Wilms tumour in a patient with growth hormone replacement therapy

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Pediatric Oncology
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Growth hormone (GH) deficiency is a condition requiring hormone replacement therapy.
• GH therapy has been used since 1975 for GH deficient patients.
• Potential risks of long-term therapies are continuously monitored.

Observation:

• A 5-year-old Japanese boy with isolated GH deficiency and congenital anomalies was treated with pituitary GH.
• Following an interval, he received biosynthetic GH therapy.
• A Wilms tumour became clinically apparent during the second course of GH therapy.

Findings:

• This represents the sixth reported case of a malignant neoplasm in a patient with GH deficiency during or after GH replacement therapy.
• It is the first solid tumour reported in Japan in this context since 1975.
• The patient received both pituitary-derived and biosynthetic GH preparations.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of vigilance for potential oncogenic risks associated with GH replacement therapy.
• Further research may be needed to fully elucidate the relationship between GH therapy and specific cancer types.
• Close monitoring of patients undergoing GH therapy is crucial for early detection of adverse events.