Why are age-specific dosages important in pediatric chemotherapy?

Age-specific dosages are crucial in pediatric chemotherapy because the physiology of children differs significantly from that of adults. Pediatric patients are not just smaller versions of adults; their organs, metabolism, and body composition can drastically affect how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted.

The developmental stages of children introduce variation in drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. For instance, younger children may have immature liver and kidney functions, which play key roles in drug metabolism and clearance. Additionally, differences in total body water and fat composition can alter the distribution of medications.

These factors highlight the importance of calculating chemotherapy doses based on a child's age, weight, and developmental stage to ensure efficacy while minimizing toxicity. Administering adult dosages without adjustments can lead to under-treatment or excessive side effects in pediatric patients.