Mothers' Experiences about Decisions to Use Children's Proton Beam Therapy.

Noriko Ozawa,Kayuri Furuya,Rieko Fukuzawa

doi:10.3390/children8040274

Noriko Ozawa, Kayuri Furuya + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/children8040274

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Journal: Children (Basel, Switzerland)	Publication Date: Apr 2, 2021
Citations: 1	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Tsukuba

Abstract

Recently, proton beam therapy has been recommended in radiation therapy for child-hood cancer. However, facilities for children are limited, and parents who choose this treatment for their children face a variety of challenges. This study reveals mothers’ experiences about the decision to use the aforementioned therapy. A semi-structured interview was conducted with 16 mothers of children who received proton beam therapy in Japan, and a grounded theory approach was adopted. The results revealed that mothers were very worried about late complications concerning their children due to radiation. While the mothers strongly expected proton beam therapy to reduce the risk of late complications, they felt uncertainty and anxiety throughout the entire decision-making process. Despite having to deal with their feelings, they had to transfer to another hospital and prepare support for their children to begin treatment, and this put a lot of strain on them. From decision-making to start of treatment, these emotional fluctuations and the need for psychological support became apparent.

Highlights

In Japan, 2000 to 2500 children are diagnosed with cancer every year [1]
Proton beam therapy is recommended for children if they are indicated for proton therapy [11,12]
To receive proton beam therapy, all children needed to transfer from another district for about two months

Summary

Introduction

In Japan, 2000 to 2500 children are diagnosed with cancer every year [1]. They receive multidisciplinary therapy, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is a necessary treatment for saving children’s lives, but X-rays or γ-rays tend to cause serious late complications, such as secondary cancer and hormone abnormalities [5]. A treatment that has received attention because of fewer late-stage complications is proton beam therapy. Proton beam therapy can reduce the effects on normal tissues [9]. It can reduce late complications and is expected to improve QOL of survivors [10]. Proton beam therapy is recommended for children if they are indicated for proton therapy [11,12]

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