Growth of long term survivors of childhood malignancy

The growth of all children from one referral centre alive and well more than three years following the diagnosis of malignancy was analysed. Those treated with chemotherapy alone showed significant catch up growth. Children treated with chemotherapy and spinal irradiation showed no overall height loss, but manifested significant reduction in sitting height. Those treated by cranial irradiation had a significant height loss in the first year from which no catch up growth occurred and also had significantly reduced sitting height.