Parenthood for childhood cancer survivors: unfounded fear of cancer development in offspring and related health behaviors

Current literature reveals no increased risk for adverse non-hereditary health outcomes in the offspring of childhood cancer survivors (CCS), yet survivors reported concerns regarding their offspring's health. To investigate how the fear of cancer development in offspring influences parental behavior related to health and prevention, survey reports from 256 European adult CCS and 256 age- and sex-matched siblings who participated in a multicenter study on offspring health were analyzed in the present study. Analyses of covariance and chi-square tests were conducted to test for differences between CCS and siblings in outcome variables (all related to healthy parenting behavior). CCS reported higher fear levels (p = 0.044, Partial η2 = 0.01) and less alcohol consumption (p = 0.011, Phi = 0.12) and smoking (p = 0.022, Phi = 0.11) during pregnancy than siblings. In survivor families, children were breastfed less often (p < 0.001, Phi = 0.18). Partial correlation analyses showed that CCS' fear levels decreased with increasing age (r = -0.16, p = 0.014), time since oncological therapy (r = -0.19, p = 0.003), and number of children (r = -0.21, p = 0.001). Overall, due to their own experiences with cancer, many CCS harbor misperceptions regarding the health outcomes of their offspring. Although the fear decreases with increasing distance from the active disease, any fear should be taken seriously, even if unfounded, and combated through targeted educational measures.

Implementation of a clinical long-term follow-up database for adult childhood cancer survivors in Germany: a feasibility study at two specialised late effects clinics

PURPOSE

Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at risk for increased morbidity and reduced quality of life associated with treatment-related late effects. In Germany, however, only a few of the more than 40,000 CCS registered in the German Childhood Cancer Registry (GCCR) currently benefit from adequate clinical long-term follow-up (LTFU) structures. To establish a comprehensive knowledge base on CCS' long-term health in Germany, a database was developed in cooperation with the GCCR. Following a first evaluation phase at two German university centres, this database will be implemented more widely within Germany allowing longitudinal documentation of clinical LTFU data.

METHODS

The feasibility study cohort comprised 208 CCS aged 18 or older whose medical, mental and psychosocial health data were collected during routine LTFU or first clinic visits in adult care. CCS were enrolled from 04/2021 to 12/2022, and data entry was completed by 03/2023. Descriptive data analysis was conducted. All CCS were stratified into three risk groups (RG) based on their individual risk for developing late effects resulting from their respective diagnoses and treatments.

RESULTS

Chronic health conditions of various organ systems associated with late and long-term effects of cancer therapy affected CCS in all RG supporting the clinical relevance of risk-adapted LTFU. Enrolment into the database was feasible and broadly accepted amongst CCS.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of a clinical follow-up care infrastructure and database in Germany will pave the way to collect clinically evaluated and regularly updated health data of potentially over 40,000 German CCS and facilitate future national and international cooperation.

S1 Guideline: Impairment of gonadal function After Cancer in Childhood and Adolescence

A possible negative consequence of cancer treatment is the fertility impairment of young cancer survivors. However, most former patients express the wish to have biological children. Fertility-preserving measures are available and are - under certain circumstances - financed by health insurance. Separate information at the time of diagnosis and during follow-up care should be adapted to the individual risk and enable those affected to make a self-determined decision about cryopreservation of germ cells or germ cell tissue. Hyopgonadotropic hypogonadism can be treated by the pulsatile administration of gonadotropins. Affected individuals can be reassured. A health restriction of the offspring due to the cancer treatment is not to be expected, even after artificial insemination.

Desire for biological parenthood and patient counseling on the risk of infertility among adolescents and adults with hemoglobinopathies

BACKGROUND

Both diagnosis and treatment of hemoglobinopathies have been associated with an increased risk of fertility impairment. German guidelines recommend annual monitoring of fertility parameters to enable early detection of fertility impairment and/or to offer fertility preservation (FP) when indicated. We explored the general desire for parenthood, the frequency of recalling fertility counseling and testing, and the utilization of FP in adolescents and adults with hemoglobinopathies.

PROCEDURE

In a cross-sectional study, patients aged 12-50 years, treated in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, were surveyed on fertility-related aspects. Medical data, including fertility testing results, were collected from patient records.

RESULTS

Overall, 116/121 eligible patients, diagnosed with sickle cell disease (70.7%), thalassemia (27.6%), or other hemoglobinopathy (1.7%), participated in our study (57.8% female, median age 17.0 years, range 12-50 years). All participants required treatment of the underlying hemoglobinopathy: 68.1% received hydroxyurea, 25.9% required regular blood transfusions, and 6.0% underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Most patients (82/108, 75.9%) stated a considerable to strong desire for (future) parenthood, independent of sex, education, diagnosis, or subjective health status. Fertility counseling was only recalled by 32/111 patients (28.8%) and least frequently by younger patients (12-16 years) or those treated with regular blood transfusions or hydroxyurea. While fertility testing was documented for 59.5% (69/116) in medical records, only 11.6% (13/112) recalled previous assessments. FP was only used by 5.4% (6/111) of patients.

CONCLUSION

Most patients with hemoglobinopathies wish to have biological children, yet only few recalled fertility counseling and testing. Adequate patient counseling should be offered to all patients at risk for infertility.

Educational pathways of childhood cancer survivors-a parental cohort

PURPOSE

Using the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED), we examined the educational and vocational pathways of two comparable, parental cohorts: childhood cancer survivors (CCS) and their siblings. Both cohorts had previously entered parenthood. The aim of the study was to elucidate whether childhood cancer and treatment affect the educational pathways chosen by parents who are former patients.

METHODS

We analysed data that was collected from childhood cancer survivors and their siblings regarding their offspring's health within the FeCt Multicentre Offspring Study (conducted 2013-2016). We evaluated and compared the professional pathways of (i) all participating survivors and all participating siblings and those of (ii) survivors and their biological siblings.

RESULTS

Overall information on parental gender, age, and education were available from 1077 survivors and 246 siblings (group (i)). The majority of participants were female with a mean age of 35.2 (survivor) and 37.9 (sibling) years at time of survey. For subgroup (ii), analysis information was available on 191 survivors and 210 siblings. Fathers achieved university degrees significantly more often than mothers (p = 0.003 (i), p < 0.001 (ii)). The distribution of professional education was not significantly different between cancer survivors and siblings in either cohort (i) or (ii).

CONCLUSIONS

Regarding our research on the educational and vocational trajectory of CCS, patients can be reassured that family planning and vocational education are well compatible. Inequalities regarding gender-specific educational pathways remain to be addressed.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

CCS should monitor their fertility status regularly and, if necessary, cryopreserve germ cells or tissue in order to optimize their family planning. Educational opportunities should be pursued as desired and with confidence. Local as well as European aftercare programs can assist with family planning and education.

Sperm and testicular tissue cryopreservation and assisted reproductive technology outcomes in male cancer patients: a 15-year experience

Objective

To explore the characteristics of cancer patients who cryopreserved sperm/testicular tissue samples in the Cryobank of Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin between 2004 and 2019, and the ART utilization rate with associated outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective data were available for 506 cancer patients, of which 46 (9.1%) had used their samples for artificial reproductive technologies (ART). Corresponding cycle information was collected from external fertility centers.

Results

Our cohort included 53/506 (10.5%) patients aged < 18 years at diagnosis. While adolescents and adults mainly banked sperm, adolescents showed higher rates of testicular tissue cryopreservation before (11.8%, 6/51 vs. 6.4%, 26/406) and after treatment (16.7%, 4/24 vs. 7.8%, 13/167). At study conduction, storage had been ended for 44.8% (269/601) of samples. The majority of samples used for ART were requested within the first 3 years after cryopreservation (71.5%, 28/39, range = 0–12 years). Pregnancy rate was 51.4% (19/37 cycles), resulting in 11 singleton births, 3 twin pairs, and 4 miscarriages.

