The rarity and complexity of childhood cancer provides a real challenge in delivering optimal care. Despite overall survival rates of more than 80 per cent (Cancer Australia 2015b), treatments for paediatric cancer are often prolonged and complicated and have a narrow therapeutic index.

High-quality evidence-based care is required not only to deliver therapy and supportive care but is essential in the diagnosis phase, post-treatment surveillance, long-term follow-up care and late effects surveillance.

Children’s cancer services actively participate in clinical trials as a way of participating in research and improving outcomes for children. Evidence shows that best outcomes demand a well-coordinated, timely, multidisciplinary approach requiring effective collaboration of health services working together as a team (Children’s Oncology Group 2012; PICS 2019). Integrated care is fundamental to paediatric cancer care and service delivery.

For more information on paediatric care refer to the Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service’s 2019 Victorian paediatric oncology care pathway: Providing optimal care for children and adolescents – acute leukaemia, CNS tumours and solid tumours.