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Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for hypertension in childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) who were treated with potentially nephrotoxic therapies.Methods: In the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study LATER cohort part 2 renal study, 1024 CCS ≥5 years after diagnosis, aged ≥18 years at study participation, treated between 1963 and 2001 with nephrectomy, abdominal radiotherapy, total body irradiation (TBI), cisplatin, carboplatin, ifosfamide, high-dose cyclophosphamide (≥1 g/m2 per single dose or ≥10 g/m2 total) or haematopoietic stem cell transplantation participated and 500 controls from Lifelines. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure (BP) (mmHg) systolic ≥140 and/or diastolic ≥90 or receiving medication for diagnosed hypertension. At the study visit, the CKD-EPI 2012 equation including creatinine and cystatin C was used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Multivariable regression analyses were used.For ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), hypertension was defined as BP daytime: systolic ≥135 and/or diastolic ≥85, night time: systolic ≥120 and/or diastolic ≥70, 24-h: systolic ≥130 and/or diastolic ≥80. Outcomes were masked hypertension (MH), white coat hypertension and abnormal nocturnal dipping (aND).Results: Median age at cancer diagnosis was 4.7 years (interquartile range, IQR 2.4–9.2), at study 32.5 years (IQR 27.7–38.0) and follow-up 25.5 years (IQR 21.4–30.3). The prevalence of hypertension was comparable in CCS (16.3%) and controls (18.2%). In 12% of CCS and 17.8% of controls, hypertension was undiagnosed. A decreased GFR (2) was associated with hypertension in CCS (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.4–8.5). Risk factors were abdominal radiotherapy ≥20 Gy and TBI. The ABPM-pilot study (n = 77) showed 7.8% MH, 2.6% white coat hypertension and 20.8% aND.Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension was comparable among CCS who were treated with potentially nephrotoxic therapies compared to controls, some of which were undiagnosed. Risk factors were abdominal radiotherapy ≥20 Gy and TBI. Hypertension and decreased GFR were associated with CCS. ABPM identified MH and a ND.

Myeloproliferative disease; Paediatrics Enfermedad mieloproliferativa; Pediatría Malaltia mieloproliferativa; Pediatria Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.

Contains fulltext : 248787.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of Dutch adult male and female childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) to general population references and to study medical determinants. METHODS: CCSs from the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study LATER cohort (1963-2001) part 2, who were 18 years old or older (time since diagnosis ≥ 5 years), were invited to complete the TNO-AZL Questionnaire for Adult Health-Related Quality of Life. Domain scores and proportions of CCSs with impaired HRQOL (score < 25th percentile of the reference scores) were compared with references via Mann-Whitney U tests and logistic regression analyses corrected for age and sex (P < .004). Interactions of group with sex were included if they were significant (P < .05). Moreover, medical determinants were analyzed with multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: HRQOL scores for 1766 CCSs (mean age, 35.9 years [standard deviation, 9.4 years]; male, 51%; response rate, 71%) differed from references on most domains with small effect sizes. Both male and female CCSs were more often impaired in gross and fine motor functioning, cognitive functioning, sleep, and vitality with odds ratios (ORs) > 1.4. In addition, female CCSs were more often impaired in daily activities, pain, and sexuality (ORs, 1.4-1.9) and were less often aggressive (OR, 0.6). CCCs of central nervous system (CNS) tumors, bone tumors, and retinoblastoma and those with cranial, abdominopelvic, or lower extremity radiotherapy were at increased risk of impairment in 1 or more domains. CONCLUSIONS: Dutch adult CCSs, especially females, have impaired HRQOL in several domains; this is most pronounced in cognitive functioning. The vulnerabilities of subgroups at risk, such as CCSs of CNS tumors, were confirmed. Surveillance of HRQOL and multidisciplinary survivor care are recommended. LAY SUMMARY: The health-related quality of life in a Dutch nationwide cohort of 1766 survivors of childhood cancer was studied. Survivors of childhood cancer were found to have lower health-related quality of life in several domains (eg, motor functioning and vitality) in comparison with the general population. They most often reported low cognitive functioning (eg, memory and attention). Females had low health-related quality of life in more domains than males. Survivors of brain tumors had low health-related quality of life in most domains. Monitoring health-related quality of life regularly and collaborating between disciplines in survivor care is recommended.

Contains fulltext : 291510.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: Childhood cancer survivors face late health problems; despite advances in research, details on risk remain unclear. We describe the methodological aspects of the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (DCCSS) cross-sectional clinical study (LATER 2 study). PROCEDURE: From the multi-center DCCSS LATER cohort of 6165 five-year survivors diagnosed during 1963-2001, we invited 4735 eligible survivors in 2016, as well as siblings and parents of survivors. Gaps in evidence identified during development of surveillance guidelines were translated into clinical research questions for 16 outcome-specific subprojects. The regular care visit to the LATER outpatient clinic forms the backbone of outcome assessment complemented with research-defined measurements (physical examination, clinical tests, questionnaires). Furthermore, blood/saliva samples were taken for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction. RESULTS: In total, 2519 (53.2%) survivors participated in the LATER 2 study. When comparing participants with nonparticipants, we observed that males, CNS survivors, and those treated with surgery only were less likely to participate. Of the participating survivors, 49.3% were female. Median time since childhood cancer diagnosis was 26.9 years (range 14.8-54.7 years) and median attained age was 34.4 years (range 15.4-66.6 years). CONCLUSIONS: The high-quality data generated in the LATER 2 study will provide valuable insights into risks of and risk factors for clinical and physical and psychosocial health outcomes and factors for early recognition of those health outcomes in long-term childhood cancer survivors. This will contribute to fill in important gaps in knowledge and improve the quality of life and care for childhood cancer survivors.

Contains fulltext : 248803.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: Cancer-related fatigue is a debilitating late effect after treatment for childhood cancer. The prevalence of fatigue in childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) and associated factors for fatigue has varied widely in previous studies. Two important aspects of cancer-related fatigue, its severity and chronicity, are often not assessed. This study investigated the prevalence of, and risk factors for, severe chronic fatigue (CF) in a national cohort of Dutch CCSs. METHODS: In this study, 2810 CCSs (5-year survivors of all childhood malignancies diagnosed between 1963 and 2001 with a current age of 12-65 years) and 1040 sibling controls were included. CF was assessed with the Short Fatigue Questionnaire and was defined as a score ≥ 18 and persistence of fatigue for ≥6 months. Cancer- and treatment-related characteristics, current health problems, and demographic and lifestyle variables were assessed as potential risk factors for CF via multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: In adult CCSs and sibling controls (≥18 years old), the prevalence of CF was 26.1% and 14.1%, respectively (P < .001). In adolescent CCSs and sibling controls (2, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.50-3.21), and a central nervous system diagnosis (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.17-2.60) were significantly associated with CF in adult CCSs. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that CCSs, regardless of their cancer diagnosis, report CF more often than sibling controls. This study provides new evidence for the prevalence of fatigue in CCSs.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important sequela of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), but data regarding CKD after pediatric HSCT are limited. In this single center cohort study, we evaluated the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) dynamics, proteinuria and hypertension in the first decade after HSCT and assessed risk factors for CKD in 216 pediatric HSCT survivors, transplanted 2002-2012. The eGFR decreased from a median of 148 to 116 ml/min/1.73 m2 between pre-HSCT to ten years post-HSCT. CKD (KDIGO stages G2 or A2 or more; eGFR under 90 ml/min/1.73m2 and/or albuminuria) occurred in 17% of patients. In multivariate analysis, severe prolonged stage 2 or more acute kidney injury (AKI), with an eGFR under 60ml/min/1.73m2 and duration of 28 days or more, was the main risk factor for CKD (hazard ratio 9.5, 95% confidence interval 3.4-27). Stage 2 or more AKI with an eGFR of 60ml/min/1.73m2 or more and KDIGO stage 2 or more AKI with eGFR under 60ml/min/1.73m2 but recovery within 28 days were not associated with CKD. Furthermore, hematological malignancy as HSCT indication was an independent risk factor for CKD. One third of patients had both CKD criteria, one third had isolated eGFR reduction and one third only had albuminuria. Hypertension occurred in 27% of patients with CKD compared to 4.4% of patients without. Tubular proteinuria was present in 7% of a subgroup of 71 patients with available β2-microglobulinuria. Thus, a significant proportion of pediatric HSCT recipients developed CKD within ten years. Our data stress the importance of structural long-term monitoring of eGFR, urine and blood pressure after HSCT to identify patients with incipient CKD who can benefit from nephroprotective interventions.

