Allison Uber1, Jonathan S Ebelhar2,3, Ashley Foster Lanzel4,5, Anna Roche2, Viviana Vidal-Anaya6, Katharine E Brock7,8. 1. Section of Palliative Medicine, Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA. 2. Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA. 3. Divisions of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Palliative Care, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA. 4. Children's National Hospital, Washington, D.C, USA. 5. Division of Pediatrics, Hospitalist Medicine, Palliative Care, The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, D.C, USA. 6. Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant, Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY, USA. 7. Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA. Katharine.brock@choa.org. 8. Divisions of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Palliative Care, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA. Katharine.brock@choa.org.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize pediatric palliative care (PPC) research from 2016 to 2021 as it intersects with pediatric oncology and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). RECENT FINDINGS: Children and adolescents with cancer who receive PPC have improved quality of life (QOL), symptom burden, advance care planning discussions, rates of hospice enrollment, home deaths, and receive less intensive therapy at the end-of-life (EOL). Parents report improved QOL and preparation for EOL. Though barriers to PPC utilization exist, new clinical models, oncology team education, and growing family awareness are leading to culture change. PPC within pediatric oncology is considered a standard of care. Families are accepting of PPC, as most wish for their children to live as well as possible for as long as possible. Although PPC remains underutilized, PPC should work collaboratively with pediatric oncology and HSCT teams to improve QOL and EOL outcomes of patients with cancer and their families.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize pediatric palliative care (PPC) research from 2016 to 2021 as it intersects with pediatric oncology and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). RECENT FINDINGS: Children and adolescents with cancer who receive PPC have improved quality of life (QOL), symptom burden, advance care planning discussions, rates of hospice enrollment, home deaths, and receive less intensive therapy at the end-of-life (EOL). Parents report improved QOL and preparation for EOL. Though barriers to PPC utilization exist, new clinical models, oncology team education, and growing family awareness are leading to culture change. PPC within pediatric oncology is considered a standard of care. Families are accepting of PPC, as most wish for their children to live as well as possible for as long as possible. Although PPC remains underutilized, PPC should work collaboratively with pediatric oncology and HSCT teams to improve QOL and EOL outcomes of patients with cancer and their families.
Authors: Joanne Wolfe; Jim F Hammel; Kelly E Edwards; Janet Duncan; Michael Comeau; Joanna Breyer; Sarah A Aldridge; Holcombe E Grier; Charles Berde; Veronica Dussel; Jane C Weeks Journal: J Clin Oncol Date: 2008-04-01 Impact factor: 44.544