Rehabilitation and Pediatric Oncology: Supporting Patients and Families During and After Treatment

Abstract

With increasing survival rates in pediatric oncology, more attention has been paid to improving physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning for individuals on and off of treatment. We highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach in providing care for pediatric oncology patients and their families. There is an emerging field of evidence to support specific interventions within the fields of physical therapy/exercise, speech/language and occupational therapy, individual and family-focused psychotherapy, cognitive remediation, medication, tele-health, and school re-entry. Much of the current research attempts to tailor interventions to oncology patients’ complex needs. Continued efforts are needed to make interventions accessible to all oncology patients and their families, particularly those with limited resources. We discuss an integrated care model for delivering rehabilitative therapies within outpatient oncology clinics, which can help mitigate the challenges this population has of consistently accessing therapeutic support.