Pediatric Cancer Rehabilitation: An Overview with Special Considerations in Transitional Care for Adolescents and Young Adults and Palliative Rehabilitation

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2025 Aug;36(3):603-623. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2025.03.007. Epub 2025 May 24.

Abstract

Pediatric cancer rehabilitation requires an interdisciplinary approach to manage the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial effects of cancer and its treatments. With survival rates now exceeding 85%, emphasis has shifted toward addressing long-term impacts, especially among the nearly 15,000 children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer each year. Rehabilitation interventions span the cancer care continuum, from prehabilitation at diagnosis to supportive and palliative care, focusing on optimizing quality of life. Survivorship guidelines stress early detection of treatment-related complications and ongoing care to manage chronic health risks, enhance functional independence, and minimize disabilities for survivors.

Keywords: Adolescent and young adult; Late effects; Outcome measures; Palliative rehabilitation; Pediatric cancer; Rehabilitation; Survivorship.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cancer Survivors
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / psychology
  • Neoplasms* / rehabilitation
  • Palliative Care*
  • Quality of Life
  • Transitional Care*
  • Young Adult