Establishing consensus on defining the physically vulnerable child with cancer: a protocol for an international...

Childhood cancer survivors have an increased risk of lifetime morbidity and mortality. To improve outcomes, the physical impact of treatment toxicity must be minimised in the acute phase. Using a framework to identify early signs of physical vulnerability could provide an avenue for early intervention. Yet, existing models of physical vulnerability (sarcopenia and frailty) are adult-based definitions and require adaptation as they do not reflect the unique pathophysiology of paediatric cancer. Using phenotypes of sarcopenia and frailty as base, this study aims to establish a consensus definition of the physically vulnerable child with cancer.

A Delphi consensus approach is guided by a project team of four specialised oncology healthcare professionals. Five stages include defining the problem area, selecting panel members, conducting four Delphi rounds, establishing closing criteria and validation of results. A focus group of international experts will meet to define the problem area, in addition to a scoping review to collate existing definitions and assessments of sarcopenia and frailty within paediatric contexts. Delphi panel members will include multinational clinicians with >5 years' experience in the acute paediatric setting, and researchers specialising in sarcopenia and/or frailty in paediatric cancer. Delphi rounds will aim to achieve consensus on how to define physical vulnerability in children with cancer. Consensus will be considered achieved when 80% or more of panellists agree. A series of focus groups with select members of the Delphi panel, and families, children, and adolescents affected by paediatric cancer will be held to validate results.

The study has ethics approval through the Royal Children's Hospital Human Ethics Committee (number 3707). Results from this study will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals and disseminated via scientific conference(s) and key stakeholders.