When it comes to treating cancer in children, it's important to understand that the approach is different from that of adults. Pediatric oncology is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on providing care for children with cancer. It's essential to be aware of this specialty and the treatments available for various types of childhood cancer. Pediatric oncologists are specially trained to treat children in a clinical setting.
They not only provide medical care, but also help parents talk to their children about cancer treatment. Being a pediatric oncologist involves more than just having good bedside manner; these doctors are actively involved in every step of the treatment process and strive to give the best care possible. It's important to ask questions at any time and make sure you understand the risks and benefits of any treatment. One of the most important aspects of a pediatric oncologist's job is helping your child feel comfortable during their cancer journey.
Treatment options and recommendations depend on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, possible side effects, and the patient's preferences and general health status. It's essential to take the time to learn about all of your child's treatment options and ask questions about anything that isn't clear. Your pediatric oncologist will discuss the goals of each treatment with you and your child, so you know what to expect during treatment. This type of conversation is called shared decision-making, which is when you and your doctor work together to choose treatments that fit the goals of your child's care.
Shared decision-making is especially important for childhood cancer because there are different treatment options available. Systemic therapy is a type of medication used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. This type of therapy is usually prescribed by a pediatric oncologist. You only need to see a pediatric oncologist if your child or adolescent has been diagnosed with cancer or may have cancer.
The team caring for your child typically includes pediatric oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pediatric oncology nurses, physician assistants (PAs), and nurse practitioners (NPs). If there isn't a pediatric cancer center nearby, general cancer centers may have pediatric specialists who can be part of your child's care. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offer sponsors preliminary scientific advice through pediatric group calls coordinated by the Office of Pediatric Therapeutics at the FDA. This advice helps sponsors develop Pediatric Research Plans (PIPs) and Initial Pediatric Curriculum (IPSPs).Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children is a leader in pediatric oncology, providing infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents with comprehensive treatment and care. A pediatric oncologist will often use medications and chemotherapy to treat patients with childhood cancer instead of surgery or radiation therapy, which are commonly used to treat adults. A doctor who specializes in giving radiation therapy to treat cancer is called a radiation oncologist.
A key component of successful and effective pediatric cancer treatment is providing care by trained nurse practitioners. The EMA and FDA have aligned deadlines for mandatory submission of plans for pediatric development of new drugs and suitable anticancer biologics developed for adults with cancer. This review article seeks to review new trends and recent approaches to care in pediatric oncology nursing. Pediatric Oncology Program hosts early counseling meetings for pediatric oncology product development with sponsors to discuss plans. Working with a vision and mission for developing and improving the quality of pediatric oncology environments is necessary to expand program implementations.