Background Childhood cancer survivors face late health problems; despite advances in research, details on risk remain unclear. We describe the methodological aspects of the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (DCCSS) cross-sectional clinical study (LATER 2 study). Procedure From the multi-center DCCSS LATER cohort of 6,165 five-year survivors diagnosed 1963-2001, we invited 4,735 eligible in 2016, as well as siblings and parents of survivors. Gaps in evidence identified during development of surveillance guidelines were translated into clinical research questions for 16 outcome-specific sub-projects. The regular care visit to the LATER outpatient clinic forms the backbone of outcome assessment complemented with research-defined measurements (physical examination, diagnostic tests, questionnaires). Furthermore, blood/saliva samples were taken for DNA extraction. Results In total, 2519 (53.2%) survivors participated in the LATER 2 study. Of those participating survivors, 49.3% was female. Median time since childhood cancer diagnosis was 26.9 years (range 14.8 to 54.7 years) and median attained age was 34.4 years (range 15.4 to 66.6 years). Conclusions The high-quality data generated in the LATER 2 study will provide valuable insights into risks of and risk factors for clinical and (psychosocial) health outcomes and factors for early recognition of (psychosocial) health outcomes in long-term childhood cancer survivors. This will contribute to fill in important gaps in knowledge and improve the quality of life and care for childhood cancer survivors.

We prospectively studied clofarabine-fludarabine-busulfan (CloFluBu)-conditioning in allogeneic hematopoietic cell therapy (HCT) for lymphoid and myeloid malignancies and hypothesized that CloFluBu provides a less toxic alternative to conventional conditioning regimens, with adequate antileukemic activity. All patients receiving their first HCT, from 2011-2019, were included and received CloFluBu. The primary endpoint was event-free survival (EFS). Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), graft-versus-host disease (GvHD)-relapse-free survival (GRFS), treatment-related mortality (TRM), cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR), acute and chronic GvHD (aGvHD and cGvHD), and veno-occlusive disease (VOD). Cox proportional hazard and Fine and Gray competing-risk models were used for data analysis. One hundred fifty-five children were included: 60 acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), 69 acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and 26 other malignancies (mostly MDS-EB). The median age was 9.7 (0.5 to 18.6) years. Estimated 2-year EFS was 72.0% ± 6.0 in ALL patients, and 62.4% ± 6.0 in AML patients. TRM in the whole cohort was 11.0% ± 2.6, incidence of aGvHD 3 to 4 at 6 months was 12.3% ± 2.7, extensive cGvHD at 2 years was 6.4% ± 2.1. Minimal residual disease-positivity prior to HCT was associated with higher CIR, both in ALL and AML. CloFluBu showed limited toxicity and encouraging EFS. CloFluBu is a potentially less toxic alternative to conventional conditioning regimens. Randomized prospective studies are needed.

The study aimed to compare the psychosocial development of young adult survivors of childhood cancer (YACCS) with a norm group of young adults from the general population.From 2017 to 2020, 558 YACCS (18-30 years, 51% female, 10.9% CNS cancer) who participated in the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (DCCSS) LATER cohort (diagnosed 1963-2001) part 2 completed the Course of Life Questionnaire (CoLQ), assessing the achievement of milestones. Items were grouped into the scales autonomy, psychosexual, and social development. Differences between YACCS and norm group were examined with ANOVA and Cohen's d (CoLQ scales) and with logistic regression analysis and odds ratio (OR) (CoLQ items), for the total group and YACCS of CNS cancer.The total group of YACCS did not report a less favorable psychosocial development than the norm group. YACCS of CNS cancer scored lower than the norm group (p0.001) on the scales autonomy (d = - 0.36) and psychosexual (d = - 0.46). Additionally, on half of the items of autonomy (0.25 ≤ OR ≤ 0.34), psychosexual (0.30 ≤ OR ≤ 0.48), and social (0.23 ≤ OR ≤ 0.47) development, YACCS of CNS cancer were less likely (p0.01) than the norm group to have achieved the milestones.Overall, psychosocial development of YACCS was as favorable as the norm, but YACCS of CNS cancer were at risk of an unfavorable psychosocial development in all domains. Monitoring psychosocial development should be included in the standards of psychosocial care, especially for CNS cancer patients and survivors, to be able to trace delay. Personalized interventions should be offered to improve the psychosocial development in an early stage.

Despite advances in haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) techniques, the risk of serious side effects and complications still exists. Neurological complications, both acute and long term, are common following HSCT and contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. The aetiology of neurotoxicity includes infections and a wide variety of non-infectious causes such as drug toxicities, metabolic abnormalities, irradiation, vascular and immunologic events and the leukaemia itself. The majority of the literature on this subject is focussed on adults. The impact of the combination of neurotoxic drugs given before and during HSCT, radiotherapy and neurological complications on the developing and vulnerable paediatric and adolescent brain remains unclear. Moreover, the age-related sensitivity of the nervous system to toxic insults is still being investigated. In this article, we review current evidence regarding neurotoxicity following HSCT for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in childhood. We focus on acute and long-term impacts. Understanding the aetiology and long-term sequelae of neurological complications in children is particularly important in the current era of immunotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (such as chimeric antigen receptor T cells and bi-specific T-cell engager antibodies), which have well-known and common neurological side effects and may represent a future treatment modality for at least a fraction of HSCT-recipients.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of and independent risk factors for long-term effects of childhood cancer treatment on the dentition and oral health in childhood cancer survivors (CCSs). Methods: This cross-sectional study is part of the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (DCCSS) LATER 2. CCSs were diagnosed with cancer between 1963 and 2001. This study focuses on survey data of 154 CCSs on whom information about their oral health was received from their dentists (71.3%). Descriptive statistics and univariable and multivariable Poisson regression analyses were performed to determine the association between treatment characteristics and oral health data. Results: Of the study group, 36.3% had at least one DDD. The most prevalent DDDs were short-root anomaly (14.6%), agenesis (14.3%), and microdontia (13.6%). Risk factors for at least one DDD were younger age at diagnosis (&lt, 3 years) and dose-dependent alkylating agent therapy. Conclusions: This study provides more insight into risk factors for oral health problems in Dutch CCSs. This information is essential in order to improve early detection, prevention, dental care, and quality of life. Further studies are needed in order to better define dose-related radiotherapy exposure of the developing teeth in correlation with oral health problems.

