This book provides a thorough and up-to-date discussion of key issues in the supportive care of children with cancer. A variety of frequently encountered situations is covered, including infections, metabolic, cardiopulmonary and neurologic emergencies, tumor lysis syndrome, pain, emesis, mucositis, thrombotic disorders, nutritional problems, hyperleukocytosis and acute abdomen. Throughout the emphasis is firmly on evidenced-based guidance developed from the relevant literature. Information is presented in a manner that will enable readers quickly to locate advice when confronted by a supportive care problem in one of their patients. Helpful algorithms are provided and important "take home points" are highlighted in figures and tables. Supportive Care in Pediatric Oncology will be an invaluable source of assistance for a wide range of health professionals involved in pediatric cancer care.

Much of the gains in survival over the last 50 years in pediatric oncology have occurred through successively more intensive treatment regimens and concomitant improvement in the supportive care required to manage the complications of such regimens.  Supportive Care in Pediatric Oncology provides a thorough, up-to-date review of the medical literature to provide an evidence-basis and grading of recommendations for supportive care management.  Where evidence is lacking, consensus guidelines and "expert" opinion are also graded based on the available literature to support such recommendations.  Commonly encountered acute issues are addressed including the management of febrile neutropenia, prevention of infection and immunization practice; transfusion support and utilization of hematopoietic growth factors; tumor lysis syndrome and hyperleukocytosis; neurologic, cardiopulmonary and abdominal emergencies; pain, nausea and vomiting, and mucositis; nutritional issues; thrombosis and management of central venous catheters; and radiation side effects. Finally, knowledge gaps and opportunities for research within the supportive care field are highlighted.