Immunometabolism in cancer: A journey into innate and adaptive cells.

In recent years, mostly spanning the past decade, the concept of immunometabolism has ushered with a novel perspective on carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and tumor response to therapy. It has become clear that the metabolic state of immune cells plays a significant role in shaping their antitumor or protumor activities within the cancer microenvironment. Consequently, the examination of tumor metabolic heterogeneity, including an exploration of immunometabolism, proves indispensable for enhancing prognostic tools and advancing the quest for personalized treatments. Here we have delved into how metabolic reprogramming profoundly influences the acquisition and maintenance of functional states, spanning from effector and cytotoxic profiles to regulatory and immunosuppressive phenotypes in both innate and adaptive immunity. These alterations wield considerable influence over tumor evolution and affect the outcome of cancer. Furthermore, we explore some of the cellular signaling mechanisms that underpin the metabolic and phenotypic flexibility of immune cells in response to external stimuli.

Gold nanostars and nanourchins for enhanced photothermal therapy, bioimaging, and theranostics.

Photothermal therapy (PTT), a recently emerging method for eradicating tumors, utilizes hyperthermia induced by photo-absorbing materials to generate heat within cancer cells. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have gained reliability for in vitro and in vivo applications in PTT due to their strong light absorbance, stability, and biocompatibility. Yet, their potential is limited by their spherical shape, impacting their size capabilities, electromagnetic enhancement effects, and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Anisotropic shapes have been tested and implemented in this treatment to overcome the limitations of spherical AuNPs. Nanostars (AuNSs) and nanourchins (AuNUs) offer unique properties, such as increased local electron density, improved catalytic activity, and an enhanced electromagnetic field, which have proven to be effective in PTT. Additionally, these shapes can easily reach the NIR-I and NIR-II window while exhibiting improved biological properties, including low cytotoxicity and high cellular uptake. This work covers the critical characteristics of AuNS and AuNUs, highlighting rough surface photothermal conversion enhancement, significantly impacting recent PTT and its synergy with other treatments. Additionally, the bioimaging and theranostic applications of these nanomaterials are discussed, highlighting their multifaceted utility in advanced cancer therapies.

Tumor-treating fields in cancer therapy: advances of cellular and molecular mechanisms.

Tumor-Treating Fields (TTFields) use intermediate-frequency and low-intensity electric fields to inhibit tumor cells. However, their mechanisms are still not well understood. This article reviews their key antitumor mechanisms at the cellular and molecular levels, including inhibition of proliferation, induction of death, disturbance of migration, and activation of the immune system. The multifaceted biological effects in combination with other cancer treatments are also summarized. The deep insight into their mechanism will help develop more potential antitumor treatments.

Exercise in cancer patients: assistance levels and referral pathways-a position statement from the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology.

There is growing evidence about how physical activity can improve cancer care. Unfortunately, exercise is still not widely prescribed to oncology patients, despite the benefit it brings. For this to occur, it is necessary for a multidisciplinary approach involving different types of healthcare professionals, given that each treatment be tailored for each single case. Besides incorporating appropriate infrastructures and referral pathways, we need to integrate exercise into healthcare practice, which ameliorates patients' quality of life and treatment side effects. From the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), and through the Exercise and Cancer Working Group, we indicate considerations, analyze patient care scenarios, and propose a referral pathway algorithm for exercise prescription, taking in account the patient's needs. In later sections of this paper, we describe how this algorithm could be implemented, and how the exercise programs should be built, including the physical activity contents, the settings, and the delivery mode. We conclude that professionals, infrastructures, and organizations should be available at every assistance level to create programs providing adequate exercise training for cancer patients.

Shifting cold to hot tumors by nanoparticle-loaded drugs and products.

Cold tumors lack antitumor immunity and are resistant to therapy, representing a major challenge in cancer medicine. Because of the immunosuppressive spirit of the tumor microenvironment (TME), this form of tumor has a low response to immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and also chemotherapy. Cold tumors have low infiltration of immune cells and a high expression of co-inhibitory molecules, such as immune checkpoints and immunosuppressive molecules. Therefore, targeting TME and remodeling immunity in cold tumors can improve the chance of tumor repression after therapy. However, tumor stroma prevents the infiltration of inflammatory cells and hinders the penetration of diverse molecules and drugs. Nanoparticles are an intriguing tool for the delivery of immune modulatory agents and shifting cold to hot tumors. In this review article, we discuss the mechanisms underlying the ability of nanoparticles loaded with different drugs and products to modulate TME and enhance immune cell infiltration. We also focus on newest progresses in the design and development of nanoparticle-based strategies for changing cold to hot tumors. These include the use of nanoparticles for targeted delivery of immunomodulatory agents, such as cytokines, small molecules, and checkpoint inhibitors, and for co-delivery of chemotherapy drugs and immunomodulatory agents. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of nanoparticles for enhancing the efficacy of cancer vaccines and cell therapy for overcoming resistance to treatment.

Exosomal microRNAs: impact on cancer detection, treatment, and monitoring.

Exosomes, measuring between 30 and 150 nm in diameter, are small vesicles enclosed by a lipid bilayer membrane. They are released by various cells in the body and carry a diverse payload of molecules, including proteins, lipids, mRNA, and different RNA species such as long non-coding RNA, circular RNA, and microRNA (miRNA). With lengths of approximately 19-22 nucleotides, miRNAs constitute the predominant cargo in exosomes and serve as crucial regulators of protein biosynthesis. In cancer detection, exosomal miRNAs show promise as non-invasive biomarkers due to their stability and presence in various bodily fluids, aiding in early detection and precise diagnosis with specific miRNA signatures linked to different cancer types. Moreover, exosomal miRNAs influence treatment outcomes by affecting cellular processes like cell growth, cell death, and drug resistance, thereby impacting response to therapy. Additionally, they serve as indicators of disease progression and treatment response, providing insights that can guide treatment decisions and improve patient care. Through longitudinal studies, changes in exosomal miRNA profiles have been observed to correlate with disease progression, metastasis, and response to therapy, highlighting their potential for real-time monitoring of tumor dynamics and treatment efficacy. Understanding the intricate roles of exosomal miRNAs in cancer biology offers opportunities for developing innovative diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies tailored to individual patients, ultimately advancing precision medicine approaches and improving outcomes for cancer patients. This review aims to provide an understanding of the role of exosomal miRNAs in cancer detection, treatment, and monitoring, shedding light on their potential for revolutionising oncology practices and patient care.

Spanish Society of Medical Oncology recommendations for comprehensive assessment and care of cancer survivors' needs.

This article reviews the contemporary and inclusive definition of cancer survivorship, including patients with and without disease who have completed or continue to undergo treatment. The Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) describes in this article the needs of these patients and outlines a care model based on an estimation of cancer incidence and identification of patient needs, to enable the provision of practical actions to achieve effective care. The objectives of this review are to identify the main effects of cancer on survivors and to establish appropriate ways of measuring these effects, as well as discussing the management of physical, psychological and social, occupational, financial, and other health-related needs. We suggest a multidisciplinary care model and training programs for the different professionals involved in care, and highlight challenges and the future role of the SEOM and health-care policy in ensuring optimum care of cancer survivors.

Elevating Cancer Care Standards Worldwide: An Analysis of Global Initiatives and Progress.

Cancer remains a widespread and significant global health issue, with consequential impacts on individuals, families, and societies across the globe. Although there have been noteworthy advancements in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and study of cancer, the impact of this disease continues to be significant on health care systems and people worldwide. Furthermore, there are still differences in obtaining the advantages of modern cancer treatment, which can partly be attributed to the lack of standardized standards for providing top-notch cancer care. To tackle these difficulties, a multitude of projects and organizations have emerged to address the standard of cancer care on a global level. This paper provides a comprehensive review and analysis of the worldwide influence of programs and organizations that seek to improve the quality of cancer care. This document examines the progression of these initiatives, their cooperation with international organizations, possible paths for additional advancement, and suggestions for enhancing the standard of cancer treatment worldwide.

