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1.
Blood ; 141(15): 1802-1811, 2023 04 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36603187

ABSTRACT

To determine the prognostic significance of central nervous system (CNS) leukemic involvement in newly diagnosed T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), outcomes on consecutive, phase 3 Children's Oncology Group clinical trials were examined. AALL0434 and AALL1231 tested efficacy of novel agents within augmented-Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (aBFM) therapy. In addition to testing study-specific chemotherapy through randomization, the AALL0434 regimen delivered cranial radiation therapy (CRT) to most participants (90.8%), whereas AALL1231 intensified chemotherapy to eliminate CRT in 88.2% of participants. In an analysis of 2164 patients with T-ALL (AALL0434, 1550; AALL1231, 614), 1564 had CNS-1 (72.3%), 441 CNS-2 (20.4%), and 159 CNS-3 (7.3%). The 4-year event-free-survival (EFS) was similar for CNS-1 (85.1% ± 1.0%) and CNS-2 (83.2% ± 2.0%), but lower for CNS-3 (71.8% ± 4.0%; P = .0004). Patients with CNS-1 and CNS-2 had similar 4-year overall survival (OS) (90.1% ± 0.8% and 90.5% ± 1.5%, respectively), with OS for CNS-3 being 82.7% ± 3.4% (P = .005). Despite therapeutic differences, outcomes for CNS-1 and CNS-2 were similar regardless of CRT, intensified corticosteroids, or novel agents. Except for significantly superior outcomes with nelarabine on AALL0434 (4-year disease-free survival, 93.1% ± 5.2%), EFS/OS was inferior with CNS-3 status, all of whom received CRT. Combined analyses of >2000 patients with T-ALL identified that CNS-1 and CNS-2 status at diagnosis had similar outcomes. Unlike B-ALL, CNS-2 status in T-ALL does not impact outcome with aBFM therapy, without additional intrathecal therapy, with or without CRT. Although nelarabine improved outcomes for those with CNS-3 status, novel approaches are needed. These trials were registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00408005 (AALL0434) and #NCT02112916 (AALL1231).


Subject(s)
Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma , Child , Humans , Infant , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Central Nervous System , Disease-Free Survival , Methotrexate , Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/drug therapy , Prognosis , T-Lymphocytes , Treatment Outcome
2.
Pediatr Blood Cancer ; 70(8): e30446, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37243393

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has prevented the timely diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, including pediatric cancer. Its impact on pediatric oncologic treatments warrants investigation. As radiotherapy is an integral component of cancer care, we reviewed the published data regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the delivery of pediatric radiotherapy to inform actions for future global events. We found that disruptions in radiotherapy were reported amongst interruptions in other therapies. Disruptions were more common in low-income countries (78%) and low middle-income countries (68%) compared with upper middle-income countries (46%) and high-income countries (10%). Several papers included recommendations for mitigation strategies. Altered treatment regimens were common, including increasing the use of active surveillance and systemic therapy to delay local therapies, and accelerated/hypofractionated dose delivery. Our findings suggest that COVID-19 has impacted radiotherapy delivery in the pediatric population globally. Countries with limited resources may be more affected. Various mitigation strategies have been developed. The efficacy of mitigation measures warrants further investigation.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Neoplasms , Radiation Oncology , Humans , Child , COVID-19/epidemiology , Pandemics/prevention & control , Neoplasms/radiotherapy
3.
Pediatr Blood Cancer ; 70(4): e30195, 2023 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36642970

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Radiotherapy is an effective palliative treatment in advanced cancer. Shorter palliative treatment courses are recommended for adults, though pediatric data addressing treatment efficacy and toxicity according to radiation therapy (RT) dose and fractionation are limited. DESIGN/METHODS: Total 213 patients aged 21 years or younger receiving 422 palliative radiotherapy treatment courses from 2003 to 2016 were included. Symptom response and treatment-associated toxicity were recorded and analyzed in relationship to demographic and treatment variables. RESULTS: Common diagnoses included sarcoma (32.5%), neuroblastoma (24.9%), leukemia/lymphoma (14.9%), and central nervous system tumors (10.9%). The most common indication for treatment was pain (46.7%). Patients received a median of 10 fractions, 2.5 Gy dose per fraction, and 21 Gy total dose. Number of RT fractions was five or less in 166 (39.3%), six to 10 fractions in 117 (27.2%), and 10 or more fractions in 139 (32.9%) of courses. Complete or partial pain relief was achieved in 85% (151 of 178 evaluable patients), including 77.8% receiving five or less fractions and 89.6% receiving more than five fractions. Highest toxicity was grade 1 in 159 (38.9%), grade 2 in 26 (6.4%), and grade 3 in two (0.5%) treatments. On multivariable analysis, RT delivered 30 or more days from death (OR 12.13, 95% CI: 2.13-69.2, p = .005) and no adjuvant chemotherapy (OR 0.14, 95% CI: 0.03-0.54, p = .005) were significantly associated with pain response, and five or less fractions were significantly associated with lower toxicity (OR 0.24, 95% CI: 0.06-0.97, p = .045). CONCLUSIONS: Palliative RT courses of five or less fractions result in high rates of pain control and are associated with low toxicity in pediatric patients with cancer.


Subject(s)
Neoplasms , Palliative Care , Adult , Humans , Child , Dose Fractionation, Radiation , Treatment Outcome , Pain , Radiotherapy
4.
Pediatr Blood Cancer ; 70(11): e28493, 2023 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32790146

ABSTRACT

Pediatric craniopharyngioma is a rare tumor with excellent survival but significant long-term morbidities due to the loco-regional tumor growth or secondary to its treatment. Visual impairment, panhypopituitarism, hypothalamic damage, and behavioral changes are among the main challenges. This tumor should be managed under the care of a multidisciplinary team to determine the optimum treatment within the available resources. This is particularly important for low middle-income countries where resources are variable. This report provides risk-stratified management guidelines for children diagnosed with craniopharyngioma in a resource-limited setting.


Subject(s)
Craniopharyngioma , Hypopituitarism , Pituitary Neoplasms , Child , Humans , Craniopharyngioma/therapy , Income , Risk Management , Pituitary Neoplasms/therapy
5.
Pediatr Blood Cancer ; 69(3): e29529, 2022 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34913589

ABSTRACT

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare pediatric tumor of the pleura and pulmonary mesenchyme, associated with pathogenic germline DICER1 mutations. Although the most common site of metastasis is the central nervous system (CNS), patients with CNS metastasis have dismal outcome. We report a case of a patient presenting with type II PPB and intracranial and bone metastases. We describe a multimodal therapy approach and highlight the use of intraventricular topotecan for isolated CNS recurrence. In addition, a new pathogenic germline mutation heterozygous for the c.1234delT of DICER1 was identified. Patient remains in remission 3 years after recurrence.


Subject(s)
Lung Neoplasms , Pulmonary Blastoma , Central Nervous System/pathology , Child , DEAD-box RNA Helicases/genetics , Germ-Line Mutation , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/complications , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Pulmonary Blastoma/drug therapy , Pulmonary Blastoma/genetics , Ribonuclease III/genetics , Topotecan
6.
Pediatr Blood Cancer ; 69(12): e29906, 2022 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35929184

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Survival of Wilms tumor (WT) is > 90% in high-resource settings but < 30% in low-resource settings. Adapting a standardized surgical approach to WT is challenging in low-resource settings, but a local control strategy is crucial to improving outcomes. OBJECTIVE: Provide resource-sensitive recommendations for the surgical management of WT. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of PubMed and EMBASE through July 7, 2020, and used the GRADE approach to assess evidence and recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS: Initiation of treatment should be expedited, and surgery should be done in a high-volume setting. Cross-sectional imaging should be done to optimize preoperative planning. For patients with typical clinical features of WT, biopsy should not be done before chemotherapy, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy should precede surgical resection. Also, resection should include a large transperitoneal laparotomy, adequate lymph node sampling, and documentation of staging findings. For WT with tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava, neoadjuvant chemotherapy should be given before en bloc resection of the tumor and thrombus and evaluation for viable tumor thrombus. For those with bilateral WT, neoadjuvant chemotherapy should be given for 6-12 weeks. Neither routine use of complex hilar control techniques during nephron-sparing surgery nor nephron-sparing resection for unilateral WT with a normal contralateral kidney is recommended. When indicated, postoperative radiotherapy should be administered within 14 days of surgery. Post-chemotherapy pulmonary oligometastasis should be resected when feasible, if local protocols allow omission of whole-lung irradiation in patients with nonanaplastic histology stage IV WT with pulmonary metastasis without evidence of extrapulmonary metastasis. CONCLUSION: We provide evidence-based recommendations for the surgical management of WT, considering the benefits/risks associated with limited-resource settings.


Subject(s)
Kidney Neoplasms , Thrombosis , Wilms Tumor , Child , Humans , Kidney Neoplasms/surgery , Kidney Neoplasms/drug therapy , Wilms Tumor/surgery , Wilms Tumor/pathology , Nephrectomy/methods , Vena Cava, Inferior/pathology , Retrospective Studies
7.
J Cardiovasc Nurs ; 37(5): E129-E138, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34238842

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although radiation therapy (RT) has been recognized for contributing to cardiovascular disease (CVD), it is unknown whether specific doses received by cardiovascular tissues influence development. OBJECTIVE: In this pilot study, we examined the contribution of RT dose distribution on the development of CVD events in patients with cancer within 5 years of RT. METHODS: A retrospective case-controlled design was used matching 28 cases receiving thoracic RT who subsequently developed an adverse CVD event with 28 controls based upon age, gender, and cancer type. Dose volume histograms of nongated computed tomography scans received during RT characterized the dose delivered to the heart. Heart chambers were segmented using an atlas approach, and radiomics features for the segmentation as well as planning dose in each chamber were tabulated for analysis. RESULT: No significant differences were observed in the RT dose statistics between groups, preexisting CVD, nor significant differences of RT doses delivered to distinct chambers of the heart. Cases were found to have greater CVD risk factors at the time of cancer diagnosis. Morphological significant differences for perimeter on border ( P = .043), equivalent spherical radius ( P = .050), and elongation ( P = .038) were observed, with preexisting CVD having the highest values (ie, larger hearts). CONCLUSION: Traditional CVD risk factors were more prevalent in the cases who developed CVD. No differences were observed in doses of RT. Of note, we observed significant differences in heart morphology and mass in known diseased hearts on the pretreatment scans. These new metrics may have implications for the measurement and quantification of CVD.


Subject(s)
Cancer Survivors , Cardiovascular Diseases , Neoplasms , Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology , Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology , Humans , Neoplasms/complications , Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Pilot Projects , Radiation Dosage , Retrospective Studies
8.
Cancer ; 127(20): 3840-3846, 2021 10 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34255345

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Proton therapy may reduce cognitive deficits after radiotherapy among brain tumor survivors, although current data are limited to retrospective comparisons between historical cohorts. The authors compared intelligence quotient scores within a case-matched cohort of children with medulloblastoma treated with proton radiation (PRT) or photon radiation (XRT) over the same time period. METHODS: Among 88 consecutive patients with standard-risk medulloblastoma treated with PRT or XRT at 2 institutions from 2000 to 2009, 50 were matched 1:1 (25 with PRT and 25 with XRT) according to age, gender, date of diagnosis, histology, radiation boost, and craniospinal irradiation dose. One-way analyses of variance were performed to compare the Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) and associated index scores between the 2 cohorts. RESULTS: Neurocognitive data were available for 37 survivors (17 with PRT and 20 with XRT) from the matched cohort. The mean age was 8.5 years (SD, 4.14 years). The median follow-up was 5.3 years (range, 1.0-11.4 years) and 4.6 years (range, 1.1-11.2 years) for the PRT and XRT cohorts, respectively (P = .193). Patients treated with PRT had significantly higher mean FSIQ (99.6 vs 86.2; P = .021), verbal (105.2 vs 88.6; P = .010), and nonverbal scores (103.1 vs 88.9; P = .011) than the XRT-treated cohort. Differences in processing speed (82.9 vs 77.2; P = .331) and working memory (97.0 vs 92.7; P = .388) were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Radiotherapy-associated cognitive effects appear to be more attenuated after proton therapy. Comprehensive prospective studies are needed to appropriately evaluate the neurocognitive advantages of proton therapy.


