Neuropsychologic effects of cranial irradiation, intrathecal methotrexate, and systemic methotrexate in childhood cancer.

Abstract

CRT, especially when administered with IT-MTX, at currently used dosages was associated with significant neuropsychologic impairment in children. These impairments are most likely to be reflected in nonverbal intelligence, perceptual abilities, and susceptibility to distraction. IT-MTX and SYS-MTX did not result in a consistent pattern of cognitive deficit.