Research for the Future of Children with Cancer

Each year, approximately 300 children and adolescents in Switzerland are diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to major medical advances, more than 87% of them survive for at least five years. However, this success often comes at a cost. Intensive treatments can cause long-term health problems known as late effects. The lungs are particularly vulnerable, and even mild, treatment-related damage can increase the risk of respiratory disease and a reduced quality of life later on. Therefore, detecting these problems early is essential.

PD Dr. Jakob Usemann is exploring new ways to identify lung changes much earlier and with far greater precision than ever before. Standard lung function tests, which are commonly used in follow-up care, often miss early damage. Dr. Usemann’s team is introducing advanced, non-invasive techniques, such as a targeted lung function test that can detect subtle ventilation problems, as well as a state-of-the-art lung MRI that can reveal structural and functional abnormalities without radiation.

The study follows children during and after cancer treatment to understand when lung changes first appear and which therapies may increase the risk. Initial results are reassuring: most children show no significant abnormalities at the start of treatment. The next crucial step is completing the MRI examinations after therapy, which will provide deeper insight into lung development, ventilation patterns, and potential early signs of long-term complications.

This research will pave the way for better follow-up care, earlier interventions, and ultimately healthier futures for childhood cancer survivors. None of this progress would be possible without the generosity of donors. Your support helps protect children’s lung health and gives families hope for a future with fewer late effects.

Links:

• Watch Dr. Usemann's 2-minute video on follow-up care

Children who have survived cancer may experience a variety of health issues throughout their lives. The most common are heart and lung diseases, hormonal disorders, and muscle and bone problems. However, psychological issues, difficulty concentrating, and chronic fatigue can also be burdens in adulthood.

Dr. Christina Schindera, a senior physician specializing in pediatric oncology and hematology, is researching the most effective methods for the early detection of heart problems. "We want to detect heart problems early. This way, we can treat them specifically and maintain heart health for as long as possible," explains Dr. Schindera.

In her research project, she is investigating how frequently heart problems occur after childhood cancer and which young patients are affected. To accomplish this, her team uses cardiac ultrasound to evaluate the heart muscle's pumping capacity. During the cardiovascular stress test, participants ride a bicycle against increasing resistance. This allows the researchers to investigate whether heart problems only occur under stress.

As part of the research project, the team invites childhood cancer survivors to undergo a comprehensive cardiac follow-up. In addition to assessing the heart's pumping function and resilience, the researchers record other important factors, such as blood pressure, abdominal circumference, nutrition, quality of life, and chronic fatigue. For the future, the pediatric oncologist hopes for more gentle cancer therapies. This would lead to fewer long-term effects, better follow-up care, and more education for young patients so they can transition into adulthood in an informed and self-determined manner.

Links:

• Watch Dr Schindera's short video on how to detect heart problems