Late endocrine effects of childhood cancer

Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2016 Jun;12(6):319-36. doi: 10.1038/nrendo.2016.45. Epub 2016 Apr 1.

Abstract

The cure rate for paediatric malignancies is increasing, and most patients who have cancer during childhood survive and enter adulthood. Surveillance for late endocrine effects after childhood cancer is required to ensure early diagnosis and treatment and to optimize physical, cognitive and psychosocial health. The degree of risk of endocrine deficiency is related to the child's sex and their age at the time the tumour is diagnosed, as well as to tumour location and characteristics and the therapies used (surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy). Potential endocrine problems can include growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism (primary or central), adrenocorticotropin deficiency, hyperprolactinaemia, precocious puberty, hypogonadism (primary or central), altered fertility and/or sexual function, low BMD, the metabolic syndrome and hypothalamic obesity. Optimal endocrine care for survivors of childhood cancer should be delivered in a multidisciplinary setting, providing continuity from acute cancer treatment to long-term follow-up of late endocrine effects throughout the lifespan. Endocrine therapies are important to improve long-term quality of life for survivors of childhood cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / deficiency
  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Bone Diseases, Metabolic / etiology
  • Child
  • Cranial Irradiation / adverse effects
  • Diabetes Insipidus / etiology
  • Endocrine System Diseases / etiology*
  • Female
  • Growth Disorders / etiology
  • Humans
  • Hyperprolactinemia / etiology
  • Hypogonadism / etiology
  • Hypothyroidism / etiology
  • Infertility / etiology
  • Male
  • Metabolic Syndrome / etiology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Obesity / etiology
  • Puberty, Delayed / etiology
  • Puberty, Precocious / etiology
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / etiology
  • Survivors*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone