Pulmonary complications are common in childhood cancer survivors (CCS), particularly in those who received chest radiotherapy, surgery, certain chemotherapies, or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Yet, little is known about how lung health evolves during childhood and adolescence, and Switzerland currently lacks national guidance on who should be monitored and when.
From 2022–2025, the cross-sectional Pulmo Study assessed lung function in 251 CCS from Basel, Bern, and Geneva, about seven years after diagnosis. Nearly half of those exposed to lung-damaging treatments had measurable impairments, and around one-third reported respiratory symptoms, highlighting the need for systematic follow-up.
Building on this, we will now conduct a second longitudinal study, repeating lung function tests three years after the initial assessment. This will allow us to track changes over time and detect early problems before symptoms appear.
By bridging the gap between childhood and adult survivorship, this study will generate crucial evidence to guide how and when lung function should be monitored in CCS. Participants will benefit from structured assessments, personalized feedback, and early support for emerging pulmonary issues, while the findings will help shape evidence-based follow-up care in Switzerland.
