Towards reducing inequalities: European Standards of Care for Children with Cancer

The organization of care in pediatric radiotherapy across SIOP Europe affiliated centers: A multicenter survey in the framework of the 'Joint Action on Rare Cancers' project

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

To reduce inequalities among SIOPE-affiliated countries, standard and optional levels to deliver 'Good Clinical Practice' compliant treatment in pediatric radiation oncology have been published. The aim of this project was to map the availability of pediatric radiotherapy resources across SIOPE-affiliated radiotherapy departments.

MATERIALS/METHODS

An online survey with 34 questions was distributed to 246 radiotherapy departments across 35 SIOPE-affiliated countries. In addition to demographic data, 15 general items related to the organization of the radiotherapy process, and 10 radiotherapy-specific items were defined. For each of the 25 items, sum scores were calculated per center and country. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze associations.

RESULTS

Between March-June 2019, 121 departments (49 %) out of 31 countries (89 %) completed the survey. At center level, involvement of core disciplines in tumor boards (28 %), and integration of dedicated pediatric radiation therapy technologists (24 %) are limited, while rare & complex brachytherapy procedures are performed in many centers (23 %). For general and radiotherapy-specific items respectively, a relevant variation of sum scores was observed across countries (Δgeneral: ≤10 points; ΔRT_specific: ≤5 points) and among centers within a country (Δgeneral: ≤9 points; ΔRT_specific: ≤6 points). Sum scores for general and radiotherapy-specific items were higher in countries with a high-income (p < 0.01) and higher health development index (p < 0.01). A larger annual number of irradiated pediatric patients was associated with higher sum scores for general items (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

This survey demonstrates the disparities in organization of pediatric radiotherapy departments between SIOPE-affiliated countries and centers within the same country. Investment is needed to reduce inequalities in pediatric radiotherapy care.

Cancer incidence and type of treatment hospital among children, adolescents, and young adults in Japan, 2016-2018

Cancer in children, adolescents, and young adults (AYAs) although rare, is the leading disease-specific cause of death in Japan. This study aims to investigate cancer incidence and type of treatment hospital among children and AYAs in Japan. Cancer incidence data (2016-2018) for those aged 0-39 years were obtained from the Japanese population-based National Cancer Registry. Cancer types were classified according to the 2017 update of the International Classification of Childhood Cancer (Third Edition), and AYA Site Recode 2020 Revision. Cases were also categorized into three groups: those treated at core hospitals for pediatric cancer treatment (pediatric cancer hospitals [PCHs]), those treated at designated cancer care hospitals, and those treated at nondesignated hospitals. The age-standardized incidence rate was 166.6 (per million-person years) for children (age 0-14 years) and 579.0 for AYAs (age 15-39 years) (including all cancers and benign or uncertain-behavior central nervous system [CNS] tumors). The type of cancer varied with age: hematological malignancies, blastomas, and CNS tumors were common in children under 10 years, malignant bone tumors and soft tissue sarcomas were relatively common in teenagers, and in young adults over 20 years, carcinomas in thyroid, testis, gastrointestinal, female cervix, and breast were common. The proportion of cases treated at PCHs ranged from 20% to 30% for children, 10% or less for AYAs, and differed according to age group and cancer type. Based on this information, the optimal system of cancer care should be discussed.

Consulting parents bereaved by childhood cancer: A qualitative study to improve bereavement services

Twelve Australian parents bereaved by childhood cancer were interviewed about their experiences of, and preferences for, bereavement support, to inform recommendations to improve bereavement care. Reflexive thematic analysis resulted in five themes: Care, empathy, and connection assist with bereavement; Communication makes a difference; Early and ongoing support is desired; Gender matters when grieving the loss of a child; and The pull of peer support. Parents can be assisted through empathy, early and ongoing support, enhanced communication, peer support, and care that is inclusive of all genders. Parents in non-metropolitan areas require increased and flexible support options.

Information needs of Malaysian parents of children with cancer: a qualitative study

Objective

Informational support is an important pillar of psychosocial care for parents of children with cancer. Understanding the information needs of these parents may improve the provision of family-centered informational support. This paper aims to explore the information needs of Malaysian parents whose children have cancer.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted among 14 parents of children with cancer and 8 healthcare providers. The parents were recruited from two urban pediatric oncology centers in Malaysia. Healthcare providers were recruited from these centers, as well as from community-based palliative care providers. In-depth interviews were conducted based on semi-structured topic guides, audio-recorded, and transcribed for thematic analysis using elements of the grounded theory approach.

Results

Analysis revealed three themes of information needs, which were: “interaction with the healthcare system,” “care for the child at home” and “psychosocial support for parents”. Information needs on parents’ interaction with the healthcare system consisted of disease and treatment-related information, as well as health system navigation. Information needs on care for the child at home were represented by their caregiving for basic activities of daily living, medical caregiving, and psychosocial caregiving. Psychosocial support for parents included information on practical support and self-care. There were differences in priorities for information needs between parents and healthcare providers.

Conclusions

Meeting the information needs of parents is an important part of psychosocial care in pediatric cancer care. Informational support may empower parents in caregiving for their child. The development of suitable information resources will be invaluable for healthcare providers in supporting parents’ needs.

The impact of incomplete registration on survival rate of children with very rare tumors

Pediatric very rare tumors (VRTs) represent a heterogeneous subset of childhood cancers, with reliable survival estimates depending dramatically on each (un)registered case. The current study aimed to evaluate the number of VRTs among Lithuanian children, to assess the impact of the registration status on survival rates and to track changes in treatment outcomes over the 16-year study period. We performed a population-based retrospective study across children below 18 years old diagnosed with VRTs in Lithuania between the years 2000 and 2015. The identified cases were cross-checked with the Lithuanian Cancer Registry—a population-based epidemiology cancer registry—for the fact of registration and survival status. The overall survival was calculated in relation to the registration status and treatment period. Thirty-seven children with VRTs were identified within the defined time frame. Six of them (16.2%) were not reported to the Lithuanian Cancer Registry at diagnosis. The probability of overall survival at 5 years (OS_5y) differed significantly between the registered (n = 31) and unregistered (n = 6) cohorts: 51.6% versus 100%, respectively (p = 0.049). A 5-year survival estimate for children diagnosed with a VRT at the age of 0–14 years differed by 10 percentage points according to the registration completeness: 52.1% calculated for the entire cohort versus 42.1% for registered patients only. The OS_5y has not improved over the analyzed period: 61.1% in 2000–2007 versus 57.9% in 2008–2015 (p = 0.805). The survival continued to decline beyond 5 years post-diagnosis due to late cancer-related adverse events: 59.5% of patients were alive at 5 years as compared to 44.3% at 10 years. The OS_5y of children affected by VRT was lower than in more common childhood cancers. The survival rate of the unregistered patients may lead to misinterpretation of treatment outcomes. Meticulous registration of VRTs is crucial for correct evaluation of treatment outcomes, especially across small countries with few cases.

Global pediatric radiation therapy in resource-limited settings

This report provides a summary of the global burden of childhood cancer morbidity and mortality, which disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries as well as low- and middle-income communities within high-income countries. We review past successes and current challenges to improving clinical pediatric radiotherapy, education, and research in these regions. The Pediatric Radiation Oncology Society Taskforce in Low- and Middle-Income Countries recently outlined specific aims: (a) to increase access and quality of radiotherapy for children and adolescents afflicted with cancer; (b) to enumerate, engage, and educate a global community of providers of childhood and adolescent radiotherapy; and (c) to create evidence establishing the outcomes of setting-specific treatment standards of care when first-world standards are not achievable. This report will improve awareness of these disparities and promote attempts to correct them.

Access to essential anticancer medicines for children and adolescents in Europe

BACKGROUND

Essential anticancer medicines are an indispensable component of multidisciplinary treatment of paediatric malignancies. A European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) study reported inequalities in the availability of anticancer medicines for adult solid tumours and provided a model for the present survey. The aim of this survey was to assess the accessibility of essential medicines used in paediatric cancer patients aged 0 to 18 years across Europe from 2016 to 2018.

