title: Age span challenges: adherence in pediatric oncology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review published literature to determine what is known about adherence to oral antineoplastic agents in children with cancer, to identify adherence-related challenges, and to examine the implications of these challenges for clinical practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Published literature identified through the MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Oral antineoplastic agents are frequently used in childhood cancer treatment; supportive care regimens for children with cancer also rely heavily on the administration of oral medications. Adherence in pediatric oncology is a complex process involving both parent and child, and requires knowledge and understanding of proper and safe home medication administration in the context of multiple developmental and behavioral concerns that may change over time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurses play an important role in adherence by providing patient and family education and psychosocial support targeted to the child's diagnosis, developmental stage, and specifics of the child's treatment regimen.
authors.affiliation: Center for Cancer Survivorship, Department of Population Sciences, City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd, DPS-173, Duarte, CA 91010, USA. wlandier@coh.org
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Landier
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000367:Age Factors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008495:Medical Oncology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D010372:Pediatrics
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents