Neonatology

Pediatric Oncology

Pediatric oncology is a specialized field dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of cancers in children and adolescents, which differ significantly from adult cancers in terms of biology, treatment protocols, and survivorship. The most common types of pediatric cancers include acute lymphoblastic leukemia, brain tumors, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, osteosarcoma, and lymphoma. Advances in chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and surgical techniques have led to remarkable improvements in survival rates, particularly in high-income countries where up to eighty percent of children with cancer can be cured. Diagnosis often begins with clinical examination, laboratory tests, imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography scans, and biopsy for histopathological confirmation. Treatment plans are based on the type, stage, and genetic profile of the cancer and often involve multimodal strategies. Pediatric oncology care requires a multidisciplinary team, including pediatric oncologists, hematologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, nurses, psychologists, and social workers. Supportive care is a critical component and includes infection control, nutritional support, pain management, psychosocial support, and fertility preservation counseling. Children undergoing cancer treatment are at risk for side effects such as immunosuppression, growth impairment, cognitive delays, and secondary malignancies, necessitating long-term survivorship care and monitoring. Psychosocial support for patients and families is vital, as a cancer diagnosis profoundly affects emotional well-being, academic participation, and family dynamics. In many parts of the world, however, access to early diagnosis and comprehensive care remains limited due to a lack of infrastructure, trained personnel, and essential medications. Global initiatives, such as the World Health Organization’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, aim to close the survival gap by strengthening healthcare systems, improving access to treatment, and supporting palliative care services. Pediatric oncology continues to evolve with breakthroughs in targeted therapies, genomic profiling, and immunotherapy, offering new hope for children and families facing cancer.