full text Editorial (plus link to abstract (paper) - Does Cancer Treatment in Childhood Induce Transgenerational Genetic Damage?

Editorial:

"Because childhood cancer and many of the selected outcomes are rare, both studies were limited by small numbers, although they are among the largest to date, given that they include survivors from 26 participating research centers in North America and Canada and all survivors of childhood cancer in the country of Denmark, respectively. The relatively small number of outcomes to evaluate does result in low precision in risk estimates, especially for subgroups. By setting up an international study of transgenerational effects of cancer treatment (the Genetic Consequences of Cancer Treatment study involving researchers from both groups¹³), the sample size was increased by adding the offspring of cancer survivors diagnosed in early adulthood in both Denmark and Finland. This study is expected to provide more definitive answers to questions about the integrity of the germline in human populations that have been exposed to mutagenic cancer therapy."

Abstract/link:
ORIGINAL REPORTS - Pediatric Oncology: Congenital Anomalies in the Children of Cancer Survivors: A Report From the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

• JCO Jan 20, 2012:239-245
  
  Conclusion:  Our findings offer strong evidence that the children of cancer survivors are not at significantly increased risk for congenital anomalies stemming from their parent's exposure to mutagenic cancer treatments. This information is important for counseling cancer survivors planning to have children.