Interventional Pain Management for the Pediatric Cancer Patient: A Literature Review.

Christina Le-Short,David Farris,Marianne Halphen Gelter,Kavya Katragadda,Neil Nagda

doi:10.3390/children9030389

Abstract

This literature review examines the use of interventional treatments for pain management in pediatric cancer patients. While interventional procedures may be effective in cancer pain management, these procedures are infrequently employed in pediatric cohorts. This underutilization of interventional procedures may be supported by a deficit in randomized, controlled studies and literature regarding their role in pediatric cancer populations. Particularly because literature on the efficacy of interventional treatments in adult populations may not directly translate to pediatric populations, more research about the role of interventional procedures in managing pediatric cancer pain is necessary for a strengthened understanding of pediatric cancer pain treatment.

Highlights

IntroductionPain associated with pediatric cancer is a debilitating yet frequently reported symptom, from initial cancer diagnosis through end-of-life and survivorship [1]
The treatment of pediatric cancer pain is often complicated by difficulties in accurately assessing pain with pediatric patients and the higher treatment-response variability in children [4]
Pediatric cancer pain management begins with analgesic drug usage in a two-step approach in accordance with pain intensity—from nonopioid analgesics for mild pain to opioid analgesics for moderate to severe pain [3]

Summary

Introduction

Pain associated with pediatric cancer is a debilitating yet frequently reported symptom, from initial cancer diagnosis through end-of-life and survivorship [1]. Around 70% of children with cancer experience severe pain during their illness [2]. This pain can stem from the cancer itself and from medical treatments and procedures [3]. The treatment of pediatric cancer pain is often complicated by difficulties in accurately assessing pain with pediatric patients and the higher treatment-response variability in children [4]. The severity of the consequences of insufficient pain management for a child’s quality of life has led to a greater consideration of multidisciplinary approaches to managing pediatric pain [6]. Interventional pain management techniques are often a component of these multidisciplinary approaches

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Discussion

Conclusion