METHODS

A list of medicines was drawn with input from the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOP Europe) Clinical Research Council referring to the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines for Children (WHO EMLc) 2017. A survey was sent to nominated national clinician and pharmacist rapporteurs and parent associations in up to 37 countries; answers were obtained from 34 countries.

RESULTS

The full survey list contained 68 medicines, including 24 on the WHO EMLc 2017. Health professionals reported that 35% of all medicines were prescribed off-label in at least one country and that 44% were always available in >90% of countries. Only 63% of the EMLc 2017 medicines were reported as always available. The main determinant of unavailability was shortages, reported for 72% of medicines in at least one country. Out-of-pocket costs were reported in eight countries. Twenty-seven percent of orally administered medicines were never available in child-friendly formulations. Parents detailed individual efforts and challenges of facilitating ingestion of oral medicines as prescribed. Inequalities in access to pain control during procedures were reported by parents across Europe.

CONCLUSIONS

Children and adolescents with cancer in Europe experience lack of access to essential medicines. Urgent actions are needed to address shortages, financial accessibility, availability of safe age-appropriate oral formulations, and pain management across Europe.

The Italian consensus conference on the role of rehabilitation for children and adolescents with leukemia, central nervous system, and bone tumors, part 1: Review of the conference and presentation of consensus statements on rehabilitative evaluation of motor aspects

Because of increasing survival rates in pediatric oncology, attention is focusing on cancer and its treatment-related side effects. Rehabilitation may reduce their impact. However, the literature does not provide strong evidence regarding rehabilitation pathways. Therefore, the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology organized a consensus conference on the role of rehabilitation of motor impairments in children/adolescents affected by leukemia, central nervous system, and bone tumors to define recommendations for daily practice. The grading of recommendation assessment, developing and evaluation (GRADE) method was used in order to formulate questions, select outcomes, evaluate evidence, and create recommendations. This paper includes the results on the rehabilitation assessment.

Treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma in children and adolescent from four low health expenditures average rates countries

Background

Survival of children with cancer in Eastern and Central Europe is 10–20% lower than in high income European countries. We evaluated outcome of children and adolescents with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in Slovenia, Croatia, Slovakia and in Romania.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively analysed event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) for all patients treated in Slovenia and Croatia. Slovakia included patients from two centers, representing half of expected cases. Romania included patients from single institution, representing only 10% of expected patients. Joint database for analysis was established.

Results

One hundred seventy-eight children and adolescent with RMS diagnosed from January 2000 to December 2015 were included. Mean patient age at diagnosis was 7.7 years, one third was older than 10 years. Twenty-five percent had alveolar histology and 72% unfavorable location. Higher than expected proportion of patients had nodal involvement (24%) or metastatic disease (27%). All patients received systemic chemotherapy, 57% had radiotherapy and 63% surgery as local control. Kaplan- Meier estimates for 5-year EFS and OS were 50.7% and 59.6%, respectively. Five-year OS for patients with localised disease was 72% compared to 24% for metastatic disease.

Conclusions

Children with RMS treated in Eastern and Central Europe have inferior outcome compared to their counterparts treated in high income European countries. Active participation of low health expenditures average rates (LHEAR) countries in international clinical trials may improve outcome of paediatric oncology patients.

Childhood cancer care in the Middle East, North Africa, and West/Central Asia: A snapshot across five countries from the POEM network

BACKGROUND

The Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean (POEM) network, through this report, provides a snapshot view of an expected child's treatment journey in five countries in the region.

METHODS

Pediatric oncologists from cancer centers in Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, and Pakistan provided input on referral pathways, barriers to care, and patient outcomes, based on personal experience and published data. Outcome data were extracted from institutional registries. A literature review of articles and meeting abstracts was conducted, and results summarized.

RESULTS

Countries across the Middle Eastern, North African, and West Asian region face common difficulties relating to the provision of pediatric oncology care. National registries are largely lacking, with unavailability of outcome data. Economic barriers are a common theme, leading to delays in patient diagnosis, and interruptions and abandonment of therapy. Insufficient infrastructure and human resources, high rates of toxic deaths, and lack of common national protocols are common. The establishment of successful fundraising organizations linked to specific cancer hospitals showcase several success stories, enhancing services, improving patient access, and leading to outcomes comparable to those in developed countries. All identified published literature is institution-based and from only one or a few hospitals. Therefore, outcomes at a national level likely differ due to disparate cancer care capabilities.

