scholarly journals Minding the Gap: Addressing the Lack of Awareness and Supportive Services for Cancer Patients and Caregivers in Limited-Resource Settings

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 106s-106s
Author(s):  
C. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Cancer Control ◽  
Limited Resource ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Final Report ◽  
Conference Calls ◽  
Compliance To Treatment ◽  
Knowledge Of Cancer

Background: In limited resource settings, physicians, particularly oncologists, are overburdened and there is an enormous health literacy gap between patients, caregivers and their doctors. Additionally, patients and caregivers are often required to travel great distances to unfamiliar cities to access cancer care. As a result, these patients and caregivers who require instruction and education about their illness are often overlooked and left uninformed, frightened and confused about their treatment and future. Aim: To fill gaps in education, navigation and awareness for cancer patients and caregivers during treatment. Provide practical information specific to their disease and treatment, encourage patient compliance with treatment and to equip them with the knowledge and resources that could have a positive impact on the patient's outcome as well as ease burden on the overtaxed hospital staff. Methods: Working in partnership with local and international cancer control experts, health ministries, clinicians, advocates and caregivers to build and introduce a program consisting of 2 components; patient/caregiver information/navigation support, at 5 sites in Colombia and Vietnam in 2018. The information component will comprise of a series of short videos/info-graphics providing culturally and resource appropriate information about cancer, its treatment, risk factors, treatment options, side effects and precautions including advice on hygiene, nutrition/diet. The navigation component engages hospital staff to map and provide local information and resources on affordable lodging, food and transportation services. Both components will be easily adaptable for each location, and accessible to varying levels of literacy via TV/video monitors/kiosks located in key areas of the hospital and via printed materials. If available, we will network to vetted local social media and Web based resources. Results: We will document the project through conference calls and site visits. We will convene stakeholders and beneficiaries to provide feedback on the implementation and effectiveness of the project. In the absence of a specific advocacy body to apply to for certification, we will use our advisory board, comprised of clinical experts in the field to provide feedback, guidance and critique in the development/evaluation of the materials. The feedback, along with analyses of the project outcomes, will be included in a final report, presented at appropriate conferences and published in relevant professional publications. Conclusion: Expected results: Increased patients' and caregivers' knowledge of cancer and cancer treatment Improved patient's and caregiver's levels of perceived support Reduced stress for patients and caregivers Increase compliance to treatment Reduced patient support burden for hospital staff

390: Durable Cancer Control in High Risk Prostate Cancer Patients Treated with Radical Prostatectomy

2007 ◽  
Vol 177 (4S) ◽  
pp. 130-130
Author(s):  
Markus Graefen ◽  
Jochen Walz ◽  
Andrea Gallina ◽  
Felix K.-H. Chun ◽  
Alwyn M. Reuther ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Radical Prostatectomy ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Control ◽  
High Risk Prostate Cancer ◽  
Risk Prostate Cancer

Using Naïve Bayes Algorithm to Estimate the Response to Drug in Lung Cancer Patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 734-748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baoling Guo ◽  
Qiuxiang Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Drug Response ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Cancer Resistance ◽  
Lung Cancer Patients ◽  
Bayes Algorithm

Aim and Objective: Lung cancer is a highly heterogeneous cancer, due to the significant differences in molecular levels, resulting in different clinical manifestations of lung cancer patients there is a big difference. Including disease characterization, drug response, the risk of recurrence, survival, etc. Method: Clinical patients with lung cancer do not have yet particularly effective treatment options, while patients with lung cancer resistance not only delayed the treatment cycle but also caused strong side effects. Therefore, if we can sum up the abnormalities of functional level from the molecular level, we can scientifically and effectively evaluate the patients' sensitivity to treatment and make the personalized treatment strategies to avoid the side effects caused by over-treatment and improve the prognosis. Result & Conclusion: According to the different sensitivities of lung cancer patients to drug response, this study screened out genes that were significantly associated with drug resistance. The bayes model was used to assess patient resistance.

scholarly journals Data Driven Mathematical Model of FOLFIRI Treatment for Colon Cancer

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2632
Author(s):  
Aparajita Budithi ◽  
Sumeyye Su ◽  
Arkadz Kirshtein ◽  
Leili Shahriyari
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Colon Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
T Helper ◽  
Primary Tumors ◽  
Cell Fractions

Many colon cancer patients show resistance to their treatments. Therefore, it is important to consider unique characteristic of each tumor to find the best treatment options for each patient. In this study, we develop a data driven mathematical model for interaction between the tumor microenvironment and FOLFIRI drug agents in colon cancer. Patients are divided into five distinct clusters based on their estimated immune cell fractions obtained from their primary tumors’ gene expression data. We then analyze the effects of drugs on cancer cells and immune cells in each group, and we observe different responses to the FOLFIRI drugs between patients in different immune groups. For instance, patients in cluster 3 with the highest T-reg/T-helper ratio respond better to the FOLFIRI treatment, while patients in cluster 2 with the lowest T-reg/T-helper ratio resist the treatment. Moreover, we use ROC curve to validate the model using the tumor status of the patients at their follow up, and the model predicts well for the earlier follow up days.

scholarly journals Why Do Our Cancer Patients Sleep So Badly? Sleep Disorders in Cancer Patients: A Frequent Symptom with Multiple Causes

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Herwig Strik ◽  
Werner Cassel ◽  
Michael Teepker ◽  
Thomas Schulte ◽  
Jorge Riera-Knorrenschild ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Disorders ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Ethics Committee ◽  
Breathing Disorders ◽  
The One ◽  
Diagnosis Therapy ◽  
The University ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> On the one hand, sleep disorders in cancer patients are reported in 30–50% of cancer patients. On the other hand, specific causes for these sleep disorders are little known. This study was done to evaluate factors which may affect sleep of cancer patients. To our knowledge, this is the first study which includes return to work as one factor of sleep disturbance. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> 107 patients with various types of cancer treated in 2 hospitals were interviewed with a battery of questionnaires after having given informed consent. The questionnaires intended to detect abnormalities of sleep and related pain, breathing disorders, restless legs syndrome, depression, rumination, medication, and psychosocial distress. The study was approved by the ethics committee of the University of Marburg. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The analysis of the 6 sleep-related questionnaires indicated a sleep disorder of any kind in 68% of all patients. Insomnia symptoms were present in 48 patients (44.9%). Pain, depression, anxiety, and worries about the workplace were significantly related to sleep disorders. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Sleep disorders are common in cancer patients. The causes are manifold and should be considered by caregivers during diagnosis, therapy, and aftercare of cancer patients. Tumour patients should actively be asked about sleep disorders. If these are present, they should be addressed, and as they have a large impact on quality of life, treatment options should be offered in cooperation with sleep specialists.

scholarly journals Improving the experience of facility-based delivery for vulnerable women through obstetric care navigation: a qualitative evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten Austad ◽  
Michel Juarez ◽  
Hannah Shryer ◽  
Patricia L. Hibberd ◽  
Mari-Lynn Drainoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Obstetric Care ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Global disparities in maternal mortality could be reduced by universal facility delivery. Yet, deficiencies in the quality of care prevent some mothers from seeking facility-based obstetric care. Obstetric care navigators (OCNs) are a new form of lay health workers that combine elements of continuous labor support and care navigation to promote obstetric referrals. Here we report qualitative results from the pilot OCN project implemented in Indigenous villages in the Guatemalan central highlands. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 mothers who received OCN accompaniment and 13 staff—namely physicians, nurses, and social workers—of the main public hospital in the pilot’s catchment area (Chimaltenango). Interviews queried OCN’s impact on patient and hospital staff experience and understanding of intended OCN roles. Audiorecorded interviews were transcribed, coded, and underwent content analysis. Results Maternal fear of surgical intervention, disrespectful and abusive treatment, and linguistic barriers were principal deterrents of care seeking. Physicians and nurses reported cultural barriers, opposition from family, and inadequate hospital resources as challenges to providing care to Indigenous mothers. Patient and hospital staff identified four valuable services offered by OCNs: emotional support, patient advocacy, facilitation of patient-provider communication, and care coordination. While patients and most physicians felt that OCNs had an overwhelmingly positive impact, nurses felt their effort would be better directed toward traditional nursing tasks. Conclusions Many barriers to maternity care exist for Indigenous mothers in Guatemala. OCNs can improve mothers’ experiences in public hospitals and reduce limitations faced by providers. However, broader buy-in from hospital staff—especially nurses—appears critical to program success. Future research should focus on measuring the impact of obstetric care navigation on key clinical outcomes (cesarean delivery) and mothers’ future care seeking behavior.

