Premature aging as an accumulation of deficits in young adult survivors of pediatric cancer

A multicenter study in the United States characterized premature aging as an accumulation of deficits in survivors of pediatric cancer compared to community controls. The adjusted mean Deficit Accumulation Index (DAI) among survivors at age 30 years corresponded to the DAI of controls aged 63 (33 year premature aging; β=0,07; p<0,001). Cranial/abdominal radiation, alkylators, platinum, and neurosurgery were associated with worse DAI. High scores were associated with increased risk of neurocognitive impairment and increased risk of death. The authors conclude that pediatric cancer survivors experience significant premature aging. The DAI may be used to identify survivors at greatest risk of poor health outcomes.