A Review Of Chronic Leukoencephalopathy Among Survivors Of Childhood Cancer

Abstract Currently, there are an estimated 400,000 long-term survivors of childhood cancer in the United States. Chronic leukoencephalopathy (LE) is a potential devastating late effect that can manifest as a range of neurologic and neurocognitive sequelae. Survivors of the acute lymphocytic leukemia, central nervous system tumors, and stem cell transplant have frequently been exposed to cranial radiation, systemic and/or intrathecal chemotherapy, which places them at risk of developing chronic LE. Defining LE and its neuroimaging characteristics, the population of survivors at risk, its long-term consequences, and identifying prevention and intervention strategies can potentially mitigate the morbidity of these survivors. Better understanding of those at risk of LE and its symptoms can lead to an improved quality of life for these cancer survivors.