Only

BACKGROUND

There is a concern regarding long-term cognitive late effects after treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The present study assessed neuropsychological function in very long-term childhood ALL survivors treated with chemotherapy only. We also investigated associations between neurocognitive performance and individual treatment load.

PROCEDURE

One-hundred and twelve adult ALL survivors, diagnosed 1970-2002 before age 16 and treated with chemotherapy only, and 100 comparison peers underwent neuropsychological tests covering processing speed, executive functions, working memory, and verbal learning and memory. Individual cumulative doses of cytostatic agents were extracted from the medical records for each patient.

RESULTS

Mean age at diagnosis for survivors was 6.3 years and mean follow-up time was 22.6 years. There was no difference in general intellectual ability between survivors and comparison peers. However, survivors performed significantly more poorly in the neurocognitive domains' processing speed (P = 0.003, Cohen's d 0.48), executive functions, and working memory (both P < 0.001, Cohen's d 0.81-0.95). Among survivors, the rates of poor neurocognitive performance (>1.5 SD below control mean) for processing speed was 22%, executive functions 31%, working memory 34%, and verbal learning and memory 16%. Comparing survivors with poor versus normal neurocognitive performance, we found no difference with respect to cumulative doses of any of the cytostatic agents, age at diagnosis, or gender.

CONCLUSIONS

Very long-term survivors of childhood ALL treated exclusively with chemotherapy showed no impairment in general intellectual ability, but significantly poorer performance in several neurocognitive domains than comparison peers. However, no associations emerged between neurocognitive impairment and treatment burden.

Intracellular Signaling Pathways Involved in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia; Molecular Targets

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant disease characterized by an uncontrolled proliferation of immature lymphoid cells. ALL is the most common hematologic malignancy in early childhood, and it reaches peak incidence between the ages of 2 and 3 years. The prognosis of ALL is associated with aberrant gene expression, in addition to the presence of numerical or structural chromosomal alterations, age, race, and immunophenotype. The Relapse rate with regard to pharmacological treatment rises in childhood; thus, the expression of biomarkers associated with the activation of cell signaling pathways is crucial to establish the disease prognosis. Intracellular pathways involved in ALL are diverse, including Janus kinase/Signal transducers and transcription activators (JAK-STAT), Phosphoinositide-3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-AKT), Ras mitogen-activated protein kinase (Ras-MAPK), Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), Nuclear factor-kappa beta (NF-κB), and Hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1α (HIF-1α), among others. In this review, we present several therapeutic targets, intracellular pathways, and molecular markers that are being studied extensively at present.

Clinical Guidelines for the Care of Childhood Cancer Survivors

The Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines for survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancers are evidence- and consensus-based guidelines that have been developed and published by the Children's Oncology Group (COG) Late Effects Committee, Nursing Discipline, and the Patient Advocacy Committee. Originally published in 2004, the guidelines are currently in version 3.0. While the COG guidelines have been praised as a model for providing risk-based survivorship care, adherence has not been uniform. Reasons for this gap include unawareness on the part of the survivor and/or care team as well as disagreement about the individual recommendations. In some cases, the burden of testing (such as annual echocardiography or repeat pulmonary function testing) may be too great. A small number of intervention studies have documented improved adherence to guideline recommendations with dissemination of informational material. Future studies should focus on individualizing screening recommendations, as well as identifying unnecessary testing.

Does dexamethasone induce more neuropsychological side effects than prednisone in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia? A systematic review

Steroid-induced neuropsychological side effects impact quality of life in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Dexamethasone induces more metabolic side effects than prednisone. To evaluate whether dexamethasone also leads to more neuropsychological side effects, we reviewed all available literature. Randomized controlled trials with neuropsychological function as the primary or secondary outcome did not show clinically meaningful differences between dexamethasone and prednisone on cognition, mood or behavior.