Differences in the relative importance of predictors of short- and long-term mortality among critically ill patients with cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the relative importance of several clinical variables present at intensive care unit admission on the short- and long-term mortality of critically ill patients with cancer after unplanned intensive care unit admission. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with cancer with unplanned intensive care unit admission from January 2017 to December 2018. We developed models to analyze the relative importance of well-known predictors of mortality in patients with cancer admitted to the intensive care unit compared with mortality at 28, 90, and 360 days after intensive care unit admission, both in the full cohort and stratified by the type of cancer when the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit. RESULTS: Among 3,592 patients, 3,136 (87.3%) had solid tumors, and metastatic disease was observed in 60.8% of those patients. A total of 1,196 (33.3%), 1,738 (48.4%), and 2,435 patients (67.8%) died at 28, 90, and 360 days, respectively. An impaired functional status was the greatest contribution to mortality in the short term for all patients and in the short and long term for the subgroups of patients with solid tumors. For patients with hematologic malignancies, the use of mechanical ventilation was the most important variable associated with mortality in all study periods. The SOFA score at admission was important for mortality prediction only for patients with solid metastatic tumors and hematological malignancies. The use of vasopressors and renal replacement therapy had a small importance in predicting mortality at every time point analyzed after the SOFA score was accounted for. CONCLUSION: Healthcare providers must consider performance status, the use of mechanical ventilation, and the severity of illness when discussing prognosis, preferences for care, and end-of-life care planning with patients or their families during intensive care unit stays.

Current landscape of clinical use of ex vivo expanded natural killer cells for cancer therapy.

Natural Killer cells are immune leukocytes required for responses against tumor cells and virus-infected cells. In the last decade, natural killer cells have emerged as promising tools in cancer therapy, and clinical studies on patients treated with natural killer cells have revealed increased rates of disease-free survival. In this article, we review results from the major clinical trials that have used natural killer cells for cancer treatment, including their global distribution. We also discuss the major mechanisms of natural killer cell activation and expansion and focus on the advantages and disadvantages of each mechanism for clinical applications. Although natural killer cells can be isolated from several sources, primary natural killer cells are most commonly used in clinical trials. However, the frequency of natural killer cells available in peripheral and cord blood is low, necessitating development of methods for expansion of natural killer cells for clinical use. The development of a platform for the expansion of large-scale good manufacturing practice-compliant natural killer cells has limitations as several methods for natural killer cell activation and expansion yield conflicting results. Only techniques using feeder cells can produce large numbers of cells, allowing the "off-the-shelf" use of natural killer cells. However, advances in cell culture have supported the development of feeder-free platforms for natural killer cell expansion, which is fundamental for improving the safety of this type of cell therapy.

Assessment of knowledge in oncology about care for transgender people: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: to identify evidence available in the literature on instruments and methodologies used to assess healthcare professionals' knowledge about cancer care for the transgender population. METHODS: a scoping review was conducted in seven databases, including studies that answered the question: what is the healthcare professionals' level of knowledge about cancer care for the transgender population? RESULTS: forty-one articles were selected that dealt specifically with healthcare professionals'knowledge in relation to care for the LGBTQIAPN+ population, especially the transgender population. Eighteen studies assessed patients' perceptions of professionals'knowledge, whereas other studies used their own assessment tools, considering the global context of LGBTQIAPN+ health. CONCLUSIONS: there is no tested and validated instrument that assesses the knowledge about the transgender population's oncological health, highlighting the need to construct and validate an instrument focused on this population's needs.

Efficacy of treatment with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes as adoptive cell therapy: an integrative review.

OBJECTIVE: This integrative review article examines the efficacy of adoptive cell therapy using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, with a particular focus on the treatment of melanomas and other solid tumors. METHODS: The methodology encompasses theme definition, comprehensive database searches, and a critical review of pertinent literature. Of the 1,947 articles initially identified, 15 were meticulously selected based on stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: The findings suggest that tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes-based therapy is particularly effective in treating metastatic melanomas, as noted by its tailored approach and substantial potential. However, the applicability of these findings to other solid tumor types remains limited. CONCLUSION: This review indicates that adoptive cell therapy using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes demonstrates efficacy, especially in the treatment of metastatic melanoma, and shows considerable promise for treating solid tumors.

CAR T Cell Nanosymbionts: Revealing the Boundless Potential of a New Dyad.

