Risk Of Subsequent Malignant Neoplasms Research Articles

Uptake of germline cancer genetic services in a randomized trial of remote telehealth services as compared to usual care: A report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS).

10009 Background: Limited access to genetic services in community practices, leaves many childhood cancer survivors who are genetic carriers unidentified and at risk for subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs) due to therapy or an inherited cancer predisposition. The ENGaging and Activating cancer survivors in Genetic services (ENGAGE) study evaluated the effectiveness of an in-home, collaborative PCP (primary care provider) model of remote centralized telehealth services to increase uptake of cancer genetic services in survivors compared to usual care. Methods: 414 survivors were randomized to remote services by phone or videoconference (n = 281) or usual care (n = 133). The primary outcome was uptake of genetic counseling or testing at 6 months. In secondary analyses we evaluated baseline characteristics and patient reported outcomes associated with uptake of services. We used Fisher’s Exact tests, Chi-squared tests, and T-tests for analyses. Results: Participants were identified through the NCI-funded Childhood Cancer Survivor Study and included 189 (45.7%) male, 88 (21.1%) nonwhite participants with mean age 52 years (SD 0.65), recruited from over 40 states with a history of CNS tumors (n = 190, 46%), sarcoma (n = 116, 28%), or SMN or a family history of cancer (n = 108, 26%). At 6 months, 40% (n = 113) of survivors in the remote telehealth services arms utilized genetic services as compared to 16% (n = 21) in the usual care arm (p < 0.001). Factors associated with uptake of services included lower baseline genetic knowledge score (31.0, SD 5.8 without uptake versus 29.7, SD 5.1 with uptake, p = 0.025), having more relatives with cancer (1.6, SD 1.5, without uptake versus 2.0, SD 1.8 with uptake, p = 0.019), having a higher perceived risk of cancer on a Likert scale (3.6, SD 1.0 without uptake versus 3.9, SD 0.8 with uptake, p = 0.011), having a history of internet use (35% uptake with use versus 0% without use, p = 0.040), and not having a high deductible plan (30% uptake with high plan versus 42% without, p = 0.025). Having a higher positive attitude toward genetic testing score (e.g. higher perceived value, lower perception of high cost and lower anticipated distress) was associated with uptake of services (29.5, SD 4.3 without uptake versus 31.2, SD 4.4 with uptake, p < 0.001). Conclusions: These data suggest that offering remote centralized telehealth genetic services increases the uptake of genetic services in survivors of childhood cancer across the US using a collaborative PCP model. Although uptake was higher than usual care, barriers to uptake of genetic services remain, including concerns about cost and negative perceptions about genetic testing. Strategies to address multi-level barriers to genetic services are needed to realize the potential of genetic testing in childhood cancer survivors and patients in community practices. Clinical trial information: NCT04455698 .

Subsequent malignant neoplasms after primary hematological malignancy in adult patients.

Patients with primary hematological malignancy (HM) are at an elevated risk of subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs), which is a common concern after treatment of primary cancer. We identified 45,533 patients aged ≥20 years and diagnosed with primary HM in Finland from 1992 to 2019 from the Finnish Cancer Registry and estimated standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and excess absolute risks per 1000 person-years (EAR) for SMNs. A total of 6076 SMNs were found (4604 solid and 1472 hematological SMNs). The SIRs were higher for hematological SMNs (SIR 4.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.7-5.2) compared to solid SMNs (SIR 1.5, 95% CI 1.4-1.5). The SIRs for hematological SMNs were highest in the young HM patients aged 20-39 years (SIR 9.2, 95% CI 6.8-12.2 in males and SIR 10.5, 95% CI 7.2-14.7 in females) and decreased by age of first primary HM. However, EARs for hematological SMNs were highest in the older patients, aged 60-79 years at their first primary HM (EAR 5.7/1000 and 4.7/1000 in male and female patients, respectively). In conclusion, the incidence of both hematological and solid SMNs were increased in hematological cancer patients. The relative risk (SIR) was highest among younger HM patients with hematological SMNs. The absolute second cancer burden reflected by high EAR arises from solid malignancies in older patients. Our results accentuate the need for vigilance in the surveillance of HM patients.

Impact of Risk-Based therapy on late morbidity and mortality in neuroblastoma survivors: a report from the childhood cancer survivor study.

