Physical Performance Limitations in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study Cohort

Abstract

A B S T R A C TPhysical performance limitations are one of the potential long-term consequences following diagnosis and treatment for childhood cancer. The purpose of this review is to describe the risk factors for and the participation restrictions that result from physical performance limitations among childhood cancer survivors who participated in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS). Articles previously published from the CCSS cohort related to physical performance limitations were reviewed and the results summarized. Our review showed that physical performance limitations are prevalent among childhood cancer survivors and may increase as they age. Host-based risk factors for physical disability include an original diagnosis of bone tumor, brain tumor, or Hodgkin's disease; female sex; and an income less than $20,000 per year. Treatmentbased risk factors include radiation and treatment with a combination of alkylating agents and anthracyclines. Musculoskeletal, neurologic, cardiac, pulmonary, sensory, and endocrine organ system dysfunction also increase the risk of developing a physical performance limitation. In summary, monitoring of physical performance limitations in an aging cohort of childhood cancer survivors is important and will help determine the impact of physical performance limitations on morbidity, mortality, and caregiver burden. In addition, in developing restorative and preventive interventions for childhood cancer survivors, we must take into account the special needs of survivors with physical disability to optimize their health and enhance participation in daily living activities.

Pediatric patients with a malignant bone tumor: when does functional assessment make sense?

“…Most survivors of childhood cancer do not meet general physical activity recommendations or reach activity levels of healthy control subjects [1][2][3][4]. The diagnosis of a malignant bone tumor is considered as a risk factor for physical disability which may limit physical performance [5]. Furthermore, an increased likelihood for lower physical activity during treatment could be revealed in pediatric patients with bone tumors who reached 27% of a control group's volume of activity when compared to other cancer entities, e.g., leukemia reaching 44% [6].…”

Quality of life in children with cancer and their normal siblings

“…Undergoing treatment for cancer during childhood may cause physical, social, school and emotional concerns, thus impacting health-related quality of life. 11,12 An Italian study showed that children who underwent radiation treatment and children diagnosed under the age of 6 years have the greatest risk for difficulties in school function and are candidates for greater attention and preventive efforts. 13 Limitations in physical performance is one of the potential long-term consequences following diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer.…”

Assessing Activity Limitation Among Cancer Survivors in Korea Using Data from a Nationwide Survey

“…Finally, the KNHANES did not collect information about cancer stage at diagnosis or phase of care the patient may have been in during the survey. Therefore, we could not explore how these factors influenced our outcomes of interest (Ness et al, 2009).…”