Metabolic Disturbances in Children Treated for Solid Tumors

Role of Nutrition in Pediatric Patients with Cancer

Children with cancer are at high risk for developing short-term and long-term nutritional problems related to their underlying disease and side effects of multimodal treatments. Nutritional status (NS) can influence several clinical outcomes, such as overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS), treatment tolerance, risk of developing infections and quality of life (QoL). However, the importance of nutrition in children with cancer is still underestimated. This review focuses on alterations of NS that occurs in children during cancer treatment. In particular, we reviewed the pathogenesis of undernutrition in oncological children, as well as how NS affects treatment tolerance and response, the immune system and the risk of infections of children with cancer. Thanks to recent advances in all types of supportive therapy and to the progress of knowledge on this topic, it has been realized that NS is a modifiable prognostic factor that can be intervened upon to improve the outcome of these patients. Currently, there is a lack of a systematic approach and standard recommendations for nutritional care in the pediatric cancer population. Literature analysis showed that it is essential to define the NS and treat any alterations in a timely manner ensuring proper growth and development. Nutritional follow-up should become an integral part of the care pathway. Regular nutritional monitoring should be performed at diagnosis, during treatment and during follow-up. A close collaboration and sharing of expertise between pediatric oncologists and nutrition specialists, combined with careful and participatory sharing of the feeding experience with the family and the child (after age 6 years), is strongly required.

Endocrine Complications in Children and Adolescents With Non-Central Nervous System Solid Tumors

BACKGROUND

Due to remarkable progress in cancer treatment, endocrine complications are now the major medical issues facing childhood cancer survivors. Although non-central nervous system solid tumors (NCSTs) account for approximately 40% of all pediatric cancers, there have been few studies on endocrine complications associated with NCSTs. This study investigated endocrinopathies following the treatment of pediatric NCSTs.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Retrospective study in a single academic center.

METHODS

This study analyzed 253 survivors of childhood NCSTs who were diagnosed between January of 2000 and December of 2018. The medical charts were reviewed regarding the frequency of endocrinopathies and treatment modalities. The hazard ratios were assessed by multivariable Cox regression analysis. The final height-SDS were analyzed by multivariable linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

There were 76 patients (30%) that developed at least one endocrine complication. Forty-four patients (17.4%) experienced endocrine complications within five years of their cancer diagnosis. The most common endocrine complication was growth failure (n = 35), followed by obesity (n = 18), and primary gonadal failure (n = 16). High cumulative doses of alkylating agents increased the risk of developing at least one endocrine complication. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was an important risk factor for primary gonadal failure.

CONCLUSIONS

This study described the comprehensive endocrine outcomes, including growth failure, obesity, primary gonadal failure, primary hypothyroidism, dyslipidemia, and osteoporosis, following the treatment of childhood NCSTs. As endocrinopathies occurred within five years of primary tumor diagnosis, surveillance for endocrine dysfunction is required for early intervention and management.