Chemotherapy-related Distress in an Adolescent with Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy: A Case Report

Abstract

The intense and prolonged nature of cancer treatment causes adolescent cancer patients to suffer from physical and psychological distress throughout the disease trajectory. Given the unique developmental challenges in dealing with a life-limiting illness, enhancing personal coping skills as an integral part of holistic palliative care is necessary to alleviate this distress. A 16-year-old boy diagnosed with osteosarcoma was admitted to the pediatric ward for his final cycle of chemotherapy, experiencing nausea. His condition worsened into severe nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy and did not subside despite maximum doses of antiemetics being administered. Prolonged chemotherapy-related distress, including intense emotional distress, severe physical discomfort, and disruption of adolescent developmental milestones, may lead to maladaptive coping responses, thereby worsening patient outcomes. This highlights the need for continuity in palliative care to manage both physical and psychological distress by providing comprehensive psychosocial support during chemotherapy.