The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Abstract
Ethical questions with regard to treatment arise when pregnant women are diagnosed with cancer. Does the health of the mother or the health of the fetus take priority? However, research suggests that concern over transplacental transfer should not deter those seeking treatments since avoidance of favorable transfer drugs can allow chemotherapy to be a viable option if properly administered. Doctors highly contraindicate the use of chemotherapeutic drugs in the first trimester due to high risks such as teratogenesis and fetal death. However, they reassure that treatment can be given in the final two trimesters. It presents minimal consequences as long as the drug is not favorably transferred, treatment is not given after thirty five weeks, and delivery is not less than three weeks after chemotherapy administration. Iatrogenic prematurity should also be avoided. Additionally, long term risks are minimal, but further research needs to be performed with longer follow ups and larger sample sizes in studies in order to obtain more conclusive data.
Recommended Citation
Kramer, Y. (2015). Short-term Effects on the Fetus and Long-term Outcome on Children Exposed to Maternal Chemotherapy. The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences, 8(2). Retrieved from https://touroscholar.touro.edu/sjlcas/vol8/iss2/4
