Understanding Low Bone Density in Childhood Cancer Survivors

Remarkable advances in childhood cancer diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care have resulted in a large and growing population of survivors at substantial risk of subsequent malignant neoplasm, severe or life-threatening chronic health conditions, and premature death. 1 Endocrinopathies are among the most common adverse effects of treatment for childhood cancer, although they may go unrecognized for years.Among these, low bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture result in significant morbidity. 2Yet, these long-term and late effects from treatment have received little attention or funding. 3sewhere in JAMA Network Open, Goodenough and colleagues 4 evaluated bone density using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) in 3919 childhood cancer survivors diagnosed between 1962 and 2012 and aged 18 to 69 years at the time of study.Low BMD was found to be highly