Subject(s)
Cerebellar Neoplasms , Medulloblastoma , Proton Therapy , Cerebellar Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Child , Cognition/radiation effects , Humans , Medulloblastoma/radiotherapy , Proton Therapy/adverse effects , Protons , Retrospective Studies
9.
Pediatr Blood Cancer ; 68 Suppl 2: e28371, 2021 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33818880

ABSTRACT

The survival of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has improved significantly with the use of intensive multimodality treatment regimens including chemotherapy, high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell rescue, and radiation therapy when indicated. This report summarizes the treatment strategies, especially radiation therapy in the Children's Oncology Group for children with ALL. Currently, radiation therapy is only indicated for children with high-risk CNS involvement at diagnosis or relapse, testicular relapse and as part of the conditioning regimen for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Future research strategies regarding the indications for and dosages of radiation therapy and novel radiation techniques are discussed.


Subject(s)
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/methods , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/therapy , Whole-Body Irradiation/methods , Child , Combined Modality Therapy , Humans , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/pathology , Prognosis , Survival Rate
10.
Pediatr Blood Cancer ; 68 Suppl 2: e28299, 2021 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32743983

ABSTRACT

This report provides a summary of the global burden of childhood cancer morbidity and mortality, which disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries as well as low- and middle-income communities within high-income countries. We review past successes and current challenges to improving clinical pediatric radiotherapy, education, and research in these regions. The Pediatric Radiation Oncology Society Taskforce in Low- and Middle-Income Countries recently outlined specific aims: (a) to increase access and quality of radiotherapy for children and adolescents afflicted with cancer; (b) to enumerate, engage, and educate a global community of providers of childhood and adolescent radiotherapy; and (c) to create evidence establishing the outcomes of setting-specific treatment standards of care when first-world standards are not achievable. This report will improve awareness of these disparities and promote attempts to correct them.


Subject(s)
Developing Countries/economics , Health Services Needs and Demand , Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Radiotherapy/methods , Child , Global Health , Humans , Neoplasms/economics , Neoplasms/pathology , Prognosis , Survival Rate
11.
Pediatr Blood Cancer ; 67(1): e28027, 2020 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31571408

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy boost to the entire posterior fossa (PF) is standard of care for high-risk (H-R) medulloblastoma patients; the utility of tumor bed (TB)-only boost is unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of PF versus TB boost volume on tumor control and survival in the H-R medulloblastoma population. METHODS: Single-institution records for patients with H-R medulloblastoma were reviewed. The median craniospinal irradiation dose was 36 Gy (range, 23.4-45 Gy), and boost doses to either PF or TB were 54 to 55.8 Gy. PF (local) failures were scored as in-field, marginal (between 80% and 95% isodose lines), or distant. Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards were used to assess the impact of radiation boost technique on local control (LC) and survival endpoints. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with H-R medulloblastoma were treated between 1990 and 2015, with a median follow-up length of 5.12 years. Twenty-two patients received PF boost, and 10 received TB boost. Patient and disease characteristic were comparable between groups. A total of 11 PF failures occurred, including 3 isolated LFs (2 in the PF and 1 in the TB group). Most PF failures were in-field: three of four in the TB group and six of seven in the PF group; the remainder were marginal failures. TB boost was not associated with inferior LC (hazard ratio [HR] 0.86, log-rank P = 0.81) or overall survival (HR 1.40, P = 0.56) compared with PF boost. CONCLUSION: Reduced-volume radiotherapy boost to the TB does not appear to compromise LC or survival in patients with H-R medulloblastoma; it may reduce the risk of ototoxicity.


Subject(s)
Cerebellar Neoplasms/mortality , Craniospinal Irradiation/mortality , Medulloblastoma/mortality , Tumor Burden , Cerebellar Neoplasms/pathology , Cerebellar Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Medulloblastoma/pathology , Medulloblastoma/radiotherapy , Prognosis , Radiotherapy Dosage , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Survival Rate
12.
Pediatr Blood Cancer ; 67(10): e28619, 2020 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32790118

ABSTRACT

To examine the educational background, clinical practice, and preferences regarding continuing medical education (CME) among radiation oncologists who attended the 2019 meeting of the Pediatric Radiation Oncology Society (PROS), a survey consisting of 20 questions was distributed asking for demographic and educational background, clinical practice, and preferences regarding pediatric radiation oncology CME. Of 188 participants, 130 (69.2%) returned the questionnaire. More than 80% reported access to CT simulation, three-dimensional radiotherapy, and general anesthesia while <30% had access to intraoperative radiotherapy, proton, and heavy particle therapy. After residency, 12.1% did further training in pediatric radiation oncology. When asked about further training in pediatrics after residency, 88.8% answered that there should be a formal training program beyond residency in order to treat children. More than 75% acquired knowledge in pediatric radiation oncology through journals, books, live meetings, and tumor boards. The results of this survey may help Pediatric Radiation Oncology Society (PROS) in creating guidelines and recommendations for improvement in pediatric radiation oncology training and practice support as well as the development of CME activities most likely to benefit practitioners.