CONCLUSION

Well-designed national registries are essential for identifying gaps, and clear referral networks are needed to address delays to diagnosis and therapy. National and transversal programs to improve infrastructure, facilitate knowledge transfer, and promote advocacy, are needed to accelerate progress in the region.

[DKG certification of paediatric cancer centres - a wide field …]

Die Gesellschaft für Pädiatrische Onkologie und Hämatologie (GPOH) und die Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft (DKG) haben Kriterien für die DKG-Zertifizierung der Kinderonkologie erarbeitet, nach denen 2017 in Deutschland erstmals pädiatrisch-onkologische Abteilungen zertifiziert wurden. Das Ziel der DKG-Zertifizierung ist „die Vereinheitlichung und die transparente Darstellung der Versorgungsqualität für pädiatrische Patientinnen und Patienten mit hämato-onkologischen Erkrankungen“, wie 2018 in einer Veröffentlichung von Mensah et al. dargestellt. Die Auswahl der Zertifizierungskriterien hat innerhalb der GPOH zu einer intensiven Diskussion darüber geführt, inwieweit die Kriterien für sich genommen einer wissenschaftlichen Überprüfbarkeit standhalten und damit valide Parameter für die Bestimmung der Versorgungsqualität in der Kinderonkologie in Deutschland darstellen.

Wir haben untersucht, ob aus der Arbeit von Mensah et al. valide Folgerungen für das deutsche Gesundheitssystem ableitbar sind. Dabei zeigt sich, dass die momentan definierten DKG-Zertifizierungskriterien für die Kinderonkologie in Deutschland in kritischen Bereichen einer fundierten wissenschaftlichen Grundlage entbehren.

Diese Arbeit stellt Fallzahlen als Maß für Qualität in der Kinderonkologie infrage und regt die Entwicklung alternativer Kriterien für die Überprüfbarkeit von Qualität in der deutschen Kinderonkologie an.

Concurrence of sleep problems and distress: prevalence and determinants in parents of children with cancer

Background: Parents of children with cancer are at risk for sleep problems. If these problems persist, an important perpetuating factor might be ongoing parental distress. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of sleep problems and the concurrence with distress in parents of children treated for cancer, and to identify predictors of this symptom clustering. Method: Parents completed the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Sleep Scale and Distress Thermometer for Parents (DT-P). Clinically relevant sleep problems were defined as a score >1SD above the norm and clinical distress as a thermometer score above the established cut-off of 4. Four parent categories were constructed: neither sleep problems nor distress; no distress but sleep problems; no sleep problems but distress; both sleep problems and distress. Predictive determinants (sociodemographic, medical, psychosocial) for each category were assessed with multilevel multinomial logistic regression. Results: Parents (202 mothers and 150 fathers) of 231 children with different cancers participated. Mean time since diagnosis was 3.3 ± 1.4 years (90% off-treatment). The prevalence of sleep problems was 37%. Fifty percent of parents reported neither sleep problems nor distress, 9% had only sleep problems, 13% only distress, and 28% reported both. Compared to parents without sleep problems or distress, parents who reported both were more likely to report parenting problems (OR 4.4, [2.2-9.1]), chronic illness (OR 2.8, [1.2-6.5]), insufficient social support (OR 3.7, [1.5-9.1]), pre-existent sleep problems (OR 6.2, [2.0-18.6]) and be female (OR 1.8, [1.1-4.2]). Conclusions: Sleep problems are common in parents of children treated for cancer, and occur mostly in the presence of clinical distress. Future research must show which interventions are most effective in this group: mainly targeted at sleep improvement or with prominent roles for stress management or trauma processing.

