Monitoring of Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease in Childhood Cancer Survivors

Advances in cancer treatment have significantly improved childhood cancer survival, although metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease are common long-term complications that may occur years after treatment. Childhood cancer survivors may not receive appropriate follow-up due to lack of communication between oncologists and primary care physicians, or, from lack of awareness of possible long-term metabolic and cardiovascular complications after cancer treatment. We, therefore, reviewed current evidence on long-term effects of cancer therapy, and appropriate monitoring for long-term treatment effects in childhood cancer survivors that could lead to early detection and prompt treatment to prevent future cardiovascular events.