Conclusion

With the new advantage of public health insurance coverage of fertility preservation (FP) in Germany, an increased utilization has already been noticed in our center, emphasizing the necessity of further knowledge for individual counseling. Adolescent cancer patients need to be addressed specifically, as these patients show especially low cryopreservation rates.

P-100 Quality of semen and testicular tissue samples collected before and after cancer treatment. Results from our 15 year monocentric experience at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Study question

To examine the influence of patient- and cancer treatment-related factors on the quality of semen and testicular tissue samples collected 2004-2019 in our centre.

Summary answer

Semen quality was reduced before cancer treatment in patients with a testicular or haematological malignancy and following any gonadotoxic-risk treatment when compared to no-risk treatment.

What is known already

Young men with cancer are at increased risk of fertility impairment. Therefore, cryopreservation of semen or testicular tissue is recommended. Usually, these steps are taken before cancer treatment. However, in some cases it may be necessary to undergo fertility protection following gonadotoxic treatment. The cancer diagnosis itself may have a negative impact on semen quality. Fertility impairment may occur especially following treatment with alkylating agents, radiotherapy to the pelvis/testes and high dose treatment as used in stem cell transplantation regimen. Risk groups have been defined according to the gonadotoxicity of cancer treatment in previous guidelines.

Study design, size, duration

In our centre, patients have been cryopreserving semen and/or testicular tissue samples for more than 15 years now. We conducted a retrospective cohort study between 01/2020 and 09/2021 in the subgroup of 506 cancer patients that had collected samples in our department between 03/2004 and 05/2019 and for whom cancer treatment data was available. In total, we included information on 601 samples (semen and testicular tissue) from these patients.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Cancer treatment data and results from semen/testicular tissue analyses were collected from medical records. Cancer diagnoses were classified as brain, testicular or solid tumors in other locations or haematological malignancies. Samples were categorized as collected before or after the start of a gonadotoxic treatment (high/medium/low/no, defined according to existing guidelines). Descriptive analyses and multiple linear and logistic regression were conducted to determine influencing factors on the quality of cryopreservation in adolescent and adult cancer patients.

Main results and the role of chance

Over the period of 15 years, we observed an overall increase in sperm concentration and progressive motility in adolescent cancer samples, whereas concentrations remained stable during this period in adult samples. However, before cancer treatment, semen quality was already reduced in both adolescent (median sperm concentration 8x106/ml, IQR:6-116.8) and adult testicular cancer patients (median sperm concentration 18x106/ml, IQR:7-45) as well as in adolescents with a haematological malignancy (median sperm concentration: 10x106/ml, IQR:2.93±51.53; mean vitality: 55.19%, SD ± 22.85%; median progressive motility: 20%, IQR:7-50). Almost half (17/45, 38.7%) of adolescent and 18.5% (70/380) of adult samples showed oligoasthenoteratozoospermia prior to cancer treatment. Before start of treatment, adolescents who collected testicular tissue opted to cryopreserve their samples despite azoospermia to a higher rate than adults (50% vs. 20%). Not only high-risk gonadotoxic treatment, but also moderate- and low-risk treatment resulted in significant reduction of semen quality compared to cancer patients who did not receive a gonadotoxic treatment. When compared to patient samples collected before cancer treatment, sperm concentration and progressive motility significantly decreased in samples following high risk treatment in 60-70% of patients. Number of samples diagnosed with azoospermia was significantly higher in samples collected following high-risk treatment compared to samples collected before treatment.

Limitations, reasons for caution

We analysed retrospective data from our hospital records. We could not oversee how many cancer patients were treated during this time-period and who might have been eligible for cryopreservation. We were able to compare samples from before and after treatment only in a subgroup of patients.

Wider implications of the findings

Surveillance of fertility parameters, including regular spermiograms, following cancer treatment should be standard follow-up care to detect impairment, especially in men who have not cryopreserved samples previously. Even after moderate/low-risk gonadotoxic treatment, semen quality may be reduced. Simultaneously, these patients might be less likely to cryopreserve and therefore require attention.

