Late effects awareness website for pediatric survivors of acute lymphocytic leukemia

Objectives Every day 43 children are newly diagnosed with cancer. Fortunately, almost 90% of these childhood cancer patients will survive. However, 60–90% of these survivors will experience late effects, health problems that occur months or years after treatment has ended. Late effectscould occur as a result of the disease, its treatment, and patient-related factors. The two main objectives of this research are to: 1) Examine the existence of all web-based resources for childhood cancer survivorswith acute lymphocytic leukemiawhich focus on medical and psychological aspects of late effects, and 2) Create an innovative website specifically designed to fill this void. Materials and methods A systematic literature review, followed by input from >20 different organizations, resulted in the creation of LEAP3 AHEAD ( Late EffectsAwareness for Patients, Physicians and the Public; Advancing Health and Eliminating All Disparities), a multi-dimensional website centering on late effects. Results An extensive review revealed 14 pediatric cancer websites, none of which focused exclusively on late effects. LEAP3 AHEAD is the first interactive website for acute lympocytic leukemia childhood cancer survivorsand families, as well as physicians, and the public to: a) increase awareness about risks, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of medical and psychological late effects, b) provide suggestions to successfully reintegrate into schools, careers, and socially, and c) present opportunities including camps, scholarships, and pet therapy programs. Conclusion LEAP3 AHEAD is the first national website to provide a comprehensive, accessible, affordable, and multi-dimensional resource for pediatricians, internists, nurse practitioners, psychologists, survivors and their families, as well as the public about late effects.