By Anucha Kasun
CHILDHOOD leukaemia, the most common type of cancer in kids and teens, affects white blood cells. Abnormal white blood cells form in the bone marrow and spread quickly through the bloodstream, crowding out healthy cells. This can lead to a higher risk of infections and other health problems.
When a child is diagnosed with leukaemia, it’s overwhelming for families, but understanding the available treatment options can help. Paediatric leukaemia treatment has advanced significantly, giving children a better chance of recovery and long-term health. This post will discuss the meaning of paediatric leukaemia including its symptoms and treatment options.
What is paediatric leukaemia?
Paediatric leukaemia is a type of cancer that starts in the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. This disease affects children 18 and younger. Leukaemia in children is often different from leukaemia in adults, and it can be more treatable. The two types of leukaemia are acute and chronic. Acute leukaemia grows quickly, while chronic leukaemia develops more slowly.
The most common and treatable type in children is acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL), but there are other forms like acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) and hybrid leukaemia. Chronic forms like chronic myelocytic leukaemia (CML) and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) are rare in kids.
Symptoms of paediatric leukaemia
Leukaemia is tricky because it doesn’t always cause apparent symptoms. Some kids might not show any signs, and when they do, they might be mistaken for other illnesses. Detecting leukaemia symptoms can lead to an early diagnosis and better treatment outcomes. When symptoms do appear, they can include pain, fever, pale skin, unexplained bruising, swollen lymph nodes, and frequent infections.
Common paediatric leukaemia treatment options
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the main treatment for paediatric leukaemia. It involves using drugs to kill cancer cells, either by mouth, through a vein, or directly into the spinal fluid. Maintenance therapy is often used to keep the leukaemia from returning, with treatment cycles lasting 2 to 3 years.
Radiation therapy
In some cases, radiation therapy may be used, particularly if the leukaemia has spread to the brain or spinal fluid. Radiation involves directing high-energy rays at specific areas to kill cancer cells. This treatment is usually reserved for children at higher risk of relapse or for those whose cancer has affected the central nervous system.
Stem Cell transplant
If regular treatments aren’t effective, a stem cell transplant may be considered. This involves using high-dose chemotherapy and radiation to destroy the bone marrow, followed by a transplant of healthy stem cells to help the body make new blood cells.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the child’s immune system fight cancer. A breakthrough in paediatric leukaemia treatment is CAR T-cell therapy, which is especially useful for children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia that hasn’t responded to other treatments. This therapy modifies the child’s T cells to recognize and attack leukaemia cells. Though promising, immunotherapy can have severe side effects and must be administered in specialised medical centres.
Why choose an experienced medical team?
Experience matters when it comes to treating paediatric leukaemia. Doctors who treat this cancer often have better insights and can develop more personalised treatment plans. Teams with experience in treating paediatric leukaemia focus not only on getting rid of the cancer but also on ensuring kids can live a healthy, happy life after treatment.
CAPTION:
A child undergoing treatment at a hospital. Source: Freepik
