M. Turna^{* *}Correspondence: M. Turna, Department of Neuroscience and Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy, Email:

Author info »

1. Description

Childhood cancer is a devastating diagnosis that affects not only the child but also their family and loved ones. About 10,500 children under the age of 15 will receive cancer diagnoses in the United States in 2021, predicts the American cancer society. While the survival rate for childhood cancer has improved over the years, there is still much work to be done to combat this disease. Traditional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery have been the standard of care for decades. However, these treatments come with limitations and can cause long term side effects. Fortunately, innovative approaches in paediatric oncology are paving the way for advancements in treatment and management, giving hope to young cancer patients and their families.

1.1. Traditional treatments for paediatric cancer

Traditional treatments for paediatric cancer have been the standard of care for many years. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery are the most common treatments for childhood cancer. Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells, radiation therapy uses high energy radiation to kill cancer cells, and surgery involves removing the cancerous tumour. These treatments have been effective in treating many types of childhood cancer, but they often come with limitations.

1.2. Limitations of traditional treatments

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can have long term side effects, such as damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, and reproductive organs. Surgery can also cause long-term side effects, such as scarring and loss of function. In addition, these treatments can be harsh on young patients, causing nausea, vomiting, and hair loss. Furthermore, traditional treatments may not always be effective in cases where cancer has spread or returned.

1.3. Innovative approaches in paediatric oncology

Scientists and healthcare professionals are constantly searching for new and innovative approaches to paediatric oncology. These approaches aim to improve the effectiveness of treatment while reducing the risk of long-term side effects. Some of the most promising innovative approaches include precision medicine, immunotherapy, and gene therapy.

1.4. Precision medicine in paediatric oncologyPrecision medicine is an approach to cancer treatment that aims to tailor treatment to the specific characteristics of the patient’s cancer. This approach involves analyzing the patient’s DNA and other molecular markers to determine the best course of treatment. Precision medicine has shown promising results in paediatric oncology, particularly in cases of brain tumours. In a recent study, researchers found that precision medicine improved the survival rate of children with high grade glioma, an aggressive type of brain tumour.

1.5. Immunotherapy for paediatric cancer

The immune system of the body is activated during immunotherapy to combat cancer. In this method, the immune system is prompted to target cancer cells. Immunotherapy has shown promising results in paediatric oncology, particularly in cases of leukaemia and lymphoma. In a recent study, researchers found that immunotherapy improved the survival rate of children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a type of blood cancer.

1.6. Gene therapy for paediatric cancer

Gene therapy is an approach to cancer treatment that involves modifying the patient’s genes to fight cancer. This approach involves introducing new genes into the patient’s cells to help them fight cancer. Gene therapy has shown promising results in paediatric oncology, particularly in cases of neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that affects the nervous system. In a recent study, researchers found that gene therapy improved the survival rate of children with neuroblastoma.

1.7. Advancements in paediatric oncology

Advancements in paediatric oncology are constantly being made, giving hope to young cancer patients and their families. Researchers are exploring new approaches to treatment, such as targeted therapies, which aim to attack cancer cells without harming healthy cells. In addition, researchers are exploring new ways to diagnose and monitor paediatric cancer, such as liquid biopsies, which involve analyzing blood samples for cancer cells and DNA.

1.8. Innovative approaches to pain management in paediatric oncology

Pain management is an important aspect of paediatric oncology. Children with cancer may experience pain due to the cancer itself or the treatment. Innovative approaches to pain management, such as virtual reality and music therapy, are being explored to help manage pain in young cancer patients. In a recent study, researchers found that virtual reality reduced pain and anxiety in children undergoing painful medical procedures.