Shrunken pore syndrome in childhood cancer survivors treated with potentially nephrotoxic therapy

Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at risk of kidney dysfunction. Recently, the shrunken pore syndrome (SPS) has been described, which is characterized by selectively impaired filtration of larger molecules like cystatin C, while filtration of smaller molecules like creatinine is unaltered. It has been associated with increased mortality, even in the presence of a normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of SPS in CCS exposed to potentially nephrotoxic therapy. In the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (DCCSS)-LATER 2 Renal study, a nationwide cross-sectional cohort study, 1024 CCS ≥5 years after diagnosis, aged ≥18 years at study, treated between 1963-2001 with nephrectomy, abdominal radiotherapy, total body irradiation, cisplatin, carboplatin, ifosfamide, high-dose cyclophosphamide or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation participated, and 500 age- and sex-matched controls form Lifelines. SPS was defined as an eGFR_cys/eGFR_cr ratio <0.6 in the absence of non-GFR determinants of cystatin C and creatinine metabolism (i.e. hyperthyroidism, corticosteroids, underweight). Three pairs of eGFR-equations were used; CKD-EPI_cys/CKD-EPI_cr, CAPA/LMR, and FAS_cys/FAS_age. Median age was 32 years. Although an eGFR_cys/eGFR_cr ratio <0.6 was more common in CCS (1.0%) than controls (0%) based on the CKD-EPI equations, most cases were explained by non-GFR determinants. The prevalence of SPS in CCS was 0.3% (CKD-EPI equations), 0.2% (CAPA/LMR) and 0.1% (FAS equations), and not increased compared to controls. CCS treated with nephrotoxic therapy are not at increased risk for SPS compared to controls. Yet, non-GFR determinants are more common and should be taken into account when estimating GFR.

Oncofertility Perspectives for Girls with Cancer

Infertility is a serious early, as well as late, effect of childhood cancer treatment. If addressed in a timely manner at diagnosis, fertility preservation measures can be taken, preferably before the start of cancer treatment. However, pediatric oncologists might remain reluctant to offer counseling on fertility-preservation methods, although infrastructure to freeze ovarian tissue has become available and is currently considered standard care for pre- and postpubertal girls at high risk of gonadal damage. More importantly, risk factors have been identified for cancer treatment-related impairment of gonadal function, and the first successful pregnancies have been reported after autotransplanted ovarian tissue, which has been harvested from children. Additionally, great progress has been made in the field of ex vivo maturation of oocytes in frozen ovarian tissue, which provides opportunities for those at risk of ovarian micrometastasis. Hence, it is time to counsel girls at risk and make every effort to cryopreserve their ovarian tissue, now more than ever before.

Progressive diastolic dysfunction in survivors of pediatric differentiated thyroid carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has an excellent prognosis but unknown late effects of treatment. The initial cardiac evaluation showed subclinical diastolic dysfunction in 20% of adult survivors. The objective of this follow-up study was to determine the clinical course of this finding.

METHODS

This multicenter study, conducted between 2018 and 2020, re-evaluated survivors after 5 years. The primary endpoint was echocardiographic diastolic cardiac function (depicted by the mean of the early diastolic septal and early diastolic lateral tissue velocity (e' mean)). Secondary endpoints were other echocardiographic parameters and plasma biomarkers.

RESULTS

Follow-up evaluation was completed in 47 (71.2%) of 66 survivors who had completed their initial evaluation. Of these 47 survivors, 87.2% were women. The median age was 39.8 years (range: 18.8-60.3), and the median follow-up after the initial diagnosis was 23.4 years (range: 10.2-48.8). Between the first and second evaluation, the e' mean significantly decreased by 2.1 cm/s (s.d. 2.3 cm/s, P < 0.001). The median left ventricular ejection fraction did not significantly change (58.0% vs 59.0%, P= NS). In the best explanatory model of e' mean, multivariate linear regression analysis showed that BMI and age were significantly associated with e' mean (β coefficient: -0.169, 95% CI: -0.292; -0.047, P = 0.008 and β coefficient: -0.177, 95% CI: -0.240; -0.113, P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In these relatively young survivors of pediatric DTC, diastolic function decreased significantly during 5-year follow-up and is possibly more pronounced than in normal aging. This finding requires further follow-up to assess clinical consequences.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary and Other Endocrine Surveillance Among Childhood Cancer Survivors

Endocrine disorders in survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult (CAYA) cancers are associated with substantial adverse physical and psychosocial effects. To improve appropriate and timely endocrine screening and referral to a specialist, the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group (IGHG) aims to develop evidence and expert consensus-based guidelines for healthcare providers that harmonize recommendations for surveillance of endocrine disorders in CAYA cancer survivors. Existing IGHG surveillance recommendations for premature ovarian insufficiency, gonadotoxicity in males, fertility preservation, and thyroid cancer are summarized. For hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) dysfunction, new surveillance recommendations were formulated by a guideline panel consisting of 42 interdisciplinary international experts. A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE (through PubMed) for clinically relevant questions concerning HP dysfunction. Literature was screened for eligibility. Recommendations were formulated by drawing conclusions from quality assessment of all evidence, considering the potential benefits of early detection and appropriate management. Healthcare providers should be aware that CAYA cancer survivors have an increased risk for endocrine disorders, including HP dysfunction. Regular surveillance with clinical history, anthropomorphic measures, physical examination, and laboratory measurements is recommended in at-risk survivors. When endocrine disorders are suspected, healthcare providers should proceed with timely referrals to specialized services. These international evidence-based recommendations for surveillance of endocrine disorders in CAYA cancer survivors inform healthcare providers and highlight the need for long-term endocrine follow-up care in subgroups of survivors and elucidate opportunities for further research.

Second primary malignancies induced by radioactive iodine treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma - a critical review and evaluation of the existing evidence

PURPOSE

Concern is growing about long-term side effects of differentiated thyroid cancer treatment, most notably radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. However, published studies on the subject have had heterogeneous cohorts and conflicting results. This review seeks to provide an updated evaluation of published evidence, and to elucidate the risk of second primary malignancies (SPMs), especially secondary hematologic malignancies (SHMs), attributable to RAI therapy.

METHODS

An extensive literature search was performed in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE and In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and PubMed. Studies regarding RAI-induced SPMs or a dose-response relationship between RAI therapy and SPMs were identified, 10 of which were eligible for the analysis. We evaluated risk of bias in each study and judged quality of evidence (QOE) across all studies using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach.

RESULTS

For the outcome "SPM", the relative effect (relative risk, hazard ratio, or odds ratio) of RAI vs. no RAI ranged from 1.14 to 1.84 across studies, but most results were not statistically significant. For the outcome "SHM", reported relative effects ranged from 1.30 to 2.50, with 2/3 of the studies presenting statistically significant results. In 7/8 of the studies, increased risk for SPM was shown with increasing cumulative RAI activity. QOE was "very low" regarding SPM after RAI and regarding a dose-response relationship, and "low" for SHM after RAI.

CONCLUSION

Based on low quality evidence, an excess risk for the development of SPM cannot be excluded but is expected to be small.

FDG PET/CT in differentiated thyroid cancer patients with low thyroglobulin levels

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the usefulness of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emissive tomography (PET)/CT in patients with low detectable thyroglobulin levels suspicious for persistent or recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).

METHODS

A retrospective case series study evaluating FDG PET/CT in patients with detectable thyroglobulin (Tg) levels (≥0.20 and <10.00 ng/mL) after initial treatment with total thyroidectomy and I-131 thyroid remnant ablation for pT1-3aN0-1bM0 DTC. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of FDG PET/CT were calculated.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients underwent FDG PET/CT. Median Tg level at FDG PET/CT was 2.00 ng/mL (range 0.30-9.00). FDG PET/CT was positive in 14 patients (51.9%): lesions suspicious for lymph node metastases were depicted in 12 patients, and lung metastases in 2. DTC was confirmed in 13/14 FDG PET/CT-positive patients. In 9/13 patients with a negative FDG PET/CT, DTC was confirmed ≤3 months after FDG PET/CT. The sensitivity, PPV, specificity and NPV were 59.1, 92.9, 80.0 and 30.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This case series shows that FDG PET/CT might be useful to detect persistent or recurrent DTC in patients with low detectable Tg. However, when FDG PET/CT is negative, this does not rule out DTC and further investigations are necessary.

Thyroid function after diagnostic 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine in children with neuroblastic tumors

BACKGROUND

Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) labeled with radioisotopes can be used for diagnostics ¹²³I^-) and treatment (¹³¹I^-) in patients with neuroblastic tumors. Thyroid dysfunction has been reported in 52% of neuroblastoma (NBL) survivors after ¹³¹I-MIBG, despite thyroid protection. Diagnostic ¹²³I-MIBG is not considered to be hazardous for thyroid function; however, this has never been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in survivors of a neuroblastic tumor who received diagnostic ¹²³I-MIBG only.

METHODS

Thyroid function and uptake of ¹²³I^- in the thyroid gland after ¹²³I-MIBG administrations were evaluated in 48 neuroblastic tumor survivors who had not been treated with ¹³¹I-MIBG. All patients had received thyroid prophylaxis consisting of potassium iodide or a combination of potassium iodide, thiamazole and thyroxine during exposure to ¹²³I-MIBG.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 6.6 years, thyroid function was normal in 46 of 48 survivors (95.8%). Two survivors [prevalence 4.2% (95% CI 1.2-14.0)] had mild thyroid dysfunction. In 29.2% of the patients and 11.1% of images ¹²³I^- uptake was visible in the thyroid. In 1 patient with thyroid dysfunction, weak uptake of ¹²³I^- was seen on 1 of 10 images.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction does not seem to be increased in patients with neuroblastic tumors who received ¹²³I-MIBG combined with thyroid protection. Randomized controlled trials are required to investigate whether administration of ¹²³I-MIBG without thyroid protection is harmful to the thyroid gland.

Hypothalamic syndrome

Hypothalamic syndrome (HS) is a rare disorder caused by disease-related and/or treatment-related injury to the hypothalamus, most commonly associated with rare, non-cancerous parasellar masses, such as craniopharyngiomas, germ cell tumours, gliomas, cysts of Rathke's pouch and Langerhans cell histiocytosis, as well as with genetic neurodevelopmental syndromes, such as Prader-Willi syndrome and septo-optic dysplasia. HS is characterized by intractable weight gain associated with severe morbid obesity, multiple endocrine abnormalities and memory impairment, attention deficit and reduced impulse control as well as increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Currently, there is no cure for this condition but treatments for general obesity are often used in patients with HS, including surgery, medication and counselling. However, these are mostly ineffective and no medications that are specifically approved for the treatment of HS are available. Specific challenges in HS are because the syndrome represents an adverse effect of different diseases, and that diagnostic criteria, aetiology, pathogenesis and management of HS are not completely defined.

Safety of growth hormone replacement in survivors of cancer and intracranial and pituitary tumours: a consensus statement

Growth hormone (GH) has been used for over 35 years, and its safety and efficacy has been studied extensively. Experimental studies showing the permissive role of GH/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I) in carcinogenesis have raised concerns regarding the safety of GH replacement in children and adults who have received treatment for cancer and those with intracranial and pituitary tumours. A consensus statement was produced to guide decision-making on GH replacement in children and adult survivors of cancer, in those treated for intracranial and pituitary tumours and in patients with increased cancer risk. With the support of the European Society of Endocrinology, the Growth Hormone Research Society convened a Workshop, where 55 international key opinion leaders representing 10 professional societies were invited to participate. This consensus statement utilized: (1) a critical review paper produced before the Workshop, (2) five plenary talks, (3) evidence-based comments from four breakout groups, and (4) discussions during report-back sessions. Current evidence reviewed from the proceedings from the Workshop does not support an association between GH replacement and primary tumour or cancer recurrence. The effect of GH replacement on secondary neoplasia risk is minor compared to host- and tumour treatment-related factors. There is no evidence for an association between GH replacement and increased mortality from cancer amongst GH-deficient childhood cancer survivors. Patients with pituitary tumour or craniopharyngioma remnants receiving GH replacement do not need to be treated or monitored differently than those not receiving GH. GH replacement might be considered in GH-deficient adult cancer survivors in remission after careful individual risk/benefit analysis. In children with cancer predisposition syndromes, GH treatment is generally contraindicated but may be considered cautiously in select patients.

Mineralocorticoid receptor status in the human brain after dexamethasone treatment: a single case study

BACKGROUND

Synthetic glucocorticoids like dexamethasone can cause severe neuropsychiatric effects. They preferentially bind to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) over the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). High dosages result in strong GR activation but likely also result in lower MR activation based on GR-mediated negative feedback on cortisol levels. Therefore, reduced MR activity may contribute to dexamethasone-induced neuropsychiatric symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

In this single case study, we evaluate whether dexamethasone leads to reduced MR activation in the human brain. Brain tissue of an 8-year-old brain tumor patient was used, who suffered chronically from dexamethasone-induced neuropsychiatric symptoms and deceased only hours after a high dose of dexamethasone.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The efficacy of dexamethasone to induce MR activity was determined in HEK293T cells using a reporter construct. Subcellular localization of GR and MR was assessed in paraffin-embedded hippocampal tissue from the patient and two controls. In hippocampal tissue from the patient and eight controls, mRNA of MR/GR target genes was measured.

