Monitoring Endocrine Health After Brain Radiotherapy in Children and Teens Treated Before Age 16

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying endocrine monitoring in children and adolescents who have undergone cerebral radiotherapy for cancer before age 16. The study focuses on patients aged 4 to 18 years who are in remission or have stable residual disease, aiming to improve detection of hormone deficiencies affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and to establish follow-up recommendations that enhance quality of life and health. The trial also explores chronic fatigue as a possible consequence of pituitary deficiencies using an annual fatigue questionnaire. Participants will undergo specific tests including insulin level checks every two years. For children under 8 years old, additional hormone levels such as testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, inhibin B, and Anti-Mllerian hormone are measured during routine blood tests. Urine tests will be conducted at 2 and 4 years after radiotherapy, and bone density scans will be done twice for patients aged 12 and older, even if the first scan is normal. During the study, patients will be regularly monitored with blood and urine samples and bone densitometry to assess endocrine health and treatment effects over four years, within a maximum of five years post-radiotherapy. Researchers will evaluate hormone deficiencies, fatigue, and cognitive disorders. The study aims to better understand risk factors for pituitary insufficiency and to improve medium-term follow-up care for these patients.

Brain Irradiation for Childhood Cancer - Endocrine Monitoring During the First Years