From cure to palliation: managing the transition.

When a child is diagnosed with a life-threatening or life-limiting condition, their physical and affective world is immediately changed, regardless of the outcome of treatment. Pediatric care providers are in a unique position to offer hope to children and families even when cure is not possible. This hope focuses not only on cure, but incorporates the understanding that quality of life is not commensurate with length of life and that compassionate care can be provided in all stages of treatment.