Premature Ovarian Insufficiency in Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Report From the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort

CONTEXT

Long-term follow-up data on premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) in childhood cancer survivors are limited.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence of POI, its risk factors, and associated long-term adverse health outcomes.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

SETTING

The St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study, an established cohort in a tertiary care center.

PATIENTS

Nine hundred twenty-one participants (median age, 31.7 years) were evaluated at a median of 24.0 years after cancer diagnosis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

POI was defined by persistent amenorrhea combined with a follicle-stimulating hormone level >30 IU/L before age 40. Multivariable Cox regression was used to study associations between demographic or treatment-related risk factors and POI. Multivariable logistic regression was used to study associations between POI and markers for cardiovascular disease, bone mineral density (BMD), and frailty. Exposure to alkylating agents was quantified using the validated cyclophosphamide equivalent dose (CED).

RESULTS

The prevalence of POI was 10.9%. Independent risk factors for POI included ovarian radiotherapy at any dose and CED ≥8000 mg/m2. Patients with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 at the time of the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort assessment were less likely to have a diagnosis of POI. Low BMD and frailty were independently associated with POI.

CONCLUSION

High-dose alkylating agents and ovarian radiotherapy at any dose are associated with POI. Patients at the highest risk should be offered fertility preservation whenever feasible. POI contributes to poor general health outcomes in childhood cancer survivors; further studies are needed to investigate the role of sex hormone replacement in improving such outcomes.

Temporal trends in chronic disease among survivors of childhood cancer diagnosed across three decades: A report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS)

LBA10500

Background: Modifications in childhood cancer treatments in recent decades have contributed to reductions in late mortality among 5-year survivors. We used the recently expanded CCSS cohort to investigate whether these changes have also reduced the incidence of chronic disease. Methods: We evaluated the incidence of severe, disabling/life-threatening, or fatal chronic health conditions (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, CTCAE grades 3-5) among 5-year survivors diagnosed prior to age 21 years from 1970 through 1999. We calculated the 15-year cumulative incidence of chronic health conditions by decade of cancer diagnosis and compared risk across decades using Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Among 23,601 survivors, median age 28 years (range 5-63), 21 years from diagnosis (5-43), the 15-year cumulative incidence of grade 3-5 conditions decreased from 12.7% in survivors diagnosed in the 1970s to 10.1% and 8.8% in those diagnosed in the 1980s and 1990s (per 10 years, HR 0.84 [95% CI = 0.80-0.89]). The association with diagnosis decade was attenuated (HR 0.92 [0.85-1.00]) when detailed treatment data were included in the model, indicating that treatment reductions mediated risk. Adjusted for sex and attained age, significant reduction in risk over time was found among survivors of Wilms tumor (HR 0.57 [0.46-0.70]), Hodgkin lymphoma (HR 0.75 [0.65-0.85]), astrocytoma (HR 0.77 [0.64-0.92]), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (HR 0.79 [0.63-0.99]), and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (HR 0.86 [0.76-0.98]). Decreases were largely driven by a reduced incidence of endocrine conditions (1970s: 4.0% v. 1990s:1.6%; HR 0.66 [0.59-0.73]) and subsequent malignant neoplasms (1970s: 2.4% v. 1990s: 1.6%; HR 0.85 [0.76-0.96]). Significant reductions were also found for gastrointestinal (HR 0.80 [0.66-0.97]) and neurological conditions (HR 0.77 [0.65-0.91]), but not cardiac or pulmonary conditions. Conclusions: Changes in childhood cancer treatment protocols have not only extended lifespan for many survivors, but have also reduced the incidence of serious chronic morbidity in this population.

Screening for thyroid cancer in survivors of childhood and young adult cancer treated with neck radiation

BACKGROUND

The optimal method of screening for thyroid cancer in survivors of childhood and young adult cancer exposed to neck radiation remains controversial. Outcome data for a physical exam-based screening approach are lacking.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of adult survivors of childhood and young adult cancer with a history of neck radiation followed in the Adult Long-Term Follow-Up Clinic at Memorial Sloan Kettering between November 2005 and August 2014. Eligible patients underwent a physical exam of the thyroid and were followed for at least 1 year afterwards. Ineligible patients were those with prior diagnosis of benign or malignant thyroid nodules.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 3.1 years (range 0-9.4 years), 106 ultrasounds and 2277 physical exams were performed among 585 patients. Forty survivors had an abnormal thyroid physical exam median of 21 years from radiotherapy; 50% of those with an abnormal exam were survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma, 60% had radiation at ages 10-19, and 53% were female. Ultimately, 24 underwent fine needle aspiration (FNA). Surgery revealed papillary carcinoma in seven survivors; six are currently free of disease and one with active disease is undergoing watchful waiting. Among those with one or more annual visits, representing 1732 person-years of follow-up, no cases of thyroid cancer were diagnosed within a year of normal physical exam.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the application of annual physical exam without routine ultrasound for thyroid cancer screening among survivors with a history of neck radiation.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Survivors with a history of neck radiation may not require routine thyroid ultrasound for thyroid cancer screening. Among adult survivors of childhood and young adult cancer with a history of radiation therapy to the neck, annual physical exam is an acceptable thyroid cancer screening strategy.

Effect of cranial irradiation on sperm concentration of adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a report from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study†

STUDY QUESTION

Does lower dose (<26 Gy) cranial radiation therapy (CRT) used for central nervous system prophylaxis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) adversely affect sperm concentration or morphology?

SUMMARY ANSWER

CRT doses <26 Gy had no demonstrable adverse effect on sperm concentration or morphology.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Treatment with alkylating agents produces oligospermia and azoospermia in some patients. No prior study has been large enough to evaluate the independent effects of alkylating agents and lower dose (<26 Gy) CRT on sperm concentration or morphology.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This cross-sectional study included male adult survivors of pediatric ALL who had received alkylating agent chemotherapy with or without CRT and who enrolled in the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study (SJLIFE) from September 2007 to October 2013.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

The inclusion criteria were males, ≥18 years of age, ≥10 years after diagnosis, treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for ALL, and received alkylating agent chemotherapy. Semen analyses were performed on 173 of the 241 (78.1%) adult survivors of pediatric ALL who had received alkylating agent chemotherapy with or without CRT. Cumulative alkylating agent treatment was quantified using the cyclophosphamide equivalent dose (CED). Log-binomial multivariable models were used to calculate relative risks (RRs) and 95% CI.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Compared to those without CRT, risk of oligospermia or azoospermia was not increased for CRT <20 Gy (P = 0.95) or 20-26 Gy (P = 0.58). Participants 5-9 years of age at diagnosis compared to those 0-4 years of age (RR = 1.30, 95% CI, 1.05-.61) or those treated with 8-12 g/m2 CED (RR = 2.06, 95% CI, 1.08-3.94) or ≥12 g/m2 CED (RR = 2.12, 95% CI, 1.09-4.12) compared to those treated with >0 to <4 g/m2 CED had an increased risk for oligospermia or azoospermia.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Our study relied on the results of one semen analysis. ALL survivors who did not participate in SJLIFE or who declined to submit a semen analysis may also have biased our results regarding the proportion with azoospermia or oligospermia, since those who provided a semen specimen were less likely to have previously fathered children compared to those who did not. The lower rate of previous parenthood among participants may have resulted in a higher observed frequency of azoospermia and oligospermia.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Treatment with <26 Gy CRT did not increase the risk of oligospermia or azoospermia, although a CED exceeding 8 g/m2 and an age at diagnosis of 5-9 years did increase risk of oligospermia and azoospermia. These findings can be used to counsel adult survivors of pediatric ALL.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (grant numbers CA 21765, CA 195547, CA00874) and the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC). The authors have no competing interests to declare.

Temporal trends in chronic disease among survivors of childhood cancer diagnosed across three decades: A report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS)

LBA10500

The full, final text of this abstract will be available at abstracts.asco.org at 2:00 PM (EDT) on Friday, June 2, 2017, and in the Annual Meeting Proceedings online supplement to the June 20, 2017, issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Onsite at the Meeting, this abstract will be printed in the Saturday edition of ASCO Daily News.

A high-risk genetic profile for premature menopause (PM) in childhood cancer survivors (CCS) exposed to gonadotoxic therapy: A report from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort (SJLIFE) and Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS)

10502

Background: CCS are at increased risk of therapy-related PM but contribution of genetic factors is unknown. Methods: Using Affymetrix 6.0 SNP array, treatment exposures [cumulative alkylating agents (AA), ovarian radiotherapy (RT) dose] and clinically-assessed PM status (menopause < 40 years), a genome-wide association analysis was conducted using logistic regression in SJLIFE. A cluster of most statistically significant SNPs on chr4 was further examined, stratifying by ovarian RT and AA. Replication was performed using self-reported PM in CCSS. Results: PM was diagnosed in 30 of 805 SJLIFE female survivors. A loci of 13 SNPs in 4 linkage disequilibrium blocks (mean r2 = 0.51) in the upstream regulatory region of Neuropeptide Receptor 2 ( NPY2R) was identified with a minimum p-value of 3.3x10-7 (all <10-5). ENCODE gene expression, motifs, and chromatin remodeling data suggest these SNPs alter transcription factor binding sites, potentially disrupting neuroendocrine events necessary for ovulation. Among CCS exposed to ovarian RT, homozygous carriers of a risk profile (RP) defined by 4 of the 13 SNPs, found in over half of the survivors with clinically-diagnosed PM and 1 in 7 in the general population, significantly increased PM risk (odds ratio (OR) 25.8, p=5.4x10-5) (Table). This finding was replicated using self-reported PM status of 1644 survivors in CCSS (OR 4.2, p=4.6x10-4). Prediction of clinically-diagnosed PM (in the SJLIFE discovery cohort) improved by adding the RP to the model with age and treatment (area under ROC curve 0.84 vs. 0.93, p=0.011). Conclusions: The common RP is associated with PM risk in pediatric cancer survivors and may have potential for clinical application. [Table: see text]

Hepatocellular adenoma among adult survivors of childhood and young adult cancer

Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a rare benign epithelial neoplasm with potential for hemorrhage, rupture, or malignant transformation. Reported annual incidence of HCA is approximately 1/1,000,000. We identified 12 cases of HCA among adults with a history of childhood or young adult cancer. The most common cancer diagnosis was leukemia (N = 4). Five had undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant with total body irradiation. All 11 females had prior estrogen therapy; the male case was hypogonadal. This report suggests childhood and young adult cancer survivors may be at increased risk for HCA, but further investigation is needed.

Longitudinal follow-up of adult survivors of Ewing sarcoma: A report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

BACKGROUND

Ewing sarcoma survivors (ESSs) are at increased risk for treatment-related complications. The incidence of treatment-related morbidity and late mortality with aging is unknown.

METHODS

This study reports survival probabilities, estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method, and the cumulative incidence of cause-specific mortality and chronic conditions among ESSs in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study who were treated between 1970 and 1986. Piecewise exponential models were used to estimate relative rates (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for these outcomes. Chronic conditions were graded with the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 4.03).

RESULTS

Among 404 5-year ESSs (median age at last follow-up, 34.8 years; range, 9.1-54.8 years), the 35-year survival rate was 70% (95% CI, 66%-74%). Late recurrence (cumulative incidence at 35 years, 15.1%) was the most common cause of death, and it was followed by treatment-related causes (11.2%). There were 53 patients with subsequent neoplasms (SNs; cumulative incidence at 35 years, 24.0%), and 38 were malignant (14.3% at 35 years). The standardized incidence ratios were 377.1 (95% CI, 172.1-715.9) for osteosarcoma, 28.9 (95% CI, 3.2-104.2) for acute myeloid leukemia, 14.9 (95% CI, 7.9-25.5) for breast cancer, and 13.1 (95% CI, 4.8-28.5) for thyroid cancer. Rates of chronic conditions were highest for musculoskeletal (RR, 18.1; 95% CI, 12.8-25.7) and cardiac complications (RR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.4-2.3). Thirty-five years after the diagnosis, the cumulative incidences of any chronic conditions and 2 or more chronic conditions were 84.6% (95% CI, 80.4%-88.8%) and 73.8% (95% CI, 67.8%-79.9%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

With extended follow-up, ESSs' risk for late mortality and SNs does not plateau. Treatment-related chronic conditions develop years after therapy, and this supports the need for lifelong follow-up. Cancer 2017;123:2551-60. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Visual functioning in adult survivors of retinoblastoma

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Background: Retinoblastoma (Rb) survivors are at risk for adverse oculo-visual outcomes. Limited data are available regarding long-term visual functioning among adult Rb survivors. Methods: Rb survivors, diagnosed from 1932–1994 and treated in New York, completed a comprehensive questionnaire that included the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25), which measures self-reported vision-targeted health in individuals with chronic eye diseases. Items are scored from 0–100 with 100 representing the best possible score. Results: 470 adult Rb survivors participated (53.6% with bilateral disease; mean age at study 43.3 yrs, standard deviation [SD] 11); 86% had at least one eye removed (one eye: 74.5%; both eyes: 11.5%) and 53.4% were treated with radiotherapy. 61.3% rated their eyesight as excellent/good while 16.5% reported complete blindness. Among Rb survivors with some vision, 4% described staying home “most of the time” due to their eyesight and 12% reported often feeling frustrated due to their visual status. The overall VFQ composite score for all Rb survivors was 89.2 (SD 10.1) [unilateral Rb survivors: 92.2 (SD 6.3); bilateral Rb survivors: 84.1 (SD 13.0); p < 0.001).Survivors with bilateral disease were significantly more likely to report inferior visual functioning in all domains when compared to those with unilateral disease (Table 1). Conclusions: Rb-related ocular problems continue to impact survivors’ functional status into adulthood, particularly among those with bilateral disease. [Table: see text]

Increased late mortality in underweight survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

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Background: Approximately one-in-ten adult survivors of childhood cancer are underweight. While the consequences of being overweight or obese have been well-described, outcomes among underweight childhood cancer survivors are unknown. Methods: Underweight was defined as a body mass index (BMI)< 18.5 kg/m2, calculated from self-reported height and weight on either the baseline or the first follow-up questionnaire from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS). National Death Index provided death data and self-reported subsequent malignant neoplasm were validated by pathology report. Chi-square test was used to examine the association between underweight status (< 8.5 kg/m2 vs ≥ 18.5 kg/m2) and baseline demographic characteristics. Marginal models with generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate the associations between BMI and outcomes. Results: Of 9454 survivors (median age 35 years old, range 17-58, with an average of 17.5 years from diagnosis), 627 (6.6%) participants were underweight at baseline and had at least two years of additional follow-up. 29 of 184 deaths were among underweight survivors. In univariate analysis, underweight status was more common among females (9.1% vs 4.5 %, p<0.01) and participants with younger age (8.2% for <5 yrs vs. 6.1% for >=5yr, p<.01), lower household income (8.9% for <$20,000 vs. 6.0% for >=$20,000, p<0.01), and a history of a grade 3 to 4 chronic condition (p = 0.05). After adjustment for these factors, in addition to race/ethnicity, prior smoking, and a history of radiation therapy, the odds of all-cause mortality within two years of BMI report was 2.82 (95% CI: 1.64-2.2; p<0.01) for underweight survivors, compared to normal weight survivors. The risk of subsequent malignant neoplasms within two years of BMI report among underweight survivors compared to normal weight survivors was not significantly increased (OR 1.31; 95% CI: 0.60-2.85; p = 0.49). Conclusions: Childhood cancer survivors who are underweight are at significant risk for late mortality that is unrelated to smoking status, chronic illness, or second malignancy. Whether targeted nutritional interventions would ameliorate this risk is unknown.

Protection from late-occurring anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity among childhood cancer survivors with a RARG coding variant

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Background: Susceptibility to late-occurring anthracycline-related left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is poorly understood. While higher dose of anthracyclines, radiation therapy, and younger age at exposure are relevant, heterogeneity persists. A recent report suggests that survivors with the rs2229774 retinoic acid receptor γ (RARG) variant represent a high-risk group. We sought to replicate this finding in our population of adult survivors of childhood and young adult cancer. Methods: We collected germline DNA among 455 survivors of childhood and young adult cancer seen in the Memorial Sloan Kettering Long-Term Follow-Up Programs. Participants were 48% male and more that 90% were white, non-Hispanic. Median age at diagnosis was 15 years and median time from diagnosis was 17.8 years. The most common diagnosis was Hodgkin Lymphoma (31%) followed by sarcoma (29%) and leukemia (10%). Initial genetic testing was performed using a low density SNP array (Illumina Exomearray), followed by full gene analysis by LD block testing. LV dysfunction was defined as ventricular ejection fraction less than 55%. Bonferroni-adjusted p values were used to determine significance in a multivariate model. Results: Of 455 participants, 120 did not have a history of anthracycline exposure, 1 was excluded for lack of echo data, and 17 were excluded due to poor genotyping quality control. Out of the remaining 317 participants, 41 had LV dysfunction. On initial testing, survivors with the rs2229774 variant were at lower risk for LV dysfunction (OR 0.14; 95% CI 0.02-0.99; p = 0.02), compared to survivors with other variants. Of note, the allele frequency in those without LV dysfunction was similar to reported studies and public data. In full gene analysis, those with a missense variant in ESPL1 (separase), within LD block but upstream of RARG, were at significantly increased risk of LV dysfunction (OR 5.61; 95% CI 1.48-21.3; p=0.005) compared to those without the ESPL1 variant. Conclusions: Based on these findings, rs2229774 RARG variant does not appear to confer genetic susceptibility to left ventricular dysfunction. ESPL1, a nearby candidate, may be the risk-conferring variant. Replication efforts are ongoing.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Survivors of Childhood Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Treated with Total Body Irradiation: A Longitudinal Analysis

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors treated with total body irradiation (TBI) are known to be at increased risk for the development of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs). We sought to characterize the incidence of CVRFs in a TBI-exposed survivor cohort and to describe prognostic indicators of their development through a retrospective analysis of CVRFs in 1-year survivors of leukemia or lymphoma treated with TBI at Memorial Sloan Kettering between April 1987 and May 2011. Eligible participants were age ≤21 years at the time of TBI and were not receiving glucocorticoid therapy at the time of entry to long-term follow-up. Survivors were assessed for obesity (body mass index ≥95th percentile for age ≤ 20 years and ≥30 kg/m² for age >20 years), elevated blood pressure, dyslipidemia (elevated triglycerides [TG], low high-density lipoprotein [HDL]), and glucose intolerance (fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dL); those with ≥3 risk factors were deemed to have a CVRF cluster, a surrogate for metabolic syndrome. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for factors associated with each CVRF. To compare the prevalence of CVRFs in HCT survivors and the general population, survivors were compared with age-, sex-, and race-matched controls from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 123 survivors were evaluated (62.6% males). The median age at TBI was 11.8 years (range, 1.6 to 21.9 years). The median duration of follow-up was 8.0 years (range, 1.01 to 24.6 years), and the median age at last follow-up was 20.1 years (range, 4.0 to 41.3 years). The 5-year cumulative incidence was 14.7% for elevated blood pressure, 10.5% for elevated glucose, 26.8% for low HDL, 39.2% for hypertriglyceridemia, and 16.0% for obesity, and corresponding 10-year cumulative incidences of 28.8%, 33.1%, 52.0%, 65.0%, and 18.6%. The median cumulative incidence of a CVRF cluster rose from 10.6% (range, 5.6% to 17.5%) at 5 years to 28.4% (range, 18.8% to 38.7%) at 10 years. In multivariate analysis, growth hormone (GH) deficiency (hazard ratio [HR], 8.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1 to 34.4; P = .002), history of cranial radiation (HR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.7 to 9.6; P = .002), and grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease GVHD (HR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.5 to 12.2; P = .008) were associated with the risk of developing a CVRF cluster. Compared with a random sample of matched population controls, HCT survivors had an increased prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL, but not of glucose intolerance, elevated blood pressure, or CVRF cluster. Given the young age of this HCT survivor cohort, these data highlight the importance of routine screening for CVRF starting in childhood in individuals exposed to TBI.

