January 10, 2026Scientific Reports0 citationsOpen Access

Microvascular skeletal muscle oxygenation and exercise capacity in childhood cancer survivors compared to healthy controls: a cross-sectional study

NEN Van ErmengemKU Leuven DVDeveny VanrusseltKU Leuven AUAnne UyttebroeckKU Leuven

Key Result

Childhood cancer survivors had significantly impaired skeletal muscle oxygenation and reduced exercise capacity compared to healthy controls during CPET.

Key Points

Evaluate skeletal muscle oxygenation and exercise capacity in childhood cancer survivors and compare with healthy controls.
Cross-sectional study design
Twenty-six childhood cancer survivors and matched controls
Maximal incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test performed
Measurement of VO2 during exercise
Childhood cancer survivors showed lower muscle oxygenation compared to controls
Exercise capacity was significantly reduced in childhood cancer survivors
Association between muscle oxygenation and exercise capacity observed

Structured PICO

Does childhood cancer survivorship reduce skeletal muscle oxygenation and exercise capacity compared to healthy controls?

Population

52 subjects aged 14-28 years, comprising 26 childhood cancer survivors (CCS) (mean age 17.59, 53.8% female, 6 months to 10 years post-treatment) and 26 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Exclusions: intellectual disability, depression, chronic illness (for controls).

Comparator

Age- and sex-matched healthy controls without chronic illness

Outcome

Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and skeletal muscle oxygenation (changes in deoxyhemoglobin [ΔHHb], total hemoglobin [ΔtHb], and tissue saturation index [ΔTSI]) during maximal incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testsurrogate

Childhood cancer survivors demonstrate significantly reduced cardiorespiratory fitness and impaired peripheral skeletal muscle oxygen extraction compared to healthy peers.

Main Result

Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate skeletal muscle oxygenation and exercise capacity in childhood cancer survivors (CCS), and assess their association, in comparison with healthy controls. Twenty-six CCS (12 male, 6 months-10 yrs after treatment, mean age 17.59 (IQR:5.21 yrs) and 26 matched control subjects were recruited. Subjects performed a maximal incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a treadmill with measurement of VO

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