Psychosocial and executive functioning late effects in pediatric brain tumor survivors after proton radiation.

PURPOSE: Pediatric brain tumor survivors can experience detrimental effects from radiation treatment. This cross-sectional, large cohort study examined late psychosocial and executive functioning effects in pediatric patients treated ≥ 3 years after proton radiation therapy (PRT). METHODS: Parents of 101 pediatric brain tumor survivors completed the Behavior Assessment System for Children and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function. Standard scores were compared to published normative means, rates of impairment (T-score > 65) were calculated, and demographic and clinical characteristics were examined. RESULTS: Mean age at PRT was 8.12 years and mean interval from PRT to assessment was 6.05 years. Half were female (49.5%), 45.5% received craniospinal irradiation (CSI), and 58.4% were diagnosed with infratentorial tumors. All mean T-scores were within normal range. Mean T-scores were significantly elevated compared to the norm on the withdrawal, initiate, working memory, and plan/organize scales. Rates of impairment were notably high in working memory (24.8%), initiate (20.4%), withdrawal (18.1%), and plan/organize (17.0%). Greater withdrawal was significantly associated with CSI and also with chemotherapy and diagnosis of hearing loss. Mean T-scores were significantly lower than the norm on the hyperactivity, aggression, conduct problems, and inhibition scales. No significant problems were identified with social skills or depression. Interval since treatment was not correlated with any scale. CONCLUSION: Although psychosocial and executive functioning was within the normal range, on average, social withdrawal and metacognitive executive functioning (working memory, initiating, planning/organizing) were areas of concern. Targeted yearly screening and proactive executive skill and social interventions are needed for this population.

Attention and executive functioning in children and adolescents treated for high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A report from the Children's Oncology Group (COG).

OBJECTIVES: Survivors of childhood B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) are at risk for difficulties with attention and executive functioning (EF) as a late effect of treatment. The present study aimed to identify treatment and demographic factors associated with risk for difficulties with EF in youth treated for high-risk B-ALL. METHOD: Children and adolescents with B-ALL treated on Children's Oncology Group (COG) protocol AALL0232 were randomized to high-dose or escalating-dose methotrexate (MTX), and either dexamethasone or prednisone during the induction phase. Neuropsychological functioning was evaluated via protocol AALL06N1, including performance-based and parent-report measures, for 177 participants (57% female, 81% white; mean age at diagnosis = 8.4 years; SD = 5.0) 8-24 months following treatment completion. RESULTS: Mean scores for all attention and EF measures were within the average range, with no significant differences as a function of MTX delivery or steroid treatment (all p > 0.05). In multivariable models, participants with US public insurance exhibited significantly greater parent-reported EF difficulties than those with US private or non-US insurance (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, participants diagnosed under 10 years of age performed significantly more poorly on measures of attention (i.e., continuous performance task, p ≤ 0.05) and EF (i.e., verbal fluency and tower planning task, p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: For survivors of pediatric B-ALL, treatment-related factors were not associated with attention or EF outcomes. In contrast, outcomes varied by demographic characteristics, including age and insurance type, an indicator of economic hardship. Future research is needed to more directly assess the contribution of socioeconomic status on cognitive outcomes in survivors.

Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Survivorship Care for Survivors of Hodgkin Lymphoma (INSIGHT Study): Protocol for a Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study With a Quasi-Experimental Design.

