Psychosocial life achievements in adults even if they received prophylactic cranial irradiation for acute lymphoblastic leukemia during childhood

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess life goal achievements in long-term survivors (LTS) receiving cranial radiotherapy (CRT) as central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) during childhood, compared to healthy individuals. Participants in this study were 141 LTS treated in our center from 1961 to 1990. Questionnaires were mailed to LTS. Analyses were stratified by age classes comparing LTS and a matched healthy population living in the same geographic area, as well as comparing patients treated with 24 Gy vs. 18 Gy CRT. Survivors reached the same educational level as controls. Significant differences were noted according to age and CRT dose. LTS had similar employment rates to those of controls, but lower marriage rates. Most respondents described their life positively, but as worse in the 24 Gy group. This study highlights the good life satisfaction of our LTS despite the long-term effects of the disease and its treatment.

Keywords::

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
• cranial radiotherapy
• long-term survivors
• psychosocial achievements

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Colette Case for her skilful revision of the language.

Potential conflict of interest:

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