“There has been a lack of studies on children, which is an issue because they are not just small adults — they suffer from different cancers, their immune systems work differently and they have a faster metabolism, all of which affect how treatments work.

In her previous research Dr Starobova found an anti-inflammatory drug substantially reduced nerve pain associated with a chemotherapy drug, and did not reduce the effectiveness of the cancer treatment.

Dr Starobova is currently analysing how specific drugs could prevent a cascade of inflammation caused by chemotherapy drugs, which lead to tingling and numbness in hands and feet, and muscle pain and weakness that makes everyday tasks, like walking and doing up buttons, a challenge.

She is focusing on Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in children, with over 700 children diagnosed in Australia each year.

In collaboration with Brisbane’s Queensland Children’s Hospital and Mater Children’s Private Brisbane, and Perth’s Telethon Kids Institute, Dr Starobova and her team share a strong motivation to improve quality of life for children.

“We are studying the most commonly used chemotherapy treatment for children, which is a mix of drugs that are very toxic, but have to be used to treat the cancer fast and stop it becoming resistant to the drugs,” Dr Starobova said.

“It’s a fine balance — too little chemotherapy and the cancer won’t be killed but sometimes the side-effects are so bad, patients have to stop the therapy.

“I hope that by having a treatment to reduce side-effects, it will be one less thing for these kids and their families to worry about.”

Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO, Lyndsey Rice, said she was proud the Foundation could fund such vital research.

“No child should suffer pain from the treatment which is trying to help them. Dr Starobova’s research will make a tangible difference to sick kids,” Ms Rice said.

Source: Eurekalert