Problems during the long-term follow-up after surgery for pediatric solid malignancies

Abstract

Introduction: With the recent improvements in the prognosis of pediatric malignancies, the number of patients surviving long-term after surgery has been increasing. Therefore, the late effects of cancer treatments are important issues. In this study, we analyzed the problems associated with the treatment of pediatric patients during the long-term follow-up after surgery.

Patients and methods: A total of 64 patients with pediatric malignancies who underwent surgical treatment and were followed up for more than 5 years and who were older than 13 years of age were included in this study. The average age was 20.8 (13-33) years, and the follow-up ranged from 5 to 31 years (mean, 17.7 years). Twenty-one patients (32.3%) received high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) and nine (14.1%) received radiotherapy.

Results: In this study, 46 patients (71.9%) developed at least one problem during the follow-up period. With regard to the surgical problems, 14 patients underwent nephrectomy, and 1 of them developed renal failure. One patient received cystectomy with urinary tract reconstruction. One patient received a partial vaginectomy. Two cases with ovarian tumors received oophorectomy, one of whom also received partial hysterectomy. Other complications such as ileus, scoliosis, and leg length discrepancies were seen in some patients. In terms of the medical problems, 15 patients showed growth retardation and 2 were treated with growth hormone therapy. Gonadal dysfunction was observed in 23 patients, and 8 of them were treated with hormone replacement therapy. Six patients developed hypothyroidism, two of whom were treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Other medial issues, such as hearing impairment, low bone mineral density, and hepatitis, were seen in some patients. The rate of growth retardation, gonadal dysfunction, and hypothyroidism were significantly higher in the patients who received HDC (p<0.05). There was one case of second malignancy of the parotid gland.

Conclusion: Various treatment-related complications may occur even many years after treatment, especially in patients who receive HDC. Medical problems, especially endocrine disorders, appear to be more serious than surgery-related problems. Lifetime medical surveillance and continuous follow-up by not only pediatric surgeons but also by various specialists, such as pediatric oncologists, pediatric endocrinologists, urologists, and gynecologists, are necessary.