BACKGROUND: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) occurs at young ages, with the highest incidence between 20 and 40 years. While cure rates have improved to 80%-90% over the past decades, survivors of HL are at substantial risk of late treatment-related complications, such as cardiovascular diseases, breast cancer, severe infections, and hypothyroidism. To reduce morbidity and mortality from late treatment effects, the Dutch Better care after lymphoma, Evaluation of long-term Treatment Effects and screening Recommendations (BETER) consortium developed a survivorship care program for 5-year survivors of HL that includes risk-based screening for and treatment of (risk factors for) late adverse events. Even though several cancer survivorship care programs have been established worldwide, there is a lack of knowledge about their effectiveness in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: The Improving Nationwide Survivorship care Infrastructure and Guidelines after Hodgkin lymphoma Treatment (INSIGHT) study evaluates whether Dutch BETER survivorship care for survivors of HL decreases survivors' burden of disease from late adverse events after HL treatment and associated health care costs and improves their quality of life. METHODS: The INSIGHT study is a multicenter retrospective cohort study with a quasi-experimental design and prospective follow-up, embedded in the national BETER survivorship care infrastructure. The first BETER clinics started in 2013-2016 and several other centers started or will start BETER clinics in 2019-2024. This allows us to compare survivors who did and those who did not receive BETER survivorship care in the last decade. Survivors in the intervention group are matched to controls (n=450 per group) based on sex, age at diagnosis (±5 years), age in 2013 (±5 years), and treatment characteristics. The primary outcome is the burden of disease in disability-adjusted life years from cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, severe infections, and hypothyroidism. In a cost-effectiveness analysis, we will assess the cost of BETER survivorship care per averted or gained disability-adjusted life year and quality-adjusted life year. Secondary outcomes are BETER clinic attendance, adherence to screening guidelines, and knowledge and distress about late effects among survivors of HL. Study data are collected from a survivor survey, a general practitioner survey, medical records, and through linkages with national disease registries. RESULTS: The study was funded in November 2020 and approved by the institutional review board of the Netherlands Cancer Institute in July 2021. We expect to finalize recruitment by October 2024, data collection by early 2025, and data analysis by May 2025. CONCLUSIONS: INSIGHT is the first evaluation of a comprehensive survivorship program using real-world data; it will result in new information on the (cost-)effectiveness of survivorship care in survivors of HL in clinical practice. The results of this study will be used to improve the BETER program where necessary and contribute to more effective evidence-based long-term survivorship care for lymphoma survivors. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/55601.

Physical late effects of treatment among survivors of childhood cancer in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Physical late effects of treatment are well-documented among childhood cancer survivors in high-income countries, but whether prevalence and risk factors are comparable in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is unclear. We conducted a systematic review to assess physical late effect outcomes among childhood cancer survivors in LMICs. METHODS: Five health sciences databases were searched from inception to November 2022 in all languages. We included observational studies conducted in LMICs that evaluated physical late effects of treatment in childhood cancer survivors. Mean or median cohort follow-up must have been ≥ 5 years from original cancer diagnosis. RESULTS: Sixteen full articles and five conference abstracts were included. Studies were conducted in lower-middle (n = 12, 57%) or upper-middle income (n = 9, 43%) countries; nearly half (n = 9, 43%) were conducted in India. Five cohorts (24%) were comprised entirely of 5-year survivors. Subsequent malignant neoplasms were reported in 0-11% of survivors (n = 10 studies). Hypothyroidism and metabolic syndrome prevalence ranged from 2-49% (n = 4 studies) and 4-17% (n = 5 studies), respectively. Gonadal dysfunction ranged from 3-47% (n = 4 studies). Cardiac dysfunction ranged from 1-16% (n = 3 studies). Late effects of the musculoskeletal and urinary systems were least investigated. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial knowledge gaps exist in LMIC childhood cancer survivorship. No low-income country data were found. In middle-income countries, late effects were defined and assessed variably and limited by selection bias and small sample sizes. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Survivors in LMICs can experience physical late effects of treatment, though additionally systematically collected data from survivor cohorts are needed to fill knowledge gaps.

Children's Oncology Group's 2023 blueprint for research: Radiation oncology.

Radiation oncology is an integral part of the multidisciplinary team caring for children with cancer. The primary goal of our committee is to enable the delivery of the safest dose of radiation therapy (RT) with the maximal potential for cure, and to minimize toxicity in children by delivering lower doses to normal tissues using advanced technologies like intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) and proton therapy. We provide mentorship for y ators and are actively involved in educating the global radiation oncology community. We are leaders in the effort to discover novel radiosensitizers, radioprotectors, and advanced RT technologies that could help improve outcomes of children with cancer.

Long-term effects of asparaginase-associated pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis is a common and severe toxicity that occurs during asparaginase treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and has received increasing attention during the last decades. However, no consensus regarding follow-up exists. In this commentary, we highlight potential long-term health-related effects following asparaginase-associated pancreatitis, thereby providing clinicians with a framework when following these patients during and after cessation of therapy.

Impaired neurocognitive functioning 3 months following diagnosis of high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A report from the Children's Oncology Group.

PURPOSE: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric cancer diagnosis. Cognitive late effects develop in 20%-40% of ALL survivors, but the course of declines is unclear. The aim of this paper is to characterize cognitive functioning, and its association with patient-reported outcomes, early in treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 483 children with high-risk ALL, aged 6-12 years at diagnosis, consented to the neurocognitive study embedded in a prospective therapeutic trial, Children's Oncology Group (COG) AALL1131. A computerized neurocognitive battery (Cogstate) was administered 3 months post diagnosis assessing reaction time, visual attention, working memory, visual learning, and executive functioning. Parent-reported executive functioning and patient-reported physical symptoms were also collected. RESULTS: Data from 390 participants (mean age at diagnosis = 9.2 years, 55.4% male) were obtained. Relatively few patients reported pain (16.0%) or nausea (22.6%), but a majority (68.5%) reported feeling at least some fatigue at testing. Mean Cogstate Z-scores were within normal limits across tasks; however, rates of impairment (Z-scores ≤ -1.5) for reaction time, working memory, visual learning, and visual attention were all higher than expected compared to the standardization sample. Patients reporting fatigue were significantly more likely to have impaired reaction time and visual attention compared to those reporting no fatigue. CONCLUSION: Findings support feasibility of computerized cognitive assessments and suggest higher-than-expected rates of impaired cognitive performance early during treatment for pediatric ALL, notably within 3 months of diagnosis, suggesting intervention efforts may be indicated. These results also highlight acute factors that may impact reliability of "baseline" assessments conducted soon after diagnosis.

Reproduction patterns among classical Hodgkin lymphoma survivors treated with BEACOPP and ABVD in Sweden, Denmark and Norway-A population-based matched cohort study.

Childbirth rates in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) survivors have historically been reduced compared to the general population. Understanding if contemporary treatment protocols are associated with reduced fertility is crucial as treatment guidelines shift toward more liberal use of intensive chemotherapy. We identified 2834 individuals aged 18-40 years with cHL in Swedish and Danish lymphoma registers, and in the clinical database at Oslo University Hospital diagnosed 1995-2018, who were linked to national medical birth registers. Cox regression adjusted for stage, performance status, year, and age at diagnosis was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) contrasting time to first childbirth by treatment groups (ABVD, 2-4 BEACOPP, 6-8 BEACOPP) up to 10 years after diagnosis. Overall, 74.8% of patients were treated with ABVD, 3.1% with 2-4 BEACOPP and 11.2% with 6-8 BEACOPP. Adjusted HRs comparing childbirth rates in individuals treated with 6-8 BEACOPP, and 2-4 BEACOPP to ABVD were 0.53 (CI: 0.36-0.77) and 0.33 (CI: 0.12-0.91) for males, and 0.91 (CI: 0.61-1.34) and 0.38 (CI: 0.12-1.21) for females. Cumulative incidence of childbirths after 10 years was 19.8% (CI: 14.5%-27.0%) for males and 34.3% (CI: 25.8%-45.6%) for females treated with 6-8 BEACOPP. Proportions of children born after assisted reproductive technique (ART) treatments were 77.4% (CI: 60.2-88.6%) for males following 6-8 BEACOPP, and <11% for females. Among ABVD treated patients the corresponding proportions were 12.2% (CI: 8.5%-17.3%) and 10.6% (CI: 7.4%-14.9%). BEACOPP treatment is associated with decreased childbirth rates compared to ABVD in male, but not female, cHL patients, despite widespread access to ART in the Nordics.

Self-reported symptoms among cancer survivors in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Life and Longevity after Cancer (LILAC) cohort.