Endocrine Abnormalities in Aging Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Report From the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

PURPOSE

The development of endocrinopathies in survivors of childhood cancer as they age remains understudied. We characterized endocrine outcomes in aging survivors from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study on the basis of therapeutic exposures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed self-reported conditions in 14,290 5-year survivors from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, with a median age 6 years (range, < 1 to 20 years) at diagnosis and 32 years (range, 5 to 58 years) at last follow-up. Identification of high-risk therapeutic exposures was adopted from the Children's Oncology Group Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines. Cumulative incidence curves and prevalence estimates quantified and regression models compared risks of primary hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid neoplasms, hypopituitarism, obesity, diabetes mellitus, or gonadal dysfunction between survivors and siblings.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence and prevalence of endocrine abnormalities increased across the lifespan of survivors (P < .01 for all). Risk was significantly higher in survivors exposed to high-risk therapies compared with survivors not so exposed for primary hypothyroidism (hazard ratio [HR], 6.6; 95% CI, 5.6 to 7.8), hyperthyroidism (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.8), thyroid nodules (HR, 6.3; 95% CI, 5.2 to 7.5), thyroid cancer (HR, 9.2; 95% CI, 6.2 to 13.7), growth hormone deficiency (HR, 5.3; 95% CI, 4.3 to 6.4), obesity (relative risk, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.7 to 2.0), and diabetes mellitus (relative risk, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.6 to 2.4). Women exposed to high-risk therapies had six-fold increased risk for premature ovarian insufficiency (P < .001), and men demonstrated higher prevalence of testosterone replacement (P < .001) after cyclophosphamide equivalent dose of 20 g/m(2) or greater or testicular irradiation with 20 Gy or greater. Survivors demonstrated an increased risk for all thyroid disorders and diabetes mellitus regardless of treatment exposures compared with siblings (P < .001 for all).

CONCLUSION

Endocrinopathies in survivors increased substantially over time, underscoring the need for lifelong subspecialty follow-up of those at risk.

Pregnancy after chemotherapy in male and female survivors of childhood cancer treated between 1970 and 1999: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study cohort

BACKGROUND

The effect of many contemporary chemotherapeutic drugs on pregnancy and livebirth is not well established. We aimed to establish the effects of these drugs on pregnancy in male and female survivors of childhood cancer not exposed to pelvic or cranial radiotherapy.

METHODS

We used data from a subset of the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study cohort, which followed 5-year survivors of the most common types of childhood cancer who were diagnosed before age 21 years and treated at 27 institutions in the USA and Canada between 1970 and 1999. We extracted doses of 14 alkylating and similar DNA interstrand crosslinking drugs from medical records. We used sex-specific Cox models to establish the independent effects of each drug and the cumulative cyclophosphamide equivalent dose of all drugs in relation to pregnancies and livebirths occurring between ages 15 years and 44 years. We included siblings of survivors as a comparison group.

FINDINGS

We included 10 938 survivors and 3949 siblings. After a median follow-up of 8 years (IQR 4-12) from cohort entry or at age 15 years, whichever was later, 4149 (38%) survivors reported having or siring a pregnancy, of whom 3453 (83%) individuals reported at least one livebirth. After a median follow-up of 10 years (IQR 6-15), 2445 (62%) siblings reported having or siring a pregnancy, of whom 2201 (90%) individuals reported at least one livebirth. In multivariable analysis, survivors had a decreased likelihood of siring or having a pregnancy versus siblings (male survivors: hazard ratio [HR] 0·63, 95% CI 0·58-0·68; p<0·0001; female survivors: 0·87, 0·81-0·94; p<0·0001) or of having a livebirth (male survivors: 0·63, 0·58-0·69; p<0·0001; female survivors: 0·82, 0·76-0·89; p<0·0001). In male survivors, reduced likelihood of pregnancy was associated with upper tertile doses of cyclophosphamide (HR 0·60, 95% CI 0·51-0·71; p<0·0001), ifosfamide (0·42, 0·23-0·79; p=0·0069), procarbazine (0·30, 0·20-0·46; p<0·0001) and cisplatin (0·56, 0·39-0·82; p=0·0023). Cyclophosphamide equivalent dose in male survivors was significantly associated with a decreased likelihood of siring a pregnancy (per 5000 mg/m(2) increments: HR 0·82, 95% CI 0·79-0·86; p<0·0001). However, in female survivors, only busulfan (<450 mg/m(2) HR 0·22, 95% CI 0·06-0·79; p=0·020; ≥450 mg/m(2) 0·14, 0·03-0·55; p=0·0051) and doses of lomustine equal to or greater than 411 mg/m(2) (0·41, 0·17-0·98; p=0·046) were significantly associated with reduced pregnancy; cyclophosphamide equivalent dose was associated with risk only at the highest doses in analyses categorised by quartile (upper quartile vs no exposure: HR 0·85, 95% CI 0·74-0·98; p=0·023). Results for livebirth were similar to those for pregnancy.

INTERPRETATION

Greater doses of contemporary alkylating drugs and cisplatin were associated with a decreased likelihood of siring a pregnancy in male survivors of childhood cancer. However, our findings should provide reassurance to most female survivors treated with chemotherapy without radiotherapy to the pelvis or brain, given that chemotherapy-specific effects on pregnancy were generally few. Nevertheless, consideration of fertility preservation before cancer treatment remains important to maximise the reproductive potential of all adolescents newly diagnosed with cancer.

