Progress in quality of life in children and adolescents with cancer

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the notable progress in conceptualizing, defining, and measuring quality of life (QOL) in children and adolescents with cancer during the past two decades.

Data sources: Published articles.

Conclusion: QOL in children and adolescents with cancer has been defined and conceptual frameworks developed; multiple generic and cancer-specific instruments have been validated for use in this patient population. Advances include a shift to patient reports as the preferred source of QOL ratings, and use of multiple data collection points in the same study to better document the trajectory of QOL in children and adolescents with cancer.

Implications for nursing practice: This progress makes possible the study of interventions designed to improve the QOL of these young patients during and following treatment.