Other non-reproductive endocrine abnormalities in the survivors of childhood and adolescent cancers: review

Abstract

There are numerous treatment-related risks for long-term adverse outcomes among survivors of childhood cancer after exposure to chemotherapeutic drugs and radiotherapy. Cancer types in which risk of endocrine system abnormality is higher are central nervous system tumors, Hodgkin Lenfoma and hematological disorders with patients who underwent whole-body irradiation and high-dose, especially alkylating agents chemotherapy drugs, prior to the scheduled bone marrow transplantation. Cognitive dysfunction after cranial irradiation, poor cardiovascular outcomes, obesity, radiation-associated differences in pubertal timing, development of primary hypothyroidism, impaired skeletal growth breast cancer as a second malignant neoplasm, and osteonecrosis. Growth retardation and shortness of the target size can be seen in patients with growth hormone deficiency, central precocious puberty and primary hypothyroidism. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) deficiency can be seen in long-term use of corticosteroids, in the presence of brain tumor, in patients undergoing radiation on the pituitary region, or depending tumor growth or compression. In this review article, up to date information about other non reproductive endocrine abnormalities in the female survivors of childhood and adolescent cancers.