PROSPECTIVE FOLLOW-UP OF PATIENTS WITH EWING SARCOMA WITHIN THE LATE EFFECTS SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: It is known that antineoplastic treatment may induce early and late organ toxicities depending on treatment modalities and intensity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the cumulative incidence of sequelae within our cohort of patients treated within the EICESS-92 (European Intergroup Cooperative Ewing's Sarcoma Study, 1992) treatment trial. METHODS: Since 1998, the Late Effects Surveillance System (LESS) of the German Society for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology has prospectively registered late effects in patients of all ages with relapse-free bone and soft tissue sarcoma in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The follow-up is conducted locally in accordance with LESS guidelines. Data are reported to the LESS center for collation and analysis. RESULTS: There were 67 patients available for analysis (42 male, 25 female) with a median age at diagnosis of 13 years and a median follow-up of 3.5 years. Registration had to be terminated for 17 patients as a result of relapse. In total, 43.3% (29 of 67) of the patients were reported to have at least 1 sequelae of treatment. Sixteen patients suffered toxicity in 1 organ system, 9 patients developed toxicity in 2 organ systems, and there were 3 organ systems affected in 4 patients. Nephrotoxicity was reported in 10.4% (7 of 67), cardiotoxicity in 8.9% (6 of 67), peripheral polyneuropathy in 5.9% (4 of 67), and other toxicities in 34.3% (23 of 67) of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Sequelae of treatment for Ewing sarcoma within this cohort of the EICESS-92 study were not more frequent than reported previously. Patients are at risk for the development of several toxicities after treatment for Ewing sarcoma, and they should receive adequate medical follow-up.