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cover art for Chemotherapy Drugs 7: High Dose Methotrexate

Understanding Childhood Cancer With Dr Geoff

Chemotherapy Drugs 7: High Dose Methotrexate

High dose methotrexate is used in leukaemia, lymphoma, osteosarcoma and certain brain tumours. We give a sky-high dose, then give the antidote, folinic acid, to 'rescue' the patient!

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  • CAR T-cells, Interview with Dr Caroline Bateman

    45:55|
    CAR T-cell therapy is an exciting new treatment for acute leukaemia. In this episode, Dr Geoff interviews his colleague Dr Caroline Bateman about CAR T-cells and introducing the treatment option to her unit.
  • "S" is for "Special" : Stage MS Neuroblastoma (also called Stage IVS, 4S)

    24:26|
    There is a special subtype of neuroblastoma seen in very young children, with spread of disease throughout the body, but which needs a very different approach to treatment compared to older children with metastatic disease. This episode explains the features of this stage MS neuroblastoma, the early problems, and the treatment used.
  • Where did my child's immune system go?

    44:44|
    Childhood cancer treatment leads to severe impairment of the ability to fight infections. This episode explains what immune suppression means, what causes it, and the problems that result.
  • Update re the future of rock and roll.... CAR T-cells

    39:46|
    A few years ago I described CAR T-cells, but they weren't available for routine use. I now update things, with the very important news about CAR T-cell therapy now becoming available. There is also an interview with Dr Caroline Bateman re this subject in another episode.
  • Blood Cultures

    22:13|
    We take a lot of blood samples looking for infection in the bloodstream. This episode explains what blood cultures are all about.
  • PRISM, Molecular Profiling, and Informed Consent

    56:12|
    A number of countries have research studies where childhood cancers are analysed in great detail, testing all the DNA in something called 'molecular profiling'. The national Australian study of this is called PRISM, and it is a very exciting project. This episode explains a molecular profiling project and covers issues of obtaining informed consent from parents and patients as well.
  • The MEK inhibitors: trametinib and selumetinib

    41:14|
    The MEK inhibitors are a newer class of drug, and include trametinib, selumetinib and others. They have an important role in paediatric oncology, particularly in glioma treatment and in neurofibromatosis.
  • The needle in the haystack: Minimal Residual Disease

    42:05|
    Sophisticated techniques can detect one cancer cell amongst a million normal cells. This episode describes these methods and how they are used in treatment.
  • DIPG: to biopsy or not to biopsy

    13:37|
    For many years we didn't biopsy the tumour when the scans suggested that the tumour was a DIPG. This episode explains why that has changed, and the emerging role of biopsy.