Early efforts at risk-adapted therapy for neuroblastoma are predicted to result in differential late effects; the magnitude of these differences have not been well-described. Late mortality, subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMN), and severe/life-threatening chronic health conditions (CHCs), graded according to CTCAE v4.03, were assessed among 5-year CCSS survivors of neuroblastoma diagnosed 1987-1999. Using age, stage at diagnosis, and treatment, survivors were classified into risk groups (low [n = 425]; intermediate [n = 252]; high [n = 245]). Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and standardized incidence ratios (SIR) of SMNs were compared to matched population controls. Cox regression models estimated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for CHC compared to 1,029 CCSS siblings. Among survivors (49.8% male; median age 21 years, range 7-42; median follow-up 19.3 years, range 5-29.9), 80% with low-risk disease were treated with surgery alone, while 79.1% with high-risk disease received surgery, radiation, chemotherapy ± autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). All-cause mortality was elevated across risk groups (SMRhigh=27.7 [21.4-35.8]; SMRintermediate=3.3 [1.7-6.5]; SMRlow=2.8 [1.7-4.8]). SMN risk was increased among high- and intermediate-risk survivors (SIRhigh=28.0 [18.5-42.3]; SIRintermediate=3.7 [1.2-11.3]), but did not differ from the US population for survivors of low-risk disease. Compared to siblings, survivors had an increased risk of grade 3-5 CHCs, particularly among those with high-risk disease (HRhigh=16.1 [11.2-23.2]; HRintermediate=6.3 [3.8-10.5]; HRlow=1.8 [1.1-3.1]). Survivors of high-risk disease treated in the early days of risk stratification carry a markedly elevated burden of late recurrence, SMN, and organ-related multi-morbidity, while survivors of low/intermediate-risk disease have a modest risk of late adverse outcomes.

Non-RB1 germline cancer predisposing variants found in retinoblastoma patients

PurposeIt is well known that individuals with hereditary retinoblastoma are at lifelong high risk for developing subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMN). However, the role that non-RB1 germline variants play in tumorigenesis and SMN risk has not yet been studied. The purpose of this study is to report the frequency and spectrum of non-RB1 germline cancer predisposing variants in individuals with retinoblastoma (RB). MethodsRetrospective data collection from institutional electronic medical records of 94 individuals seen at our institution with personal history of retinoblastoma, who had undergone next-generation sequencing germline analysis. ResultsThe prevalence of individuals with cancer predisposition was 57% (54/94). Of these individuals, 76% (41/54) had a pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variant only in the RB1 gene, 9% (5/54) harbored a P/LP variant only in a non-RB1 gene, and 11% (6/54) had both. No difference was found between patients with and without non-RB1 variants when comparing demographic and clinical characteristics, including time to SMN. Variants were found in 7 different genes, with only 1 variant repeating 3 times. ConclusionIn this small cohort of patients with retinoblastoma, non-RB1 variants did not appear to augment tumorigenesis or disease progression. Larger studies are required to determine associations between specific variants and development of SMN.

The ENGAGE study: a 3-arm randomized hybrid type 1 effectiveness and implementation study of an in-home, collaborative PCP model of remote telegenetic services to increase uptake of cancer genetic services in childhood cancer survivors

BackgroundGermline cancer genetic testing has become a standard evidence-based practice, with established risk reduction and screening guidelines for genetic carriers. Access to genetic services is limited in many places, which leaves many genetic carriers unidentified and at risk for late diagnosis of cancers and poor outcomes. This poses a problem for childhood cancer survivors, as this is a population with an increased risk for subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMN) due to cancer therapy or inherited cancer predisposition. The ENGaging and Activating cancer survivors in Genetic services (ENGAGE) study evaluates the effectiveness of an in-home, collaborative PCP model of remote telegenetic services to increase uptake of cancer genetic testing in childhood cancer survivors compared to usual care options for genetic testing.MethodsThe ENGAGE study is a 3-arm randomized hybrid type 1 effectiveness and implementation study within the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study population which tests a clinical intervention while gathering information on its delivery during the effectiveness trial and its potential for future implementation among 360 participants. Participants are randomized into three arms. Those randomized to Arm A receive genetic services via videoconferencing, those in Arm B receive these services by phone, and those randomized to Arm C will receive usual care services.DiscussionWith many barriers to accessing genetic services, innovative delivery models are needed to address this gap and increase uptake of genetic services. The ENGAGE study evaluates the effectiveness of an adapted model of remote delivery of genetic services to increase the uptake of recommended genetic testing in childhood cancer survivors. This study assesses the uptake in remote genetic services and identify barriers to uptake to inform future recommendations and a theoretically-informed process evaluation which can inform modifications to enhance dissemination beyond this study population and to realize the benefits of precision medicine.Trial registrationThis protocol was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04455698) on July 2, 2020.

Lifestyle and Subsequent Malignant Neoplasms in Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Report from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study.

This study aimed to assess longitudinal associations between lifestyle and subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs) in young adult childhood cancer survivors. Members of the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort (SJLIFE) aged ≥18 years and surviving ≥5 years after childhood cancer diagnosis were queried and evaluated for physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscle strength, body mass index (BMI), smoking, risky drinking, and a combined lifestyle score. Time to first SMN, excluding nonmalignant neoplasms and nonmelanoma skin cancer, was the outcome of longitudinal analysis. Survivors (n = 4072, 47% female, 29% smokers, 37% risky drinkers, 34% obese, and 48% physically inactive) had a mean (SD) time between baseline evaluation and follow-up of 7.0 (3.3) years, an age of 8.7 (5.7) years at diagnosis, and an age of 30 (8.4) years at baseline lifestyle assessment. Neither individual lifestyle factors nor a healthy lifestyle score (RR 0.8, 0.4-1.3, p = 0.36) were associated with the risk of developing an SMN. We did not identify any association between lifestyle factors and the risk of SMN in young adult childhood cancer survivors.

