Pediatric Oncology in Mexico

Treatment of pediatric or childhood cancer depends mainly on the type and stage of the cancer. Various treatment options available include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and stem cell transplant. More than one treatment is used in many cases.

• Surgery: Cancer is removed in surgery along with the surrounding tissue. Many childhood cancers may require surgery followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs are used to destroy the cancer cells. They halt the growth and division of the cancer cells. It may be delivered through a small needle into the bloodstream, spinal fluid or muscle. Chemotherapy can also be given orally as capsules or pills. Usually the number of chemotherapy cycles are given over a period of time. Either one drug or a combination of multiple drugs is used in chemotherapy.
• Radiotherapy: It uses high-energy x-rays or particles such as photons to destroy the cancer cells. Radiotherapy can be given as external beam radiation therapy or internal therapy. In external beam therapy, radiation is given through a machine outside the body. In internal beam therapy, radiations are given using implants.
• Immunotherapy: Another method called as immunotherapy is also used in pediatric cancers, which boosts the body’s immune system to fight against cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies, interferons and cancer vaccines are few examples of immunotherapy.
• Stem cell transplant: In this procedure, stem cells present in the bone marrow are replaced by highly specialized cells that form healthy bone marrow. The stem cell transplantation depends on the type of cancer, patient’s age and overall health of the child.