Anxiety among immunotherapy patients: Preliminary findings from Immunotherapy & Me.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 104-104
Author(s):  
Alyssa Marie Jaisle ◽  
Nicholas James Power ◽  
Linda S. House ◽  
Tameka N. Jones ◽  
Lee S. Schwartzberg
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Distress Screening ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Cancer Support ◽  
Support Resources ◽  
World Class ◽  
And Gender

104 Background: Immunotherapy is a relatively new method of cancer treatment which has seen little research into its psychosocial side effects. A clearer understanding of the source of anxiety for those undergoing immunotherapy is crucial as anxiety during cancer treatment can result in decreased treatment adherence, increased mortality rates, and other negative outcomes. This study surveyed 112 cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy to understand their top treatment-related concerns. Methods: RNs in twelve clinics across the U.S. recruited participants into Immunotherapy & Me, a study run by the Cancer Support Community (CSC). Participants were given access to a selection of CSC’s world-class support resources designed to help them and their loved ones manage their treatment. While accessing these resources, participants were encouraged to complete a monthly survey online either at their clinic or at home for seven months. This survey included CancerSupportSource – CSC’s scientifically-validated distress screening tool – as well as some additional questions specifically tailored to immunotherapy patients. Results: The most frequent source of concern related to diagnosis and treatment was “feeling too tired to do things you want to need or do” ( M = 1.21, SD = 1.01), closely followed by “exercising and being physically active” ( M = 1.05, SD = .93). Other concerns included the future ( M = 1.03, SD = .99) and financial ( M = 1.02, SD = 1.16). There were significant differences between age groups in concerns about disruption to life F(4, 97) = 3.52, p < .01; pain F(4,97) = p < .05; finances F(4,97) = 2.86, p < .05; and fatigue F(4, 96) = 2.47, p< .05. Older participants were significantly less concerned about disruption to life as compared to younger participants while younger participants were more concerned about pain than older participants. Conclusions: Cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy do not have a single, outstanding concern. Instead, these patients have several concerns, the level of which varies significantly between age groups and gender. This suggests the need for a subsequent study that explores a more refined list of categories and probes which specific aspects of diagnosis and treatment generate these concerns. Clinical trial information: NCT03347058.

scholarly journals Ten-year experience of the Pirogov Center in the organization of oncological care in a multi-field hospital

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 115-123
Author(s):  
Yu. L. Shevchenko ◽  
O. E. Karpov ◽  
V. O. Sarzhevskiy ◽  
S. A. Fateev ◽  
P. S. Vetshev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Multidisciplinary Approach ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Care Organization ◽  
Field Hospital ◽  
National Medical ◽  
Oncological Care

Organizational aspects of specialized including high-tech oncological medical care in a multi-field hospital are shown. A 10-year experience of the Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Center regarding optimization of the treatment of cancer patients is reported. Effectiveness of oncological care organization in a multi-field hospital is preliminary concluded. It is emphasized that multidisciplinary approach is essential for selecting a personalized program of cancer treatment in these patients. The need for further searching for ways to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients by accumulating and analyzing large clinical material is marked.

scholarly journals A study on the demographic features of cancer patients done in a tertiary care centre in South India

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL2) ◽  
pp. 194-200
Author(s):  
Mathupriya S G ◽  
Ganthimathy Sekhar ◽  
Porchelvan S
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Care Centre ◽  
Tertiary Care Centre ◽  
Cancer Breast ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Screening And Prevention ◽  
One Year

