Predicting Methylphenidate Response in Long-Term Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial.

Author(s): Conklin HM, Helton S, Ashford J, Mulhern RK, Reddick WE, Brown R, Bonner M, Jasper BW, Wu S, Xiong X, Khan RB

Affiliation(s): Division of Behavioral Medicine, Division of Translational Imaging Research, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Public Health, Temple University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Department of Neurology, University of Tennessee.

Publication date & source: 2009-05-22, J Pediatr Psychol., [Epub ahead of print]

Publication type:

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the methylphenidate (MPH) response rate among childhood survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and brain tumors (BTs) and to identify predictors of positive MPH response. METHODS: Cancer survivors (N = 106; BT = 51 and ALL = 55) identified as having attention deficits and learning problems participated in a 3-week, double-blind, crossover trial consisting of placebo, low-dose MPH (0.3 mg/kg), and moderate-dose MPH (0.6 mg/kg). Weekly teacher and parent reports on the Conners' Rating Scales were gathered. RESULTS: Following moderate MPH dose, 45.28% of the sample was classified as responders. Findings revealed that more problems endorsed prior to the medication trial on parent and teacher ratings were predictive of positive medication response (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: MPH significantly reduces attention problems in a subset of childhood cancer survivors. Parent and teacher ratings may assist in identifying children most likely to respond to MPH so prescribing may be optimally targeted.