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Oncological imaging: tumor surveillance in children

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Abstract

As the need for accurate diagnostic imaging often continues throughout a cancer survivor’s life, imaging methods with the least toxicity must be used so as to provide needed information without contributing to long-term sequelae that might compound toxicities inherent with the primary disease and its treatment. In this regard, the costs, benefits and potential risks of post-therapy monitoring for disease recurrence warrant periodic review. Unfortunately, few analyses are available regarding the impact of surveillance imaging on the detection of disease recurrence, salvage rates of relapse disease and long-term survival outcomes for pediatric cancer survivors. This review will examine the role and limitations of surveillance imaging in pediatric oncology.

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Acknowledgement

We thank Ms. Sandra Gaither for manuscript preparation.

Disclaimer

The supplement this article is part of is not sponsored by the industry. Dr. Kaste discloses that this work is supported in part by grants P30 CA-21765 from the National Institutes of Health, a Center of Excellence grant from the State of Tennessee, and the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiological Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, MSN 220, Memphis, TN, 38105–2794, USA

    Sue C. Kaste

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  1. Sue C. Kaste
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Correspondence to Sue C. Kaste.

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Kaste, S.C. Oncological imaging: tumor surveillance in children. Pediatr Radiol 41 (Suppl 2), 505 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-011-2108-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-011-2108-1

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