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New research in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network finds that families of children receiving treatment for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) experience substantial and lasting challenges beginning early after diagnosis, according to a new multicenter study embedded in a Children's Oncology Group (COG) trial. The COG includes more than 200 member institutions that treat about 80% of all new cases of childhood and adolescent cancer; therefore, these findings represent the experiences of most families.

The study followed family outcomes over time in 420 children being treated for standard-risk B-ALL, from September 2010 through April 2013. B-ALL is the most common childhood cancer, with treatment typically lasting about 2.5 years.

Investigators found that adverse family outcomes developed quickly and remained common throughout the entire duration of therapy, including household employment changes or changes in marital status. Among randomized participants, 56.2% of families reported at least one household change within approximately two months of diagnosis, increasing to 81.2% by 26 months.

"As providers, we should always be thinking about how to minimize the secondary impacts of cancer therapy," said lead author Rozalyn L. Rodwin, M.D., M.H.S., of Yale Cancer Center/Smilow Cancer Hospital.

"These findings highlight how cancer therapy can impact a child's family financially, socially and emotionally.

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