Shining a Light on Pediatric Cancer: Supporting the Youngest Warriors
By: Zainab Al-Attwani, Gissou Jafari Torreie, Luca LeClair, Raymond Zeng
Introduction
Childhood cancer is a devastating reality that affects thousands of families every year. Despite advances in treatment, it remains the second leading cause of death among children aged 1 to 14 years in North America (American Cancer Society, 2024).The most common forms include leukemia, brain and spinal cord tumours, neuroblastoma, and Wilms tumour (National Cancer Institute, 2023). Pediatric cancers differ significantly from adult cancers, often arising from different tissues and responding differently to treatments. Unlike many adult cancers linked to lifestyle or environmental factors, pediatric cancers largely stem from genetic mutations occurring early in life (Ward et al., 2014). Addressing pediatric cancer is not only challenging due to the complexity of treating rapidly developing bodies and immature immune systems, which may tolerate treatments differently than adults, but it is also socially and emotionally taxing, requiring holistic support for young patients and their families. This blog explores pediatric cancers’ unique challenges, highlights current and recent advancements in treatments and suggests ways to support and advocate for patient families.
Understanding the Challenges
Pediatric cancers present distinct challenges compared to adult cancers. Children’s developing bodies and immune systems often tolerate treatments differently, with potential long-term effects that impact their growth, development, and overall health (National Cancer Institute, 2023). For example, radiation therapy delivered to the head or brain can adversely affect brain development in young children, leading to cognitive challenges later in life (Ward et al., 2014). The physical burden of the disease is compounded by its emotional and psychological toll. Young patients often experience fear, isolation, and uncertainty, while their families face immense stress, from financial strain, disrupted daily routines, and the emotional weight of caring for a sick child (Ward et al., 2014). Moreover, long-term survivorship issues are a growing concern.
For children, daily routines provide a sense of stability and predictability, which are crucial for healthy emotional and psychological development (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024). Activities like attending school, participating in sports, or maintaining regular sleep schedules contribute to building social connections, learning skills, and fostering independence (CDC, 2024). When these routines are disrupted due to frequent hospital visits, long treatment durations, or the physical effects of illness, children may experience developmental delays, social isolation, and difficulty adjusting to normal life post-treatment. For instance, missing extended periods of school may hinder academic progress and limit opportunities for peer interaction, both of which are critical to a child’s long-term cognitive and social development (CDC, 2024; Ward et al., 2014).
Furthermore, pediatric cancer research funding and access to treatments remain a significant challenge. Since pediatric cancers represent a small percentage of cancer cases, only about 4% of federal funding for cancer research is dedicated to pediatric cancers, leading to slower progress in developing targeted therapies(Holohan, 2023). This underfunding limits opportunities to explore innovative treatments tailored specifically for children. Additionally, ensuring equitable access to care remains a challenge, as families from marginalized communities (including those from rural areas, Indigenous populations, and families with low socioeconomic status) often face barriers such as financial hardship, lack of transportation, and limited access to specialized pediatric oncology centers (Aristizabal et al., 2021). Increasing funding and addressing systemic inequities are crucial to advancing treatments, improving access, and ensuring better outcomes for all children. Addressing the challenges of pediatric cancer requires a coordinated effort among healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers.
Childhood cancer survivors often face adverse effects later in life such as secondary cancers, cardiovascular complications, and chronic fatigue, which stresses the importance for continuous monitoring and support throughout their lives (Oeffinger & Hudson, 2023).
Current Treatments and Advances
Treatment for pediatric cancer typically involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery, depending on the specific type and stage of cancer. With the ultimate goal to not only treat the cancer but also minimize long-term side effects that can arise from these aggressive therapies. For instance, leukemia (blood cancer), the most common childhood cancer, is often treated with intensive chemotherapy protocols, sometimes combined with bone marrow transplants for more severe cases (American Cancer Society, 2024). Meanwhile, solid tumours like neuroblastoma may require surgery followed by radiation or chemotherapy to reduce recurrence risks (Ward et al., 2014).
