Kids, Cancer, And Clinical Research

Alexandra Paúl, MD, Medical Strategy Lead, Pediatric and Rare Disease Center of Excellence and Ali Smyth, PhD, Clinical Scientist, Pediatric and Rare Disease Center of Excellence

A diagnosis of pediatric cancer can be a heartbreaking journey for children, families, and physicians. Often the best treatment option for a child or adolescent with cancer is a clinical trial. These trials involve the most vulnerable patients, and the experience will shape the rest of their lives.

As we prepare for International Childhood Cancer Day on February 15, we think it is important to discuss what patient-centricity means in these trial designs, and how we can create a more positive experience for patients and their caregivers.

International Childhood Cancer Day is a global collaborative campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer, and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, the survivors and their families. A key component of the campaign is the importance of addressing the whole needs of the child.