The Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean (POEM) group – A regional collaborative platform for childhood cancer healthcare professionals

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic leads to several debates regarding the possible risk for healthcare professionals during surgery. SAGES and EAES raised the issue of the transmission of infection through the surgical smoke during laparoscopy. They recommended the use of smoke evacuation devices (SEDs) with CO2 filtering systems. The aim of the present study is to compare the efficacy of different SEDs evaluating the CO2 environmental dispersion in the operating theater. Methods. We prospectively evaluated the data of 4 group of patients on which we used different SEDs or standard trocars: AIRSEAL system (S1 group), a homemade device (S2 group), an AIRSEAL system + homemade device (S3 group), and with standard trocars and without SED (S4 group). Quantitative analysis of CO2 environmental dispersion was carried out associated to the following data in order to evaluate the pneumoperitoneum variations: a preset insufflation pressure, real intraoperative pneumoperitoneum pressure, operative time, total volume of insufflated CO2, and flow rate index. Results. 16 patients were prospectively enrolled. The [CO2] mean value was 711 ppm, 641 ppm, 593 ppm, and 761 ppm in S1, S2, S3, and S4 groups, respectively. The comparison between data of all groups showed statistically significant differences in the measured ambient CO2 concentration. Conclusion. All tested SEDs seem to be useful to reduce the CO2 environmental dispersion respect to the use of standard trocars. The association of AIRSEAL system and a homemade device seems to be the best solution combining an adequate smoke evacuation and a stable pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic surgery.

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Does the guided online cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia “i-Sleep youth” improve sleep of adolescents and young adults with insomnia after childhood cancer? (MICADO-study): study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽

10.1186/s13063-021-05263-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Shosha H. M. Peersmann ◽

Annemieke van Straten ◽

Gertjan J. L. Kaspers ◽

Adriana Thano ◽

Esther van den Bergh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Young Adults ◽

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽

Childhood Cancer ◽

Pediatric Oncology ◽

Behavioral Therapy ◽

Cognitive Behavioral ◽

Adolescents And Young Adults ◽

Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background Adolescents and young adults who had childhood cancer are at increased risk for insomnia, due to being critically ill during an important phase of their life for the development of good sleep habits. Insomnia is disabling and prevalent after childhood cancer (26–29%) and negatively impacts quality of life, fatigue, pain, and general functioning and is often associated with other (mental) health problems. Insomnia and a history of childhood cancer both increase the risk of adverse health outcomes, posing a double burden for adolescents who had childhood cancer. The first-line treatment for insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). However, access to this type of care is often limited. The guided online CBT-I treatment “i-Sleep” has been developed to facilitate access via online care. i-Sleep is shown effective in adult (breast cancer) patients, but it is unknown if iCBT-I is effective in pediatric oncology. Methods/design We developed a youth version of i-Sleep. Our aim is to evaluate its effectiveness in a national randomized-controlled clinical trial comparing iCBT-I to a waiting-list control condition at 3 and 6 months (n = 70). The intervention group will be also assessed at 12 months to see whether the post-test effects are maintained. Adolescents and young adults aged 12–30 years with insomnia, diagnosed with (childhood) cancer, currently at least 6 months since their last cancer treatment will be eligible. Outcomes include sleep efficiency (actigraphic), insomnia severity (self-report), sleep and circadian activity rhythm parameters, fatigue, health-related quality of life, perceived cognitive functioning, chronic distress, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and intervention acceptability. Discussion Insomnia is prevalent in the pediatric oncology population posing a double health burden for adolescents and young adults who had childhood cancer. If guided iCBT-I is effective, guidelines for insomnia can be installed to treat insomnia and potentially improve quality of life and the health of adolescents and young adults who had childhood cancer. Trial registration NL7220 (NTR7419; Netherlands Trial register). Registered on 2 August 2018

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Enduring Cell Lines: Parents’ Experiences of Postmortem Tumor Banking in Childhood Cancer

Journal of Family Nursing ◽

10.1177/10748407211001431 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 107484072110014

Author(s):