RESULTS

In vitro, dexamethasone stimulated MR with low efficacy and low potency. Immunofluorescence showed the presence of both GR and MR in the hippocampal cell nuclei after dexamethasone exposure. The putative MR target gene JDP2 was consistently expressed at relatively low levels in the dexamethasone-treated brain samples. Gene expression showed substantial variation in MR/GR target gene expression in two different hippocampus tissue blocks from the same patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Dexamethasone may induce MR nuclear translocation in the human brain. Conclusions on in vivo effects on gene expression in the brain await the availability of more tissue of dexamethasone-treated patients.

Transition From Diencephalic Syndrome to Hypothalamic Obesity in Children With Suprasellar Low Grade Glioma: A Case Series

BACKGROUND

Children with suprasellar low grade glioma (LGG) frequently develop problems to maintain their body weight within the normal range, due to hypothalamic dysfunction. Hypothalamic damage may result in the diencephalic syndrome (DS), characterized by underweight or failure to thrive, but also in hypothalamic obesity (HO). Children with LGG presenting with DS at young age often develop HO later in life. The underlying pathophysiology for this change in body mass index (BMI) is not understood. Previous hypotheses have focused on the tumor or its treatment as the underlying cause. To better understand its etiology, we aimed to relate changes in BMI over time in children with suprasellar LGG presenting with DS to age, tumor progression, treatment, and endocrine function. We hypothesize that the development of HO in children with LGG presenting with DS is related to maturation status of the hypothalamus at time of injury and thus age.

METHODS

In this retrospective case series, all cases diagnosed in the Netherlands with suprasellar located LGG, currently treated or followed, with a history of DS developing into HO were included.

RESULTS

In total, 10 children were included. Median age at LGG diagnosis was 1.5 years (range 0.4-5.5), median BMI SDS was -2.64. The children developed overweight at a median age of 4.5 years (2.2-9.8). The median total difference in BMI SDS between underweight and obesity was +5.75 SDS (4.5-8.7). No association could be found between transition of DS to HO and onset of a pituitary disorder (present in 70.0%), surgery, chemotherapy, or tumor behavior. Two had developed central precocious puberty (CPP), both while having underweight or normal weight.

CONCLUSION

The shift from DS to HO in children with hypothalamic LGG may be associated with age and not to tumor behavior, treatment characteristics or pituitary function. The development of CPP in these children seems not to be related to obesity. Our findings may indicate that the clinical picture of hypothalamic dysfunction reflects the maturation state of the hypothalamus at time of lesioning. Future prospective studies are needed to better understand underlying causative mechanisms of the morbid changes in body weight.

Dextroamphetamine Treatment in Children With Hypothalamic Obesity

INTRODUCTION

Hypothalamic obesity (HO) in children has severe health consequences. Lifestyle interventions are mostly insufficient and currently no drug treatment is approved for children with HO. Amphetamines are known for their stimulant side-effect on resting energy expenditure (REE) and suppressing of appetite. Earlier case series have shown positive effects of amphetamines on weight in children with acquired HO. We present our experiences with dextroamphetamine treatment in the, up to now, largest cohort of children with HO.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort evaluation was performed of children with HO treated with dextroamphetamine at two academic endocrine pediatric clinics. Off-label use of dextroamphetamine was initiated in patients with progressive, therapy-resistant acquired or congenital HO. Anthropometrics, REE, self-reported (hyperphagic) behavior and energy level, and side effects were assessed at start and during treatment.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients with a mean age of 12.3 ± 4.0 years had been treated with dextroamphetamine. In two patients, ΔBMI SDS could not be evaluated due to short treatment duration or the simultaneous start of extensive lifestyle treatment. Mean treatment duration of the 17 evaluated patients was 23.7 ± 12.7 months. Fourteen patients (n = 10 with acquired HO, n = 4 with congenital HO) responded by BMI decline or BMI stabilization (mean ΔBMI SDS of -0.6 ± 0.8, after a mean period of 22.4 ± 10.5 months). In three patients, BMI SDS increased (mean ΔBMI SDS of +0.5 ± 0.1, after a mean period of 29.7 ± 22.6 months). In 11 responders, measured REE divided by predicted REE increased with +8.9%. Thirteen patients (68.4%) reported decreased hyperphagia, improvement of energy level and/or behavior during treatment. Two patients developed hypertension during treatment, which resulted in dosage adjustment or discontinuation of treatment. Twelve children continued treatment at last moment of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

In addition to supportive lifestyle interventions, dextroamphetamine treatment may improve BMI in children with HO. Furthermore, dextroamphetamines have the potential to decrease hyperphagia and improve resting energy expenditure, behavior, and energy level. In patients with acquired HO, these effects seem to be more pronounced when compared to patients with congenital HO. Future studies are needed to support these results.