FUNDING

National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, and the American Lebanese-Syrian Associated Charities.

Erectile Dysfunction in Male Survivors of Childhood Cancer-A Report From the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

INTRODUCTION

With survival rates higher than 80%, the number of survivors from pediatric cancer continues to increase. Late effects resulting from cancer and cancer therapy are being characterized, but little information exists on sexual health for men who have survived childhood cancer.

AIM

To assess erectile dysfunction (ED) in men who survived childhood and adolescent cancers and to identify potential risk factors for ED.

METHODS

In total, 1,622 men and 271 eligible brothers in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study cohort completed the Male Health Questionnaire, which provided information on sexual practices and sexual function. Combined with demographic, cancer, and treatment information from medical record abstraction, results of the Male Health Questionnaire were analyzed using multivariable modeling. The International Index of Erectile Function was used to identify ED in subjects.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

International Index of Erectile Function.

RESULTS

Survivors (mean age = 37.4 years, SD = 7.3 years) reported significantly lower sexual activity in the year before the survey than the brothers (mean age = 38.8 years, SD = 8.5 years) without cancer. ED was reported by 12.3% (95% CI = 10.4-14.3) of survivors and 4.2% (95% CI = 2.0-7.9) of brothers. Survivors showed significantly higher relative risk (RR) for ED (RR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.40-4.97). In addition to older age, survivors who were exposed to higher-dose (≥10 Gy) testicular radiation (RR = 3.55, 95% CI = 1.53-8.24), had surgery on the spinal cord or nerves (RR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.36-6.05), prostate surgery (RR = 6.56, 95% CI = 3.84-11.20), or pelvic surgery (RR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.04-4.98) were at higher risk for ED.

CONCLUSION

Men who have survived childhood cancer have a greater than 2.6-fold increased risk for ED and certain cancer-specific treatments are associated with increased risk. Attention to sexual health, with its physical and emotional implications, and opportunities for early detection and intervention in these individuals could be important.

The Risk of Cataract among Survivors of Childhood and Adolescent Cancer: A Report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

With therapeutic successes and improved survival after a cancer diagnosis in childhood, increasing numbers of cancer survivors are at risk of subsequent treatment-related morbidities, including cataracts. While it is well known that the lens of the eye is one of the most radiosensitive tissues in the human body, the risks associated with radiation doses less than 2 Gy are less understood, as are the long- and short-term cataract risks from exposure to ionizing radiation at a young age. In this study, we followed 13,902 five-year survivors of childhood cancer in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study cohort an average of 21.4 years from the date of first cancer diagnosis. For patients receiving radiotherapy, lens dose (mean: 2.2 Gy; range: 0-66 Gy) was estimated based on radiotherapy records. We used unconditional multivariable logistic regression models to evaluate prevalence of self-reported cataract in relationship to cumulative radiation dose both at five years after the initial cancer diagnosis and at the end of follow-up. We modeled the radiation effect in terms of the excess odds ratio (EOR) per Gy. We also analyzed cataract incidence starting from five years after initial cancer diagnosis to the end of follow-up using Cox regression. A total of 483 (3.5%) cataract cases were identified, including 200 (1.4%) diagnosed during the first five years of follow-up. In a multivariable logistic regression model, cataract prevalence at the end of follow-up was positively associated with lens dose in a manner consistent with a linear dose-response relationship (EOR per Gy = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.65-1.20). The odds ratio for doses between 0.5 and 1.5 Gy was elevated significantly relative to doses <0.5 Gy (OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.3-3.7). The results from this study indicate a strong association between ocular exposure to ionizing radiation and long-term risk of pre-senile cataract. The risk of cataract increased with increasing exposure, beginning at lens doses as low as 0.5 Gy. Our findings are in agreement with a growing body of evidence of an elevated risk for lens opacities in populations exposed to doses of ionizing radiation below the previously suggested threshold level of 2 Gy.

Central precocious puberty following the diagnosis and treatment of paediatric cancer and central nervous system tumours: presentation and long-term outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the prevalence of central precocious puberty (CPP) after treatment for tumours and malignancies involving the central nervous system (CNS) and examine repercussions on growth and pubertal outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective study of patients with tumours near and/or exposed to radiotherapy to the hypothalamus/pituitary axis (HPA).

PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS

Patients with CPP were evaluated at puberty onset, completion of GnRH agonist treatment (GnRHa) and last follow-up. Multivariable analysis was used to test associations between tumour location, sex, age at CPP, GnRHa duration and a diagnosis of CPP with final height <-2SD score (SDS), gonadotropin deficiency (LH/FSHD) and obesity, respectively.

