SY Ha, DKL Cheuk

Abstract

The practice of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology has advanced substantially over recent quarter century. The developments in biotechnology and molecular technology have enabled innovations in diagnostic tools and improved treatment, resulting in better patient outcome. Although they are uncommon conditions, acute leukaemia, thalasssaemia and haemophilia are the important haematological / oncological diseases affecting Hong Kong children who will need considerable health care resources. Patients with transfusion-dependent thalassaemia can now enjoy better quality of life with regular transfusion and appropriate iron chelation therapy. Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation can render patient transfusion independent and there are alternative donors other than HLA matched siblings. New patients with haemophilia are spared of the risk of transfusion-transmitted infection with enhanced transfusion safety. The prevalence of chronic arthropathy has dramatically reduced as a result of prophylactic factor replacement. The treatment outcome in children with cancer including leukaemia has improved over last 25 years. In addition to the conventional treatment modalities, targeted therapy and immunotherapy show promise in combatting refractory or relapsed leukaemia.