Long-Term Risk of Skin Cancer Among Childhood Cancer Survivors: A DCOG-LATER Cohort Study

DCOG LATER Study Grp, Jop C. Teepen*, Judith L. Kok, Leontien C. Kremer, Wim J. E. Tissing, Marry M. Van Den Heuvel-Eibrink, Jacqueline J. Loonen, Dorine Bresters, Helena J. van Der Pal, Birgitta Versluys, Eline Van Dulmen-den Broeder, Tamar Nijsten, Michael Hauptmann, Nynke Hollema, Wil Dolsma, Flora E. van Leeuwen, Cecile M. Ronckers

*Corresponding author for this work

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    Abstract

    Background: Skin cancer is common after radiotherapy among childhood cancer survivors (CCSs). We studied risks and risk factors for subsequent skin cancers, with emphasis on radiation dose, exposed skin surface area, and chemotherapeutic agents.

    Methods: The DCOG-LATER cohort study includes 5-year Dutch CCSs diagnosed 1963-2001. Subsequent skin cancers were identified from record linkages with the Netherlands Cancer Registry and Dutch Pathology Registry. Incidence rates were compared with general population rates. Multivariable Cox regression models were used, applying a novel method of case-control sampling enabling use of tumor location in cohort analyses. All statistical tests were two-sided.

    Results: Among 5843 CCSs, 259 developed 1061 basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) (standardized incidence ratio [SIR] = 29.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 26.3 to 33.6; excess absolute risk per 10 000 person-years (EAR) = 24.6), 20 had melanoma (SIR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.4 to 3.5; EAR = 1.1), and 10 had squamous cell carcinoma (SIR = 7.5, 95% CI = 3.6 to 13.8; EAR = 0.8). Cumulative incidence of BCC 40 years after childhood cancer was 19.1% (95% CI = 16.6 to 21.8%) after radiotherapy vs 0.6% expected based on general population rates. After a first BCC, 46.7% had more BCCs later. BCC risk was associated with any radiotherapy to the skin compartment of interest (hazard ratio [HR] = 14.32, 95% CI = 10.10 to 20.29) and with estimated percentage in-field skin surface area (26-75%: HR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.24 to 3.20; 76-100%: HR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.33 to 3.53, vs 1-25% exposed; P-trend among exposed = .002), but not with prescribed radiation dose and likelihood of sun-exposed skin-area. Of all chemotherapy groups examined, only vinca alkaloids increased BCC risk (HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.04 to 2.27).

    Conclusion: CCSs have a strongly, 30-fold increased BCC risk. BCC risk appears to increase with increasing skin surface area exposed. This knowledge underscores the need for awareness by survivors and their health care providers.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number212
    Pages (from-to)845-853
    Number of pages9
    JournalJournal of the National Cancer Institute
    Volume111
    Issue number8
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Aug-2019

    Keywords

    • BASAL-CELL CARCINOMA
    • TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS
    • MALIGNANT NEOPLASMS
    • RADIATION-THERAPY
    • 2ND MALIGNANCIES
    • COMPETING RISKS
    • SQUAMOUS-CELL
    • SUBSEQUENT
    • NETHERLANDS
    • IRRADIATION

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