Background Leukemia is the most common pediatric malignancy. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most commonly observed subtype.
Aim To assess cognitive functioning in children and adolescents with ALL post-treatment: chemotherapy-only (CT-only) or in combination with radiation therapy (CTRT). Methods We searched in PubMed and PsycINFO (OvidSP). Relevant data were analyzed using statistical program Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (version 2).
Results 44 studies were included in the overall meta-analysis with a total of 5059 patients. A weighted mean IQ of 100.1 (95% CI 99.1-101.0) was found overall after ALL treatment. In subanalyses, we found for CT-only a weighted mean IQ of 100.7 (95% CI: 99.5-101.9) and for CTRT-treatment a weighted mean IQ of 98.2 (95%100.7 (95% CI: 96.3-100.3). There was no significant difference from the normative control (mean: 100.0; SD: 15).
Conclusion No significant cognitive sequelae were shown in childhood survivors of leukemia who were exposed to either CT-only or CTRT therapy. Prospective studies are needed with inclusion of pre-and post-treatment IQ measurements, ideally compared to age and socio-economic status matched control groups.