Pediatric Cancer

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA, which prevents them from growing and dividing. For children, radiation is often employed to treat brain tumours, bone cancers, and other solid tumours. Techniques like external beam radiation and proton therapy allow for precise targeting of the cancer, minimising harm to surrounding healthy tissues. Side effects can include fatigue, skin irritation, and, in some cases, long-term impacts on growth and cognitive development. Paediatric oncologists carefully tailor radiation plans to balance efficacy with the preservation of the child’s overall health and quality of life.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the cornerstone of childhood cancer treatment, involving the use of potent drugs to target and destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells. These drugs can be administered through various methods, including intravenous infusion, oral medication, or directly into cerebrospinal fluid for cancers affecting the brain and spinal cord. While effective in combating cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma, and solid tumours, chemotherapy often impacts healthy cells, leading to side effects such as nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and weakened immunity. Advances in chemotherapy protocols are now focused on reducing these side effects through precision medicine and targeted delivery, ensuring better outcomes for children.

Surgery

Surgery is often used to remove solid tumours or cancerous tissue and plays a vital role in treating certain types of childhood cancers. Surgeons work to extract as much of the tumour as possible while preserving nearby healthy tissue. For cancers like neuroblastoma or Wilms tumour, surgery may be the primary treatment or part of a multimodal approach alongside chemotherapy and radiation. Advances in surgical techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures, have improved precision and recovery times. Despite its efficacy, surgery carries risks such as infection and complications related to anaesthesia, which are carefully managed in paediatric care settings.

Stem Cell (Bone Marrow) Transplantation

Stem cell transplantation is a lifesaving treatment for children with cancers such as leukaemia or lymphoma that do not respond to other therapies. This procedure involves replacing damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy stem cells, either from the child or a donor. The healthy cells rebuild the bone marrow, enabling the production of normal blood cells. While highly effective, the procedure requires intensive preparation, including high-dose chemotherapy or radiation, and poses risks such as infection or graft-versus-host disease. Despite these challenges, stem cell transplants have revolutionised outcomes for many children with complex cancers.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy harnesses the power of the child’s immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells. This innovative treatment includes approaches like monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and CAR-T cell therapy, which are particularly effective for cancers such as certain leukaemia and lymphomas. Immunotherapy is often used when traditional treatments fail or as part of a combined regimen. Side effects, such as inflammation and flu-like symptoms, are typically less severe than those from chemotherapy or radiation. As a cutting-edge treatment, immunotherapy continues to evolve, offering new hope for children with difficult-to-treat cancers. Proton theraphy offeres a promising future for pediatric cancer.

Side effects, such as fatigue, developmental delays, and long-term complications, are managed through supportive care, including palliative treatments and psychosocial support.