Endocrine late effects in survivors of pediatric brain tumors.

Central nervous system tumors are the most common solid tumor diagnosed in children under the age of 14 years. Chronic health conditions related to endocrine and metabolic late effects are one of the most common medical late effects seen in childhood cancer survivors. Over the past 2 decades, outcomes have improved significantly for children diagnosed with a brain tumor. Curative therapy for childhood brain tumors survivors places them at significant risk for complex multi-organ medical late effects.These late effects can create a negative effect on cognition, growth, organ function, body image, sexual function and quality of life. Treatment related complications can occur many years after completion of therapy. Close monitoring is necessary so that early detection and intervention can hopefully decrease the full negative impact of many of these effects. Lifelong medical surveillance with a multidisciplinary team approach is essential to maximize health and improve the quality of life of survivors of pediatric brain tumors.