Cancer germline predisposing variants and late mortality from subsequent malignant neoplasms among long-term childhood cancer survivors: a report from the St Jude Lifetime Cohort and the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

Carriers of cancer predisposing variants are at an increased risk of developing subsequent malignant neoplasms among those who have survived childhood cancer. We aimed to investigate whether cancer predisposing variants contribute to the risk of subsequent malignant neoplasm-related late mortality (5 years or more after diagnosis). In this analysis, data were included from two retrospective cohort studies, St Jude Lifetime Cohort (SJLIFE) and the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS), with prospective follow-up of patients who were alive for at least 5 years after diagnosis with childhood cancer (ie, long-term childhood cancer survivors) with corresponding germline whole genome or whole exome sequencing data. Cancer predisposing variants affecting 60 genes associated with well-established autosomal-dominant cancer-predisposition syndromes were characterised. Subsequent malignant neoplasms were graded using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.03 with modifications. Cause-specific late mortality was based on linkage with the US National Death Index and systematic cohort follow up. Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard models were used to estimate subsequent malignant neoplasm-related late mortality starting from the first biospecimen collection, treating non-subsequent malignant neoplasm-related deaths as a competing risk, adjusting for genetic ancestry, sex, age at diagnosis, and cancer treatment exposures. SJLIFE (NCT00760656) and CCSS (NCT01120353) are registered with ClinicalTrials.gov. 12 469 (6172 male and 6297 female) participants were included, 4402 from the SJLIFE cohort (median follow-up time since collection of the first biospecimen 7·4 years [IQR 3·1-9·4]) and 8067 from the CCSS cohort (median follow-up time since collection of the first biospecimen 12·6 years [2·2-16·6]). 641 (5·1%) of 12 469 participants carried cancer predisposing variants (294 [6·7%] in the SJLIFE cohort and 347 [4·3%] in the CCSS cohort), which were significantly associated with an increased severity of subsequent malignant neoplasms (CTCAE grade ≥4 vs grade <4: odds ratio 2·15, 95% CI 1·18-4·19, p=0·0085). 263 (2·1%) subsequent malignant neoplasm-related deaths (44 [1·0%] in the SJLIFE cohort; and 219 [2·7%] in the CCSS cohort) and 426 (3·4%) other-cause deaths (103 [2·3%] in SJLIFE; and 323 [4·0%] in CCSS) occurred. Cumulative subsequent malignant neoplasm-related mortality at 10 years after the first biospecimen collection in carriers of cancer predisposing variants was 3·7% (95% CI 1·2-8·5) in SJLIFE and 6·9% (4·1-10·7) in CCSS versus 1·5% (1·0-2·1) in SJLIFE and 2·1% (1·7-2·5) in CCSS in non-carriers. Carrying a cancer predisposing variant was associated with an increased risk of subsequent malignant neoplasm-related mortality (SJLIFE: subdistribution hazard ratio 3·40 [95% CI 1·37-8·43]; p=0·0082; CCSS: 3·58 [2·27-5·63]; p<0·0001). Identifying participants at increased risk of subsequent malignant neoplasms via genetic counselling and clinical genetic testing for cancer predisposing variants and implementing early personalised cancer surveillance and prevention strategies might reduce the substantial subsequent malignant neoplasm-related mortality burden. American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities and US National Institutes of Health.

Hospitalisations and Cost of Inpatient Care for Physical Diseases in Survivors of Childhood Cancer in Western Australia: a Longitudinal Matched Cohort Study.

The long-term effects of childhood cancer are unclear in the Australian context. We examined hospitalisation trends for physical diseases and estimated the associated inpatient care costs in all 5-year childhood cancer survivors (CCS) diagnosed in Western Australia (WA) from 1982-2014. Hospitalisation records for 2,938 CCS and 24,792 comparisons were extracted from 1987- 2019 (median follow-up=12 years, min=1, max=32). The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of hospitalisation with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was estimated using the Andersen-Gill model for recurrent events. The cumulative burden of hospitalisations over time was assessed using the mean cumulative count method. The adjusted mean cost of hospitalisation was estimated using the generalised linear models. We identified a higher risk of hospitalisation for all-cause (aHR=2.0, 95%CI= 1.8-2.2) physical disease in CCS than comparisons, with the highest risk for subsequent malignant neoplasms (aHR=15.0, 95%CI 11.3-19.8) and blood diseases (aHR=6.9, 95%CI 2.6-18.2). Characteristics associated with higher hospitalisation rates included female gender, diagnosis with bone tumours, cancer diagnosis age between 5-9 years, multiple childhood cancer diagnoses, multiple comorbidities, higher deprivation, increased remoteness, and Indigenous status. The difference in the mean total hospitalisation costs for any disease was significantly higher in survivors than comparisons (publicly funded $11,483 United States Dollar, p<0.05). The CCS population face a significantly higher risk of physical morbidity and higher cost of hospital-based care than the comparisons. Our study highlights the need for long-term follow-up healthcare services to prevent disease progression and mitigate the burden of physical morbidity on patients and hospital services.