Nancy J. Moules ◽

Catherine M. Laing ◽

Wendy Pelletier ◽

Gregory M. T. Guilcher ◽

Jennifer A. Chan

Keyword(s):

Childhood Cancer ◽

Pediatric Oncology ◽

Common Factors ◽

Living Cells ◽

The Past ◽

The Family ◽

Deceased Donors ◽

Cure Rates ◽

The Impact ◽

Parents Experiences

While cure rates in pediatric oncology have improved over the past 30 years, childhood cancer remains the second leading cause of death in children aged 1 to 14. Developing therapies often require using cancerous tissues, which may come from deceased donors. Tumor banks collect, store, and distribute these donated samples. While tumor banking is more common, factors that contribute to parents’ decision and the impact of it on the family are not well understood. The purpose of this hermeneutic study was to understand the meaning and impact of tumor banking for parents of children who have died from cancer. Findings suggest that parents donating their child’s tumors unexpectedly found a sense of meaning in their loss. They also found a legacy of their child’s life; the living cells in some ways assisted the parents with grief. Aspects of this sensitive conversation and decision are discussed from the perspective of the parents’ experiences.

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Online information related to childhood cancer and COVID-19 pandemic: a thematic analysis

Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem ◽

10.1590/0034-7167-2020-1056 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 74 (suppl 1) ◽

Author(s):

Monika Wernet ◽

Aline Oliveira Silveira ◽

Mariana Lucas Rocha Cunha ◽

Patrícia Luciana Moreira Dias ◽

Marisa Utzig Cossul ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Family Functioning ◽

Childhood Cancer ◽

Pediatric Oncology ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Basic Knowledge ◽

The Internet ◽

Online Information ◽

Informational Support ◽

The Relationship

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze online information available on the internet about COVID-19 and childhood cancer and discuss its reach potential with regard to supporting family functioning. Method: Documentary research supported by thematic analysis and the concept of family functioning and support. A total of 27 publications available on the websites of reference institutions in pediatric oncology, from March 1 to May 31, 2020, were analyzed. Results: Two themes guided the presentation of results with emphasis on language and sustainability assumptions to content, and to conveyed meanings and intentionality. The publications prospect families/people with basic knowledge about COVID-19 and have little information specific to the relationship with childhood cancer. Final considerations: Threatening circumstances require informational support. This study revealed incipient of specificity and a prescriptive tone in the online information available in early times of the pandemic, questioning the scope of support for family functioning.

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Does the guided online cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia “i-Sleep youth” improve sleep of adolescents and young adults with insomnia after childhood cancer? (MICADO-study): Study protocol of a randomized-controlled trial

10.21203/rs.3.rs-65491/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Shosha Peersmann ◽

Annemieke van Straten ◽

Gertjan Kaspers ◽

Adriana Thano ◽

Esther van den Bergh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Young Adults ◽

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽

Childhood Cancer ◽

Pediatric Oncology ◽

Behavioral Therapy ◽

Cognitive Behavioral ◽

Adolescents And Young Adults ◽

Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background: Adolescents and young adults who had childhood cancer are at increased risk for insomnia, due to being critically ill during an important phase of their life for the development of good sleep habits. Insomnia is disabling and prevalent after childhood cancer (26-29%) and negatively impacts quality of life, fatigue, pain and general functioning and is often associated with other (mental) health problems. Insomnia and a history of childhood cancer both increase the risk of adverse health outcomes, posing a double burden for adolescents who had childhood cancer. The first-line treatment for insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). However, access to this type of care is often limited. The guided online CBT-I treatment “i-Sleep” has been developed to facilitate access via online care. i-Sleep is shown effective in adult (breast cancer) patients, but it is unknown if iCBT-I is effective in pediatric oncology. Methods/design: We developed a youth version of i-Sleep. Our aim is to evaluate its effectiveness in a national randomized-controlled clinical trial comparing iCBT-I to a waiting-list control condition at 3 and 6 months ( n =70). The intervention group will be also assessed at 12 months to see whether the post-test effects are maintained. Adolescents and young adults aged 12-30 years with insomnia, diagnosed with (childhood) cancer, currently at least 6 months since their last cancer treatment will be eligible. Outcomes include sleep efficiency (actigraphic), insomnia severity (self-report), sleep and circadian activity rhythm parameters, fatigue, health-related quality of life, perceived cognitive functioning, chronic distress, depressive- and anxiety symptoms and intervention acceptability. Discussion: Insomnia is prevalent in the pediatric oncology population posing a double health burden for adolescents and young adults who had childhood cancer. If guided iCBT-I is effective, guidelines for insomnia can be installed to treat insomnia and potentially improve quality of life and the health of adolescents and young adults who had childhood cancer. Trial registration: NL7220 (NTR7419; Netherlands Trial register), registered 02-August-2018

