[Effects of cranial radiotherapy on growth and hypothalamo-hypophyseal function]

Aiming at evaluating the possible adverse effects of the use of radiotherapy on the CNS in children, we studied fourteen patients in whom it was used: seven as part of the conventional prophylaxis we use in malignant lymphoproliferative processes (group I) and the remaining seven as a treatment for primary cerebral tumors (group II). We evaluated growth during periods ranging from 1.5 to 11 years, and also hypothalamic-pituitary function by RIA. We comment on the results and confirm the endocrine alterations, especially the deficit of growth hormone.