Question

19. What are the side effects of alpha interferon? 20. What are the major cancer risks in pediatric vs. adult populations? 21. What are major organs affected by chemotherapy and long-term consequences? 22. What would be the clinical manifestations of neuroblastoma in a toddler?

Answer 1

19. Side effects of alpha interferon:

• Flu like symptoms: fever, chills headache, anorexia, aches and pains.
• Fatigue, drowsiness, low blood counts (WBC, RBC and platelets), anemia.

20. Major cancer risks in children include:

• Medical condition
• Problem with development during pregnancy
• Exposure to infection
• Exposure to radiation
• Previous cancer treatments
• Children with Down's syndrome
• Family history

Major cancer risk in adults include: Aging, tobacco, sun exposure, radiation exposure, chemical and other substances, some viruses and bacteria, certain hormones, family history of cancer, poor diet, alcohol intake, lack of physical activity, being overweight.

21. Chemotherapy can cause permanent changes or damage to the major organs like heart, lungs, nerves, kidneys, and reproductive organs

22. Clinical manifestations of neuroblastoma in a toddler may be abdominal pain, vomiting, weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, pain in major bones. Hypertension and chronic diarrhea is uncommon.