Recommendations for the organisation of care in paediatric radiation oncology across Europe: a SIOPE-ESTRO-PROS-CCI-Europe collaborative project in the framework of the JARC

Disparities in survival and long-term side-effects from paediatric cancer are observed across European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE)-affiliated countries. The Joint Action on Rare Cancers (JARC) is a project supported by the European Union and member states aiming to formulate recommendations on rare cancers, including paediatric malignancies, to reduce inequalities and to improve health outcomes. Most paediatric cancers are treated by a combination of systemic agents, surgery and/or radiotherapy. Radiotherapy for children is becoming increasingly complex because of the growing availability of new modalities and techniques and the evolution in molecular biology. These added challenges have the potential to enhance disparities in survival and side-effects between countries, but also among centres in the same country. To tackle radiotherapy-related inequalities, representatives of SIOPE, European SocieTy for Radiotherapy and Oncology, Paediatric Radiation Oncology Society and Childhood Cancer International-Europe defined 'standard' and 'optional' levels to deliver Good Clinical Practice-compliant treatment in paediatric radiation oncology with a focus on patient-related care, education and training. In addition, more than 250 paediatric radiotherapy centres across the SIOPE-affiliated countries have been mapped. For a better understanding of resources in paediatric radiotherapy, JARC representatives are working on an online survey for paediatric radiation oncologists of each centre in SIOPE-affiliated countries. The outcome of this survey will give an insight into the strengths and weaknesses of paediatric radiotherapy across SIOPE-affiliated countries and can be relevant for European Reference Networks in terms of collaboration pathways and referrals in paediatric radiotherapy.

The European study on centralisation of childhood cancer treatment

BACKGROUND

It is generally agreed to centralise treatment of childhood cancers (CCs). We analysed (1) the degree of centralisation of CCs in European countries and 2) the relations between centralisation and survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The analysis comprised 4415 CCs, diagnosed between 2000 and 2007 and followed up to the end of 2013, from Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovenia. All these countries had national population-based cancer registries and were able to provide information on diagnosis, treatment, treatment hospitals, and survival. Each case was then classified according to whether the patient was treated in a high- or a low-volume hospital among those providing CC treatment. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to calculate the relation between volume category and five-year survival, adjusting by age, sex and diagnostic group.

RESULTS

The number of hospitals providing treatment for CCs ranged from six (Slovenia) to slightly more than 40 (the Netherlands and Belgium). We identified a single higher volume hospital in Ireland and in Slovenia, treating 80% and 97% of cases, respectively, and three to five major hospitals in the other countries, treating between 65% and 93% of cases. Outcome was significantly better when primary treatment was given in high-volume hospitals compared to low-volume hospitals for central nervous system tumours (relative risk [RR] = 0.71), haematologic tumours (RR = 0.74) and for all CC combined (RR = 0.83).

CONCLUSION

Treatment centralisation is associated with survival benefits and should be further strengthened in these countries. New plans for centralisation should include ongoing evaluation.

Transplant center practices for psychosocial assessment and management of pediatric hematopoietic stem cell donors

Understanding the potential emotional and psychological risks of pediatric sibling HSC donation is an area of research that remains in its infancy. A cross-sectional survey was distributed electronically to directors at all CIBMTR and EBMT centers to describe current transplant center practices for obtaining assent, preparation for the physical/emotional experiences of donation, and monitoring the post-donation well-being of pediatric donors (<18 years of age). Respondents were 45/91 (49%) and 66/144 (46%) of CIBMTR and EBMT centers, respectively. Although 78% of centers reported having a mechanism in place to ensure donor free assent, centers also reported only limited assessment of psychosocial suitability to manage the emotional risks of donation. More than half of centers reported no psychosocial follow-up assessment post-donation. Few centers have policies in place to address donor psychological needs. Future investigations should include medical and psychosocial outcomes following full integration of comprehensive psychosocial screening and surveillance of pediatric donors.

Will my child do better if she enrolls in a clinical trial?