Congenital anomalies and health outcomes among survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the childhood cancer survivor study.

e22021 Background: Although congenital anomalies are established risk factors for developing childhood cancer, less is known about health outcomes among survivors of childhood cancer with known congenital anomalies. Therefore, we estimated the risk of chronic health conditions (CHCs) and subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs) among survivors of childhood cancer by congenital anomaly status in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS). Methods: Overall, 22,247 five-year survivors self-reported congenital anomalies. We included 16 conditions present at birth, excluding self-reported genetic conditions. Patient-reported CHCs were graded using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v. 4.03). Self-reported SMNs were confirmed through pathology report review. Hazard ratios (HR) of CHCs comparing survivors with vs. without congenital anomalies and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox regression with age as the time scale, adjusted for race/ethnicity, education, household income, health insurance, and original cancer treatment. Results: Among survivors (median age at cancer diagnosis 6 years (range 3-12), age at follow-up 31 years (range 25-39)), 16.9% (n = 3880) reported a congenital anomaly. The most common anomalies included: large/multiple birth marks (n = 1540, 40.4%); congenital heart defects (n = 693, 18.4%); and kidney, bladder, or genital abnormalities (n = 607, 14.6%). Relative to survivors without anomalies, those with anomalies more commonly had astrocytoma, Wilms tumor, and neuroblastoma primary cancers (p &lt; 0.001), treated with radiation (p = 0.011), cyclophosphamide (p &lt; 0.001), anthracyclines (p &lt; 0.001), and epipodophyllotoxins (p = 0.044), and younger age at cancer diagnosis (11.3% vs. 5.7% diagnosed prior to one year of age, p &lt; 0.001). Survivors with anomalies were more likely to develop any CHC (CTCAE grades 1-5 HR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.39); severe, disabling, life-threatening or fatal CHCs (grades 3-5 HR: 1.42 (95% CI: 1.28, 1.58); and multiple CHCs (≥2 conditions HR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.27, 1.46; ≥3 conditions HR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.37, 1.63). Survivors with anomalies had increased risk for adverse outcomes across multiple systems (all p &lt; 0.001), including: hearing/vision/speech (HR: 1.37); urinary (HR: 1.42); hormonal/endocrine (HR: 1.24); heart/circulatory (HR: 1.35); digestive (HR: 1.49); and brain systems (HR: 1.42). We observed no differences in the risk of any SMN by congenital anomaly status (HR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.90, 1.38). Conclusions: In our assessment, survivors of childhood cancer with self-reported congenital anomalies had an increased risk of developing CHCs compared to survivors without reported anomalies, but no increased risk of SMNs. Evaluating congenital anomalies allows identification of a population of childhood cancer survivors at high risk for poor long-term health outcomes.

A multicenter cooperative group study of late effects after high-risk neuroblastoma: COG ALTE15N2—LEAHRN study.

10002 Background: Aggressive therapies for high-risk neuroblastoma (HRNBL) have resulted in increased survival, but late effects have not been well-characterized. Methods: Comprehensive cross-sectional evaluation of health outcomes in HRNBL survivors enrolled on the COG Neuroblastoma Biology Study after 1/1/2000 and ≥ 5 years from primary diagnosis, using medical record abstraction and in-person clinical assessments. Descriptive and multivariable analyses identified extent of and risk factors for late toxicity. Results: There were 375 participants from 88 COG centers, 205 (55%) male; 92 (26%) non-white; 45 (13%) Hispanic. Median age at neuroblastoma diagnosis was 2.5 years (range: 0.2-15.8), at enrollment was 12.0 years (range: 5.0-24.0). All had received chemotherapy; 94% received cisplatin (median dose: 398 mg/m2). Other exposures included: radiation (95%), isotretinoin (91%), anti-GD2 antibody therapy (64%), MIBG (7%), single (79%) or tandem autologous transplantation (ASCT; 20%). ASCT conditioning included: Busulfan/Melphalan (BuMel) (18%), Carboplatin/Etoposide/Melphalan (CEM) (73%), Thiotepa/Cytoxan (19%), and total body irradiation (5%). Severe ototoxicity (requiring hearing aids) was observed in 58% of participants. Physician-reported late effects included hypothyroidism (17%), pulmonary hypertension (1%), congestive heart failure (2%), and hypertension (6%). Pulmonary Function Studies revealed restrictive lung disease [RLD - Total Lung Capacity &lt; 70% predicted] in 8% of subjects. Laboratory study showed elevated creatinine in 7% and Hemoglobin A1c in 7%. Growth failure (height Z-score &lt; -1.7) was observed in 34%. Subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMN) developed in 15 participants (4%; 4 sarcomas, 3 MDS/t-AML, single instance of 8 other malignancies). Adjusting for sex, follow-up time, age, and race, there were no differences in risk of SMN, severe ototoxicity, growth failure, or RLD for participants who received BuMel vs. CEM-based condtioning, or among those who received anti-GD2 antibody therapy vs. those who did not. Use of carboplatin during ASCT was not assocoiated with increased ototoxicity risk for any category of cisplatin induction dose. Comparing subjects who received CEM as a component of tandem ASCT (vs. single CEM), there was increased risk of growth failure [OR (95%CI) = 4.2(2.1, 8.4); p &lt; 0.0001], but not RLD. Exposure to isotretinoin was not associated with increased risk of growth failure. Further multivariable analyses will be presented, exploring risks for late toxicity associated with conditioning regimens, radiation therapy, surgical approaches, and acute and chronic complications of therapy. Conclusions: The burden of late toxicity in HRNBL survivors is substantial. Anti-GD2 immunotherapy and isotretinoin do not appear to be associated with SMN, ototoxicity, growth failure, or RLD.

