Acupuncture for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (36) ◽  
pp. 4470-4476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Molassiotis ◽  
Joy Bardy ◽  
Jennifer Finnegan-John ◽  
Peter Mackereth ◽  
David W. Ryder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue ◽  
General Fatigue ◽  
Acupuncture Effect

Purpose We aimed to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture for cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in patients with breast cancer. Patients and Methods We conducted a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial comparing acupuncture with enhanced usual care. Three hundred two outpatients with breast cancer participated. We randomly assigned 75 patients to usual care and 227 patients to acupuncture plus usual care (random assignment of 1:3 respectively) with minimization controlling for baseline general fatigue and maintenance treatment. Treatment was delivered by acupuncturists once a week for 6 weeks through needling three pairs of acupoints. The usual care group received a booklet with information about fatigue and its management. Primary outcome was general fatigue at 6 weeks, measured with the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI). Other measurements included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General quality-of-life scale, and expectation of acupuncture effect. Analyses were by intention to treat. Results Two hundred forty-six of 302 patients randomly assigned provided complete data at 6 weeks. The difference in the mean General Fatigue score, between those who received the intervention and those who did not, was −3.11 (95% CI, −3.97 to −2.25; P < .001). The intervention also improved all other fatigue aspects measured by MFI, including Physical Fatigue and Mental Fatigue (acupuncture effect, −2.36 and −1.94, respectively; both at P < .001), anxiety and depression (acupuncture effect, −1.83 and −2.13, respectively; both at P < .001), and quality of life (Physical Well-Being effect, 3.30; Functional Well-Being effect, 3.57; both at P < .001; Emotional Well-Being effect, 1.93; P = .001; and Social Functioning Well-Being effect, 1.05; P < .05). Conclusion Acupuncture is an effective intervention for managing the symptom of CRF and improving patients' quality of life.

scholarly journals Randomized Controlled Trial of an Educational Intervention for Managing Fatigue in Women Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

2005 ◽  
Vol 23 (25) ◽  
pp. 6027-6036 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patsy Yates ◽  
Sanchia Aranda ◽  
Maryanne Hargraves ◽  
Bev Mirolo ◽  
Alexandra Clavarino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Functional Assessment ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue ◽  
Numeric Rating

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of a psychoeducational intervention in improving cancer-related fatigue.Patients and MethodsThis randomized controlled trial involved 109 women commencing adjuvant chemotherapy for stage I or II breast cancer in five chemotherapy treatment centers. Intervention group patients received an individualized fatigue education and support program delivered in the clinic and by phone over three 10- to 20-minute sessions 1 week apart. Instruments included a numeric rating scale assessing confidence with managing fatigue; 11-point numeric rating scales measuring fatigue at worst, average, and best; the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Fatigue and Piper Fatigue Scales; the Cancer Self-Efficacy Scale; the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30; and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. For each outcome, separate analyses of covariance of change scores between baseline (T1) and the three follow-up time points (T2, T3, and T4) were conducted, controlling for the variable's corresponding baseline value.ResultsCompared with the intervention group, mean difference scores between the baseline (T1) and immediate after the test (T2) assessments increased significantly more for the control group for worst and average fatigue, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Fatigue, and Piper fatigue severity and interference measures. These differences were not observed between baseline and T3 and T4 assessments. No significant differences were identified for any pre- or post-test change scores for confidence with managing fatigue, cancer self-efficacy, anxiety, depression, or quality of life.ConclusionPreparatory education and support has the potential to assist women to cope with cancer-related fatigue in the short term. However, further research is needed to identify ways to improve the potency and sustainability of psychoeducational interventions for managing cancer-related fatigue.

scholarly journals Using a quality of life (QoL)-monitor: preliminary results of a randomized trial in Dutch patients with early breast cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (11) ◽  
pp. 2961-2975
Author(s):  
R. T. Lugtenberg ◽  
M. J. Fischer ◽  
F. de Jongh ◽  
K. Kobayashi ◽  
K. Inoue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Early Breast Cancer ◽  
Patient Management ◽  
Illness Perceptions ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Care Needs

Abstract Purpose The diagnosis and treatment of cancer negatively affect patients’ physical, functional and psychological wellbeing. Patients’ needs for care cannot be addressed unless they are recognized by healthcare providers (HCPs). The use of quality of life (QoL) assessments with feedback to HCPs might facilitate the identification and discussion of QoL-topics. Methods 113 patients with stage I–IIIB breast cancer treated with chemotherapy were included in this randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either usual care, or usual care with an intervention consisting of a QoL-monitor assessing QoL, distress and care needs before every chemotherapy cycle visit. Patients completed questionnaires regarding QoL, illness perceptions, self-efficacy, and satisfaction with communication. From the 2nd visit onwards, patients in the intervention arm and their HCPs received a copy of the QoL overview and results were shown in patients’ medical files. Audio-recordings and patients’ self-reports were used to investigate effects on communication, patient management and patient-wellbeing. A composite score for communication was calculated by summing the number of QoL-topics discussed during each consultation. Results Use of the QoL-monitor resulted in a higher communication score (0.7 topics increase per visit, p = 0.04), especially regarding the disease-specific and psychosocial issues (p < 0.01). There were no differences in patient management, QoL, illness perceptions or distress. Patients in the experimental arm (n = 60) had higher scores on satisfaction with communication (p < 0.05). Conclusions Use of a QoL-monitor during chemotherapy in patients with early breast cancer might result in a more frequent discussion of QoL-topics, associated with high levels of patients’ satisfaction.

