Changes in symptom clusters over the course of chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A longitudinal survey

This study evaluated symptom progression in 102 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale for Children (MSAS-C), researchers found an average of 15.52 symptoms per child. Symptom clusters changed across chemotherapy phases, expanding from emotional, gastrointestinal, and somatic initially to include neurological, self-image disturbance, and skin/mucosal symptoms later. The study concluded that dynamic symptom clusters necessitate tailored interventions.