Khaberni - A scientific study has shown that some childhood cancer treatments may increase the risk of meningioma, a tumor that affects the membranes lining the brain and spinal cord. Researchers reached this conclusion through analyzing data from 24,886 individuals who were diagnosed with cancer before the age of 21, and scientists observed that, 35 years after the initial diagnosis, the cumulative incidence rate of meningioma was 2.3%.
The results indicated that the main cause of meningioma in participants was exposure to skull radiation therapy when they were receiving cancer treatment at a young age, and the higher the dose of radiation directed at the head, the higher the likelihood of developing meningioma later on. Individuals who did not undergo this type of radiation had a very low meningioma rate, not exceeding 0.14%.
The study also found that certain types of chemotherapy for cancer, especially "platinum" drugs, "6-mercaptopurine", and intrathecal injections, are also associated with an increased risk of developing meningioma.
Researchers affirm that the overall risk of cancer treatments and their association with meningioma remains relatively low, but it could be significant for certain groups. They believe these findings will help identify patients who need long-term and more precise monitoring in adulthood.
