MS-1781

MS-1781

While working in a paediatric unit, a 15-year-old patient is diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. After his diagnosis you have a lengthy discussion with him and decide that he is competent to make the decision to begin treatment and that this is in his best interests. His parents ask to speak to you alone afterwards and they tell you that they do not want him to be treated as they have heard about the side-effects of treatment.

What is the most appropriate advice you can give them?