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Chronic Cancer-Related Pain in Children: A Narrative Review of Multimodal and Family-Centered Palliative Care

Ada Maria Carstea1,2, Alexandra Borda1,3, Raluca Morosan1,3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics II, "Louis Țurcanu" Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, 300011 Timișoara, Romania.

Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Chronic pain in children with cancer is complex, requiring integrated management. Addressing physical, emotional, and social needs improves quality of life for pediatric cancer patients and their families.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Palliative Care
  • Pain Management

Background:

  • Chronic pain is a significant challenge in pediatric palliative care for children with cancer.
  • It stems from disease, treatment, psychological distress, and socio-environmental factors, impacting quality of life.
  • Poorly controlled pain affects emotional development, social functioning, and family well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review challenges and management strategies for chronic pain in pediatric cancer patients.
  • To examine pain mechanisms, assessment difficulties, and psycho-emotional influences.
  • To provide a pediatric palliative care perspective on chronic cancer pain management.

Main Methods:

  • A narrative review of literature from PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science (2000-2025).
  • Included 15 relevant studies from 135 identified records.
  • Used a PRISMA-based flowchart for study selection illustration.

Main Results:

  • Chronic pain in pediatric cancer is multidimensional, necessitating an integrated assessment and management approach.
  • Persistent pain affects 20-26% of childhood cancer survivors.
  • Pharmacological strategies (opioids, adjuvants) are central, complemented by psychological and non-pharmacological interventions.

Conclusions:

  • Integrated, individualized, and child-centered management is crucial for chronic cancer pain in children.
  • Addressing physical, emotional, social, and relational dimensions of suffering is key.
  • Effective pain management can enhance the quality of life for both children and their families.

Keywords:
children with cancerchronic painfamily-centered carepain managementpediatric oncologypediatric palliative carepsychosocial support

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