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Research and new methods

Approaches for children and older people

Leukaemia behaves differently in children and older people, and they tolerate treatment differently. That is why trials are run separately for each age group.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A grandfather and his young granddaughter holding hands outdoors
Figure 1.Children and older people

01Short answer

In children, results in ALL have improved greatly over the years; the aim now is the same result with fewer late effects (on growth, the heart, learning and fertility). Children's trials follow special rules and include the child's own agreement. In older people, other illnesses and frailty are taken into account; transplants with gentler conditioning and targeted, lower-intensity combinations have widened the options. Age alone is not a reason to refuse treatment; overall health is assessed.

02Simple explanation

Children: late effects.

Older people: tolerance.

Separate trials.

Age is not the only criterion.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: childhood cancers are often treated differently from adult cancers and are studied in trials designed for children.

NCI: new treatments are tested step by step, from the laboratory to clinical trials; only those proven safe and beneficial become standard care.

04What happens in the body?

Children

Long-term follow-up and support.

Two roads
Figure 2.Two roads — Approaches for children and older people

Older people

Geriatric assessment and an individual plan.

Adjustment
Figure 3.Adjustment — Approaches for children and older people

How to read the news

Research news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.

Talk to your doctor

Show your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

05From research news to a conversation: four steps

Read, check, ask, decide together.

Read — From a trusted source.1ReadFrom a trusted source.
Check — Phase, participants, result.2CheckPhase, participants, result.
Ask — Show your doctor.3AskShow your doctor.
Decide — Together, without rushing.4DecideTogether, without rushing.
SourceA trusted site.
DoctorA personal explanation.
SafetyNot changing treatment yourself.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
ChildrenLong-term follow-up and support.
Older peopleGeriatric assessment and an individual plan.
How to read the newsResearch news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.
Talk to your doctorShow your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

07Key terms

Late effects
Problems years after treatment.
Geriatric assessment
Checking an older person's overall health.
Clinical trial
Testing a new treatment with volunteers.
Evidence
A result confirmed by reliable research.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Check the source.
  • Talk to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Can my older parent receive intensive treatment?

It depends on overall health; the doctor will assess.

Should my child join a trial?

At many children's centres this is routine; ask.

Is this advance right for me?

Only your treating doctor can say, based on your diagnosis, stage and condition.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can my older parent receive intensive treatment?

  2. Should my child join a trial?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Childhood Cancers
  2. National Cancer Institute. Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  3. National Cancer Institute. Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  4. National Cancer Institute. What Are Clinical Trials?
  5. National Cancer Institute. Phases of Clinical Trials
  6. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: clinical trial
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Paying for Clinical Trials
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Find NCI-Supported Clinical Trials
  10. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Phases of Clinical Trials
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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