Brain structure, working memory and response inhibition in childhood leukemia survivors

• DOI: 10.1002/brb3.621
• Publication Date: 2016-12-29T08:45:14Z
• Authors: Ellen van der Plas; Russell J. Schachar; Johann Hitzler; Jennifer Crosbie; Sharon L. Guger; Brenda J. Spiegler; Shinya Ito; Brian J. Nieman
• Keywords: Neurocognitive; Frontal lobe

Abstract Introduction Survival rates for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia ( ALL ) approach 95%. At the same time, there is growing concern that chemotherapy causes alterations in brain development and cognitive abilities. We performed MRI measurements of white gray matter volume to explore how variation structure may be related abilities survivors healthy controls. Methods The sample included 24 male who had completed contemporary treatment 3–11 years prior, 21 age‐ sex‐matched Participants were between 8 18 old. Working memory motor response inhibition measured N‐Back Stop Signal Tasks SST ), respectively. underwent 3T structural assess volumes overall, lobe‐wise, cortical atlas‐identified subcortical structures. Mental health was assessed Child Behavioral Checklist. Results more poorly on measures working than Frontal parietal matter, temporal occipital volume, structures significantly reduced compared Significant structure‐function correlations observed performance amygdala, thalamus, striatum, corpus callosum. Response correlated frontal volume. No differences found psychopathology. Conclusions Compared controls, a reduction across regions tissue types, detectable after completion therapy. These neurocognitive performance, particularly memory. Confirming these observations larger, representative population necessary. Additionally, establishing time course changes—and treatment, genetic, environmental factors influence them—may provide opportunities identify at‐risk patients, inform design modifications, minimize adverse outcomes.