Subject(s)
Attitude of Health Personnel , Education, Medical, Continuing/standards , Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Pediatrics/education , Radiation Oncologists/education , Radiation Oncology/education , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Surveys and Questionnaires
13.
Pediatr Blood Cancer ; 67(10): e28629, 2020 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32776500

ABSTRACT

This report by the Radiation Oncology Discipline of Children's Oncology Group (COG) describes the practice patterns of pediatric image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) based on a member survey and provides practice recommendations accordingly. The survey comprised of 11 vignettes asking clinicians about their recommended treatment modalities, IGRT preferences, and frequency of in-room verification. Technical questions asked physicists about imaging protocols, dose reduction, setup correction, and adaptive therapy. In this report, the COG Radiation Oncology Discipline provides an IGRT modality/frequency decision tree and the expert guidelines for the practice of ionizing image guidance in pediatric radiotherapy patients.


Subject(s)
Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Practice Guidelines as Topic/standards , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/standards , Radiation Oncology/standards , Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted/methods , Radiotherapy, Image-Guided/methods , Child , Humans , Neoplasms/pathology , Radiotherapy Dosage
14.
Pediatr Blood Cancer ; 65(2)2018 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28960781

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report the thyroid dosimetry and long-term follow-up of childhood cancer survivors treated with whole lung irradiation (WLI) for Wilms tumor. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with pulmonary metastases from Wilms tumor who underwent WLI from 2000 TO 2012 at a single institution were reviewed. Radiation dose to the thyroid gland in each case was calculated. Postradiation thyroid function test (TFT) results and management of thyroid function abnormalities were extracted from the medical records. RESULTS: Median age at treatment was 5 years (range: 1-9 years), and median follow-up time was 74.1 months (7.2-198.4). The male/female ratio was 1:1.8. Complete dosimetry data were available for 22 of the 28 patients receiving WLI. Mean thyroid volume was 3.3 cc (range: 1-6.8). The average mean and median mean dose to the thyroid was 6.7 and 7.1 Gy, respectively (range: 1.3-11.7 Gy). Average max dose to the thyroid was 12.4 Gy (range: 7.8-20.3 Gy). Two patients were found to have a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) above the normal range, managed with levothyroxine. Another patient was found to have an isolated elevation of TSH which normalized without treatment. A fourth patient was found to have an enlarged thyroid on examination with no palpable nodules or abnormal TFTs. CONCLUSIONS: Average mean dose to the thyroid gland was 6.7 Gy for this population of stage IV Wilms tumor patients. There was a low rate of thyroid dysfunction, but limited follow-up. Attention to blocking the thyroid gland as much as possible when designing radiation fields can potentially mitigate the risks of long-term thyroid effects.


Subject(s)
Kidney Neoplasms , Lung Neoplasms , Lung/pathology , Thyroid Gland/pathology , Wilms Tumor , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Infant , Kidney Neoplasms/pathology , Kidney Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Lung Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Lung Neoplasms/secondary , Male , Neoplasm Metastasis , Neoplasm Staging , Radiotherapy Dosage , Wilms Tumor/pathology , Wilms Tumor/radiotherapy
15.
Pediatr Blood Cancer ; 64 Suppl 52017 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29297617

ABSTRACT

Pediatric radiotherapy is a critical part of pediatric oncology protocols and the quality of the radiotherapy may determine the future quality of life for long-term survivors. Multidisciplinary team decision making provides the basis for high-quality care. However, delivery of high-quality radiotherapy is dependent on resources. This article provides guidelines for delivery of good quality radiation therapy in resource-limited countries based on rational procurement and maintenance planning, protocol development, three-dimensional planning, quality assurance, and adequate staff numbers and training.


