Though the prognosis for children with cancer in the developed world has greatly improved, still sadly a third will die from their disease. For the vast majority of these children, the realization that they probably will not be cured comes after a period of aggressive therapy. Families are faced with choices of whether to embark on clinical research trials, try a personalized management plan or focus on palliative care.
Professional societies recommend involving parents and children in decision making.
This project will begin to fill this void, and in so doing, provide the knowledge base necessary for developing clear and effective guidelines for including parents and children in decision making when cure is not likely.