Teepen JC, Kok JL, Kremer LC, Tissing WJE, van den Heuvel-Eibrink MM, Loonen JJ, Bresters D, van der Pal HJ, Versluys B, van Dulmen-den Broeder E, Nijsten T, Hauptmann M, Hollema N, Dolsma WV, van Leeuwen FE, Ronckers CM. Long-Term Risk of Skin Cancer Among Childhood Cancer Survivors: A DCOG-LATER Cohort Study.
J Natl Cancer Inst 2020;
111:845-853. [PMID:
30802904 DOI:
10.1093/jnci/djy212]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Skin cancer is common after radiotherapy among childhood cancer survivors (CCSs). We studied risks and risk factors for subsequent skin cancers, with emphasis on radiation dose, exposed skin surface area, and chemotherapeutic agents.
METHODS
The DCOG-LATER cohort study includes 5-year Dutch CCSs diagnosed 1963-2001. Subsequent skin cancers were identified from record linkages with the Netherlands Cancer Registry and Dutch Pathology Registry. Incidence rates were compared with general population rates. Multivariable Cox regression models were used, applying a novel method of case-control sampling enabling use of tumor location in cohort analyses. All statistical tests were two-sided.
RESULTS
Among 5843 CCSs, 259 developed 1061 basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) (standardized incidence ratio [SIR] = 29.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 26.3 to 33.6; excess absolute risk per 10 000 person-years (EAR) = 24.6), 20 had melanoma (SIR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.4 to 3.5; EAR = 1.1), and 10 had squamous cell carcinoma (SIR = 7.5, 95% CI = 3.6 to 13.8; EAR = 0.8). Cumulative incidence of BCC 40 years after childhood cancer was 19.1% (95% CI = 16.6 to 21.8%) after radiotherapy vs 0.6% expected based on general population rates. After a first BCC, 46.7% had more BCCs later. BCC risk was associated with any radiotherapy to the skin compartment of interest (hazard ratio [HR] = 14.32, 95% CI = 10.10 to 20.29) and with estimated percentage in-field skin surface area (26-75%: HR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.24 to 3.20; 76-100%: HR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.33 to 3.53, vs 1-25% exposed; Ptrend among exposed = .002), but not with prescribed radiation dose and likelihood of sun-exposed skin-area. Of all chemotherapy groups examined, only vinca alkaloids increased BCC risk (HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.04 to 2.27).
CONCLUSION
CCSs have a strongly, 30-fold increased BCC risk. BCC risk appears to increase with increasing skin surface area exposed. This knowledge underscores the need for awareness by survivors and their health care providers.
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