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Living with “Survival”: Late effects of cancer and its treatment
- The childhood cancer survivor
- Long-term considerations after chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation
- Late effects of radiation therapy
- Questions and answers
For many, surviving their cancer diagnosis is just the first step. The good news is that so many cancer patients do survive long term. The bad news is that they are living long enough to develop a potential late effect. A late effect is any one of a large variety of toxicities that can affect virtually any organ system.
In other words, life after cancer treatment of any type can include risks for conditions and diseases that result directly from that treatment. These conditions can surface months, and even years, later. Thus, knowing the risks of treatment and learning what to watch for are crucial steps for survivors to be able to effectively anticipate and manage potential health issues.
On March 19, 2007, a panel of experts came together at the Science Museum of Virginia to discuss the risks and management of long-term effects, as well as current advances and promises for the future. Attendees learned what conditions can result from radiation therapy, chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants and treatment of childhood cancer, as well as where to find the resources to cope with these issues.
The symposium was moderated by Mary Helen Hackney, M.D., associate professor of hematology/oncology at the VCU Massey Cancer Center. Hackney specializes in the treatment of all stages of breast cancer and also teaches residents and health professionals about prevention, long-term patient management and survivorship issues.
The childhood cancer survivor
This presentation was given by Nancy L. Dunn, M.D., FAAP. Dunn is an associate professor of pediatrics at VCU. She specializes in pediatric hematology/oncology and directs the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Survivorship Clinic at VCU Children’s Medical Center.
To read the full transcript of Dunn’s presentation, please click here.
To hear a recording this session, please click here. Many listeners benefit by downloading a print summary of the talk to use while listening to the recording.
Long-term considerations after chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation
This presentation was given by John McCarty, M.D. McCarty is an associate professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at VCU Medical Center and serves as medical director of the Bone Marrow Transplantation Program at VCU Massey Cancer Center.
To read the full transcript of McCarty’s presentation, please click here.
To hear a recording this session, please click here. Many listeners benefit by downloading a print summary of the talk to use while listening to the recording.
Late effects of radiation therapy
This presentation was given by Mitchell Anscher, M.D., chairman of the Department of Radiation Oncology at VCU Medical Center.
To read the full transcript of Anscher’s presentation, please click here.
To hear a recording this session, please click here. Many listeners benefit by downloading a print summary of the talk to use while listening to the recording.
Questions and answers
For a transcript of the question-and-answer session at the end of the symposium on late effects of cancer therapy, please click here.
