Symptoms, Physical Activity, and Biomarkers in Children at the End of Leukemia Maintenance Therapy.

Symptoms in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) change over the trajectory of treatment but little is known about their symptoms as treatment ends. Physical activity may help decrease symptom distress and is vital for ongoing development. The role of biomarkers in symptom science is emerging.

Biomarkers and Cognitive Function in Children and Adolescents During Maintenance Therapy for Leukemia.

Objectives: To explore the relationship between biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflmmation in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and cognitive function in children receiving maintenance therapy for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).

Sample & Setting: 30 participants aged 4-17 years receiving ALL maintenance therapy at two pediatric cancer centers in the United States.

Methods & Variables: F2-isoprostane (F2-ISoP) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were evaluated in CSF samples, and cognitive function measures were completed during the first and last cycles of ALL maintenance.

Symptom Clusters, Physical Activity, and Quality of Life: A Latent Class Analysis of Children During Maintenance Therapy for Leukemia.

Background: Children undergoing treatment for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) report co-occurring symptoms of fatigue, sleep disturbances, and depression as a symptom cluster. Physical activity (PA) may influence symptom severity and quality of life (QOL).

Objectives: This study examined changes in symptoms and QOL during ALL maintenance in children categorized by symptom cluster and explored the influence of PA and symptoms on QOL.