TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Chemotherapy
Source: Childhood Central Nervous System Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: December 19, 2024 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
Context: Treatment Option Overview / The following types of treatment may be used:
Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy either kills the cells or stops them from dividing. Chemotherapy may be given with other types of treatments.
Chemotherapy for AT/RT is injected into a vein. When given this way, the drugs enter the bloodstream and can reach tumor cells throughout the body. High doses of some chemotherapy drugs given into a vein can cross the blood-brain barrier and reach the tumor. Chemotherapy for AT/RT is also placed directly into the cerebrospinal fluid (intrathecal chemotherapy). Combination chemotherapy uses more than one anticancer drug.
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Chemotherapy drugs used alone or in combination to treat AT/RT in children include:
carboplatin
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cisplatin
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cyclophosphamide
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cytarabine
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etoposide
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methotrexate
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thiotepa
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Other chemotherapy drugs not listed here may also be used.
Learn more about how chemotherapy works, how it is given, and common side effects at Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer.
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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice