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Late effects in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a study from Thai Pediatric Oncology Group

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Abstract

Survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are at risk of long-term late effects. Therefore, systematic screenings of the late complications are essential. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of late effects of Thai children and adolescents after completion of ALL therapy. We performed a cross-sectional study for evaluation of the late effects in ALL survivors who came for follow-up at 10 pediatric oncology centers in Thailand. We evaluated the treatment-related late complications of children and adolescents who had finished ALL treatment for at least 2 years. Demographic data, treatment modalities, and late effects were recorded and analyzed. There were 258 survivors with a median age of 12.2 years (range 3.6–23.3 years). The median follow-up time was 7.2 years (range 2–17.5 years). Forty-seven percent (122 cases) suffered from at least one late effect. Overweight/obesity was the most common late effect. Radiation of central nervous system was a significant risk factor for overweight/obesity (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.02–3.81) and educational problems (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.32–14.02). Our data have demonstrated a significant prevalence of late effects after childhood ALL therapy. A long-term follow-up program for survivors of childhood cancer is therefore needed in our country.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by National Research Council of Thailand, Clinical Research Collaboration Network (CRCN), and the Thai Society of Hematology. We thank Director of CRCN, Professor Piyatat Tatsanavivat. We would like to thank Ms Sommaphun Tabjareon who served as a project coordinator and analyzed the data. We also wish to thank Professor Amnuay Thithapandha for his help with English editing of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Rama VI Road, Rajthevi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand

    Samart Pakakasama

  2. Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand

    Gavivann Veerakul & Nattee Narkbunnam

  3. Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

    Darin Sosothikul

  4. Khon Kaen Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand

    Su-on Chainansamit

  5. Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand

    Vichai Laosombat

  6. Faculty of Medicine, Chiangmai University, Chiangmai, Thailand

    Pattra Thanarattanakorn

  7. Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand

    Rachata Lumkul

  8. Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand

    Surapon Wiangnon

  9. Buddhachinaraj Hospital, Phitsanulok, Thailand

    Somporn Wangruangsathit

  10. Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, Bangkok, Thailand

    Somjai Kanjanapongkul

Authors
  1. Samart Pakakasama
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  2. Gavivann Veerakul
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  3. Darin Sosothikul
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  4. Su-on Chainansamit
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  5. Vichai Laosombat
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  6. Pattra Thanarattanakorn
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  7. Rachata Lumkul
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  8. Surapon Wiangnon
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  9. Somporn Wangruangsathit
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  10. Nattee Narkbunnam
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  11. Somjai Kanjanapongkul
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Samart Pakakasama.

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Pakakasama, S., Veerakul, G., Sosothikul, D. et al. Late effects in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a study from Thai Pediatric Oncology Group. Int J Hematol 91, 850–854 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12185-010-0594-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12185-010-0594-9

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