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Study sheds light on discussing prognosis in pediatric oncology
A recent study by Erica Kaye, MD, MPH, St. Jude Department of Oncology, explored communication preferences in advanced pediatric cancer to improve prognosis discussions between patients, parents and oncologists.
Understanding how and when to talk about prognosis— the predicted outcome of a disease — is a sensitive but critical part of pediatric cancer care. A new study published in JAMA Network Open, led by Erica Kaye, MD, MPH, St. Jude Department of Oncology, explored how patients, parents and oncologists feel about discussing prognosis in advanced pediatric cancer and how clinicians can better approach these conversations.
The qualitative study gathered insights from 85 participants, including 25 patients ages 12 and up, 40 parents and 20 oncologists. Patients and parents emphasized the need to ask about communication preferences before disclosing prognosis to help tailor information and protect emotional well-being. Participants offered practical strategies on how oncologists can elicit these preferences in advance.
“Our study found that patients, parents and oncologists almost universally believe it is important to individualize prognostic communication,” said Kaye. “Understanding the values of each patient and parent and how they integrate and process prognostic information is key to tailoring these conversations effectively.” These findings will inform future multidisciplinary interventions and training to support personalized and compassionate communication around prognosis in pediatric cancer care.