Pediatric oncology is the branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in children, adolescents, and young adults, typically up to age 18 or 21. It combines elements of oncology, pediatrics, and developmental care to address the unique needs of young patients and their families.
Key Characteristics of Pediatric Oncology:
- Unique Cancer Types: Childhood cancers are biologically different from adult cancers and often develop in growing tissues.
- Leukemias (especially acute lymphoblastic leukemia, ALL)
- Brain and central nervous system tumors
- Lymphomas (e.g., Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma)
- Neuroblastoma
- Wilms tumor (kidney cancer)
- Rhabdomyosarcoma
- Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma (bone cancers)
- Retinoblastoma
- High Cure Rates:
- With proper treatment, many childhood cancers have high survival rates.
- ALL, for example, has a cure rate exceeding 85% in developed countries.
- Multimodal Treatment:
- Chemotherapy is a cornerstone.
- Surgery and radiation are used depending on tumor type and location.
- Targeted therapies and immunotherapy are emerging, especially in relapsed/refractory cases.
- Bone marrow/stem cell transplantation for certain leukemias and lymphomas.
- Psychosocial and Developmental Support:
- Child life specialists help children cope through play and education.
- Psychological support for both patients and families is essential.
- Long-term follow-up for late effects (e.g., fertility, learning disabilities, secondary cancers).
- Family-Centered Care:
- Parents are integral to care planning and delivery.
- Communication is tailored to both the child’s developmental level and the family’s needs.
- Long-Term Survivorship:
- Many survivors face “late effects” from treatment, such as heart problems, growth delays, or cognitive issues.
- Survivorship programs help monitor and manage these over time.
Nutritional oncology also is important in Pediatric Care