RESULTS

Eighty patients (47 females) had CPP and were followed for 11·4 ± 5·0 years (mean ± SD). The prevalence of CPP was 15·2% overall, 29·2% following HPA tumours and 6·6% after radiotherapy for non-HPA tumours. Height <-2SDS was more common at the last follow-up than at the puberty onset (21·4% vs 2·4%, P = 0·005). Obesity was more prevalent at the last follow-up than at the completion of GnRHa or the puberty onset (37·7%, 22·6% and 20·8%, respectively, P = 0·03). Longer duration of GnRHa was associated with increased odds of final height <-2SDS (OR = 2·1, 95% CI 1·0-4·3) and longer follow-up with obesity (OR = 1·3, 95% CI 1·1-1·6). LH/FSHD was diagnosed in 32·6%. There was no independent association between CPP and final height <-2SDS, and LH/FSHD and obesity in the subset of patients with HPA low-grade gliomas.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with organic CPP experience an incomplete recovery of growth and a high prevalence of LH/FSHD and obesity. Early diagnosis and treatment of CPP may limit further deterioration of final height prospects.

Pediatric Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma of Follicular Cell Origin: Prognostic Significance of Histologic Subtypes

BACKGROUND

Thyroid cancers are rare in the pediatric age group, and unlike in adults, few data are available regarding the clinical implication of histologic subtypes in the pediatric population. The purpose of the current study was to determine the prognostic significance of histologic subtypes of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in a large series of children and adolescents followed at a single institution.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of all pediatric DTC patients who were treated and followed between 1988 and 2012. Sixty-two patients (median age at diagnosis 13.8 years, median age at follow-up 18 years, 77% female) were assessed. The most common subtypes included classic papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC; 48%), diffuse sclerosing PTC (16%), and follicular variant PTC (15%); 37% were considered "high-risk" histologies based on adult criteria.

RESULTS

In a multivariate model, only extensive extrathyroidal extension (ETE), defined as the presence of two or more microscopic foci of tumor cells ≤1 mm in size each or any foci >1 mm in size invading beyond the thyroid capsule into perithyroid soft tissue or organs, was significantly associated with extent of disease at presentation. At last follow-up, 76% of subjects had no evidence of disease, 18% had persistent disease, and 5% had recurrent/progressive disease. Event-free survival was associated with extent of disease at presentation (p = 0.01), extensive ETE at diagnosis (p < 0.01), and male sex (p = 0.01), but not histologic subtype (p = 0.20).

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric DTC carries an excellent prognosis. Extensive ETE at diagnosis was found to be an independent predictor of extent of disease at presentation, as well as event-free survival. Unlike in the adult population, "high-risk" histologic subtypes did not independently predict extent of disease at presentation or event-free survival in this pediatric population with DTC.

Insulin and glucose homeostasis in childhood cancer survivors treated with abdominal radiation: A pilot study

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Background: Previous reports have suggested an increased risk of Type I and Type II diabetes mellitus (DM) in childhood cancer survivors exposed to abdominal radiotherapy (RT). The mechanisms leading to DM in this population, however, remain unknown. We sought to clarify the pathophysiology leading to these derangements by performing dynamic testing of glucose and insulin in survivors previously treated with abdominal RT. Methods: Cross-sectional pilot study of 2-year survivors of childhood cancer treated with abdominal RT at Memorial Sloan Kettering between 1975 – 2009. Eligible participants were < 21 years of age at exposure to abdominal RT; those with a known diagnosis of DM or prior exposure to brain or total body RT were excluded. Survivors underwent formal 2-hour glucose tolerance testing; auto-antibodies (insulin auto-antibodies, islet cell autoantibody, glutamic acid decarboxylase) typically present in patients with Type I DM and hemoglobin A1c levels were assessed. Insulin resistance was calculated by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and Matsuda index. Results: 21 survivors were enrolled (male: 47.6%; median age at RT: 3.3 years; median age at study: 14.4 years [range: 8.3 – 46.9]; median time from abdominal RT: 10.7 years). Primary diagnoses included neuroblastoma (n = 15), rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 3), Wilms (n = 1), Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 1), rhabdoid tumor (n = 1). None of the participants were obese (body mass index [BMI] range: 14.7 – 23.2 kg/m2). Five participants (23.8%, 95% confidence interval: 8% – 47%) had glucose derangements at a median of 8.4 years after RT (one with impaired fasting glucose [fasting glucose ≥ 100 mg/dl) and four with impaired glucose tolerance [2-hour glucose 140-199 mg/dl]). Two additional participants with normal glucose tolerance had impaired insulin sensitivity based on an abnormal Matsuda Index and HOMA-IR. None of the participants had abnormal autoantibodies, insulinopenia, or hemoglobin A1c levels. Conclusions: These findings suggest that nonobese childhood cancer survivors treated with abdominal RT may be at high-risk for subclinical derangements of glucose and insulin. Further study is warranted in larger survivor cohorts. Clinical trial information: NCT02248779.

