Chemotherapy-related changes in central nervous system phospholipids and neurocognitive function in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Kevin R. Krull, Marilyn J. Hockenberry, Petra Miketova, Marissa Carey, Ida M. Moore

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Long-term survivors of childhood leukemia are at risk for neurocognitive impairment, although the neurophysiological basis is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to explore associations between changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) phospholipids and neurocognitive function in children undergoing chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Seventy-six children were followed prospectively from diagnosis. CSF samples were collected during scheduled lumbar punctures and phospholipids were extracted. Neurocognitive evaluations were conducted annually beginning shortly after diagnosis. Concentrations of sphingomyelin (SM) increased following induction (p = 0.03) and consolidation (p = 0.04), while lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) increased following induction (p = 0.003). Multivariable analyses demonstrated associations between post-induction SM and motor speed at 1 year (p < 0.001), 2 years (p = 0.001) and 3 years (p = 0.02) following diagnosis. Post-induction LPC was associated with verbal working memory (p = 0.007). Results indicate that early changes in phospholipids are related to neurocognitive decline and suggest a chemotherapy impact on white matter integrity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)535-540
Number of pages6
JournalLeukemia and Lymphoma
Volume54
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2013

Keywords

  • Cerebral spinal fluid
  • Childhood leukemia
  • Neurocognitive
  • Phospholipids

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hematology
  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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