Everyday executive function in standard-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors

We aimed to evaluate parent-rated executive function (EF) in pediatric standard risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (SR-ALL) survivors compared to a healthy comparison (HC) group. We hypothesized that SR-ALL survivors would have greater reported executive dysfunction compared to HC, and that those younger at the time of treatment would demonstrate greater EF difficulties. A sample of 256 SR-ALL survivors evaluated an average nine years after treatment were compared to HC matched for gender, assessment age, and maternal education. Profile analysis was used to compare the groups across EF scales on the BRIEF. The prevalence of clinical elevations in the groups was compared via chi square, and odds ratios were calculated. Regression models were applied to examine the role of age at diagnosis and age at assessment in reported EF. Results indicated that SR-ALL survivors' mean scores of EF are similar to HC, except for flexibility and initiation. Survivors were rated as having clinical impairments with flexibility, initiation, working memory, and emotional control at rates two to three times that of HC. The risk of working memory and self-monitoring deficits was greater in survivors who were older when assessed. There was no relationship between age at diagnosis or treatment regimen on EF. These findings suggest sparing of extensive and severe EF deficits in SR-ALL survivors overall. However, a subset of survivors displays clinically significant executive dysfunction. There appears to be a heightened susceptibility to disrupted metacognitive functions as survivors age. This has implications for how we monitor neurocognitive development and functioning of SR-ALL survivors, and highlights opportunities for cognitive interventions.

Parent-reported cognition of children with cancer and its potential clinical usefulness

PURPOSE

Cognitive dysfunction is a common concern for children with brain tumors (BTs) or those receiving central nervous system (CNS) toxic cancer treatments. Perceived cognitive function (PCF) is an economical screening that may be used to trigger full, formal cognitive testing. We assessed the potential clinical utility of PCF by comparing parent-reported scores for children with cancer with scores from the general US population.

METHODS

Children (n = 515; mean age = 13.5 years; 57.0 % male) and one of their parents were recruited from pediatric oncology clinics. Most children (53.3 %) had a diagnosis of CNS tumor with an average time since diagnosis of 5.6 years. PCF was evaluated using the pediatric PCF item bank (pedsPCF), which was developed and normed on a sample drawn from the US general pediatric population. Children also completed computer-based neuropsychological tests. We tested relationships between PCF and clinical variables. Differential item functioning (DIF) was used to evaluate measurement bias between the samples.

RESULTS

No item showed DIF, supporting the use of pedsPCF in the cancer sample. PedsPCF differentiated children with (vs. without) a BT, p < 0.01, and groups defined by years since diagnosis, p < 0.01. It significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with computerized neuropsychological tests in 40 of 60 comparisons. Children with BTs were rated as having worse pedsPCF scores than the norm, regardless of years since diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

PCF significantly differentiated cancer survivors with various clinical characteristics. It is brief and easy to implement. PCF should be considered for routine care of pediatric cancer survivors.

Dexamethasone exposure and memory function in adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A report from the SJLIFE cohort

BACKGROUND

Dexamethasone is used in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment, though long-term impact on central nervous system (CNS) function is unclear. As glucocorticoids influence hippocampal function, we investigated memory networks in survivors of childhood ALL treated with dexamethasone or prednisone.

PROCEDURE

Neurocognitive assessment and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) were conducted in 38 adult survivors randomly recruited from cohorts treated on one of two standard treatment protocols, which differed primarily in the glucocorticoid administered during continuation therapy (dexamethasone [n = 18] vs. prednisone [n = 20]). Groups did not differ in age at diagnosis, age at evaluation, or cumulative intravenous or intrathecal methotrexate exposure.

RESULTS

Survivors treated with dexamethasone demonstrated lower performance on multiple memory-dependent measures, including story memory (P = 0.01) and word recognition (P = 0.04), compared to survivors treated with only prednisone. Dexamethasone treatment was associated with decreased fMRI activity in the left retrosplenial brain region (effect size = 1.3), though the small sample size limited statistical significance (P = 0.08). Story memory was associated with altered activation in left inferior frontal-temporal brain regions (P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this pilot study suggest that adult survivors of ALL treated with dexamethasone are at increased risk for memory deficits and altered neural activity in specific brain regions and networks associated with memory function.

