[Understanding nephroblastoma. Information dedicated to parents and relatives].

In response to the evolution of the information-seeking behaviour of patients and concerns from health professionals regarding cancer patient information, the French National Federation of Comprehensive Cancer Centres (FNCLCC) introduced, in 1998, an information and education program dedicated to patients and relatives, the SOR SAVOIR PATIENT program. The methodology of this program adheres to established quality criteria regarding the elaboration of patient information. Cancer patient information developed in this program is based on clinical practice guidelines produced by the FNCLCC and the twenty French regional cancer centres,the National League against Cancer, The National Cancer Institute, the French Hospital Federation, the National Oncology Federation of Regional and University Hospitals, the French Oncology Federation of General Hospitals, many learned societies, as well as an active participation of patients, former patients and caregivers. The handbook SOR SAVOIR PATIENT Understanding nephroblastoma is an adapted version of various scientific publications and international clinical practice guidelines, validated by oncology experts and by the Nephroblastoma Committee of the French Society against Cancers and Leukaemias in children and adolescents (SFCE). It was elaborated with the active participation of parents and other family members. It is meant to provide a basis for the explanation of the disease, to help parents asking questions, and to facilitate discussions with the healthcare team. It is available from the FNCLCC (101, rue de Tolbiac, 75013 PARIS, Tel. (0033)1 76 64 78 00, www.fnclcc.fr). This document was validated at the end of 2005 and published in May 2006. SOR SAVOIR PATIENT guides are systematically updated when new research becomes available. Information leaflets, extracted from the handbook SOR SAVOIR PATIENT Understanding nephroblastoma and published in this edition of the Cancer et Radiothérapie, describe the physiopathology of nephroblastoma, as well as treatments and follow-up. The guide allows parents and relatives to better understand the disease and the treatments proposed. It also offers health professionals a synthetic evidence-based patient information source which facilitates discussions with the patient.