La oncología pediátrica: pasado, presente y futuro

Aesthetic Expressions of the Life-World of Filipino School-Age Children with Advanced Cancer

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to describe the meanings of the life-world of school-age children with advanced cancer through aesthetic expression.

DATA SOURCES

Drawing, writing, and interviewing data from 10 school-age children with advanced cancer living in Negros Island, Philippines, who met the inclusion criteria of the study.

CONCLUSION

Five major thematic categories structured the participants' existential life-worlds with advanced cancer and were reflected within five lived-worlds as follows: lived body, poor body conditions but strong mind; lived relation, unlike the others; lived time, being in present while waiting for normal life; lived space, certain places of living and caring; and lived thing, supportive living by technology. The participants did not have control over the external events that happened to them, but their internal reactions made a powerful turning point. Advanced cancer made them tough and resilient to emotions. The negative problems dictated their response and allowed being unaffected by advanced cancer, and they were able to do it.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The results presented by this study can be used to enhance positive feelings and emotions of school-age children with advanced cancer. Schooling should remain an active part of participants' life to provide them with a sense of normalcy to carry on with their social and academic development. A prearranged discussion with the teacher, principal, school nurse, and hospital team is important to help everyone know what to expect.

[Early clinical trials in paediatric oncology in Spain: a nationwide perspective]

INTRODUCTION

Cancer is the leading cause of death between the first year of life and adolescence, and some types of diseases are still a major challenge in terms of cure. There is, therefore, a major need for new drugs. Recent findings in cancer biology open the door to the development of targeted therapies against individual molecular changes, as well as immunotherapy. Promising results in adult anti-cancer drug development have not yet been translated into paediatric clinical practice. A report is presented on the activity in early paediatric oncology trials (phase I-II) in Spain.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All members of the Spanish Society of Paediatric Haematology Oncology (SEHOP) were contacted in order to identify early clinical trials in paediatric cancer opened between 2005 and 2015.

RESULTS

A total of 30 trials had been opened in this period: 21 (70%) in solid tumours, and 9 (30%) in malignant haemopathies. A total of 212 patients have been enrolled. The majority was industry sponsored (53%). Since 2010, four centres have joined the international consortium of Innovative Therapies for Children with Cancer (ITCC), which has as its aim to develop novel therapies for paediatric tumours. A significant number of new studies have opened since 2010, improving the treatment opportunities for our children. Results of recently closed trials show the contribution of Spanish investigators, the introduction of molecularly targeted agents, and their benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

The activity in clinical trials has increased in the years analysed. The SEHOP is committed to develop and participate in collaborative academic trials, in order to help in the advancement and optimisation of existing therapies in paediatric cancer.