Second tumors in patients after cancer therapy in childhood. Statistics, etiology, ways of prevention

The analysis of the literature is devoted to the late consequences of antineoplastic treatment in children and adolescents. In the late periods after the treatment of primary tumors the main problems are the second tumors and cardiovascular diseases. The main factor of the induction of secondary tumors is radiotherapy. The likelihood and severity of the late effects of therapy are in direct correlation with the radiation dose and the time elapsed after the treatment. Results of the analysis indicate the advisability of revising the indications for consolidation radiotherapy with the refraining from it in the cases of a favorable prognosis and complete tumor regression as a result of surgery or chemotherapy. In those cases when radiation therapy is indicated the modern techniques and equipment should be used with the lowest possible doses of irradiation. Patients treated with anti-tumor therapy at a young age should be under lifelong medical supervision by oncologists with special attention to areas exposed to radiation.