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Cancers
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Cancer Survivorship: During and After Treatment
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Cancer Survivorship: During and After Treatment

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Survivorship and Quality of Life".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2025) | Viewed by 10144

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Florian Scotte

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Patient Pathway Division, Gustave Roussy, 94805 Villejuif, France
Interests: cancer survivorship; treatment effects; quality of life; palliative care; cancer management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue explores the challenges and experiences faced by individuals during and after cancer treatment. It delves into topics such as survivorship care planning, rehabilitation, return to work, managing treatment side effects, psychological support and lifestyle interventions to improve the quality of life post-treatment. The issue aims to provide insights into the unique needs of cancer survivors and highlight strategies for promoting long-term health and well-being beyond the treatment phase. Through a multidisciplinary approach, it offers valuable perspectives for healthcare professionals, researchers and survivors themselves navigating the journey of cancer survivorship.

Dr. Florian Scotte
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cancers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cancer survivorship
  • treatment effects
  • quality of life
  • palliative care
  • cancer management

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 3634 KiB  
Article
CO2 Laser Therapy for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause in Women with Breast Cancer: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial
by Sireen Jaber, Gabriel Levin, Maya Ram-Weiner and Ahinoam Lev-Sagie
Cancers 2025, 17(7), 1241; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17071241 - 6 Apr 2025
Viewed by 463
Abstract
Objectives: We aimed to study the efficacy of fractional CO2 laser for genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) symptoms in breast cancer (BC) survivors through a randomized, sham-controlled study, followed by an open-phase study assessing the impact of additional treatments. Methods: BC survivors [...] Read more.
Objectives: We aimed to study the efficacy of fractional CO2 laser for genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) symptoms in breast cancer (BC) survivors through a randomized, sham-controlled study, followed by an open-phase study assessing the impact of additional treatments. Methods: BC survivors with GSM were randomized to receive either three sessions of intravaginal CO2 laser or sham treatment every 3–4 weeks. The laser’s energy was 45–60 mJ/pixel. Outcomes were compared one month following the last session. Participants initially receiving laser treatment were offered three more sessions, while those receiving sham had six laser sessions in an open-label study. Results: Thirty-four BC survivors were randomized to laser (n = 19) or sham (n = 15) treatments. Dyspareunia and intercourse dryness scores improved in both groups one month post-treatment, without a significant advantage of laser over sham. The laser treatment resulted in a reduction in daily dryness (−1.30 ± 0.55, p = 0.017), an increase in vaginal hydration (3.24 ± 1.13, p = 0.004), and an increase in Vaginal Health Index (VHI) (2.26 ± 0.50, p < 0.001). Most participants (18/19 and 9/15, respectively) opted to continue laser treatments after unblinding, resulting in 27 patients receiving six laser treatments. Increasing the number of laser treatments was associated with a constant improvement in Visual Analogue Score (VAS) scores for dyspareunia, intercourse dryness, daily dryness, burning, discomfort, itch, and average VAS, as well as pH, VHI, and hydration. Conclusions Three fractional CO2 laser treatments for BC survivors reduced daily dryness but did not improve dyspareunia and sexual dryness when compared to sham in this randomized trial. Increasing the number of treatment sessions seemed to improve outcomes; however, it remained clinically insufficient, even after six treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Survivorship: During and After Treatment)
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18 pages, 1141 KiB  
Article
A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Tailored Multicomponent Rehabilitation Program for Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Survivors
by Lauren Corke, David M. Langelier, Abha A. Gupta, Scott Capozza, Eric Antonen, Gabrielle Trepanier, Lisa Avery, Christian Lopez, Beth Edwards and Jennifer M. Jones
Cancers 2025, 17(7), 1066; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17071066 - 22 Mar 2025
Viewed by 483
Abstract
Background: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors have unique needs, yet few tailored rehabilitation programs exist. CaRE-AYA is an 8-week multidimensional rehabilitation program for AYAs that targets impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions and comprises an individualized exercise prescription and weekly group-based [...] Read more.
