title: Neuropsychological effects of irradiation and chemotherapy treatments upon children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case study of monozygotic twins.
abstract: Numerous attempts have been made to determine the effects of irradiation and chemotherapy upon cognitive functioning when used for treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). While many studies have demonstrated a deleterious effect, others have found no significant changes in neuropsychological functioning. The uncertainty regarding the cognitive effects of these treatments is exemplified via a presentation of monozygotic twins who were evaluated via neuropsychological tests. The children received similar induction-consolidation therapy which included intrathecal methotrexate and cranial irradiation. Neuropsychological tests yielded almost identical I.Q. patterns, however, subtle differences were noted between the children when abstract reasoning abilities, achievement tests scores, motor speed, grip strength, performance on complex tasks requiring haptic sensitivity, and fingertip sensitivity were observed. This discussion also summarizes the previous findings related to cognitive function after chemotherapy and radiation therapy and some of the confounding factors which have been noted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock 72205.
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Prince
authors.forename: G T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Souheaver
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Berry
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004200:Diseases in Twins; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000009:adverse effects; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000523:psychology; D014427:Twins; D014430:Twins, Monozygotic
chemical_list: D008727:Methotrexate