- Pediatric cancer recurrence from the family’s perspective: a literature review

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: To identify scientific productions that describe the recurrence of pediatric cancer from the perspective of family members. Method: A bibliographic search was carried out, from 2011 to 2021, in the Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde and Lilacs databases, using the descriptors neoplasms, recurrence, family and child. The combined searchs resulted in 94 productions. After applying the inclusion criteria, only five articles were selected for review. Results: The data extracted from the selected articles was analyzed according to the content analysis procedures and grouped in the following theme: Impact of pediatric cancer recurrence for the family. It was observed that the recurrence of pediatric cancer is more devastating than its initial diagnosis, causing significant emotional repercussions and evidencing the need for support, effective communication in the clarification and provision of realistic information about the possibilities of clinical management of the relapsed disease.

Conclusions: The restricted sample of the review suggests the importance of the topic being better explored by professionals, in practice and in research. Families will need support from professionals who care for their children, in order to evaluate alternatives to deal with relapse, preserving the child's quality of life and the family's hope for a cure.

Descriptors: Neoplasms, Recurrence, Family, Child.