Cancer treatment has traditionally focused on eliminating tumor cells but faces challenges such as resistance and toxicity. A promising direction involves targeting the tumor microenvironment using CAR T cell immunotherapy, which has shown potential for treating relapsed and refractory cancers but is limited by high costs, resistance, and toxicity, especially in solid tumors. The integration of nanotechnology into ICAM cell therapy, a concept we have named "CAR T nanosymbiosis", offers new opportunities to overcome these challenges. Nanomaterials can enhance CAR T cell delivery, manufacturing, activity modulation, and targeting of the tumor microenvironment, providing better control and precision. This approach aims to improve the efficacy of CAR T cells against solid tumors, reduce associated toxicities, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes. Several studies have shown promising results, and developing this therapy further is essential for increasing its accessibility and effectiveness. Our "addition by subtraction model" synthesizes these multifaceted elements into a unified strategy to advance cancer treatment paradigms.

Exercising and immuno-oncology treatment (ExIO): a prospective pilot study for patients with solid tumors.

PURPOSE: Despite exercise's known benefits for cancer patients, little is understood about combining it with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). This study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a personalized physical activity program for cancer patients on ICI treatment and to investigate its effects on quality of life, ICI-related side effects, fatigue, and emotional symptoms. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted across eight cancer practices in a joint network in Brazil. Eligible cancer patients undergoing ICIs were recruited from June 2022 to January 2023. Participants completed a 12-week physical activity program with remote supervision. Baseline and 12-week assessments utilized the FACT-ICM, BFI, ESAS, PROMIS-Anxiety, and FCR-7 scales. Feasibility and acceptability were evaluated based on enrollment, retention, and adherence rates, with patient feedback collected at week 12. Linear mixed models were employed to assess outcomes. RESULTS: Out of 38 patients, 81% showed high adherence, 62% engaged in activities more than 4 days weekly, and 97% were satisfied with the program. The sample was mostly female (55%), median age of 60.5, primarily diagnosed with breast cancer (26%) and renal cell carcinoma (24%), with 60.5% having metastatic cancer. Sixty percent received ICI combined with chemotherapy. Significant improvements were observed over time in treatment-related side effects, emotional symptoms, and quality of life (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings endorse integrating an exercise program with remote supervision into the care of cancer patients undergoing ICI treatment. This intervention may positively impact symptom management and quality of life, offering a cost-effective approach in oncologic treatment and survivorship care globally.

Clinical and pre-clinical advances in the PDT/PTT strategy for diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) have demonstrated great potential to diagnose and combat localized cancers. As a matter of fact, these techniques are less invasive and have fewer side effects than traditional cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. This review summarizes the clinical progress in the theranostics (diagnosis and treatment) of various types of regional cancers using these two light stimuli techniques, PDT and PTT. Therefore, clinical advances in cancer diagnosis based on PDT are detailed, including fluorescence-guided PDT for intraoperative cancer detection, optical coherence tomography (OCT)-guided PDT for early cancer detection, and imaging by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) assisted through PDT/PTT. Moreover, clinical studies of breast, prostate, skin, gynecologic, head, neck and other varieties of cancer have been addressed to compare the main conditions of these treatments. This work also discussed the principal advantages and drawbacks of PDT and PTT in tumor targeting and cancer therapy. Finally, the usage of nanoparticles as photosensitizers (PSs) and photothermal agents (PAs) have been analyzed. In this manner, the authors have compiled relevant updated studies so that researchers interested in these areas can access it speedily.

Quantum dot-based conjugates: Luminous nanotools for cancer research.

Nanotechnology has opened a new era in life science research, offering innovative nanotools to understand complex biological processes, such as those associated with cancer. Among the nanosystems, quantum dots (QDs) stand out for their remarkable optical properties, which render them valuable fluorescent nanoprobes in biological investigations. Moreover, their chemically active surfaces allow conjugations with (bio)molecules, other nanoparticles (NPs), and electrodes, enabling their use in multimodal site-specific applications and biosensing. The complexity and heterogeneity of cancer present challenges for its early diagnosis and personalized treatments. The conjugation of QDs with biologically relevant molecules can provide versatile nanotools for untangling cell mechanisms and biomarker patterns, thereby advancing the knowledge of cancer biology. This review illustrates the multifaceted capabilities of QDs, particularly in cancer research, drawing from applications at cell and tissue levels involving their conjugation with (i) low molecular weight molecules (e.g., folic acid, boronic acid, and glucose analog), (ii) macromolecules (e.g., holo-transferrin, lectins, and protease inhibitor), and (iii) optical-magnetic nanosystems combining QDs with superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs and holo-transferrin. The review also brings an overview of the fundamentals of QDs and strategies for their conjugation. By synthesizing findings from a range of studies, we hope that this review inspires new applications of QD-based conjugates in cancer biology, gathering knowledge and contributing to developing enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for this disease.

