Integrative Care in Pediatric Oncology

Abstract

Pediatric integrative oncology, the intentional combining and coordinating of conventional and evidence-based complementary therapies into the overall treatment plan developed by the pediatric oncology team with the family, is a rapidly emerging field. Many pediatric oncology patients use complementary therapies, primarily in an attempt to support a healthy lifestyle and to mitigate treatment side effects such as pain, anxiety, nausea and vomiting, and fatigue. Most patients and families do not disclose the use of complementary therapy to their oncologist. The most common reason for nondisclosure is that the oncologist does not ask about use. Many oncologists report not feeling sufficiently educated about complementary therapies to answer patient and family questions or to determine whether the modality would be useful or detrimental to the child’s overall care. For providers to encourage patients and families to discuss their questions about the use of complementary therapies openly and honestly, providers must have access to reliable resources or to well qualified consultants. This chapter addresses some of the most common questions families ask about complementary therapies. More outcome-based research about the best ways to integrate these therapies into mainstream oncology care is critical, especially in pediatric patients.