Late effects of childhood malignancies seen in Western Australia

Eighty-nine pediatric oncology patients, in remission and off treatment for at least 4 years, were reviewed annually in the Late Effects Clinic of Princess Margaret Hospital for Children in Perth, Western Australia. Interval from time of diagnosis to follow-up ranged from 4 to 23 years (mean 10.8 years). Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (40%) and Wilms' tumor (27%) were the most common primary malignancies in this group. Late sequelae included musculoskeletal abnormalities (23 children), growth hormone deficiency (11), second tumors (9), learning difficulties (7), puberty and fertility problems (4), and hypothyroidism (4). These complications were most often related to radiation therapy. The need for prolonged, regular follow-up of survivors of childhood malignancy for early detection of late sequelae and subsequent intervention is stressed.