HP Lin

Abstract

In the new millennium, childhood cancer is likely to become more important as a child health problem in countries where infection and malnutrituon assume lesser importance. The remarkable successes achieved over the past 50 years in the treatment of paediatric malignancy have resulted in the cure of most types of childhood cancer. In many cases it is even possible to refine treatment so that therapy in selected early localised tumours with good prognostic features could be reduced without sacrificing excellent results and more intensive treatment reserved for high-risk cancers. This article gives a brief review of the current results of treatment of the spectrum of childhood cancers. Efforts at refinements of treatment are pointed out. Long-term effects of therapy relating to major organ systems as well as risks of second cancers and the psychological cost of cure are briefly discussed. Future challenges are posed for the new millennium to achieve the ultimate goal of cure which is a full restoration of normal health, not just an elimination of disease.