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…
1 What is the single most important determinant when choosing a treatment using anticancer drugs (chemotherapy) and what is the concept of “risk stratification”? Before embarking on a treatment plan that involves the use of anticancer drugs, every effort should…
1 Internationally there are approximately 300,000 cases of child and adolescent cancer diagnosed annually. What variables exist in childhood cancer incidence and outcome when comparing high-income countries with low-income countries? The difference in high-income versus low-income countries resides in the…
1 Describe the systemic diseases that have hematological manifestations. Almost all systemic conditions can result in some degree of derangement of the hematological system. Conditions associated with inflammation can cause increase in platelets, which are an acute phase reactant, as…
1 Describe the three main pathophysiological mechanisms of aplastic anemia. a. Direct damage to bone marrow i. Typically iatrogenic because of cytotoxic drugs/chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other myelosuppressive medications. Has also been seen with environmental toxins, including benzene (workplace toxin),…
1 What is pseudothrombocytopenia? Pseudothrombocytopenia, or spurious thrombocytopenia, is a falsely low automated platelet count that occurs secondary to in vitro platelet clumping. This is generally an incidental finding in an otherwise asymptomatic patient and can be confirmed by observation…