Behavioral Adkjustmnet and Social Functioning of Long-Term, Survivors of Childhood Leukemia: Parent and Teacher Reports

Abstract

Obtained parent and teacher reports of behavior and social competence for children who were survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). At followup, children were 5–18 years of age, 48 months postdiagnosis, in first continuous remission, and of chemotherapy. Each child had been randomized to receive either 1,800 cGY whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) plus intrathecal methotrexate (IT MTX), or IT MTX alone as central nervous system prophylaxis, and one of four chemotherapy regimenss that varied in treatment intensity. Scores on standardized measures (CBCL-P/T and PIC) were generally similar to instrument, norms. Parents, but not teachers, reported heightened child somatic concerns. There was no effect of WBRT or chemotherapy regimen on ratings of behavioral adjustment. Results indicate minimal psychosocial morbidity among long-term survivors of ALL and suggest that the stressful life envents associated with cancer and its treatment do not cause significant behavioral or emotional diffculties.