Less Is More When Treating Kids With Cancer

http://media.boston.cbslocal.com/CBSBOS_0106201517273900000AA.mp4 BOSTON (CBS) – Some doctors now think you can do more for kids with cancer by actually doing less. A new study tracked more than 34,000 childhood cancer survivors over several decades. “What it’s shown,” says Dr. Anna Franklin at the Anderson Cancer Center, “is that over the years, the rates of children of childhood cancer survivors dying from a complication of their cancer treatment, is becoming less and less.” The study showed more limited use of radiation, avoiding certain drugs, and changing the way chemo is given has not hurt kids’ chances of survival. It’s also cut down on what’s known as “late effects” – damage to the heart, lungs or other organs caused by some radiation and chemotherapy treatments. “They’ll have a better quality of life as survivors and also their treatment will be less intense and I think that even learning these things along the way creates less distress for the families,” adds. Dr. Franklin.
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Local News Seen On WBZ-TV Syndicated Local Watch Listen Cancer Cancer Treatment Mallika Marshall Source Type: news