The Role of a Drug Holiday: Even Patients with Cancer Need a Vacation

2006 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Chu
Keyword(s):  
Drug Holiday ◽  
Patients With Cancer

Are Three Items Sufficient to Measure Sense of Coherence?

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 229-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Chiesi ◽  
Andrea Bonacchi ◽  
Caterina Primi ◽  
Alessandro Toccafondi ◽  
Guido Miccinesi
Keyword(s):  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Time Saving ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Measure Sense

Abstract. The present study aimed at evaluating if the three-item sense of coherence (SOC) scale developed by Lundberg and Nystrom Peck (1995) can be effectively used for research purpose in both nonclinical and clinical samples. To provide evidence that it represents adequately the measured construct we tested its validity in a nonclinical (N = 658) and clinical sample (N = 764 patients with cancer). Results obtained in the nonclinical sample attested a positive relation of SOC – as measured by the three-item SOC scale – with Antonovsky’s 13-item and 29-item SOC scales (convergent validity), and with dispositional optimism, sense of mastery, anxiety, and depression symptoms (concurrent validity). Results obtained in the clinical sample confirmed the criterion validity of the scale attesting the positive role of SOC – as measured by the three-item SOC scale – on the person’s capacity to respond to illness and treatment. The current study provides evidence that the three-item SOC scale is a valid, low-loading, and time-saving instrument for research purposes on large sample.

scholarly journals The role of EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL scores and inflammatory biomarkers in predicting survival in terminally ill patients with cancer

BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nanako Koyama ◽  
Chikako Matsumura ◽  
Yoshihiro Shitashimizu ◽  
Morito Sako ◽  
Hideo Kurosawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Terminally Ill ◽  
Inflammatory Biomarkers ◽  
Survival Curves ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Terminally Ill Patients ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Eortc Qlq

Abstract Background The clinical use of patient-reported outcomes as compared to inflammatory biomarkers for predicting cancer survival remains a challenge in palliative care settings. We evaluated the role of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative scores (EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL) and the inflammatory biomarkers C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin (Alb), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for survival prediction in patients with advanced cancer. Methods This was an observational study in terminally ill patients with cancer hospitalized in a palliative care unit between June 2018 and December 2019. Patients’ data collected at the time of hospitalization were analyzed. Cox regression was performed to examine significant factors influencing survival. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to estimate cut-off values for predicting survival within 3 weeks, and a log-rank test was performed to compare survival curves between groups divided by the cut-off values. Results Totally, 130 patients participated in the study. Cox regression suggested that the QLQ-C15-PAL dyspnea and fatigue scores and levels of CRP, Alb, and NLR were significantly associated with survival time, and cut-off values were 66.67, 66.67, 3.0 mg/dL, 2.5 g/dL, and 8.2, respectively. The areas under ROC curves of these variables were 0.6–0.7. There were statistically significant differences in the survival curves between groups categorized using each of these cut-off values (p < .05 for all cases). Conclusion Our findings suggest that the assessment of not only objective indicators for the systemic inflammatory response but also patient-reported outcomes using EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL is beneficial for the prediction of short-term survival in terminally ill patients with cancer.

Have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patients an Increased Cancer Risk?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Gian Luca Vita ◽  
Luisa Politano ◽  
Angela Berardinelli ◽  
Giuseppe Vita
Keyword(s):  
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Systematic Investigation ◽  
Mdx Mice ◽  
True Incidence ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Dmd Gene ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Prevalence Of Cancer

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene is involved in the occurrence of different types of cancer. Moreover, development of sarcomas was reported in mdx mice, the murine model of DMD, in older age. So far, nine isolated DMD patients were reported with concomitant cancer, four of whom with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), but no systematic investigation was performed about the true incidence of cancer in DMD. Methods: All members of the Italian Association of Myology were asked about the occurrence of cancer in their DMD patients in the last 30 years. Results: Four DMD patients with cancer were reported after checking 2455 medical records. One developed brain tumour at the age of 35 years. Two patients had alveolar RMS at 14 and 17 years of age. The fourth patient had a benign enchondroma when 11-year-old. Conclusion: Prevalence of cancer in general in the Italian DMD patients does not seem to be different from that in the general population with the same age range. Although the small numbers herein presented do not allow definitive conclusion, the frequent occurrence of RMS in DMD patients raises an alert for basic researchers and clinicians. The role of DMD gene in cancer merits further investigations.

The Role of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy to Support Patients With Cancer: A Critical Scoping Review of the Research

2021 ◽  
pp. 089801012110390
Author(s):  
Rebecca H. Lehto ◽  
Megan Miller ◽  
Jessica Sender
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Mushroom Species ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Existential Suffering ◽  
Vulnerable Patients ◽  
Scoping Literature Review ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Self Transcendence

Treatments for addressing psychiatric mental health issues in vulnerable patients with cancer are established. Yet, many patients persist with unrelenting psychological difficulties despite intervention. There is growing interest in the role of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for managing treatment-resistant mental health challenges in patients with cancer. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound derived from certain mushroom species that can induce entheogenic experiences or an altered state of consciousness. Reed's Self-Transcendence Theory provides a holistic lens to examine existential concerns and mental health in individuals who perceive their illness as potentially life threatening, such as those with cancer. This scoping literature review used Arksey and O’Malley's template to evaluate research examining psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for patients with cancer. Eight articles met inclusion/exclusion criteria (four quantitative, two mixed methods, and two qualitative). Review findings indicated that the majority of patient experiences were positive, centering on themes of death acceptance, reflection, and broadened spirituality. Although psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy is in early stages of clinical testing, it thus shows promise for carefully screened patients with cancer who have persistent existential suffering. It will be critical for investigators to tailor this emerging intervention to select patients and for clinicians to be engaged in assessment of outcomes and efficacy.

Potential Role of Oral Anthracyclines in Older Patients with Cancer

Drugs & Aging ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 392-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wieslaw S. Lasota ◽  
Dominique L. de Valeriola ◽  
Martine J. Piccart
Keyword(s):  
Older Patients ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Patients With Cancer

scholarly journals Decoding the Role of Companions in Supporting the Health Communication of Older African-American Men With Cancer

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 324-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie Mitchell ◽  
Jaclynn Hawkins ◽  
Ed-Dee G. Williams ◽  
Susan Eggly ◽  
Terrance L. Albrecht
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
African American Male ◽  
African American Men ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽  
Provider Communication ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Medical Visits ◽  
Patient Provider Communication ◽  
Male Patients

The objective of this study was to systematically characterize the content and patterning of companion’s communicative behavior during oncology consultations for older African-American male patients. Companions and family members often play an important role in patient-centered communication for patients with cancer. Despite their disproportionate cancer burden, little is known about how companions facilitate patient-provider communication for older African-American men with cancer. This study represents a secondary qualitative analysis of 14 video-recorded doctor patient-companion medical visits for African-American male patients with cancer. Videos were captured with consent and institutional review board approval at a Midwest comprehensive cancer center between 2002 and 2006. These medical visits were transcribed, deidentified, and analyzed for the content, frequency, co-occurrence, and thematic clustering of companions’ active participation behaviors during the interaction. Results were well aligned with existing studies on accompanied oncology visits. Patients were on average, 60.14 years old and all but one of the 16 companions was a woman. A total 782 companion behaviors were coded across 14 medical interactions. While companions communicated directly with providers (eg, asking questions, providing medical history) and directly with patients (eg, clarifying information, giving advice), there was a lack of triadic communication. This study clarifies the role of mainly spousal companions as important intermediaries in the patient-provider communication dynamic for older African-American men with cancer.

Practice Model for Advanced Practice Providers in Oncology

2017 ◽  
pp. 40-43
Author(s):  
Jamie Cairo ◽  
Mary Ann Muzi ◽  
Deanna Ficke ◽  
Shaunta Ford-Pierce ◽  
Katrina Goetzke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nurse Practitioners ◽  
Professional Growth ◽  
Physician Assistants ◽  
Advanced Practice ◽  
Quality Improvements ◽  
Collaborative Relationships ◽  
Practice Model ◽  
Patients With Cancer

According to ASCO, the number of practicing oncologists has remained stable despite growth demands, leading to an overall shortage in many areas of the country. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are advanced practice providers (APPs) who can assist in the provision of support and care to patients with cancer, but the role of the APP in the oncology setting has not been well defined. There exists a variety of different practice patterns for APPs who work in oncology, and the lack of role definition and absence of an established practice model are considered leading causes of APP attrition. According to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, it has been well demonstrated that, when nurse practitioners are allowed to work to the full scope of their education and preparation, there are notable cost reductions and quality improvements in patient care. The focus of APP education and training is on health promotion, disease prevention, and primary care medical management, but most APPs have limited exposure to management of cancer in patients. With this in mind, Aurora Cancer Care developed a practice model for APPs who work in oncology. The goal of the model is to enhance the quality of care delivered to patients and provide a stimulating work environment that fosters excellent collaborative relationships with oncologist colleagues, supports professional growth, and allows APPs to practice to the full extent of their licensure.

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