Book excerpt: While survival rates for children with cancer have increased in recent times, the increased use of more aggressive therapies has brought with it significant adverse effects. Therefore, the aim of pediatric oncologists has become to achieve "cure at least cost" by the appropriate reduction of the intensity and/or duration of treatment in carefully identified good prognosis patients. By comprehensively covering these issues, this handbook aims to provide residents in pediatric hematology and oncology, as well as staff in related medical or other healthcare disciplines, with an easily accessible source of information about the basic principles of childhood cancer and leukemia, as well as much of the more detailed specialist knowledge required to care for children with these conditions. Divided into sections to allow quick access to the necessary information, the handbook covers general principles of diagnosis and treatment, short and long term care, and oncological emergencies before moving on to chapters on specific disease. Normal values and useful websites are also included for reference.