Neuropsychological outcomes of a randomized trial of prednisone versus dexamethasone in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: findings from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute All Consortium Protocol 00-01

BACKGROUND

Dexamethasone is more efficacious than prednisone in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but has also been associated with greater toxicity. We compared neuropsychological outcomes for patients treated on DFCI ALL Consortium Protocol 00-01, which included a randomized comparison of the two steroid preparations during post-induction therapy in children and adolescents with ALL.

PROCEDURE

Between 2000 and 2005, 408 children with standard-risk or high-risk ALL treated on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Consortium Protocol 00-01 were randomly assigned to prednisone or dexamethasone administered as 5-day pulses every 3 weeks for 2 years, beginning at week 7 of treatment. Blinded neuropsychological testing was completed for 170 randomized patients (prednisone, N = 76; dexamethasone, N = 94), all of whom were in continuous complete remission after completion of therapy.

RESULTS

Outcomes were comparable for most variables, although patients on the dexamethasone arm performed more poorly on a measure of fluid reasoning (P = 0.02). They also tended to be more likely to be enrolled in special education (dexamethasone, 33% vs. prednisone, 20%, P = 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Dexamethasone has well documented benefit in treatment of ALL. Although formal testing provided little indication of increased risk for neurotoxicity relative to prednisone, the somewhat greater utilization of special education services by patients treated with dexamethasone merits further investigation.

Health and well-being in adolescent survivors of early childhood cancer: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

OBJECTIVE

With the growing number of childhood cancer survivors in the US, it is important to assess the well-being of these individuals, particularly during the transitional phase of adolescence. Data about adolescent survivors' overall health and quality of life will help identify survivor subgroups most in need of targeted attention to successfully transition to adulthood.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

This ancillary study to the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study focused on children 15-19 years of age who had been diagnosed with cancer before the age of 4 years. A cohort of siblings of pediatric cancer survivors of the same ages served as a comparison sample. Adolescent health was assessed using the Child Health and Illness Profile-Adolescent Edition (CHIP-AE) survey.

RESULTS

The teen survey was sent to 444 survivor teens and 189 siblings. Of these, 307(69%) survivors and 97 (51%) siblings completed and returned the survey. The overall health profiles of siblings and survivors were similar. Among survivors, females scored significantly below males on satisfaction, discomfort, and disorders domains. Survivors diagnosed with central nervous system tumors scored less favorably than leukemia survivors in the global domains of satisfaction and disorders.

CONCLUSION

In general, adolescent survivors fare favorably compared to healthy siblings. However, identification of the subset of pediatric cancer survivors who are more vulnerable to medical and psychosocial disorders in adolescence provides the opportunity for design and implementation of intervention strategies that may improve quality of life.

Assessment of behavior abnormalities of corticosteroids in children with nephrotic syndrome

Introduction. The objective of this work was to define the frequency and severity of steroid related behavioral side effects in children with steroid sensitive idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) during Treatment for relapse. Methods. 30 pediatric patients with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome were studied; known as SSNS at complete remission or low dose of Prednisolone and have relapse on follow up. All children in this study were subjected to full history taking, thorough clinical examination, assessment socioeconomic standard, and assessment of pediatric quality of life, a battery of psychometric tests included pediatric anxiety, depression, and aggression scores. Results. Our results revealed that there are highly significant increase in the mean values of anxiety, depression and aggression among cases starts to appear on week one and extends to three, five and seven weeks compared to baseline. In the seventh week of follow up cases show significant positive correlation between prednisone doses and mean values of anxiety and depression scores and aggression. Conclusion. we concluded that all studied children with SSNS often experience significant problems with anxiety, depression, and increased aggression during high dose steroid therapy.

Psychoactive medication use and neurocognitive function in adult survivors of childhood cancer: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor study

BACKGROUND

Adult survivors of childhood cancer are at risk for long-term morbidities, which may be managed pharmacologically. Psychoactive medication treatment has been associated with adverse effects on specific neurocognitive processes in non-cancer populations, yet these associations have not been examined in adult survivors of childhood cancer.

