[Management of children with oncologic illnesses. Cooperation between the family physician and the clinic].

Malignancies in infancy and childhood represent rare diseases which in addition distribute to many different entities. Therapy is almost exclusively carried out according to protocols of cooperative multicenter studies which are performed by specialized children hospitals. The intensity of the therapy and, thus, the potential hazards require profound experience in the field. The intention of the therapy is curative in the majority of the cases. The family physician plays an important role in the early diagnosis of the disease and long-term care. The therapy itself is mostly restricted to institutions which are adequately equipped. These institutions will provide ambulatory care as well. The care in final stage causes particular challenges. A substantial part of the parents and children opt for care at home. An increasing engagement of the family physicians in this field is highly appreciated.