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Janet Gammon, BScN RN
Kimberly A. Pyke-Grimm, MN RN BC-CNS
Cynthia A. Stutzer, MS RN
Donna Ludwinski, BSChE
Jody Dahl, MS RN CNP
Although overall survival for children with cancer has greatly improved, there is still a significant proportion for whom phase III clinical trials or standard therapy will not result in lasting remissions. For these young people and their families, the next step may be to pursue novel agents through phase I/II clinical trials. To help care and advocate for families at this critical decision point, pediatric oncology nurses must be aware of the rationale for phase I/II studies, as well as the challenges these complex, and often overwhelming, treatment decisions pose for patients and families. In this session, the COG process for advancing the science will be discussed, including the role of the phase I/II clinical trials nurse. Parental and nursing perspectives on treatment decision making will be shared, along with strategies for integrating palliative care while children and teens participate in phase I/II clinical trials.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe process and rationale for enrolling children with cancer on Phase I/II clinical trials
- Describe the process for obtaining informed consent for enrollment onto a Phase I Clinical Trial, acknowledging the concept of hope as a motivating factor for families, and understanding the role the Phase I Research Nurse plays in the coordination of care for these patients
- Describe how parents make difficult decisions and the implications for nursing practice
- Describe strategies for integrating palliative care when children are participating in Phase I/II trials as they experience the transition from curative intent to palliative goals of care
- Recognize expectations of parents choosing Phase I trials
Disclosure: Janet Gammon, Donna Ludwinski, and Jody Dahl will discuss off-label uses. |
