Abstract

Background: Childhood cancer survivors may face growth impairment due to late effects of childhood cancer therapies. Present study was aimed to study the impact of various modalities of treatment on growth of children with malignancy.
Material and Methods: Present study was Prospective observational hospital-based study, conducted in children between age group 1-18 years, diagnosed with Haematological malignancy or any solid tumour and are on treatment/follow-up in Pediatric hematoncology unit, at least on 4 occasions (4-6 months apart).
Results: Out of 45 children, 30 (66.7%) were boys, mean age of the children enrolled was 5.4 ± 3.684 years. 29 (64.4%) had Leukaemia, 31 (68.8%) received only chemotherapy, 12 (26.6%) received surgery and chemotherapy, 10 received radiotherapy and chemotherapy (22.2%) and 8 (17.8%) of them received all 3 modes of treatment. Among 29 children with leukaemia, there was significant weight gain as well as increase in height at each follow up compared to baseline.  There was no statistically significant gain in weight or height in children with lymphoma at all 3 follow ups. In children with solid organ tumor significant weight gain is observed at each follow up compared with baseline weight which was taken at initiation of chemotherapy. Significant gain in height & weight at each follow up was observed among all 31 children who received only chemotherapy, there was gain in weight & height observed in all children who received both chemotherapy and underwent surgery.  No significant weight gain but a significant gain in height in all 13 children who received both chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Conclusion: Weight is more affected in children who received radiotherapy along with chemotherapy and in children who received all 3 modes of treatment that is chemotherapy, radiotherapy and underwent surgery for excision of tumour when compared with children who received chemotherapy alone