Laboratory testing in pediatric cancer patients

Cancer is a leading cause of death in children; however, with modern treatments, most patients survive. Laboratory testing in the management of pediatric cancers is, in many ways, similar to that employed for adult populations. However, differences exist because of the differing types and proportions of cancers that occur in pediatrics compared to adults. Cancer biomarkers are routinely measured for cancer management and aid in screening, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring. Very few tumor markers are organ- or tumor-specific and range from simple molecules and enzymes to heterogenous proteins with unique glycosylation patterns. This chapter will provide an overview of common pediatric malignancies and their clinical features with an emphasis on diagnostic features and biochemical markers that are most useful for diagnosis and monitoring childhood cancers.