Pediatric Palliative Care in Oncology

Abstract

Pediatric palliative care aims to alleviate suffering and improve the quality of life of children with serious disease and increase support for their parents and other family members. Integration of palliative care into the routine care of children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer has resulted in improved outcomes in patients and their families. The field of pediatric palliative oncology—encompassing primary palliative care provided by the multidisciplinary oncology team as well as subspecialty palliative care provided by the palliative care team for more complex cases—is unique from palliative care in adults given its focus on care of the child and the larger family. In this review, we focus on advancements in the specific domains within pediatric palliative oncology care including family-centered communication, assessment and management of physical symptoms and distress, psychosocial concerns, and spiritual considerations of the patient, parents, and siblings.