The question of whether children with cancer who enroll in clinical trials have superior outcomes compared with those who do not participate has been pursued for more than 4 decades, and recent studies have provided conflicting answers. Whether clinical trial participation influences outcome has important implications for how clinicians should present trial participation to patients and families. Methodological challenges limit generalizations about the impact of clinical trial participation on outcome compared with nonparticipation. Oncologists should inform patients and families that clinical trials are the engine for future progress because they identify more effective therapies and that clinical trial participation is a reasonable option to consider for children with cancer. However, as noted in by Truong and colleagues in this issue, the rationale for trial enrollment should not include an expectation of better outcomes compared with nonenrollment.

Childhood cancer incidence and survival in Japan and England: A population-based study (1993-2010)

The present study aimed to compare cancer incidence and trends in survival for children diagnosed in Japan and England, using population-based cancer registry data. The analysis was based on 5192 children with cancer (age 0-14 years) from 6 prefectural cancer registries in Japan and 21 295 children diagnosed in England during 1993-2010. Differences in incidence rates between the 2 countries were measured with Poisson regression models. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Incidence rates for Hodgkin lymphoma, renal tumors and Ewing sarcomas in England were more than twice as high as those in Japan. Incidence of germ cell tumors, hepatic tumors, neuroblastoma and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) was higher in Japan than in England. Incidence of all cancers combined decreased in Japan throughout the period 1993 to 2010, which was mainly explained by a decrease in registration of neuroblastoma in infants. For many cancers, 5-year survival improved in both countries. The improvement in survival in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) was particularly dramatic in both countries. However, 5-year survival remained less than 80% in 2005-2008 in both countries for AML, brain tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, malignant bone tumors and neuroblastoma (age 1-14 years). There were significant differences in incidence of several cancers between countries, suggesting variation in genetic susceptibility and possibly environmental factors. The decrease in incidence for all cancers combined in Japan was related to the cessation of the national screening program for neuroblastoma. The large improvement in survival in CML coincided with the introduction of effective therapy (imatinib).

Survey on paediatric tumour boards in Europe: current situation and results from the ExPo-r-Net project

BACKGROUND

Under the ExPO-r-NeT project (European Expert Paediatric Oncology Reference Network for Diagnostics and Treatment), we aimed to identify paediatric oncology tumour boards in Europe to investigate the kind of technologies and logistics that are in place in different countries and to explore current differences between regions.

METHODS

A 20-question survey regarding several features of tumor boards was designed. Data collected included infrastructure, organization, and clinical decision-making information from the centres. The survey was distributed to the National Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Societies that forwarded the survey to the sites. For comparative analysis, respondents were grouped into four geographical regions.

RESULTS

The questionnaire was distributed amongst 30 countries. Response was obtained from 23 (77%) that altogether have 212 paediatric oncology treating centres. A total of 121 institutions answered (57%). Ninety-one percent of the centres hold multidisciplinary boards; however, international second consultations are performed in 36% and only 15% participate on virtual tumor boards. Videoconferencing facilities and standard operational procedures (SOPs) are available in 49 and 43% of the centres, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between European regions concerning meeting infrastructure and organization/logistics: specific room, projecting equipment, access to medical records, videoconferencing facilities, and existence of SOPs.

CONCLUSION

Paediatric tumor boards are a common feature in Europe. To reduce inequalities and have equal access to healthcare, a virtual network is needed. Important differences on the functioning and access to technology between regions in Europe have been observed and need to be addressed.

European Survey on Standards of Care in paediatric oncology centres

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the European Commission has supported an increased focus on rare cancers in order to improve quality of care, disseminate best practice and set up networks to improve access that is essential to continued progress. At European Union (EU) conference in 2009, an agreement was reached to create a 'European Standard of Care for Children with Cancer'. In 2013, the European Paediatric Oncology Society launched a Europe-wide survey in order to assess the implementation of the Standards.

METHODS

Representative experts from 36 countries, including 27 EU members, were invited to complete a questionnaire describing the quality of treatment and care received by young cancer patients in their country, together with the characteristics of the health care infrastructure and paediatric haematology-oncology (PHO) teams.

FINDINGS

Thirty-five European countries provided comprehensive responses. Within the responding countries, 341 PHO centres were identified. Only 18 countries consider they have full diagnostic services, all necessary drugs and supportive care. The annual incidence rate is approximately 146.1 new cancer cases/million children and adolescents. In 24 countries, paediatric haematology and oncology is officially recognised as a specific qualification. A total of 1178 specialists certified in PHO are currently working in Europe. Finally, 31 (88.6%) countries provide a multidisciplinary palliative care for terminally ill children.

