Subsequent malignant neoplasms in survivors of childhood cancer: Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) studies

Survival of children diagnosed with cancer has improved markedly, because of improvements in chemotherapy and radiation treatment protocols, better diagnosis, and risk classification and improved supportive care. Significant numbers of survivors are now entering their 30s and 40s, and data indicate that excess mortality continues in this group at least as long as 25 to 30 years after treatment. The Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) is a large cohort study of 14,054 childhood cancer survivors who have been followed for over 13 years, with a median time from diagnosis now approaching 20 years. This cohort offers an extraordinary opportunity to study therapy-associated subsequent malignant neoplasms, and has allowed improved definition of incidence and risk factors for subsequent breast and thyroid cancer. The collection of genetic samples from members of the cohort has allowed the inclusion of studies of genetic susceptibility to subsequent malignant neoplasms in this population with a uniquely well-defined carcinogenic exposure. The planned formation of a new CCSS cohort, treated with more modern therapy, will allow the extension of these studies to younger populations and will define their experience of subsequent malignant neoplasms.     

A worldwide collaboration to harmonize guidelines for the long‐term follow‐up of childhood and young adult cancer survivors: A report from the international late effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group

Childhood and young adult cancer survivors should receive optimum care to reduce the consequences of late effects and improve quality of life. We can facilitate achieving this goal by international collaboration in guideline development. In 2010, the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group was initiated. The aim of the harmonization endeavor is to establish a common vision and integrated strategy for the surveillance of late effects in childhood and young adult cancer survivors. With the implementation of our evidence‐based methods, we provide a framework for the harmonization of guidelines for the long‐term follow‐up of childhood and young adult cancer survivors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 543–549. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Incidence of childhood cancer in Switzerland: the Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry

Background

This report describes the incidence of childhood cancer in Switzerland, based on the data from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry (SCCR), a national hospital‐based cancer registry with very high coverage, founded in 1976 by the Swiss Paediatric Oncology Group (SPOG).

Procedure

Malignancies were coded according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancer (ICCC‐3). Incidence rates per 100,000 person‐years were calculated for all malignancies and groups of malignancies in Swiss residents less than 15 years of age for the decade 1995–2004.

Results

The SCCR annually registered on average 174 new cases of cancer in Swiss residents aged <15 years, with a median age at diagnosis of 5.6 years. The crude incidence of childhood cancer in children aged <15 years was 13.5, higher for boys (15.0 per 100,000) than for girls (12.1 per 100,000), and was nearly twice as high in the first 5 years of life (19.3 per 100,000) than in the age group 5 to 14 years (10.8 per 100,000).

Conclusion

Incidence of childhood cancers in the SCCR was similar to neighbouring countries and to data published by regional cancer registries in Switzerland for the same period, suggesting good completeness of registration. This makes the SCCR a valuable resource for national and international research on childhood cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:46–51. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.