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Dalkner N, Fleischmann E, Borgmann-Staudt A, Fürschuß C, Klco-Brosius S, Kepakova K, Kruseova J, Lackner H, Michel G, Mohapp A, Nagele E, Panasiuk A, Tamesberger M, Reininghaus EZ, Wiegele K, Balcerek M. Parenthood for childhood cancer survivors: unfounded fear of cancer development in offspring and related health behaviors. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1269216. [PMID: 38282841 PMCID: PMC10811955 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1269216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Current literature reveals no increased risk for adverse non-hereditary health outcomes in the offspring of childhood cancer survivors (CCS), yet survivors reported concerns regarding their offspring's health. To investigate how the fear of cancer development in offspring influences parental behavior related to health and prevention, survey reports from 256 European adult CCS and 256 age- and sex-matched siblings who participated in a multicenter study on offspring health were analyzed in the present study. Analyses of covariance and chi-square tests were conducted to test for differences between CCS and siblings in outcome variables (all related to healthy parenting behavior). CCS reported higher fear levels (p = 0.044, Partial η2 = 0.01) and less alcohol consumption (p = 0.011, Phi = 0.12) and smoking (p = 0.022, Phi = 0.11) during pregnancy than siblings. In survivor families, children were breastfed less often (p < 0.001, Phi = 0.18). Partial correlation analyses showed that CCS' fear levels decreased with increasing age (r = -0.16, p = 0.014), time since oncological therapy (r = -0.19, p = 0.003), and number of children (r = -0.21, p = 0.001). Overall, due to their own experiences with cancer, many CCS harbor misperceptions regarding the health outcomes of their offspring. Although the fear decreases with increasing distance from the active disease, any fear should be taken seriously, even if unfounded, and combated through targeted educational measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Dalkner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Eva Fleischmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Anja Borgmann-Staudt
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Fürschuß
- Division of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Katerina Kepakova
- Czech Republic and International Clinical Research Center (FNUSA-ICRC), University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jarmila Kruseova
- Department of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Motol Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Herwig Lackner
- Division of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gisela Michel
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Mohapp
- Division of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Eva Nagele
- Division of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Anna Panasiuk
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Medical University of Wroclaw, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Melanie Tamesberger
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Kepler Universitätsklinikum, Linz, Austria
| | - Eva Z. Reininghaus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Karin Wiegele
- Division of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Magdalena Balcerek
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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Borgmann-Staudt A, Jantke A, Hinz S, Beckmann M, Dittrich R, Lotz L, Balcerek M. S1 Guideline: Impairment of gonadal function After Cancer in Childhood and Adolescence. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2023; 235:317-321. [PMID: 37673091 DOI: 10.1055/a-2081-0605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
A possible negative consequence of cancer treatment is the fertility impairment of young cancer survivors. However, most former patients express the wish to have biological children. Fertility-preserving measures are available and are - under certain circumstances - financed by health insurance. Separate information at the time of diagnosis and during follow-up care should be adapted to the individual risk and enable those affected to make a self-determined decision about cryopreservation of germ cells or germ cell tissue. Hyopgonadotropic hypogonadism can be treated by the pulsatile administration of gonadotropins. Affected individuals can be reassured. A health restriction of the offspring due to the cancer treatment is not to be expected, even after artificial insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Borgmann-Staudt
- Paediatric Oncology/Haematology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Jantke
- Department of Gynaecology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Hinz
- Clinic of Urology, Vivantes Klinikum Am Urban, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Beckmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ralf Dittrich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Laura Lotz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Magdalena Balcerek
- Paediatric Oncology, Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Charité Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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The Use of Assisted Reproductive Technology by European Childhood Cancer Survivors. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:5748-5762. [PMID: 36005191 PMCID: PMC9406562 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29080453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
CCS often wish to have biological children yet harbour concerns about fertility impairment, pregnancy risks and the general health risks of prospective offspring. To clarify these concerns, health outcomes in survivor offspring born following ART (n = 74, 4.5%) or after spontaneous conception (n = 1585) were assessed in our European offspring study by descriptive and bivariate analysis. Outcomes were compared to a sibling offspring cohort (n = 387) in a 4:1 matched-pair analysis (n = 1681). (i) Survivors were more likely to employ ART than their siblings (4.5% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.501). Successful pregnancies were achieved after a median of one cycle with, most commonly, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using non-cryopreserved oocytes/sperm. (ii) Multiple-sibling births (p < 0.001, 29.7% vs. 2.5%), low birth weight (p < 0.001; OR = 3.035, 95%-CI = 1.615−5.706), and preterm birth (p < 0.001; OR = 2.499, 95%-CI = 1.401−4.459) occurred significantly more often in survivor offspring following ART utilisation than in spontaneously conceived children. ART did not increase the prevalence of childhood cancer, congenital malformations or heart defects. (iii) These outcomes had similar prevalences in the sibling population. In our explorative study, we could not detect an influence on health outcomes when known confounders, such as multiple births, were taken into account.
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Baston-Büst DM, Bielfeld AP. Fertility preservation in the pediatric population-experience from a German Cryobank for ovarian tissue. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:995172. [PMID: 36440191 PMCID: PMC9687368 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.995172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Counseling children on the possibility of fertility preservation prior to a gonadotoxic treatment supports the decision-making process, taking into account that the patients are in a very vulnerable and mentally exhausting situation following the diagnosis. Referral to specialists can be optimized on-site by routing slips with contact addresses, phone numbers, and mail contacts; available time slots for consultation; possibly offers for cost coverage; and an easy-to-understand information leaflet about the different options available. Some of the options for fertility preservation in the prepubertal population especially are still experimental. The unique possibility of fertility preservation before the onset of the gonadotoxic therapy, which may cause premature ovarian insufficiency or azoospermia in the future, should be highlighted.
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Fertility Counseling in Survivors of Cancer in Childhood and Adolescence: Time for a Reappraisal? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225626. [PMID: 34830781 PMCID: PMC8615855 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic predisposition could have an important role in the pathogenesis of cancers in children and adolescents. A recent study by our group showed that, among female survivors of cancers in childhood and adolescence, the proportion of cases involving a possible genetic predisposition was sizable (at least one in five). Our sample is too small to be representative of the general population, but it gave us an opportunity to reappraise this issue. Women with a genetic predisposition can transmit the risk of cancer to their offspring, and their awareness of this may influence their reproductive and fertility preservation choices. In our experience, a predisposition to cancer receives little attention in the fertility counseling and decision-making process unless a patient already has a definitive molecular diagnosis of a hereditary cancer syndrome. We feel it is essential to empower women on this issue, particularly as there are ways to overcome the problem, including preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-M) in definitively diagnosed cases, egg donation and adoption. In the context of fertility counseling for survivors of cancer in childhood and adolescence who have reached adulthood, the risk of transmitting a predisposition to cancer should be discussed with patients, if relevant and desired.
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Sommerhäuser G, Borgmann-Staudt A, Schilling R, Frey E, Hak J, Janhubová V, Kepakova K, Kepak T, Klco-Brosius S, Krawczuk-Rybak M, Kruseova J, Lackner H, Luks A, Michel G, Panasiuk A, Tamesberger M, Vetsch J, Balcerek M. Health of children born to childhood cancer survivors: Participant characteristics and methods of the Multicenter Offspring Study. Cancer Epidemiol 2021; 75:102052. [PMID: 34710669 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2021.102052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research on childhood cancer survivor offspring has been limited to genetic disease occurrence, malformations or non-hereditary cancers. However, previous surveys indicated that survivors harbor fears about their (prospective) children's overall health. Our Multicenter Offspring Study examined extensive health aspects in children born to survivors and their siblings providing comprehensive information to be used in patient counseling to elucidate and alleviate existing concerns. METHODS Using a specifically designed questionnaire, childhood cancer survivors and their siblings were surveyed on their offspring's health (Supplementary material). Recruitment strategies depended on local infrastructures and standards of participating centers, including registry-based and direct approaches. Group differences were tested non-parametrically and effect sizes were calculated. RESULTS In total, 1126 survivors reported on 1780 offspring and 271 siblings reported on 441 offspring. Response rates ranged from 32.1% (Czech Republic) to 85.0% (Austria). Respondents were more likely to be female (p = .007), older at time of survey (p < .001), diagnosed 1980-1999 (p < .001) and treated with chemotherapy (p < .001). Compared to siblings, survivors were younger at time of survey (35 years vs. 39 years, p < .001) and at first birth (29 years vs. 30 years, p < .001). Survivor and sibling offspring only differed in terms of age at survey (6.3 years vs. 8.9 years, p < .001). CONCLUSION The Multicenter Offspring Study investigates a wide variety of health aspects in offspring born to survivors and their siblings in five European countries. Our study cohorts form a solid basis for future analyses; yet, certain limitations, due to differences in approach among participating centers, must be considered when interpreting findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Sommerhäuser
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology, Germany
| | - Anja Borgmann-Staudt
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology, Germany
| | - Ralph Schilling
- Charité-Universistätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Germany; Charité-Univesristätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology (iBiKE), Germany
| | - Eva Frey
- St. Anna Kinderspital Vienna, Austria
| | - Jiri Hak
- University Hospital Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | - Stephanie Klco-Brosius
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Ales Luks
- University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Gisela Michel
- University of Lucerne, Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Janine Vetsch
- University of Lucerne, Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, Switzerland; Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Applied Nursing Science, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Magdalena Balcerek
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany.
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