Children with BT experience unique and distressing
symptoms that are distinct from other
pediatric malignancies. Progressive cognitive
impairment and declining overall function are
signifi cant quality of life issues impacting on
communication, decision-making, and safety.
L. Pearlman et al.
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Children with BT are at high risk of suffering in
a cure-focused culture without a palliative care
approach initiated early in the trajectory.
In pediatric neuro-oncology, palliative care
has always been a part of care delivery and pediatric
oncologists have historically been intimately
involved in EOL care. Pediatric palliative care is
rapidly shifting from a focus of care from dying
and death to an emphasis on quality of life and
living throughout the course of the child’s cancer
trajectory regardless of the outcome. Integrating
palliative care principles early after diagnosis is
particularly relevant to children with brain tumors
who may lead a productive and functional life for
weeks to months after diagnosis.