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.
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