n WHAT NEW METHODS OF TREATMENT ARE AVAILABLE? Researchers are looking for better ways to treat AML. New drugs to treat AML are being researched, including more monoclonal antibodies, new chemotherapy drugs, and other types of immunotherapy. Your healthcare team will be your best resource for more information regarding new therapies being developed that may be used for your child. n WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL LATE SIDE EFFECTS? AML therapy may result in chronic side effects that can occur years after completing treatment. Possible side effects may include damage to the heart muscle and development of new cancer caused by the chemotherapy (secondary malignancy). Another possible side effect from treatment is infertility or sterility (the inability to conceive or father a child). Other late effects specific to certain types of treatment are possible and will be explained by the healthcare team. n HOW CAN I WORK WITH MY CHILD’S HEALTHCARE TEAM? Your child’s care requires a team approach. As a parent, you know your child better than anybody else and that makes you an important member of the team caring for your child. It is important that you talk openly with your child’s healthcare team. Be sure to ask questions if there is anything that you do not understand or are concerned about. You may find it helpful to write down your questions when you think of them. Here are some examples of questions to ask: • What kind of cancer does my child have? • Has the cancer spread beyond the primary site? • What treatment choices are available? • What treatment do you recommend and why? • What risks or side effects does the recommended treatment have? • What should we do to prepare for treatment?
• What is my child’s outlook for survival? • What are the chances of a recurrence?
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