Description

Background

Over the last decade, major advances have occurred in histiocytic disorders with the discovery of MAPK-ERK pathway mutations leading to targeted therapeutics using BRAF- and MEK-inhibitors. However, there is a lack of large studies informing the burden of morbidity and mortality among people with histiocytosis. Institutional studies in pediatric LCH suggest that survivors suffer from long-term impairment of health related quality of life, cognitive dysfunction, pituitary dysfunction, and hearing difficulties in 20-50% cases. Studies from the investigative team and others have also shown a high incidence of acute myeloid leukemia and other second primary malignancies in pediatric and adult LCH. Chronic medical conditions may arise as a function of the disease biology or due to cancer therapy, as seen in other hematologic malignancies.

Design

Retrospective cohort study aimed at determining the risk of chronic health conditions and cause-specific mortality in pediatric and adult patients with histiocytic disorders. The study will include patients from the Histiocytosis Association registry and other institutions including UAB (n~6000). The participants will complete a validated questionnaire capturing details of chronic health conditions, health related quality of life, cognitive/psychological function, and healthcare utilization.

Future directions

The results from our study will be instrumental in formulating follow-up guidelines for histiocytic disorders and developing targeted survivorship programs to improve overall outcomes.