Nanoparticles based image-guided thermal therapy and temperature feedback.

Nanoparticles have emerged as versatile tools in the realm of thermal therapy, offering precise control and feedback mechanisms for targeted treatments. This review explores the intersection of nanotechnology and thermal therapy, focusing on the utilization of nanoparticles for image-guided interventions and temperature monitoring. Starting with an exploration of local temperature dynamics compared to whole-body responses, we delve into the landscape of nanomaterials and their pivotal role in nanomedicine. Various physical stimuli employed in therapy and imaging are scrutinized, laying the foundation for nanothermal therapies and the accompanying challenges. A comprehensive analysis of nanomaterial architecture ensues, delineating the functionalities of magnetic, plasmonic, and luminescent nanomaterials within the context of thermal therapies. Nano-design intricacies, including core-shell structures and monodisperse properties, are dissected for their impact on therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, considerations in designing in vivo nanomaterials, such as hydrodynamic radii and core sizes at sub-tissue levels, are elucidated. The review then delves into specific modalities of thermally induced therapy, including magnetically induced hyperthermia and luminescent-based thermal treatments. Magnetic hyperthermia treatment is explored alongside its imaging and relaxometric properties, emphasizing the implications of imaging formulations on biotransformation and biodistribution. This review also provides an overview of the magnetic hyperthermia treatment using magnetic nanoparticles to induce localized heat in tissues. Similarly, optical and thermal imaging techniques utilizing luminescent nanomaterials are discussed, highlighting their potential for light-induced thermal therapy and cellular-level temperature monitoring. Finally, the application landscape of diagnosis and photothermal therapy (PTT) is surveyed, encompassing diverse areas such as cancer treatment, drug delivery, antibacterial therapy, and immunotherapy. The utility of nanothermometers in elucidating thermal relaxation dynamics as a diagnostic tool is underscored, alongside discussions on PTT hyperthermia protocols. Moreover, the advancements in nanoparticle magnetic imaging and implications of imaging formulations especially in creating positive MRI contrast agents are also presented. This comprehensive review offers insights into the evolving landscape of nanoparticle-based image-guided thermal therapies, promising advancements in precision medicine and targeted interventions, underscoring the importance of continued research in optimization for the full potential of magnetic hyperthermia to improve its efficacy and clinical translation.

Characteristics and mortality in patients with cancer and COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, care protocols were created to apply in hospital units and care for the vulnerable populationin. The objetive was to describe clini- cal manifestations, comorbidity and mortality in cancer patients with SARS CoV-2 infection, as well as sanitary measures carried out in COVID centers. METHOD: Retrospective study of 1752 patients admitted to a respiratory care unit. RESULTS: 5% of the population studied had a previous diagnosis of cancer; 59.1% were solid neoplasms and 40.9% hematologic neoplasms. Patients with cancer showed lower rates of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) compared to patients without cancer (8% vs. 17.4%), with no differences in survival. CONCLUSIONS: Oncology patients hospitalized with COVID-19 did not have different survival rates and were less likely to require ICU care compared to non-cancer patients, this is likely due to multidisciplinary teamwork during the pandemic.

OBJETIVO: Durante la pandemia de COVID-19 se crearon protocolos de atención para aplicar en unidades hospitalarias y atender a las poblaciones vulnerables, el objetivo fue describir las manifestaciones clínicas, la comorbilidad y la mortalidad en pacientes oncológicos con infección por SARS-CoV-2, así como las medidas sanitarias aplicadas por el personal de salud durante la estancia en unidades COVID. MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo de 1752 expedientes clínicos de pacientes que ingresaron a la unidad de cuidados respiratorios de un hospital de tercer nivel en la Ciudad de México de mayo de 2021 a enero de 2022. RESULTADOS: El 5% de la población estudiada contaba con diagnóstico previo de cáncer; el 59.1% eran neoplasias sólidas y el 40.9% hematológicas. Los pacientes con cáncer mostraron tasas más bajas de ingreso en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) que los pacientes sin cáncer (8% frente a 17.4%), sin diferencias en la supervivencia. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes oncológicos hospitalizados con COVID-19 no tuvieron tasas de supervivencia diferentes y fueron menos propensos a requerir cuidados en la UCI en comparación con los pacientes sin cáncer; esto se debe probablemente al trabajo en equipo multidisciplinario durante la pandemia.

