Bone age and dental late effects in childhood cancer survivors: Radiographic findings in a Brazilian sample

BackgroundChanges in bone age and tooth development are late side effects of cancer therapy and can be identified by imaging examination.AimTo evaluate the late effects of antineoplastic treatment on bone age and dental development in childhood cancer survivors.DesignThis is a retrospective case-control study on paediatric cancer survivors of both sexes who underwent antineoplastic treatment with 5-15 years of survival. Carpal radiographs were assessed for bone age and growth curve, and panoramic radiographs were used to evaluate dental development and alterations. Carpal radiographs were analyzed using the Greulich and Pyle inspection method, and the Martins and Sakima method was used to analyze the growth curve. All tests were applied with a confidence level of 95%.ResultsThe study and control groups comprised 28 and 56 patients, respectively. There was no significant difference in bone age and growth curve between the study and control groups. Nonetheless, when sex was compared to chronological and bone ages, there was a significant difference in bone age (p = 0.019) and an underestimation in both groups and sexes in the Greulich and Pyle method. As to late dental effects, dental agenesia, microdontia, gyroversion, and unerupted teeth were found. Dental shape alterations mainly involve the root region.ConclusionClose multidisciplinary collaboration is necessary during the follow-up period of young patients who have survived cancer.