Protocols for clinical trials require specific follow-up schedules for 3 to 5 years after treatment ends. For instance, your child may require follow-up every 3 months for a period of time (usually 1 to 2 years), then every 4 to 6 months for a while, and then annually. Follow-up might include:

•  Physical exams by a pediatric oncologist and sometimes a radiation oncologist

•  MRI scans

•  Blood tests

•  Eye examination under anesthesia (for children who had retinoblastoma)

•  Echocardiograms

•  Audiograms

Clinical trial documents outline the follow-up schedule. If your child was not on a clinical trial, find out from the oncologist what the required schedule will be and where the appointments will take place. Make sure your child understands that after treatment ends, doctor appointments, scans, and blood draws will still be an occasional necessity.