PROCEDURE

Outcomes were evaluated in 7,080 adult survivors from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) using a validated self-report Neurocognitive Questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for neurocognitive impairment using demographic and treatment factors and survivors' report of prescription medication use.

RESULTS

Controlling for cranial radiation, pain, psychological distress, and stroke/seizure, use of antidepressant medications was associated with impaired task efficiency (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.47-2.21), organization (OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.48-2.25), memory (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.27-1.84), and emotional regulation (OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.70-2.51). Neuroleptics and stimulants were associated with impaired task efficiency (OR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.29-4.69; OR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.61-4.93, respectively) and memory (OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.13-3.82; OR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.59-4.54, respectively). Anticonvulsants were associated with impaired task efficiency, memory, and emotional regulation, although survivors who use these medications may be at risk for neurocognitive impairment on the basis of seizure disorder and/or underlying tumor location (CNS).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that specific psychoactive medications and/or mental health conditions may be associated with neurocognitive function in adult survivors of childhood cancer. The extent to which these associations are causal or indicative of underlying neurological impairment for which the medications are prescribed remains to be ascertained.

Acute cognitive and behavioral effects of systemic corticosteroids in children treated for inflammatory bowel disease

Systemic corticosteroids are a mainstay of treatment for many pediatric medical conditions. Although their impact on the central nervous system has been well-studied in animal models and adults, less is known about such effects in pediatric populations. The current study investigated acute effects of corticosteroids on memory, executive functions, emotion, and behavior in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Patients 8-17 years with IBD (Crohn's disease, CD; ulcerative colitis, UC) on high-dose prednisone (n = 33) and IBD patients in remission off steroids (n = 33) completed standardized neuropsychological tests and behavior rating scales. In the IBD sample as a whole, few steroid effects were found for laboratory cognitive measures, but steroid-treated patients were rated as exhibiting more problems with emotional, and to a lesser extent with cognitive function in daily life. Steroid effects, assessed by laboratory measures and questionnaires, were more prevalent in CD than UC patients; UC patients on steroids sometimes performed better than controls. Sleep disruption also predicted some outcomes, diminishing somewhat the magnitude of the steroid effects. Corticosteroid therapy can have acute effects on cognition, emotion, and behavior in chronically ill children; the clinical and long-term significance of these effects require further investigation.

Predictive factors of internalized and externalized behavioral problems in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

BACKGROUND

Pediatric cancer survivors are at increased risk of various neurological and psychological problems. The prevalence of behavioral problems was assessed in a longitudinal study in pediatric patients with an acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Multilevel modeling was used to identify associated predictive factors.

PROCEDURE

ALL patients and their parents (n = 138) took part to this study. Patients were treated according to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) consortium protocols 91-01 or 95-01. Mothers filled out questionnaires providing a measure of behavioral problems for their child at diagnosis and during the subsequent 4 years, and of their perceived familial stress at diagnosis and post-induction.

RESULTS

Prevalence of internalized behavioral problems at diagnosis was increased [42% above 1 standard deviation (SD); P < 0.001], but it normalized over time. Internalized problems resolved more slowly in the presence of medical variables associated with increased stress related to the disease (hospitalization duration, P < 0.001; relapse risk at diagnosis, P < 0.001). Externalized behavioral problems were within the expected normal range, but more sustained over time with the 95-01 than with the 91-01 treatment protocols (P < 0.05), likely due to the type of corticosteroid (CS) used (dexamethasone vs. prednisone).

CONCLUSIONS

Assessment of both internalized and externalized problems is required in this population. The impact of pharmacological variables on externalized behavioral problems is likely related to CS use.

Neurodevelopmental functioning in very young children undergoing treatment for non-CNS cancers

OBJECTIVE

We initiated a prospective study of very young children with cancer, in comparison with matched healthy children, to investigate neurodevelopmental consequences of non-CNS cancers and treatment.

METHODS

A total of 61 children (≤42 months) with non-CNS cancers and 61 matched controls underwent an identical age-appropriate neuropsychological test battery.

