Similarities between the nursing care needs of children with cancer and children with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

The incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related diseases among children is steadily increasing. The most common clinical manifestations of pediatric HIV infection are similar to those seen in childhood cancer. There are striking similarities between the care needs of these children and children with other chronic, potentially fatal diseases. Pediatric oncology nurses are among those who possess the knowledge and skills necessary to care for these children and their families. The interdisciplinary, holistic approach to caring for children with cancer is an excellent model for care of pediatric patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.