The lumbar puncture in pediatric oncology

Pediatr Med Chir. 2006;28(4-6):73-8.

Abstract

In pediatric oncology, LPs are frequently performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A LP procedure may be helpful in diagnosing many diseases and disorders. In addition, a LP may be performed therapeutically, to inject medications directly into the spinal canal. Intrathecal administration of antineoplastic drugs allows to bypass the selective filter of BBB and to achieve significant concentrations of the antineoplastic agents in CSF reducing the likelihood of systemic toxicity. Lumbar puncture is generally well tolerated but might be characterized by several disadvantages and risks.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid / cytology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Headache / etiology
  • Humans
  • Injections, Spinal / methods
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pain / prevention & control
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma* / blood
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma* / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma* / diagnosis
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma* / drug therapy
  • Spinal Puncture / adverse effects
  • Spinal Puncture / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents