Central Endocrine Complications Among Childhood Cancer Survivors Treated With Radiation Therapy: A PENTEC Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Purpose: Children who receive cranial radiation therapy (RT) as a component of treatment for malignancy are often at risk of long-term central endocrine toxicity secondary to radiation to the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA). A comprehensive analysis was performed of central endocrine late effects in survivors of childhood cancer treated with RT as part of the Pediatric Normal Tissue Effects in the Clinic (PENTEC) consortium.

Methods and materials: A systematic review of the risk of RT-related central endocrine effects was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A total of 4629 publications were identified, of which 16 met criteria for inclusion in dose modeling analysis, with a total of 570 patients in 19 cohorts. Eighteen cohorts reported outcomes for growth hormone deficiency (GHD), 7 reported outcomes for central hypothyroidism (HT), and 6 reported outcomes for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency.

Results: Normal tissue complication probability modeling for GHD (18 cohorts, 545 patients) yielded D₅₀ = 24.9 Gy (95% CI, 20.9-28.0) and γ₅₀ = 0.5 (95% CI, 0.27-0.78). The normal tissue complication probability model fit for whole brain irradiation in children with a median age of >5 years indicated a 20% risk of GHD for patients who receive a mean dose of 21 Gy in 2-Gy fractions to the HPA. For HT, among 7 cohorts (250 patients), D₅₀ = 39 Gy (95% CI, 34.1-53.2) and γ₅₀ = 0.81 (95% CI, 0.46-1.35), with a 20% risk of HT in children who receive a mean dose of 22 Gy in 2-Gy fractions to the HPA. For ACTH deficiency (6 cohorts, 230 patients), D₅₀ = 61 Gy (95% CI, 44.7-119.4) and γ₅₀ = 0.76 (95% CI, 0.5-1.19); there is a 20% risk of ACTH deficiency in children who receive a mean dose of 34 Gy in 2-Gy fractions to the HPA.

Conclusions: RT dose to the HPA increases the risk of central endocrine toxicity, including GHD, HT, and ACTH deficiency. In some clinical situations, these toxicities may be difficult to avoid, and counseling of patients and families with respect to anticipated outcomes is important.