Childhood CancerLast Updated: June 10, 2011 This section has been reviewed and approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 05/11 Overview
Cancer is relatively rare in children. Most cancers (98%) develop in adults, especially in people past middle age. About one out of every six adults will develop cancer during his or her lifetime, while one in 300 boys and one in 333 girls will develop cancer before the age of 20. At the same time, however, there is a lot of research going on to discover new treatments for childhood cancer. This ongoing research has greatly improved the overall survival rate for children with cancer, which is now approximately 80%. What is childhood cancer? Cancer begins when normal cells change and grow uncontrollably. In most types of cancer, these cells form a mass called a tumor. A tumor can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous, meaning it can spread to other parts of the body). In leukemia, a cancer of the blood that starts in the bone marrow, these abnormal cells rarely form a solid tumor, but instead crowd out other types of cells in the bone marrow. This prevents the production of normal red blood cells, otherotherwhite blood cells, and platelets (the part of the blood needed for clotting). Cancer in children most often forms in the parts of their bodies that are still growing and changing, such as their blood system, brain and nervous system, and kidneys. Most of the time, there is no known cause for childhood cancers. They may behave very differently from adult cancers. Types of childhood cancer Childhood cancer is a general term used to describe a range of cancer types and noncancerous tumors found in children. Childhood cancer may also be called pediatric cancer. Below are the most common types of cancer in children under 15 years old. For more information on each type, select a name below.
Cancer in teenagers and young adults There is an increasing amount of research regarding cancer in children diagnosed after the age of 14. As these children are starting to enter young adulthood, they may have unique medical, social, and emotional needs that are different from younger children with cancer. They are part of a group often called adolescents and young adults (AYA). Most often, teenagers and young adults with cancer should be treated at a pediatric oncology center or at a center where medical oncologists (doctors who treat cancer with medication) and pediatric oncologists (doctors who treat children with cancer) work together to plan treatment. This will ensure that they receive the newest treatments and are cared for by a team of doctors who are familiar with these diseases. This is especially important for teenagers who have lymphoma, leukemia, and bone tumors, since treatment by specialists familiar with these diseases has been shown to improve survival. Within the AYA group, there are also patients who have cancers most commonly found in adults, such as melanoma, testicular cancer, and ovarian cancer. Teenagers with these cancers may receive treatments that are similar to adults, but they also need to receive age-appropriate support for their social and emotional needs. In either the pediatric or adult care centers, age-appropriate information and support is very important for children and teens. Below are the most common types of cancer in teenagers, ages 15 to 19. For more information on each type, select a name below.
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Although uncommon in children and teenagers, cancer is the second leading cause of death in children and adolescents. However, most children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer can be treated successfully. This year, an estimated 10,700 children (younger than 15) will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States. It is estimated that 1,340 deaths from cancer will occur this year, almost one-third from leukemia. Since 1975, the number of deaths from childhood cancer has decreased by 55%. As explained in the Overview, there are several types of childhood cancer, and survival rates are different for each. In general, the overall five-year survival rate (the percentage of people who survive at least five years after the cancer is detected, excluding those who die from other diseases) of children with cancer is 80%. The overall five-year survival rate of teenagers (ages 15 to 19) with cancer is also around 80%. Cancer survival statistics should be interpreted with caution. These estimates are based on data from thousands of children with cancer, but the actual risk for a particular individual may differ. It is not possible to tell a person how long he or she will live with a particular childhood cancer. Because the survival statistics are often measured in five-year intervals, they may not represent advances made in the treatment or diagnosis of this cancer. Learn more about understanding statistics. Statistics adapted from the American Cancer Society's publication, Cancer Facts and Figures 2010, and Bleyer A, O’Leary M, Barr R, Ries LAG (eds): Cancer Epidemiology in Older Adolescents and Young Adults 15 to 29 Years of Age, Including SEER Incidence and Survival: 1975-2000. National Cancer Institute, NIH Pub. No. 06-5767. Bethesda, MD 2006. Risk Factors and Prevention
A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. Although risk factors can influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do. Doctors and researchers don’t know what causes most childhood cancers. A small percentage of cancers can be linked to the genetic disorder Down syndrome, other inherited genetic abnormalities, and previous radiation treatment. Environmental causes (exposure to infectious and toxic substances) are unlikely to cause childhood cancer. To help doctors learn more about risk factors, the Childhood Cancer Research Network, coordinated by the Children's Oncology Group, is a North American childhood cancer registry. Once registered with the network, patients and families may be asked if doctors and researchers can contact them in the future to collect information for studies on genetic and environmental factors that may be connected to the development of childhood cancers. Because specific causes have not been found for each individual type of childhood cancer, the way to prevent childhood cancer is still unknown. Symptoms and Signs
Cancer can be hard to detect in children. Children with cancer may experience the following symptoms or signs. Sometimes, children with cancer do not show any of these symptoms. Or, these symptoms may be caused by a medical condition that is not cancer. Many of the symptoms can be described using an acronym provided by The Pediatric Oncology Resource Center. If you are concerned about a symptom or sign on this list, please talk with your child’s doctor. Continued, unexplained weight loss Constant infections Your child’s doctor will ask you questions about the symptoms your child is experiencing to help find out the cause of the problem, called a diagnosis. This may include how long your child has been experiencing the symptom(s) and how often. If cancer is diagnosed, relieving symptoms and side effects remains an important part of cancer care and treatment. This may also be called symptom management, palliative care, or supportive care. Be sure to talk with your child’s health care team about symptoms your child experiences, including any new symptoms or a change in symptoms. Diagnosis
Doctors use many tests to diagnose cancer and find out if it has metastasized (spread). Some tests may also determine which treatments may be the most effective. For most types of cancer, a biopsy or surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible is the only way to make a definitive diagnosis of cancer. If a biopsy is not possible, the doctor may suggest other tests that will help make a diagnosis. Imaging tests may be used to find out whether the cancer has metastasized. Your child’s doctor may consider these factors when choosing a diagnostic test:
In addition to a physical examination, the following tests may be used to diagnose childhood cancer: Blood tests. Routine blood tests measure the number of different types of cells in a person’s blood. Levels of certain cells that are too high or too low can indicate the presence of cancer. Biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. Other tests can suggest that cancer is present, but only a biopsy can make a definite diagnosis. The type of biopsy performed depends on the location of the cancer. The sample removed from the biopsy is analyzed by a pathologist (a doctor who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells, tissues, and organs to diagnose disease). Bone marrow aspiration. A bone marrow biopsy is the removal of a sample of bone marrow, usually from the back of the hipbone, with a needle. The patient is given medication to numb the area beforehand and may be given conscious sedation (a type of anesthesia that uses pain relievers and sedatives so the patient is partially awake but does not feel any pain). People who receive conscious sedation are usually able to speak and respond during the procedure and may not have any memory of the procedure afterward. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap). A lumbar puncture is a procedure in which a doctor takes a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to look for cancer cells, blood, or tumor markers (substances found in higher than normal amounts in the blood, urine, or body tissues of people with certain kinds of cancer). CSF is the fluid that flows around the brain and the spinal cord. Doctors generally give the child an anesthetic to numb the lower back before the procedure. Ultrasound. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of the internal organs. Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan. A CT scan creates a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body with an x-ray machine. A computer then combines these images into a detailed, cross-sectional view that shows any abnormalities or tumors. Sometimes, a contrast medium (a special dye) is injected into a patient’s vein to provide better detail. Specialized pediatric radiology centers are important for these tests, as such centers are aware of the potential risks of radiation exposure with these types of scans. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI uses magnetic fields, not x-rays, to produce detailed images of the body. A contrast medium may be injected into a patient’s vein to create a clearer picture. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan. A PET scan is a way to create pictures of organs and tissues inside the body. A small amount of a radioactive substance is injected into a patient’s body. This substance is absorbed mainly by organs and tissues that use the most energy. Because cancer tends to use energy actively, it absorbs more of the radioactive substance. A scanner then detects this substance to produce images of the inside of the body. Scans or radioisotope studies. In these procedures, a material (called a tracer) is injected into the body and then followed with a special camera or x-ray to see where the material goes. These studies can find abnormalities in the liver, brain, bones, kidneys, and other organs. Many of these tests may be repeated during and after treatment to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. Learn more about what to expect when your child has common tests, procedures, and scans. In addition, review tips and guidance on how to prepare your child for medical procedures. After these diagnostic tests are done, your child’s doctor will review all of the results with you. If the diagnosis is cancer, these results also help the doctor categorize or describe the cancer; this is called staging. Learn more about the first steps to take after a diagnosis of cancer. Treatment
