Try adjusting your type
14th October, 2009
European Survey on Standards of Care in paediatric oncology centres. J. R. Kowalczyk, M. Samardakiewicz, K. Pritchard-Jones, R. Ladenstein, S. Essiaf, E. Fitzgerald, G. Petrarulo, G. Vassal - EJC , Volume 61, pp 11-19
8th December, 2014
The purpose of this website is to provide good and clear information about the long-term effects of childhood cancer and to refer to the various late-effects outpatient clinics (LATER outpatient clinics) that exist in the Netherlands.
8th September, 2015
Cancer in young people is rare, but it is still a major health issue in Europe. Each year, more than 6,000 young people in Europe die of cancer. There are more than 300,000 European childhood cancer survivors (in 2020, they will be nearly half a million): two-thirds of them have some late side effects of treatment, that are severe and impact on the daily life of half of those affected.
Pediatric oncology is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of cancers occurring in children and adolescents. This branch combines various treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and stem cell transplantation, along with research on cancer biology and genetics. The aim is to effectively treat and ideally achieve remission, while reducing potential side effects and improving the quality of life for young patients.
In the contemporary world of medical sciences, oncology has made significant strides. Understanding the intricacies of cancers and tumor formation in humans forms the bedrock of this intricate science. However, when this science intersects with pediatrics, treating cancer in children, it takes a new name and form—Pediatric Oncology.
This article provides a holistic view of Pediatric Oncology, its importance, its work, treatment options, the impact on children and families, and the future landscape of this field.
Oncology comprises the study and treatment of various types of cancers. This multidisciplinary science encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. Specialities within oncology include Radiation Oncology, Surgical Oncology, and Medical Oncology.
Pediatric Oncology specifically focuses on the prognosis, diagnosis, management, and treatment of cancers afflicting children. This specialty calls for intensive attention to detail, extensive knowledge, and empathetic caregiving as it directly deals with the lives of children.
Pediatric oncology denotes a medical subspecialty that focuses on cancers and cancer-related disorders affecting children. These include but are not limited to leukemia, brain tumors, osteosarcoma, and neuroblastoma. The physicians who work within this specialty are called pediatric oncologists.
Pediatric Oncology demands a nuanced approach to treatment, owing largely to the differences in cancer types, progression and treatment responses between children and adults. The field also involves myriad challenges spanning emotional, psychological, and developmental aspects, making it a unique specialization requiring delicate handling and expertise.
Pediatric oncologists are committed to the comprehensive care of pediatric patients with cancer. Their work involves diagnosing cancer, providing treatment plans, overseeing the child’s overall care, and coordinating with other medical specialists. This captivating yet equally challenging role involves constant monitoring and making critical, often life-changing decisions.
Besides medical skills, a pediatric oncologist needs to possess essential soft skills. They need to have excellent communication skills to discuss complicated issues with both children and their families. Empathy, patience, and problem-solving skills are other crucial attributes that are more a necessity than an option.
Leukemia, primarily Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), is the most common type of cancer in children. Dealing with abnormal blood cells, it requires a combination of treatments including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation.
Brain and central nervous system tumors, such as brain stem gliomas and pineoblastomas, rank second in common childhood cancers which often call for surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Wilms Tumor, a kind of kidney cancer usually affecting children aged between 3 and 4, involves treatment options including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Neuroblastoma originates in the adrenal glands and typically strikes infants and young children. Treatments can range from surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy to stem cell transplantation.
Chemotherapy is one of the common treatment modalities in pediatric oncology, which uses drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. The specific drugs, duration, and intensity vary depending on the type of cancer and how advanced it is.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. While it can be effective, the age and developmental stage of the child require careful consideration to minimize long-term side effects.
Immunotherapy enhances the child’s immune system to fight cancer. This can involve the use of substances that boost immune function, or genetically modifying the patient’s own immune cells to make them more effective against cancer.
Stem cell transplant can replace cancerous bone marrow with healthy functional ones. It is often used in cases where high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy has destroyed the child’s bone marrow.
The impact of cancer on young children and their families stretches beyond physical health, delving into emotional and psychological territory. Fear, anxiety, and stress are common emotional reactions, along with possible long-term effects on the child’s development and psychological well-being.
Support from a network of healthcare professionals, including social workers, psychologists, and support groups, is paramount in managing these challenges. Regular communication, education about the illness, and therapeutic activities can reduce stress and empower families to cope better.
Research advancements are leading to improved outcomes in pediatric oncology. Genomic research, in particular, is shedding light on why certain tumors resist treatment, potential targeted treatments, and individualized medicine.
Gene therapy holds immense promise for treating pediatric cancers. By manipulating the genetic material within cells, doctors can novelly approach treating inherited predispositions to certain types of cancer. Though in its nascent stages, it unfolds new paradigm of treatment and possible cure.
Pediatric oncology is a veritable beacon of hope in the fight against childhood cancer. Despite the many challenges, persistent efforts from physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals are facilitating improved outlooks and survival rates for children with cancer. The future indeed looks promising, courtesy of advancements in research and treatment modalities. Pediatric oncology stands tall, embodying the essence of relentless human endeavor in the face of adversity.
Pediatric oncology is the field of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in children. It is necessary because children’s cancers are often different from those seen in adults and require specialized treatment approaches.
The most common types of cancers in children are leukemia, brain and neurological cancers, Wilms tumor, and neuroblastoma. These are typically treated with a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplant.
A pediatric oncologist diagnoses, treats, and manages children with cancer. They provide comprehensive care, devise treatment plans, and coordinate with other medical specialists.
Pediatric cancer has a significant emotional impact on both the child and their family, invoking feelings of fear, anxiety, and stress. The burden isn’t just economical or medical but also poses developmental and psychological concerns for the child.
The current state of research in pediatric oncology is promising, with research advancements leading to improved treatment outcomes. Gene therapy, in particular, has emerged as an exciting new frontier in the treatment of pediatric cancers.
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