Late Side Effects in Terms of Thyroid Functions in Patients Who Improve After Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on thyroid functions in cases where chemotherapy and radiotherapy were given in our pediatric hematology unit and the treatment resulted in healing, and at least two years after the end of treatment. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, under 18 years of age at the time of diagnosis, treated according to acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment protocols, bone marrow transplantation, non-recurrence, and at least 2 years post-treatment were included. The examinations and demographic features of the cases performed in the outpatient clinic controls were recorded retrospectively from their files and electronic recording system. RESULTS: Forty-five cases aged 6 years and over in girls and 5 years and over in boys were evaluated. Radiotherapy was applied in addition to chemotherapy in 14 cases, and all of them were given prophylactic cranial radiotherapy. Six of the patients received 12 Gy and 8 received 18 Gy. In 2 (45%) of 45 cases, TSH values were between 5.5-10 µU / L. None of the patients had TSH> 10 µU / L. All patients had normal ST4 levels. When compared with thyroid functions, patients who received and did not receive cranial radiotherapy did not differ statistically. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In our study, late side effects were not detected in terms of thyroid functions in patients who received chemotherapy and prophylactic cranial radiotherapy.

Keywords

• childhood
• chemotherapy
• thyroid