The Information Book Edition 3 - Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service

Radiotherapy side effectsAs well as the immediate side effects, radiotherapy to the brain can also havelong term effects. These can be learning difficulties and growth changes suchas short stature, late or early onset of puberty. The side effects depend onthe area of the brain being treated. Not all children will have these side effects.The side effects of radiotherapy are manageable. The radiotherapy team willgive you more information about side effects and how to manage them.Other side effectsHearing lossSeveral chemotherapy drugs and some antibiotics may cause a permanenthearing loss. If your child is having one of these drugs, regular hearing tests(audiograms) will be organised to monitor hearing. Your child may need tohave their chemotherapy dose reduced if there is a significant hearing loss.Peripheral neuropathySome chemotherapy drugs (especially Vincristine) can cause damageto the ends of the nerves in the hands and the feet, causing numbness,weakness or a tingling sensation (peripheral neuropathy). This can lead toreduced coordination, clumsiness and ‘drop foot’. While symptoms willeventually disappear once the treatment is stopped, peripheral neuropathycan be distressing. For more information, talk to your consultant oncologist.Hints for managing peripheral neuropathy:• Report any numbness, tingling or weakness to your child’s team.Rapid identification and treatment can reduce the severity of the symptoms• Reassure your child the sensation will eventually go away• If your child has pain associated with peripheral neuropathy, your child’sdoctor will prescribe medicine to relieve the pain• Your child may be unsteady when walking: keep him / her in a safeenvironment.Pain and feverYour child may have some pain or discomfort as a side effect of treatment.If pain relief is required, discuss this with your child’s team.Your child should not have any medication containing Aspirin or Ibuprofen(Nurofen) because these drugs can increase bleeding problems and irritatethe lining of the stomach.Cancer Sec.3.23Updated July 2012