scholarly journals The Effect of Yoga Interventions on Cancer-Related Fatigue and Quality of Life for Women with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 153473542095988
Author(s):  
Meagan O’Neill ◽  
Dominic Samaroo ◽  
Christian Lopez ◽  
George Tomlinson ◽  
Daniel Santa Mina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue

Background: Women with breast cancer (BC) are living longer with debilitating side effects such as cancer-related fatigue (CRF) that affect overall well-being. Yoga promotes health, well-being and may be beneficial in reducing CRF. Although there have been previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses, the effects of yoga on CRF and quality of life (QOL) remain unclear, particularly in comparison with other types of physical activity (PA). Our objective is to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of yoga on CRF and QOL in women with BC. Methods: Electronic databases were searched (MEDLINE, Embase Classic+Embase and EMB Reviews, Cochrane Central CT) from inception to May 2018. Randomized controlled trials were included if they were full text, in English, included a yoga intervention, a comparator (including non-PA usual care or alternate PA intervention), and reported on CRF or QOL. Effects of yoga were pooled using standardized mean difference (SMD) via a random effects model. Results: Of the 2468 records retrieved, 24 trials were included; 18 studies compared yoga to a non-PA comparator and 6 to a PA comparator. Yoga demonstrated statistically significant improvements in CRF over non-PA (SMD −0.30 [−0.51; −0.08]) but not PA (SMD −0.17 [−0.50; 0.17]) comparators. Additionally, yoga demonstrated statistically significant improvements in QOL over non-PA (SMD −0.27 [−0.46; −0.07]) but not PA (SMD 0.04 [−0.22; +0.31]) comparators. Discussion: This meta-analysis found that yoga provides small to medium improvements in CRF and QOL compared to non-PA, but not in comparison to other PA interventions.

scholarly journals Effect of Baduanjin Exercise Intervention on Cognitive Function and Quality of Life in Women With Breast Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy: Study Protocol of A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolin Wei ◽  
Ruzhen Yuan ◽  
Yongmei Jin ◽  
Shu Li ◽  
Mingyue Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
To Receive

Abstract Background: Cancer-related cognitive impairments (CRCI) are frequently reported by cancer patients before and after medical treatment. However, there are no effective interventions to or manage cognitive problem for women with breast cancer. This pilot study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Baduanjin exercise on cognitive function and cancer-related symptoms in women with early-stage breast cancerundergoing chemotherapy. Method/design: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was designed. The trail will recruit 70 patients with early-stage breast cancer scheduled to receive chemotherapy from Shanghai in China. All participants will be randomized(1:1) to receive either supervised Baduanjin exercise intervention (at least 5 times/week and 30min for each time) plus usual care or usual care alone for three months. The effect of Baduanjin exercise intervention will be evaluated by outcome measures such as subjective and objective cognitive function, symptoms (fatigue, depressive symptoms, anxiety) and health-related quality of life at baseline(T0), 8 weeks(T1) and 12 weeks(T3). Primary cognitive outcomes will be reported descriptively while effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) will be calculated for cognitive measures. The collected data will be analysed using an intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: This study is the first-known randomized clinical trial to investigate whether Baduanjin exercise plus usual care superior to usual care alone on cognitive function in women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy. If possible, Baduanjin exercise will be a potential non-pharmacological intervention to manage cognitive function and promote survivorship care among breast cancer survivors.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(ChiCTR), ID: ChiCTR 2000033152. Registered on 22 May 2020.

scholarly journals Biopsychosocial Intervention for Stroke Carers (BISC): protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT)

