Findings showed that cardiomyopathy was present in 7.4 percent of the survivors; coronary artery disease in 3.8 percent; valvular regurgitation or stenosis in 20.8 percent and conduction or rhythm abnormalities in 4.4 percent. Majority of the cancer survivors were asymptomatic.
See Also: Cardio-Oncology: A Developing Specialty for Comprehensive Cardiac Care
Study researchers talk about the fact that there is a lack of randomised, controlled trials to test screening practices and that is why the guidelines used to care for survivors of childhood cancer are based on best available evidence and expert clinical consensus. There is very limited evidence though whether these screening guidelines are effective.
The researchers are hopeful that these findings will help increase focus on the development of more effective screening guidelines for this particular patient group. "Clinically, these data may guide stratification of risk factors, screening practices, health counseling, and potential therapeutic measures aimed at changing the disease trajectory in this young adult population", the authors conclude.
Source: Annals of Internal Medicine
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