Background: Female childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) carry a risk of therapy-related gonadal dysfunction. Alkylating agents (AA) are well-established risk factors, yet inter-individual variability in ovarian function is observed. Polymorphisms in CYP450 enzymes may explain this variability in AA-induced ovarian damage. We aimed to evaluate associations between previously identified genetic polymorphisms in CYP450 enzymes and AA-related ovarian function among adult CCSs. Methods: Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels served as a proxy for ovarian function in a discovery cohort of adult female CCSs, from the pan-European PanCareLIFE cohort (n = 743, age (years): median 25.8, interquartile range (IQR) 22.1–30.6). Using two additive genetic models in linear and logistic regression, nine genetic variants in three CYP450 enzymes were analyzed in relation to cyclophosphamide equivalent dose (CED) score and their impact on AMH levels. The main model evaluated the effect of the variant on AMH and the interaction model evaluated the modifying effect of the variant on the impact of CED score on log-transformed AMH levels. Results were validated, and meta-analysis performed, using the USA-based St. Jude Lifetime Cohort (n = 391, age (years): median 31.3, IQR 26.6–37.4). Results: CYP3A4*3 was significantly associated with AMH levels in the discovery and replication cohort. Meta-analysis revealed a significant main deleterious effect (Beta (95% CI): −0.706 (−1.11–−0.298), p-value = 7 × 10−4) of CYP3A4*3 (rs4986910) on log-transformed AMH levels. CYP2B6*2 (rs8192709) showed a significant protective interaction effect (Beta (95% CI): 0.527 (0.126–0.928), p-value = 0.01) on log-transformed AMH levels in CCSs receiving more than 8000 mg/m2 CED. Conclusions: Female CCSs CYP3A4*3 carriers had significantly lower AMH levels, and CYP2B6*2 may have a protective effect on AMH levels. Identification of risk-contributing variants may improve individualized counselling regarding the treatment-related risk of infertility and fertility preservation options.

Steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (SR-aGvHD) is a severe complication in pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We aimed to assess clinical course and outcomes of pediatric SR-aGvHD. We performed a retrospective nationwide multicenter cohort study in the Netherlands. All patients aged 0 to 18 years who underwent transplantation between 2010 and 2020 with SR-aGvHD were included. For each patient, weeldy clinical aGvHD grade and stage, immunosuppressive treatment and clinical outcomes were collected. The primary study endpoint was the clinical course of SR-aGvHD over time. As a secondary outcome, factors influencing overall survival and SR-aGvHD remission were identified using a multistate Cox model. 20% of transplanted children developed grade II-IV aGvHD, of which 51% (n = 81) was SR-aGvHD. In these patients, second-line therapy was started at a median of 8 days after initial aGvHD-diagnosis. Forty-nine percent of SR-aGvHD patients received 3 or more lines of therapy. One year after start of second-line therapy, 34 patients (42%) were alive and in remission of aGvHD, 14 patients (17%) had persistent GvHD, and 33 patients (41%) had died. SR-aGvHD remission rate was lower in cord blood graft recipients than in bone marrow (BM) or peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) recipients (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.51, 0.27-0.94, P = .031). Older age was associated with higher mortality (HR = 2.62, 1.04-6.60, P = .04, fourth quartile [aged 13.9-17.9] versus first quartile [aged 0.175-3.01]). In BM/PBSC recipients older age was also associated with lower remission rates (HR = 0.9, 0.83-0.96, P = .004). Underlying diagnosis, donor matching or choice of second-line therapy were not associated with outcome. Respiratory insufficiency caused by pulmonary GvHD was a prominent cause of death (26% of deceased). Our study demonstrates that SR-aGvHD confers a high mortality risk in pediatric HSCT. Older age and use of CB grafts are associated with an unfavorable outcome. Multicenter studies investigating novel treatment strategies to prevent pediatric SR-aGvHD and inclusion of children in ongoing trials, together with timely initiation of second-line interventions are pivotal to further reduce GvHD-related mortality. (C) 2022 The American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy.

Background Survivors of childhood, adolescent and young adult (CAYA) cancer may develop treatment-induced chronic liver disease. Surveillance guidelines can improve survivors’ health outcomes. However, current recommendations vary, leading to uncertainty about optimal screening. The International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group has developed recommendations for the surveillance of late hepatotoxicity after CAYA cancer. Methods Evidence-based methods based on the GRADE framework were used in guideline development. A multidisciplinary guideline panel performed systematic literature reviews, developed evidence summaries, appraised the evidence, and formulated recommendations on the basis of evidence, clinical judgement, and consideration of benefits versus the harms of the surveillance while allowing for flexibility in implementation across different health care systems. Results The guideline strongly recommends a physical examination and measurement of serum liver enzyme concentrations (ALT, AST, gGT, ALP) once at entry into long-term follow-up for survivors treated with radiotherapy potentially exposing the liver (moderate- to high-quality evidence). For survivors treated with busulfan, thioguanine, mercaptopurine, methotrexate, dactinomycin, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), or hepatic surgery, or with a history of chronic viral hepatitis or sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, similar surveillance for late hepatotoxicity once at entry into LTFU is reasonable (low-quality evidence/expert opinion, moderate recommendation). For survivors who have undergone HSCT and/or received multiple red blood cell transfusions, surveillance for iron overload with serum ferritin is strongly recommended once at long-term follow-up entry. Conclusions These evidence-based, internationally-harmonized recommendations for the surveillance of late hepatic toxicity in cancer survivors can inform clinical care and guide future research of health outcomes for CAYA cancer survivors.

Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a rare congenital syndrome presenting primarily as pure red cell aplasia with constitutional abnormalities and cancer predisposition. Established treatment options are corticosteroids, regular erythrocyte transfusions with iron chelation therapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). To date, HSCT is the only definitive curative treatment for the hematological phenotype of DBA, but there is little experience with its use. Given the rarity of the disease and its unique features, an expert panel agreed to draw up a set of recommendations on the use of HSCT in DBA to guide clinical decision-making and practice. The recommendations address indications, pretransplant patient evaluation, donor selection, stem cell sources, conditioning regimens, prophylaxis of rejection and graft versus host disease, and post-transplant follow-up.

Background Pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. As HSCT survival has significantly improved, with a growing number of HSCT indications, tailored screening strategies for HSCT-related late effects are warranted. Little is known regarding the value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) for early identification of high-risk patients after HSCT, before symptomatic cardiovascular disease manifests. This study aimed to assess CMR-derived left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function, aortic stiffness and myocardial tissue characteristics in young adults who received HSCT during childhood. Methods Sixteen patients (22.1 ± 1.5 years) treated with HSCT during childhood and 16 healthy controls (22.1 ± 1.8 years) underwent 3 T CMR. LV systolic and diastolic function were measured as LV ejection fraction (LVEF), the ratio of transmitral early and late peak filling rate (E/A), the estimated LV filling pressure (E/Ea) and global longitudinal and circumferential systolic strain and diastolic strain rates, using balanced steady-state free precession cine CMR and 2D velocity-encoded CMR over the mitral valve. Aortic stiffness, myocardial fibrosis and steatosis were assessed with 2D velocity-encoded CMR, native T1 mapping and proton CMR spectroscopy (1H-CMRS), respectively. Results In the patient compared to the control group, E/Ea (9.92 ± 3.42 vs. 7.24 ± 2.29, P = 0.004) was higher, LVEF (54 ± 6% vs. 58 ± 5%, P = 0.055) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) ( -20.7 ± 3.5% vs. -22.9 ± 3.0%, P = 0.063) tended to be lower, while aortic pulse wave velocity (4.40 ± 0.26 vs. 4.29 ± 0.29 m/s, P = 0.29), native T1 (1211 ± 36 vs. 1227 ± 28 ms, P = 0.16) and myocardial triglyceride content (0.47 ± 0.18 vs. 0.50 ± 0.13%, P = 0.202) were comparable. There were no differences between patients and controls in E/A (2.76 ± 0.92 vs. 2.97 ± 0.91, P = 0.60) and diastolic strain rates. Conclusion In young adults who received HSCT during childhood, LV diastolic function was decreased (higher estimated LV filling pressure) and LV systolic function (LVEF and GLS) tended to be reduced as compared to healthy controls, whereas no concomitant differences were found in aortic stiffness and myocardial tissue characteristics. When using CMR, assessment of LV diastolic function in particular is important for early detection of patients at risk of HSCT-related cardiovascular disease, which may warrant closer surveillance.