In general, cancer in children is uncommon, so it can be hard for doctors to determine the best treatment unless they know what has been most effective in other children. That’s why more than 60% of children with cancer are treated as part of a clinical trial. Clinical trials are research studies that compare standard treatments (the best proven treatments available) with newer treatments that may be more effective or test new treatments. Investigating new treatments involves careful monitoring using scientific methods, and all participants are followed closely to track their health and progress. To take advantage of these newer treatments, all children with cancer should be treated at a specialized cancer center. Doctors at these centers have extensive experience in treating children with cancer and have access to the latest research. In many cases, a team of doctors treats a child with cancer; this is called a multidisciplinary team. Pediatric cancer centers often have extra support services for children and their families, such as child life specialists, nutritionists, social workers, counselors, and physical and speech therapists, if needed. Special activities and programs to help your child and family cope may also be available. As explained in the Overview, however, there are times when a teenager with cancer may need to be treated at an adult cancer center. Descriptions of the most common treatment options for childhood cancer are listed below. The treatment of childhood cancer depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, possible side effects, the family’s preferences, and the child’s overall health. The following are general descriptions of treatments that may be used as part of a child’s treatment plan. Learn more about treatments used for specific types of cancer and making treatment decisions. Surgery Surgery is the removal of the tumor, either cancerous or noncancerous, and surrounding tissue during an operation. Many children with a tumor will need surgery at some point during their treatment. A surgical oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating a tumor using surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove the entire tumor and the margin (tissue around the tumor), leaving a negative margin (no cancer in the healthy tissue). For most childhood tumors, there is microscopic tumor left after surgery, and then doctors will recommend chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other treatments. Side effects of surgery depend on the location and type of the tumor and whether it has metastasized. Learn more about cancer surgery. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells, usually by stopping the cancer cells’ ability to grow and divide. Systemic chemotherapy is given by mouth or delivered through the bloodstream (injected into the vein, muscle, spinal fluid, or under the skin) to reach cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy is given by a pediatric oncologist, a doctor who specializes in treating children with cancer. A chemotherapy regimen (schedule) usually consists of a specific number of cycles given over a set period of time. A patient may receive one drug at a time or combinations of different drugs at the same time. The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the individual and the dose used, but they can include fatigue, increased risk of infection, increased risk of bleeding, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. These side effects usually go away once treatment is finished. Learn more about chemotherapy and preparing for treatment. The medications used to treat cancer are continually being evaluated. Talking with your child’s doctor is often the best way to learn about the medications prescribed for your child, their purpose, and their potential side effects or interactions with other medications. Learn more about your child’s prescriptions by using searchable drug databases. Radiation therapy Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy x-rays or other particles such as photons to kill cancer cells. A doctor who specializes in giving radiation therapy to treat cancer is called a radiation oncologist. The most common type of radiation treatment is called external-beam radiation therapy, which is radiation given from a machine outside the body. When radiation treatment is given using implants, it is called internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy. A radiation therapy regimen usually consists of a specific number of treatments given over a set period of time. Side effects from radiation therapy may include fatigue, mild skin reactions, nausea, and loose bowel movements. Most side effects go away soon after treatment is finished. Learn more about radiation therapy. Immunotherapy Immunotherapy (also called biologic therapy) is designed to boost the body’s natural defenses to fight the cancer. It uses materials made either by the body or in a laboratory to bolster, target, or restore immune system function. Examples of immunotherapy include cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and interferons. Learn more about immunotherapy. Stem cell transplantation/bone marrow transplantation A stem cell transplant is a medical procedure in which diseased bone marrow is replaced by highly specialized cells, called hematopoietic stem cells. Hematopoietic stem cells are found both in the bloodstream and in the bone marrow. Today, this procedure is more commonly called a stem cell transplant, rather than bone marrow transplant, because it is the blood stem cells that are typically being transplanted, not the actual bone marrow tissue. Before recommending transplantation, doctors will talk with the patient and family about the risks of this treatment and consider several other factors, such as the type of cancer, results of any previous treatment, and patient’s age and general health. There are two types of stem cell transplantation depending on the source of the replacement blood stem cells: allogeneic (ALLO) and autologous (AUTO). In an ALLO transplant, stem cells are obtained from a donor whose tissue matches the patient’s on a genetic level; this testing is called HLA-typing. Most often, a patient’s brother or sister serves as the donor, although unrelated donors can serve as the donor, too. Millions of people worldwide have volunteered