Short summary

In this study we wish to evaluate the cardiovaskular risk profile among adult treated for childhood cancer, conducted by a new PET/CT method to determine the CMC (cardiovaskular molecular calcifications). The purpose is to determine wether we can indentify patients in particular risk of arteriosklerosis and cardiovascular disease earlier than with conventional methods. Furthermore we wish to compare CMC with eccocardiographic functional dimensions to determine wether PET/CT is superior in dectection of early CD, and to investigate wether theres a correlation between CMC and left ventricular function.

Rationale

Adults, who as children have been treated for cancer, have an up to 7 times elevated risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to the background population. At this time, we cannot determine who of these patients will be affected by disease before symptoms arise. 

The purpose of this study is to determine wether this group of patients have an increased level of micro-calcifications estimated by PET/CT as a marker of increased risk of cardiovaskular disease. Finally, the benefit will be to be able to provide profylactic treatment to the affected patients.

Description of the cohort

Patients treated for childhood cancer at OUH, all aging 18 or younger at the time of diagnosis. At the time of the study all patients included are > 18, in the first remission of their cancer disease and 10 years or more since time of diagnosis. All patients treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Patients treated with bonemarrow transplant or surgery are excluded.

Data and biological material

Blood pressure and blood samples will be taken to determine cardiovascular profile for all patients. Furthermore we will conduct a PET/CT scan to determine CMC status (cardiovascular molecular calcification) as an early predictor of arteriosclerosis compared to conventional methods. By comparison all patients will undergo a standard eccocardiography ultrasound to determine GLS (global longitudinal stran) as a measurement of left ventricular function which is proven to be a strong predictor of cardiovascular events. 

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of child oncology, Odense university hospital

• Physician, PhD Mathias Rathe
• Consultant, PhD Peder Skov Wehner 

Deparment of child cardiology, Odense university hospital

• Physician, Ph.D., Mads Damkjær

Department of nuclear medicine, Odense university hospital

• Professor, dr.med. Poul Flemming Høilund-Carlsen