Trial registration number

not applicable

P-461 “15 years of cryopreservation of semen and testicular tissue samples and outcomes of fertility treatments – a single centre experience at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin”

Study question

To explore practices of cryopreservation among male cancer patients and describe outcomes of fertility treatments with samples collected before and after cancer treatment.

Summary answer

Only 9.1% of cancer patients used their samples for fertility treatment (ART). Patients underwent ART mostly within the first two years and following high-risk treatment.

What is known already

Fertility preservation has become an important issue, due to the potential gonadotoxicity of oncological therapies. Most cancer patients who undergo gonadotoxic treatment desire to have children. Yet, cancer patients may suffer impaired spermatogenesis in more than a third to over two thirds of cases following standard or high dose cancer treatments, respectively. Identifying risk factors of infertility is therefore fundamental for individual and risk adapted patient counseling. Current guidelines recommend fertility preservation, especially cryopreservation of sperm/testicular tissue, in cancer patients who require gonadotoxic treatment. Rates of utilisation of cryopreserved samples for fertility treatment are low (often &lt;10%).

Study design, size, duration

In our retrospective study, we collected data from 506 cancer patients who cryopreserved semen/testicular tissue samples between 2004 and 2019 in our centre and for who oncological treatment data was available. Additionally, former patients who had used their previously cryopreserved samples were asked for informed consent to collect information on fertility treatment from the respective fertility centre in which they were treated.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

We collected oncologic and cryopreservation data from medical records, and fertility treatment data from external clinics. Patients were stratified according to age at diagnosis (&lt;18 or ≥ 18 years old), diagnosis (brain, testicular or solid tumors in other locations or hematologic malignancy) and time-point of cryopreservation (before or after gonadotoxic treatment). We assessed the following fertility outcomes: fertilisation, pregnancy, miscarriage and live birth rate as well as perinatal outcomes (gestational age, weight and height at delivery).

Main results and the role of chance

The majority of the 506 cancer patients (including 10.5% adolescents) had suffered from a testicular or hematological malignancy. The number of patients that underwent cryopreservation annually in our centre had increased over time. On average, patients collected one sample (1.2±0.4, range:1-3). The majority of samples were collected before oncologic treatment (460/600, 76.7%) and were semen samples (554/601, 92.2%). The rate of cryopreserved tissue was higher in adolescents compared to adults. At the time-point of our study, only 46 patients (9.1%) had used their samples (15,2% tissue samples) for fertility treatment after a median of 18 months following cryopreservation (IQR:7.25±27.5). We received fertility cycle information on 21 patients. Eleven couples (55.0%) had only required one cycle to achieve a pregnancy (range:1-3 cycles, n = 38). Between 70-80% of couples, depending on the cancer diagnosis, achieved at least one pregnancy. Out of 16 patients who had successfully achieved a pregnancy, thirteen succeeded using cryopreserved sperm, one patient required to change from fresh to cryopreserved sperm in the third cycle and two patients used fresh sperm. Rate of pregnancy per e mbryo transfer (ET) was 51.4% (19/37), including eleven singletons, three twin pairs, four miscarriages (in two patients) and one pregnancy with unknown outcome.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Bias might be caused by the restrospective study design and the fact that recommendations for clinical practice have changed over time. We could not collect information on patients who would have been eligible but did not perform cryopreservation, whose partners conceived spontaneously or who used tissue samples for ART.

Wider implications of the findings

This study supports sperm and tissue cryopreservation as effective methods for fertility preservation. The rate of ART utilisation is still low, however results from ART cycles are reassuring, also when cryopreserved semen samples are used. Upcoming high-risk treatment is a predictor for ART utilisation, whereas follow-up time is not.

Trial registration number

Our study was approved by the ethics committee of Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin (EA4/158/19).

Health of children born to childhood cancer survivors: Participant characteristics and methods of the Multicenter Offspring Study

INTRODUCTION

Research on childhood cancer survivor offspring has been limited to genetic disease occurrence, malformations or non-hereditary cancers. However, previous surveys indicated that survivors harbor fears about their (prospective) children's overall health. Our Multicenter Offspring Study examined extensive health aspects in children born to survivors and their siblings providing comprehensive information to be used in patient counseling to elucidate and alleviate existing concerns.

METHODS

Using a specifically designed questionnaire, childhood cancer survivors and their siblings were surveyed on their offspring's health (Supplementary material). Recruitment strategies depended on local infrastructures and standards of participating centers, including registry-based and direct approaches. Group differences were tested non-parametrically and effect sizes were calculated.

RESULTS

In total, 1126 survivors reported on 1780 offspring and 271 siblings reported on 441 offspring. Response rates ranged from 32.1% (Czech Republic) to 85.0% (Austria). Respondents were more likely to be female (p = .007), older at time of survey (p < .001), diagnosed 1980-1999 (p < .001) and treated with chemotherapy (p < .001). Compared to siblings, survivors were younger at time of survey (35 years vs. 39 years, p < .001) and at first birth (29 years vs. 30 years, p < .001). Survivor and sibling offspring only differed in terms of age at survey (6.3 years vs. 8.9 years, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

The Multicenter Offspring Study investigates a wide variety of health aspects in offspring born to survivors and their siblings in five European countries. Our study cohorts form a solid basis for future analyses; yet, certain limitations, due to differences in approach among participating centers, must be considered when interpreting findings.

Health-related quality of life of children born to childhood cancer survivors in Germany

OBJECTIVE

Rising childhood cancer survival rates have increased the importance of health-related quality of life (HRQL) assessment. While survivors show comparable HRQL to peers, concerns that cancer treatment could impact the health of prospective children were reported. No previous publications address HRQL of childhood cancer survivor offspring.

METHODS

We assessed survivor offspring HRQL using the parental KINDL questionnaire. Matched-pair analysis was conducted with data from the general population (KiGGS study) using age, gender and education (1:1, n = 1206 cases). Multivariate analyses were conducted to detect the influence of parental diagnose and treatment on offspring HRQL.

RESULTS

Overall, within KINDL dimensions, survivors reported comparable to higher HRQL for their children than the general population. Survivor parents reported significantly (p < 0.001) higher psychological (86.7% vs. 83.0%, Cohen's d = 0.3) and self-esteem (79.1% vs. 73.3%, Cohen's d = 0.5) well-being scores for younger children (3-6-year-olds). As time since diagnosis increased, parents reported higher well-being scores. Accordingly, recently diagnosed survivors reported significantly lower psychological well-being scores (p = 0.28; OR = 0.457; 95% CI = 0.228-0.918) for their children. With increasing age, average HRQL scores decreased in both cohorts; yet, this drop was less pronounced for survivor offspring. The biggest difference between age groups (7-10- vs. 14-17-year-olds) was found for school-specific well-being (6.2-point drop in survivor offspring vs. 18.2-point drop in KiGGS offspring).

CONCLUSION

Comparable to higher parentally assessed HRQL was reported for survivor offspring compared to peers. These findings are reassuring and consistent with self-reported HRQL in childhood cancer survivors. Type of parental cancer diagnosis and treatment showed no negative impact on offspring HRQL.

Fertility education for adolescent cancer patients: Gaps in current clinical practice in Europe

OBJECTIVE

As adolescent cancer patients may suffer from infertility following treatment, fertility counselling is essential. Our aim was to explore the current situation in four European countries in terms of (I) education about the risk for infertility, (II) counselling on fertility preservation, (III) patients' knowledge on fertility, (IV) sufficiency of information and (V) uptake of cryopreservation.

METHODS

In total, 113 patients (13-20 years) at 11 study centres completed a self-report questionnaire three and six months after cancer diagnosis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

As many as 80.2% of participants reported having received education about the risk for infertility prior to treatment, 73.2% recalled counselling on fertility preservation. Only 52.3% stated they felt sufficiently informed to make a decision. Inability to recall counselling on fertility preservation (OR = 0.03, CI: 0.00-0.47) and female gender (OR = 0.11, CI: 0.03-0.48) was associated with lower use of cryopreservation, whereas older age was associated with higher use.

