[Consent vs. Assent: Ethical Considerations Related to Bone Marrow Transplantation in Adolescents]

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a frequently considered treatment option for terminal childhood cancer. However, the side effects of BMT frequently cause short- and long-term physical discomfort and spiritual suffering, which significantly impact patient quality of life. In Taiwan, parental consent is typically given priority over the assent of children in medical decisions. This article uses a case of an adolescent patient with neuroblastoma undergoing BMT to discuss the best interest standard and contradictions between the consent of parents and the assent of their children. This article argues that medical staffs are responsible to protect the right of children to fully consider and influence the decisions related to their treatment options. Medical staffs should communicate to parents the importance of their children's assent and promote better communication between parents and their children in order to achieve the best outcome for the family as a whole. When mutual communication is unable to resolve conflicts between parents and their children, we recommend seeking assistance from the ethics committee in the hospital.