Volume 111, Issue 2, Pages 372–380

Authors:

Laurence E.X.M. van de Loo, M.D., Marleen H. van den Berg, Ph.D., Annelies Overbeek, M.D., Marloes van Dijk, M.Sc., Layla Damen, M.D., Cornelis B. Lambalk, M.D., Ph.D., Cécile M. Ronckers, Ph.D., Marry M. van den Heuvel-Eibrink, M.D., Ph.D., Leontien C.M. Kremer, M.D., Ph.D., Helena J. van der Pal, M.D., Ph.D., Joop S.E. Laven, M.D., Ph.D., Wim J.E. Tissing, M.D., Ph.D., Jacqueline J. Loonen, M.D., Ph.D., Birgitta Versluys, M.D., Ph.D., Dorine Bresters, M.D., Ph.D., Gerardus J.L. Kaspers, M.D., Ph.D., Flora E. van Leeuwen, Ph.D., Eline van Dulmen-den Broeder, Ph.D., on behalf of the DCOG LATER-VEVO Study Group

Abstract:

Objective

To evaluate whether abdominal–pelvic radiotherapy for childhood cancer impairs uterine function and increases the risk of pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Design

Nested cohort study.

Setting

Not applicable.

Patient(s)

Childhood cancer survivors previously exposed to abdominal–pelvic radiotherapy (RT-exposed CCSs) as part of their treatment for childhood cancer.

Intervention(s)

Radiotherapy-exposed CCSs (n = 55) were age- and parity-matched to nonirradiated CCSs (non–RT-exposed CCSs; n = 110) and general population controls (n = 110).

Main Outcome Measures

Uterine volume, pregnancy complications, and pregnancy outcomes.

Result(s)

Among nulligravidous participants, median (interquartile range) uterine volume was 41.4 (18.6–52.8) mL for RT-exposed CCSs, 48.1 (35.7–61.8) mL for non–RT-exposed CCSs, and 61.3 (49.1–75.5) mL for general population controls. Radiotherapy-exposed CCSs were at increased risk of a reduced uterine volume (<44.3 mL) compared with population controls (odds ratio [OR] 5.31 [95% confidence interval 1.98–14.23]). Surprisingly, the same was true for non–RT-exposed CCSs (OR 2.61 [1.16–5.91]). Among gravidous participants, RT-exposed CCSs had increased risks of pregnancy complications, preterm delivery, and a low birth weight infant compared with population controls (OR 12.70 [2.55–63.40], OR 9.74 [1.49–63.60], and OR 15.66 [1.43–171.35], respectively). Compared with non–RT-exposed CCSs, RT-exposed CCSs were at increased risk of delivering a low birth weight infant (OR 6.86 [1.08–43.75]).

Conclusion(s)

Uterine exposure to radiotherapy during childhood reduces adult uterine volume and leads to an increased risk of pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Preconceptional counseling and appropriate obstetric monitoring is warranted.

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