PURPOSE: Due to cancer survivors living longer and morbidity associated with cancer treatments, it is necessary to understand symptoms experienced by cancer survivors. This study will analyze the symptom burden among a large cohort of survivors across multiple cancer sites. METHODS: Data from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Life and Longevity After Cancer (LILAC) study were used to examine the symptom burden of older cancer survivors. Poisson regression with robust standard errors was utilized to determine differences in symptoms by cancer site, treatment, and other covariates. RESULTS: The most frequently reported symptoms among cancer survivors were fatigue (15.8%) and feeling sad or depressed (14.1%). Multivariable analyses indicated that more symptoms were reported among survivors who were younger (p = 0.002), divorced or separated (p = 0.03), and had a combination of public and private insurance (p = 0.01). Survivors who received chemotherapy (p < 0.001), radiation (p = 0.01), or hormone therapy (p = 0.02) reported more symptoms than survivors who did not receive these treatments. Survivors diagnosed with cancer < 5 years ago reported fewer symptoms than longer-term survivors, particularly those diagnosed > 10 years ago (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that common physical and psychological symptoms are reported across cancer types. Cancer survivors diagnosed with cancer 10 or more years ago reported more symptoms than those recently diagnosed. This suggests that symptoms may remain a problem for some survivors decades after their diagnosis. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Future research should focus on implementing active surveillance of cancer survivors. Healthcare providers and those who care for cancer survivors should understand that the symptom burden associated with cancer may persist even decades following diagnosis.

Distribution and frequency of tyrosine kinase inhibitor-associated long-term complications in children with chronic myeloid leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) improve outcomes for pediatric malignancies characterized by specific gene rearrangements and mutations; however, little is known about the long-term impact of TKI exposure. Our objective was to assess the incidence and type of late-onset TKI-related toxicities in children with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). METHODS: We reviewed medical records from patients diagnosed with CML between 2006 and 2019 at <21 years of age and prescribed one or more TKIs. Patients treated with stem cell transplant were excluded. Outcomes were captured beginning at 1 year after CML diagnosis. Outcome incidence was described overall and stratified by TKI exposure during the data-capture period. RESULTS: Twenty-two eligible TKI-exposed patients with CML were identified. The median follow-up was 6.0 years (range: 2.2-14.3). All pericardial (n = 3) or pleural (n = 3) effusion outcomes occurred in patients treated with TKIs during the data-capture period. Other outcomes included hypertension (n = 2), ectopy on electrocardiogram (n = 2), and gastrointestinal bleed (n = 1). All outcomes were graded as mild to moderate: some resulted in a temporary discontinuation of TKI, but none led to a change in TKI. No differences were noted in outcome incidence by type of TKI exposure. CONCLUSIONS: TKIs have substantially improved prognosis for subsets of childhood leukemia, but there are limited long-term data to inform exposure-based risk for late-onset complications and screening. Our results suggest that TKI-exposed survivors may be at risk for long-term outcomes that extend well into survivorship.

Complex behavioral interventions targeting physical activity and dietary behaviors in pediatric oncology: A scoping review.

As cancer and its treatment negatively impacts the long-term health and quality of life of survivors, there is a need to explore new avenues to prevent or minimize the impact of adverse effects in children with cancer and cancer survivors. Therefore, this scoping review aimed to report on the state of the evidence on the use and effects of complex behavioral interventions (CBI) targeting physical activity and/or dietary behaviors in pediatric oncology. Fourteen quantitative studies were included, evaluating interventions that used a combination of two or three different treatment modalities. Overall, studies demonstrated that it is feasible to implement CBI and that they can potentially improve physical activity and dietary behaviors as well as patient outcomes such as physical and psychological health. Unfortunately, due to a paucity of studies and the heterogeneity of the studies included in this review, no conclusive evidence favoring specific interventions were identified.

Evaluation of the v2.0 Brief Profiles for Sexual Function and Satisfaction PROMIS in Adolescent and Young Adult Childhood Cancer Survivors.

