Treatment / Clinical Trials

There are a variety of treatment options for pediatric cancer; it all depends on the type of cancer your child has. Treatment may include one or more of the following therapies: chemotherapy (a variety of drugs delivered by mouth or intravenously), surgery, radiation and stem cell or bone marrow transplantation. Other therapies may also be used alone or in combination with another treatment. When your doctor discusses treatment options, ask these questions:

1. Is this standard treatment for my child's cancer?
2. Have you treated other children with this therapy? Has it been successful?
3. What are the chances for recovery with this treatment?
4. Can you give me the names of other families with whom I may speak about this therapy?
5. What, exactly, will the therapy entail?
6. How does it work to control the cancer?
7. Will my child be hospitalized. If so, for how long?
8. Is outpatient treatment available?
9. How long will the course of treatment be?
10. Can my child continue to go to school? If not, what kind of arrangements can be made for his/her continued education?
11. If he/she can attend school, will I need to make any special arrangements?
12. What kind of short-term and long-term side effects may occur as a result of this therapy?
13. Will my child feel pain? If so, what kind of pain control will be available?
14. Are other successful alternative therapies available?
15. I would like a second opinion. Is there someone you recommend?
16. If this therapy isn't successful, what treatment will you attempt next?
17. Should another treatment be necessary, how can I find out about clinical trials for my child? (more info here)
18. If the therapy is successful, will my child require follow-up treatment?
19. What kind of long-term follow-up care will my child need after treatment? For how long will my son/daughter need this care?