Cancer is a major cause of increased morbidity and mortality in today’s world. Several studies have shown that its incidence is governed by the gender and age of a person. The site and histological subtype of cancer vary between different age groups and sex. Knowledge of the demography of cancer in affected individuals will help in planning screening and prevention strategies. The present study was done to analyse the site of different cancers among various age groups and gender in patients coming to a tertiary care centre. Data of cancer patients was retrospectively analysed in terms of age, sex, site, and histopathological subtypes. The histopathological reports of all cases of cancer recorded at the histopathology laboratory of the tertiary care centre during a one year period- November 2017 to October 2018 were perused and the findings were recorded. Analysis of the data was done using SPSS version 17 to obtain the statistical significance. There were a total of 330 cases of cancer recorded during the study period. Out of these, 143 were male and 187 were female. Age group between 51 and 60 years had the maximum number of cases of cancer. Breast cancer in female and stomach cancer and oropharyngeal cancer in male were found to be more common. Among the histological subtypes, adenocarcinoma was found to be the most commonest across all ages and in both sexes.

scholarly journals The Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-Reported Behaviors of Oncology Physicians Regarding Fertility Preservation in Adult Cancer Patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 1119-1127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanfeng Zhang ◽  
Guorong Wang ◽  
Bin Jiang ◽  
Maoqiu Cao ◽  
Qinghua Jiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Fertility Preservation ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Childbearing Age ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract There is a growing concern about the fertility preservation for adult cancer patients of reproductive age. Very little literature exists about fertility preservation of cancer survivors in Chinese text. This study is first to describe the knowledge level, attitude, and practice behaviors among physicians concerning fertility preservation in adult cancer patients in China. A cross-sectional survey with 30-item was conducted to assess Chinese oncology physicians’ knowledge, attitude, and behaviors regarding fertility issues. Of 360 oncology physicians, 206 (57.2%) submitted valid questionnaires. With possible overall scores for knowledge and attitude of 9 and 15, respectively, physicians’ responses to the questionnaires were 3.91 ± 1.67 and 12.29 ± 1.23. Only 49.5% of physicians routinely informed their cancer patients of childbearing age about the risk of infertility with cancer treatment. The knowledge score of the men physicians was 2-fold that of the women. Physicians aged 20–29 years were significantly more likely than other age groups to prioritize cancer treatment over fertility concerns. Men physicians were significantly more comfortable than the women discussing fertility preservation issues and cooperating with fertility specialists. The oncology physicians in China had limited knowledge of fertility preservation and rarely discussed these issues with their patients, although their attitude was positive. Results suggest that oncology physicians would welcome an in-house fertility-related training program. Key Messages This is the first study to address the topic of fertility preservation as it relates to the care that oncologists provide to cancer patients in China. These results revealed the importance of providing fertility-related training program to oncology physicians. Moreover, this study should provide useful information for other Asian countries, and highlight both the similarities and differences between China and Western countries concerning the reproductive rights of patients. This study should encourage international cooperation with institutions of scientific research and education.

Cancer patients’ reported illness and treatment related concerns, perception of availability and use of available information: The influence of socio-demographics

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6077-6077
Author(s):  
P. Jean-Pierre ◽  
J. A. Roscoe ◽  
G. R. Morrow ◽  
M. Hofman ◽  
K. Fiscella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Illness Perception ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Logistic Regressions ◽  
And Gender

