TREATMENT-RELATED ESOPHAGEAL STRICTURE IN PEDIATRIC-PATIENTS WITH CANCER

Background. Intensive antineoplastic regimens have enhanced long-term survival in pediatric patients with cancer, but can result in long-ter m complications. Esophageal stricture formation is one such complicati on. Methods. We reviewed the experience with benign esophageal strictu re in pediatric patients with cancer over the past 15 years in a major cancer center. Clinical course, along with endoscopic, radiologic, an d manometric esophageal studies, was reviewed. Results. Esophageal str ictures formed in five pediatric patients who were treated with radiat ion and/or chemotherapy. Stricture formation was associated with abnor mal esophageal motility in four out of the five patients. Repeated eso phageal dilation was performed from 3-50 times and resulted in strictu re resolution in only 2 of the 5 patients. Conclusions. Esophageal str icture formation in this population is rare, but is associated with lo ng-term morbidity.