Hormone replacement in survivors of childhood cancer and brain tumors: safety and controversies

Abstract

Childhood cancer survivors are at risk for developing endocrine disorders, including deficits in growth hormone, thyroid hormone and sex hormones. Th e influence these hormones have on cell growth and metabolism has raised concerns regarding the safety of their use as treatments in survivors of childhood cancer and brain tumors. This article offers a summary of current knowledge, controversies and areas f or future research pertaining to this area.

Keywords

• childhood cancer
• childhood brain tumors
• growth hormone
• hypothyroidism
• hypogonadism