Nachsorge nach onkologischen Erkrankungen

Currently, 80 % of all childhood cancer cases can be cured; however, results from recent research have raised the question whether the cured patients are healthy. The risk for long-term complications in this cancer patient cohort depends on the diagnosis and treatment modalities and children with brain tumors in particular often suffer late effects. Long-term follow-up results from pediatric cancer survivors in the USA report that two thirds of all cured patients experience at least one late effect within 30 years of the curative cancer treatment. Corresponding data for pediatric cancer survivors in Germany are not available. Scheduling regular examinations in the children’s hospital in accordance with follow-up guidelines are recommended to rule out relapses or late sequelae. This concept, however, does not adequately meet the physical and psychological needs of grown-up or young adult patients. To meet the needs of this growing patient group and maintain high quality in the long-term follow-up, special aftercare programs must be developed in which pediatric oncologists cooperate with specialists in internal medicine and other disciplines appropriate for the patient. Each patient needs an individualized, risk-adapted (to both disease and treatment) follow-up schedule to ensure early detection of possible late effects. Maintaining health and quality of life in patients of all ages after curative cancer treatment will not only be socially important but also have an economic impact on society in the future.