Long-Term Risk of Subsequent Malignant Neoplasms Among Childhood and Adolescent Lymphoma Survivors (1975-2013): A Population-Based Predictive Nomogram.

Studies are needed to assess risk factors pertinent to the incidence of secondary malignancies among childhood and adolescent lymphoma survivors. We aimed to identify risk factors pertinent to the incidence of secondary malignancies and subsequently establish a clinically practical predictive nomogram. A total of 5561 patients who were diagnosed with primary lymphoma below the age of 20 years between 1975 and 2013 and survived for at least 5 years were identified. Standardized incidence ratio (SIR) and excess risk (ER) analysis were performed by sex, age, and year when primary lymphoma was diagnosed, sites and types of primary lymphoma, and therapy strategies. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify independent risk factors for adolescent and childhood lymphoma-related secondary malignancies. Based on 5 factors (age, time from lymphoma diagnosis, gender, lymphoma type, and therapy), a nomogram for predicting the risk of a secondary malignancy for patients with childhood and adolescent primary lymphoma was established. Among 5561 lymphoma survivors, 424 developed a secondary malignancy. Females (SIR = 5.34, 95% CI, 4.73-5.99; ER = 50.58) exhibited a higher SIR and ER than males (SIR = 3.28, 95% CI, 2.76-3.87; ER = 15.53). Blacks were at a higher risk than Caucasians or others. Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma survivors exhibited typically high SIR (13.13, 95% CI, 6-24.92) and ER (54.79) among all lymphoma classifications. Lymphoma survivors who underwent radiotherapy, whether they received chemotherapy or not, had typically higher SIR and ER. Among all types of secondary malignancies, "bone and joint neoplasms" (SIR = 11.07, 95% CI, 5.52-19.81) and "soft tissue neoplasms" (SIR = 12.27, 95% CI, 7.59-18.76) presented significantly high SIR whereas "breast cancer" and "endocrine cancer" associated with higher ER. The median diagnosis age of secondary malignancies was 36 years old, and the median time interval between the diagnosis of two malignancies was 23 years. A nomogram was constructed to predict the risk of secondary malignancies in patients diagnosed with primary lymphoma before 20 years of age. After internal validation, the AUC and C-index of the nomogram are 0.804 and 0.804, respectively. The established nomogram provides a convenient and reliable tool for predicting the risk of a secondary malignancy among childhood and adolescent lymphoma survivors, concluding significant concern for lymphoma survivors with high-risk estimates.

Colorectal Cancer Risk and Recommendations for Colorectal Cancer Surveillance in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer.

While many organizations have published guidance on the approach to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in average-risk and certain high-risk groups, adult survivors of childhood cancer (ASCC) who have a heightened risk of CRC are rarely included as a target group for enhanced CRC surveillance. The population of ASCC continues to grow due to increasingly effective cancer therapies and improved survival. With this increased survival comes an increased risk for subsequent malignant neoplasms, including CRC. Since there is little published guidance for CRC surveillance in ASCC and limited awareness of increased CRC risk among both physicians and patients, the objectives of our paper are to review the incidence of and risk factors for colorectal neoplasia in ASCC, describe the clinical phenotypes of colorectal neoplasia in ASCC, review published surveillance strategies based on consensus-based survivorship guidelines, and outline areas for future research to optimize surveillance strategies.

Malignant Neoplasms of the Gastrointestinal Tract After Blood or Marrow Transplant