STUDY QUESTION Do genetic variations in the DNA damage response pathway modify the adverse effect of alkylating agents on ovarian function in female childhood cancer survivors (CCS)? SUMMARY ANSWER Female CCS carrying a common BR serine/threonine kinase 1 (BRSK1) gene variant appear to be at 2.5-fold increased odds of reduced ovarian function after treatment with high doses of alkylating chemotherapy. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Female CCS show large inter-individual variability in the impact of DNA-damaging alkylating chemotherapy, given as treatment of childhood cancer, on adult ovarian function. Genetic variants in DNA repair genes affecting ovarian function might explain this variability. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION CCS for the discovery cohort were identified from the Dutch Childhood Oncology Group (DCOG) LATER VEVO-study, a multi-centre retrospective cohort study evaluating fertility, ovarian reserve and risk of premature menopause among adult female 5-year survivors of childhood cancer. Female 5-year CCS, diagnosed with cancer and treated with chemotherapy before the age of 25 years, and aged 18 years or older at time of study were enrolled in the current study. Results from the discovery Dutch DCOG-LATER VEVO cohort (n = 285) were validated in the pan-European PanCareLIFE (n = 465) and the USA-based St. Jude Lifetime Cohort (n = 391). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS To evaluate ovarian function, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were assessed in both the discovery cohort and the replication cohorts. Using additive genetic models in linear and logistic regression, five genetic variants involved in DNA damage response were analysed in relation to cyclophosphamide equivalent dose (CED) score and their impact on ovarian function. Results were then examined using fixed-effect meta-analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Meta-analysis across the three independent cohorts showed a significant interaction effect (P = 3.0 × 10−4) between rs11668344 of BRSK1 (allele frequency = 0.34) among CCS treated with high-dose alkylating agents (CED score ≥8000 mg/m2), resulting in a 2.5-fold increased odds of a reduced ovarian function (lowest AMH tertile) for CCS carrying one G allele compared to CCS without this allele (odds ratio genotype AA: 2.01 vs AG: 5.00). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION While low AMH levels can also identify poor responders in assisted reproductive technology, it needs to be emphasized that AMH remains a surrogate marker of ovarian function. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Further research, validating our findings and identifying additional risk-contributing genetic variants, may enable individualized counselling regarding treatment-related risks and necessity of fertility preservation procedures in girls with cancer. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the PanCareLIFE project that has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement no 602030. In addition, the DCOG-LATER VEVO study was funded by the Dutch Cancer Society (Grant no. VU 2006-3622) and by the Children Cancer Free Foundation (Project no. 20) and the St Jude Lifetime cohort study by NCI U01 CA195547. The authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.

Contains fulltext : 244604.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND: The aim was to evaluate self-reported reproductive characteristics and markers of ovarian function in a nationwide cohort of female survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), because prior investigations have produced conflicting data. PROCEDURE: Self-reported reproductive characteristics were assessed by questionnaire among 357 adult 5-year survivors, treated between 1964 and 2002, and 836 controls. Ovarian function was assessed by serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and inhibin B and by antral follicle count (AFC). Differences between controls and (subgroups of) survivors (total group, chemotherapy [CT]-only group, CT and radiotherapy [RT] group) were analyzed. RESULTS: Survivors treated with CT only do not differ from controls regarding timing of menarche, virginity status, desire for children, or pregnancy rates. Compared to controls, the CT+RT group was at significantly increased risk of a younger age at menarche (P

Acute graft-versus-host-Disease (aGVHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). We previously showed that early CD4+ T-cell immune reconstitution (IR; CD4+ IR) predicts survival after HCT. Here, we studied the relation between CD4+ IR and survival in patients developing aGVHD. Pediatric patients undergoing first allogeneic HCT at University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC)/Princess Máxima Center (PMC) or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) were included. Primary outcomes were nonrelapse mortality (NRM) and overall survival (OS), stratified for aGVHD and CD4+ IR, defined as ≥50 CD4+ T cells per μL within 100 days after HCT or before aGVHD onset. Multivariate and time-to-event Cox proportional hazards models were applied, and 591 patients (UMC/PMC, n = 276; MSK, n = 315) were included. NRM in patients with grade 3 to 4 aGVHD with or without CD4+ IR within 100 days after HCT was 30% vs 80% (P = .02) at UMC/PMC and 5% vs 67% (P = .02) at MSK. This was associated with lower OS without CD4+ IR (UMC/PMC, 61% vs 20%; P = .04; MSK, 75% vs 33%; P = .12). Inadequate CD4+ IR before aGVHD onset was associated with significantly higher NRM (74% vs 12%; P < .001) and inferior OS (24% vs 78%; P < .001). In this retrospective analysis, we demonstrate that early CD4+ IR, a simple and robust marker predictive of outcomes after HCT, is associated with survival after moderate to severe aGVHD. This association must be confirmed prospectively but suggests strategies to improve T-cell recovery after HCT may influence survival in patients developing aGVHD.

Aim: To investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of Dutch adult childhood cancer survivors (CCS) and to identify risk factors of impaired HRQOL.Methods: Adult CCS (age >18, diagnosed = 5 years since diagnosis) from the Dutch LATER registry completed the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) to measure HRQOL and provided sociodemographic characteristics. Age-adjusted mean SF-36 scale scores of CCS were compared to the Dutch general population for men and women separately using t-tests, with effect size d. Multivariate logistic regression models were built to identify sociodemographic and cancer-related risk factors for impaired physical and mental HRQOL.Results: Both male and female CCS (N = 2301, mean age = 35.4 years, 49.6% female) reported significantly (p

Background Potential late effects of treatment for childhood cancer include adiposity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. These risk factors cluster together as metabolic syndrome and increase the risk for development of diabetes mellitus and cardio- and cerebrovascular disease. Knowledge on risk factors, timely diagnosis, and preventive strategies is of importance to prevent cardio- and cerebrovascular complications and improve quality of life. Currently, no national cohort studies on the prevalence and determinants of metabolic syndrome in childhood cancer survivors, including biomarkers and genetic predisposition, are available. Objective The objectives of the Dutch LATER METS study are to assess 1) the prevalence and risk factors of metabolic syndrome and its separate components, and 2) the potential diagnostic and predictive value of additional biomarkers for surveillance of metabolic syndrome in the national cohort of adult long-term survivors of childhood cancer. Methods This is a cross-sectional study based on recruitment of all survivors treated in the Netherlands between 1963 and 2002. Metabolic syndrome will be classified according to the definitions of the third Adult Treatment Panel Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program as well as the Joint Interim Statement and compared to reference data. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans were performed to assess body composition in more detail. The effect of patient characteristics, previous treatment, and genetic variation on the risk of metabolic syndrome will be assessed. The diagnostic and predictive value of novel biomarkers will be tested. Results Patient accrual started in 2016 and lasted until April 2020. A total of 2380 survivors from 7 pediatric oncology hospitals have participated. From July 2020, biomarker testing, single nucleotide polymorphism analysis, and data analysis will be performed. Conclusions The Dutch LATER METS study will provide knowledge on clinical and genetic determinants of metabolic syndrome and the diagnostic value of biomarkers in childhood cancer survivors. The results of this study will be used to optimize surveillance guidelines for metabolic syndrome in survivors based on enhanced risk stratification and screening strategies. This will improve diagnosis of metabolic syndrome and prevent complications. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/21256