RESULTS

Children with cancer manifested deficits compared to healthy controls in motor, mental, and language development, but were similar to controls in cognitive representational abilities and emotional relationships in interaction with their mothers. Better physician-rated health status at diagnosis and mother-rated behavioral status 1 month prior to assessment were associated with better motor and mental performance in the cancer group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies deficits as well as spared functions in children with non-CNS cancers; the results suggest ways parents and healthcare professionals may plan specific remediations to enhance quality of life in young cancer survivors.

The impact of therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia on intelligence quotients; results of the risk-stratified randomized central nervous system treatment trial MRC UKALL XI

Background

The MRC UKALLXI trial tested the efficacy of different central nervous system (CNS) directed therapies in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). To evaluate morbidity 555/1826 randomised children underwent prospective psychological evaluations. Full Scale, verbal and performance IQs were measured at 5 months, 3 years and 5 years. Scores were compared in; (1) all patients (n = 555) versus related controls (n = 311), (2) low-risk children (presenting white cell count (WCC) < 50 × 10⁹/l) randomised to intrathecal methotrexate (n = 197) versus intrathecal and high-dose intravenous methotrexate (HDM) (n = 202), and (3) high-risk children (WCC ≥ 50 × 10⁹/l, age ≥ 2 years) randomised to HDM (n = 79) versus cranial irradiation (n = 77).

Results

There were no significant differences in IQ scores between the treatment arms in either low- or high-risk groups. Despite similar scores at baseline, results at 3 and 5 years showed a significant reduction of between 3.6 and 7.3 points in all three IQ scores in all patient groups compared to controls (P < 0.002) with a higher proportion of children with IQs < 80 in the patient groups (13% vs. 5% at 3 years p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Children with ALL are at risk of CNS morbidity, regardless of the mode of CNS-directed therapy. Further work needs to identify individuals at high-risk of adverse CNS outcomes.

Trial registration

ISRCTN: ISRCTN16757172

Long-term neurocognitive outcomes in young adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Five-year survival rates of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) exceed 80% due to central nervous system-directed treatment including cranial radiation (CRT) and chemotherapy. However, these treatments are associated with neurocognitive compromise, the extent of which is correlated with higher dose and younger age at treatment. The aims of this study were to explore long-term neurocognitive outcomes in adult survivors of childhood ALL, and to identify measures sensitive to neurotoxicity in long-term survivors. We examined 24 adults who received 18 Gy CRT and chemotherapy for treatment of ALL between ages 2 and 15 years (median, 5.5). Time since diagnosis ranged from 6 to 26 years (median, 16.6). Younger age at diagnosis and longer time since diagnosis were associated with lower scores on a computerized battery that requires speed and accuracy across a number of domains (MicroCog), and other standardized neurocognitive tests. When compared with population norms, MicroCog indices were below average in survivors diagnosed with ALL before age 5, but only the reasoning/calculation index was below average in survivors diagnosed with ALL after age 5. In contrast, intelligence quotient (IQ) scores were average. In addition to confirming earlier studies showing that younger children are more vulnerable to treatment-related neurotoxicity, here we show that deficits exist many years post treatment even with a relatively lower dose of CRT, and that these deficits are especially evident on tasks involving rapid processing of information.

Disruption of learning processes by chemotherapeutic agents in childhood survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and preclinical models

OBJECTIVE

With the survival rate of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) surpassing 90 percent within this decade, new research is emerging in the field of late effects. A review of the research investigating the relationship of treatment regimens for ALL to specific late effect deficits, underlying mechanisms, and possible remediation is warranted to support continued studies.

METHODS

The clinical literature was briefly surveyed to describe the occurrence and topography of late effects, specifically neurocognitive deficits. Additionally, the preclinical literature was reviewed to uncover potential underlying mechanisms of these deficits. The advantages of using rodent models to answer these questions are outlined, as is an assessment of the limited number of rodent models of childhood cancer treatment.

