Abstract

Chemotherapy is an effective weapon in the fight against pediatric cancer. However efficient, treatment can lead to side effects that last long after a patient finishes their last round of chemotherapy. This thesis examines current research on chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, a side effect of chemotherapy treatment caused by a class of chemotherapy drugs called Anthracyclines (such as doxorubicin and daunorubicin). While effective chemotherapy agents, these drugs have been known to cause late long-term heart damage when used to treat pediatric cancers such as Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Pediatric Sarcoma. A written portion of this thesis project will examine the molecular mechanisms behind cardiotoxicity, risk factors, current drug and non-pharmacological preventative measures, and long-term follow-up care for patients as they transition into survivorship and adulthood. This paper will also outline a body of visual work created through collaboration with Dr. Brian Greffe, a pediatric oncologist (retired) and care team member at the HOPE Cancer Survivorship Program at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora, Colorado. Resources on chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity exist, such as those created by the Children’s Oncology Group, but few focus on patient education through visual work. The combination of a printed education guide with access to interactive 3D media was created to provide childhood cancer survivors and their families with knowledge of this potential side effect as they transition into survivorship. Additionally, this project aims to equip patients and their families with knowledge for advocacy to find the necessary support and resources they may need during follow-up care. In doing so, the education guide aims to serve as a resource to inspire questions and conversation. By providing patients with knowledge, this project seeks to help patients feel informed for survivorship and enable them to make educated decisions about their medical care.

Publication Date

1-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Medical Illustration(MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

Medical Illustration

College

College of Health Sciences and Technology

Advisor

Brian Greffe

Advisor/Committee Member

James Perkins

Advisor/Committee Member

Craig Foster

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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