BACKGROUND Potential late effects of treatment for childhood cancer include adiposity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. These risk factors cluster together as metabolic syndrome and increase the risk for development of diabetes mellitus and cardio- and cerebrovascular disease. Knowledge on risk factors, timely diagnosis, and preventive strategies is of importance to prevent cardio- and cerebrovascular complications and improve quality of life. Currently, no national cohort studies on the prevalence and determinants of metabolic syndrome in childhood cancer survivors, including biomarkers and genetic predisposition, are available. OBJECTIVE The objectives of the Dutch LATER METS study are to assess 1) the prevalence and risk factors of metabolic syndrome and its separate components, and 2) the potential diagnostic and predictive value of additional biomarkers for surveillance of metabolic syndrome in the national cohort of adult long-term survivors of childhood cancer. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study based on recruitment of all survivors treated in the Netherlands between 1963 and 2002. Metabolic syndrome will be classified according to the definitions of the third Adult Treatment Panel Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program as well as the Joint Interim Statement and compared to reference data. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans were performed to assess body composition in more detail. The effect of patient characteristics, previous treatment, and genetic variation on the risk of metabolic syndrome will be assessed. The diagnostic and predictive value of novel biomarkers will be tested. RESULTS Patient accrual started in 2016 and lasted until April 2020. A total of 2380 survivors from 7 pediatric oncology hospitals have participated. From July 2020, biomarker testing, single nucleotide polymorphism analysis, and data analysis will be performed. CONCLUSIONS The Dutch LATER METS study will provide knowledge on clinical and genetic determinants of metabolic syndrome and the diagnostic value of biomarkers in childhood cancer survivors. The results of this study will be used to optimize surveillance guidelines for metabolic syndrome in survivors based on enhanced risk stratification and screening strategies. This will improve diagnosis of metabolic syndrome and prevent complications. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/21256

Background Tinnitus is a serious late effect of childhood cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence and risk factors for tinnitus in a national cohort of childhood cancer survivors (CCS). Methods Data were collected within the national Dutch Childhood Oncology Group - Long-Term Effects after Childhood Cancer (DCOG-LATER) cohort by a self-reported health questionnaire among 5327 Dutch CCS treated between 1963 and 2002. Siblings (N = 1663) were invited to complete the same questionnaire. Relevant patient characteristics and treatment factors were obtained from the Dutch LATER database. The occurrence of tinnitus in survivors was compared to siblings. To study the effect of risk factors, multivariate logistic regression models were estimated. Results In total, 2948 CCS and 1055 siblings completed the tinnitus item. Tinnitus was reported in 9.5% of survivors and in 3.7% of siblings (odds ratio [OR] 3.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.9–3.1). Risk factors associated with tinnitus in CCS were total cumulative dose cisplatin ≥400 mg/m2 (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4–4.0), age at diagnosis (≥10 years: OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.6–2.8), cranial irradiation/total body irradiation (TBI; OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.5–2.5), and neuro/ear, nose, throat (ENT) surgery (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–2.9). Fifty-one percent of CCS with tinnitus had received treatment with either cisplatin, cranial irradiation/TBI, and/or neuro/ENT surgery. Conclusions Tinnitus in CCS was present nearly 3 times more often than in siblings. Awareness in CCS previously treated with cisplatin, cranial irradiation/TBI, and/or neuro/ENT surgery is warranted. As only half of affected CCS had a history of these treatments, it seems that other factors might be associated with tinnitus occurrence in this population.

BackgroundInsight in hospitalizations in long-term childhood cancer survivors (CCS) is useful to understand the impact of long-term morbidity. We aimed to investigate hospitalization rates and underlying types of diagnoses in CCS compared to matched controls, and to investigate the determinants.MethodsWe linked 5,650 five-year CCS from the Dutch nationwide Dutch LATER cohort and 109,605 age- and sex-matched controls to the Dutch Hospital Discharge register, which contained detailed information on inpatient hospitalizations from 1995-2016. Relative hospitalization rates (RHRs) were calculated using a Poisson regression model. Adjusting for multiple hospitalizations per person via a Poisson model for generalized estimated equations, we investigated determinants for hospitalizations for all types of underlying diagnoses among CCS.ResultsCCS were twice as likely to be hospitalized as reference persons (hospitalization rate 178 and 78 per 1,000 person-years respectively; RHR 2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9-2.2). Although CCS had more hospitalizations for 17 types of underlying diagnoses, they were especially more likely to be hospitalized for endocrine conditions (RHR: 6.0, 95% CI 4.6-7.7), subsequent neoplasms (RHR: 5.6, 95% CI 4.6-6.7) and symptoms without underlying diagnoses (RHR: 5.2, 95% CI 4.6-5.8). For those types of underlying diagnoses, female sex and radiotherapy were determinants.ConclusionThis study provides new insights in the high risk of hospitalizations for many types of underlying diagnoses in CCS and treatment related determinants. CCS are especially at high risk for hospitalizations for endocrine conditions, subsequent neoplasms and symptoms without an underlying diagnosis. This new knowledge is important for survivorship care and to identify possible preventable hospitalizations among CCS.

Purpose To evaluate pregnancy rates, time to pregnancy (TTP) and obstetric outcomes in female childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) and to identify specific diagnosis- and treatment-related factors associated with these outcomes. Methods The study is part of the DCOG LATER-VEVO study, a nationwide multicenter cohort study evaluating fertility among long-term Dutch female CCSs. Data were collected by questionnaire. The current study included 1095 CCSs and 812 controls, consisting of sisters of CCSs and a random sample of women from the general population. Results Among the subgroup of women who ever had the desire to become pregnant, the chance of becoming pregnant was significantly lower for CCSs than controls (OR 0.5, 95%CI 0.4–0.8). Moreover, TTP was 1.1 times longer for CCSs compared to controls (p = 0.09) and was significantly longer in survivors of CNS and renal tumours. Overall, no differences were found between CCSs and controls regarding the probability of ever having had a miscarriage, still birth, or induced abortion. However, CCSs had a significantly increased risk of delivering preterm (OR 2.2, 95%CI 1.3–3.7) and delivering via caesarean section (OR 1.8, 95%CI 1.2–2.6). Treatment with lower abdominal/pelvic radiotherapy was strongly associated with several adverse obstetric outcomes. Conclusion CCSs are less likely to have ever been pregnant. Among those who do become pregnant, certain subgroups of CCSs are at increased risk of longer TTP. Moreover, as pregnant CCSs, especially those treated with lower abdominal/pelvic radiotherapy, are more likely to develop various adverse obstetric outcomes, appropriate obstetric care is highly advocated.

Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a genetic multisystem disorder with frequent involvement of the bone marrow. Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only definitive cure to restore haematopoiesis, even though it cannot correct other organ dysfunctions. We collected data on the outcome of HSCT in the largest cohort of DC (n = 94) patients ever studied. Overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) at 3 years after HSCT were 66% and 62%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed better outcomes in patients aged less than 20 years and in patients transplanted from a matched, rather than a mismatched, donor. OS and EFS curves tended to decline over time. Early lethal events were infections, whereas organ damage and secondary malignancies appeared afterwards, even a decade after HSCT. A non-myeloablative conditioning regimen appeared to be most advisable. Organ impairment present before HSCT seemed to favour the development of chronic graft-versus-host disease and T-B immune deficiency appeared to enhance pulmonary fibrosis. According to the present data, HSCT in DC is indicated in cases of progressive marrow failure, whereas in patients with pre-existing organ damage, this should be carefully evaluated. Further efforts to investigate treatment alternatives to HSCT should be encouraged.

Autoimmune or alloimmune cytopenia (AIC) is a known rare complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). AIC after SCT is considered difficult to treat and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. In this retrospective study in pediatric patients we evaluated incidence, outcome, potential risk factors, and current treatment strategies. A nested matched case-control study was performed to search for biomarkers associated with AIC. Of 531 consecutive SCTs at our center between 2000 and 2016, 26 were complicated by the development of AIC (cumulative incidence, 5.0%) after a median of 5 months post-SCT. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia was the most common AIC with 12 patients (46%). We identified nonmalignant disease, alemtuzumab serotherapy pre-SCT, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation as independently associated risk factors. The cytokine profile of patients at the time of AIC diagnosis appeared to skew toward a more pronounced Th 2 response compared with control subjects at the corresponding time point post-SCT. Corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin as first-line treatment or a wait-and-see approach led to resolution of AIC in 35% of cases. Addition of step-up therapies rituximab (n = 15), bortezomib (n = 7), or sirolimus (n = 3) was associated with AIC resolution in 40%, 57%, and 100% of cases, respectively. In summary, we identified CMV reactivation post-SCT as a new clinical risk factor for the development of AIC in children. The cytokine profile during AIC appears to favor a Th 2 response. Rituximab, bortezomib, and sirolimus are promising step-up treatment modalities.

BACKGROUND Overweight is a common problem in the general population, but occurs more frequently among childhood cancer survivors (CCS) and is regarded as a late adverse effect. However, risk factors are not fully elucidated and it is often disguised in CCS because they can have normal weight but high fat percentage (fat%) on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, gold standard). We aimed to assess overweight prevalence in a nationwide survivor cohort, to clarify risk factors and to identify which measurement method captures overweight best. METHODS The prevalence of overweight and obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥25 and ≥30 kg/m 2) was assessed in the Dutch nationwide cohort of adult CCS treated between 1963 and 2002. Risk factors for overweight were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models. In addition, overweight prevalence was calculated according to fat%, waist circumference (WC), waist/hip ratio (WHR) and waist/height ratio (WHtR). The validity of BMI, WC, WHR and WHtR for characterizing obesity, compared to fat% (expressed as false-negative percentage and in logistic regression models to identify treatment-related risk factors for disguised overweight) was studied. RESULTS A total of 2,338 (51.2% male) survivors (54.7% hematologic malignancies) participated, with mean age 35.5 (±9.3) years and 28.3 (±8.4) years follow-up. In men and women respectively, overweight prevalence was 45.9% and 43.8%, for obesity this was 11.2% and 15.5%. Risk factors for overweight included overweight at cancer diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.43, p Using BMI, WC, WHR and WHtR, similar overweight prevalence was observed. However, this was 58.4% in men and even 83.7% in women when measured with DXA. Disguised overweight was more frequent after treatment with abdominal radiotherapy, high dose anthracyclines and stem cell transplantation (SCT) (aOR up to 3.37). CONCLUSIONS Overweight occurs in almost half of all long-term CCS, and risk factors include overweight at cancer diagnosis, CRT and potentially GHD. DXA identified overweight in an additional 25% of survivors. In CCS treated with abdominal irradiation, anthracyclines and SCT, overweight is more often missed with conventional methods. Hence, in these risk groups DXA needs serious consideration in surveillance, to enable early intervention and prevent complications of overweight including diabetes and atherosclerotic disease. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Poster-Abstract

Permanent alopecia after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is distressing and few studies have investigated this late effect. The aim of the study was to assess the percentage of patients with alopecia and investigate risk factors for alopecia. Patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT before age 19 years, from January 1990 to January 2013, who were at least 2 years after transplant and in follow-up in our clinic were included. Alopecia was defined as clinically apparent decreased hair density. Possible risk factors considered for alopecia after HSCT included: gender, age, diagnosis, donor type, conditioning regimen: cranial irradiation (TBI/cranial radiotherapy) and/or chemotherapy, which chemotherapeutic agents were used and acute/chronic GvHD. The percentage of permanent alopecia in our cohort was 15.6% (41/263 patients). All patients had diffuse alopecia except for one with alopecia totalis. In multivariate analysis, a conditioning regimen with busulphan and busulphan plus fludarabine (odds ratio (OR) 5.7 (confidence interval (CI): 2.5-12.7) and OR 7.4 (CI: 3.3-16.2), respectively, was the main risk factor and associated with alopecia independent of acute/chronic GvHD. Neither TBI nor other alkylating chemotherapy, including treosulfan, was associated with alopecia. In conclusion, permanent alopecia after HSCT is associated with busulphan and GvHD and occurs in 16% of patients.

Contains fulltext : 175119.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) Cisplatin and carboplatin are effective antineoplastic agents. They are also considered to be potentially highly ototoxic. To date, no long-term follow-up data from well-documented cohorts with substantial numbers of childhood cancer survivors (CCS) with platinum-related hearing loss are available. Therefore, in this study, we studied the reversibility of ototoxicity from discontinuation of treatment onwards in a national cohort of platinum-treated survivors with hearing loss at the end of cancer treatment. Of the 168 CCS with follow-up audiograms, we longitudinally evaluated the course of hearing function in 61 CCS who showed hearing impairment at discontinuation of treatment according to the Munster criteria (>20 dB at >/=4-8 kHz). Survivors were treated with platinum (median total cumulative dose cisplatin: 480 mg/m2 and median total cumulative dose carboplatin: 2520 mg/m2). Median follow-up time was 5.5 years (range: 1.0-28.8 years). The results showed that none of these survivors revealed improvement of hearing function even till 28.8 years after discontinuation of treatment (grade

Contains fulltext : 204846.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND: Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at risk of developing long-term morbidity, which is likely to be presented to a primary care physician (PCP). Therefore, insight into CCS's PCP-based health care use is needed. We investigated the volume and underlying health problems of PCP-based health care use and the determinants for PCP-based health care use in CCS. PROCEDURE: Data from a Dutch cohort of 6018 eligible five-year CCS were linked to the Nivel Primary Care database, which contains detailed data from a representative sample of 10% of all Dutch PCPs. Per CCS, two matched controls were selected. Negative binomial regression was performed to compare the annual number of contacts between CCS and controls, and to identify determinants for PCP-based care use among CCS. RESULTS: This study included 602 CCS and 1204 controls. CCS were 1.3 times more likely to contact their PCP than controls (95% CI, 1.2-1.5), up to 1.5 times at attained age over 40 years (95% CI, 1.2-1.8). CCS were 4.9 times more likely to contact their PCP for new malignancies, 3.1 for hematological conditions, and 2.8 for endocrine conditions. Female sex, higher attained age, and treatment with radiotherapy were determinants for having more PCP contacts. CONCLUSIONS: PCPs play an important role in care for CCS. CCS use more PCP-based care than matched controls, mainly for severe conditions such as malignancies, hematological, and endocrine conditions. Our results emphasize the importance of disseminating the current knowledge on long-term morbidity in CCS and on their optimal follow-up care among PCPs.

Contains fulltext : 202764.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether abdominal-pelvic radiotherapy for childhood cancer impairs uterine function and increases the risk of pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes. DESIGN: Nested cohort study. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENT(S): Childhood cancer survivors previously exposed to abdominal-pelvic radiotherapy (RT-exposed CCSs) as part of their treatment for childhood cancer. INTERVENTION(S): Radiotherapy-exposed CCSs (n = 55) were age- and parity-matched to nonirradiated CCSs (non-RT-exposed CCSs; n = 110) and general population controls (n = 110). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Uterine volume, pregnancy complications, and pregnancy outcomes. RESULT(S): Among nulligravidous participants, median (interquartile range) uterine volume was 41.4 (18.6-52.8) mL for RT-exposed CCSs, 48.1 (35.7-61.8) mL for non-RT-exposed CCSs, and 61.3 (49.1-75.5) mL for general population controls. Radiotherapy-exposed CCSs were at increased risk of a reduced uterine volume (

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) can halt organ damage and eliminate symptoms in hemoglobin disorders, including sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassemia major. Managing the residual manifestations of pre-HCT disease complications and the long-term effects of HCT requires systematic monitoring, follow-up and intervention when indicated. Late complications vary with age and disease status at HCT and with transplant variables such as preparative regimen, donor source and compatibility, and immune reconstitution. An international consensus conference sponsored by the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Consortium in May 2016 entitled "Late Effects Screening and Recommendations Following HCT for Immune Deficiency and Nonmalignant Hematologic Disorders" focused on follow-up after HCT for hemoglobinopathy. An earlier publication from experts who participated in this session described the pathophysiology and spectrum of complications that HCT recipients experience after HCT for SCD and thalassemia major. This companion publication summarizes the consensus reached by this group of experts about long-term follow-up guidelines after HCT for hemoglobinopathy. In addition, these guidelines might also be included in studies of novel curative therapies such as autologous HCT after hematopoietic progenitor stem cell gene modification.