RESULTS

The literature supports that childhood survivors of ALL exhibit academic difficulties and are more likely to be placed in a special education program. Behavioral evidence has highlighted impairments in the areas of attention, working memory, and processing speed, leading to a decrease in full scale IQ. Neurophysiological and preclinical evidence for these deficits has implicated white matter abnormalities and acquired brain damage resulting from specific chemotherapeutic agents commonly used during treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The exact role of chemotherapeutic agents in learning deficits remains mostly unknown. Recommendations for an improved rodent model of learning deficits in childhood cancer survivors are proposed, along with suggestions for future directions in this area of research, in hopes that forthcoming treatment regimens will reduce or eliminate these types of impairments.

Adverse effects of treatment in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: general overview and implications for long-term cardiac health

Survival of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is one of the greatest medical success stories of the last four decades. Unfortunately, childhood ALL survivors experience medical late effects that increase their risk of morbidity and premature death, often due to heart and vascular disease. Research has helped elucidate the mechanisms and trajectory of direct damage to the heart from treatment exposure, particularly to anthracyclines, and has also contributed knowledge on the influences of related chronic conditions, such as obesity and insulin resistance on heart health in these survivors. This article summarizes the key issues associated with early morbidity and mortality from cardiac-related disease in childhood ALL survivors and suggests directions for interventions to improve long-term outcomes.

Glucocorticoid use in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Glucocorticoids (prednisone and dexamethasone) play an essential part in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), but their optimum doses and bioequivalence have not been established. Results of preclinical studies have shown that dexamethasone has a longer half-life and better CNS penetration than does prednisone. In prospective randomised trials, dexamethasone improved control of CNS leukaemia. At a prednisone-to-dexamethasone dose ratio of less than seven, dexamethasone (6-18 mg/m(2) per day) resulted in a better event-free survival than did prednisone (40-120 mg/m(2) per day), and high-dose dexamethasone (10-18 mg/m(2) per day) improved the outcome of T-cell ALL and high-risk ALL. However, dexamethasone caused more adverse effects, including infection, bone fracture, osteonecrosis, mood and behaviour problems, and myopathy. At a dose ratio greater than seven, the two drugs showed no difference in efficacy. Therefore, the efficacy of prednisone and dexamethasone is dose dependent and needs to be carefully assessed against the toxic effects. Moreover, although dexamethasone generally showed increased activity in ALL cells in vitro, the dose ratio of the two drugs that exerted equivalent cytotoxic effects differed substantially in samples from individuals. The selection of the type and dose of glucocorticoid should be based on the risk of relapse, treatment phase, and the chemotherapeutic drugs used concomitantly.

Childhood cancer survivors: transition to adult-focused risk-based care

BACKGROUND

The issues involved in transition from pediatric cancer care to adult-focused care differ from those in other childhood diseases, because malignant disease itself is no longer a problem. However, the potential for fatal outcome places a greater dependence on the pediatric oncology setting and delays this transition process, often beyond adolescence. Adverse long-term physical and psychological effects accompany survival for many of the cured children, and because these effects may not become manifest until adulthood, programs that support transition for childhood cancer survivors require the expertise of many subspecialists.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the issues and barriers to successful transition programs for childhood cancer survivors when they are ready for adult-focused care.

METHODS

We reviewed the literature and discuss the barriers to transition at the survivor, provider, and health care system levels for survivors of childhood cancer. We also critically assess the elements of successful transition programs.

RESULTS

Education of survivors and providers regarding long-term health risks is necessary for a successful transition. This process should be gradual to address the educational needs of survivors, families, and health care professionals, determine "readiness" for transition, and address financial and insurance concerns. Because little is known regarding adverse long-term health-related sequelae beyond the fourth decade of life, research is needed to quantify and reduce the consequences of these morbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

Transition programs for pediatric cancer survivors require experts who are knowledgeable regarding the long-term follow-up needs of childhood cancer survivors and who can provide a bridge between pediatric oncology and primary care that is risk based.

Neurocognitive functioning in adult survivors of childhood non-central nervous system cancers

BACKGROUND We sought to measure self-reported neurocognitive functioning among survivors of non-central nervous system (CNS) childhood cancers, overall and compared with a sibling cohort, and to identify factors associated with worse functioning. METHODS In a retrospective cohort study, 5937 adult survivors of non-CNS cancers and 382 siblings completed a validated neuropsychological instrument with subscales in task efficiency, emotional regulation, organization, and memory. Scores were converted to T scores; scores in the worst 10% of siblings' scores (ie, T score > or =63) were defined as impaired. Non-CNS cancer survivors and siblings were compared with multivariable linear regression and log-binomial regression. Among survivors, log-binomial models assessed the association of patient and treatment factors with neurocognitive dysfunction. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS Non-CNS cancer survivors had similar or slightly worse (<0.5 standard deviation) mean test scores for all four subscales than siblings. However, frequencies of impaired survivors were approximately 50% higher than siblings in task efficiency (13.0% of survivors vs 7.3% of siblings), memory (12.5% vs 7.6%), and emotional regulation (21.2% vs 14.4%). Impaired task efficiency was most often identified in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who received cranial radiation therapy (18.1% with impairment), myeloid leukemia who received cranial radiation therapy (21.2%), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (13.9%). In adjusted analysis, diagnosis age of younger than 6 years, female sex, cranial radiation therapy, and hearing impairment were associated with impairment. CONCLUSION A statistically and clinically significantly higher percentage of self-reported neurocognitive impairment was found among survivors of non-CNS cancers than among siblings.

Suicide ideation in adult survivors of childhood cancer: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

PURPOSE

To evaluate risk of suicide ideation (SI) after childhood cancer, prevalence of SI in a cohort of adult survivors of pediatric cancers was compared with prevalence in a sibling comparison group. The relationship of SI to cancer treatment and current health was examined, and the hypothesis that poor physical health is significantly associated with suicidality, after adjusting for depression, was specifically tested.

METHODS

Nine thousand one hundred twenty-six adult survivors of childhood cancer and 2,968 siblings enrolled onto the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study completed a survey describing their demographics and medical and psychological functioning, including SI in the prior week.

RESULTS

Of survivors, 7.8% reported SI compared with 4.6% of controls (odds ratio = 1.79; 95% CI, 1.4 to 2.4). Suicidality was unrelated to age, age at diagnosis, sex, cancer therapy, recurrence, time since diagnosis, or second malignancy. SI was associated with primary CNS cancer diagnosis, depression, and poor health outcomes including chronic conditions, pain, and poor global health rating. A logistic regression analysis showed that poor current physical health was significantly associated with SI even after adjusting for cancer diagnosis and depression.

CONCLUSION

Adult survivors of childhood cancers are at increased risk for SI. Risk of SI is related to cancer diagnosis and post-treatment mental and physical health, even many years after completion of therapy. The association of suicidal symptoms with physical health problems is important because these may be treatable conditions for which survivors seek follow-up care and underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach to survivor care.

Central nervous system effects of natural and synthetic glucocorticoids

Natural glucocorticoids (NGC) physiologically modulate body homeostasis and coordinate adaptive responses to stress, involving almost all organs and tissues, including brain. Since their therapeutic availability, synthetic GC (SGC) have been successfully prescribed for a variety of diseases. Mounting evidence, however, demonstrated pleiotropic adverse effects (AE), including central nervous system (CNS) disturbances, which are often misdiagnosed or underestimated. The aim of the present study was therefore to review and discuss the CNS effects of both NGC and SGC. A detailed search was carried out of the available literature using the PubMed (US National Library of Medicine) database. Cortisolemia plays a crucial role in control of behavior, cognition, mood, and early life programming of stress reactivity. Hypercortisolemia or SGC treatments may induce behavioral, psychic and cognitive disturbances, due to functional and, over time, structural alterations in specific brain target areas. These AE are generally dose and time dependent (infrequent at prednisone-equivalent doses <20 mg/day) and usually reversible. Pediatric patients are particularly susceptible. Behavioral changes, including feeding and sleeping modifications, are common. Psychic AE are unpredictable and heterogeneous, usually mild/moderate, severe in 5-10% of cases. Manic symptoms have been mostly associated with short SGC courses, and depressive disorder with long-term treatments. Suicidality has been reported. Cognitive AE peculiarly affect declarative memory performance. Physiologic levels of NGC are essential for efficient brain functions. Otherwise, hypercortisolemia and SGC treatments may cause dose-/time-dependent neuropsychic AE and, over time, structural alterations in brain target areas. Clinicians should carefully monitor patients, especially children and/or when administering high doses SGC.