Fasting Intervention for Children With Unilateral Renal Tumors to Reduce Toxicity

Childhood renal tumors account for around 6% of all childhood cancers and 90% of these cases are Wilms tumor. In Europe, the SIOP-RTSG approach is considered standard of care and has resulted in five-year survival rates of over 90%. Efforts to decrease toxicity are now being pursued. Short-term fasting (STF), a short but strong reduction in calorie-intake, is associated with improved fitness, enhanced coping with acute physical stress and a lower risk of age-associated diseases. STF temporarily reduces growth to boost resilience, maintenance, and defense-mechanisms, by which toxic side-effects of (oxidative) damage and inflammation are largely prevented. Renal surgery for Wilms tumor carries a risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) and pediatric patients that had an episode of AKI are at increased risk for developing chronic renal disease. STF could mitigate surgery-induced stress and could further improve outcomes. We aim to investigate the effect of STF on renal function recovery after renal tumor surgery by conducting a single-center, prospective, randomized, non-blinded, intervention study. Children diagnosed with a unilateral renal tumor and opting for curative treatment are eligible for inclusion. The main study objective is to investigate the potential decrease in occurrence of AKI due to STF. Secondary objectives include renal function recovery, child's wellbeing, physical functioning, and feasibility of and adherence to STF in children with cancer.

Long-Term Oncological Outcomes of Papillary Thyroid Cancer and Follicular Thyroid Cancer in Children: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric thyroid carcinoma is a rare malignancy and data on long-term oncological outcomes are sparse. The aim of this study was to describe the long-term oncological outcomes of pediatric papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) in a national cohort, and to identify risk factors for recurrence.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide, retrospective cohort study, in which we combined two national databases. Patients aged <18 years, diagnosed with PTC or FTC in the Netherlands between 2000 and 2016, were included. pT-stage, pN-stage, multifocality and angioinvasion were included in a Cox-regression analysis for the identification of risk factors for recurrence.

RESULTS

133 patients were included: 110 with PTC and 23 with FTC. Patients with PTC most often presented with pT2 tumors (24%) and pN1b (45%). During a median follow-up of 11.3 years, 21 patients with PTC developed a recurrence (19%). Nineteen recurrences were regional (91%) and 2 were pulmonary (9%). No risk factors for recurrence could be determined. One patient who developed pulmonary recurrence died two years later. Cause of death was not captured. Patients with FTC most often presented with pT2 tumors (57%). One patient presented with pN1b (4%). In 70%, no lymph nodes were collected. None of the patients with FTC developed a recurrence or died.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric PTC and FTC are two distinct diseases. Recurrence in pediatric PTC is common, but in FTC it is not. Survival for both pediatric PTC and FTC is very good.

Bone Mineral Density in Adult Survivors of Pediatric Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: A Longitudinal Follow-Up Study

Background: Survivors of pediatric differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) receive thyrotropin-suppressive therapy to minimize disease recurrence. However, knowledge about long-term effects of subclinical hyperthyroidism on bone mineral density (BMD) in pediatric DTC survivors is scarce, as is the information regarding long-term consequences of permanent hypoparathyroidism on BMD. We evaluated BMD in pediatric DTC survivors and investigated if BMD was affected by subclinical hyperthyroidism and/or permanent hypoparathyroidism during long-term follow-up. Methods: In this nationwide longitudinal study, we determined BMD in the lumbar spine and femur by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in 65 pediatric DTC survivors. Measurements were repeated after minimal 5 years of follow-up in 46 pediatric DTC survivors. BMD results were evaluated according to the recommendations of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) and WHO. At both visits, we determined biochemical parameters and markers of bone resorption (C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen [β-CTX]) and formation (N-propeptide of type I collagen [PINP] and osteocalcin). Results: First and second BMD measurements were done after a median follow-up of 17.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 8.0-25.0) and 23.5 (IQR 14.0-30.0) years after diagnosis, respectively. Median age at diagnosis was 15 years (IQR 13.0-17.0). Twenty-nine percent of the survivors had subclinical hyperthyroidism. In most survivors, BMD T- and Z-scores were within the reference range during both BMD evaluations. However, after 23.5 years of follow-up, a low BMD was found in 13.0%. In the 13 survivors with permanent hypoparathyroidism, BMD values did not differ after 5 years of follow-up compared with baseline values or in comparison with the 33 survivors without permanent hypoparathyroidism. During follow-up, turnover markers β-CTX and PINP remained stable. Conclusions: This longitudinal study of pediatric DTC survivors demonstrated normal and stable median lumbar spine and femur BMD values after a median time of 17 and 23.5 years after diagnosis. However, compared with controls, a lower BMD was still found in 13.0% after prolonged follow-up despite intensive follow-up. Based on the studied follow-up period, these data do not provide convincing evidence in support of standard monitoring of bone mass among DTC survivors, but may be restricted to individual cases at low frequency. Trial Registration: This follow-up study was registered in The Netherlands Trial Register under no. NL3280 (www.trialregister.nl/trial/3280).

