Tamhane S, et al. - Researchers assessed how GH therapy (GHT) in childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) influences adult height, risk of diabetes mellitus, abnormal lipids, metabolic syndrome, quality of life, secondary tumors, and disease recurrence. They observed that CCSs treated with GHT vs untreated controls gained height. Moreover, a positive impact of GHT on lipid profiles and quality of life was suggested, without increasing the risk of diabetes or the development of secondary tumors, but close monitoring for such complications is still necessary.

Methods

• Researchers identified randomized and observational studies from multiple databases.
• Independent study selection as well as data collection was carried out by pairs of reviewers.
• They pooled outcomes across the studies by using random effects meta-analysis.

Results

• A total of 29 observational studies at moderate to high risk of bias were included; CCSs on GHT were compared with those not on GHT in 16 studies (512 patients, GH dose: 0.3 to 0.9 IU/kg/week).
• A significant correlation was seen of GHT with height gain, but not with the occurrence of secondary tumors [odds ratio (OR), 1.10; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.67] or tumor recurrence (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.31 to 1.02).
• In 13 studies, CCSs on GHT were compared with normal age- or sex-matched controls or controls with idiopathic GHD or short stature.
• They observed an association of GHT with either improved or unchanged risk of diabetes, lipid profiles, and metabolic syndrome.
• Findings revealed an association of GHT with quality of life improvements.