Researchers look for ways to reduce side-effects of cancer therapy on kids

A University of Calgary researcher is part of a national project trying to determine if genetic variations make some children more susceptible to the harmful side-effects of medications including Cisplatin. About half of all adverse reactions are thought to be caused by genetic differences. “Pinpointing a genetic basis for adverse reactions to some of these medications would equip physicians with important information,” says Dr. David Johnson, the pediatrician leading the Calgary arm of the project. “Screening tests could one day tell us which children are more likely to experience harmful side-effects, and doctors could then adjust dosages or try different medications or treatment,” he says. Read more here.