Childhood cancer survival study provides data about long-term prognosis
Childhood cancer survivors are nine times as likely as the general population to develop a sarcoma – a cancer of connective or supportive tissue such as bone, fat, or muscle – according to a study released today by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, but indicators can help physicians in knowing who’s most at risk.
With data from more than 14,000 childhood cancer survivors treated between 1970 and 1986, the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) is believed to be the largest of its kind to date. Tara Henderson, a pediatric oncologist/hematologist at the University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital, led a study investigating the risk factors associated with developing second sarcomas among the participants of the CCSS.
Today the cure rate for childhood cancer is approaching 80%. The survival rate for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia alone approaches 90%. When deciding upon therapies, physicians need a better understanding of the long-term effects of cancer treatments.
“A generation ago, a pediatric cancer diagnosis was a death sentence,” Henderson said. “A new generation is coming of age. Finally, we can see the effects of therapy on growing bodies.”
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