Blood biomarkers and cardiac surveillance in childhood cancer survivors

Children who have had cancer and were treated with anthracyclines or radiotherapy on the heart are at an increased risk of developing heart failure. Currently, survivors of childhood cancer at higher risk undergo periodic surveillance with an echocardiogram to detect and treat early signs of heart failure. In this thesis, Jan Leerink has utilized data from the national LATER2 cohort to investigate blood biomarkers that could improve the surveillance for heart failure. Additionally, in collaboration with international colleagues, Leerink has developed a revised guideline for cardiomyopathy surveillance in survivors of childhood cancer. The thesis offers new perspectives for the long-term follow-up after childhood cancer.