Prospective multicenter cohort study of developmen of 12- and 15-year old offspring after maternal cancer diagnosis during pregnancy

Evidence is lacking on the long-term effects of prenatal exposure to maternal cancer and its treatment on adolescent neurocognitive, cardiac, and physical health. A multinational prospective cohort study included 12- or 15-year-old participants born to mothers with a cancer diagnosis during pregnancy. The participants underwent clinical, echocardiographic, and neurocognitive evaluations. These adolescents showed health outcomes similar to peers, with subtle subgroup differences. Verbal and visuospatial memory, and internalizing behaviors, differ slightly in specific subgroups, needing targeted support. Maternal education, gestational age, and maternal death are key predictors of adolescent health and neurodevelopment. The authors conclude that overall, no significant disruptions were were found in the development of adolescents prenatally exposed to maternal cancer and its treatment.