Associations of Ferritin and Folate Status with Clinical Outcomes in
Childhood Cancer Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Abstract
Background: Given the limited research on folate and ferritin
status in children with cancer undergoing treatment, we investigated the
prevalence of abnormalities and their impact on clinical outcomes and
treatment complications. Methods: This prospective cohort study
enrolled children <18 years diagnosed with cancer between August
2010-February 2014. Data collection occurred at diagnosis, 3, 6, 9, 12
and 18 months. Clinical outcomes were classified as event-free survival
or events (relapse, death, the development of new metastasis, becoming
palliative), and treatment complications. Micronutrient status was
assessed through clinical and nutritional analyses. Binary logistic
regression, multilevel model analysis explored relationships between
micronutrient status and clinical outcomes. Results: Eighty-two
patients [median (IQR) 3.9 (1.9-8.8) years, 56% males] were
recruited. Excess ferritin (85%) and folate deficiency (25.5%) were
prevalent micronutrient abnormalities throughout the study. Decreased
ferritin levels reduced the odds of events by 83.9% (OR=0.161,95%
CI=1.000–1.002, p=0.032). Higher ferritin was associated with
increased number of treatment-related complications (B=7.3E-5,95%
CI=1.5E-5–0.000, p=0.013). Folate status showed significant
association with BMI category (χ 2=9.564,
p=0.008), indicating that overweight and obese patients were more
prone to deficiency. Conclusion: Paediatric cancer patients
undergoing treatment exhibit high ferritin and reduced folate levels.
Elevated ferritin is linked to increased toxicity and negative clinical
outcomes, highlighting the importance of regular assessment and
monitoring of both folate and ferritin. Implementing routine monitoring
for these biomarkers could help mitigate adverse effects associated with
treatment. Large-scale population-based studies and clinical trials are
now warranted.