Subject(s)
Developing Countries , Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Radiation Oncology , Radiotherapy/methods , Child , Humans , Radiation Oncology/methods , Radiation Oncology/standards , Societies, Medical
16.
J Pediatr Hematol Oncol ; 39(8): e450-e453, 2017 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28121746

ABSTRACT

Treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma now includes antibody based antitumor immunotherapy as part of standard care. Although this therapy has resulted in dramatic improvements in survival, it is associated with significant side effects. Children with underlying respiratory issues, and in particular asthma, may be more susceptible to immunotherapy associated respiratory compromise and pulmonary complications. Early routine involvement of pulmonology care is warranted for these patients in an effort to allow maximal delivery of immunotherapy and minimize acute and long-term complications.


Subject(s)
Asthma/complications , Neuroblastoma/complications , Respiratory Insufficiency/diagnosis , Respiratory Insufficiency/etiology , Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage , Antibodies, Monoclonal/adverse effects , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Immunotherapy , Male , Neuroblastoma/diagnosis , Neuroblastoma/therapy , Pulmonary Fibrosis/diagnosis , Pulmonary Fibrosis/etiology , Pulmonary Fibrosis/physiopathology , Radiography, Thoracic , Respiratory Function Tests , Tomography, X-Ray Computed
17.
Pediatr Blood Cancer ; 63(5): 893-900, 2016 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26797960

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Children's Oncology Group (COG) publishes consensus guidelines with screening recommendations for early identification of treatment-related morbidities among childhood cancer survivors. We sought to estimate the yield of recommended yearly urinalysis screening for genitourinary complications as per Version 3.0 of the COG Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines and identify possible risk factors for abnormal screening in a survivor population. PROCEDURE: A database of pediatric cancer survivors evaluated between January 2008 and March 2012 at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta was queried for survivors at risk for genitourinary late effects. The frequency of abnormal urinalyses (protein ≥1+ and/or presence of glucose and/or ≥5 red blood cells per high power field) was estimated. Risk factors associated with abnormal screening were identified. RESULTS: Chart review identified 773 survivors (57% male; 67% Caucasian; 60% leukemia/lymphoma survivors; mean age at diagnosis, 5.7 years [range: birth to 17.7 years]; time from diagnosis to initial screening, 7.6 years [range: 2.3 to 21.5 years]) who underwent urinalysis. Abnormal results were found in 78 (5.3%) of 1,484 total urinalyses. Multivariable analysis revealed higher dose ifosfamide (odds ratio [OR] = 6.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.9-16.0) and total body irradiation (TBI, OR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.0-8.4) as significant risk factors for abnormal initial urinalysis screening. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric cancer survivors exposed to higher dose ifosfamide or TBI may be at higher risk of abnormal findings on urinalysis screening. Targeted screening of these higher risk patients should be considered.


Subject(s)
Databases, Factual , Glycosuria/urine , Hematuria/urine , Leukemia , Lymphoma , Proteinuria/urine , Survivors , Urinalysis , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Glycosuria/chemically induced , Hematuria/chemically induced , Humans , Ifosfamide/administration & dosage , Ifosfamide/adverse effects , Leukemia/drug therapy , Leukemia/mortality , Leukemia/urine , Lymphoma/drug therapy , Lymphoma/mortality , Lymphoma/urine , Male , Proteinuria/chemically induced , Risk Factors
18.
J Pediatr Hematol Oncol ; 38(3): 197-201, 2016 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26925717

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Improved treatment for pediatric cancers has ensured an evergrowing population of patients surviving into adulthood. The current study evaluated the impact of previous engagement in survivor care on patient knowledge and awareness of health risks as young adults. PROCEDURE: Young adult survivors of childhood cancers (N=93, M age=23.63 y) were recruited during their annual survivor clinic visit. Participants completed self-reported measures of demographics, treatment knowledge, perception of future health risks, participation in previous survivor care, and neurocognitive functioning. RESULTS: In total, 82% of patients (N=76/93) reported previously participating in survivorship care. These patients were more likely to have knowledge of their radiation treatment (P=0.034) and more likely to recognize risk for future health effects from their treatment (P=0.019). Income between $10,000 and $24,999 (odds ratio=0.168; 95% confidence interval, 0.046-0.616; P=0.031) was associated with decreased patient knowledge regarding diagnosis. Male sex (odds ratio=0.324; 95% confidence interval, 0.135-0.777; P=0.012) was associated with less knowledge of future health risks. Patients with self-reported difficulties on the CCSS-NCQ were more likely to regard their cancer treatment as a future health risk. CONCLUSION: Participation in survivor care plays an important role in imparting information to young adult survivors of pediatric cancer regarding their disease history and risk for future health problems.


