Published: 12:00 AM, 08 October 2026
Childhood Cancer Treatment and Related Issues
Dr. Chowdhury Shamsul Hoque Kibria
In the early nineteenth century, scientists began observing abnormal cellular behavior, laying the foundation for the discovery and understanding of blood cancers. However, Dr. Sidney Farber is widely regarded as the father of modern pediatric cancer treatment.
Through his pioneering work, particularly the use of certain drugs in children suffering from leukemia, he achieved remarkable therapeutic success. His work marked a historic turning point in the treatment of childhood blood cancers and laid the foundation for chemotherapy as an effective treatment modality for pediatric leukemia.
The period after the 1990s is often regarded as the beginning of the modern era of childhood cancer treatment. During this period, researchers increasingly identified genetic abnormalities as major contributors to the development of childhood cancers.
Alongside conventional chemotherapy, targeted therapies began to emerge. These advances have significantly improved treatment outcomes and contributed to a steady increase in childhood cancer survival rates.
The Beginning and Current Status of Childhood Cancer Treatment in Bangladesh
In the early 1990s, a dedicated pediatric oncology ward was established within the Department of Pediatrics at the then Institute of Postgraduate Medicine and Research (IPGMR), now Bangladesh Medical University, to provide treatment for children with cancer. Higher-level training programs were subsequently introduced to develop specialists in pediatric oncology.
Over time, pediatric oncology wards were also established at institutions including the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, and Dhaka Shishu Hospital, among others. At present, pediatric cancer treatment is also available in several medical colleges across different parts of the country through pediatric oncology specialists.
However, comprehensive cancer care is still not possible in many of these centers because of shortages of skilled healthcare professionals and the lack of fully equipped, specialized laboratory facilities.
What Are the Major Challenges in Childhood Cancer Care in Bangladesh?
Bangladesh currently does not have an accurate and comprehensive national database of children diagnosed with cancer. Without reliable statistics, it is difficult to understand the true magnitude of the problem, assess the needs of patients, or formulate effective national strategies. Therefore, establishing a national childhood cancer registry or comprehensive database is of paramount importance. A national cancer registry should be initiated as soon as possible.
A considerable number of cancer medicines are now manufactured locally in Bangladesh. Nevertheless, many essential drugs are still imported from different countries. There have been concerns regarding the quality, availability, and affordability of some of these medicines.
Childhood cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach. Pediatric oncologists, pediatric surgeons, pathologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialized professionals must work together as part of an integrated treatment system. Without the availability and accessibility of these complementary specialties, it is not possible to achieve the desired outcomes in pediatric cancer care through the efforts of pediatric oncologists alone.
How Can Childhood Cancer Treatment Be Made More Accessible and Effective?
First, the capacity and service capabilities of existing pediatric oncology centers in Dhaka need to be strengthened further. The expertise of pediatric surgeons, pathologists, radiation oncologists, and other relevant specialists must be enhanced, while diagnostic and treatment services should be made faster and more accessible.
At the same time, pediatric cancer care should not remain concentrated in Dhaka. Appropriate facilities should be developed in medical colleges in different divisional cities across Bangladesh so that children can receive specialized treatment closer to their homes.
This will require the development of a skilled workforce, the establishment of specialized laboratories, and the creation of well-equipped multidisciplinary pediatric oncology units outside the capital.
What Is the Standard of Childhood Cancer Treatment in Bangladesh?
At present, the treatment provided for childhood cancers at the major institutions mentioned above follows internationally recognized treatment protocols. Cancer treatment is generally protocol-based, and the protocols used in Bangladesh are developed in alignment with those followed by leading international pediatric oncology organizations.
Therefore, the standard of pediatric cancer treatment available at the country’s major specialized centers is broadly consistent with international treatment practices.
The Role of Affluent Individuals and Organizations
Because childhood cancer often requires prolonged treatment and can impose a substantial financial burden on families, affluent individuals, charitable organizations, and philanthropic institutions can play an important role in supporting children with cancer.
Among the organizations contributing to pediatric cancer care, the Suhana & Anis Ahmed Foundation and the Ashiq Foundation deserve special mention.
For the past nine years, the Suhana & Anis Ahmed has been working in collaboration with the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Bangladesh Medical University. The foundation provides several essential medicines free of charge and has also been contributing to the improvement and development of the pediatric oncology ward.
Such initiatives can make a meaningful difference in ensuring that children from financially disadvantaged families have access to necessary treatment and supportive care.
Childhood cancer is not a hopeless disease. With timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and comprehensive multidisciplinary care, many childhood cancers can be successfully treated, and survival rates continue to improve.
Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to raise awareness about childhood cancer, promote early diagnosis, expand access to specialized treatment, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to receive appropriate and timely care.
Dr. Chowdhury Shamsul Hoque
Kibria is an Associate Professor, Department of Pediatric
Hematology and Oncology, Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka.
