Bone Mineral Density Status in Pediatric and Adolescent Survivors of Childhood Cancer With History of Bone Fracture

The purpose of this research study is to learn more about the status of bones in children and young-adults who have had bone fractures after treatment for childhood cancer. Bone complications including fracture can be important issues for some childhood cancer survivors. In this study we are measuring bone mineral density in children and young adults who have had bone fracture after treatment for childhood cancer. We will measure bone mineral density in two ways. We will use: 1) dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (also known as DXA), and 2) peripheral quantitative computed tomography (also known as pQCT).

Inclusion criteria

• History of childhood cancer
• Age ≥ 8 years and < 20 years at time of enrollment
• ≥ 2 years since completion of cancer-directed therapy for first cancer
• Received chemotherapy for treatment of childhood cancer
• History of bone fracture after the conclusion of chemotherapy*
• Not currently receiving cancer-directed therapy
• Signed written informed consent (by parent if patient is < 18 years of age, or by patient, if he or she is ≥18 years of age)
• Patient assent for those ≥10 years of age and < 18 years of age for whom a parent provides informed consent (*History of bone fracture will be based on patient/parent report of fracture occurrence and will be confirmed in review of the medical record whenever feasible.)

Exclusion criteria

• Current treatment with bisphosphonates (as of time of enrollment)
• Current treatment with the anticonvulsant depakote (at time of enrollment)
• Currently pregnant