The Concept of Cancer Survivorship and Models for Long-Term Follow-Up

Abstract

With improved survival of childhood, adolescent, and young adult (CAYA) cancer, the European survivor population of 300,000-500,000 continues to expand. Most survivors will experience at least one and often multiple cancer- and treatment-related late effects throughout their lives, including endocrine toxicities. Besides affecting their physical and psychosocial health status, these might reduce life expectancy and quality of life. Prevalent endocrine complications include hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, central precocious puberty, primary thyroid, male or female gonadal dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, and low bone mineral density. Long-term follow-up (LTFU) care, including education, risk-based prevention, and surveillance strategies, is essential to reduce the burden of endocrine complications and to allow for timely interventions. To integrate scientific expert knowledge, evidence-based clinical practice guidelines have been developed by the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group (IGHG) and PanCare. These guide LTFU care by describing risk populations and preferred surveillance modalities. Moreover, consensus-based recommendations have been developed by PanCareFollowUp where evidence-based guidance is still awaited. The PanCareSurFup models of care guidelines recommend multidisciplinary team care at or under guidance of a cancer survivorship expert center, so CAYA cancer survivors receive appropriate care and support to optimize health.