Palliative radiotherapy for pediatric cancer

Abstract

Palliative radiation therapy is an effective way to maintain the quality of life of patients with cancer. There are fewer opportunities to provide palliative radiation therapy in pediatric patients with cancer than in adults, and the indications for palliative radiation therapy vary greatly among institutions. The natural history of cancer and the treatment strategies differ between pediatric and adult cancers. Some indications and goals of palliative radiation therapy in pediatric cancer patients are unique. An insufficient understanding of the characteristics of palliative radiation therapy and the absence of established treatment guidelines based on these characteristics are among the factors that limit palliative radiation therapy for pediatric cancers. Moreover, this system poses a barrier to facilitating pediatric palliative radiation therapy. Furthermore, insufficient understanding among patients and referring physicians hinders the provision of palliative radiation therapy for pediatric cancers. Addressing these issues, including palliative radiation therapy, will help improve the palliative care for pediatric patients with cancer.