NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM PROPHYLACTIC TREATMENT IN CHILDHOOD LEUKEMIA - METHODOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Reviewed 53 studies on the effects of central nervous system prophylac tic treatment (CNSPT) on cognition and neuropsychological functioning. CNSPT involves irradiation and/or chemotherapy directed to the brain, and is frequently administered to children who have leukemia. The eff ects of CNSPT on neuropsychological functioning in long-term cancer su rvivors remains controversial. A number of studies failed to identify any neuropsychological impact secondary to CNSPT, whereas others repor ted deficits that appear to be a function of CNSPT. Several methodolog ical issues that make it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions from this research literature are identified and discussed. Specific recom mendations are made for improvements in research on CNSPT in children.