Purpose: Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common, but often unrecognized potential late effect among childhood cancer survivors (CCS). Unfortunately, both patients and providers report low levels of routine screening and identify multiple barriers, including lack of knowledge, discomfort, and limited time. This is particularly true among CCS who are adolescent or young adult aged (AYA-CCS). One potential way to increase screening, detection, and treatment for SD among AYA-CCS is to employ patient-reported outcomes measures. While adult screening tools exist, no SD screening tool has been evaluated specifically among this younger population. Methods: This qualitative study used Think-Aloud and cognitive interviewing methods to obtain feedback from AYA-CCS on acceptability, usefulness, and validity of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS®) v2.0 Brief Profiles for Sexual Function and Satisfaction (SexFS Brief) in CCS now 15-24 years of age. Results: The SexFS Brief demonstrated acceptability, response process and content validity, and usefulness among AYA-CCS. There were no detectable differences by age or gender. This study did not reveal any necessary modification to the SexFS Brief for this population. Conclusion: The PROMIS SexFS Brief is an acceptable and useful tool, with demonstrated response process and content validity, and may facilitate improved screening and diagnosis of SD among AYA-CCS. Furthermore, this tool was viewed favorably by AYA-CCS as a way to reduce barriers such as discomfort and lack of knowledge on the part of patients. Further evaluation of its effectiveness and acceptability in a clinical setting is warranted.

Guidance regarding COVID-19 for survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer: A statement from the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group.

Childhood, adolescent, and young adult (CAYA) cancer survivors may be at risk for a severe course of COVID-19. Little is known about the clinical course of COVID-19 in CAYA cancer survivors, or if additional preventive measures are warranted. We established a working group within the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group (IGHG) to summarize existing evidence and worldwide recommendations regarding evidence about factors/conditions associated with risk for a severe course of COVID-19 in CAYA cancer survivors, and to develop a consensus statement to provide guidance for healthcare practitioners and CAYA cancer survivors regarding COVID-19.

Height after photon craniospinal irradiation in pediatric patients treated for central nervous system embryonal tumors.

BACKGROUND: We modeled height after craniospinal irradiation (CSI) in pediatric patients with central nervous system (CNS) embryonal tumors to identify factors that impair stature. PROCEDURE: During 1996-2012, 212 pediatric patients (131 male) with CNS embryonal tumors received postoperative CSI: 23.4 Gy (n = 147) or ≥36 Gy (n = 65), similar postirradiation chemotherapy, and were followed for at least 5 years without tumor progression or other event. The group was further characterized by age at CSI and hormone-replacement therapy received. Models were developed to identify factors associated with growth impairment and estimate final height. RESULTS: With median follow up of 10.2 years (range 5.0-20.4 years), the mean final height z-scores at 18 years of age, compared to United States standards, were -1.3 for female and -1.5 for male survivors. Younger age at the time of CSI, higher CSI dose, and female sex were associated with height impairment. Factors associated with higher growth rates before 15 years of age were older age at CSI, male sex, CSI dose < 36 Gy, replacement therapy for growth hormone (GH) and central adrenal insufficiency, and white race. Growth after age 15 in male survivors was associated with treatment of gonadotropin deficiency. Linear mixed-effects models were developed using clinical factors to estimate final height, demonstrate the unique growth curve of this cohort, and interactions between clinical variable and radiation dose. CONCLUSIONS: CSI significantly impaired height at current doses used to treat standard- or high-risk CNS embryonal tumors. Measures to reduce the impact of CSI on height should be sought, with our models serving as benchmarks.

Parent recommendation to bank sperm among at-risk adolescent and young adult males with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) males newly diagnosed with cancer are often faced with making quick decisions about whether to cryopreserve ("bank") sperm prior to treatment initiation. Given that parental influence is crucial among young patients, the present study examines the prevalence of and factors associated with parent recommendation to bank sperm. PROCEDURE: Parents of 13- to 21-year-old males newly diagnosed with cancer and at risk for infertility secondary to impending gonadotoxic treatment completed questionnaires typically within one week of treatment initiation. Medical and sociodemographic data, communication factors, and psychological factors were considered in a logistic regression model of parent report of parental recommendation to bank sperm (yes/no). RESULTS: Surveys from 138 parents (70.3% female) of 117 AYA males (mean age = 16.1 years, SD = 2.0) were analyzed. Over half of parents recommended banking to their sons (N = 82; 59.4%). Parents who received a provider recommendation to bank sperm (odds ratio [OR] = 18.44, 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.20-81.01, P < 0.001) or who believed in the benefits of banking (OR = 1.22, 95% CI, 1.02-1.47, P = 0.03) were significantly more likely to recommend sperm banking. CONCLUSIONS: Given parents' role in influencing sperm banking outcomes, provider recommendation and promotion of banking benefits may influence parents and empower initiation of these sensitive discussions with their sons. Utilization of this approach should yield beneficial outcomes regardless of the banking decision.

