Cranial Irradiation and Platelet Monoamine Oxidase in ALL

Abstract

Prophylactic cranial irradiation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has been held responsible for long-term neuropsychological sequelae. This study evaluates the activity of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in children with ALL in first complete remission both before and after cranial irradiation, given to prevent central nervous system involvement. There was a significant decrease (p < 0.025) in platelet MAO activity shortly after cranial irradiation. MAO activity values were in the normal range in patients investigated 3 months or more after the radiation treatment was completed. The pathogenesis and clinical relevance of this decrease are discussed.

Some Aspects of Neurotoxicity Associated with Central Nervous System Prophylaxis in Childhood Leukemia

“…As far as CNS treatment is concerned, sensitive methods and, more important, new investigative approaches are needed to detect subtle abnormalities which may herald later disabilities. For example, we tried to correlate late neuropsychological dysfunction of childhood leuke mia survivors with a decrease of monoamine oxidase after CR [8]. Although the results were not consistent with the hypothesis, we believe that the evaluation of biochemical changes in these patients would be im portant.…”