[Late effects of tumour treatment. Structural changes in the spinal column seen on X-rays]

Cure rates are increasing in pediatric oncology; simultaneously the numbers of late effects of therapy are also increasing. 64 children with malignant neoplastic disease in whom the spine had been partially or totally exposed during X-ray treatment were re-investigated for radiographically visible irradiation effects on the vertebral column. 140 different abnormalties were found in 56 children of which scolioses were the most important. Irradiation for Wilms' tumour produced more numerous changes than direct irradiation of the vertebral column. In spite of the unexpectedly high number of growth defects rigorous X-ray treatment is indicated in certain circumstances. The growth abnormalities were of only minor clinical significance.