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Palliative Radiotherapy and Management of the Pediatric Oncology Patient

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Pediatric Radiation Oncology

Part of the book series: Pediatric Oncology ((PEDIATRICO))

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Abstract

Although pediatric malignancies are rare, approximately 17% of children diagnosed with cancer will die of their disease or treatment related complications. The appropriate palliative care of pediatric cancer patients encompasses quality of life, minimizes suffering, optimizes functioning, and provides support for spiritual, psychosocial, and personal growth. Care required by pediatric cancer patients differs from the care of adult cancer patient care because of different types of common malignancies, expected disease presentations, various stages of cognitive, emotional, and spiritual development, treatments available and response. The limited defined best practices of pediatric palliative radiotherapy have already demonstrated effectiveness of radiotherapy in relieving symptoms from progressive and metastatic disease involving bone, soft tissue, and solid organs. Pediatric oncology patients undergoing palliative radiotherapy in conjunction with an evolving interdisciplinary approach benefit from honest and unarmed communication, systematic symptom management, and incorporation of innovative research and technology for optimal support for the patient, family, and primary care team.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 5777 East Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA

    Tamara Vern-Gross D.O., F.A.A.P.

  2. Division of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA

    Karen Marcus M.D., F.A.A.P.

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  1. Tamara Vern-Gross D.O., F.A.A.P.
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  2. Karen Marcus M.D., F.A.A.P.
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Correspondence to Tamara Vern-Gross D.O., F.A.A.P. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiation Oncology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA

    Thomas E. Merchant

  2. Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany

    Rolf-Dieter Kortmann

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Vern-Gross, T., Marcus, K. (2018). Palliative Radiotherapy and Management of the Pediatric Oncology Patient. In: Merchant, T., Kortmann, RD. (eds) Pediatric Radiation Oncology. Pediatric Oncology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-43545-9_20

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