Utilization of Palliative Radiation in Pediatric Oncology Patients During the End-of-Life (EOL)

Suffering at the end-of-life (EOL) can impact the perception of a "good death" and ultimately affect bereavement for families of children with cancer. Palliative radiation (pXRT) is a tool that can address pain, mitigate suffering and improve quality of life.

A retrospective medical record review of pediatric oncology patients who died over an 11-year period was completed. Descriptive analysis and nonparametric tests to compare groups were used.

2202 total deaths occurred during the study period; 167 patients met study criteria, reflecting a 7.6% incidence of pXRT use at the EOL. Most patients were white (68%) and male (59%), with a median age of 9 years. Solid tumors were most common (52%), followed by CNS tumors (38%), and leukemia (10%). pXRT was primarily used to treat pain (37%) and focused on sites including brain/spine (37%), head/neck (24%), and pelvis (12%). Mean radiation dose delivered was 23.8Gy (range: 1.8-55.8 Gy) in a median of 7 fractions (range: 1-31). Side effects were rare and 58% of patients had a decrease in reported pain scores. Additionally, 87% received a pediatric palliative care (PPC) consultation which increased the likelihood for hospice referral, documented DNR preferences and decrease episodes of CPR on the day of death.

There is underutilization and significant variability in the use of pXRT during EOL in pediatric oncology. Barriers to this tool may include physician perceptions, family/patient preferences, and logistical hardships. Guidelines to standardize pXRT, alongside earlier PPC integration, may guide clinician decision making and increase pXRT utilization.