scholarly journals Zinc as a complementary treatment for cancer patients: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Hoppe ◽  
S. Kutschan ◽  
J. Dörfler ◽  
J. Büntzel ◽  
J. Büntzel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Survival Data ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Oral Intake ◽  
Quality Reporting ◽  
Evidenced Based

AbstractZinc is a trace element that plays an important role in the immune system and cell growth. The role of zinc in cancer treatment has been discussed for some time, however without reaching an evidenced-based consensus. Therefore, we aim to critically examine and review existing evidence on the role of zinc during cancer treatment. In January 2019, a systematic search was conducted searching five electronic databases (Embase, Cochrane, PsychINFO, CINAHL and PubMed) to find studies concerning the use, effectiveness and potential harm of zinc therapy on cancer patients. Out of initial 5244 search results, 19 publications concerning 23 studies with 1230 patients were included in this systematic review. The patients treated with zinc were mainly diagnosed with head and neck cancer and underwent chemo-, radio- or concurrent radio-chemotherapy. Interventions included the intake of different amounts of zinc supplements and oral zinc rinses. Outcomes (primary endpoints) investigated were mucositis, xerostomia, dysgeusia, pain, weight, dermatitis and oral intake of nutrients. Secondary endpoints were survival data, quality of life assessments and aspects of fatigue, immune responses and toxicities of zinc. The studies were of moderate quality reporting heterogeneous results. Studies have shown a positive impact on the mucositis after radiotherapy. No protection was seen against mucositis after chemotherapy. There was a trend to reduced loss of taste, less dry mouth and oral pain after zinc substitution. No impact was seen on weight, QoL measurements, fatigue, and survival. The risk of side effects from zinc appears to be relatively small. Zinc could be useful in the prevention of oral toxicities during irradiation. It does not help in chemotherapy-induced side effects.

scholarly journals The Supportive Care Needs of Cancer Patients: a Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madeleine Evans Webb ◽  
Elizabeth Murray ◽  
Zane William Younger ◽  
Henry Goodfellow ◽  
Jamie Ross
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Narrative Synthesis ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Need Support ◽  
Lack Of Control ◽  
Everyday Work

AbstractCancer, and the complex nature of treatment, has a profound impact on lives of patients and their families. Subsequently, cancer patients have a wide range of needs. This study aims to identify and synthesise cancer patients’ views about areas where they need support throughout their care. A systematic  search of the literature from PsycInfo, Embase and Medline databases was conducted, and a narrative. Synthesis of results was carried out using the Corbin & Strauss “3 lines of work” framework. For each line of work, a group of key common needs were identified. For illness-work, the key needs idenitified were; understanding their illness and treatment options, knowing what to expect, communication with healthcare professionals, and staying well. In regards to everyday work, patients wanted to maintain a sense of normalcy and look after their loved ones. For biographical work, patients commonly struggled with the emotion impact of illness and a lack of control over their lives. Spiritual, sexual and financial problems were less universal. For some types of support, demographic factors influenced the level of need reported. While all patients are unique, there are a clear set of issues that are common to a majority of cancer journeys. To improve care, these needs should be prioritised by healthcare practitioners.

