Exploring treatment decision-making at diagnosis for children with advanced cancer in low- and middle-income countries.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Global childhood cancer survival outcomes correlate with regional contextual factors, yet upfront treatment decision-making for children with advanced or poor prognosis cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is not well understood. This study aimed to (1) characterize the landscape of contextual factors that shape physician decision-making at diagnosis for these children in LMICs and (2) describe physician rationales for if/when to offer treatment with non-curative intent, including how they define "poor prognosis" during treatment decision-making.

Methods

An international panel of pediatric oncologists practicing in LMICs participated in two focus groups structured for the collaborative generation of factors influencing treatment decision-making, includi

SUBMITTER: Salek M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11522104 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature