Abstract
This study by Aqtam et al. (2026) offers a timely and meaningful contribution to paediatric oncology nursing by highlighting the lived experiences of adolescents undergoing cancer treatment in a resource-constrained and conflict-affected setting. By examining quality of life (QoL) among 145 adolescents aged 13–18 years, the authors provide valuable insight into how demographic and treatment-related factors shape well-being during a particularly vulnerable stage of development.
The findings indicate a moderate overall QoL score, with notable variability among participants. Two predictors emerged as statistically significant: female adolescents reported significantly lower QoL than males, whereas those receiving multimodal treatment reported higher QoL compared to those undergoing chemotherapy alone. The authors appropriately interpret the latter finding with caution, suggesting that it may reflect differences in treatment phase or clinical stability rather than a direct therapeutic advantage of more intensive treatment. This balanced interpretation enhances the credibility of the study and aligns with current understanding of QoL as a dynamic and context-dependent construct.
From a nursing perspective, the study reinforces the importance of adopting a holistic and patient-centred approach to care. QoL is not solely determined by clinical indicators but is deeply influenced by emotional, social and developmental factors. Adolescence is a critical period marked by identity formation, peer relationships and increasing autonomy. A cancer diagnosis during this stage disrupts normal developmental trajectories and introduces complex psychological challenges. The lower QoL observed among female adolescents is consistent with wider evidence suggesting that girls may experience greater emotional distress, heightened body image concerns and increased sensitivity to social disruption during illness. These gender-specific experiences are often shaped by cultural and societal expectations, which may further intensify vulnerability in certain contexts.
The association between treatment modality and QoL highlights the need for careful clinical interpretation. In practice, patients receiving multimodal treatment may represent those at a different stage of the disease trajectory, potentially experiencing improved symptom control or moving towards recovery phases. This underscores the importance of viewing QoL as a variable outcome influenced by timing, treatment burden and individual coping capacity. It also reinforces the need for ongoing assessment rather than reliance on single-point evaluations.
A key strength of the study lies in its focus on a population that is often underrepresented in the literature. Much of the existing evidence on paediatric oncology QoL originates from high-income countries, where healthcare systems are relatively well-resourced and psychosocial support services are more readily available. In contrast, adolescents in Palestine face additional challenges, including healthcare limitations, restricted access to specialised services and broader socio-political stressors. By generating context-specific evidence, this study enhances the relevance of QoL research and supports the development of culturally appropriate interventions.
The implications for nursing practice are clear. Routine assessment of QoL should be integrated into standard care for adolescents with cancer. Such assessments enable early identification of individuals at risk of poor psychosocial outcomes and facilitate timely, targeted interventions. Nurses, as frontline caregivers, are uniquely positioned to recognise subtle changes in patients’ emotional and social well-being. The findings also highlight the need for gender-responsive care strategies. Tailored psychosocial support, including counselling, peer support programmes and interventions addressing body image and self-esteem, may be particularly beneficial for female adolescents.
Beyond clinical practice, the study has important implications for education and policy. For nurse educators, it provides a valuable example of how clinical outcomes must be understood within a broader psychosocial context. Integrating such evidence into nursing curricula can strengthen students’ competencies in holistic care and critical thinking. At a policy level, the findings support the prioritisation of adolescent-friendly oncology services, including access to mental health professionals and structured psychosocial support systems. QoL should be recognised as a core indicator of care quality, rather than an adjunct outcome.
This research is also relevant to other low- and middle-income or conflict-affected settings, where similar challenges may exist. It underscores the need for healthcare systems to move beyond a purely biomedical model and adopt integrated approaches that address both physical and psychosocial dimensions of care. Investment in supportive care services is essential to improve overall outcomes and enhance the lived experiences of young patients.
In conclusion, this study provides valuable insight into the QoL of adolescents with cancer within a unique and challenging context. It highlights the influence of gender and treatment trajectory on well-being and reinforces the importance of holistic, patient-centred care in paediatric oncology. For nursing practice, the message is clear: improving QoL requires sustained attention to emotional and social needs alongside clinical management. Future research would benefit from longitudinal designs and the inclusion of broader psychosocial and family-related variables to further deepen understanding. Nonetheless, the present study offers a strong foundation for informing practice, education and policy and for advancing compassionate, evidence-based care for adolescents living with cancer.
