Dr. Somdipa Pal, Associate Consultant Paediatric Hemato-Oncology & BMT, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road

Childhood cancer is a devastating reality, according to GLOBOCAN 2020, an estimated 400,000 children under the age of 15 are diagnosed with cancer each year worldwide. However, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon as cutting-edge treatments are revolutionizing the way we combat this life-threatening disease. In recent years, significant strides have been made in developing innovative therapies that offer more targeted and effective treatment options for children with cancer.

Targeted Therapies: A Game-Changer

One of the most promising advancements in pediatric oncology is the development of targeted therapies. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which can have severe side effects due to its indiscriminate attack on both healthy and cancerous cells, targeted therapies are designed to pinpoint and destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. Similarly, targeted therapy has lesser long term side effects.

Immunotherapy: Harnessing the Immune System

Immunotherapy stands out as a beacon of hope in the world of pediatric oncology. This revolutionary treatment utilizes the body’s own immune system to wage war against cancer cells. By employing a variety of immunotherapy drugs, we can boost the immune system’s natural ability to recognize and eliminate these malignant invaders. Immunotherapy is being used in both solid malignancies and leukemia.

CAR T-Cell Therapy: A Pioneering Approach

One of the most notable breakthroughs in immunotherapy is CAR T-cell therapy. In this treatment, a patient’s T cells are genetically engineered to identify and attack cancer cells specifically. Clinical trials have demonstrated remarkable success in treating childhood leukemia and lymphoma, offering a new lease on life for many young patients who had relapse refractory diseases.

BiTEs: Bridging T Cells and Cancer Cells

Bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) are another type of immunotherapy that currently is being used for various childhood cancers. They function by bringing T cells and cancer cells together, enabling the T cells to target and destroy the cancerous cells. This innovative approach has the potential to redefine treatment for a range of pediatric malignancies specially leukemia.

Personalized Medicine: Tailoring Treatment

Personalized medicine is an emerging approach that tailors treatment to the unique characteristics of an individual’s tumor. This includes analyzing the tumor’s genetic makeup and the proteins expressed on its surface. Although still in its early stages, personalized medicine has the potential to reshape how childhood cancer is managed.

PARP Inhibitors: Disrupting DNA Repair

PARP inhibitors are a class of drugs that interfere with the repair of damaged DNA. They specifically target the PARP protein, which plays a crucial role in DNA repair. By inhibiting PARP, these drugs make it difficult for cancer cells to mend their damaged DNA, leading to their demise. PARP inhibitors are already being used to treat some childhood cancers and are under investigation for treating others.

Targeted Therapies for Genetic Mutations

Researchers are making significant strides in the development of targeted therapies that specifically address genetic mutations present in certain childhood cancers. For example, children with leukemia who have the Philadelphia chromosome mutation now have access to targeted therapies designed to combat their unique cancer profile.

Childhood cancer remains a formidable adversary, but the landscape of pediatric oncology is evolving rapidly. With advancements in targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and personalized medicine, we are witnessing a transformation in the way we approach treatment for children with cancer. These innovative treatments offer not only hope but also improved outcomes and a brighter future for countless young patients and their families. As research continues to push the boundaries of medical science, we can look forward to even more effective and precise treatments for children battling this challenging disease.