Inherited disorders as a risk factor and predictor of neurodevelopmental outcome in pediatric cancer

Each year in the United States, an average of one to two children per 10,000 develop cancer. The etiology of most childhood cancer remains largely unknown but is likely attributable to random or induced genetic aberrations in somatic tissue. However, a subset of children develops cancer in the setting of an underlying inheritable condition involving a germline genetic mutation or chromosomal aberration. Despite overall improved survival rates for children with cancer over recent decades, many patients experience neurological and neurocognitive complications during the course of their illness and/or as late effects of treatment. Improvements in therapy, longer survival times, and improved imaging techniques have all increased both the time that patients are at risk and the ability to detect such complications. How an underlying inherited disorder influences the incidence, timing, etiology, and treatment of such sequelae has not been extensively documented, but evidence exists for an increased risk for secondary malignancies and in some cases life-threatening sensitivity/toxicity to conventionally dosed cancer treatments, thus emphasizing the need for the early recognition of such syndromes. This review outlines the major tumor- and treatment-related neurodevelopmental sequelae in pediatric cancer patients, with particular attention to children with an underlying inheritable disorder.