Chemotherapy
The doctor may use chemotherapy drugs to kill the cancer cells. These drugs may be taken orally or injected into a vein or muscle. They then travel in the bloodstream and kill cancer cells throughout the body.

Examples of chemotherapy drugs used to treat this disease are vincristine, dactinomycin, dexomubicin, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, etoposide and topotecan. The severity of side effects depends on the type of drug given and the length of time the child must take it.

Because chemotherapy affects rapidly dividing cells, including those in normal tissues such as the hair, lining of the mouth and intestines and bone marrow, patients may experience hair loss, mouth sores, nausea and vomiting. Lowered resistance to infections due to low white blood cell counts or bruising and bleeding more easily due to lowered platelet counts are other side effects. Low red blood cell counts (anemia) may cause fatigue. Such conditions go away after chemotherapy is completed. Some patients develop another form of cancer years later as a result of chemotherapy.

Radiation
This form of treatment uses high-energy X-rays to damage or kill cancer cells. Radiation can come from a machine outside the body (external beam radiation therapy) or from inserting radioisotopes, substances that produce radiation, through plastic tubes in the area where the tumor is found (internal radiation therapy). Side effects include tiredness, mild skin reactions, upset stomach and loose bowels.