Evaluating an educational intervention to alleviate distress among men with newly-diagnosed prostate cancer and their partners.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 194-194
Author(s):  
Lindsay Hedden ◽  
Richard J Wassersug ◽  
Sarah Mahovlich ◽  
Phil Pollock ◽  
Monita Sundar ◽  
...  

194 Background: Diagnoses of cancer distress both patients and their partners. Providing accurate information about diagnosis and treatment options promotes active and informed decision-making and can decrease distress and anxiety. We sought to determine whether an education session alleviated distress for both prostate cancer (PC) patients and their partners, and whether their partner’s attendance at the session, as well as specific disease, treatment, and socio-demographic characteristics affect changes in distress levels. Methods: The session consists of a 90-minute didactic presentation, followed by an 8- to 10-minute private session with a urologist and radiation oncologist. We assessed distress using the Distress Thermometer (DT) and compared pre- and post-session distress, and change in distress between patients and partners using matched and unmatched t-tests. We also assessed before-the-session anxiety using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder measure (GAD), and decisional certainty using the Decisional Conflict Scale. Results: 71 patients and 48 partners participated in the study. Attending the session led to a significant reduction in median DT score for both patients (4.0 to 3.0, p = 0.0009) and partners (5.0 vs. 4.0, p = 0.0176). Partners reported higher distress both before and after the session compared to patients (4.9 vs. 3.8, p = 0.025 pre-session and 4.2 vs. 3.1, p = 0.032 post-session). The presence of a partner at the session did not appear to affect patients’ pre- or post-session distress nor the success of the session at alleviating distress. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics had little effect on distress levels. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that an interdisciplinary education session is equally effective at alleviating distress for both PC patients and their partners. These results can be used to guide the development of supportive care programs more broadly in terms of their ability to address the physiological and psychological needs of PC patients and their families.

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (7_suppl) ◽  
pp. 106-106
Author(s):  
David C. Johnson ◽  
Eric Wallen ◽  
Angela Smith ◽  
Michael Woods ◽  
Raj Pruthi ◽  
...  

106 Background: Men with newly diagnosed localized prostate cancer (LPC) face a complex, preference-sensitive treatment decision. Low “decisional conflict” (DC), defined as uncertainty over treatment choice, is a key component of decision quality. Lower scores on the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS) are associated with lower likelihood of delaying a decision and assessing blame to a physician for bad outcomes. We hypothesized that using a novel software application to measure and report patients’ preferences for LPC treatment outcomes as part of a pre-consultation intervention would improve decisional quality in men with LPC by reducing DC. Methods: Men with newly diagnosed LPC completed the online WiserCare (WiserCare, Inc) prostate cancer module prior to their initial consultation at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Multi-disciplinary Urologic Oncology Clinic. WiserCare is a software application that provides education, preference assessment, and personalized decision analysis for patients. Preferences are measured using conjoint analysis. WiserCare then generates an individualized report ranking treatment options based on their “fit”(expected value) based on clinical prognostic factors and personal preferences. This report is used with their physician during counseling. We measured DCS scores before and after completion of the WiserCare module. Paired 2-tailed T-tests were to evaluate the changes in DCS scores. Results: 48 men completed the WiserCare module and DCS prior to their initial consultation for newly diagnosed LPC. Overall DCS score decreased by 38% (p<0.00001) after completion of the WiserCare module. Analysis of DCS subscales revealed improvements in all five, including feeling informed by 56% (p<0.00001), value clarity by 49% (p=0.001), feeling effective in decision making by 36% (p=0.0001), feeling supported by 31% (p=0.0037), and reduced uncertainty by 24% (p=0.0023). Conclusions: A pre-consultation web-based module integrating evidence-based information, individualized clinical data and personal preference data is a feasible and effective strategy to reduce decisional conflict in men making treatment choices for localized prostate cancer.


2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (25) ◽  
pp. 4158-4162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kris Wallace ◽  
Neil Fleshner ◽  
Michael Jewett ◽  
Joan Basiuk ◽  
Juanita Crook

Purpose Random assignment to clinical trials involving different treatment modalities can be difficult. We describe our experience with the Surgical Prostatectomy Versus Interstitial Radiation Intervention Trial (SPIRIT; ACOSOG Z0070 NCIC PR10), a randomized trial for early-stage prostate cancer comparing radical prostatectomy (RP), and brachytherapy (BT). A multidisciplinary educational session was developed to improve patient understanding of treatment options and to facilitate accrual. Patients and Methods Prostate cancer referrals were screened and men who met favorable risk criteria (T1c/T2a, prostate-specific antigen [PSA] < 10 ng/mL, Gleason ≤ 6) were invited to a structured education session before a specialty consultation. Men and their partners viewed the SPIRIT informed-consent video and heard from a cancer patient who described his participation in a randomized trial. Then, a urologist and radiation oncologist together compared and contrasted RP and BT to establish the rationale for the trial. Results In May 2002, SPIRIT opened for accrual and was endorsed by the University Health Network urologists and radiation oncologists. The first 27 eligible patients were approached about SPIRIT, consulted both specialties, and viewed an educational video. No patients consented. The multidisciplinary education session was then introduced. Forty-seven education sessions with 263 patients resulted in 34 consents. Of 203 patients who were suitable for the study but declined random assignment, 62 chose surgery, 94 chose brachytherapy, three patients chose external radiotherapy, and 11 chose no treatment. Consent rates for eligible and suitable patients were one in six. Conclusion Men who understand their treatment options and trial rationale as presented jointly by representative specialists from competing treatment modalities may be better equipped to make an informed decision and are more likely to consent to random assignment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 169-177
Author(s):  
Konstantina G. Yiannopoulou ◽  
Aikaterini I. Anastasiou ◽  
Konstantinos Kontoangelos ◽  
Charalambos Papageorgiou ◽  
Ioannis P. Anastasiou

<b><i>Objectives: </i></b>Psychological morbidity as well as cognitive impairment are increasingly reported in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. However, despite growing numbers of PCa survivors and the well estimated negative impact of cognitive decline and emotional distress on survivors' quality of life, no study has assessed the whole range of cognitive and psychological sequelae as a response to treatment options for PCa. The objective of the present review was to systematically characterize the types and estimate the prevalence of the cognitive impairment and emotional burdens that were found in PCa survivors secondary to different treatment options. <b><i>Methods: </i></b>Systematic, general reviews, meta-analysis, and overviews of review studies in English, that were published in PubMed during the last 10 years until l August 2019 and that reported psychological distress, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, or dementia among individuals with PCa exposed to a particular treatment option were analyzed. <b><i>Results: </i></b>A total of 21 articles were reviewed. Some of the studies described one or more cognitive or psychological consequences of only one therapeutic strategy while others compared the psychological impacts among different strategies. Most of these studies suggested that either radical prostatectomy or active surveillance and radiotherapy were well-tolerated treatments in terms of psychological modifications. However, many of these patients may require additional emotional support. There is also increasing evidence that androgen deprivation therapy may be associated with depression, while controversy surrounding the association between cognitive dysfunction, dementia, and androgen deprivation therapy remains ambivalent. <b><i>Conclusion: </i></b>Emotional distress and cognitive decline may accompany every PCa treatment option to different degrees. Accurate information on the short- and long-term effect of treatments on cognitive and psychological aspects should be provided to patients during treatment decision-making. There is also a need to develop well-targeted psychological and neurological interventions that could help those experiencing ongoing post-treatment difficulties.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 155798832092720
Author(s):  
Sabrina L. Dickey ◽  
Caneisaya Matthews ◽  
Eugenia Millender

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among American men, with Black men at the highest risk for the disease. Few studies have been published on how communication between Black prostate cancer survivors and their family members affect health outcomes and subsequent health communication. The purpose of this study was to understand cancer and health communication among Black prostate cancer survivors and their families before and after disclosing their diagnosis. Through a mixed method design, 11 Black prostate cancer survivors participated from the Southeastern region of the United States, completed questionnaires, and took part in a focus group. The study utilized 4 focus groups of Black prostate cancer survivors ranging in age from 51 to 76 years. Descriptive statistics revealed 91% ( n = 10) of participants indicated they could openly discuss health issues in their family and 82% ( n = 9) indicated a female relative as the person responsible for teaching about health. An analysis of the transcripts revealed four themes utilizing thematic network: (a) communication over the life course of the prostate cancer survivor, (b) parents’ communication with family, (c) disclosing prostate cancer diagnosis, and (d) treatment options for prostate cancer. Results suggested the participants recognized the importance of discussing prostate cancer with their families to reduce fears and misconceptions about the disease. Through the exploration of cancer and health communication within Black families, solutions can be derived for increasing health behaviors and health knowledge among men.


