PD855 - IMPACT OF CRANIOSPINAL IRRADIATION ON GROWTH AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN PEDIATRIC MEDULLOBLASTOMA

PD855

IMPACT OF CRANIOSPINAL IRRADIATION ON GROWTH AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN PEDIATRIC MEDULLOBLASTOMA

N. Benider^1,*, H. Fadriq¹, S. Taimi¹, K. Nouni¹, A. Lachgar¹, H. El Kacemi ¹, T. Kebdani¹, K. El Hassouni¹

¹national institute of oncology , Rabat, Morocco

Rationale: Craniospinal irradiation is a mandatory treatment of pediatric medulloblastoma improving survival rates, increasing 5 year survival rates from less than 2% with exclusive surgery to 70-80%. Howerver it may impair hypothalamic-pituitary function leading to growth and nutritional disturbances.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study including 22 children treated for medulloblastoma between January 2018 and December 2024. All patients received a craniospinal irradiation using Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy technique. Patients still undergoing chemotherpy (n=4), those deceased after relapse (n=2), and one lost to follow-up were excluded from growth analysis. 

Results: Growth hormone deficiency was identified in 2 patients (13.3%), requiring hormonal replacement therapy. 3 patients (20%) presented isolated growth delay without hormonal abnormalities. At 12 months post-radiotherapy, 5 patients (33.3%) had a body mass index below the median for age. Thyroid dysfunction was observed in 2 patients (13.3%) requiring treatment. None of the children aged 11 years or older at the time of treatment developed noticeable growth impairment, suggesting a higher susceptibility among younger patients. 

Conclusion: These results indicates that craniospinal irradiation may impact growth and nutrition in pediatric medulloblastoma, making an early nutritional support essential. 

Disclosure of Interest: None declared