Childhood cancers can be treated with a combination of treatments that are chosen based on the type and stage of cancer. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, surgery, and/or radiation therapy. Although there are exceptions, childhood cancers usually respond well to chemotherapy because they tend to be cancers that grow fast. Most forms of chemotherapy affect only cells that are growing.

The cancer treatment team

Children with cancer and their families have special needs that can be best met by children's cancer centers. Treatment of childhood cancer in specialized centers is coordinated by a team of experts who know the differences between adult and childhood cancers, as well as the unique needs of children with cancers. This team usually includes pediatric oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pediatric oncology nurses, and nurse practitioners.

Childhood cancer treatment involves many professionals other than nurses and doctors, too. Children's cancer centers have psychologists, social workers, child life specialists, nutritionists, rehabilitation and physical therapists, and educators who can support and educate the entire family.

Getting the best treatment possible

Most children with cancer have been treated at specialized centers designed for children. At last account, more than 90% of children with cancer in the United States were treated at a children's cancer center that is a member of the Children's Oncology Group (COG). All of these centers are linked to a university and most are connected with a children's hospital.

These centers can offer your child the most up-to-date-treatment if he takes part in a clinical trial (a study of promising new therapies). Because childhood cancers are uncommon, treatment outcomes are better when the treatment is managed by a children's cancer center. Be sure your child is treated at a center that can offer you the option of a clinical trial.

Surviving childhood cancer

Five-year survival rates vary a lot, depending on the type of cancer your child has. Overall, 5-year relative survival rates have improved greatly over the past 30 years, from less than 50% before the 1970s to nearly 80% today. This is largely due to new and improved treatments. The 5-year survival rate for neuroblastoma is 70%; brain and other nervous system, 74%; leukemia, 82%; Wilms tumor (kidney), 92%; Hodgkin lymphoma, 96%; and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 86%.

The 5-year survival rate refers to the percentage of patients who live at least 5 years after their cancer is diagnosed. Five-year rates are used to give us a standard way of discussing prognosis (outlook for recovery and survival). Of course, many children live much longer than 5 years. Keep in mind that 5-year survival rates are based on patients who were diagnosed and treated more than 5 years ago. Improvements in treatment often result in a better outlook for patients diagnosed more recently.

Survivors of childhood cancer may have treatment-related side effects months or years after their childhood cancer. These effects can include organ damage, second cancers, and problems with mental tasks. The Children's Oncology Group (COG) has developed long-term follow-up guidelines for screening and management of late effects in survivors of childhood cancer. For more information on follow-up after treatment of childhood cancer, see their Web site at www.survivorshipguidelines.org.

Last Medical Review: 05/19/2009
Last Revised: 05/19/2009