Pediatric hematology and oncology fellow education in sexual and reproductive health: A survey of fellowship program directors in the United States.

PURPOSE: Pediatric oncology clinicians identify a need for increased sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education with adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients. By surveying pediatric oncology fellowship directors, this study clarifies the state of current fellowship education about SRH for the AYA patient. METHODS: A survey was sent to all pediatric oncology fellowship program directors (PDs) in the United States consisting of 13 questions pertaining to three primary SRH domains: sexual health, fertility, and safe sex practices. Descriptive statistics and χ2 were used in data analyses. RESULTS: Sixty-three PDs responded to the survey (91% response rate). Of these, 88% reported having formal instruction regarding fertility, 41% reported curriculum regarding contraception and 30% reported some education regarding sexual health. The curriculum "being too full" was identified as a barrier to education on fertility (29%), sexual health (40%), and safe sex practices (38%). Not being a required or expected part of the program was more likely to be endorsed as a barrier for sexual health (26%) and safe sex practices (30%) compared with fertility (8%) (P < 0.005). Lack of experts to teach was a more frequently endorsed barrier to education on sexual health (47%) compared with either fertility (23%) or safe sex practices (25%) (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies important gaps in oncology fellow education about SRH. Future research must explore optimal education strategies that are feasible and acceptable by PDs and fellow learners, and effective in optimizing AYA SRH care.

Low bone mineral density is associated with hypogonadism and cranial irradiation in male childhood cancer survivors.

We investigated if bone mineral density was related to testosterone deficiency and/or previous cancer treatment in men who were childhood cancer survivors. Men with untreated testosterone deficiency or previous treatment with cranial irradiation were at increased risk of impaired bone health. Prevention of osteoporosis should be considered in their follow-up. INTRODUCTION: Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at increased risk of hypogonadism. Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) has been reported in CCS but it is unclear whether this is due to hypogonadism or a direct effect of cancer therapy. This study investigated BMD in CCS, and association with hypogonadism, previous treatment and cancer type. METHODS: Investigation of 125 CCS (median age 33.7 at inclusion; 9.6 at diagnosis) and 125 age-matched population controls. Serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone were assayed and BMD at total hip and lumbar spine L1-L4 measured. The mean difference in BMD (g/cm2; 95% CI) between CCS and controls was analysed. Odds ratios (OR; 95% CI) for low BMD were also calculated. RESULTS: Overall, BMD in the CCS cohort did not significantly differ from controls. However, compared with eugonadal CCS, the CCS with untreated hypogonadism had lower BMD at the hip (mean difference - 0.139 (- 0.210; - 0.067); p < 0.001) and spine (- 0.102 (- 0.174; - 0.030); p = 0.006). They also had a higher risk of low hip BMD (OR 4.1 (1.3; 14); p = 0.018). CCS treated with cranial irradiation also had lower BMD (hip - 0.076 (- 0.133; - 0.019); p = 0.009; spine - 0.071 (- 0.124; - 0.018); p = 0.009) compared with controls. The latter associations remained statistically significant after adjustment for hypogonadism. CONCLUSIONS: CCS with hypogonadism or previously treated with cranial irradiation are at increased risk of impaired bone health. Prevention of osteoporosis should be considered as an important part in future follow-up of these men.

Sedation practices in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND: The 5-year survival for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is greater than 90%. One late effect of pediatric ALL associated with numerous long-term difficulties is neurocognitive deficits. The experience at our institution, as well as conversations with oncologists at other institutions, suggests an increase in the use of sedation during lumbar punctures (LPs) for treatment of pediatric ALL. Among the most common Children's Oncology Group (COG) ALL protocols, approximately 30 LPs are performed over 2-3 years. Studies in animals reveal that sedation drugs may harm the developing brain. Gaps in knowledge exist regarding their use in children, particularly repeated exposures. The purpose of this study is to summarize sedation practices for LPs related to the treatment of ALL at COG institutions. METHODS: Responsible Individuals (RIs) of the Cancer Control Committee of COG were invited to complete an internet-based survey about sedation practices at their institutions. RESULTS: Surveys were sent to 103 RIs with a 62% response rate (N = 64). A combined 2018 new patients with ALL were seen each year (mean = 31.5, range = 3-110) at the participating institutions. The majority (96%) of children with ALL received sedation for LPs. While there was considerable variability across institutions in the type of sedation given, the most common was propofol alone (n = 36, 56%). CONCLUSIONS: A substantial number of children with ALL receive sedation for LPs; however, there is variation in the medication used. Better understanding of sedation practices in children with ALL may inform future research to investigate which methods are the safest, with an emphasis on long-term neurocognitive late effects.

Management of growth failure and growth hormone deficiency after pediatric allogeneic HSCT: Endocrinologists are of importance for further guidelines and studies.

Growth failure (GF) is a frequent problem after pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) occurs in 20 to 85%, but published data on the efficacy of growth hormone treatment (GHT) are conflicting. Currently, there are no recommendations on screening for and treatment of GHD after HSCT. We aimed to describe the management of endocrine follow-up (FU)and details of GHT within European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) centers.In a retrospective questionnaire study, all EBMT centers performing pediatric HSCT were invited. Results were evaluated in correlation with the structure of endocrine aftercare (HSCT-clinicians and endocrinologists).The majority of centers (80%) reported endocrine FU by an endocrinologist - either within the HSCT-center or in a separate endocrine clinic. Fifty-four percent reported FU outside of the HSCT-center. As diagnostic tests the insulin-like growth factor IGF-I and insulin-like growth factor binding protein IGFBP3, insulin tolerance test and arginine stimulation test were most frequently used. Sixty-four percent of centers performed GHT and endocrinologists were more likely to prescribe GH (74%) compared to HSCT-clinicians (33%). The most frequent indication for GHT was GHD in 60%, with a distinct different approach of endocrinologists in comparison with HSCT-clinicians.Our study reveals substantial variation in practice and emphasizes the need for endocrine aftercare performed by dedicated endocrinologists in close collaboration with the HSCT-center. Our results indicate that the management of GHT depends on the structure of endocrine aftercare, which is important for the future development and distribution of studies and guidelines.

Childhood cancer survivors report preferring lifestyle interventions delivered in person rather than online: An adolescent and parent perspective.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can protect adolescent survivors of pediatric cancer against chronic diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. In this study, we examined the attitudes of adolescent survivors of pediatric cancer and their parents toward improving lifestyle behaviors after cancer treatment, including their preferences for intervention delivery and perceived barriers and benefits to healthy eating and exercise. METHODS: We recruited adolescent survivors of childhood cancer aged 11-19 years and their parents, from two hospitals. Participants completed a questionnaire via mail or at routine oncology clinic visits. RESULTS: Thirty-three adolescents (response rate 39%, mean age 15, 61% male) and 32 parents (representing 30 parent-child dyads) participated. Parents were significantly more interested in having their child participate in a lifestyle intervention than adolescents (41% of adolescents and 72% of parents, P = .012). Both groups preferred that the survivor receive lifestyle support face to face rather than online. Adolescents preferred to involve their friends (39% of adolescents and 19% of parents) whereas parents preferred to involve the family in a lifestyle intervention (15% of adolescents and 47% of parents, P = .006). Adolescents and their parents perceived a dislike of the taste of fruits and vegetables, fatigue, lack of motivation, and fear of injury as barriers to change. They perceived that keeping healthy and having more energy were benefits to participation. Participants indicated that interventions that provide face-to-face personal training and dietary education at a local gym would be well accepted. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents who have had cancer in childhood have a preference for face-to-face contact with health professionals to overcome the barriers to participation in a lifestyle intervention.