Background: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors have unique needs, yet few tailored rehabilitation programs exist. CaRE-AYA is an 8-week multidimensional rehabilitation program for AYAs that targets impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions and comprises an individualized exercise prescription and weekly group-based exercise and self-management education. Methods: We conducted a single-arm multi-method pragmatic feasibility study evaluating CaRE-AYA’s feasibility, acceptability, and safety (primary outcomes) and assessed disability, physical functioning, mental health, and social functioning at baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and 3 months post-intervention (T2). Results: Twenty-five participants (median age: 32.8, 76% female) were enrolled. Participation (60%), retention (84% at T1, 72% at T2), and program adherence (76% for education classes, 74% for exercise classes) supported feasibility. Qualitative interviews (n = 9) supported strong perceptions of feasibility and acceptability. No serious adverse events (≥grade 3) attributed to CaRE-AYA occurred. Conclusions: The results suggest CaRE-AYA is feasible, acceptable, and safe. A randomized controlled trial is needed to determine the effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Survivorship: During and After Treatment)
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15 pages, 11937 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Quality of Life and Functional Outcomes in Patients with Total Laryngectomy
by Maria Octavia Murariu, Eugen Radu Boia, Adrian Mihail Sitaru, Cristian Ion Mot, Mihaela Cristina Negru, Alexandru Cristian Brici, Delia Elena Zahoi and Nicolae Constantin Balica
Cancers 2025, 17(6), 1011; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17061011 - 17 Mar 2025
Viewed by 470
Abstract
Background: Laryngeal cancer affects quality of life (QoL), speech, and swallowing. Total laryngectomy (TL) causes severe impairments, while partial laryngectomy (PL) and chemoradiotherapy (CRT) preserve the organ but yield variable outcomes. This study assesses QoL, speech rehabilitation, swallowing, and social reintegration across these [...] Read more.
Background: Laryngeal cancer affects quality of life (QoL), speech, and swallowing. Total laryngectomy (TL) causes severe impairments, while partial laryngectomy (PL) and chemoradiotherapy (CRT) preserve the organ but yield variable outcomes. This study assesses QoL, speech rehabilitation, swallowing, and social reintegration across these treatments. Methods: This prospective observational cohort study was conducted at the ENT Clinic, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timișoara; recruitment was conducted between October 2019 and January 2024. Seventy-five patients diagnosed with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) were initially enrolled but only 15 patients (20%) completed the 12-month follow-up, with an attrition rate of 80%. Tumor stages ranged from T1 to T4a, with TL patients having a higher proportion of advanced-stage disease (Stage III–IV: 76%) compared to PL (45%) and CRT (50%). Validated instruments, including the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire for Head and Neck Cancer (EORTC QLQ-H&N35), the Voice Handicap Index-30 (VHI-30), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS), were used to assess QoL, voice function, swallowing function, and psychological impact. Results: At 12 months, the global QoL score from the EORTC QLQ-H&N35 was lowest in TL patients (49.8 ± 10.9), significantly lower than both PL (61.2 ± 9.6, p = 0.002) and CRT (64.1 ± 7.8, p < 0.001). Post hoc Bonferroni analysis confirmed significant pairwise differences between TL vs. PL (p = 0.002) and TL vs. CRT (p < 0.001), while the difference between PL and CRT was non-significant (p = 0.14). TL patients had higher speech-related disability (VHI: 88.3 ± 12.6) and dysphagia prevalence (DOSS: 4.0 ± 1.2), with 16% remaining enteral feeding-dependent. Anxiety (HADS-A: 7.5 ± 2.9) and depression (HADS-D: 9.0 ± 3.2) were highest in TL patients, with 36% meeting clinical depression criteria at 12 months. Multivariable regression identified TL (OR = 3.92, 95% CI: 2.14–5.79, p < 0.001) and advanced tumor stage (OR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.79–4.21, p = 0.002) as strong predictors of poor QoL. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed no significant OS differences (p = 0.12), but CRT patients had lower DFS (78%) compared to TL (82%) and PL (85%) (p = 0.048). Conclusions: TL patients experience the most significant impairments in QoL, speech, and social reintegration despite rehabilitation. CRT patients show higher recurrence rates but better QoL, while PL offers the best balance of function and survival. These findings highlight the need for long-term survivorship support tailored to treatment type. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Survivorship: During and After Treatment)