INTERPRETATION

This survey provides quantitative data that demonstrate the current healthcare inequalities for children and adolescents with cancer in Europe. This variability in care provision and quality is likely to underlie the variation in childhood cancer survival rate in these countries.

Paediatric tumour boards in Spain: a national survey

PURPOSE

Multidisciplinary tumour boards (MDTs) are conducted worldwide for the management of patients with cancer, and they deliver a higher standard of care by simultaneously involving different specialists in diagnosis and treatment planning. However, information of paediatric MDTs functioning is scarce. A pilot study was conducted in Spain in the frame of the European Expert Paediatric Oncology Reference Network for Diagnostics and Treatment (ExPO-r-Net).

METHODS

A specific questionnaire was designed regarding various features of MDT practice. Data collected included information on the centres and the team, infrastructure for meetings, MDT organization/logistics and clinical decision-making. The survey was distributed to all Paediatric Oncology Units that register patients in the Spanish Registry of Childhood Tumours (RETI-SEHOP).

RESULTS

32 out of 43 contacted centres responded the questionnaire (74 % response rate; 88 % response rate for centres with >25 new patients/year). All units with >25 new patients/year have a dedicated Paediatric MDT compared to 76 % of units with ≤25 new patients/year. MDTs should be improved at institutional level by clear protected time in service planning for all specialists involved, incentives for attendance and attendance registration. Clinical decision-making process and follow-up of recommendation adherence should be assessed and potential legal responsibilities for physicians participating in Tumour Board defined. Network collaboration through virtual MDTs, using available videoconferencing tools, is an opportunity to share expertise among centres.

Communication, Documentation, and Training Standards in Pediatric Psychosocial Oncology

As part of a larger effort to create standards for psychosocial care of children with cancer, we document consensus and evidence-based data on interprofessional communication, documentation, and training for professionals providing psycho-oncology services. Six databases were searched. Sixty-five articles and six guidelines and consensus-based documents were identified; 35 met inclusion criteria. Data support strong recommendations for standards of care in communication/collaboration, documentation of patient information, and training in pediatric psycho-oncology. These are areas where extensive research is unlikely to be conducted; however, professional expectations and qualifications may be further clarified and strengthened with time.

Registration of childhood cancer: Moving towards pan-European coverage?

Cancer is relatively rare in childhood, but it contributes considerably to childhood mortality, years of life lost per person and late effects in survivors. Large populations need to be covered to set up meaningful studies of these rare conditions. Cancer registries ensure cancer surveillance, thus providing the basis for research as well as policy decisions. In this paper we examine coverage of childhood population by cancer registries in Europe and encourage national cancer registration. Over 200 cancer registries in various stages of development were identified as collecting data on childhood cancer patients in Europe. They cover 52% of the childhood population in the World Health Organisation (WHO) European region and 83% in the European Union (EU). More than 80% of this coverage is ensured by nationwide data collection, which is ongoing in 29 European countries. Overall coverage of the childhood population could increase to around 98%, if the recently established cancer registries start producing results and others improve their quality and dissemination plans. Paediatric cancer registries are being established with increasing frequency even in the areas covered by general cancer registries, and they tend to be national. Compared with regional registration, national cancer registries are more cost-effective, record larger number of cases, they can achieve higher completeness, less biased incidence and survival estimates and they are conditioned for national and international research. National registration of childhood cancer should be the rule in Europe, so that accurate regional, nation-wide and international statistics can provide solid baselines for research, clinical practice and public health policy. Governmental support and stakeholders' involvement are indispensable to guarantee optimal data quality and completeness.

