The Cancer Journey Among Survivors of Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Date
2023-04-28
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Abstract
Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common form of pediatric cancer. Treatment for ALL has advanced recently, contributing to the impressive increase in cancer survival. Early treatments used cranial radiation therapy (CRT) which has been linked to debilitating late effects. Modern treatments (e.g., chemotherapies) have moved away from CRT, maximizing central nervous system (CNS) drug exposure while attempting to minimize drug toxicity. However, we do not understand modern therapies effects on several psychosocial late effects, including social adjustment. First, a systematic review was conducted to examine current literature on social adjustment in survivors of pediatric ALL. Four databases were searched and 43 articles were included in the final review. Findings from the articles indicated survivors of pediatric ALL experienced social adjustment difficulties when compared to control groups. However, treatment and non-treatment related factors require further elucidation. Secondly, a qualitative exploration of survivors and their caregivers’ memories was conducted. Nineteen dyads insights were captured through semi-structured, one-on-one interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis following principles of qualitative description generated two themes contingent on role (survivor or caregiver): difficulties remembering the cancer experience and managing their child’s cancer experience, and two unified themes: the role of others in getting through the cancer experience, and the lasting impact of the cancer diagnosis and experience. Findings indicate the need for whole family interventions. Additionally, caregivers, with the help of healthcare providers, should strive for open and developmentally appropriate communication with their children around cancer care and survivorship. Evidence from this thesis will help guide future research, highlighting the need for theoretically grounded research, and patient-identified priorities to advance the field of psychosocial research among this population.
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Keywords
Pediatric Cancer, Psychosocial, Caregivers, Survivorship
Citation
Cho, S. K. (2023). The cancer journey among survivors of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.