Supportive care for children with cancer

Abstract

Supportive care is essential in pediatric oncology. It significantly enhances the quality of life for both patients and their families by alleviating and preventing physical, emotional, and psychological distress caused by the cancer itself, as well as by diagnostic procedures, interventions, and treatments. This care extends beyond therapeutic interventions, by adopting a holistic approach that incorporates a multidisciplinary medical framework alongside educational and awareness initiatives.

However, compared with adult populations, there is limited evidence on supportive care practices for pediatric cancer patients. In Japan, clinical research focusing on supportive care in pediatric oncology remains nascent. A recent survey by the Supportive Care Committee of the Japan Children’s Cancer Group highlighted a combination of evidence-based supportive care practices and those tailored to institutional norms, some of which were excessively intensive. Conversely, supportive care was often administered within a fragile framework owing to staff shortages, leading to inadequate multidisciplinary collaboration.

This review consolidates current evidence on critical aspects of supportive care, such as infection control and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, for pediatric cancer patients. Additionally, it explores the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in supportive care delivery, including the utilization of sedation and analgesia during painful procedures, oral care, and nutritional management. Finally, strategies for enhancing evidence generation in supportive care for pediatric oncology are discussed.