6077 Backgrounds: Studies that examine the roles of socio-demographics in illness perception and healthcare communication among cancer patients are relatively absent. Methods: This sample included 973 (904 whites, 69 non-whites) patients undergoing treatment for cancer at 20 geographically separate sites. Concerns over understanding the diagnosis and treatment plan were assessed on a 5-point-scale (“1=no concern” to “5=a great deal of concern”). Patients were also asked if: a) whether or not information was available to them, b) if yes, did they used it or not, and c) would more information have been helpful. χ2-analyses and ANCOVAs, were conducted to examine group differences in education, occupation, and concern over understanding the diagnosis and treatment plan. Logistic regressions were conducted to assess the independent association of race to patients’ beliefs that additional information would have been helpful. Results: χ2 analyses showed no significant difference between whites and non-whites in education and occupation (Ps > .05). Subsequent ANCOVAs showed significant group differences in concerns over understanding the diagnosis (F(1, 967) = 9.13, p = 0.003) and treatment plan (F(1, 967) = 7.95, p = 0.01), after adjusting for education, occupation, age, and gender. Additionally, χ2 showed significant group differences in beliefs that more information would have been helpful (p < .05). More non-whites (70.3%) than whites (53.1%) indicated that additional information would have been helpful to understanding the diagnosis. Similarly, more non-whites (69.4%) than whites (53.4%) indicated that additional information would have been helpful to understanding the treatment plan. Subsequent logistic regressions confirmed that race independently predicted patients’ indications that more information would have been helpful to understanding the diagnosis (OR = 1.96, 95%CI = 1.12, 3.42) and treatment plan (OR = 1.84, 95%CI = 1.05, 3.22). Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for oncology professionals to consider and integrate information about socio-demographics in their intervention and communication with racial/ethnic minority patients. Supported by NHI PHS-grant U10-CA37420 No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Mobile health tool for monitoring cancer treatment complications.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (29_suppl) ◽  
pp. 297-297
Author(s):  
Amit Sanyal ◽  
James M. Heun ◽  
Clemens walter Janssen ◽  
Jessica Sweeney
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Cost Of Care ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Screening Methods ◽  
Distress Screening

297 Background: Side effects after cancer treatment are ubiquitous, seen in up to 98.3% of patients in one Phase III lymphoma trial. Additionally, cancer patients are at a greater risk of mortality from infections such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), prompting recommendations for routine screening. Current care delivery model, reliant on self- triaging of symptoms by patients results in delayed management and avoidable emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Technology based symptom monitoring allows early identification of complications, reduces symptom burden, cost of care and enables early detection of relapse. We studied utility of a mobile-health tool for toxicity monitoring and COVID-19 screening. Methods: We developed an application that periodically delivers disease specific toxicity questionnaires to patients following cancer treatment. Based on NCI- PRO-CTCAE form builder, the questions are delivered through SMS or e-mail. Responses crossing pre-specified thresholds are flagged for manual care team follow-up. Patient and staff experience as well as medical interventions are captured. Results: Currently, 68 patients with different malignancies are enrolled. Median age 60 years (range 24-85), 35 males, 31 females. 72.35% patients rated user experience at 4 or higher (1-5 scale, 5 highest). Aggregate provider rating was 3.25 (1-5 scale, 5 highest). Of 639 captured responses, 157 reported fatigue, 145 no symptoms, 57 nausea/vomiting or diarrhea, 52 numbness/tingling and 48 shortness of breath. 76 responses were flagged for nurse follow-up calls. These resulted in 72 successful outpatient symptom management, 2 hospitalizations for neutropenic fever, 1 MRI diagnosis of radiation necrosis and 1 diagnosis of lymphoma progression. 92% of patients received a follow up within one business day. Median time between response recorded and follow up completed was 55 minutes. Of 1299 responses recorded by COVID-19 screening, 1175 reported no symptoms. All positive responses (47 cough, 52 diarrhea, 5 fever and 20 dyspnea) were false positives. Study is ongoing with recent implementation of a distress screening and survivorship modules. Conclusions: Electronic capture of symptoms using connected technology is feasible and can be used to screen cancer patients for treatment related complications as well as pandemic related illnesses.

scholarly journals Experience and Impact of a Locally-Based Peer, Volunteer Cancer Support Programme in Hospital Melaka, Melaka Malaysia

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 113s-113s
Author(s):  
M. Chua ◽  
V. Silvathorai ◽  
M. Muniasamy ◽  
H.S. Mohd Hashim ◽  
C. Lim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Waiting Times ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Support Program ◽  
Care Process ◽  
Treatment Center ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Support