Lessons towards the roadmap on implementation and sustainability of cancer control actions

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Albreht
Keyword(s):  
Helicobacter Pylori ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Stomach Cancer ◽  
Antibiotic Treatment ◽  
Joint Action ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cancer Control ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Cancer Management ◽  
Control Actions

Abstract The speaker will present the Innovative Partnership for Action Against Cancer (iPAAC) Joint Action (JA), which is aiming to develop innovative approaches to advances in cancer control and a Roadmap on Implementation and Sustainability of Cancer Control Actions, identifying areas of relevance to AMR. The issue of AMR is an important issue in view of cancer management. It pertains both to the control of one of the pathogens clearly identified as conducive to cancer - Helicobacter pylori as well as to the issues arising from the vulnerability of the cancer patients in the course of oncological treatment. In the previous JA on Cancer Joint Action on Cancer Control (CanCon), an expert consensus process led to the conclusion that population-based screening for Helicobacter pylori, followed by antibiotic treatment at large scale could trigger AMR, even if it could offset some morbidity due to stomach cancer. It is clear that further research activity is necessary to explore this issue since stomach cancer remains a public health challenge. This is important because of late stage detection, resulting in poor survival. The other important issue is the need to protect cancer patients in treatment and beyond by securing effective antibiotic treatment for infections arising from their condition and/or following their treatment.

Relevance of Aromatase Inhibitors in Breast Cancer Treatment

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ankita Sood ◽  
Damanpreet Kaur Lang ◽  
Rajwinder Kaur ◽  
Balraj Saini ◽  
Sandeep Arora
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Aromatase Inhibitors ◽  
Breast Tissue ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Living Standards ◽  
Efficacious Treatment ◽  
Clinical Resistance ◽  
Steroidal Aromatase Inhibitors ◽  
Near Future

: Efficacious treatment for breast cancer is still a challenge despite the presence of various treatment options. Aromatase enzyme present in the breast tissue is responsible for estrogen formation from androgens. Aromatase inhibitors manifest remarkably ameliorated therapeutic efficacy as compared to the current therapeutic options available and exhibit a better safety profile as compared to the other drugs. Clinical resistance to aromatase inhibitors is perceived as a lack of growth inhibition by aromatase inhibitors treatment and cancer therapy becomes ineffective in causing a decrease in the size of the tumor. Naturally extracted aromatase inhibitors have a huge positive impact on vitality and living standards. This review article highlights the particulars about the currently approved steroidal and non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors for clinical use, adverse effects associated with their use and approach to tackling the problem, various strategies to overcome aromatase inhibitors resistance, information on the synthesis of various peculiar aromatase inhibitors which can prove as highly efficient and potent drugs in the near future and the drugs of natural and semi-synthetic origin which can demonstrate to be more efficient, potent and less-toxic than conventional therapy.

Therapeutic and evolutionary characteristics of Diabetic ketosis decompensations after a decade at the University Hospital of Cotonou, Benin

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 01-05
Author(s):  
Gninkoun Jules
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Diabetic Ketosis ◽  
Blood Glucose Levels ◽  
Compliance To Treatment ◽  
The University ◽  
Improving Patient Care ◽  
Length Of Hospitalization

Aim: To evaluate the therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of diabetic ketosis decompensation, a decade after its previous report in our center. Materials and Method: This was a 3-year retrospective study, including all patients admitted from June 1, 2016 to May 31, 2019 for DKA at the Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Department of the National and University Hospital Hubert Koutoukou Maga (CNHU-HKM). Ketosis was defined by the presence of at least 2 acetone crosses on the urine strip. Results: A total of 196 patients were included. The mean age was 43.73 years ± 16.2 years with a sex ratio of 0.96. The prevalence of DKA was 28.99%. The main precipitating factors of DKA were infections (67.86%) and non-compliance to the treatment (29.59%). The most common infections were urogenital (23.30%), respiratory (18.04%) and malaria (32.33%). The mortality was 2.55%. Male subjects (84.36%) had blood glucose levels above 3g/L with a higher mean dose of insulin used (84.71 IU versus 54.29 IU for women p=0.008). Duration of recovery (p=0.008) and length of hospitalization (p=0.006) were statistically longer for men. Conclusion: The prevalence of ketosis decompensations remains high. The main decompensation factors found were infections and non-compliance to treatment. Improving patient care over the past decade had produced a positive impact on mortality, recovery time and length of hospitalization.

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