Projects / Programmes
Analysis of late effects after treatment of cancer in children and young adults
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 3.04.00 |
Medical sciences |
Oncology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B007 |
Biomedical sciences |
Medicine (human and vertebrates) |
Cancer, children, young adults, late effects
Researchers (13)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
The project«Late effects of chaildhood cancer« is being financed by the ministry of science since 1993, 650 former patients have been studied up to now. Analysing the results (4 doctoral dissertations, 3 magisterial works) we have shown the need for life-time follow-up of children treated for cancer. By finding a significant frequency of late damage and its increase with time, we showed that it is reasonable to follow those patients, who fell ill quite young and have a long life expectancy. The recently approved program for life-time follow-up of children treated for cancer makes this possible.
We have now over 2000 registered survivors, aged 16-30 at diagnosis. To enlarge our knowledge in this field further studies are necessary.
We are planning:1 A comparison of results of analysis of former patients aged 16-30 at diagnosis with the results of already analysed younger ones, frequency and risk factors for gonadal, cardiac and neurological disfunction, secondary tumors and psychosocial status.
2. In both age groups we plan:
Comparison of results and analysis of risk factors for thyroid disfunction and for procreativity of former patients, evaluation of newborn children ( including neurological) of former patients and risk factors for damage to kidneys and lungs.
Comparison of oncogens(e.g. P53 ) frequency in primary and secondary brain and thyroid tumors.
Significance for science
Studies on late effects are relatively new, decades ago cures of children treated for cancer have been rare. We are therefore only lately able to observe late sequelae of treatment in childhood cancer survivors . Through the years we have found more sequelae and their frequency is increasing with the time of follow-up, each result is therefore an important contribution to science. Slovenia is a small country with centralized treatment of children with cancer with the Cancer registry established in 1950 . These are unique conditions, which make it possible to collect data on a whole population with long follow-up. Each result in itself published abroad, is a contribution to science.
The results of the analyzes of late sequelae in childhood cancer survivors suggest onto a broadening of investigations to all patients treated for cancer at the younger age, who have a long life expectancy, their life-long follow-up is becomming necessary. There are no such population based investigations elsewhere, Slovenia could be leading in this field.
New findings about risk factors for late sequelae influence the choice of different ways of treatment of some malignancies and in the future consequences of such new treatments should also be investigated. This proces of follow-up and registration of possible new sequelae, has to be continued and at present cannot be completed.
Our results of treatment of children with cancer and our analyses of late effects of treatment, especially the organisation of this field , might be helpful in the promotion of Slovenia. Because of the favourable conditions in this respect large countries may learn from the results of our investigations.
Significance for the country
For the development of Slovenia the following findings are also important:
A: The survival of children treated for cancer is well comparable with the one in the USA and Western Europe, and is better than in Eastern Europe. This suggests that the treatment of our patients is adequate.
B: The investigation of pulmonary late sequelae in childhood cancer survivors has established the group with the highest risk in which X ray examination is necessary. In the great majority of the patients X ray invastigation can be omitted, survivors may be followed with pulmonary function testing, this being more sensitive , thus more important for detection of pathology.
C: With the study on late sequelae of the heart the group at the highest risk for such has been defined. Recommendations for adequate detection of cardiac late sequelae in childhood cancer survivors has been established and adequate information for the patients have been formulated.
D: Through the analysis of secondary malignancies in childhood cancer survivors a group at the highest risk for development of secondary malignancies has been defined. In this group causative factors for developement of cancer shall be investigated.
E: The psychological testing of our patients has shown that many among them, despite their high intellectual capacities, are not able to take their place in the society, because of the possible trauma after treatment of cancer. Psychological support with group meetings is of help with their problems. This special group of young adults is enriching our poplation with their unique experience and should be specially followed, cared for and supported.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2008,
2009,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2008,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