Background: Melaka is a small southern state in Peninsular Malaysia. On average, the state has an annual incidence of 200 odd breast cancer patients, largely treated out of its public, subsidized, single tertiary treatment center of Hospital Melaka. Hospital Melaka is an 800-bedded hospital with multiple specialties including surgery and radiology. Though the hospital does not have a dedicated oncology department, cancer treatment is carried out via phone consultations and visiting oncologists as well as a team of on-site nursing staff who are trained to initiate and monitor treatment. Feedback from Hospital Melaka staff highlighted that there was a drop-out rate of about 30% of patients from the treatment journey. Qualitative interviews with different stakeholders including patient revealed that the drop-out may be driven by factors such as: i) fear of surgery, ii) fear of chemotherapy, iii) fear of disfigurement, iv) loss of spouse v) emotional distress and shock; and vi) delay in waiting times for different levels of diagnostics and treatment. Aim: The aim of the initiative was to reduce the rate of patients who defaulted out from the cancer treatment journey via a three-pronged approach: a) improving understanding about cancer and treatment by patients and family members; b) integrating peer-support into the clinical treatment pathway at the hospital and reduction of waiting times; and c) maintaining a continuous interaction with the patient throughout the treatment journey. Methods: The inception and deployment of a locally-based peer, volunteer support program for breast cancer patients and families as part of the formal cancer treatment process in Hospital Melaka. Volunteers were consisted of a trained mix of cancer survivors, current and retired healthcare practitioners and provided information pertaining to treatment and care aspects of breast cancer as well as emotional support and follow-up of patients via phone or in person to ensure compliance to treatment. In this study, we engaged with various stakeholders including hospital management and clinicians. Then, support group's services were formalized into the care pathway for all patients with breast cancer; with both volunteers able to send and receive patient referrals. Results: Statistically significant reductions in patient delays in decision-making to seek treatment as well as a significant decrease of 12.5% in the number of defaulters. Conclusion: A support program built with support from all stakeholders and run by volunteers and embedded within the formal care process acts as a catalyst to enhance both service delivery as well as keeping patients engaged on the cancer care journey.

Screening for Delirium and Dementia in the Cancer Patient

2021 ◽  
pp. 137-145
Author(s):  
Christian Bjerre-Real ◽  
James C. Root ◽  
Yesne Alici ◽  
Julia A. Kearney ◽  
William S. Breitbart
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cognitive Disorders ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Cancer Treatments ◽  
Increase Risk ◽  
High Risk Populations

Cognitive syndromes are commonly encountered among cancer patients. Although aging is an important risk factor for cognitive disorders, in oncology settings there are additional risk factors, including primary or metastatic brain tumors, medical comorbidities, cancer treatments, and depression, that place all age groups at risk for cognitive syndromes. Delirium, a common cognitive syndrome among hospitalized cancer patients, has been shown to increase risk of long-term cognitive impairment. Dementia is a risk factor for delirium development as well. Patients with cognitive deficits may not be able to carry out activities of daily living, such as medication maintenance, food preparation, and transportation. Treatment adherence, vigilance in monitoring and reporting of cancer and cancer treatment–related symptoms, and the ability to make informed decisions on cancer treatment options necessitate intact cognitive functioning. Therefore, screening for cognitive syndromes among cancer patients is an important part of initial assessment, particularly in high-risk populations. This chapter will provide a comprehensive review of the screening and assessment measures used to identify and assess patients with delirium and dementia. A brief overview of common dementia syndromes is also included as relevant to psycho-oncologists caring for older adults with cancer.

Effect of 9–11 on U.S. national cancer clinical trials accrual and lack of effect of National Cancer Institute budget increases

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6551-6551 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Bleyer
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
National Cancer Institute ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cooperative Groups ◽  
Treatment Trials ◽  
The Past ◽  
Beneficial Impact ◽  
The Impact

