Population-based study of long-term risk of hospitalization-associated infections in childhood cancer survivors

Infections pose a significant risk during therapy for childhood cancer. However, little is known about the risk of infection in long-term survivors of childhood cancer. A retrospective observational study of patients in Washington State diagnosed with cancer before age 20 years who survived at least 5 years after diagnosis found that infectious complications continue to affect survivors of childhood cancer many years after diagnosis. This risk is elevated in survivors of both hematologic and nonhematologic malignancies. The authors conclude that it is vital for patients, caregivers, and their providers to appreciate this long-term infection risk.