Effects of treatment

The prognosis depends on the risk group of the tumour, but many children with hepatoblastoma are cured.

General side effects of chemotherapy

Bone marrow suppression (myelosuppression)

Chemotherapy drugs decrease the production of blood cells by the bone marrow for a variable period of time. This results in low red blood cells (anaemia), low white blood cells (neutropenia) and platelets (thrombocytopenia). Your child may need blood or platelet transfusions and will be at increased risk of infections. The doctors and nurses caring for your child will tell you more about these side effects.

Nausea and vomiting

Some of the chemotherapy drugs used may make your child feel sick or vomit. We will give anti-sickness drugs at the same time to stop nausea and vomiting. These are usually very effective.

Sore mouth (mucositis)

Some of the chemotherapy drugs make the lining of the mouth and throat very sore and ulcerated. We will give your child painkillers for this, and explain how to care for your child’s mouth during treatment.

Hair loss

Temporary hair loss is common.

Specific drugs

For details of the side effects of individual drugs please see Macmillan specific drug information leaflets.

What are the possible long-term effects of treatment?

A small number of children develop side effects many years later because of the treatment they have received. These may include hearing problems, impaired heart and kidney function and a small risk of developing a second cancer later in life.

About five years after treatment finishes we will transfer your child’s care to our long term follow-up clinic. Your child will be seen at regular intervals in this clinic, indefinitely, so that we can help with any long-term effects of the treatment.