scholarly journals Prophylactic Acupuncture Treatment During Chemotherapy in Patients With Breast Cancer: Results of a Qualitative Study Nested in a Randomized Pragmatic Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 153473542110582
Author(s):  
Dr. med. Barbara Stöckigt ◽  
Barbara Kirschbaum ◽  
Dr. med. Martin Carstensen ◽  
Dr. med. Claudia M. Witt ◽  
Dr. med. Benno Brinkhaus
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Acupuncture Treatment ◽  
Acupuncture Group ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Qualitative Part

Background: In a randomized controlled trial, compared with standard care alone in breast cancer, acupuncture as a prophylactic treatment did not show better quality of life or fewer side effects of chemotherapy (NCT01727362 [clinicaltrials.gov]). The aim of the qualitative part of this mixed methods study was to better understand the subjective perspectives of the patients regarding quality of life during chemotherapy and the perceived effects of acupuncture. Methods: In a nested retrospective qualitative study, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 5 responders and 5 non-responders (defined by the outcome of the primary parameter FACT-B) who were randomly selected from both study arms. The interviews were digitally recorded, pseudonymized, transcribed, and then deductively and inductively analyzed according to Qualitative Content Analysis using MAXQDA® software. Results: A total of 20 patients were included in the qualitative part of the study. In both groups, most women stated that their quality of life was surprisingly better than what they had expected before starting the chemotherapy. All patients of the acupuncture group experienced the acupuncture treatments as relaxing and beneficial, mentioning a friendly setting, and empathic attitude of the therapist. Most of these patients stated that the acupuncture treatment reduced chemotherapy-induced side effects. The patients reported that acupuncture was supportive for coping with the disease in a salutogenic way. For all patients, finding strategies to cope with life-threatening cancer and the side effects of chemotherapy was essential, for example, keeping a positive attitude toward life, selecting social contacts, and staying active as much as possible. Conclusions: Patients in the acupuncture group reported positive effects on psychological and physical well-being after receiving the study intervention. For all patients, having coping strategies for cancer seemed to be more important than reducing side effects. Therefore, further studies should focus more on coping strategies and reducing acute side effects.

scholarly journals Pilates and dance to patients with breast cancer undergoing treatment: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial – MoveMama study

Trials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonessa Boing ◽  
Tatiana do Bem Fretta ◽  
Melissa de Carvalho Souza Vieira ◽  
Gustavo Soares Pereira ◽  
Jéssica Moratelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Image ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Belly Dance ◽  
Belly Dancing

Abstract Background Breast cancer is a global public health issue. The side effects of the clinical treatment can decrease the quality of life of these women. Therefore, a healthy lifestyle is essential to minimize the physical and psychological side effects of treatment. Physical activity has several benefits for women with breast cancer, and Pilates solo and belly dancing can be an enjoyable type of physical activity for women with breast cancer undergoing clinical treatment. The purpose of this study is to provide a Pilates solo and a belly dance protocol (three times per week/16 weeks) for women undergoing breast cancer treatment and compare its effectiveness with that in the control group. Methods The participants will be allocated to either the intervention arm (Pilates solo or belly dance classes three times per week for 16 weeks) or a control group (receipt of a booklet on physical activity for patients with breast cancer and maintenance of habitual physical activity routine). The Pilates solo and belly dance classes will be divided into three stages: warmup and stretching, the main stage, and relaxation. Measurements of the study outcomes will take place at baseline; postintervention; and 6, 12, and 24 months after the end of the intervention (maintenance period). The data collection for both groups will occur with a paper questionnaire and tests covering general and clinical information. The primary outcome will be quality of life (EORT QLQ-C30 and EORT QLQ-BR23), and secondary outcomes will be physical aspects such as cardiorespiratory fitness (6-min walk test and cycle ergometer), lymphedema (sum of arm circumference), physical activity (IPAQ short version), disabilities of the arm (DASH), range of motion (goniometer test), muscular strength (dynamometer test) and flexibility (sit and reach test), and psychological aspects such as depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), body image (Body Image After Breast Cancer Questionnaire), self-esteem (Rosenberg), fatigue (FACT-F), pain (VAS), sexual function (FSFI), and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). Discussion In view of the high prevalence of breast cancer among women, the implementation of a specific protocol of Pilates solo and belly dancing for patients with breast cancer is important, considering the necessity to improve their physical and psychological quality of life. Pilates solo and belly dancing are two types of physical activity that involve mental and physical concentration, music, upper limb movements, femininity, and social involvement. An intervention with these two physical activities could offer options of supportive care to women with breast cancer undergoing treatment, with the aim being to improve physical and psychological quality of life. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03194997. Registration date 12 August 2017. Universal Trial Number (World Health Organization), U1111-1195-1623.

