The aim of the study was to assess whether cerebrospinal fluid tau protein is associated with cognitive changes in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Examination of 38 ALL patients revealed a statistically significant increase in tau protein on treatment day 59 and at two points during consolidation phase. Cognitive functioning was examined in 19 patients at an average of 3.7 years after diagnosis. The level of tau at the initiation of maintenance therapy was negatively correlated with verbal abilities measured on an intellectual scale. The study suggests that standard ALL treatment may cause a decline in cognitive functioning.
Copyright 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.