Survivors of blood or marrow transplant (BMT) are at increased risk of subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs). Cancers of the gastrointestinal (GI) system are of special interest because their clinical behavior is often aggressive, necessitating early detection by increasing awareness of high-risk populations. To describe the risk of SMNs in the GI tract after BMT. A cohort study of 6710 individuals who lived at least 2 years after BMT performed between January 1, 1974, and December 31, 2014, at City of Hope, University of Minnesota, or University of Alabama at Birmingham. End of follow-up was March 23, 2020. Data analysis was performed between September 1, 2022, and September 30, 2022. Demographic and clinical factors; therapeutic exposures before or as part of BMT. Development of SMNs in the GI tract after BMT. Participants self-reported SMNs in the GI tract; these were confirmed with pathology reports, medical records, or both. For deceased patients, death records were used. Standardized incidence ratios determined excess risk of SMNs in the GI tract compared with that of the general population. Fine-Gray proportional subdistribution hazard models assessed the association between risk factors and SMNs in the GI tract. The cohort of 6710 individuals included 3444 (51.3%) autologous and 3266 (48.7%) allogeneic BMT recipients. A total of 3917 individuals (58.4%) were male, and the median age at BMT was 46 years (range, 0-78 years). After 62 479 person-years of follow-up, 148 patients developed SMNs in the GI tract. The standardized incidence ratios for developing specific SMNs ranged from 2.1 for colorectal cancer (95% CI, 1.6-2.8; P < .001) to 7.8 for esophageal cancer (95% CI, 5.0-11.6; P < .001). Exposure to cytarabine for conditioning (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR], 3.1; 95% CI, 1.5-6.6) was associated with subsequent colorectal cancer. Compared with autologous BMT recipients, allogeneic BMT recipients with chronic graft-vs-host disease were at increased risk for esophageal cancer (SHR, 9.9; 95% CI, 3.2-30.5). Conditioning with etoposide (SHR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1-3.5) and pre-BMT anthracycline exposure (SHR, 5.4; 95% CI, 1.3-23.4) were associated with an increased risk of liver cancer compared with no exposure to the respective agents. The findings of this cohort study are relevant for oncologists and nononcologists who care for the growing number of survivors of transplant. Awareness of subgroups of survivors of BMT at high risk for specific types of SMNs in the GI tract may influence recommendations regarding modifiable risk factors, as well as individualized screening.

Long-Term Morbidity and Mortality Among Survivors of Neuroblastoma Diagnosed During Infancy: A Report From the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study.

To describe the risk of late mortality, subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs), and chronic health conditions (CHCs) in survivors of neuroblastoma diagnosed in infancy by treatment era and exposures. Among 5-year survivors of neuroblastoma in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study diagnosed age < 1 year between 1970 and 1999, we examined the cumulative incidence of late (> 5 years from diagnosis) mortality, SMN, and CHCs (grades 2-5 and 3-5). Multivariable Cox regression models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs by decade and treatment (surgery-alone v chemotherapy with or without surgery [C ± S] v radiation with or without chemotherapy ± surgery [R ± C ± S]) among survivors and between survivors and 5,051 siblings. Among 1,397 eligible survivors, the 25-year cumulative incidence of late mortality was 2.1% (95% CI, 1.3 to 3.9) with no difference by treatment era. Among 990 participants who completed a baseline survey, fewer survivors received radiation in more recent eras (51.2% 1970s, 20.4% 1980s, and 10.1% 1990s; P < .001). Risk of SMN was elevated only among individuals treated with radiation-containing regimens compared with surgery alone (HR[C ± S], 3.2 [95% CI, 0.9 to 11.6]; HR[R ± C ± S], 5.7 [95% CI, 1.2 to 28.1]). In adjusted models, there was a 50% reduction in risk of grade 3-5 CHCs in the 1990s versus 1970s (HR, 0.5 [95% CI, 0.3 to 0.9]; P = .01); individuals treated with radiation had a 3.6-fold risk for grade 3-5 CHCs (95% CI, 2.1 to 6.2) versus those treated with surgery alone. When compared with siblings, risk of grade 3-5 CHCs for survivors was lowest in the most recent era (HR[1970s], 4.7 [95% CI, 3.4 to 6.5]; HR[1980s], 4.6 [95% CI, 3.3 to 6.4]; HR[1990s], 2.5 [95% CI, 1.7 to 3.9]). Neuroblastoma survivors treated during infancy have a relatively low absolute burden of late mortality and SMN. Encouragingly, risk of CHCs has declined in more recent eras with reduced exposure to radiation therapy.

Risk of Subsequent Malignant Neoplasms Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation with Total Body Irradiation or Total Marrow Irradiation: Insights from Early Follow-Up