CONCLUSION

Fertility counselling was available to a relatively high proportion of patients, and it did influence the utilisation of cryopreservation. However, many patients did not feel sufficiently informed. Further improvement is needed to enable adolescent cancer patients to make an informed decision on fertility preservation.

Vaccinations and Screening Examinations – Prevention Awareness Among Children of Childhood Cancer Survivors in Germany

Background Immunisation levels and attendance of preventive screening examinations indicate primary health prevention awareness. We investigated participation among German childhood cancer survivors’ (CCS’) offspring in our national offspring study.

Patients and methods CCS with biological children were surveyed on their offspring’s vaccination levels and attendance of preventive screening examinations by questionnaire. Data from the German general population was available for matched-pair analysis (KiGGS study, Robert Koch-Institute, n=17,641).

Results Overall, 852/1,299 (65,6%) CCS completed 1,340 questionnaires regarding their childrenʼs health. In comparison with the general population, coverage of tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis inoculations were similar (tetanus 99,1 vs. 98,4%). Measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations were carried out significantly more often by CCS’ offspring (rubella 96,1 vs. 91,7%). Throughout all age groups, preventive screening examinations were attended significantly more often by CCS’ offspring. Parentʼs anxiety regarding their offspring’s health was identified to be a confounding variable for vaccination rates.

Discussion and conclusion CCS’ offspring showed comparable to significantly higher participation levels of recommended vaccinations and screening examinations than their peers from the German general population. In contrast to the general population the attendance of CCS’ offspring did not decrease with rising age. CCS’ own experiences and increased worry about their children’s health may lead to a higher prevention awareness. This should be considered in counselling parents with a cancer history.

Determinants of utilization of cryopreservation of germ cells in adolescent cancer patients in four European countries

Infertility is a relevant late-effect following cancer treatment; yet, a large proportion of survivors cannot recall having been informed of this risk. In an intervention study, we examined if and how supportive patient information material on fertility/fertility-preserving measures influences utilization of cryopreservation in adolescent cancer patients. The control group, recruited 03/2014-01/2016, received the usual patient education at initial diagnosis. The intervention group, recruited 04/2016-10/2017, received patient education supported by a fertility flyer and brochure. Patients and parents were each asked questions on utilization of cryopreservation in a questionnaire 3 and 6 months after initial diagnosis. Patient core and therapy data were obtained from medical records. Overall, cryopreservation rates showed no significant difference between the control (32.7%, n = 37/113) and intervention group (36.6%, n = 37/101). In the control group, cryopreservation was associated with gender (OR 0.100, CI 0.023-0.427), age (OR 1.559, CI 1.077-2.258) and recalling information on fertility protection (OR 33.663, CI 2.100-539.574); in the intervention group, cryopreservation was related to gender (OR 0.093, CI 0.026-0.330) and the estimated infertility risk (OR 43.665, CI 2.157-883.974).Conclusion: Cryopreservation rates did not overall increase following the intervention; however, the individual risk seemed to be brought into attention more: Those at risk, including younger patients, cryopreserved at higher rates.What is Known:•Infertility is a relevant late-effect following adolescent cancer.•Guidelines recommend to offer fertility protection before cancer treatment.•A relevant proportion of adolescents with cancer are not aware of this risk.•Fertility protection seems under-used in cancer patients at risk for infertility.What is New:•Information material on fertility and protection in adolescents did not increase overall rates of cryopreservation.•Cryopreservation rates were improved according to individual risk for infertility.•Our flyers and brochures on fertility in cancer patients are available in various languages.

Fertility Preservation for Patients with Malignant Disease. Guideline of the DGGG, DGU and DGRM (S2k-Level, AWMF Registry No. 015/082, November 2017) - Recommendations and Statements for Girls and Women

Aim

The aim of this official guideline published by the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG) and coordinated with the German Society of Urology (DGU) and the German Society of Reproductive Medicine (DGRM) is to provide consensus-based recommendations, obtained by evaluating the relevant literature, on counseling and fertility preservation for prepubertal girls and boys as well as patients of reproductive age. Statements and recommendations for girls and women are presented below. Statements or recommendations for boys and men are not the focus of this guideline.