Enhancing Cancer Supportive Care: Integrating Psychosocial Support, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Using Telehealth Solutions.

This review explores current guidelines for integrating psychosocial support, nutrition, and physical activity into cancer care and examines the resources available to deliver comprehensive care effectively and equitably, with a focus on telehealth solutions. A review of current guidelines related to psychosocial support, nutrition, and exercise in oncology published between the years 2020 and 2024 was conducted. Additionally, relevant articles from the authors' personal archives were included. Current guidelines emphasize routine psychosocial distress screening, nutritional assessment, and tailored physical activity interventions for patients with cancer. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network and ASCO highlight the need for regular psychosocial evaluations and the management of common psychiatric disorders. The American Cancer Society and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommend nutritional screening, personalized counseling, and exercise to improve treatment tolerance and overall quality of life. Despite these recommendations, challenges such as resource limitations, time constraints, and financial barriers hinder their implementation. Integrating psychosocial support, medical nutrition therapy, and physical activity into cancer care is essential to enhancing patients' quality of life. Telehealth offers a viable solution to overcome barriers by providing remote access to supportive services, facilitating comprehensive care, and promoting patient engagement. The effectiveness of telehealth in delivering psychosocial, nutritional, and physical activity support highlights its potential to improve patient outcomes and overcome barriers to care. Telehealth technologies hold high potential to optimize cancer care delivery, ensuring personalized support for patients throughout their cancer journey.

Quality of life and burnout: children and adolescents in cancer treatment.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric cancer is a complex disease that requires interdisciplinary interventions. This study aims to describe the quality of life and exhaustion levels in children diagnosed with cancer, using validated instruments that reflect the peculiarities of this disease. METHOD: An observational analytical study was conducted on children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years with cancer. The PedsQL Cancer Module and FACIT-F instruments were used to assess quality of life and fatigue, respectively, with statistical analysis performed to identify correlations and develop an explanatory model. RESULTS: Notable physical and psychological symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, hyporexia, irritability, and sadness were identified. The PedsQL and FACIT-F indicated a diminished quality of life. There was high concordance between the perceptions of children and their parents, except in the anxiety related to procedures, where children reported higher levels. These symptoms reflect the impact of cancer treatment on children's well-being. The concordance in evaluations suggests that parents have a good understanding of these experiences, highlighting the relevance of psychosocial interventions to improve quality of life through an adequate support network. CONCLUSIONS: It is crucial that pediatric cancer treatment addresses not only medical aspects but also the comprehensive support for the emotional and psychosocial well-being of the patients and their families.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El cáncer infantil es una enfermedad compleja que requiere intervenciones interdisciplinarias. Este estudio busca describir la calidad de vida y el agotamiento en niños diagnosticados con cáncer, utilizando instrumentos validados que reflejan las peculiaridades de esta enfermedad. MÉTODO: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional analítico en niños y adolescentes de 2 a 18 años con cáncer. Se emplearon el PedsQL Cancer Module y el FACIT-F para evaluar calidad de vida y fatiga, respectivamente, analizando estadísticamente para identificar correlaciones y desarrollar un modelo explicativo. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron síntomas físicos y psicológicos notables como náuseas, fatiga, hiporexia, irritabilidad y tristeza. Los instrumentos PedsQL Cancer Module y FACIT-F indicaron una calidad de vida disminuida. Hubo una alta concordancia entre las percepciones de niños y padres, excepto en la ansiedad por procedimientos, donde los niños reportaron mayores niveles. Estos síntomas reflejan el impacto del tratamiento oncológico, en el bienestar de los niños. La concordancia en las evaluaciones sugiere que los padres comprenden bien estas experiencias, destacando la pertinencia de intervenciones psicosociales que mejoren la calidad de vida a partir de una adecuada red de apoyo. CONCLUSIONES: Es crucial que el tratamiento del cáncer pediátrico aborde no solo aspectos médicos, sino también el apoyo integral al bienestar emocional y psicosocial de los pacientes y sus familias.