Advances in defining, conceptualizing, and measuring quality of life in pediatric patients with cancer.

Purpose/objectives: To describe the notable advances in defining, conceptualizing, and measuring quality of life (QOL) in pediatric patients with cancer since the 1995 Oncology Nursing Society's State-of-the-Knowledge Conference on QOL.

Data Sources: Published research, clinical papers, and hospital policies.

Data Synthesis: QOL ratings from children and adolescents are being solicited increasingly in research and clinical assessments during treatment and survivorship using various methods but are not solicited from terminally ill patients; qualitatively induced models of pediatric cancer-related QOL now are being tested using quantitative methods.

Predicting and modifying substance use in childhood cancer survivors: application of a conceptual model.

Purpose/objectives: To identify factors that predict or modify substance use in childhood cancer survivors and to describe how a risk-counseling intervention reduced young survivors' substance use.

Design: Secondary analysis of clinical trial data and primary analysis of medical record data.

Setting: Outpatient clinic.

Therapeutic leukapheresis in the patient with leukemia.

Therapeutic leukapheresis is recommended for patients with leukemia with hyperleukocytosis and signs and symptoms related to leukostasis. This article will include a brief history of apheresis, the indications for performing a therapeutic leukapheresis, the adverse effects of apheresis, and the nursing interventions when complications occur while performing leukocyte reductions on pediatric patients.