6551 Background: During the past decade, a variety of initiatives have been implemented to improve the accrual of cancer patients on clinical trials. In the U.S., these have included comprehensive reviews and recommendations by the two most recent National Cancer Institute (NCI) administrations, reorganization of the clinical trials infrastructure at the NCI, and campaigns by the NCI Cooperative Groups and their Coalition. During the past six years, additional funds were allocated to this effort as part of the doubling of the NCI budget. The impact of these efforts on national cancer treatment clinical trials was evaluated, with emphasis on age groups. Methods: Accrual data from NCI-sponsored treatment trials conducted between 1997 and 2006 were obtained from the NCI Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program. Entries were analyzed by patient age, gender, race, type of cancer treated, and calendar year of trial entry. Results: Overall, national cancer treatment trial entries declined after 9–11–2001 and in 2003 reached the lowest levels since 1997. As of 2005 accrual recovered to pre 9–11 levels only in 15–29 and >60 year-olds, with the former demonstrating the greatest gain ( Table ). Entries among <15 and 30–49 year- olds declined steadily since 1997 with no evidence for recovery as of 2005 ( Table ). Overall, the estimated proportion of the nation's cancer patients entered onto national treatment trials remains below 3%. Conclusions: Despite continued national and local efforts to increase the participation of cancer patients on clinical trials, accompanied by significant increases in the NIH and NCI budgets, there is little evidence of a beneficial impact. The effect of 9–11 has yet to be overcome, except in young and elderly adults, in whom specific, targeted initiatives appear to have been successful. The latter approaches may be useful to apply to other age groups, particularly in view of the recent cuts in the cooperative group budgets and current mandated decreases in study accruals. No significant financial relationships to disclose. [Table: see text]

scholarly journals Dietary Changes and Food Preferences Experienced by Older Adult Cancer Patients and the Impact on Health Outcomes

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 263-272
Author(s):  
Kisha Coa ◽  
Joel B. Epstein ◽  
Kathy McManus ◽  
Bruce Moskowitz
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Dietary Changes ◽  
Cancer Symptoms ◽  
The Impact

To describe how cancer treatment influences the dietary behaviors and food preferences of older adult cancer patients and explore associations between these dietary changes and common cancer symptoms. A convenience sample of 800 cancer patients age 55 years and older undergoing cancer treatment completed a self-administered questionnaire which assessed patients’ dietary changes, food preferences and aversions since starting treatment, and health outcomes. Descriptive statistics were conducted to examine associations between dietary changes and age groups (categorized as 55-64 years old, 65-74 years old, and 75 years old and older), and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between dietary changes and health outcomes The majority of participants experienced at least one cancer symptom, with fatigue and poor appetite being most commonly reported. About half of respondents reported no change in appetite or thirst, but those who did report a change were more likely to report a decrease in appetite rather than an increase, and more likely to report an increase in thirst rather than a decrease. Most of the patterns were consistent across age groups but the oldest age group (75+) was less likely to report eating less frequently, and less likely to report certain increased taste and smell sensitivities. Characterizing the nutritional needs of older adult cancer patients is the first step in being able to address these needs. Future research is needed to evaluate potential strategies to address nutritional concerns, and to better understand the unique needs of specific subgroups of older adult cancer patients at high risk of experiencing dietary changes (e.g., those with head and neck cancer).

Personality's Correlates of Adult Development and Aging

2003 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 131-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gian Vittorio Caprara ◽  
Mariagiovanna Caprara ◽  
Patrizia Steca
Keyword(s):  
Personality Traits ◽  
Adult Development ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Efficacy Beliefs ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Education And Health ◽  
Development And Aging ◽  
And Gender

Three cross-sectional studies examined stability and change in personality over the course of life by measuring the relations linking age to personality traits, self-efficacy beliefs, values, and well-being in large samples of Italian male and female participants. In each study, relations between personality and age were examined across several age groups ranging from young adulthood to old age. In each study, personality constructs were first examined in terms of mean group differences accrued by age and gender and then in terms of their correlations with age across gender and age groups. Furthermore, personality-age correlations were also calculated, controlling for the demographic effects accrued by marital status, education, and health. Findings strongly indicated that personality functioning does not necessarily decline in the later years of life, and that decline is more pronounced in males than it is in females across several personality dimensions ranging from personality traits, such as emotional stability, to self-efficacy beliefs, such as efficacy in dealing with negative affect. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for personality theory and social policy.

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