Long-term endocrine effects of cancer treatment: experience of the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the frequency and degree of severity of endocrine late effects in patients treated for childhood cancer and to assess the value of the late effects clinic for continued monitoring of these patients.


METHODS
Data was collected on all patients who attended the late effects clinic at the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) between 1998-2003. Endocrine function was assessed by clinical and biochemical evaluation at the time of presentation and at ongoing intervals of 3-12 months as clinically indicated.


RESULTS
A total of 249 children attended the late effects clinic. Two hundred and thirty five endocrine diagnoses were made in 155 (62%) patients, of whom 63 patients had multiple endocrinopathies.


CONCLUSIONS
Our audit supports the need for ongoing prospective surveillance in survivors of childhood cancer. Appropriate and timely interventions in such patients can help to reduce morbidity and improve quality of life.
Hameed
R
R
Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Zacharin
M R
MR
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy; D010900:Pituitary Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014739:Victoria / Q000453:epidemiology
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents