CLINICAL TRIALS Most improvements in the treatment of childhood ALL have been made through research and enrollment of children with ALL in clinical trials. During a clinical trial, a standard treatment for a disease is compared with a new treatment that is being tested. This experimental treatment is believed to be at least as good as, and possibly better than, the standard treatment. Clinical trials allow your healthcare team to determine whether promising new treatments are safe and effective. The goal of a clinical trial is to find out which treatment offers the best chance for cure with the least number of side effects. Participation in clinical trials is voluntary. Because clinical trials invol ve research into new treatment plans, all risks cannot be known ahead of time, and unknown side effects may occur. Prior to agreeing to a clinical trial, you will be given paperwork that explains the risks and benefits. Before making a decision about your child’s participation in a clinical trial, you should discuss the risks as well as the potential benefits with your child’s doctor and treatment team. Depending on the nature of your child’s diagnosis, your healthcare team may discuss additional treatment opportunities not mentioned in this handbook.
WHAT ARE COMMON SIDE EFFECTS FROM TREATMENT?
Chemotherapy drugs have an effect on all rapidly dividing cells, including normal cells. When normal cells are damaged, side effects of treatment are seen. Side effects are usually temporary, and the severity of these effects can be decreased with medications. Each child may be affected differently, with some experiencing more side effects than others. There are many types of chemotherapy drugs, each with their own side effects. For more information about each chemotherapy drug, please refer to the APHON drug information sheets. Common side effects of chemotherapy medicines include low white blood cell counts (neutropenia), low red blood cell counts (anemia), low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), bleeding, bruising, nausea and vomiting, mucositis (sores in the mouth and throat), alopecia (loss or thinning of hair), darkening of the skin and nails, poor nutrition, diarrhea, or constipation. Hair thinning or loss usually begins around week 3 of treatment. Your child’s hair may grow back very short and fall out again between treatments. Medicines such as Zofran (ondansetron)
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Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON)
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