Table 5 Top 10 research priorities for Children’s Cancer

1

Can we find effective and kinder (less burdensome, more tolerable, with fewer short and long-term effects) treatments for children with cancer, including relapsed cancer?

2

Why do children develop cancer (including the role that genetics plays) and could it be prevented?^a

3

Are the psychological, practical, and financial support needs of children with cancer, survivors, and their families being met during treatment and beyond? How can access to this support be improved and what further support would they like?^b

4

How can we speed up the process of getting diagnosed and starting treatment in the right place?^a

5

Why do children relapse, how can it be prevented, and what are the best ways to identify relapse earlier?

6

How can we make being in hospital a better experience for children and young people? (like having better food, internet, toys, and open visiting so other family members can be more involved in the child’s care)^a

7

What are the best ways to ensure children and families get and understand the information they need, in order to make informed decisions, around the time of diagnosis, during treatment, at the end of treatment and after treatment has finished?

8

What impact does cancer and treatment have on the lives of children and families after treatment, and in the long-term; what are the best ways to help them to overcome these impacts to thrive and not just survive?

9

How can we make more accessible treatments that are closer to home, in shared care hospitals?^a

10

What is the relationship between chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic pain and treatment for childhood cancer? (Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body)