title: Improving Care in Pediatric Neuro-oncology Patients: An Overview of the Unique Needs of Children With Brain Tumors.
abstract: Brain tumors represent the most common solid tumors in childhood, accounting for almost 25% of all childhood cancer, second only to leukemia. Pediatric central nervous system tumors encompass a wide variety of diagnoses, from benign to malignant. Any brain tumor can be associated with significant morbidity, even when low grade, and mortality from pediatric central nervous system tumors is disproportionately high compared to other childhood malignancies. Management of children with central nervous system tumors requires knowledge of the unique aspects of care associated with this particular patient population, beyond general oncology care. Pediatric brain tumor patients have unique needs during treatment, as cancer survivors, and at end of life. A multidisciplinary team approach, including advanced practice nurses with a specialty in neuro-oncology, allows for better supportive care. Knowledge of the unique aspects of care for children with brain tumors, and the appropriate interventions required, allows for improved quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA fischerc@mskcc.org.
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fischer
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Petriccione
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Donzelli
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pottenger
mesh_terms: D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000379:methods*; D009462:Neurology / Q000379:methods*; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods*; D058996:Quality Improvement; D011788:Quality of Life; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods
keywords: brain tumor; neuro-oncology; pediatric; quality of life