Progressive neurocognitive impairment in young adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

BACKGROUND

Despite the extensive literature on neuropsychological sequelae after treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the very-long-term neurocognitive outcome of the survivors is poorly studied. We assessed neuropsychological functioning in a population-based cohort of young adult childhood ALL survivors.

PROCEDURE

Neuropsychological testing was performed on 64 survivors an average of 20 years after the diagnosis. The test battery included verbal intelligence quotient (VIQ) and performance intelligence quotient (PIQ), memory function, orientation and attention as well as motor performance. Cranial irradiation had been administered to 44 survivors as part of ALL treatment, whereas 20 survivors had been treated solely with chemotherapy. A control group consisted of 45 healthy young adults. Earlier neuropsychological test results of 45 of the survivors were available for comparison.

RESULTS

The ALL survivors attained significantly lower test scores than the controls in all the neuropsychological function areas. The mean VIQ test scores were 91, 100, and 109 (P < 0.001), and the mean PIQ test scores 100, 111, and 118 (P < 0.001) for the irradiated survivors, non-irradiated survivors and controls, respectively. Memory and motor functions were impaired among the irradiated survivor group compared with the controls. A significant decline in PIQ and VIQ test scores was observed in the irradiated survivor group during the follow-up period, but only in VIQ in the non-irradiated group.

CONCLUSIONS

Survivors of childhood ALL suffer from long-lasting progressive neuropsychological impairment, especially when treatment includes cranial irradiation.

A comparison of neurocognitive functioning in children previously randomized to dexamethasone or prednisone in the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

In previous clinical trials of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), dexamethasone resulted in higher event-free survival rates than prednisone, presumably due to greater central nervous system penetration. Dexamethasone's association with long-term neurocognitive toxicity is unknown. In this multisite study, we measured neurocognitive functioning in 92 children with standard-risk ALL, 1 to 9.99 years at diagnosis, at a mean of 9.8 years after randomization to prednisone (n = 41) or dexamethasone (n = 51) on Children's Cancer Group (CCG) 1922. No significant overall differences in mean neurocognitive and academic performance scores were found between the prednisone and dexamethasone groups after adjusting for age, sex, and time since diagnosis. The exception was that patients receiving dexamethasone scored one-third of a standard deviation worse on word reading (98.8 +/- 1.7 vs 104.9 +/- 1.8; P = .02). There were no group differences in the distribution of test scores or the parents' report of neurologic complications, psychotropic drug use, and special education. Further analyses suggested for the dexamethasone group, older age of diagnosis was associated with worse neurocognitive functioning; for the prednisone group, younger age at diagnosis was associated with worse functioning. In conclusion, our study did not demonstrate any meaningful differences in long-term cognitive functioning of childhood ALL patients based on corticosteroid randomization. This study is registered with http://www.clinicaltrials.gov under NCT00085176.

Neurodevelopmental sequelae of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia and its treatment

This review will describe the neurocognitive outcomes associated with pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and its treatment. The literature is reviewed with the aim of addressing methodological issues, treatment factors, risks and moderators, special populations, relationship to neuroimaging findings, and directions for future research. It is concluded that neurocognitive outcomes for the majority of children with standard-risk ALL treated according to current chemotherapy protocols is relatively good, but subgroups of children are more significantly compromised. As medical treatments advance and survival rates continue to improve, neurocognitive outcomes and other quality of life indicators will become increasingly important. Preventing or ameliorating treatment-related neuropsychological sequelae represents the next major challenge in pediatric ALL.