Total marrow irradiation (TMI) is an alternative to total body irradiation (TBI) as a component of the conditioning regimen for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), offering the ability to deliver more targeted doses and facilitating organ-sparing. The organ-sparing effect of TMI is theorized to decrease the risk of complications associated with radiation, including subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs), while allowing for dosage escalation to improve oncologic outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare SMNs rates among patients treated with TBI- or TMI-based conditioning regimens. We hypothesized that TMI would yield a rate of SMNs comparable to, if not lower than, TBI. A retrospective matched-pair analysis of patients who underwent allogeneic HCT and received either TBI- or TMI-based conditioning regimens to a total dose of 12 to 20 Gy was performed. A total of 171 patients received TMI-based conditioning and 171 received TBI-based conditioning, matched based on age, sex, diagnosis, and length of follow-up. SMNs were identified from an established long-term follow-up protocol, our institutional cancer registry, and the California Cancer Registry. There were no significant differences in patient and clinical characteristics between the TMI and TBI cohorts except for clinical response status at transplantation and radiation dose. As expected, patients in the TMI received higher radiation doses (median dose, 16.0 Gy for the TMI cohort versus 13.2 Gy for the TBI cohort; P < .001). The median follow-up for both cohorts was 2.0 years (range, .5 to 12.3 years). There was no significant difference in the risk of developing SMNs between the 2 cohorts (P=.81). A total of 9 patients (5.3%) conditioned with TBI and 10 patients (5.8%) conditioned with TMI developed SMNs, at a median of 3.3 years and 1.7 years following HCT, respectively. Excluding nonmelanoma skin cancers and noninvasive neoplasms, 2 patients in the TBI cohort developed SMNs (both melanomas), and 1 patient in the TMI cohort developed an SMN (colon cancer). No patients developed a subsequent hematologic malignancy. TMI-based conditioning is not associated with a significant difference in the risk of developing SMNs compared with TBI-based conditioning during early post-HCT follow-up. Future studies with longer follow-up may be needed to further characterize the risk of SMNs associated with TMI-based conditioning regimens compared with TBI-based regimens.

Incidence of subsequent malignancies after total body irradiation-based allogeneic HSCT in children with ALL – long-term follow-up from the prospective ALL-SCT 2003 trial

Total body irradiation (TBI)-based conditioning is associated with superior leukemia-free survival in children with ALL undergoing HSCT. However, the risk for subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMN) remains a significant concern. We analyzed 705 pediatric patients enrolled in the prospective ALL-SCT-BFM-2003 trial and its subsequent registry. Patients >2 years received conditioning with TBI 12 Gy/etoposide (n = 558) and children ≤2 years of age or with contraindications for TBI received busulfan/cyclophosphamide/etoposide (n = 110). The 5- and 10-year cumulative incidence of SMN was 0.02 ± 0.01 and 0.13 ± 0.03, respectively. In total, 39 SMN (34 solid tumors, 5 MDS/AML) were diagnosed in 33 patients at a median of 5.8 years (1.7–13.4), exclusively in the TBI group. Of 33 affected patients, 21 (64%) are alive at a median follow-up of 5.1 years (0–9.9) after diagnosis of their first SMN. In univariate analysis, neither age at HSCT, donor type, acute GVHD, chronic GVHD, nor CMV constituted a significant risk factor for SMN. The only significant risk factor was TBI versus non-TBI based conditioning. This analysis confirms and quantifies the increased risk of SMN in children with ALL after conditioning with TBI. Future strategies to avoid TBI will need careful tailoring within prospective, controlled studies to prevent unfavorable outcomes.

Long-term medical and functional outcomes of ependymoma survivors: A population-based, matched cohort study.

10054 Background: Ependymoma is the third most common pediatric central nervous system tumour. Treatment approaches are intensive and may include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. There are no longitudinal population-based cohort studies evaluating the long-term medical and functional outcomes of survivors of childhood ependymoma. Methods: Using a provincial pediatric cancer registry, all 5+ year ependymoma survivors diagnosed between 1987-2015 in Ontario, Canada were identified and matched to cancer-free population controls based on age, sex, and geographical location. Cases were followed from the index date (5 years from latest of diagnosis, or relapse/subsequent malignancy prior to age 18 years) until December 31, 2020 or censorship (death, or relapse/ new cancer after age 18 years). Clinical data were linked to administrative health databases to estimate the cumulative incidences and cause-specific hazard ratios (HR) of mortality, hospitalizations, strokes, hearing loss requiring a hearing aid, receipt of homecare services, and subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs) between cohorts, accounting for matching and competing risks. Results: Of 166 ependymoma diagnoses in the study period, 70 (42.2%) were excluded, most commonly due to early death prior to the index date. Ninety-six cases were matched to 480 controls (Table). The 10-year survival probability after the index date was 92.8% in cases and 99.6% in controls (HR 9.3, 95% CI 2.3-45.2, p=0.002). Compared to controls, cases were at higher risk of hospitalization (HR 3.2, 95% CI 2.2-4.6, p&lt;0.0001), stroke (HR 33.3, 95% CI 5.7-629.1, p&lt;0.0001), and receiving homecare services (HR 4.1, 95% CI 2.5-6.5, p&lt;0.0001). Cases were at high risk of hospitalizations, strokes, hearing loss, and SMNs, with cumulative incidences of 64.7% (95% CI 46.6-78.0), 9.7% (95% CI 3.4-19.9), 13.5% (95% CI 5.3-25.5), and 12.8% (95% CI 4.7-24.9) at 20-years post index date, respectively. Conclusions: As survival of pediatric ependymoma improves, establishing the burden of late morbidity is critical. Dedicated screening programs for late sensory and neurovascular sequelae are warranted, as are interventions during and following treatment to mitigate the risk of developing such complications. [Table: see text]

Likely uptake of a future lung cancer screening programme in Hodgkin lymphoma survivors: a questionnaire study