Methods

This S2k guideline was developed at the suggestion of the guideline commission of the DGGG, DGU and DGRM and represents the structured consensus of representative members from various professional associations (n = 40).

Recommendations

The guideline provides recommendations on counseling and fertility preservation for women and girls which take account of the patientʼs personal circumstances, the planned oncologic therapy and the individual risk profile as well as the preferred approach for selected tumor entities.

An efficient algorithm for extracting the magnitude of the measurement error for fractional dynamics

Modern live-imaging fluorescent microscopy techniques following the stochastic motion of labeled tracer particles, i.e. single particle tracking (SPT) experiments, have uncovered significant deviations from the laws of Brownian motion in a variety of biological systems. Accurately characterizing the anomalous diffusion for SPT experiments has become a central issue in biophysics. However, measurement errors raise difficulty in the analysis of single trajectories. In this paper, we introduce a novel surface calibration method based on a fractionally integrated moving average (FIMA) process as an effective tool for extracting both the magnitude of the measurement error and the anomalous exponent for autocorrelated processes of various origins. This method is developed using a toy model - fractional Brownian motion disturbed by independent Gaussian white noise - and is illustrated on both simulated and experimental biological data. We also compare this new method with the mean-squared displacement (MSD) technique, extended to capture the measurement noise in the toy model, which shows inferior results. The introduced procedure is expected to allow for more accurate analysis of fractional anomalous diffusion trajectories with measurement errors across different experimental fields and without the need for any calibration measurements.

Health-Related Behaviour Among Children of Childhood Cancer Survivors in Germany

Purpose: Childhood cancer survivors fear that previous therapy could not only impair their own but also their children's health. We examined whether health-related behaviour in children of childhood cancer survivors differs from the general population. Methods: Our first nationwide survey wave (2013-2014) surveyed offspring health in 396 German childhood cancer survivors known to have a child of their own. Answers about health behaviour were analysed using descriptive statistics. Data were collected for 418 offspring and 394 could be integrated for matched-pair analyses with data from the German general population (KIGGS, n=17 641). Results: Teeth-cleaning routine, body-mass-index or subjective body image evaluation by parents were no different from children in the general population. Parents who included a cancer survivor smoked less in the presence of their children (p=0.01). During pregnancy, mothers in cancer survivor parent pairs abstained from drinking alcohol more often (p=0.01) and smoked less (p=0.05). While the calculated effect sizes (Phi) were generally low (0.135-0.247), children from cancer survivors played less outdoors than peers did (p=0.01). Boys participated in sports outside a club more often (p=0.05) and watched less TV on weekdays (p=0.01) and girls spent more time on the computer during weekdays than peers did (p=0.01). Conclusions: This study provides the first data for health-related behaviour in cancer survivors' offspring and sheds light on differences to parenting in the general population. Multivariate analyses in a larger study population are needed to relate these differences to fear issues in cancer survivors.

Nationwide Survey on the Health of Offspring from Former Childhood Cancer Patients in Germany

BACKGROUND

Increased risk for infertility from cancer treatment and fear of health impairment in their offspring may prevent survivors of childhood cancer from having own children. Even though most studies report no increased risk for malformations, in our German fertility study 2008 a higher occurrence of cleft lip and palate was found in offspring of former patients.

METHODS

Since 2010 we assess offspring's health in a survey-based multicenter study, comparing diseases, well-being, healthcare utilization and health-related behavior between offspring from survivors, siblings or the general population. Within a first nationwide survey wave survivors who were known to have at least one child by previous fertility studies, received a questionnaire supported by the German Childhood Cancer Registry. Questionnaires were based on the KiGGS study on children's health in the German general population conducted by the Robert-Koch Institute (n=17,641).

RESULTS

Questionnaires on 418 children were answered by 65% (254/393) of survivors contacted to participate in the first nationwide offspring study wave. Participants were more likely to be female (p<0.01), to have achieved higher educational levels (p<0.05) and to be a survivor of a soft tissue tumor (p<0.05). Former patients expressed moderate to high anxiety for the occurrence of cancer in 74% and feared other diseases in their children in 20%.

