Pediatric Oncologist Questions Cancer Chemotherapy

Why does my son's platelet count keep dropping during his chemotherapy sessions?

My son is doing chemotherapy treatments for his tumor. Every time they do a blood test, his platelet count seems to have fallen. What is the reason?

1 Answer

Chemotherapy is going to bring down all the types of cells in your son's blood, including the platelets (as well as his red blood cells and white blood cells). If the platelets go too low or if he is bleeding, we would support him with a platelet transfusion. I wish him all the best with his therapy.


Bonnie W. Lau, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor, Pediatric Hematology Oncology
Bonnie.W.Lau@hitchcock.org

cancer.dartmouth.edu<http://www.cancer.dartmouth.edu/>



phone 603.650.5541 | fax 603.650.0591

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