Journal of pediatric hematology/oncology
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J. Pediatr. Hematol. Oncol. · Oct 2015
Optimization of Craniospinal Irradiation for Pediatric Medulloblastoma Using VMAT and IMRT.
Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) provide highly conformal target radiation doses, but also expose large volumes of healthy tissue to low-dose radiation. With improving survival, more children with medulloblastoma (MB) are at risk of late adverse effects of radiotherapy, including secondary cancers. We evaluated the characteristics of IMRT and VMAT craniospinal irradiation treatment plans in children with standard-risk MB to compare radiation dose delivery to target organs and organs at risk (OAR). ⋯ The use of both IMRT and VMAT provides good target tissue coverage and sparing of the adjacent tissue for MB. Both techniques resulted in OAR dose delivery within published pediatric dose guidelines, except those mentioned above. Pediatric patients with standard-risk MB remain at risk for late endocrinologic, sensory (auditory and visual), and brain functional impairments.
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J. Pediatr. Hematol. Oncol. · Oct 2015
Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheters in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Patients in Tertiary Care Setting: A Developing Country Experience.
Peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC) have been successfully used to provide central access for chemotherapy and frequent transfusions. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of PICCs and determine PICC-related complications in pediatric hematology/oncology patients in a resource-poor setting. ⋯ We conclude that PICC lines are feasible in a resource-poor setting and recommend its use for chemotherapy administration and prolonged venous access.