Exercise capacity in apparently healthy survivors of cancer. Issue 1 (27th September 2005)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De Caro, E; Fioredda, F; Calevo, M G; Smeraldi, A; Saitta, M; Hanau, G; Faraci, M; Grisolia, F; Dini, G; Pongiglione, G; Haupt, R
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 91:Issue 1(2006)
• Page Start: 47
• Page End: 51
• Publication Date: 2005-09-27
• Subjects: anthracycline therapy -- subclinical myocardial damage -- cancer survivors -- cardiac late effects -- exercise test; Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.2004.071241
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: To evaluate cardiopulmonary exercise tolerance in a large cohort of apparently healthy paediatric cancer survivors in order to determine their participation in sporting activities. Methods: A total of 84 young (<21 years) asymptomatic childhood cancer survivors, who had been exposed to anthracyclines (mean dose 212 mg/m 2 ) and/or chest irradiation (median dose 2000 cGy), with normal left ventricular systolic function at rest (fractional shortening >29%), and 79 healthy controls were studied. Exercise testing was performed on a treadmill ergometer. Gas exchange analysis and derived variables were measured on a breath-by-breath basis. Pulmonary functional evaluation was performed before exercise. Echocardiographic evaluation at rest was performed within one month before the exercise test. Results: There were no differences in exercise responses between patients and controls. In boys <13 years, mean VO2 max was slightly but significantly lower than in controls. This finding was thought to be a result of decreased physical fitness as all the other exercise parameters were similar to those in the controls. Conclusions: Results show that apparently healthy survivors of paediatric cancer can take part in dynamic sporting activities if they exhibit a normal response to cardiopulmonary exercise testing, while those that exhibit a reduced VO2 max should be re-evaluated after an aerobic training programme, and should undergo tailored dynamic physical activity if the VO2 max does not normalise.