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Pangarso AWS, Mulatsih S, Sitaresmi MN, Verhulst S, Kaspers G, Mostert S. Discovering needs for palliative care in children with cancer in Indonesia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e30985. [PMID: 38627891 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although most children with cancer die in low- and middle-income countries, palliative care receives limited attention in these settings. This study explores parents' perspectives on experiences and needs of children dying from cancer. METHODS Home visits were conducted to interview parents of children, who were treated for cancer at an Indonesian academic hospital and died between 2019 and 2020, using semi-structured questionnaires. RESULTS Parents of 49 children (response rate 74%) were interviewed. While all children died in hospital, 37% of parents stated their child preferred to die at home. The most common symptoms during final illness were breathing difficulties (82%), pain (80%), and appetite loss (80%). Psychological symptoms received the least support from the medical team. No intervention was given to 46% of children with depression, 45% of children with anxiety, and 33% with sadness. Boys suffered more often from anxiety (68%) than girls (37%; p = .030). Parents (57%) were not always informed about their child's condition, and doctors gave confusing information (43%). The families' choice of treatment while dying was relieving pain or discomfort (39%) and extending life (33%), while for 29% it was unknown. However, many parents (51%) did not discuss these treatment wishes with doctors. Many children (45%) felt lonely wanting more interactions with school (71%), friends (63%), and family (57%). CONCLUSION Relieving suffering of children with cancer requires regular physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs assessment. Families should actively participate in deciding whether to extend life or relieve pain and discomfort. This can importantly improve the quality of life of children and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Widita Swipratami Pangarso
- Department of Child Health, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Sri Mulatsih
- Department of Child Health, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Mei Neni Sitaresmi
- Department of Child Health, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Susanne Verhulst
- Pediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gertjan Kaspers
- Pediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Mostert
- Pediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Ghalibafian M, Mirzaei S, Girinsky T, Sadeghi Y, Saffar A, Ghodsinezhad N, Elmi S, Bouffet E. Challenges in Treating Childhood Infratentorial Ependymoma: A Low- and Middle-Income Country Experience. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:1181-1190. [PMID: 37454918 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.2294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients and physicians in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face challenges owing to limited expertise and suboptimal access to appropriate diagnostic and treatment modalities. We report our experience in treating posterior fossa ependymoma (PFE) at MAHAK, a charity organization in Iran whose radiation oncology department is the only one exclusively dedicated to childhood cancer in the whole country. METHODS AND MATERIALS Pediatric patients with PFE referred to MAHAK between November 2008 and January 2016 were identified. Details on investigations and management done before referral were collected. Management at MAHAK and patient outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS Of 80 patients diagnosed as having ependymoma, 54 with PFE were identified. Forty-three patients received adjuvant radiation therapy, and 11 were irradiated initially after recurrence. At a median follow-up of 5.1 years (range, 0.3-9.7 years), the latter group had the worst outcome, with a 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of 27% (95% CI, 7%-54%). Patients who started radiation therapy within 77 days after initial surgery had a better outcome compared with those who started later (5-year OS: 74% vs 32%; P = .05). Compliance with follow-up recommendations was poor. Only 22% of the patients had at least 2 IQ test assessments, and 50% showed some decline over time. Three cases of growth hormone deficiency were detected, but none of the patients received replacement therapy. CONCLUSIONS Access to pediatric neurosurgery, anesthesia, and timely radiation therapy are among the most challenging obstacles to be overcome in LMICs. Our series confirmed that chemotherapy is not an appropriate option for delaying radiation therapy, especially in young children. The importance of long-term follow-up should be acknowledged by the parents and medical team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mithra Ghalibafian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, MAHAK Pediatric Cancer Treatment and Research Center, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sajad Mirzaei
- Department of Radiation Physics, MAHAK Pediatric Cancer Treatment and Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Yasaman Sadeghi
- MAHAK Hematology Oncology Research Center (MAHAK-HORC), MAHAK Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Saffar
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Ghodsinezhad
- Department of Psychology, MAHAK Pediatric Cancer Treatment and Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Elmi
- Department of Audiology, MAHAK Pediatric Cancer Treatment and Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Eric Bouffet
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Salek M, Silverstein A, Tilly A, Gassant PY, Gunasekera S, Hordofa DF, Hesson D, Duffy C, Malik N, McNeil M, Force LM, Bhakta N, Rodin D, Kaye EC. Factors influencing treatment decision-making for cancer patients in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review. Cancer Med 2023; 12:18133-18152. [PMID: 37526041 PMCID: PMC10524036 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In this scoping review, we evaluated existing literature related to factors influencing treatment decision-making for patients diagnosed with cancer in low- and middle-income countries, noting factors that influence decisions to pursue treatment with curative versus non-curative intent. We identified an existing framework for adult cancer developed in a high-income country (HIC) context and described similar and novel factors relevant to low-and middle-income country settings. METHODS We used scoping review methodology to identify and synthesize existing literature on factors influencing decision-making for pediatric and adult cancer in these settings. Articles were identified through an advanced Boolean search across six databases, inclusive of all article types from inception through July 2022. RESULTS Seventy-nine articles were identified from 22 countries across six regions, primarily reporting the experiences of lower-middle and upper-middle-income countries. Included articles largely represented original research (54%), adult cancer populations (61%), and studied patients as the targeted population (51%). More than a quarter of articles focused exclusively on breast cancer (28%). Approximately 30% described factors that influenced decisions to choose between therapies with curative versus non-curative intent. Of 56 reported factors, 22 novel factors were identified. Socioeconomic status, reimbursement policies/cost of treatment, and treatment and supportive care were the most commonly described factors. CONCLUSIONS This scoping review expanded upon previously described factors that influence cancer treatment decision-making in HICs, broadening knowledge to include perspectives of low- and middle-income countries. While global commonalities exist, certain variables influence treatment choices differently or uniquely in different settings. Treatment regimens should further be tailored to local environments with consideration of contextual factors and accessible resources that often impact decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Salek
- Department of Global Pediatric MedicineSt Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphisTennesseeUSA
| | - Allison Silverstein
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Alyssa Tilly
- Division of General Medicine and Clinical EpidemiologyUniversity of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - Sanjeeva Gunasekera
- Department of Paediatric OncologyNational Cancer InstituteMaharagamaSri Lanka
| | - Diriba Fufa Hordofa
- Department of Pediatrics and Child HealthJimma University Medical CenterJimmaEthiopia
| | - Donna Hesson
- Welch Medical LibraryJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Caitlyn Duffy
- Department of Global Pediatric MedicineSt Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphisTennesseeUSA
| | - Nauman Malik
- Department of Radiation OncologyUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Michael McNeil
- Department of Global Pediatric MedicineSt Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphisTennesseeUSA
| | - Lisa M. Force
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/OncologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Nickhill Bhakta
- Department of Global Pediatric MedicineSt Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphisTennesseeUSA
| | - Danielle Rodin
- Department of Radiation, OncologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Radiation Medicine ProgramPrincess Margaret Cancer CentreTorontoOntarioCanada
- Canada Global Cancer ProgramPrincess Margaret Cancer CentreTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Erica C. Kaye
- Department of OncologySt Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphisTennesseeUSA
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Ilic A, Sievers Y, Roser K, Scheinemann K, Michel G. The information needs of relatives of childhood cancer patients and survivors: A systematic review of qualitative evidence. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 114:107840. [PMID: 37321115 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To synthesize qualitative research on the information needs of relatives of childhood cancer patients and survivors. METHODS Systematic searches of PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus identified relevant literature. Extracted data were combined using thematic synthesis. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI critical appraisal tool for qualitative research. RESULTS The review included 27 publications, with most research focusing on parents or primary caregivers. Five areas of information needs were identified: treatment, medication, and care; general information about cancer; coping and support; follow-up, late effects, and rehabilitation; and parenting and everyday life. Appropriateness of information depended on health care professionals' aptitude, message characteristics, communication setting, and relatives' personal factors. Preferences for form, sources, and timing for information provision varied. CONCLUSION The review identified information needs, communication barriers, and preferences among caregivers and siblings of childhood cancer patients and survivors, highlighting areas requiring further research and clinical consideration in addressing the identified challenges. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Caregivers and siblings have unique but similar information needs regarding childhood cancer. To ensure that these needs are met, health care professionals could use eHealth and mHealth technologies, assess each family member's knowledge, and create a safe and supportive environment for questions and feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anica Ilic
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland; Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yara Sievers
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Roser
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Katrin Scheinemann
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland; Center for Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, East Swiss Children's Hospital, St. Gallen, Switzerland; Department of Pediatrics, McMaster Children's Hospital and McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Gisela Michel
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland.
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Khanali Mojen L, Rassouli M, Ashrafizadeh H, Fathollah Zadeh E, Dadashi N, Khoubbin Khoshnazar TA, Pourazarhagh P, Nasrabadi T. Unmet needs of the Iranian mothers of the children with cancer and the identification of the related factors: A descriptive-correlational study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:964424. [PMID: 36211837 PMCID: PMC9541099 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.964424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Parents' caring responsibilities lead to imbalances in roles, functions, and emotions, confronting them with new needs that, if left unaddressed, have adverse consequences for the lives of all family members. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the significant unmet needs of the mothers of the children with cancer. Materials and methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Tehran in 2019-2020 on 215 mothers of the children with cancer visiting the hospitals affiliated with medical universities. The study population was selected through convenience sampling method and according to the inclusion criteria. The FIN questionnaire consisting of two subscales, FIN-Import and FIN-Fulfillment, with 40 items, was used to collect data. Results The mean age of the mothers participating in the study was 34.77 ± 7.91 years, and the mean age of the children with cancer was 9.77 ± 14.37 years. The mean scores of FIN-Import and FIN-Fulfillment were 92.88 ± 7.97 and 70.82 ± 17.89, respectively. The phrase "To know the facts concerning my child's prognosis" with 23%, and the phrase "To be told about the people who could help with problems" with 22.8% were the most common unmet needs reported by the parents. Conclusion The present study indicated that caring for a child with cancer had confronted mothers with new needs to be met; however, not all of these needs had been satisfied. Awareness about the unmet needs of these mothers and planning to manage those needs can lay the groundwork to improve their health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Khanali Mojen
- Pediatric Congenital Hematologic Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Children’s Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Rassouli
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hadis Ashrafizadeh
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Nursing, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | | | - Nasrin Dadashi
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Parand Pourazarhagh
- Mofid Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahereh Nasrabadi
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Ghalibafian M, Masoudifar M, Mohammadi E, Girinsky T, Oberlin O, Bouffet E. Establishing a pediatric radiation oncology department in a low- and middle-income country: Major challenge in implementing the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29233. [PMID: 34357689 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mithra Ghalibafian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, MAHAK Pediatric Cancer Treatment and Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Masoudifar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, MAHAK Pediatric Cancer Treatment and Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Mohammadi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, MAHAK Pediatric Cancer Treatment and Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Odile Oberlin
- Department of Pediatrics, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Eric Bouffet
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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