Hydrocortisone Does Not Influence In Vitro Glucocorticoid Sensitivity Of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Blasts

Introduction: Dexamethasone-induced neuropsychological side effects on mood, behavior and cognition seriously affect quality of life in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) during a long treatment period. Based on recent studies in animals, we hypothesized that these neuropsychological side effects are mediated by dexamethasone-induced cortisol depletion of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in the brain. Therefore, we hypothesize that these side effects could be ameliorated by an intervention with hydrocortisone. For clinical application settings however, an absolute prerequisite is that MR activation does not interfere with the efficacy of the glucocorticoids, dexamethasone and prednisolone, on ALL cells.