Endocrine Late Effects in Previously Treated Childhood Cancer

Advances in diagnosis, therapy, and supportive care have substantially improved the life expectancy of childhood cancer survivors. This remarkable success, however, is accompanied by a growing recognition of late endocrine complications attributable to prior cancer treatments. These sequelae – often chronic, multifactorial, and progressive – may profoundly compromise growth, pubertal development, thyroid function, fertility, bone health, metabolic regulation, and overall quality of life.

Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and novel targeted therapies can all disrupt endocrine function, with manifestations that may emerge years or even decades after treatment completion. Early identification, structured surveillance, and coordinated multidisciplinary management of these late effects are essential to optimizing long-term health outcomes. In pediatric and young adult survivors, these challenges are further intensified by developmental transitions, psychosocial adaptation, and the transfer from pediatric to adult models of care.

This Research Topic aims to gather multidisciplinary perspectives on the epidemiology, mechanisms, diagnosis, prevention, and management of endocrine late effects in survivors of childhood cancer. By integrating expertise from pediatric endocrinology, oncology, hematology, and reproductive medicine, the collection seeks to strengthen evidence-based strategies that can be implemented globally.

We welcome submissions addressing, but not limited to:

• Patterns and predictors: incidence, prevalence, and risk factors for endocrine late effects after specific treatment modalities.

• Mechanistic insights: pathophysiological pathways linking cancer therapies to endocrine dysfunction.

• Screening and surveillance: best practices for long-term monitoring, including biomarkers, imaging, and emerging diagnostic tools.

• Management strategies: medical, surgical, and lifestyle interventions to prevent, mitigate, or reverse endocrine dysfunction.

• Transitional care models: coordinating care across the pediatric–adult interface, including survivorship clinics and multidisciplinary approaches.

• Psychosocial and quality of life considerations: impact of late effects on mental health, social integration, and patient-reported outcomes.

• Prevention and health promotion: interventions in schools, communities, and policy frameworks to support healthy lifestyles and reduce the burden of endocrine complications.


Through this collection, we aim to foster collaboration between clinicians, researchers, survivors, and advocacy groups to advance understanding, improve clinical practice, and ultimately enhance the lives of those affected by endocrine late effects after childhood cancer.