Endocrine consequences of cancer treatment [Article in Serbian]

Abstract

Over the past 30 years, there has been a striking improvement in the number of children who survive five or more years after malignancies. The current five year overall survival rate for childhood cancers exceeds 70%, and greater than 90% for children diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. It is estimated that by the year 2010, one in 250 adults will be a survivor of childhood cancer. Because of the remarkable improvement in survival, approximately two thirds of cancer survivors develop late complications. Endocrine disturbances have been documented in 20% to 65% of survivors and frequently occur as late effects of cancer therapy. Endocrine disorders are presented as hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, thyroid disorders and gonadal dysfunction. The damage is often subtle and abnormalities may remain subclinical for years. A variety of clinical presentations may result from complications of treatment including short stature, precocious or delayed puberty, thyroid dysfunction or tumour of the thyroid as well as obesity. To achieve early diagnosis and timely therapy, long term follow up during remission is necessary. The quality of life of cancer survivors is significantly improved by the treatment of endocrine disorders.