BackgroundMany Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) survivors are at increased risk of subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMN), including lung cancer, due to previous treatment for HL. Lung cancer screening (LCS) detects early-stage lung cancers in ever smokers but HL survivors without a heavy smoking history are ineligible for screening. There is a rationale to develop a targeted LCS. The aim of this study was to investigate levels of willingness to undergo LCS in HL survivors, and to identify the psycho-social factors associated with screening hesitancy.MethodsA postal questionnaire was sent to 281 HL survivors registered in a long-term follow-up database and at increased risk of SMNs. Demographic, lung cancer risk factors, psycho-social and LCS belief variables were measured. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with lung cancer screening hesitancy, defined as those who would ‘probably’ or ‘probably not’ participate.ResultsThe response rate to the questionnaire was 58% (n = 165). Participants were more likely to be female, older and living in a less deprived area than non-participants. Uptake (at any time) of breast and bowel cancer screening among those previously invited was 99% and 77% respectively. 159 participants were at excess risk of lung cancer. The following results refer to these 159. Around half perceived themselves to be at greater risk of lung cancer than their peers. Only 6% were eligible for lung cancer screening pilots aimed at ever smokers in the UK. 98% indicated they would probably or definitely participate in LCS were it available. Psycho-social variables associated with LCS hesitancy on multivariable analysis were male gender (OR 5.94 CI 1.64–21.44, p < 0.01), living in an area with a high index of multiple deprivation decile (deciles 6–10) (OR 8.22 CI 1.59–42.58, p < 0.05) and lower levels of self-efficacy (OR 1.64 CI 1.30–2.08 p < 0.01).ConclusionHL survivors responding to this survey were willing to participate in a future LCS programme but there was some hesitancy. A future LCS trial for HL survivors should consider the factors associated with screening hesitancy in order to minimise barriers to participation.

Subsequent malignant neoplasms in the pediatric age in retinoblastoma survivors in Argentina.

Retinoblastoma survivors in low- and middle-income countries are exposed to high-intensity treatments that potentially place them at higher risk of early subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs). We followed 714 (403 [56.4%] nonhereditary and 311 [43.5%] hereditary) retinoblastoma survivors diagnosed from August 1987 to December 2016, up to the age of 16years. We quantified risk of SMNs with cumulative incidence (CI) and standardized incidence ratios (SIR) analysis. Multivariate regression Cox model was used to determine the association of treatments and risk of SMNs. Median follow-up was of 9years (range: 0.18-16.9) and 24 survivors (3.36%) developed 25 SMNs (n = 22 hereditary, n = 2 nonhereditary). SMNs included sarcomas (osteosarcomas, Ewing sarcomas, rhabdomyosarcomas; n = 12), leukemias (n = 5), and central nervous system tumors (CNS; n = 3). All cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and most of Ewing sarcomas occurred within 5years of retinoblastoma diagnosis. The type of SMN was the main indicator of mortality (five of five patients with leukemias, six of 12 with sarcomas, and zero of three with CNS tumors died). Compared to the general population, radiation increased the risk of Ewing sarcoma in hereditary survivors by 700-fold (95% CI=252-2422.6) and chemotherapy increased the risk of AML by 140-fold (95% CI=45.3-436). The CI of SMNs for hereditary survivors was 13.7% (95% CI=8.4-22.1) at 15years. Retinoblastoma survivors from Argentina are at higher risk of developing SMNs early in life compared to the general Argentinean population, especially those treated with radiation plus chemotherapy. AML and Ewing sarcoma presented within 5years of retinoblastoma diagnosis are associated with chemotherapy and radiation exposure.

Short NK- and Naïve T-Cell Telomere Length Is Associated with Thyroid Cancer in Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study.

Survivors of childhood cancer are at risk for therapy-related subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMN), including thyroid SMN. Telomere length (TL) is associated with cancer risk, but the relationship between TL and SMN risk among survivors is less clear. We conducted a nested, matched case-control study of radiation-exposed 15-year+ adult survivors of childhood cancer with thyroid SMN (cases) and without SMN (controls). Forty-six cases were matched to 46 controls by primary diagnosis, chemotherapy (yes/no), radiation field, and follow-up duration. Lymphocyte TL (LTL) was measured by telomere flow-FISH cytometry using blood samples banked at a mean of 38.9 years (cases), 39.2 years (controls). Genetic variation in telomere genes was assessed by whole genome sequencing. Point estimates for LTL <10th percentile were determined for cases and controls. Cases had shorter median LTL than controls in three out of four leukocyte subsets. Cases were more likely to have NK cell LTL <10th percentile (P = 0.01), and 2.8-fold more likely to have naïve T-cell LTL <10th percentile than controls (CI, 1.07-8.78). Five out of 15 cases with a rare indel or missense variant had naïve T-cell LTL <10th percentile, compared with one out of eight controls. Long-term survivors have shorter than expected LTL, a finding that is more pronounced among survivors with thyroid SMN. The long-term impact of childhood cancer treatment on immune function is poorly understood. Our findings support immune function studies in larger survivor cohorts to assess long-term deficits in adaptive and innate immunity that may underlie SMN risk.