to donate stem cells for patients who do not have matched family members; your health care team will search a computer registry to look for a match. In addition, the use of stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood is sometimes considered if family donors are not available. In an AUTO transplant, the patient’s own stem cells are used. The stem cells are obtained from the patient when he or she is in remission from previous treatment. The stem cells are then frozen until they are needed, usually after the high-dose chemotherapy (explained below) is completed. In both types, the goal of transplantation is to destroy cancer cells in the marrow, blood, and other parts of the body and allow replacement blood stem cells create healthy bone marrow. In most stem cell transplants, the patient is treated with high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to destroy as many cancer cells as possible. This also destroys the patient’s bone marrow tissue and suppresses the patient’s immune system so that, in an ALLO transplant, the donor cells are not rejected by the body. After the high-dose treatment is given, blood stem cells are infused into the patient’s vein to replace the bone marrow and restore normal blood counts from donor cells. Sometimes, ALLO transplants can also be performed after giving lower doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy that are still sufficient to suppress the immune system and allow growth of the donor cells. (These transplants, sometimes termed “mini-transplants” or reduced intensity transplants, have less severe immediate side effects, allowing the procedure to be used for more fragile patients.) For both ALLO and AUTO transplant types, the replacement cells engraft (begin to make new blood cells) and turn into healthy, blood-producing tissue in 10 days to three weeks. Destroying the patient’s own marrow reduces the body’s natural defenses, temporarily leaving the patient at an increased risk of infection. Until the patient’s immune system is back to normal, patients may need antibiotics and blood transfusions, and they need to follow certain safety restrictions provided by the health care team to help avoid infections. In an ALLO transplant, another major risk is that the donor’s cells will recognize the patient’s body as foreign, causing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD may be a serious complication of allogeneic transplants and can be fatal. Other side effects may include liver problems, diarrhea, infections, and rashes. However, GVHD can also be a benefit because the donor cells can recognize the cancer cells as foreign and destroy these cells, a mechanism that is one of the major reasons why ALLO transplantation generally works so well over the long term. The risk of GVHD can be reduced with exact HLA-type matching and the use of preventive drugs. In an AUTO transplant, there is little risk of GVHD because the replacement stem cells are the patient’s own cells. However, there is a risk in an autologous transplant that some of the cells that are put back into the patient could still be cancerous. Learn more about bone marrow and stem cell transplantation. Recurrent childhood cancer Once your child’s treatment is complete and there is a remission (absence of cancer symptoms; also called “no evidence of disease” or NED), talk with your child’s doctor about the possibility of the cancer returning. Many families feel worried or anxious that the cancer will come back. Learn more about coping with this fear. If the cancer does return after the original treatment, it is called recurrent disease. It may come back in the same place (called a local recurrence), nearby (regional recurrence), or in another place in the body (distant recurrence). When this occurs, a cycle of testing will begin again to learn as much as possible about the recurrence. After testing is done, your child’s doctor will talk with you about treatment options. Often the treatment plan will include the therapies described above (such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy) but may be used in a different combination or given on a different schedule. Your child’s doctor may also suggest clinical trials that are studying new ways to treat this type of recurrent cancer. When cancer recurs, patients and their families often experience emotions such as disbelief or fear. Families are encouraged to talk with their health care team about these feelings and ask about support services to help them cope. Learn more about dealing with cancer recurrence. If treatment fails Although treatment is successful for most children with cancer, sometimes it is not. If a child’s cancer cannot be cured or controlled, this is called advanced, terminal, or refractory cancer. This diagnosis is stressful, and it may be difficult to discuss. However, it is important to have open and honest conversations with your child’s doctor and health care team to express your family’s feelings, preferences, and concerns. The health care team is there to help, and many treatment centers have a palliative care service, with nurses and doctors who have special skills, experience, and knowledge to support patients and their families during this time. Parents or guardians are encouraged to think about where the child would be most comfortable: at home, in a home-like setting elsewhere, in the hospital, or in a hospice environment. Nursing care and special equipment can make staying at home a workable alternative for many families. Some children may be happier if they can arrange to attend school part-time or keep up other activities and social connections. The child’s health care team can help parents or guardians decide on an appropriate level of activity. Making sure a child is physically comfortable and free from pain is extremely important as part of end-of-life care. Learn more about caring for a terminally ill child and advanced cancer care planning. The death of a child is an enormous tragedy, and families may need support to help them cope with the loss. Pediatric cancer centers often have professional staff and support groups to help with the process of grieving. Learn more on grieving the loss of a child. Find out more about common terms used during cancer treatment. About Clinical Trials
