Question - Methotrexate administered to pediatric patients, including infants and adolescents, may result in long-term cognitive impairments (including memory impairment, attention and executive function deficits). What percentage of survivors of childhood leukemia treated with methotrexate will experience result in long-term cognitive impairments?
Answer- The cited article notes “Cancer survivors diagnosed during infancy and adolescence may be at risk for chemotherapy-related cognitive impairments (CRCI), however the effects of pediatric chemotherapy treatment on adulthood cognitive function are not well understood. Impairments in memory, attention and executive function affect 15–50% of childhood leukemia survivors related to methotrexate exposure. (John T et al. Systemic cisplatin exposure during infancy and adolescence causes impaired cognitive function in adulthood. 2017 Behavioral Brain Res. 319:200-206)