The effect of chemotherapy on cognitive functions in children with leukemia

Česká verzia

Authors: P. Lhotová ¹; L. Šrámková ²; P. Smíšek ²; T. Nikolai ¹
Authors place of work: 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 the journal: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2023; 86(6): 369-374
Category: Review Article
doi: https://doi.org/10.48095/cccsnn2023369

Summary

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

Zdroje

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