Doctors and scientists are always looking for better ways to treat children with cancer. To make scientific advances, doctors create research studies involving children with cancer, called clinical trials. Many clinical trials are focused on new treatments, evaluating whether a new treatment is safe, effective, and possibly better than the current (standard) treatment. These types of studies evaluate new drugs, different combinations of existing treatments, new approaches to radiation therapy or surgery, and new methods of treatment. Children who participate in clinical trials are often among the first to receive new treatments before they are widely available. However, there is no guarantee that the new treatment will be safe, effective, or better than a standard treatment. There are also clinical trials that study new ways to ease symptoms and side effects during treatment and managing the late effects that may occur after treatment. Talk with your child’s doctor about clinical trials regarding side effects. Parents and children decide to participate in clinical trials for many reasons. For some children, a clinical trial is the best treatment option available. Because standard treatments are not perfect, parents and children are often willing to face the added uncertainty of a clinical trial in the hope of a better result. Other parents/children volunteer for clinical trials because they know that these studies are the only way to make progress in treating childhood cancer. Even if they do not benefit directly from the clinical trial, their participation may benefit future children with cancer. Sometimes people have concerns that, by participating in a clinical trial, they may receive no treatment by being given a placebo or “sugar pill.” The use of placebos in cancer clinical trials is rare. When a placebo is used in a study, it is done with the full knowledge of the participants. Find out more about placebos in cancer clinical trials. To join a clinical trial, parents and children must participate in a process known as informed consent. During informed consent, the doctor should list all of the patient’s options so that the person understands how the new treatment differs from the standard treatment. The doctor must also list all of the risks of the new treatment, which may or may not be different from the risks of standard treatment. Finally, the doctor must explain what will be required of each parent/child in order to participate in the clinical trial, including the number of doctor visits, tests, and the schedule of treatment. Learn more about clinical trials, including patient safety, phases of a clinical trial, deciding to participate in a clinical trial, questions to ask the research team, and links to find cancer clinical trials. For specific topics being studied for childhood cancer, learn more in the Current Research section or in the individual cancer type section. Patients who participate in a clinical trial may stop participating at any time for any personal or medical reason. This may include that the new treatment is not working or there are serious side effects. It is important that parents of patients participating in a clinical trial talk with their child’s doctor and researchers about who will be providing their treatment and care during the clinical trial, after the clinical trials ends, and/or if the patient chooses to leave the clinical trial before it ends. Side Effects
Cancer and its treatment can cause a variety of side effects. However, doctors have made major strides in recent years in reducing pain, nausea and vomiting, and other physical side effects of cancer treatments. Many treatments used today are less intensive but as effective as treatments used in the past. Doctors also have many ways to provide relief to patients when such side effects occur. Fear of treatment side effects is common after a diagnosis of cancer, but it may be helpful to know that preventing and controlling side effects is a major focus of your child’s health care team. Before treatment begins, talk with your child’s doctor about possible side effects of the specific treatments he or she will be receiving. The specific side effects that can occur depend on a variety of factors, including the type of cancer, its location, the individual treatment plan (including the length and dosage of treatment), and your child’s overall health. Common side effects for each treatment option are described in detail within the Treatment section. Ask your child’s doctor which side effects are most likely to happen (and which are not), when side effects are likely to occur, and how they will be addressed by the health care team. Also, be sure to communicate with the doctor about side effects your child experiences during and after treatment. Care of a patient’s symptoms and side effects is an important part of your child’s overall treatment plan; this is called palliative or supportive care. It helps children with cancer at any stage of illness be as comfortable as possible. Learn more about the most common side effects of cancer and different treatments, along with ways to prevent or control them. Be sure to talk with your doctor about the level of caregiving your child may need during treatment and recovery, as family members and friends often play an important role in the care of a child with cancer. Learn more about caregiving. In addition to physical side effects, there may be psychosocial (emotional and social) effects as well. These can vary significantly depending on the age of the child; find out more about age-specific information. For many patients, a diagnosis of cancer is stressful and can bring difficult emotions. Patients and their families are encouraged to share their feelings with a member of their health care team who can help with coping strategies. Learn more about the importance of addressing such needs, including concerns about managing the cost of your medical care. Learn more about late effects or long-term side effects by reading the After Treatment section or talking with your child’s doctor. After Treatment
