Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) undergo intense anticancer treatment. We systematically reviewed 22 studies evaluating 2,073 ALL patients' health-related quality of life (HRQL) and its clinical/demographic correlates during treatment. Overall HRQL was significantly reduced on treatment. Despite HRQL improvements over time, longitudinal studies reported a proportion of children continued to experience reduced HRQL after treatment completion. We found inconsistent associations between clinical/demographic factors and HRQL outcomes. Tentative evidence emerged for worse HRQL being associated with intensive phases of chemotherapy, corticosteroid therapy, experiencing greater toxicity, older age, and female sex. Longitudinal studies are needed to identify children at-risk of reduced HRQL.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an intractable illness that is difficult to treat. The identification of neural correlates and novel agents to transform treatment has become priority avenues for research. Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide whose emerging sphere of influence on mammalian behaviour and demonstrated impact on psychiatric illness suggest it may have potential in AN. In this paper, we undertake a targeted summary of the existing literature on OT research as it pertains to brain based behaviour and psychiatric dysfunction. Then, we conduct a systematic review of OT in AN. Papers that addressed any aspect of the OT system in AN were examined. The existing literature, although limited and based on small sample sizes, suggests a derangement of the OT system in AN that may normalise upon recovery. Preliminary pilot data from unpublished studies suggest a potential effect of OT administration on eating-related indices.

Future interventions should incorporate regular taste exposure to maximize increases in vegetable intake in children. This is particularly important because fewer children meet national recommendations for vegetable intake than for fruit intake.