Cancer treatment for children is a delicate process that requires a unique approach.

Pediatric cancer patients may respond differently to treatment than adults, and their bodies may be less able to tolerate the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Research and advancements in treatment options have greatly improved outcomes for children with cancer in recent years, but there is still a long way to go. Here are some ways we can improve treatment for pediatric cancer patients.

1. Personalized Medicine

Cancer is not a one-size-fits-all disease, and neither is treatment. Personalized medicine, which involves tailoring treatment to the individual patient’s specific cancer and genetic makeup, has shown promising results in both children and adults.

By analyzing a child’s tumor at the genetic level, doctors can identify mutations that may be driving the cancer and select treatments that specifically target those mutations. This approach can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of harmful side effects.

2. Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are an essential part of developing new treatments for cancer. In pediatric oncology, clinical trials are especially important because children often have different types of cancers than adults and may respond differently to treatment.

In addition, because pediatric cancers are relatively rare, there is a limited pool of patients to draw from for clinical trials. Encouraging families to consider enrolling their children in clinical trials and increasing funding for pediatric oncology research can lead to breakthroughs in cancer treatment.

3. Supportive Care

Cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally taxing, especially for children. Providing supportive care, such as music therapy, art therapy, and counseling, can help ease the burden of treatment and improve quality of life.

Supportive care can also help children and their families cope with the stress and anxiety that often comes with a cancer diagnosis.

4. Minimizing Radiation Exposure

Radiation therapy is an important part of cancer treatment, but it can also have long-term health effects, especially in children.

Minimizing radiation exposure by using targeted radiation therapy and reducing the number of scans and procedures that involve radiation can lower the risk of secondary cancers and other health problems down the line.

5. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that harnesses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. It has shown promising results in both adults and children with specific types of cancers.

Unlike chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which can damage healthy cells along with cancerous ones, immunotherapy targets only the cancer cells, leaving healthy tissue intact. Continued research and development of immunotherapeutic agents can lead to less invasive and more effective treatments for pediatric cancer patients.

6. Late Effects Monitoring

Children who undergo cancer treatment can experience long-term health effects, even after they are cured of cancer.

Monitoring these late effects, which can include heart, lung, and kidney problems, as well as learning and developmental disabilities, is important to ensure that survivors receive the care they need as they grow up. Pediatric oncology teams should work closely with primary care physicians to develop a comprehensive plan for monitoring and addressing any late effects of cancer treatment.

7. Palliative Care

Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on relieving the symptoms and stress of serious illnesses such as cancer.

It is not limited to end-of-life care, but can be provided alongside curative treatment to help manage pain, nausea, and other side effects. Incorporating palliative care into the overall treatment plan for pediatric cancer patients can improve quality of life and reduce hospitalizations.

8. Physician Education

Ensuring that physicians and other healthcare providers are knowledgeable about the latest treatments and best practices for pediatric cancer care is crucial to improving outcomes.

Continuing education programs and professional development opportunities can help healthcare providers stay up-to-date on advances in treatment and provide the best possible care for their patients.

9. Family-Centered Care

Family-centered care recognizes that the family is an integral part of a child’s care team. In addition to medical treatment, pediatric cancer patients and their families may need psychosocial support, financial assistance, and other resources.

Providing family-centered care that addresses these needs can improve the overall experience for families and the long-term outlook for patients.

Cancer treatment is a complex and rapidly evolving field, and collaboration and data sharing among healthcare providers and researchers can accelerate progress.

Sharing data from clinical trials and treatment outcomes can help identify patterns and improve treatment strategies. Collaboration between healthcare providers across disciplines can ensure that patients receive well-coordinated and innovative care.