Obesity is an important health problem in survivors of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Nutritional Status at Diagnosis, During, and After Treatment in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer

Purpose: Malnutrition is commonly observed during cancer treatment, while some cancer survivors are at risk of overweight and obesity. This study investigated nutritional status during and after treatment in adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer. Methods: A retrospective chart review of AYA diagnosed with cancer was conducted. Data were collected monthly during treatment, then annually for 3 years of follow-up. Results: Of 93 AYA, 8% were underweight at diagnosis versus 20% during treatment (p = 0.012). Forty-four percent experienced ≥5% loss of weight (LOW) during treatment, and 23% of those were not referred to a dietitian. While 47% were referred to a dietitian at some point during treatment, 77% did not have dietetic involvement in the month after reaching greatest percentage LOW. Different tumor types were associated with different risks of LOW. Eighty-six percent with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)/lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL) and 86% with acute myeloid leukemia had ≥5% LOW during treatment, compared with 17% with Hodgkin lymphoma (p < 0.0001). In year 3 of follow-up, 36% of all AYA were overweight or obese versus 25% at diagnosis (p = 0.2). Overweight/obesity was more common in ALL/LL survivors than other tumor types (67% vs. 14%, p = 0.037). No patients had dietitian involvement in year 3 of follow-up. Conclusions: AYA, particularly those with ALL/LL, are at risk of significant weight loss during treatment and overweight and obesity during survivorship. Dietetic involvement was inconsistent in this cohort. These data may guide which diagnoses warrant preemptive dietetic input during treatment and highlight the importance of dietetic involvement in survivorship.

Comprehensive assessments and related interventions to enhance the long-term outcomes of child, adolescent and young adult cancer survivors - presentation of the CARE for CAYA-Program study protocol and associated literature review

Background

Improved, multimodal treatment strategies have been shown to increase cure rates in cancer patients. Those who survive cancer as a child, adolescent or young adult (CAYA), are at a higher risk for therapy-, or disease-related, late or long-term effects. The CARE for CAYA-Program has been developed to comprehensively assess any potential future problems, to offer need-based preventative interventions and thus to improve long-term outcomes in this particularly vulnerable population.

Methods

The trial is designed as an adaptive trial with an annual comprehensive assessment followed by needs stratified, modular interventions, currently including physical activity, nutrition and psycho-oncology, all aimed at improving the lifestyle and/or the psychosocial situation of the patients. Patients, aged 15–39 years old, with a prior cancer diagnosis, who have completed tumour therapy and are in follow-up care, and who are tumour free, will be included. At baseline (and subsequently on an annual basis) the current medical and psychosocial situation and lifestyle of the participants will be assessed using a survey compiled of various validated questionnaires (e.g. EORTC QLQ C30, NCCN distress thermometer, PHQ-4, BSA, nutrition protocol) and objective parameters (e.g. BMI, WHR, co-morbidities like hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, diabetes), followed by basic care (psychological and lifestyle consultation). Depending on their needs, CAYAs will be allocated to preventative interventions in the above-mentioned modules over a 12-month period. After 1 year, the assessment will be repeated, and further interventions may be applied as needed. During the initial trial phase, the efficacy of this approach will be compared to standard care (waiting list with intervention in the following year) in a randomized study. During this phase, 530 CAYAs will be included and 320 eligible CAYAs who are willing to participate in the interventions will be randomly allocated to an intervention. Overall, 1500 CAYAs will be included and assessed. The programme is financed by the innovation fund of the German Federal Joint Committee and will be conducted at 14 German sites. Recruitment began in January 2018.

Discussion

CAYAs are at high risk for long-term sequelae. Providing structured interventions to improve lifestyle and psychological situation may counteract against these risk factors. The programme serves to establish uniform regular comprehensive assessments and need-based interventions to improve long-term outcome in CAYA survivors.

Trial registration

Registered at the German Clinical Trial Register (ID: DRKS00012504, registration date: 19th January 2018).