Detection of recurrence in childhood solid tumors.
BACKGROUND
Frequent follow-up and regular investigation are routine in pediatric oncology. However, there is little evidence regarding their value in the detection of recurrent disease.


METHODS
The authors carried out a retrospective study of the follow-up of 186 children with solid tumors who were diagnosed between 1992 and 1996. The numbers of clinic visits, follow-up investigations, and (if appropriate) the mode of recurrence detection were recorded.


RESULTS
The mean follow-up was 5.9 years. During this time, 37 recurrences were detected, symptomatically in 54% of patients, by routine investigation in 30% of patients, and at routine clinic appointment in 16% of patients. It was calculated that routine magnetic resonance imaging detected 1 recurrence for every 42 scans performed, routine computed tomography detected 1 recurrence for every 129 scans performed, and routine chest radiography detected 1 recurrence for every 257 films.


CONCLUSIONS
The current results raise questions regarding the usefulness of such follow-up in children with solid tumors.
Howell
Lisa
L
Department of Pediatric Oncology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, Manchester, United Kingdom.
Mensah
Adjoa
A
Brennan
Bernadette
B
Makin
Guy
G
D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness / Q000473:pathology*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017678:Sex Distribution; D016019:Survival Analysis; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed