ESPE Yearbook of Paediatric Endocrinology

To read the full abstract: Endocr Pract. 2017;23:1394-1401

The study describes an American population of childhood cancer survivors from an unusual but interesting perspective. The authors evaluated the frequency of routine endocrine testing, in addition to the frequency of endocrine dysfunction, diabetes and obesity. The study found that the prevalence of endocrine disorders was significantly lower than in previous reports. However, the results seem to be explained by the low prevalence of endocrine tests in this patient cohort. A possible limitation is the heterogeneity of the cohort regarding cancer type. Moreover, the prevalence of endocrine disorders was calculated based on the whole cohort, rather than of patients with relevant symptoms or signs. It may be supposed that the accessibility and participation in screening programs for cancer survivors significantly differ from one country to another, also in relation to the presence and efficiency of a national health system. The study reminds clinicians of the importance of a periodic endocrine screening in these patients. Perhaps it should be the task of the referring oncologist, who primarily follows these patients, to start the screening of hormonal function in order to help these patients understand the need for long-life endocrine monitoring. Endocrinologists need to better collaborate with oncologists, allowing an adequate transition to avoid losing these patients to follow up.