Cancer Symptom Clusters in Children and Adolescents with Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review

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Abstract
Objective: To synthesize and analyze the prevalence, composition, longitudinal stability, and predictors of cancer symptom clusters in children and adolescents undergoing chemotherapy. Method: A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Evidence was sourced from MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, as well as clinical trial registries (Clinical Trials WHO-ICTRP) and gray literature. The search was performed in February 2025, with no restrictions on publication date or language. Two independent reviewers screened and selected the studies. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using design-specific tools, and the findings were synthesized narratively. Results: A total of 6221 records were identified, with 12 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. These studies were published between 2010 and 2024 in the United States, Brazil, China, and Turkey. Cancer symptom clusters in children and adolescents followed well-defined patterns, with the gastrointestinal, emotional, fatigue-related, somatic, and self-image clusters being the most prevalent. Conclusions: Early identification of these cancer symptom clusters is essential for guiding interprofessional teams in delivering personalized, evidence-based care to children and adolescents with cancer and their families.
Funding Information
  • Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa e Inovação do Espírito Santo (2023-NMV7P, 406693/2023-4, 311427/2023-5)
  • Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) (2023-NMV7P, 406693/2023-4, 311427/2023-5)
  • Research Productivity Fellowship of CNPq—(PQ2) (2023-NMV7P, 406693/2023-4, 311427/2023-5)
  • Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior—Brasil (CAPES) (2023-NMV7P, 406693/2023-4, 311427/2023-5)

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