Late effects in long-term survivors after treatment for childhood acute leukemia.

BACKGROUND: This is a report of late effects in childhood cancer survivors seen in the follow-up clinic of a single institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were 324 acute leukemia survivors in the database of the Long Term Follow Up Clinic of Children's National Medical Center from January 1, 1997, through June 30, 2005.

RESULTS: Of the 324 acute leukemia survivors, 228 were white, 48 black, 20 Hispanic, and 12 other. Their follow-up time was 0 to 25 years (mean 5.3 years). One or more adverse events occurred in 74.1% of the 324 survivors. Defective physical growth was most commonly reported, followed by disturbed neurocognitive function, emotional difficulties, cardiac abnormalities, hypertension, osteoporosis/osteopenia, fractures, and second neoplasms. More black and Hispanic children had acute myeloid leukemia, relapses, cardiac problems, and hypertension than white and other subjects.

CONCLUSION: Childhood cancer survivors require lifelong monitoring, with prompt identification and treatment of adverse late effects.