QUALITY OF LIFE IN PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY: THE ROLE OF PALLIATIVE CARE

Abstract

This article sought to analyze the characteristics of pediatric palliative care (PPC) in oncology, as well as the quality of life of these patients. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines PPC as the prevention and relief of suffering in patients with life-threatening or limiting diseases, as well as for their families. These should be initiated at diagnosis, regardless of prognosis, based on an unmet need: the high burden of the disease and the degree of suffering among children with cancer. PPC aims to treat not only the patient's disease, but all facets that the disease causes in the life of the patient and their loved ones. In this way, referral to palliative care improves quality of life, confers benefits in symptom management, provides emotional support, improves the end-of-life care experience, and supports the needs of children and their families. The main barriers to its implementation are faced in low- and middle-income countries, demonstrating the need for investment in these locations.