title: A meta-analysis of the neuropsychological sequelae of chemotherapy-only treatment for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Mixed findings on the neuropsychological sequelae of chemotherapy-only treatment for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), without radiation, indicate the need for a comprehensive meta-analytic review. The purpose of the current study was to conduct a meta-analysis assessing neuropsychological and academic functioning differences between children with ALL treated solely with chemotherapy and comparison groups.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen articles met inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis and were analyzed using a random effects model, weighted least squares methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean effect sizes were significantly different from zero for multiple domains of intelligence and academic achievement; processing speed; verbal memory; and some aspects of executive functioning and fine motor skills, indicating worse functioning in ALL survivors. Effect sizes for visual-motor skills and visual memory were not significantly different from zero.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results support the presence of neuropsychological and academic sequelae for ALL survivors treated solely with chemotherapy and highlight the need for ongoing follow-up of children with ALL using a standardized neuropsychological test battery and research methodology.
authors.affiliation: Division of Child Behavioral Health, Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan Medical School, Michigan, USA. catpeter@med.umich.edu
authors.forename: Catherine C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Peterson
authors.forename: Courtney E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Lisa Y
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Ramirez
authors.forename: Samantha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Huestis
authors.forename: Ahna L H
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Pai
authors.forename: Heath A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Demaree
authors.forename: Dennis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Drotar
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003072:Cognition Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007360:Intelligence; D007859:Learning Disabilities; D008297:Male; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009422:Nervous System Diseases; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents