Bone health in childhood cancer: review of the literature and recommendations for the management of bone health in childhood cancer survivors

Abstract

In the past decades, new cancer treatment approaches for children and adolescents have led to a decrease in recurrence rates and an increase in long-term survival. Recent studies have focused on the evaluation of the late effects on bone of pediatric cancer-related treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Treatment of childhood cancer can impair the attainment of peak bone mass, predisposing to premature onset of low bone mineral density, or causing other bone side-effects, such as bone quality impairment or avascular necrosis of bone. Lower bone mineral density and microarchitectural deterioration can persist during adulthood, thereby increasing fracture risk. Overall, long-term follow-up of childhood cancer survivors is essential to define specific groups at higher risk of long-term bone complications, identify unrecognized long-term adverse effects, and improve patient care. Children and adolescents with a cancer history should be carefully monitored, and patients should be informed of possible late complications of their previous medical treatment. The International Osteoporosis Foundation convened a working group to review the bone complications of pediatric cancer survivors, outlining recommendations for the management of bone health, in order to prevent and treat these complications.

Keywords: chemotherapy; childhood cancer; childhood cancer survivor; osteonecrosis; osteoporosis; radiotherapy.