Cochrane

What was the aim of this review? The aim of this Cochrane Review was to find out if focal laser therapy in addition to treatment by systemic chemotherapy for retinoblastoma reduces the risk of tumour recurrence. Key messages There were no data comparing systemic chemotherapy alone to systemic chemotherapy with laser therapy. What was studied in the ...

Review question We reviewed the evidence of the effectiveness and side effects of 131I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG) therapy in patients with newly diagnosed high-risk (HR) neuroblastoma (NBL). Background NBL is a rare solid cancer that develops from special nerves cells. Patients with newly diagnosed HR NBL have a poor outcome, despite intensive ...

Review question We reviewed the evidence of the effects and safety of urate oxidase for the prevention and treatment of tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) in children with malignancies. Background TLS occurs when uric acid and other cellular substances are rapidly released into the circulation when tumour cells are broken down spontaneously or during treatment. ...

Review question We reviewed the evidence about what helps children with cancer to take part in decisions about their health care. We found no studies. Background Cancer is a serious illness that involves complex treatments with unpleasant side effects. Children with cancer generally prefer to be involved in some way in decisions about their care ...

Review question We reviewed the evidence of the effectiveness of any medical intervention to prevent hearing loss in children with cancer treated with platinum-based therapy (that is, including the anti-cancer drugs cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin, or a combination of these). We also looked at anti-cancer effectiveness, side effects other than ...

Anthracyclines are anticancer drugs used in the treatment of different types of childhood cancer. An important adverse effect of anthracyclines is damage to the heart, which can lead to asymptomatic (without complaints) or symptomatic (with complaints) cardiac problems during and after cancer treatment. While there are several drugs available to treat ...

Background Survivors of childhood cancer are at a higher risk of chronic health conditions such as, osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome (including obesity and type II diabetes), and cardiovascular disease. These diseases have the potential to be reduced or prevented with targeted nutritional interventions. Objective This review looks at three randomised ...

Review question We reviewed the evidence of the effects of different durations of platinum infusion to prevent hearing loss or tinnitus, or both, in children with cancer. We also looked at anti-tumour efficacy, adverse effects other than hearing loss and quality of life. Background Platinum-based chemotherapy, including cisplatin, carboplatin or ...

Review question We reviewed the evidence on the association between childhood cancer treatment including platinum analogues and the occurrence of hearing loss. Background Platinum-based therapy, such as cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin, is used to treat a variety of cancers in children. Unfortunately, one of the most important side effects ...

Craniopharyngiomas are rare, slow-growing, benign tumours in the hypothalamic-pituitary region of the brain. Although they are benign, i.e. the tumour lacks the ability to invade neighbouring tissue or metastasise (spread to other sites), there is considerable morbidity and disability even when the tumour can be resected completely. Cystic craniopharyngiomas ...