Managing diffuse intrinsic Pontine glioma (DIPG) through japan's pediatric home medical care (PHMC) system, originally designed for medically complex children.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) is one of the most aggressive and fatal pediatric brain tumors, with limited treatment options and a survival of less than two years. Therefore, palliative care plays a crucial role throughout the disease trajectory, yet home-based data remain scarce, particularly for pediatric patients. This study aims to describe the implementation of a pediatric home medical care system (PHMC) in Japan for children with DIPG, focusing on symptom management, care delivery patterns, and quality of life.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 22 children with DIPG who received PHMC services from a single clinic in Tokyo between 2017 and 2024. Data were extracted from detailed medical records kept by physicians during home visit

SUBMITTER: Osumi T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12481844 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature