Second Primary Neoplasms in Pediatric Cancer Survivors With Single Institution Experience From Turkey.

Abstract

Background: This study aims to establish the characteristics of second primary neoplasms (SPNs) and the long-term follow-up status of a tertiary pediatric oncology center.

Methods: Records of 1799 patients followed up in the pediatric oncology division between January 1981 and December 2022 were evaluated retrospectively.

Results: Thirty-four (1.9%) cases of secondary neoplasms were identified throughout 42 years. The 5-year and 10-year cumulative incidence was 1% and 4%, respectively. The 3 most common SPNs were thyroid carcinomas (TC), central nervous system (CNS) tumors, and leukemias. The shortest median latent period of SPN detection was 15.5 (2 to 35) months in secondary leukemias, whereas 8 (0 to 17) years in all SPNs. Secondary solid tumors that occurred within the radiation field were TC and meningiomas with a 5.5 (3 to 12) and 16 (6 to 22) years latency period, respectively. Ten patients died; the median death time from the diagnosis of SPN was 10 months in all secondary leukemias and 3.5 months in CNS tumors. The 5-year overall survival was 91%, with a median follow-up time of 13.1 years in all patients with SPN.

Conclusions: Considering the SPN-inducing effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, patient-protective improvements in treatment protocols are required. Multidisciplinary and long-term follow-up is essential even in adulthood because of the long latency period of some SPN occurring in pediatric cancer survivors.