The neuropsychological effects of acute lymphocytic leukemia and its treatment - A three year report: Intellectual functioning and academic achievement

Twenty children treated for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) with combination chemotherapy and 2400 rads cranial irradiation were followed for 3 years from diagnosis as part of an ongoing study. Complete neuropsychological evaluations consisting of the age appropriate Wechsler Intelligence Scale, Reitan-Indiana or Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery, and Wide Range Achievement Test were administered annually to these children. Contrary to much of the current literature, no distinct patterns of cerebral dysfunction were found with respect to IQ and academic achievement scores and children with ALL as a group did not differ significantly from normative data on any measure. However, examination of individual performance patterns revealed a higher than normal incidence of specific learning dysfunction. A developmental hypothesis of neuropsychological functioning was discussed.