Challenges for children and adolescents with cancer in Europe: the SIOP-Europe agenda

In Europe, 6,000 young people die of cancer yearly, the commonest disease causing death beyond the age of 1 year. In addition, 300,000-500,000 European citizens are survivors of a childhood cancer and up to 30% of them have severe long-term sequelae of their treatment. Increasing both cure and quality of cure are the two goals of the European paediatric haematology/oncology community. SIOPE coordinates and facilitates research, care and training which are implemented by the 18 European study groups and 23 national paediatric haematology/oncology societies. SIOPE is the European branch of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology and one of the six founding members of the European Cancer Organisation. SIOPE is preparing its strategic agenda to assure long-term sustainability of clinical and translational research in paediatric malignancies over the next 15 years. SIOPE tackles the issues of equal access to standard care and research across Europe and improvement of long term follow up. SIOPE defined a comprehensive syllabus for training European specialists. A strong partnership with parent, patient and survivor organisations is being developed to successfully achieve the goals of this patient-centred agenda. SIOPE is advocating in the field of EU policies, such as the Clinical Trials Regulation and the Paediatric Medicine Regulation, to warrant that the voice of young people is heard and their needs adequately addressed. SIOPE and the European community are entirely committed to the global agenda against childhood cancers to overcome the challenges to increasing both cure and quality of cure of young people with cancer.

Years of life lost as a measure of cancer burden on a national level

Background:

The severity of cancers is often measured in number of deaths. However, number of years of life lost (YLL) may be a more appropriate indicator of impact on society. Here we have calculated the YLL of adult cancers in Norway for the year 2012, as well as for the previous 15-year period.

Methods:

Data on age composition, expected remaining years of life, total numbers of deaths and deaths due to cancer were retrieved from the National Census Agency Statistics Norway. YLL were calculated for both sexes aged 25–99 years based on each individual's age at death, and the expected remaining years of life at that age.

Results:

Cancer deaths represented 25.8% of all adult deaths in 2012, with a lower fraction of females (28.7% in men and 23.1% in women), whereas cancer represented 35.2% of all YLL, with a higher fraction of females (32.8% in men and 37.8% in women). Females loose on average more life years to cancer than men (14.9 vs 12.7 years). Average YLL varied from 23.7 (cervical cancer) to 7.9 (prostate cancer). Lung cancer caused almost as many YLL alone (22.1% of cancer-caused YLL) as colon, prostate and breast cancer combined (23.1%). From 1997 to 2012, cancer-caused YLL as a fraction of all YLL increased from 32.5% to 35.2%, but with major differences among diagnoses.

Conclusions:

Cancer is a major and increasing cause of premature deaths, and YLL may be a more accurate measure than number of deaths. Public health efforts and research funding should be explicitly directed at preventing premature deaths.

Pediatric psycho-oncology care: standards, guidelines, and consensus reports

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify existing guidelines, standards, or consensus-based reports for psychosocial care of children with cancer and their families.

PURPOSE

Psychosocial standards of care for children with cancer can systematize the approach to care and create a replicable model that can be utilized in pediatric hospitals around the world. Determining gaps in existing standards in pediatric psycho-oncology can guide development of useful evidence-based and consensus-based standards.

METHODS

The MEDLINE and PubMed databases were searched by investigators at two major pediatric oncology centers for existing guidelines, consensus-based reports, or standards for psychosocial care of patients with pediatric cancer and their families published in peer-reviewed journals in English between 1980 and 2013.

RESULTS

We located 27 articles about psychosocial care that met inclusion criteria: 5 set forth standards, 19 were guidelines, and 3 were consensus-based reports. None was sufficiently up to date, comprehensive, specific enough, or evidence- or consensus-based to serve as a current standard for psychosocial care for children with cancer and their families.

CONCLUSION

Despite calls by a number of international pediatric oncology and psycho-oncology professional organizations about the urgency of addressing the psychosocial needs of the child with cancer to reduce suffering, there remains a need for development of a widely acceptable, evidence-based and consensus-based, comprehensive standard of care to guide provision of essential psychosocial services to all patients with pediatric cancer.

Declining childhood and adolescent cancer mortality: great progress but still much to be done

Improvements in childhood and adolescent cancer mortality and survival rates have continued in recent years, but the rate of progress has been greater in hematologic malignances than in solid tumors. A short reflection on these achievements is warranted before quickly turning our attention to the remaining challenges.