Pattern of neurobehavioral deficits associated with interferon alfa therapy for leukemia.
We evaluated the neuropsychological and personality profiles of 25 patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia treated with interferon alfa (IFN-alpha). This group of persons performed well below expectation on tests of cognitive speed, verbal memory, and executive functions. Personality changes included depression, increased somatic concern, and stress reactions. A control group of leukemia patients not treated with IFN-alpha had significantly better cognitive speed and mood. The pattern of cognitive and personality changes in patients receiving IFN-alpha is highly suggestive of frontal-subcortical brain dysfunction.
Pavol
M A
MA
Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA.
Meyers
C A
CA
Rexer
J L
JL
Valentine
A D
AD
Mattis
P J
PJ
Talpaz
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001519:Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D004644:Emotions / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015464:Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010551:Personality / Q000187:drug effects; D010556:Personality Tests; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects
D016898:Interferon-alpha