This article examines the ethical dilemmas challenging oncology nurses & their patients. The article discusses treatment options that may involve considerations related to levels of appropriate care, informed consent, patient education, & unproven therapies. The article examines aspects of various ethical issues related to the outcomes of cancer treatment: pain control, advanced directives, do no resuscitate orders, discontinuation of medically inappropriate care, euthanasia, & physician-assisted suicide. The article concludes that nurses must be familiar with state laws on ethical issues. (25 refs.) (AK)