The lumbar puncture in pediatric oncology.

In pediatric oncology, LPs are frequently performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A LP procedure may be helpful in diagnosing many diseases and disorders. In addition, a LP may be performed therapeutically, to inject medications directly into the spinal canal. Intrathecal administration of antineoplastic drugs allows to bypass the selective filter of BBB and to achieve significant concentrations of the antineoplastic agents in CSF reducing the likelihood of systemic toxicity. Lumbar puncture is generally well tolerated but might be characterized by several disadvantages and risks.