Hepatic adenoma among adult survivors of childhood cancer

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Background: Hepatic adenoma is a rare and poorly understood benign epithelial neoplasm. Because of the potential for spontaneous hemorrhage, rupture, or malignant transformation; hepatic adenoma over 5 cm require resection. In the general population, the prevalence of hepatic adenoma is estimated at 1 in 100,000 and identified predominantly in obese females on oral contraceptives. An increased risk for hepatic adenoma among adult survivors of childhood and young adult cancer has not been previously reported Methods: Cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as demographic factors, medications, and comorbidities, were collected from the medical chart among patients with pathological confirmation of hepatic adenoma. All cases were patients diagnosed with a non-hepatic cancer before the age of 40 and seen at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Results: Twelve cases of hepatic adenoma were pathologically confirmed; seven patients (58%) had more than one adenoma. Eleven (92%) cases were female. The most common preceding cancer diagnosis was leukemia (N = 4; 33%). Five (42%) had undergone allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant with total body irradiation (TBI) as part of their preconditioning regimen. Cases were not as a rule obese; median body mass index was 22.2 kg/m2 (range, 17.6-31.0 kg/m2). All eleven females had a history of current or prior hormone therapy with estrogen and progesterone; the single male case was hypogonadal as a result of radiation therapy to the testes during treatment for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and was receiving testosterone therapy at the time of chart review. Eight patients (67%) had hypothyroidism and two (17%) were taking anti-epileptic drugs. Only two patients (17%) were monitored radiographically following biopsy; seven patients (58%) underwent hepatic resection and three (25%) underwent embolization. No patient had significant blood loss or has been observed to undergo malignant transformation, although follow-up is ongoing. Conclusions: Adult survivors of childhood and young adult cancer, particularly females with a history of current or prior hormone therapy, may be at increased risk for hepatic adenoma. Further investigation of this potentially morbid condition is warranted.

Impact of vision loss among survivors of childhood central nervous system astroglial tumors

BACKGROUND

The impact of impaired vision on cognitive and psychosocial outcomes among long-term survivors of childhood low-grade gliomas has not been investigated previously but could inform therapeutic decision making.

METHODS

Data from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study were used to investigate psychological outcomes (measures of cognitive/emotional function) and socioeconomic outcomes (education, income, employment, marital status, and independent living) among astroglial tumor survivors grouped by 1) vision without impairment, 2) vision with impairment (including unilateral blindness, visual field deficits, and amblyopia), or 3) bilateral blindness. The effect of vision status on outcomes was examined with multivariate logistic regression with adjustments for age, sex, cranial radiation therapy, and medical comorbidities.

RESULTS

Among 1233 survivors of childhood astroglial tumors 5 or more years after their diagnosis, 277 (22.5%) had visual impairment. In a multivariate analysis, survivors with bilateral blindness were more likely to be unmarried (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-15.0), live with a caregiver (adjusted OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.3-7.5), and be unemployed (adjusted OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1-4.5) in comparison with those without visual impairment. Bilateral blindness had no measurable effect on cognitive or emotional outcomes, and vision with impairment was not significantly associated with any psychological or socioeconomic outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Adult survivors of childhood astroglial tumors with bilateral blindness were more likely to live unmarried and dependently and to be unemployed. Survivors with visual impairment but some remaining vision did not differ significantly with respect to psychological function and socioeconomic status from those without visual impairment. Cancer 2016;122:730-739. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Chronic medical conditions in adult survivors of retinoblastoma: Results of the Retinoblastoma Survivor Study

BACKGROUND

Limited data are available regarding long-term morbidity in adult survivors of retinoblastoma (Rb).

METHODS

The Retinoblastoma Survivor Study is a retrospective cohort of adult survivors of Rb diagnosed between 1932 and 1994. Participants completed a comprehensive questionnaire adapted from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study surveys. Chronic conditions were classified using the National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 4.03). Multivariate Poisson regression was used to compare survivors of Rb with 2377 non-Rb controls, consisting of the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study sibling cohort and survivors with bilateral versus unilateral disease.

RESULTS

Survivors of Rb (53.6% with bilateral disease) and non-Rb controls had a mean age of 43.3 years (standard deviation, 11 years) and 37.6 years (SD, 8.6 years), respectively, at the time of study enrollment. At a median follow-up of 42 years (range, 15-75 years), 86.6% of survivors of Rb had at least 1 condition and 71.1% had a severe/life-threatening (grade 3-4) condition. The adjusted relative risk (RR) of a chronic condition in survivors compared with non-Rb controls was 1.4 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.3-1.4; P<.01); for a grade 3 to 4 condition, the RR was 7.6 (95% CI, 6.4-8.9; P<.01). Survivors were at an excess risk regardless of laterality. After stratifying by laterality and excluding ocular conditions and second malignant neoplasms (SMNs), only those with bilateral disease were found to be at an increased risk of any nonocular, non-SMN condition (RR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.2) and for grade 3 to 4 nonocular, non-SMN conditions (RR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.5).

CONCLUSIONS

Survivors of Rb have an increased risk of chronic conditions compared with non-Rb controls. After excluding ocular conditions and SMNs, this excess risk was found to persist only for those with bilateral disease. Cancer 2016;122:773-781. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Gonadal Function and Fertility Among Survivors of Childhood Cancer

Reproductive health and fertility are of great importance to the increasing number of survivors of childhood cancer, approximately 70% of whom are estimated to be over 20 years old. This article reviews the various treatment exposures that have been associated with makers of gonadal injury and decreased fertility in childhood cancer survivors. Identifying risk factors that decrease fertility is essential in proper counseling and timely referral for interventions that may allow for future fertility in high-risk populations.