Late effects on the urinary bladder in patients treated for cancer in childhood: A report from the Children's Oncology Group

Childhood cancer survivors who have had pelvic or central nervous system surgery or have received alkylator‐containing chemotherapy or pelvic radiotherapy as part of their cancer therapy may experience urinary bladder late effects. This article reviews the medical literature on long‐term bladder complications in survivors of childhood cancer and outlines the Children's Oncology Group Long‐Term Follow‐up (COG LTFU) Guidelines related to bladder function. An overview of the treatment of bladder late effects and recommended counseling for survivors with these complications are presented. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:439–446. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.