What the physicians didn't realize was the often devastating effect radiation could have on children 's developing brains. Thanks to research by Simms and other psychologists, oncologists are rethinking their use of radiation and other toxic treatments. In fact, many cancer centers now restrict the use of radiation to high-risk children . Age, gender and other variables all play a key role in late effects, she has found. Children under 3 are most vulnerable to radiation, she says.
Girls are much more likely to suffer late effects, for reasons still unknown.
And the effects of radiation often depend on what drugs are given with it. You don't want to take away curative treatment from children who could benefit from it just because some other children would have bad late effects. Working with schools Helping children who already have treatment-related problems is another priority for psychologists. Children 's Hospital in Philadelphia, for example, holds twice-yearly workshops to help teachers, school nurses and other school personnel learn more about helping children with cancer cope with school. Ronald T. Brown, PhD, works with schools throughout the year.