Long-Term rhGH Therapy Safety Outcomes

Evaluating rhGH therapy safety is essential for clinicians managing pediatric growth disorders. Recently, 10-year interim results from the LG Growth Study in Korea were published. This multicenter registry followed 5,040 patients over 19,878 patient-years of active treatment. Consequently, it represents one of the largest single-nation safety evaluations available today. The data provides crucial insights for endocrinologists treating various growth hormone-related conditions.

Key Findings on Adverse Events

The study found that adverse events occurred in 34.2% of patients. However, adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were significantly lower, affecting only 7.0% of the population. Furthermore, serious adverse drug reactions were remarkably rare, reported in only 0.3% of the cohort. Scoliosis was the most frequent event, followed by headaches and injection site pain. These results closely mirror international data from global registries like GeNeSIS and KIGS. Therefore, the findings suggest a highly favorable risk-benefit profile for pediatric patients.

Malignancy and Tumor Recurrence Risks

Oncological safety remained a primary focus throughout the surveillance period. Only three malignant neoplasms were reported during the 10-year follow-up. This yielded a standardized incidence ratio of 1.1, which is comparable to general national rates. Additionally, craniopharyngioma recurrence rates matched international benchmarks. Consequently, the study confirms that rhGH does not significantly increase the risk of new or recurrent tumors. These results offer significant reassurance to both healthcare providers and caregivers.

Clinical Significance for Healthcare Providers

For pediatricians, this real-world evidence supports the long-term use of growth hormone. It validates the ongoing treatment for conditions like Turner syndrome, small for gestational age, and idiopathic short stature. Since the registry spans a decade, the data is highly reliable for clinical decision-making. Nevertheless, doctors must continue regular monitoring to maintain patient safety. This study reinforces current global guidelines for safe growth hormone administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common side effects of rhGH treatment?

The most common adverse event reported was scoliosis, occurring in 1.6% of patients. Other mild side effects included headaches and injection site pain, which are consistent with findings in global registries.

Is there an increased cancer risk with long-term rhGH therapy?

No, the study found no significant increase in malignancy risk. The rates were comparable to those of the general population, further confirming rhGH therapy safety over a 10-year period.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or a substitute for professional consultation. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

Kim YM et al. Accumulated Safety Data of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Therapy in Korean Children over a 10-Year Period: Interim Results from the LG Growth Study. Endocr Connect. 2026 May 18. doi: undefined. PMID: 42149642.

Sävendahl L, Maes M, Albertsson-Wikland K, et al. Long-term safety and effectiveness of growth hormone treatment in children with short stature: A review of the GeNeSIS registry. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2012;97(6):1920-1929.

Stochholm K, Kiess W. Long-term safety of growth hormone-A combined registry analysis. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2018;88(5):515-528.