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11 pages, 523 KiB  
Article
Knowledge Deficit About How Chemotherapy Affects Long-Term Survival in Testicular Tumor Patients
by Bjoern Thorben Buerk, Charlotte Helke, Emilia Richter, Viktoria Menzel, Angelika Borkowetz, Christian Thomas and Martin Baunacke
Cancers 2025, 17(4), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17040565 - 7 Feb 2025
Viewed by 488
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Patients with germ cell tumors have a good prognosis, which is partly due to platin-based chemotherapy. However, the long-term effects of CTx may play a relevant role in the long-term effects. Up to now, little is known about the knowledge that testicular [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Patients with germ cell tumors have a good prognosis, which is partly due to platin-based chemotherapy. However, the long-term effects of CTx may play a relevant role in the long-term effects. Up to now, little is known about the knowledge that testicular tumor survivors have about these long-term effects. Methods: A survey of testicular tumor patients treated at the University Hospital Dresden from 2011 up to 2021 was conducted. Patients who had received CTx were asked about their knowledge of the therapy and long-term effects. Results: Of the 279 returns (6 deceased, 46 unavailable, 64% response), 198 patients had received CTx. This was followed up by 63 different urologists. The follow-up period was 5.3 ± 2.9 years. A total of 5% (10/197) did not remember receiving CTx. A total of 55% (102/187) could not name the type of CTx. The most commonly known long-term effects were the risk of second tumors (63%) and andrological problems (59–60%). A total of 18.7% of patients did not know any long-term effects. Half of the patients (54.3%) knew a maximum of 5/14 long-term effects. In a multivariate analysis, a low educational degree (OR 2.2 (1.2–4.3); p = 0.02) and one course of carboplatin (OR 3.1 (1.1–9.3); p = 0.04) were the independent predictors for a knowledge deficit. Conclusions: Germ cell tumor patients have a low level of awareness of the long-term effects of CTx. This results in a risk of inadequate prevention and follow-up, which, in turn, may have an impact on patients’ long-term survival. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Survivorship: During and After Treatment)
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9 pages, 879 KiB  
Article
Adverse Obstetric Outcomes after Breast Cancer Diagnosis: An Observational Database Study in Germany
by Anna Sophie Scholz, Alexandra von Au, Raphael Gutsfeld, Tjeerd Maarten Hein Dijkstra, Dominik Dannehl, Kathrin Hassdenteufel, Markus Hahn, Sabine Hawighorst-Knapstein, Ariane Chaudhuri, Armin Bauer, Markus Wallwiener, Sara Yvonne Brucker, Andreas Daniel Hartkopf and Stephanie Wallwiener
Cancers 2024, 16(18), 3230; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16183230 - 22 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1263
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Breast cancer may negatively affect later pregnancy and childbirth. We aimed to analyze the impact of previous breast cancer on obstetric outcomes in postdiagnosis pregnancies. Methods: Insurance claims data in Southern Germany were used to identify breast cancer (BC) survivors with at [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Breast cancer may negatively affect later pregnancy and childbirth. We aimed to analyze the impact of previous breast cancer on obstetric outcomes in postdiagnosis pregnancies. Methods: Insurance claims data in Southern Germany were used to identify breast cancer (BC) survivors with at least one subsequent delivery after cancer diagnosis between 2010 and 2020. In total, 74 BC survivors were compared to 222 age-matched controls with frequency matching on their age at their postdiagnosis delivery. Results: Endocrine therapy was associated with a significantly lower probability of birth compared to BC survivors without endocrine therapy (HR 0.36; 95% CI 0.18–0.53; p < 0.0001). The risks of preterm birth, low birth weight (LBW), gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, and cesarean section were not significantly increased among BC survivors compared to healthy controls. BC survivors were at an increased risk for a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetus (OR 3.24; 95% CI 1.17–8.97, p = 0.03). Delivery in less than 2 years after diagnosis increased the risk for SGA (OR 5.73; 95% CI 1.37–24.02, p = 0.03) and LBW (OR 4.57; 95% CI 1.32–15.87, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Our findings are encouraging regarding the risks of preterm delivery, gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, and cesarean section to women who consider pregnancy after BC. Delivery in less than 2 years after diagnosis was associated with an increased risk for SGA and LBW. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Survivorship: During and After Treatment)
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Review

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35 pages, 3344 KiB  
Review
Assessing the Impact of Nutritional Status on the Quality of Life in Head and Neck Cancer Patients—The Need for Comprehensive Digital Tools
by Rodica Anghel, Liviu Bîlteanu, Antonia-Ruxandra Folea, Șerban-Andrei Marinescu, Aurelia-Magdalena Pisoschi, Mihai-Florin Alexandrescu, Andreea-Ionela Dumachi, Laurentia-Nicoleta Galeș, Oana Gabriela Trifănescu, Anca-Florina Zgură, Luiza-Georgia Șerbănescu, Cristina Capșa, Andreas Charalambous and Andreea-Iren Șerban
Cancers 2025, 17(7), 1128; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17071128 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 775
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Malnutrition is a key determinant of quality of life (QoL) in patients with head and neck cancers (HNCs), influencing treatment outcomes and the occurrence of adverse events (AEs). Despite there being numerous studies on nutritional status and QoL, there is no [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Malnutrition is a key determinant of quality of life (QoL) in patients with head and neck cancers (HNCs), influencing treatment outcomes and the occurrence of adverse events (AEs). Despite there being numerous studies on nutritional status and QoL, there is no standardized risk or prognostic model integrating clinical and demographic factors. Methods: A literature search was conducted in September 2024 in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, covering studies published between 2013 and 2024. Articles were selected based on their relevance to AEs, nutritional interventions, and QoL assessments in HNC patients. Results: The key factors influencing QoL in HNC patients include age, sex, weight, BMI, educational level, and tumor features. Mucositis was identified as the most significant food intake-impairing AE, contributing to malnutrition and reduced QoL. Current QoL assessments rely on descriptive questionnaires, which lack personalization and predictive capabilities. Digital tools, including machine learning models and digital twins, offer potential solutions for risk prediction and personalized nutritional interventions. Conclusions: Despite significant research efforts, QoL assessment in HNC patients remains non-uniform, and risk models integrating nutritional status are lacking. A comprehensive, personalized approach is needed, leveraging digital tools to improve nutritional intervention strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Survivorship: During and After Treatment)
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16 pages, 1044 KiB  
Review
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN): A Narrative Review and Proposed Theoretical Model
by Kimberley T. Lee, Hailey W. Bulls, Aasha I. Hoogland, Brian W. James, Claudia B. Colon-Echevarria and Heather S. L. Jim
Cancers 2024, 16(14), 2571; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16142571 - 18 Jul 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5605
Abstract
Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and debilitating symptom experienced by cancer survivors. Despite the burden of CIPN-related symptoms, interventions remain limited. Objectives: This narrative review seeks to propose a framework for CIPN predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating factors (3Ps), which will [...] Read more.
Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and debilitating symptom experienced by cancer survivors. Despite the burden of CIPN-related symptoms, interventions remain limited. Objectives: This narrative review seeks to propose a framework for CIPN predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating factors (3Ps), which will provide a foundation for future research and clinical interventions aimed at mitigating CIPN-related symptoms and morbidity. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, guided by keywords related to “chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.” Studies were limited to those with full text available in English. Results: Predisposing factors outlined in this framework, such as older age and comorbid conditions, can be used to identify patients who have a higher risk of developing CIPN. The major precipitating factor of CIPN is the delivery of chemotherapy to peripheral nerves, which may be mitigated via cryotherapy or compression therapy during chemotherapy. Perpetuating factors can offer insight into psychological, cognitive, and behavioral modifications that could be treatment targets for CIPN management. Conclusion: The proposed 3P model can guide the development of effective interventions for CIPN by suggesting modifiable psychological and behavioral treatment targets that may mitigate the impact of CIPN for cancer patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Survivorship: During and After Treatment)
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