Cancer Knowledge Network: Cancer Childhood ALL: Increased Survival Leads to a Greater Emphasis on Preserving Neurocognitive Function
THE RESEARCH: Neurocognitive Functioning of Children Treated for High-Risk B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Randomly Assigned to Different Methotrexate and Corticosteroid Treatment Strategies: A Report From the Children’s Oncology Group. As part of a clinical trial for high-risk B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) conducted by Children’s Oncology Group (COG), U.S. researchers performed neurocognitive evaluations on 192 trial participants that were randomized to differing chemotherapy regimens. Neurocognitive evaluations included assessment of intellectual functioning (IQ), working memory, and processing speed (PS) and were conducted 8-24 months after completion of therapy. The primary objective of the overall clinical trial was to determine whether the mode of methotrexate delivery (high-dose vs. escalating dose) or type of steroid (prednisone vs. dexamethasone) provided superior overall survival and decreased relapse rates.
Since 2004, UT Health San Antonio, Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute’s (Greehey CCRI) mission has been to advance scientific knowledge relevant to childhood cancer, contribute to understanding its causes, and accelerate the translation of knowledge into novel therapies. Greehey CCRI strives to have a national and global impact on childhood cancer by discovering, developing, and disseminating new scientific knowledge. Our mission consists of three key areas — research, clinical, and education.
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