A scientific study has shown that some childhood cancer treatments may increase the risk of meningioma, a tumor that affects the membranes lining the brain and spinal cord.
The researchers reached this conclusion by analyzing data from 24,886 people who were diagnosed with cancer before the age of 21. The scientists noted that, 35 years after the initial diagnosis, the cumulative incidence of meningioma was 2.3%.
The results showed that the main cause of meningioma among the participants was exposure of the skull to radiation therapy when they were receiving cancer treatment at an early age. The higher the dose of radiation directed to the head, the greater the likelihood of developing a meningioma later. As for the people who were not exposed to this type of radiation, the percentage of meningioma was very low, not exceeding 0.14%.
The study also found that certain types of cancer chemotherapy, particularly platinum-based drugs, 6-mercaptopurine, and injections into the spinal canal, are also associated with an increased risk of meningioma.
The researchers emphasize that the overall risk of cancer treatments and their association with meningioma remains relatively low, but it may be significant for some groups, and they believe these findings will help identify patients who need longer-term and more accurate monitoring in adulthood.
