Thalamic and hypothalamic tumors of childhood: endocrine late effects.

Children who have received chemotherapy and radiation therapy for treatment of thalamic/hypothalamic tumors are at risk for late effects, specifically endocrine dysfunction. Evaluation of growth and pubertal development, thyroid function and integrity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis should be undertaken in a prospective manner. Issues of metabolic disturbances such as obesity, altered body composition/bone density as well as ultimate fertility also need to be addressed by ongoing prospective evaluations. Copyright 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.