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The management of childhood cancer survivors at risk for stroke: A Delphi survey of regional experts
Author(s) -
Kenney Lisa B.,
Ames Bethany,
Michaud Alexis L.,
Williams David N.,
Manley Peter E.,
Ullrich Nicole J.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
pediatric blood and cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.116
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1545-5017
pISSN - 1545-5009
DOI - 10.1002/pbc.27394
Subject(s) - medicine , stroke (engine) , specialty , referral , psychological intervention , aspirin , family medicine , neurology , intensive care medicine , pediatrics , emergency medicine , medical emergency , nursing , psychiatry , mechanical engineering , engineering
Background Evidence is not available to guide management of childhood cancer survivors (CCS) at risk for radiation‐associated cerebral vascular disease (CVD) and stroke. We propose to use a consensus‐based methodology to describe the collective opinion of regional experts for the care of these patients and identify areas of controversy. Procedure Thirty physicians from the New England region who care for CCS participated in a Delphi panel querying their management approach (imaging, laboratory tests, medications, counseling, referrals) to a CCS treated with cranial radiation formatted as five clinical scenarios (asymptomatic, small‐ and large‐vessel CVD, transient ischemia, stroke) in three rounds of anonymous questionnaires. Consensus defined as ≥90% agreement. Results Response rate was 100% for all three rounds. Panelists reached consensus on laboratory tests to assess stroke risk factors, stroke risk and prevention counseling, brain imaging to monitor survivors with known CVD, and acute care for stroke symptoms. Only 67% panelists agreed with MRI screening asymptomatic survivors with no history of CVD, 87% endorsed aspirin as stroke prevention for large‐vessel CVD and 57% for small‐vessel CVD. There was no consensus on specialty referrals. Overall, panelists practicing at large institutions and neurology subspecialists were more likely to advocate for screening, interventions, and referrals. Conclusions Despite lack of evidence to guide stroke prevention in CCS treated with cranial radiation, a panel of regional physicians reached consensus on managing most clinical scenarios. Controversial areas requiring further study are surveillance imaging for asymptomatic survivors, aspirin for stroke prevention, and indications for specialty referral.