Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Challenges After Treatment of Childhood Cancer

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2020 Dec;67(6):1155-1170. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2020.07.007.

Abstract

Childhood cancer survivors are at risk for developing cardiovascular disease and pulmonary disease related to cancer treatment. This might not become apparent until many years after treatment and varies from subclinical to life-threatening disease. Important causes are anthracyclines and radiotherapy involving heart, head, or neck for cardiovascular disease, and bleomycin, busulfan, nitrosoureas, radiation to the chest, and lung or chest surgery for pulmonary disease. Most effects are dose dependent, but genetic risk factors have been discovered. Treatment options are limited. Prevention and regular screening are crucial. Survivors should be encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle, and modifiable risk factors should be addressed.

Keywords: Cardiovascular; Childhood cancer survivor; Late effects; Pulmonary.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Cancer Survivors*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / mortality
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / etiology*
  • Lung Diseases / mortality
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Population Surveillance
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents