1 Histology is one of the most important factors that play a role in risk stratification of neuroblastomas. What features differentiate between favorable and unfavorable histology, and how do they relate to patient age? Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most prevalent…
1 What is B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and how is it diagnosed? B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is a neoplasm of B lineage lymphoid progenitors (B lymphoblasts). It includes multiple distinct subtypes characterized by constellations of genetic alterations, including aneuploidy,…
1 What are typical infectious complications in pediatric oncology patients? Typical infectious complications include bacterial sepsis, systemic or organ-specific infections caused by either primary or reactivated viruses (e.g., cytomegalovirus [CMV], Epstein-Barr virus [EBV]), respiratory viruses (e.g., influenza, respiratory syncytial virus…
1 How does radiation therapy work? In the realm of external beam radiation (the most commonly used radiotherapy), a linear accelerator produces a beam of high-energy electrons, which hits a metal target at the head of the machine. Upon striking…
1 Describe the collection processes, storage conditions, clinical indications, and pediatric dosing for red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitate (see Table 18.1 ). Red blood cells (RBCs): Indication: Increase oxygen-carrying capacity Collection: Apheresis or centrifugation of whole…
1 What is tumor lysis syndrome? Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is defined by the metabolic derangements that result from massive release of intracellular contents into the systemic circulation secondary to the initiation of cytotoxic therapy. The laboratory findings of TLS…
1 What are health disparities? In discussions about cancer-related outcomes, the word “disparity” is often used interchangeably with other words like “difference” or “inequity.” But disparities are not simply “any” differences in health. Rather, disparities, as defined by the World…
1 What percent of childhood cancer is attributable to inherited mutations? In a recent study of 1120 children and adolescents with cancer, germline mutations in cancer-predisposing genes were identified in 8.5% of the cases. With the exception of this small…
1 What is precision medicine, and how does it relate to pediatric oncology? Precision medicine refers to approaching the treatment and prevention of disease by tailoring patients’ care based on their individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle. Oncology has…
1 What is immunotherapy? Immunotherapy is a form of cancer therapy that uses the innate or adaptive immune system of a patient to eradicate malignant cells. Although some variations of this therapy directly stimulate or disinhibit the patient’s own immune…