Subject(s)
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Neoplasms , Patient Education as Topic/methods , Survivors , Transition to Adult Care , Adult , Ambulatory Care , Female , Humans , Male , Risk , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young Adult
19.
J Cancer Educ ; 31(3): 430-42, 2016 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25948413

ABSTRACT

We examined correlates of low engagement in the healthcare system, experiences with survivorship care, barriers to follow-up care, and potential resources for promoting follow-up care among young adult survivors of childhood cancers. We conducted a mixed-method study involving surveys of 106 survivors of childhood cancer aged 18-34 recruited from a university-affiliated children's hospital and an NCI-designated cancer center in the Southeastern USA. Phone-based semistructured interviews were then conducted in a subset of 26. Assessments included health factors, psychosocial factors, healthcare system interaction, and interest in resources to promote engagement in healthcare. Survey participants were on average 22.14 (SD = 3.16) years old, 50.0 % female, and 77.4 % White. Overall, 46.0 % had attended survivorship clinic, 47.2 % reported receiving a treatment summary, 68.9 % had a primary care provider, and 17.0 % reported no interaction with healthcare in the past 2 years. Correlates of less than annual healthcare provider visits included being older (p = 0.003), being male (p < 0.001), lack of insurance (p = 0.002), and having had chemotherapy (p = 0.05). Participants reported varied experiences in terms of how health and treatment information was presented, from none or too little to overwhelming or anxiety-provoking amounts. Barriers to engaging in survivorship care included no/limited insurance, time, or transportation; major life changes; anxiety; and difficulty transitioning from pediatrics to adult care. Participants highlighted the need for educational and psychosocial resources, particularly technology-based resources. Multilevel interventions are needed to increase engagement in survivorship care among young adult cancer survivors. Technology-based resources addressing social support and mental well-being are intervention possibilities.


Subject(s)
Attitude of Health Personnel , Cancer Survivors/psychology , Continuity of Patient Care , Neoplasms/prevention & control , Neoplasms/psychology , Patient Care Planning , Adolescent , Adult , Aftercare , Female , Humans , Male , Perception , Prognosis , Survival Rate , Young Adult
20.
J Cancer Educ ; 31(1): 31-8, 2016 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25943901

ABSTRACT

We examined healthcare providers' perceptions of the goals of survivorship care and survivor programs, systems-level barriers and individual patient-level barriers to engaging patients in survivorship care, and potential resources for increasing engagement. In 2012, we recruited 21 healthcare providers of young adult survivors of childhood cancers from a children's hospital and a cancer center in the Southeastern USA to complete telephone-based semi-structured interviews. The sample was 45.95 years old (SD = 7.57) on average, 52.4 % female, and 81.0 % MDs. The major goals of survivorship programs identified were medical care management (e.g., addressing late and long-term effects, providing survivorship care plans (SCPs), assisting in transition of care) and holistic care including addressing psychosocial issues and promoting healthy lifestyles. Systems-level barriers to engagement in survivorship care included limited resources (e.g., time), role confusion (e.g., within cancer centers, from treatment team to survivorship care, role of primary care providers), communication challenges within the medical system (e.g., limited tracking of patients, lack of understanding of the role of survivorship clinic), communication challenges with patients (e.g., setting expectations regarding transition to survivorship care), and lack of insurance coverage. Perceived patient-level factors included psychological barriers (e.g., fear, avoidance), resistance to survivorship care, and physical barriers (e.g., distance from survivorship clinics). Resources to address these barriers included increased access to information, technology-based resources, and ensuring valuable services. There are several systems-level and patient-level barriers to survivorship care, thus requiring multilevel interventions to promote engagement in care among young adult survivors of childhood cancer.


Subject(s)
Attitude of Health Personnel , Continuity of Patient Care/trends , Health Personnel/psychology , Neoplasms/prevention & control , Neoplasms/psychology , Patient Care Planning , Survivors/psychology , Adult , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Prognosis , Survival Rate , Young Adult
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