scholarly journals The impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on late radiation toxicity and quality of life in breast cancer patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marilot C. T. Batenburg ◽  
Wies Maarse ◽  
Femke van der Leij ◽  
Inge O. Baas ◽  
Onno Boonstra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Oxygen Therapy ◽  
Radiation Toxicity ◽  
Breast Pain ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract Purpose To evaluate symptoms of late radiation toxicity, side effects, and quality of life in breast cancer patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Methods For this cohort study breast cancer patients treated with HBOT in 5 Dutch facilities were eligible for inclusion. Breast cancer patients with late radiation toxicity treated with ≥ 20 HBOT sessions from 2015 to 2019 were included. Breast and arm symptoms, pain, and quality of life were assessed by means of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and -BR23 before, immediately after, and 3 months after HBOT on a scale of 0–100. Determinants associated with persistent breast pain after HBOT were assessed. Results 1005/1280 patients were included for analysis. Pain scores decreased significantly from 43.4 before HBOT to 29.7 after 3 months (p < 0.001). Breast symptoms decreased significantly from 44.6 at baseline to 28.9 at 3 months follow-up (p < 0.001) and arm symptoms decreased significantly from 38.2 at baseline to 27.4 at 3 months follow-up (p < 0.001). All quality of life domains improved at the end of HBOT and after 3 months follow-up in comparison to baseline scores. Most prevalent side effects of HBOT were myopia (any grade, n = 576, 57.3%) and mild barotrauma (n = 179, 17.8%). Moderate/severe side effects were reported in 3.2% (n = 32) of the patients. Active smoking during HBOT and shorter time (i.e., median 17.5 vs. 22.0 months) since radiotherapy were associated with persistent breast pain after HBOT. Conclusion Breast cancer patients with late radiation toxicity reported reduced pain, breast and arm symptoms, and improved quality of life following treatment with HBOT.

Coping strategies and quality of life in women with advanced breast cancer and their family caregivers

2004 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trace Kershaw ◽  
Laurel Northouse ◽  
Charuwan Kritpracha ◽  
Ann Schafenacker ◽  
Darlene Mood
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Advanced Breast Cancer ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Advanced Breast

The effect of self-treatment of wounds on quality of life: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 260-268
Author(s):  
Suzanne Kapp ◽  
Nick Santamaria
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Community Setting ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Wound Dressings ◽  
Emotional Wellbeing ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Professional Care ◽  
Treatment Of Wounds

Objective: Skin wounds, such as leg ulcers and pressure ulcers (PUs), can have a negative effect on quality of life (QoL). This effect has been confirmed among self-treaters of wounds, specifically. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of self-treatment of wounds on the physical, emotional, lifestyle and financial domains of QoL. The findings of the study may be used to optimise the wellbeing of people who have wounds. Method: A qualitative study was conducted with people who were 18 years of age or older; lived in Victoria, Australia; spoke English; and had a wound that they had self-treated. Participants were interviewed and the data thematically analysed to identify themes that represented the effect of self-treatment on the physical, emotional, lifestyle and financial domains of QoL. Results: The participants (n=25) averaged 71 years of age and the majority (n=20) had leg wounds. Participants described mostly positive effects on QoL that were attributable to self-treatment. Self-treatment improved physical wellbeing because it resulted in better pain management and wound healing; however, it was a physical challenge for some. Self-treatment enhanced emotional wellbeing because it helped to manage worry about infection and resolve dissatisfaction with professional care. Self-treatment lessened the social consequences of the wound by enabling participants to create an acceptable appearance, maintain their lifestyle and minimise time receiving professional care. Self-treatment reduced the financial cost of wound dressings and the expense associated with receiving professional care. Conclusion: As an approach to care, self-treatment of wounds may offer QoL gains that might otherwise be unachievable. The importance of engaging patients in their own management, and the increasing accountability of healthcare providers to report consumer-focused outcomes, are further reasons to consider self-treatment of wounds as an approach to care in the community setting.

Association between quality of life and positive coping strategies in breast cancer patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (9) ◽  
pp. 1063-1069
Author(s):  
Lilian Velasco ◽  
Lorena Gutiérrez Hermoso ◽  
Natasha Alcocer Castillejos ◽  
Paulina Quiroz Friedman ◽  
Cecilia Peñacoba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Positive Coping

scholarly journals Effect of acupuncture on lung cancer-related fatigue: study protocol for a multi-center randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhaoqin Wang ◽  
Shanshan Li ◽  
Luyi Wu ◽  
Qin Qi ◽  
Huirong Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Acupuncture Treatment ◽  
Acupuncture Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue ◽  
Secondary Outcomes

Abstract Background Fatigue is one of the primary symptoms in lung cancer, with a prevalence of 88.0% in survivors of cancer, and an even higher prevalence post resection surgery. Effective fatigue control after lung cancer surgery is important for patient recovery and quality of life. Some studies have shown that acupuncture might be effective in treating cancer-related fatigue; however, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of suitable sample size are limited. Method/design This is a multi-center, patient-blinded RCT. A total of 320 eligible patients will be recruited in four centers and randomly assigned to either the acupuncture group or the sham acupuncture group in a 1:1 ratio. Treatment will be given twice per week for 12 sessions. Treatment will be given at acupoints GV20, GV29, CV12, CV6, CV4, and bilateral LI4, LR3, SP6, ST36. The primary outcome will be assessed using the Chinese version of The Brief Fatigue Inventory. The secondary outcomes will be measured using The European Organization for Research and The Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. The primary outcome will be assessed at all main points (baseline, the 3rd week, the 6th week, and at follow up time points) and the secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline and the 6th week. Intention-to-treat analysis will be used in this RCT. Discussion This trial protocol provides an example of the clinical application acupuncture treatment in the management of lung cancer-related fatigue. If the acupuncture treatment protocol confirms that acupuncture is an effective and safe option for lung cancer-related fatigue, it can be adopted as a standardized treatment. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900022831. Registered on 27 April 2019. URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=37823

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