In this record linkage study, data from the Dutch DCOG LATER childhood cancer survivor cohort were linked to the nationwide histopathology and cytopathology registry (PALGA) to identify solid benign tumors. Of 5843 Dutch five-year survivors of childhood cancer, 542 (9.3%) developed a benign tumor after a median follow-up of 22.7 years and at a median age of 30.0 years; the highest cumulative incidence of benign tumors was found in survivors treated with radiotherapy only (16.7%). Nervous system tumors, uterine leiomyoma, and osteochondroma appeared to be associated with prior local radiotherapy. A possible association of chest radiotherapy with breast fibroadenoma was not confirmed in our data.
These findings in survivors of childhood cancer are important to enable early diagnosis, to develop organ-specific guidelines that include some benign tumors, and to guide in-depth etiologic studies.
The DCOG LATER Study is a collaborative national effort, and lead by the Princess Maxima Center. The results of this record linkage study are published by the DCOG LATER scientists and clinicians, led by Leontine Kremer in the medical journal JAMA Oncology.