Intrathecal methotrexate (IT MTX) and high-dose intravenous methotrexate (HD MTX) are important components of treatment in high-risk acute leukemia. We describe five Hispanic adolescents with high-risk acute leukemia at our institution who experienced MTX-induced neurotoxicity. All patients were eventually rechallenged with MTX. Two of the five patients had a second episode of neurotoxicity, but all patients recovered. Further studies should be performed to determine whether Hispanic patients are more susceptible to MTX neurotoxicity.
Keywords: Hispanic; acute leukemia; methotrexate; neurotoxicity.