Childhood cancer survivors--living beyond cure

Advances in diagnosis and treatment along with improved supportive care have contributed to the current survival rates for pediatric malignancies. Recent concept of a truly "cured child" in pediatric oncology envisages not only a biological cure of the disease but a child on par with peers...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Indian journal of pediatrics 2003-10, Vol.70 (10), p.825-828
Main Authors: Kurkure, P, Achrekar, S, Dalvi, N, Goswami, S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Child
Child, Preschool
Disease-Free Survival
Female
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Male
Neoplasms - mortality
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Summary:Advances in diagnosis and treatment along with improved supportive care have contributed to the current survival rates for pediatric malignancies. Recent concept of a truly "cured child" in pediatric oncology envisages not only a biological cure of the disease but a child on par with peers in growth and development physically and in achievements and aspirations, both mentally and emotionally. Because of the young age of these survivors and their potential for longevity, the delayed consequences of therapy may have a serious impact on their lives and family at large than do the acute complications of the cytotoxic therapies that they had experienced. Though figures from India are not available, it has been estimated that, in USA, the prevalence of childhood cancer survivors is expected to increase from 1 in 900 persons among young adults to 1:250 persons by 2010. Although this constitutes a remarkable medical achievement, the late morbidity in this growing survivor population has become an area for concern. It is estimated that 50% of the survivors are likely to develop disabilities that alter the quality of life.
ISSN:0019-5456
0973-7693
DOI:10.1007/BF02723807