Basic Information On Long-Term Effects of Childhood Cancer Treatment

Summarize

Definition of long-term effects of childhood cancer treatment

Long-term effects are health problems that occur months or years after treatment.

The successful treatment of children with cancer can be seen as a significant victory for their parents. However, in the months or years that follow, cancer treatment may lead to new health issues. Cancer treatments can damage organs, tissues, and bones, leading to health problems later in life. These health issues are known as 'long-term effects.'

Epidemiological

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Etiology & Risk Factors

The causes of long-term effects of childhood cancer treatment

Treatments that may have long-term effects include:

(1) Surgery;

(2) Chemotherapy;

(3) Radiotherapy;

(4) Stem cell transplantation.

Effects of long-term effects of childhood cancer treatment

The long-term effects of childhood cancer survivors may affect the following:

(1) Organs, tissues and bodily functions;

(2) Growth and development;

(3) Emotions, feelings and behaviors;

(4) Thinking, learning and memory;

(5) Social and psychological adjustment;

(6) Risk of secondary tumors.

Risk factors for long-term effects of childhood cancer treatment

1. Tumor-related factors

(1) Type of cancer;

(2) The location of the tumor in the body;

(3) How tumors affect the function of tissues and organs.

2. Treatment-related factors

(1) Type of surgery;

(2) type, dose and course of chemotherapy;

(3) The type of radiotherapy, the body part and dose to be treated;

(4) Stem cell transplantation;

(5) The simultaneous use of two or more treatments;

(6) Blood transfusion;

(7) Chronic graft-versus-host disease.

3. Patient-related factors

(1) The sex of the child;

(2) The child's health problems before the cancer diagnosis;

(3) The age and developmental stage of the child at diagnosis and treatment;

(4) The time from diagnosis to treatment;

(5) Changes in hormone levels;

(6) The ability of healthy tissue affected by cancer treatment to repair itself;

(7) Certain changes in children's genes;

(8) Family history of cancer or other diseases;

(9) Healthy habits.

Over time, the likelihood of a long-term effect increases

New treatments for childhood cancers have reduced the number of people who die from primary cancer. Because children who recover from cancer live longer, they have more long-term effects after cancer treatment than those who never had cancer.

The most common cause of death among children who have recovered from cancer is:

a. Recurrence of primary cancer;

b. A second (different) primary cancer;

c. Heart and lung damage.

It's worth noting that research into the causes of long-term effects has led to changes in treatment that improve the quality of life for cancer survivors and help prevent later-onset disease and death.

Classification & Staging

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Clinical Manifestations

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Clinical Department

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Examination & Diagnosis

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Clinical Management

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Prognosis

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Follow-up & Review

Prevention and health care

1. Regular follow-up

Regular follow-ups by trained medical professionals are essential for the long-term health of children who have recovered from cancer. Each person who has undergone cancer treatment will require different follow-up care. The type of care will depend on the type of cancer, the treatment received, genetic factors, and the individual's health status and habits. Follow-up visits include monitoring for signs and symptoms of long-term effects and providing health education to prevent or mitigate these effects.

It is important that children who have recovered from cancer should have at least one checkup per year. These should be performed by medical professionals who are aware of the risk of long-term effects and can recognize early signs of them. They may also undergo blood and imaging tests.

Long-term follow-up can improve the health and quality of life of cancer survivors. It also helps doctors study the long-term effects of cancer treatment, so as to develop safer treatments for newly diagnosed children.

2. Good health habits

The quality of life for cancer survivors can be improved through healthy behaviors. These include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and routine medical and dental check-ups. These self-care practices are especially important for cancer survivors, who face health issues related to treatment. Healthy behaviors can reduce the severity of long-term effects and lower the risk of other diseases.

It is also important to avoid behaviors that can harm your health. Smoking, heavy drinking, illegal drug use, sun exposure or lack of exercise can worsen organ damage associated with treatment and may increase the risk of developing a second cancer.

Daily Care

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Cutting-edge therapeutic and clinical Trials

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References

data source ：

PDQ® Pediatric Treatment Editorial Board. PDQ Late Effects of Treatment for Childhood Cancer. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Website: https://www.cancer.gov/types/childhood-cancers/late-effects-pdq. Date accessed: July 24,2018. [PMID: 26389365]

Translated by Qian Yueping (Senior Manager, Medical Device Industry, Medical Clinical Affairs Department, PhD in Biology)