Study Question: Which treatment-related factors are (dose-dependently) associated with abnormal hormonal and ultrasound markers of ovarian reserve in female childhood cancer survivors (CCSs)?Summary Answer: Cyclophosphamide, procarbazine, a composite group of 'other alkylating agents', dactinomycin, doxorubicin, mitoxantrone, spinal radiotherapy (RT), abdominal/pelvic RT and total body irradiation were multivariably associated with abnormal ovarian reserve markers, with dose-effect relationships being established for procarbazine and abdominal/pelvic RT. What Is Known Already: Female childhood cancer survivors are at an increased risk of reduced ovarian function and reserve, but knowledge regarding the long-term effects of individual chemotherapeutic (CT) agents and radiotherapy fields and their respective doses is limited. Study Design, Size, Duration: The DCOG LATER-VEVO is a nationwide retrospective cohort study in which measurements were performed between 2008 and 2014. In total, 1749 female 5-year CCSs, diagnosed before age 18 years between 1963 and 2002 and 1201 controls were invited for the study. Participants/Materials, Setting, Methods: Ovarian reserve was assessed by anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), inhibin B levels, and antral follicle counts (AFC). The study was a multicentre study including all seven Dutch Centers for Paediatric Oncology/Haematology. Main Results And The Role Of Chance: In total, 564 CCs and 390 controls participated in the clinical part of the study. Overall, 7.0-17.7%of CCSs and 2.4-13.6%of controls had abnormal ovarian reserve markers. Above age 35, significantly more CCSs than controls had abnormal ovarian reserve markers (AMH: 26%vs. 4%; AFC: 20%vs. 3%; inhibin B: 42%vs. 16%). For AMH and FSH, significant differences were also found below age 35. Cyclophosphamide, procarbazine, a group of 'other alkylating agents', dactinomycin, doxorubicin, mitoxantrone, spinal RT, abdominal/pelvic RT and total body irradiation were multivariably associated with at least one abnormal ovarian reserve marker. Dose-effect relationships were established for procarbazine and abdominal/pelvic RT. Limitations, Reasons For Caution: Despite the large scale of the study, dose-effect relationships could not be investigated for all types of treatment due to a limited numbers of participants for specific analyses. Wider Implications Of The Findings: This study demonstrated that the majority of CCSs do not show signs of a reduced ovarian reserve. However specific subgroups of CCSs appear to be associated with a high risk. Our results are important for counselling CCSs and future patients regarding parenthood and fertility preservation. Study Funding/Competing Interests: This study was funded by the Dutch Cancer Society (Grant no. VU 2006-3622) and by the Children Cancer Free Foundation (Project no. 20). Philips Health Systems Benelux supported this study by providing three ultrasound systems and concomitant analytic software. There are no competing interests.

STUDY QUESTION: Do female childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) express a decreased desire to have children and do they use reproductive health care more often compared to women without a history of cancer?SUMMARY ANSWER: Overall, no difference was found in the desire to have children between CCSs and controls, whereas CCSs consult a fertility specialist more often, at a younger age, and sooner after their first attempt at conceiving.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Female CCSs may face a shorter than anticipated reproductive window as a result of their cancer treatment. Little is known about their desire to have children and use of reproductive health care, especially in relation to their former cancer treatment.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This study is part of the DCOG LATER-VEVO study, a nationwide retrospective cohort study on female fertility in Dutch CCSs. In total, 1749 CCSs and 1673 controls were invited for the study. Data collection took place between January 2008 and May 2014.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Data on the desire to have children and use of reproductive health care were collected by questionnaire. The control group consisted of sisters from CCSs and females from the general population. In total, 1106 (63%) CCSs and 818 (49%) controls completed the questionnaire.MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Overall, no difference was found in the desire to have children between CCSs and controls (86% and 89%, respectively). However, survivors of a CNS tumour were less likely to desire children and CCSs without biological children at time of study were more likely to report that their desire to have children was unfulfilled because of medical reasons (9%), compared to controls (1%). In total, 12% of CCSs ever consulted a fertility specialist compared to 10% of controls (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3-2.4). Mean (SD) age at time of their first visit was 27.7 (4.4) years for CCSs and 29.9 (3.9) years for controls (P LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Because of the low number of CCSs who used fertility treatment, we were not able to look at specific diagnoses and treatment types associated with using fertility treatment. Nevertheless, we were able to identify diagnostic-and treatment-related risk factors for consulting a fertility specialist. Details regarding consultations with a fertility specialist and fertility treatment were based on self-report and may therefore be subject to recall bias.WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Decisions about parenthood affect all CCSs. It's important to evaluate reproductive intentions and function timely after cancer treatment, so CCSs can be adequately counselled regarding family planning and fertility treatment.STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This work was supported by the Dutch Cancer Society (Grant no. VU 2006-3622) and the Children Cancer Free Foundation (Project no. 20).TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NTR2922.

Patients with inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS), such as Fanconi anemia (FA), dyskeratosis congenita (DC), or Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA), can have hematologic manifestations cured through hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Subsequent late effects seen in these patients arise from a combination of the underlying disease, the pre-HCT therapy, and the HCT process. During the international consensus conference sponsored by the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Consortium on late effects screening and recommendations following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for immune deficiency and nonmalignant hematologic diseases held in Minneapolis, Minnesota in May 2016, a half-day session was focused specifically on the unmet needs for these patients with IBMFS. This multidisciplinary group of experts in rare diseases and transplantation late effects has already published on the state of the science in this area, along with discussion of an agenda for future research. This companion article outlines consensus disease-specific long-term follow-up screening guidelines for patients with IMBFS.

Nowadays, allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a well-established treatment procedure and often the only cure for many patients with malignant and non-malignant diseases. Decrease in short-term complications has substantially contributed to increased survival. Therefore long-term sequelae are reaching the focus of patient care. One of the most important risks of stem cell transplant survivors is infertility. As well as in the field of allo-HSCT also the field of reproductive medicine has achieved substantial advances to offer potential options for fertility preservation in both boys and girls. Access to these procedures as well as their financing differs significantly throughout Europe. As all European children and adolescents should have the same possibility, the Paediatric Diseases Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation organised an expert meeting in September 2015. This manuscript describes the recommendations for the diagnosis and pre-emptive procedures that should be offered to all children and adolescents in Europe who have to undergo an allo-HSCT.

Fanconi anemia (FA), dyskeratosis congenita (DC), and Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA) are 3 of the most common inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS), in which the hematologic manifestations can be cured with hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Later in life, these patients face a variety of medical conditions, which may be a manifestation of underlying disease or due to pre-HCT therapy, the HCT, or a combination of all these elements. Very limited long-term follow-up data exist in these populations, with FA the only IBMFS that has specific published data. During the international consensus conference sponsored by the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Consortium entitled "Late Effects Screening and Recommendations following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant (HCT) for Immune Deficiency and Nonmalignant Hematologic Disease" held in Minneapolis, Minnesota in May of 2016, a half-day session was focused specifically on the unmet needs for these patients with IBMFS. A multidisciplinary group of experts discussed what is currently known, outlined an agenda for future research, and laid out long-term follow-up guidelines based on a combination of evidence in the literature as well as expert opinion. This article addresses the state of science in that area as well as consensus regarding the agenda for future research, with specific screening guidelines to follow in the next article from this group.

