Long-Term Tubular Dysfunction in Childhood Cancer Survivors; DCCSS-LATER 2 Renal Study

Simple Summary We studied survivors of childhood cancer who received cancer treatment that might affect the kidneys and compared them to controls from the general population. We investigated if there was a difference in the occurrence of tubular dysfunction. The tubules are the part of the kidney responsible for reabsorption of needed substances to the blood and the removal of wastes. After around 25 years since their cancer diagnosis, we found that in general there were no differences between survivors and controls, but survivors more often had losses of small proteins in the urine. Yet, some survivors of childhood cancer were found to have an increased risk of tubular dysfunction. Namely, survivors treated with the chemotherapeutic agents ifosfamide, cisplatin or carboplatin. Therefore, these patients should be monitored during their follow-up. The aim of this nationwide cross-sectional cohort study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for tubular dysfunction in childhood cancer survivors (CCS). In the DCCSS-LATER 2 Renal study, 1024 CCS (>= 5 years after diagnosis), aged >= 18 years at study, treated between 1963 and 2001 with potentially nephrotoxic therapy (i.e., nephrectomy, abdominal radiotherapy, total body irradiation, cisplatin, carboplatin, ifosfamide, high-dose cyclophosphamide, or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation) participated, and 500 age- and sex-matched participants from Lifelines acted as controls. Tubular electrolyte loss was defined as low serum levels (magnesium < 0.7 mmol/L, phosphate < 0.7 mmol/L and potassium < 3.6 mmol/L) with increased renal excretion or supplementation. A alpha 1-microglobulin:creatinine ratio > 1.7 mg/mmol was considered as low-molecular weight proteinuria (LMWP). Multivariable risk analyses were performed. After median 25.5 years follow-up, overall prevalence of electrolyte losses in CCS (magnesium 5.6%, potassium 4.5%, phosphate 5.5%) was not higher compared to controls. LMWP was more prevalent (CCS 20.1% versus controls 0.4%). LMWP and magnesium loss were associated with glomerular dysfunction. Ifosfamide was associated with potassium loss, phosphate loss (with cumulative dose > 42 g/m(2)) and LMWP. Cisplatin was associated with magnesium loss and a cumulative dose > 500 mg/m(2) with potassium and phosphate loss. Carboplatin cumulative dose > 2800 mg/m(2) was associated with potassium loss. In conclusion, long-term tubular dysfunction is infrequent. Yet, ifosfamide, cisplatin and carboplatin are risk factors.

Automated summary

This study investigated the occurrence of tubular dysfunction in childhood cancer survivors who received nephrotoxic therapy. The overall prevalence of electrolyte losses in survivors was not higher compared to controls, but some survivors had an increased risk of tubular dysfunction, especially those treated with specific chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore, these patients should be closely monitored during follow-up.