Adverse effects of treatment in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: general overview and implications for long-term cardiac health

Abstract

Survival of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is one of the greatest medical success stories of the last four decades. Unfortunately, childhood ALL survivors experience medical late effects that increase their risk of morbidity and premature death, often due to heart and vascular disease. Research has helped elucidate the mechanisms and trajectory of direct damage to the heart from treatment exposure, particularly to anthracyclines, and has also contributed knowledge on the influences of related chronic conditions, such as obesity and insulin resistance on heart health in these survivors. This article summarizes the key issues associated with early morbidity and mortality from cardiac-related disease in childhood ALL survivors and suggests directions for interventions to improve long-term outcomes.

Conflict of interest statement

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.