The type of treatment given to a child with cancer depends on the type of tumour and stage of disease.
Biomarker testing is often used to determine the correct cancer treatment for a child, which looks for genes, proteins and other molecules that provide information about a cancer and what its weaknesses might be.
Many treatments for cancer can be harmful to children, because they kill a number of cells in the body, not just cancerous ones. While many treatments have improved and are unique to the patient, there is a need to continue to develop more effective and less harmful treatments that give the child the best chance of living a long and healthy life.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy (“Chemo”) is a treatment that uses anti-cancer drugs to fight cancer cells. It is used in a range of ways – to destroy cancer cells, to reduce the chance of cancer returning or to shrink
Radiation
Radiation, or radiation therapy, uses electromagnetic waves (x-rays) to destroy or harm cancer cells. Radiation targets specific parts of the body where chemotherapy does not. Like chemotherapy,
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that helps the body’s immune system fight cancer cells. Checkpoint inhibitors, immune stimulants and oncolytic virus therapy are all forms of immunotherapy.One example of
Surgery
Radiation, or radiation therapy, uses electromagnetic waves (x-rays) to destroy or harm cancer cells. Radiation targets specific parts of the body where chemotherapy does not. Like chemotherapy,
Transplants
A transplant involves the removal of an organ, tissue or cells from one person and replacing them with others, typically from a family member or donor.Bone marrow transplant is a common procedure used
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy identifies weaknesses in cancer cells and then targets them with drug treatments to stop the cancer from growing and spreading.These weaknesses are called molecular targets. By
Clinical trials
A clinical trial is a research study designed to test new medical treatments, devices, surgical procedures or behavioural interventions in people.Clinical trials bridge the gap between discoveries