Principles of childhood cancer and its management

Abstract Major advances have been made in childhood cancer care over the last 50 years. However, with improvements in survival has come recognition of significant late adverse consequences and the importance of tailoring treatment to maximize efficacy while minimizing long-term consequences. Current childhood cancer treatment is based on precise diagnosis, disease staging, risk stratification, and multidisciplinary planning. The care of children with malignant disease should take place in defined paediatric oncology units set up for the purpose. These units have access to wide-ranging medical and surgical expertise upon which success depends. The overall management of these children is the province of the paediatric oncologist, whose job is to coordinate the many different aspects of care.