Opposite Incidence Trends for Differentiated and Medullary Thyroid Cancer in Young Dutch Patients over a 30-Year Time Span

Simple Summary

Thyroid cancer is a rare disease in childhood; however, its incidence is rising. Thyroid cancer consists of three main types: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), follicular thyroid cancer (FTC), and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). The aim of our retrospective study was to investigate the incidence and survival trends of these three thyroid cancer types in Dutch children, adolescents, and young adults over a 30-year life span. In total, 839 patients aged 0–24 years had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer between 1990 and 2019. The incidence of PTC increased significantly over time, the incidence of FTC showed a stable trend, while the incidence of MTC decreased significantly. Overall, the 10-year survival rates over the last decades were high (>95%) for PTC, FTC, and MTC in young individuals.

Abstract

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy in children. A rising incidence has been reported worldwide. Possible explanations include the increased use of enhanced imaging (leading to incidentalomas) and an increased prevalence of risk factors. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and survival trends of thyroid cancer in Dutch children, adolescents, and young adults (0–24 years) between 1990 and 2019. The age-standardized incidence rates of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC, including papillary and follicular thyroid cancer (PTC and FTC, respectively)) and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), the average annual percentage changes (AAPC) in incidence rates, and 10-year overall survival (OS) were calculated based on data obtained from the nationwide cancer registry (Netherlands Cancer Registry). A total of 839 patients aged 0–24 years had been diagnosed with thyroid carcinoma (PTC: 594 (71%), FTC: 128 (15%), MTC: 114 (14%)) between 1990 and 2019. The incidence of PTC increased significantly over time (AAPC +3.6%; 95%CI +2.3 to +4.8), the incidence rate of FTC showed a stable trend ((AAPC −1.1%; 95%CI −3.4 to +1.1), while the incidence of MTC decreased significantly (AAPC: −4.4% (95%CI −7.3 to −1.5). The 10-year OS was 99.5% (1990–1999) and 98.6% (2000–2009) in patients with DTC and 92.4% (1990–1999) and 96.0% (2000–2009) in patients with MTC. In this nationwide study, a rising incidence of PTC and decreasing incidence of MTC were observed. For both groups, in spite of the high proportion of patients with lymph node involvement at diagnosis for DTC and the limited treatment options for MTC, 10-year OS was high.

Children with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B: Not tall and marfanoid, but short with normal body proportions

OBJECTIVE

Multiple endocrine neoplasia 2B (MEN2B) is characterised by early-onset medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), pheochromocytoma and several nonendocrine manifestations. Unfortunately, MEN2B is often diagnosed late, after the development of clinically significant MTC. Marfanoid habitus is considered an important related feature, which may lead to the assumption that patients with MEN2B have tall stature. Here, we describe the longitudinal growth and body proportions of eight MEN2B patients during childhood.

DESIGN

It is a retrospective case series.

METHODS

Patients were under the care of a Dutch MEN expertise centre. Growth patterns were assessed and interpreted in relation to body mass index (BMI), age at diagnosis and at thyroidectomy, extensiveness of disease manifestations and parental height.

RESULTS

Seven patients were short during childhood, of whom four showed growth below target height range (THR) and three at the lowest margin of THR. Only one patient grew well within THR. All patients who attained final height (n = 4) ended within THR, despite short stature during childhood. Arm span/height ratio was not increased and upper segment/lower segment ratio was not reduced in any patient. Short stature in childhood in this study did not seem to be associated with age at diagnosis, age at thyroidectomy, extensiveness of MTC, endocrine deficiencies or BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that children with MEN2B may well present with short rather than tall stature. Thereafter, final height within THR was attained in those who already reached adulthood, but none had tall stature. Finally, body proportions were normal in all children and adults in this case series, not underlining a 'marfanoid' body habitus.

Vitamin D supplementation for children with cancer: A systematic review and consensus recommendations

Background

Prevalent vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and low bone mineral density (BMD) have led to vitamin D supplementation for children with cancer, regardless vitamin D status. However, it remains unsettled whether this enhances bone strength. We sought to address this issue by carrying out a systematic review of the literature.

Methods

We conducted a literature search using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Studies including children up to 5 years after cancer therapy were assessed for the association between 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels and BMD Z‐scores or fractures, and the effect of vitamin D supplementation on BMD or fractures. Evidence quality was assessed using the GRADE methodology.

Results

Nineteen studies (16 observational and 3 interventional, mainly involving children with hematologic malignancies) were included. One study which analyzed 25OHD as a threshold variable (≤10 ng/ml) found a significant association between 25OHD levels and BMD Z‐scores, while 25OHD as a continuous variable was not significantly associated with BMD Z‐scores in 14 observational studies. We found neither a significant association between lower 25OHD levels and fractures (2 studies), nor between vitamin D (and calcium) supplementation and BMD or fracture frequency (3 studies) (very low quality evidence).

Conclusion

There is a lack of evidence for an effect of vitamin D (and calcium) supplementation on BMD or fractures in children with cancer. Further research is needed; until then, we recommend dietary vitamin D/calcium intake in keeping with standard national guidelines, and periodic 25OHD monitoring to detect levels <20 ng/ml. Vitamin D/calcium supplementation is recommended in children with low levels, to maintain levels ≥20 ng/ml year‐long.

Timely diagnosis of multiple endocrine neoplasia 2B by identification of intestinal ganglioneuromatosis: a case series

BACKGROUND

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in childhood is rare and has an unfavorable prognosis. To improve outcome, early diagnosis is essential. In patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN2B), MTC can occur already before the age of 1 year. Recognition of non-endocrine features of MEN2B may lead to timely diagnosis.

PURPOSE

To describe how early recognition of non-endocrine features can lead to a timely diagnosis of MEN2B as well as the effect of recognition of premonitory symptoms on prognosis.

METHODS

A retrospective case series from the University Medical Center Utrecht/Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, a Dutch national expertise center for MEN patients. All eight MEN2B patients in follow-up between 1976 and 2020 were included and medical records reviewed.

RESULTS

Intestinal ganglioneuromatosis (IGN) as the cause of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms was detected in seven patients. In three of them within months after birth. This led to early diagnosis of MEN2B, which allowed subsequent curative thyroid surgery. On the contrary, a MEN2B diagnosis later in childhood-in three patients (also) triggered by oral neuromas/neurofibromas-led to recurrent, persistent, and/or progressive MTC in five patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Neonatal GI manifestations offer the most important window of opportunity for early detection of MEN2B. By accurate evaluation of rectal biopsies in patients with early onset severe constipation, IGN can be timely detected, while ruling out Hirschsprung's disease. MEN2B gene analysis should follow detection of IGN and-when confirmed-should prompt possibly still curative thyroid surgery.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Outcome after Treatment for Childhood Craniopharyngioma

Although childhood-onset craniopharyngioma is a low-grade intracranial tumor with excellent prognosis in terms of overall survival, survivors may suffer from devastating consequences caused by hypothalamic damage. Disease- or treatment-related hypothalamic damage leads to disturbed hunger-satiety and thirst feelings, decreased energy expenditure, behavioral problems, disturbances of circadian rhythm, temperature dysregulation, and pituitary dysfunction. These children are at great risk for developing the metabolic syndrome and comorbidities leading to premature mortality. In this chapter, we shall discuss hypothalamic-pituitary morbidity and outcome of childhood-onset craniopharyngioma patients and future perspectives for improvement.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hypothalamic-Pituitary Dysfunction in Infant and Toddler Brain Tumor Survivors

Background: Childhood brain tumor survivors (CBTS) are at risk for hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) dysfunction, mainly caused by radiation exposure or tumor involvement of the HP-region. The risk for HP dysfunction (HPD) may vary between different age groups due to maturation of the brain and differences in oncologic treatment protocols. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of HPD in infant (IBTS) and toddler brain tumor survivors (TBTS) compared to older childhood brain tumor survivors (OCBTS).

Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis in a nationwide cohort of CBTS was performed. Prevalence and risk factors for HPD were compared between IBTS (aged 0-1 years at diagnosis), TBTS (aged 1-3 years at diagnosis) and OCBTS (aged >3-18 years at diagnosis).

Results: In 718 included CBTS, with a median follow-up time of 7.9 years, overall no differences in percentage of HPD were found between the three age groups. Treatment with radiotherapy (RT) (OR 15.41; 95%CI 8.33 to 28.48), suprasellar tumor location (OR 46.62; 95%CI 19.64 to 110.66) and younger age (OR 1.09; 95%CI 1.02 to 1.15) were associated with HP dysfunction. Because IBTS were significantly less often treated with RT, subanalyses were performed for all CBTS not treated with radiation (n=459). In non-irradiated CBTS, IBTS and TBTS were significantly more frequently diagnosed with TSH-, ACTH- and ADH deficiency, compared to ECBTS. IBTS and TBTS showed significantly more weight gain (p<0.0001) and smaller height SDS (p=0.001) during follow-up.

Conclusion: Infant and toddler brain tumor survivors seem to be more vulnerable to develop HP dysfunction than when compared to older children. These results emphasize the importance of special infant and toddlers brain tumor treatment protocols and endocrine surveillance in children treated for a brain tumor at young age.

Growth Patterns in Children With Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2B: Small Stature in Childhood

Background: Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia 2B (MEN2B) is characterized by medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) before the age of one, pheochromocytoma and several non-endocrine manifestations. Marfanoid habitus is considered to be an important related feature, leading to the assumption that children with MEN2B have a tall stature. However, very little is known about actual growth patterns in children with MEN2B and its implication for final height.

Aim: To describe the growth patterns during childhood and adolescence and relate final height to target height (TH) in MEN2B patients.

Methods: Growth during childhood was investigated in eight patients with MEN2B under care in a Dutch MEN expertise center. Growth charts were assessed in relation to parental height, age at diagnosis and at thyroidectomy, body mass index (BMI), pubertal development and extensiveness of disease manifestations.

Results: Four out of eight patients showed longitudinal growth below their TH range. Three others showed prepubertal growth in the lowest margin of their TH range. Small stature was accompanied by delayed bone maturation. Arm span to height ratio was not increased in any of the (six) patients studied. All four patients who reached adulthood attained final height within their TH range, despite small stature during childhood. Small stature in childhood was not associated with age at diagnosis, age at thyroidectomy, extensiveness of MTC, BMI or endocrine deficiencies.

Conclusions: Children with MEN2B did not present with marfanoid features regarding height or arm span. In contrary, short stature may be prevalent, with longitudinal growth beneath the individual TH range. Nevertheless, a normal final height within the TH range may well be reached. Growth patterns seem to be independent of both age at diagnosis and thyroidectomy as well as disease severity.

High Prevalence of Weight Gain in Childhood Brain Tumor Survivors and Its Association With Hypothalamic-Pituitary Dysfunction

PURPOSE

Childhood brain tumor survivors (CBTS) are at risk for developing obesity, which negatively influences cardiometabolic health. The prevalence of obesity in CBTS may have been overestimated in previous cohorts because of inclusion of children with craniopharyngioma. On the contrary, the degree of weight gain may have been underestimated because of exclusion of CBTS who experienced weight gain, but were neither overweight nor obese. Weight gain may be an indicator of underlying hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) dysfunction. We aimed to study prevalence of and risk factors for significant weight gain, overweight, or obesity, and its association with HP dysfunction in a national cohort of noncraniopharyngioma and nonpituitary CBTS.

METHODS

Prevalence of and risk factors for significant weight gain (body mass index [BMI] change ≥ +2.0 standard deviation score [SDS]), overweight, or obesity at follow-up, and its association with HP dysfunction were studied in a nationwide cohort of CBTS, diagnosed in a 10-year period (2002-2012), excluding all craniopharyngioma and pituitary tumors.

RESULTS

Of 661 CBTS, with a median age at follow-up of 7.3 years, 33.1% had significant weight gain, overweight, or obesity. Of the CBTS between 4 and 20 years of age, 28.7% were overweight or obese, compared with 13.2% of the general population between 4 and 20 years of age. BMI SDS at diagnosis, diagnosis of low-grade glioma, diabetes insipidus, and central precocious puberty were associated with weight gain, overweight, or obesity. The prevalence of HP dysfunction was higher in overweight and obese CTBS compared with normal-weight CBTS.

CONCLUSION

Overweight, obesity, and significant weight gain are prevalent in CBTS. An increase in BMI during follow-up may be a reflection of HP dysfunction, necessitating more intense endocrine surveillance.

Thyroid Dysfunction and Thyroid Cancer in Childhood Cancer Survivors: Prevalence, Surveillance and Management

Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at increased risk of developing thyroid disorders during follow-up. Radiation therapy to a field that includes the thyroid gland and 131I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG) treatment are the main risk factors for thyroid sequelae, which include decreased thyroid function, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and differentiated thyroid cancer, specifically papillary thyroid carcinoma. In addition, treatment with anti-neoplastic drugs or immunotherapy may result in thyroid dysfunction. Central hypothyroidism may be seen in CCS after cranial radiotherapy, after immunotherapy, or secondary to a brain tumor that involves the hypothalamic-pituitary region and will be discussed elsewhere in this series. In this chapter, the prevalence, risk factors, surveillance, and management of primary hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and differentiated thyroid carcinoma in CCS are discussed.