The effect of chemotherapy on cognitive functions in children with leukemia
Authors:
P. Lhotová 1; L. Šrámková 2; P. Smíšek 2; T. Nikolai 1
Authors‘ workplace:
Neuropsychologická laboratoř, Neurologická klinika a Centrum klinických neurověd, 1. LF UK a VFN v Praze
1; Klinika dětské hematologie a onkologie 2. LF UK a FN Motol, Praha
2
Published in:
Cesk Slov Neurol N 2023; 86(6): 369-374
Category:
Review Article
doi:
https://doi.org/10.48095/cccsnn2023369
Overview
Leukemia is one of the most common childhood diseases with a malignant course. Fortunately, today there is a high probability of its successful cure. The nature of the disease entails a high risk of initial spread, or later relapse of the disease into the central nervous system. Standard treatment including intrathecal application of cytostatics reduces this risk fundamentally; nevertheless it can damage some cognitive functions. There is extensive research dealing with this issue. Through a systematic literature research, we selected 16 articles that examined cognitive functions through neuropsychological tests. Result analysis indicates a statistically significant decrease in performance in tests of attention, processing speed, working memory and executive functions. Conversely, the overall intelligence quotient, learning ability and long-term memory seem to be only slightly affected by the treatment.
Keywords:
Chemotherapy – Intelligence – cognitive function – leukemia – pediatric hematology/oncology
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Paediatric neurology Neurosurgery NeurologyArticle was published in
Czech and Slovak Neurology and Neurosurgery
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