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Dose-intensive cyclophosphamide with etoposide and vincristine for pediatric solid tumors: a phase I/II pilot study by the Australia and New Zealand Childhood Cancer Study Group.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.1994.12.3.522 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 522-531 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

L White ◽

G McCowage ◽

G Kannourakis ◽

V Nayanar ◽

L Colnan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Childhood Cancer ◽

Solid Tumors ◽

Hematologic Toxicity ◽

Study Group ◽

Cancer Study ◽

Cancer Study Group ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

PURPOSE This pilot study of the Australia and New Zealand Childhood Cancer Study Group investigated the effectiveness and toxicity of a regimen incorporating vincristine (VCR), etoposide, and divided-dose, escalating cyclophosphamide (CPA) (VETOPEC) in 23 patients aged 1 to 20 years with solid tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS Seventeen patients (group A) had recurrent or refractory tumors after prior multiagent therapy, and six patients (group B) with adverse prognostic indicators were treated at initial presentation. Treatment cycles were 21 to 28 days and consisted of vincristine (0.05 mg/kg) on days 1 and 14, with etoposide (2.5 mg/kg/d) plus escalating CPA on days 1, 2, and 3. The CPA dosage was escalated from 30 mg/kg/d in cycle no. 1 by 5 mg/kg/d in each cycle to a maximum of 55 mg/kg/d in cycle no. 6. RESULTS Of 20 patients assessable for tumor response, 19 (95%) responded after two to six cycles of VETOPEC: seven complete responses (CRs); eight very good partial responses (VGPRs); and four partial responses (PRs). In group A, 13 of 14 (93%) assessable patients responded (five CRs, four VGPRs, four PRs), and in group B, five stage IV and one stage III patient achieved two CRs and four VGPRs. The principal toxicity was myelosuppression. Grade IV neutropenia occurred after 98% of cycles, and the incidence of grade IV thrombocytopenia increased from 37% after cycle no. 1 to 91% after cycle no. 6 (P = .002). A total of 115 cycles delivered were followed by 62 febrile admissions (54%), and showed a significant rise with increasing cycles (P = .001). One patient died of septicemia. CONCLUSION This combination and scheduling produced a high response rate in patients with recurrent, refractory, or advanced solid tumors of childhood. Further studies of this regimen and of strategies to reduce hematologic toxicity are warranted.

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Traditional Versus Room Service Menu Styles For Pediatric Patients

Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research ◽

10.3148/67.2.2006.92 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 67 (2) ◽

pp. 92-94 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Krista Wadden ◽

Bernice Wolf ◽

Alain Mayhew

Keyword(s):

Patient Satisfaction ◽

Pediatric Oncology ◽

Pediatric Patients ◽

Hemodialysis Patients ◽

Pediatric Hospital ◽

Group A ◽

Quality Of Food ◽

Room Service ◽

Group B

Purpose: To compare patient satisfaction with a room service (RS) menu style versus a traditional menu (TM) in a Canadian pediatric hospital. Methods: A sample of 20 subjects (Group A) was surveyed before implementation of the RS menu and a second sample of 20 subjects (Group B) was surveyed after implementation. Results: All subjects in Group B rated overall satisfaction with meals as greatly exceeding or exceeding expectations after implementing the new menu style. Also, 65% of Group B subjects rated quality of food as greatly exceeding or exceeding their expectations after the intervention. Conclusions: To improve meal satisfaction for pediatric oncology and hemodialysis patients, the RS menu style is a worthwhile option.

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