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Also called childhood cancer, pediatric cancers occur between birth and 14 years of age. Pediatric cancers are rare, and they are different from adult cancers in how they are treated. Common types of pediatric cancer include brain and spinal tumors, leukemia, lymphoma, tumors in or near the kidney, eye tumors (retinoblastoma), and cancers of the bone and soft tissue.

Globally, nearly 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year.

Globally, the most common cancers in children are leukemia and lymphoma.

Clinical trials play an important part in advancing treatment of pediatric cancer. Trials are only conducted in certain areas, and care teams can provide more information about any available trials.

Pediatric cancer

Your treatment plan

Because there are many different types of pediatric cancer, the approach to treatment depends on the specific kind of cancer, as well as the age of the patient and other factors.

Common treatments for pediatric patients can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and stem cell transplant.

Pediatric cancer

Radiation therapy treatment techniques

There are different types of radiation therapy—sometimes called radiotherapy or “RT”—for pediatric cancer depending on the cancer type. Common techniques include:

Pediatric cancer

Possible side effects

Side effects are cumulative, which means they can develop over several weeks or months as the child’s body responds to radiation. The radiation oncologist can explain what to expect from the specific treatment. Every young patient’s treatment is different, but these are some common side effects of pediatric cancer radiation therapy:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Changes in weight
  • Hair loss
  • Anemia
  • Risk of infection
  • Bleeding
Pediatric cancer

Your treatment journey

When it comes to preparing for pediatric cancer treatment, knowledge is power. That includes knowing what to expect during the child’s treatment journey. Here is a brief outline of what to expect during external beam radiation treatment. If the child has proton therapy, the process is the same as external beam radiation treatment. The details of some steps may differ, depending on the child’s particular case.

Caregivers for pediatric patients may stay with the child up until they go into the treatment room.

Step 1: Consultation

The radiation oncologist will discuss what type of radiation treatment options are recommended for the child’s specific case in making a decision about treatment.

Step 2: Simulation

As part of treatment planning, the exact area of the tumor must first be determined. This is usually done using a CT scan, short for computed tomography, providing a detailed 3-D image of the treatment area using x-rays. Sometimes temporary skin marks, tiny tattoos (about the size of a freckle), or UV tattoos are placed on the body to help the radiation therapist position the child correctly each day for treatment. For pediatric cancers involving the head, neck, or upper torso, a treatment mask may be made to help keep the child’s head still during treatment. For cancer in other parts of the body, like the arms or legs, a body mold may be used during treatment.

Step 3: Treatment planning

After simulation is complete, the treatment team will develop a personalized treatment plan, taking into account the location and type of cancer, the child’s medical history, lab tests, and other factors—all to determine the best course of treatment. Typically, radiation therapy will require treatment five days a week.

Step 4: Positioning for treatment

On treatment days, the radiation therapist will position the child on the radiation machine’s treatment couch with the help of a set of lasers for alignment.

Step 5: Start of treatment

he radiation is delivered by a machine called a linear accelerator, or linac. Some linacs have a visible gantry, which will move around the child to deliver the radiation, and other linacs have an enclosed gantry. The child won’t see, hear, feel or smell the beam, in most cases. Treatment sessions usually take approximately 15 minutes. The first treatment session may be a little longer. Depending on the age of the child, anesthesia may be used during treatment.

Step 6: Post-treatment and follow-up care

Every patient is different, but most children can continue daily activities during treatment, despite side effects such as fatigue. After the final treatment, the radiation oncologist will schedule periodic follow-up appointments to monitor the child’s progress and the results of treatment.

Pediatric cancer

Helpful resources for pediatric cancer

Questions to ask

Some important things to find out from the treatment team before pediatric cancer treatment.

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Patient guide

Cosmo for Kids

A series of animations to prepare kids for what they will experience as they go through radiation treatment.

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