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-250
Author(s):  
Ann E. Perreau ◽  
Richard S. Tyler ◽  
Patricia C. Mancini ◽  
Shelley Witt ◽  
Mohamed Salah Elgandy

Purpose Audiologists should be treating hyperacusis patients. However, it can be difficult to know where to begin because treatment protocols and evidence-based treatment studies are lacking. A good place to start in any tinnitus and hyperacusis clinic is to incorporate a group educational session. Method Here, we outline our approach to establishing a hyperacusis group educational session that includes specific aspects of getting to know each patient to best meet their needs, understanding the problems associated with hyperacusis, explaining the auditory system and the relationship of hyperacusis to hearing loss and tinnitus, describing the influence of hyperacusis on daily life, and introducing treatment options. Subjective responses from 11 adults with hyperacusis, who participated in a recent clinical group education session, were discussed to illustrate examples from actual patients. Conclusions Due to the devastating nature of hyperacusis, patients need to be reassured that they are not alone and that they can rely on audiologists to provide support and guidance. A group approach can facilitate the therapeutic process by connecting patients with others who are also affected by hyperacusis, and by educating patients and significant others on hyperacusis and its treatment options. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.8121197


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-70
Author(s):  
Petr Květon ◽  
Martin Jelínek

Abstract. This study tests two competing hypotheses, one based on the general aggression model (GAM), the other on the self-determination theory (SDT). GAM suggests that the crucial factor in video games leading to increased aggressiveness is their violent content; SDT contends that gaming is associated with aggression because of the frustration of basic psychological needs. We used a 2×2 between-subject experimental design with a sample of 128 undergraduates. We assigned each participant randomly to one experimental condition defined by a particular video game, using four mobile video games differing in the degree of violence and in the level of their frustration-invoking gameplay. Aggressiveness was measured using the implicit association test (IAT), administered before and after the playing of a video game. We found no evidence of an association between implicit aggressiveness and violent content or frustrating gameplay.


2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Hörmann ◽  
Sivanesan Dhandayuthapani ◽  
James Kumi-Diaka ◽  
Appu Rathinavelu

Background: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men. The development of alternative preventative and/or treatment options utilizing a combination of phytochemicals and chemotherapeutic drugs could be an attractive alternative compared to conventional carcinoma treatments. Genistein isoflavone is the primary dietary phytochemical found in soy and has demonstrated anti-tumor activities in LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Topotecan Hydrochloride (Hycamtin) is an FDA-approved chemotherapy for secondary treatment of lung, ovarian and cervical cancers. The purpose of this study was to detail the potential activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in LNCaP prostate cancer cells through genistein-topotecan combination treatments. Methods: LNCaP cells were cultured in complete RPMI medium in a monolayer (70-80% confluency) at 37ºC and 5% CO2. Treatment consisted of single and combination groups of genistein and topotecan for 24 hours. The treated cells were assayed for i) growth inhibition through trypan blue exclusion assay and microphotography, ii) classification of cellular death through acridine/ ethidium bromide fluorescent staining, and iii) activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway through Jc-1: mitochondrial membrane potential assay, cytochrome c release and Bcl-2 protein expression.Results: The overall data indicated that genistein-topotecan combination was significantly more efficacious in reducing the prostate carcinoma’s viability compared to the single treatment options. In all treatment groups, cell death occurred primarily through the activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway.Conclusion: The combination of topotecan and genistein has the potential to lead to treatment options with equal therapeutic efficiency as traditional chemo- and radiation therapies, but lower cell cytotoxicity and fewer side effects in patients. Key words: topotecan; genistein; intrinsic apoptotic cell death


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-20
Author(s):  
Junyi Xiang ◽  
Feng Huang ◽  
Renhua Huang ◽  
Jingzhan Su ◽  
Yulong Liu

Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of death in men all over the world. Treatment options such as androgen ablation therapy and cytotoxic agents have many undesirable side effects, narrow therapeutic windows, or other limitations. In this research, we have explored the effects of paeonol on prostate cancer and its mechanism of action. Our results have shown that paeonol reduced the viability of prostate cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. The wound-healing assay, a surrogate marker of tumor metastasis, showed that the relative wound width of 10 µM group was less than that of 50 µM paeonol-treated cells. Besides, the results of the transwell assay also showed that the number of migrated cells was significantly lower after treatment with 50 µM paeonol compared to the 10 µM group. The Western blot results showed that paeonol treatment induced a decrease in the mesenchymal markers (vimentin and N-cadherin), while the epithelial marker (E-cadherin) increased in a dose-dependent manner suggesting that paeonol effectively inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation in PC3 cells. Furthermore, the expression of STAT3 and p-STAT3 was also decreased after paeonol treatment, which indicated that the STAT3 signaling pathway was inhibited by paeonol. To conclude, the results summarized in this paper suggest that paeonol could be a potential candidate in the treatment of prostate cancer.


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