Exciting advances in pediatric oncology include immunotherapy, precision medicine, and CAR-T cell therapy. Immunotherapy leverages the body’s immune system to target cancer cells, potentially leading to more effective treatments with fewer side effects (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2023). Precision medicine uses Genetic profiling as the process of analyzing a person’s DNA to identify unique genetic characteristics. In the context of cancer, it involves studying the genetic makeup of a tumor to find specific mutations or changes in the DNA that drive the cancer’s growth. This information helps doctors select treatments that are most likely to work for that specific cancer, making the treatment more personalized and effective (National Cancer Institute, 2023). CAR-T stands for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy. It is an advanced form of immunotherapy that involves genetically modifying a patient’s T cells (a type of immune cell) in the lab to better recognize cancer cells. Once reinfused into the patient, these engineered T cells can recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2023).
Proton therapy is another promising advancement. Unlike traditional radiation therapy, proton therapy uses charged particles to deliver precise doses of radiation to tumours while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, which is particularly beneficial for treating cancers in sensitive areas such as the brain and spinal cord (Baliga et al., 2019).
In addition to these cutting-edge therapies, supportive care plays a vital role in treatment. Addressing side effects such as nausea, pain, and fatigue, as well as providing psychological support through counselling and peer support groups is important to a patient’s overall health. Research into the long-term impacts of pediatric cancer treatments is also expanding, focusing on improving survivorship care to ensure that children who beat cancer can lead healthy, fulfilling lives (Children’s Oncology Group, 2023).
How You Can Help
Raising awareness and supporting pediatric cancer initiatives can make a tangible difference. Many organizations play a vital role in funding research, providing family support, and advocating for policies to benefit pediatric cancer patients. Supporting these efforts through donations, volunteering, or participation in fundraising events can have a profound impact on advancing pediatric cancer care and improving outcomes for young patients.
Individuals can also help by spreading awareness about pediatric cancer through social media, community events, or school programs. Hosting or participating in local initiatives such as blood drives, toy collections for hospitalized children, or awareness walks can build community solidarity and provide direct support to families in need. Small acts, like sharing educational resources, writing to policymakers to advocate for increased research funding, or simply lending emotional support to families, can make a significant impact.
Educational outreach can further amplify the cause. Engaging schools and community groups to provide information about pediatric cancer can foster greater understanding and encourage early detection. Moreover, creating partnerships with local businesses and organizations can help raise funds and resources to support families affected by pediatric cancer (Aristizabal et al., 2021).
Childhood cancer is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life, but it also underscores the resilience and courage of young patients and their families. By raising awareness, supporting research, and advocating for improved care, we can provide hope and a brighter future for the littlest warriors battling cancer. Together, we can amplify their voices, drive meaningful change, and make a lasting difference. With continued advancements in treatments and unwavering community support, the fight against pediatric cancer can become a story of hope, healing, and triumph.
References
American Cancer Society. (2024). Childhood cancer statistics. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cancer-in-children/key-statistics.html
Aristizabal, P., Winestone, L. E., Umaretiya, P., & Bona, K. (2021). Disparities in Pediatric Oncology: The 21st Century Opportunity to Improve Outcomes for Children and Adolescents With Cancer. American Society of Clinical Oncology educational book. American Society of Clinical Oncology. Annual Meeting, 41, e315–e326. https://doi.org/10.1200/EDBK_320499
Baliga, S., & Yock, T. I. (2019). Proton beam therapy in pediatric oncology. Current Opinion in Pediatrics, 31(1), 28-34. https://doi.org/10.1097/MOP.0000000000000724
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, December 20). Tips to support healthy routines for children and teens. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/tips-parents-caregivers/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Children’s Oncology Group. (2023). Long-term follow-up guidelines for survivors of childhood cancer. https://www.childrensoncologygroup.org/survivorshipguidelines
Holohan, M. (2023). Lacking in funding, child cancer treatments leave kids with troubling side effects. https://www.today.com/health/funding-childhood-cancer-treatments-rcna117876
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2023). Immunotherapy for childhood cancer. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/all-childrens-hospital/services/cancer-institute/programs-and-services/car-t-cell-therapy
National Cancer Institute. (2023). Childhood cancers. https://www.cancer.gov/types/childhood-cancers
Oeffinger, K. C., & Hudson, M. M. (2023). Long-term complications of childhood cancer treatment. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 73(2), 131-145. https://doi.org/10.3322/canjclin.54.4.208
Ward, E., DeSantis, C., Robbins, A., Kohler, B., & Jemal, A. (2014). Childhood and adolescent cancer statistics, 2014. CA: a cancer journal for clinicians, 64(2), 83–103. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21219