Sustained donor engraftment after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) converts to healthy donor hemoglobin synthesis and halts disease symptoms in patients with sickle cell disease and thalassemia major. A disease-free survival probability that exceeds 90% has been reported when HCT using an HLA-matched sibling donor is performed in young patients with low-risk disease or treatment-related risk factors. Alternate donor HCT and HCT in adults is performed infrequently because of a higher risk profile. Transplant-specific risks include conditioning regimen-related toxicity, graft-versus-host disease, graft rejection with marrow aplasia or disease recurrence, and infections associated with immunosuppression and delayed immune reconstitution. The magnitude of risk depends on patient age, clinical status of the underlying disease (eg, organ injury from vasculopathy and iron overload), donor source, and intensity of the conditioning regimen. These risks are commonly monitored and reported in the short term. Documenting very late outcomes is important, but these data are rarely reported because of challenges imposed by patient drop-out and insufficient resources. This report summarizes long-term follow-up results after HCT for hemoglobin disorders, identifies gaps in knowledge, and discusses opportunities for future investigations. This consensus summary will be followed by a second article detailing comprehensive long-term follow-up recommendations to aid in maintaining health in these individuals and identifying late complication risks that could facilitate interventions to improve outcomes.

An international consensus conference sponsored by the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant consortium entitled "Late Effects Screening and Recommendations Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant for Immune Deficiency and Nonmalignant Hematologic Disease" was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 10, 2016 and May 11, 2016. The purpose of the conference was to address the unmet need for greater understanding of and the screening for long-term complications in the growing population of survivors of transplantation for nonmalignant disorders. The conference focused on transplantation for hemoglobinopathy, immune deficiency, and inherited bone marrow syndromes. A multidisciplinary group of experts in the disease areas and transplantation late effects presented the current state of understanding of how the underlying disease, pretransplantation therapies, and transplantation-related factors uniquely interact to influence the development of late toxicities. Recommendations were put forth by the group for the late effects screening of survivors of transplantation for these nonmalignant disorders. The findings and recommendations that came from this conference will be presented in a series of 6 additional manuscripts in the upcoming months. In this manuscript, we explore the need for screening practices specific to the survivors of transplantation for nonmalignant diseases and the methodologic challenges associated with the study of these patients.

Background Ovarian insufficiency (OI) and infertility are common and devastating late effects of cancer treatment and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In children, gonadal insufficiency may subsequently lead to abnormal pubertal development. The aim of this study was to assess the cumulative incidence of OI and the need for hormonal induction of pubertal development after HSCT in childhood. We additionally assessed HSCT-related risk factors for OI. Procedures A single center cohort study was undertaken of female patients transplanted during childhood, surviving at least 2 years post-HSCT and who were at least 10 years old at initiation of the study. Of 141 eligible patients, 109 were included and hormone levels and clinical data of these patients during follow-up were collected. Risk factors for OI were analyzed by multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results Cumulative incidence of OI was 56% at a median follow-up of 7.2 years. Eight patients, initially diagnosed with OI, showed recovery of ovarian function over time. Hormonal induction of puberty was necessary in 44% of females who were pre-pubertal or pubertal at HSCT. In multivariate analysis, more advanced pubertal stage at HSCT was associated with OI. We found a trend for an association of busulfan with OI in patients conditioned with chemotherapy only. Conclusions The incidence of OI after HSCT was high and associated with more advanced pubertal stage at HSCT. Almost half of the females who were pre-pubertal or pubertal at HSCT required hormonal induction of pubertal development. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:2048–2053. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Background: In pediatrics, the “best interest” standard has become the prevailing standard in decision making even though it proves difficult to apply in practice. Differences in values can lead to different views by families and physicians of what is in the interest of a child. Our aim was to gain insight into the views of parents, children, and physicians in a pediatric oncology setting. Methods: We conducted a qualitative multicenter study, using in-depth semistructured interviews, with 21 children aged 8–18 years undergoing cancer treatment, 26 parents, and 15 pediatric oncologists. Results: At the onset of treatment, parents, children, and physicians had the same views on what is in the interest of the child: survival by following the treatment protocol. In the course of treatment, however, a transition takes place. For families, what constitutes the best interests expands beyond medical considerations, to include the wish to lead a normal life, having control over certain aspects of treatment, and m...

Summary This article presents the haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) results of the complete Dutch Fanconi anaemia (FA) patient cohort. Sixty-eight Dutch FA patients have been transplanted since 1972. In total, 63 (93%) patients engrafted, 54 after first SCT and 9 after second SCT. Fludarabine (FLU)-based conditioning was associated with decreased graft failure (odds ratio 0·21, P = 0·01), decreased early mortality (hazard ratio 0·25, P = 0·01) and improved 5-year overall survival (FLU 87·8% [standard error (SE) 5·1%] versus non-FLU 59·3% [SE 9·5%], P = 0·01). Late mortality was mainly caused by squamous cell carcinoma. Twenty-two patients were treated with the current Dutch FA conditioning regimen (FLU 150 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 30 mg/kg ± anti-thymocyte globulin - no irradiation). Stem cell donors were matched related (n = 8) or alternative donors (n = 14). Stable engraftment after first SCT was achieved in 19 (86%) patients. At a median follow-up of 3·9 years 20 (91%) patients are alive. Our study provides a unique overview of a nation-wide SCT cohort illustrating the major improvements in treatment regimen and patient outcome in recent years. It shows that a non-irradiation and busulfan-free conditioning regimen can be used successfully, also in alternative donor SCT. Furthermore, it underlines the importance of late cancer screening and comprehensive care for this complex disorder.

To evaluate the effect and side-effects of alpha interferon 2B (IFN) treatment in haemophilia patients with chronic hepatitis C (positive HCV antibody test, positive HCV-RNA test and ALT levels >2.5 × upper limit of normal) eight HIV and HBs-ag negative haemophilia patients were treated with IFN for 26 weeks in a dosage of 5 mega units (MU) daily for 2 weeks, 2.5 MU daily for 4 weeks and 1.5 MU 3 times a week for 20 weeks. Patients who were transient or non-responders after 26 weeks of IFN therapy were treated for 2.5 years with 5 MU IFN three times a week. At the end of 3 years follow-up, four patients were considered complete responders (HCV-RNA negative) with complete and sustained ALT normalization and disappearance from HCV-RNA from blood, two patients only showed a transient response and two patients were non-responders. All patients experienced the common side-effects of IFN treatment. Two patients complained about feelings of depression and impotence. For both this was the reason to stop IFN treatment. In one patient, IFN treatment was stopped 90 weeks after start of therapy because of persistent fatigue. In another patient the dosage was adjusted because of a decrease in platelet count. No effect of IFN on bleeding frequency and chronic arthopathy was seen. We conclude that the clinical effects and side-effects of IFN therapy in patients with haemophilia and chronic hepatitis C are comparable with those of non-haemophilia patients with chronic hepatitis C. Haemophilia patients can be treated for chronic hepatitis C infection in the same way as patients without haemophilia.

Pulmonary complications of childhood cancer treatment are frequently seen. These can lead to adverse sequelae many years after treatment, with important impact on morbidity, quality of life and mortality in childhood cancer survivors. This review addresses the effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and alloimmunity (in haematopoietic cell transplantation) on the lung in children. It highlights the complexity of lung damage and lung disease in relation to growth and development, infections and other external factors. Screening high risk childhood cancer survivors for treatment related late effects, with therapy based screening protocols, using full medical assessment and pulmonary function tests is important. This will lead to recognition of pulmonary sequelae of cancer treatment, early detection of lung damage in survivors and better treatment and prevention.