Long term side effects of treatment for neuroblastoma

Long term side effects

The possible long term effects depend on the:

• type of treatment the child has had

• treatment amounts (doses) they had

• age they were when they had treatment

In particular, children with high risk neuroblastoma often have a range of different treatments. Each with their own possible side effects. It’s impossible to predict who will get long term side effects at the moment.

It is important to remember that the risk of treatment needs to be weighed up against the benefits of treatment. More children are surviving neuroblastoma as treatments have improved over the last 20 years. And the risk of long term effects is also becoming less as childhood cancer treatments become kinder with research.

Possible long term late effects

Some of the possible long term effects of treatment include:

• not being able to have children in the future (fertility problems)

• hearing problems

• lung problems due to radiotherapy or some medicines

• changes in how the kidneys and heart work

• problems with the glands that create hormones. This is the endocrine system. This can cause problems such as growth and development issues, thyroid issues, period changes, and diabetes

• a risk of developing a second cancer in the future

• learning difficulties – some children will need extra support at school

• developing an autoimmune disease

• bone and muscle problems

• mental health problems such as anxiety and depression

• changes in the ability to think and process things such as finding it difficult to concentrate

• problems with their teeth. This could be smaller than normal sized teeth, missing teeth or the hard outer layer of their teeth (enamel) not developing properly

Your child’s doctor will talk to you about the possible risks depending on the treatment your child has had. They will continue to keep a close eye on your child, so that any problems can be treated early. They will work out the best way to follow them up depending on the treatment they have had.

Late effects clinic

Children who have had cancer should have follow up into adulthood.

Long term follow up clinics are available for those who are 5 years or more from the end of their cancer treatment. Your child usually sees a specialist nurse. The specialist nurse can make referrals to other professionals if they need to.