CONCLUSION

Offspring health is a topic of major relevance to former patients. Our offspring study is currently being extended to ~1500 offspring of childhood cancer survivors in Europe.

Conversion of sugar beet leaf polysaccharides into single cell protein

Conversion of low-cost sugar beet leaves into valuable yeast biomass was described.

Age at menarche in childhood cancer survivors: results of a nationwide survey in Germany

BACKGROUND/AIMS

With rising cure rates of childhood cancer, side effects of treatment are attracting increasing interest. The present analysis evaluates the influence of tumor localization, radiotherapy and chemotherapy on the age of menarche.

METHODS

4,689 former pediatric oncology patients, diagnosed 1980-2004, were contacted in collaboration with the German Childhood Cancer Registry.

RESULTS

1,036 out of 1,461 female participants reported their age at menarche and had an oncological diagnosis before menarche. The median age at menarche was 13 years, compared to 12.8 years in the German general population. A significant delay of menarche was seen in patients with pituitary radiation doses of ≥30 Gy (mean 13.6 years, SD 2.2) compared to <30 Gy (mean 12.5 years, SD 1.4, p = 0.05). Patients with additional spinal radiation were even older at menarche (mean 14.4 years, SD 2.5). Pelvic and pelvic-near radiation significantly delayed onset of menarche (mean 14.0 years, SD 1.9 and mean 14.3, SD 2.6, respectively, p < 0.001). Only some chemotherapeutic agents (carboplatin/cisplatin, etoposide) were associated with a menarcheal delay of <1 year.

CONCLUSION

Overall, female childhood cancer survivors showed a normal menarcheal age. Pituitary radiation dosage of ≥30 Gy, spinal and pelvic radiotherapy were associated with a moderate delay in the occurrence of menarche.

Suspected infertility after treatment for leukemia and solid tumors in childhood and adolescence

BACKGROUND

With improved cure rates of cancer in children and adolescents, the long-term effects of oncological treatment, including impaired fertility, have become an important clinical issue.

METHODS

In 2008, we conducted a nationwide survey in Germany in which we asked 4689 female and male patients who had been treated for cancer in childhood or adolescence for information on menstruation, previous fertility testing (if any), attempts to conceive, and pregnancies. In a complementary study carried out in 2009, 748 former cancer patients in Berlin were offered hormone testing and sperm analysis. The defined criteria for suspected infertility were, in women, anti-muellerian hormone levels below 0.1 ng/mL; in men, FSH levels above 10 IU/L and inhibin B levels below 80 pg/mL, or azoospermia.

RESULTS

The respondents to the nationwide survey included 1476 leukemia survivors and 1278 persons who had had a solid tumor. 104 former leukemia patients and 96 former solid tumor patients had already undergone fertility testing, leading to the suspicion of infertility in 26% and 34% of the persons in these respective groups (95% confidence intervals [CI], 18%-34% and 25%-43%). The patients who were tested in the Berlin study included 59 leukemia survivors and 104 persons who had had a solid tumor. The frequency of suspected infertility in these two groups was 25% and 27%, respectively (95% CI, 14%-36% and 18%-36%).

CONCLUSION

Up to one-third of adults who undergo fertility testing after having been treated for cancer in childhood or adolescence have suspected infertility. Patients and their parents should be counseled about the possibility of infertility and about fertility-preserving measures.

Ketanserin, an antagonist of 5-HT2A receptor of serotonin, inhibits testosterone secretion by rat Leydig cells in vitro

The effect of ketanserin, an antagonist of 5-HT2A receptor of serotonin, added to the culture medium, on basal and LH-stimulated testosterone secretion was studied in primary cultures of adolescent rat Leydig cells. Ketanserin decreased the basal secretion of testosterone but showed an insignificant influence on the LH-stimulated process. It can be concluded that ketanserin may affect the testosterone-secreting cells by an indirect action at the vascular level as well as directly at the level of Leydig cells, at least in adolescent rats, leading to down-regulation of the basal testosterone secretion.