Journal of the National Cancer Institute Advance Access published online on June 23, 2009
JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute, doi:10.1093/jnci/djp190
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© Oxford University Press 2009.
NEWS |
Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors, Physicians, and Researchers Face Long-Term Challenges
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Living 5 years after a cancer diagnosis is an event many patients celebrate—for some it signifies the transition from cancer patient to cancer survivor, suggesting a future life free of the disease and its effects. But new research makes it clear that no reliable benchmark exists for those treated for pediatric central nervous system (CNS) malignancies, most of which are brain cancers.
According to a study in this issue of the Journal, more than 25% of former patients will die within 30 years of their diagnosis—due primarily to recurrence and/or progression of primary disease. In addition, 82% of survivors reported having at least one chronic medical condition, 38% of which were deemed serious or life threatening. The researchers also found considerable cognitive impairment among survivors. Those treated with radiation had lower rates of employment and marriage or had emotional problems.
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