[Education] Pediatric Malignancies and Survivorship: Top 10 Clinical Pearls

 HOPA Now is the official podcast of the Hematology/Oncology/Pharmacy Association, an organization dedicated to supporting pharmacy practitioners and promoting the advancement of Hematology/Oncology/Pharmacy to optimize the care of individuals impacted by cancer.

 

These educational podcasts are part of our BCOP Preparatory and Recertification Course, which is designed to prepare oncology pharmacists preparing to sit for the BCOP Certification Exam, as well as meet the BPS requirement to complete a BCOP Preparatory/Recertification Review Course.

 

In this episode of HOPA Now, Dr. Diana Wu addresses 10 clinical pearls related to pediatric malignancies and survivorship and their management. She focuses on acute lymphoblastic leukemia and CNS directed treatment and offers guidelines for treatment options and schedules, associated risks, and updates regarding current pediatric trials, strategies, and survival rates for pediatric malignancies.

 

In this episode you will learn:

 

Pediatric Malignancies and Survivorship: Top 10 Clinical Pearls

 

• Pediatric ALL therapy is modified based on initial and during-treatment risk stratification and these modifications will only result in increased intensity of therapy.
• The treatment schedule and phases, and details regarding initial risk stratification including patient and cytogenetic factors
• CNS directed therapy is required for all patients during pediatric ALL treatment regardless of CNS status.
• Adherence rates and the associated significant risk of relapse
• Cranial radiation treatment and age guidelines
• Steroid usage guidelines for the antiemetic regimen for CNS malignancies
• Risks associated with utilizing COP therapies for various lymphomas
• Screening recommendations for cancer survivors based on systemic factors
• Current updates on pediatric trials, strategies, and survival rates

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

HOPA

 

Quotes:

 

“Pediatric ALL therapy is modified based on initial and during-treatment risk stratification and these modifications will only result in increased intensity of therapy.” — Dr. Diana Wu

 

“Once a patient has been transitioned to higher risk treatment they cannot be de-escalated, regardless of subsequent disease response or MRD status.” — Dr. Diana Wu

 

“Steroids should not be included in the antiemetic regimen for CNS malignancies.”
— Dr. Diana Wu

 

“Treatment strategies on pediatric malignancies often incorporate modifications to reduce long-term toxicities to improve overall quality of life and health in pediatric cancer survivors.”
— Dr. Diana Wu