After treatment for cancer ends, talk with your child’s doctor about developing a follow-up care plan. This plan may include regular physical examinations and/or medical tests to monitor your child’s recovery for the coming months and years. All children treated for cancer should have life-long, follow-up care. Many of the current treatments that are effective in curing childhood cancer are associated with short-term and long-term side effects, including cognitive (thought-process) and developmental side effects. These side effects can appear or change as a child grows older. As most children with cancer are cured, the schedule of follow-up care is based on the dosage and specific drugs used in treatment, as well as the dosage of radiation therapy. Recommendations for follow-up care according to the risk of possible late effects of treatment have been developed by the Children’s Oncology Group and can be found at CureSearch.org. Based on the type of treatment the child received, the doctor will determine what examinations and tests are needed to check for long-term side effects and the possibility of secondary cancers. Your child’s doctor can recommend the necessary screening tests. Follow-up care should also address the child’s quality of life, including any developmental or emotional concerns. Learn more about childhood cancer survivorship. The child’s family is encouraged to organize and keep a record of the child’s medical information so that, as the child enters adulthood, he or she has a clear, written history of the diagnosis, the treatment given, and the doctor’s recommendations about the schedule for follow-up care. The doctor’s office can help you compile this. This information will be valuable to doctors who care for your child during his or her lifetime. ASCO offers cancer treatment summary forms to help keep track of the cancer treatment your child received and develop a survivorship care plan once treatment is completed. Children who have had cancer can also enhance the quality of their future by following established guidelines for good health into and through adulthood, including not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and participating in regular physical activity. Talk with the doctor about developing a plan that is best for your child’s needs. Learn more about the next steps to take in survivorship. Find out more about common terms used after cancer treatment is complete. Current Research
Doctors are working to learn more about childhood cancer, ways to prevent it, how to best treat it, and how to provide the best care to people diagnosed with this disease. The following areas of research may include new options for patients through clinical trials. Always talk with your child’s doctor about the diagnostic and treatment options that are best for your child. Advances in treatment and follow-up care. The Children’s Oncology Group conducts large clinical trials for most types of pediatric cancer. It also conducts studies on quality of life and late effects of cancer after successful treatment. The Childhood Cancer Survivor Study conducts long-term, follow-up studies of patients who were treated many years ago to determine the late effects of cancer and its treatment, so new treatments can be developed to avoid serious side effects. Other groups, including the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium and the New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy Consortium, perform studies of new drugs for specific types of cancer. Reducing a child’s exposure to radiation. Because children have an increased risk of developmental damage and second cancers from radiation therapy, doctors prefer to use radiation therapy less often whenever possible. In place of radiation therapy, doctors may use chemotherapy with a combination of drugs after surgery or use new drug combinations. And, researchers are investigating new techniques such as proton therapy that more precisely focus radiation treatment at the tumor and not the surrounding healthy tissue. Supportive care. Clinical trials are underway to find better ways of reducing other symptoms and side effects of current childhood cancer treatments in order to improve patients’ comfort and quality of life. For example, drugs called filgrastim (Neupogen) and pegfilgrastim (Neulasta) may help patients produce more white blood cells after radiation treatment and chemotherapy. Doctors are also studying chemoprotective drugs that may help protect the body from the harmful effects of chemotherapy, especially mucositis (mouth sores). Additionally, this area of research includes studies in cardioprotection (protecting the heart and cardiovascular system from chemotherapy) and otoprotection (protecting against damage to the ear). Learn more about common statistical terms used in cancer research. Looking for More about Current Research? If you would like additional information about the latest areas of research regarding childhood cancer, explore these related items:
Or, choose “Next” (below, right) to continue reading this detailed section. Questions to Ask the Doctor
Talking often with the doctor is important to make informed decisions about your child’s health care. These suggested questions are a starting point to help you learn more about your cancer care and treatment. You are also encouraged to ask additional questions that are important to you.
Patient Information Resources
In addition to Cancer.Net, there are other sources of information about this type of cancer available online. Cancer.Net maintains a list of national, not-for-profit organizations that may be helpful in finding additional information, services, and support. As always, be sure to talk with your child's doctor about questions you may have about information you fin about this disease. View organizations that offer information on this specific type of cancer. |