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. e018309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion F Walker ◽  
Shirley A Thomas ◽  
Phillip J Whitehead ◽  
Laura Condon ◽  
Rebecca J Fisher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
Biopsychosocial Intervention ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionReducing length of hospital stay for stroke survivors often creates a shift in the responsibility of care towards informal carers. Adjustment to the caregiving process is experienced by many carers as overwhelming, complex and demanding and can have a detrimental impact on mental and physical health and well-being. National policy guidelines recommend that carers’ needs are considered and addressed; despite this, few interventions have been developed and empirically evaluated. We developed a biopsychosocial intervention in collaboration with carers of stroke survivors. Our aim is to determine whether the intervention can be delivered in a group setting and evaluated using a randomised controlled trial (RCT).Methods and analysisFeasibility RCT and nested qualitative interview study. We aim to recruit up to 40 stroke carers within 1 year of the stroke onset. Carers are randomised to usual care or usual care plus biopsychosocial intervention. Each intervention group will consist of five stroke carers. The intervention will focus on: psychoeducation, psychological adjustment to stroke, strategies for reducing unwanted negative thoughts and emotions and problem-solving strategies. The main outcome is the feasibility of conducting an RCT. Carer outcomes at 6 months include: anxiety and depression, quality of life and carer strain. Data are also collected from stroke survivors at baseline and 6 months including: level of disability, anxiety and depression, and quality of life.Ethics and disseminationFavourable ethical opinion was provided by East Midlands – Nottingham2 Research Ethics Committee (14/EMI/1264). This study will determine whether delivery of the biopsychosocial intervention is feasible and acceptable to stroke carers within a group format. It will also determine whether it is feasible to evaluate the effects of the biopsychosocial intervention in an RCT. We will disseminate our findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences.Trial registration numberISRCTN15643456; Pre-results.

Occurrence, severity, and impact of cancer-related fatigue in Taiwanese patients with cancer: A national survey.

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (29_suppl) ◽  
pp. 77-77
Author(s):  
Ruey Kuen Hsieh ◽  
Shiow-Ching Shun ◽  
Kun-Ming Rau ◽  
Tzeon-Jye Chiou ◽  
Yung-Chuan Sung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
National Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue ◽  
General Fatigue ◽  
Icd 10 ◽  
The Mean

77 Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is common symptom in cancer patients. However, there is no study related to occurrence, severity and impact of CRF in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to report the occurrence and severity of CRF, and its impact on quality of life in cancer inpatients and outpatients in Taiwan. Methods: A national survey with cross-sectional study design was used. Patients were recruited from 20 hospitals with inpatients unit (n = 574) and outpatients clinics (n = 633) in Taiwan. The structured questionnaire was used to assess patients’ demographic, clinical, and CRF characteristics among Taiwanese cancer patients. The CRF were assessed by International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10) and Brief Fatigue Inventory–Taiwan Form (BFI-T). Quality of life (QOL) was assessed by FACT-general. Descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations were used to compare the occurrence, severity, and impacts on quality of life of CRF between cancer inpatients and outpatients. Results: Overall, the occurrence was 23.36% based on ICD-10 CRF criteria and 31.9% and 15.6 for inpatients and outpatients, respectively. About94.4% of inpatients and 89.7% of outpatients experienced fatigue. Inpatients had significant higher fatigue severity (current fatigue, general fatigue, and worst fatigue) during the past 24 hours compared to the outpatients. Enjoyment of life was the most interfered by fatigue in both inpatients and outpatients. The mean levels of current fatigue, general fatigue and worst fatigue were moderate in inpatients, and they were mild to moderate in outpatients. The mean score of FACT-general was 17.57 in overall with the lowest level of functional well-being, and 15.68 and 19.29 in inpatients and outpatients. Conclusions: The occurrence based on the ICD-10 CRF criteria was relative low compared to self-report. Fatigue interfered patients’ enjoyment of life and the patients had the lowest level of quality of life in functional well-being. Healthcare providers should pay attention on how to decrease cancer patients’ fatigue in order to improve their QOL, especially in inpatients.

scholarly journals Efficacy of a Tailored Moisturizer for Reducing Chemotherapy-Induced Skin Dryness in Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danbee Kang ◽  
Nayeon Kim ◽  
Young Hyuck Im ◽  
Yeon Hee Park ◽  
Ji Yeon Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Care Group ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Introduction: While up to 60% of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experience skin side effects reducing quality of life, it was unclear which individual product was beneficial. To evaluate the effectiveness of a tailored moisturizer with a high content (1.5%) of pseudo-ceramides on skin dryness due to chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Methods: Randomized controlled trial conducted from February 2015 to October 2018. 204 breast cancer patients experiencing skin dryness after 1 cycle of chemotherapy were randomly assigned to 3 groups (tailored moisturizer with high pseudo-ceramide content; general moisturizer; and usual care). Skin dryness, dullness, quality of life, and changes in sebum level were assessed at baseline, 3 weeks, and 1 month after completion of chemotherapy. The primary objective of the trial was to compare the tailored moisturizer group to usual care.Results: At 1 month after completion of chemotherapy, the tailored moisturizer group was significantly less likely to report severe skin dryness compared to the usual care group (8.5 vs. 27.9%, respectively, P < 0.01). The tailored moisturizer group reported significantly lower levels of skin dullness and lower levels of impairment of dermatological quality of life compared with the other two groups. Conclusions: A tailored moisturizer with a high content of pseudo-ceramides improved skin dryness, dullness and dermatological quality of life compared to usual care in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

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