Life of Cancer Survivor

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Cancers cancers	4.5	8.0	2009	17.4 Days	CHF 2900
Current Oncology curroncol	2.8	3.3	1994	19.8 Days	CHF 2200
Healthcare healthcare	2.4	3.5	2013	20.3 Days	CHF 2700
Nursing Reports nursrep	2.4	2.5	2011	37.1 Days	CHF 1800
Onco onco	-	-	2021	27.8 Days	CHF 1000

14 pages, 1105 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychological Intervention for Patients with Biopsychosocial Late Effects Following Surgery for Colorectal Cancer with Peritoneal Metastases—A Feasibility Study

by Rogini Balachandran, Henriette Vind Thaysen, Peter Christensen, Eva Rames Nissen, Mia Skytte O’Toole, Sofie Møgelberg Knutzen, Cecilie Dorthea Rask Buskbjerg, Lisa Maria Wu, Nina Tauber, Ali Amidi, Josefine Tingdal Taube Danielsen, Robert Zachariae and Lene Hjerrild Iversen

Cancers 2025, 17(7), 1127; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17071127 - 27 Mar 2025

Viewed by 356

Abstract

Background: Up to 80% of patients experience late effects (LE) one year after surgery for peritoneal metastases (PM) from colorectal cancer (CRC). We tested the feasibility and outcome of a treatment strategy to address LEs. Methods: During January 2021–May 2023, patients [...] Read more.

Background: Up to 80% of patients experience late effects (LE) one year after surgery for peritoneal metastases (PM) from colorectal cancer (CRC). We tested the feasibility and outcome of a treatment strategy to address LEs. Methods: During January 2021–May 2023, patients who had undergone surgery for CRC-PM in Denmark were screened for biopsychosocial LEs (anxiety, depression, fear of cancer recurrence, insomnia, cognitive impairment, pain, fatigue). Patients scoring according to clinical cut-offs were referred to a Multi-Disciplinary Team conference (MDT). The patients, surgeon(s), nurse(s), and psychologists participated in the MDT, identified key concerns and proposed a personalized intervention. Pre- and post-intervention, patients completed a “Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing” (MYCaW) questionnaire, rating the two most distressing LEs and general wellbeing on a 7-point Likert scale. Results: Of 28 eligible patients, 13 (59 years (mean), 85% women) accepted referral, participated in the MDT, and were offered a personalized intervention. The intervention was completed by 11 patients. Improvement in MYCaW score was observed 1 month postintervention for all three items: (1) the primary LE (p = 0.003, Hedges’s g 1.54), (2) the secondary LE (p < 0.001, Hedges’s g 1.65), and (3) general wellbeing (p = 0.005, Hedges’s g 1.09). This improvement was sustained 6 months postintervention. The 15 non-participants were, in general, older (66 years (mean), men 73%). Conclusions: Screening for LEs and conducting an MDT can provide a personalized intervention plan, which patients are able to complete and may benefit from. Full article

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16 pages, 498 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sociocultural and Clinical Determinants of Sexual Dysfunction in Perimenopausal Women with and Without Breast Cancer

by Osiris G. Delgado-Enciso, Valery Melnikov, Gustavo A. Hernandez-Fuentes, Jessica C. Romero-Michel, Daniel A. Montes-Galindo, Veronica M. Guzmán-Sandoval, Josuel Delgado-Enciso, Mario Ramirez-Flores, Iram P. Rodriguez-Sanchez, Margarita L. Martinez-Fierro, Idalia Garza-Veloz, Karmina Sánchez-Meza, Carmen A. Sanchez-Ramirez, Carmen Meza-Robles and Ivan Delgado-Enciso

Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(11), 7363-7378; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31110543 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1424

Abstract

Breast cancer survivorship is a recognized risk factor for sexual dysfunction, with various clinical, sociocultural, and psychological factors potentially interacting differently across populations. This study compared sexual dysfunction, anxiety, and depression between females with breast cancer and those without, aiming to identify associated [...] Read more.

Breast cancer survivorship is a recognized risk factor for sexual dysfunction, with various clinical, sociocultural, and psychological factors potentially interacting differently across populations. This study compared sexual dysfunction, anxiety, and depression between females with breast cancer and those without, aiming to identify associated factors. A total of 362 females participated, including 227 with sexual dysfunction and 135 controls. Among them, 195 are breast cancer survivors, while 167 have no personal history of cancer. Key variables were analyzed using Student’s t-test for quantitative data and Fisher’s exact test for categorical data, while logistic regression models were used to assess the association between sexual dysfunction and various factors. Multivariate analysis revealed that, in sexually active females, breast cancer survivorship increased the odds of sexual dysfunction 2.7-fold (95% CI: 1.17–6.49; p = 0.020). Anxiety was significantly associated with sexual dysfunction, regardless of cancer status (AdOR 6.00; 95% CI: 2.50–14.43; p < 0.001). The interaction between cancer survival and anxiety further increased the odds of sexual dysfunction by more than 11-fold (AdOR 11.55; 95% CI: 3.81–35.04; p < 0.001). Additionally, obesity was found to be a protective factor among cancer survivors (AdOR 0.149; 95% CI: 0.027–0.819; p = 0.029). In conclusion, breast cancer has a significant impact on sexual function, with psychological factors like anxiety playing a crucial role. Addressing these issues requires a holistic, patient-centered approach that considers the complex interplay of physical, emotional, and sociocultural factors. Full article

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20 pages, 1351 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Patient-Reported Outcomes after Surgical, Endoscopic, or Radiological Techniques for Nutritional Support in Esophageal Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

by Filipa Fontes, Davide Fernandes, Ana Almeida, Inês Sá and Mário Dinis-Ribeiro

Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(10), 6171-6190; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31100460 - 14 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1520

Abstract

Several techniques exist to maintain oral and/or enteral feeding among esophageal cancer (EC) patients, but their impact on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to assess the impact of nutritional support techniques on PROs in EC patients. We searched Medline, [...] Read more.

Several techniques exist to maintain oral and/or enteral feeding among esophageal cancer (EC) patients, but their impact on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to assess the impact of nutritional support techniques on PROs in EC patients. We searched Medline, Web of Science, and CINAHL Complete from inception to 3 April 2024. Eligible studies included those evaluating EC patients, reporting PROs using standardized measures, and providing data on different nutritional support techniques or comparing them to no intervention. The reference lists of the included studies were also screened for additional eligible articles. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. Of the 694 articles identified from databases and 224 from backward citation, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Nine studies evaluated the overall quality of life (QoL), four assessed pain, and one evaluated depression. Among those submitted to esophagectomy, jejunostomy may be associated with higher QoL scores and less postoperative pain, compared to a nasojejunal tube, but no significant differences were found when compared to no intervention. For patients undergoing chemotherapy or receiving palliative/symptomatic treatment, expandable metal stents (SEMSs) were associated with higher levels of emotional functioning when compared with laparoscopic gastrostomy. Moreover, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy or SEMSs were associated with a higher QoL compared with nasogastric tubes. This review underscores the importance of considering PRO measures when evaluating nutritional support techniques in cancer patients, though further robust evidence is needed to fully understand these associations. Full article

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13 pages, 994 KiB

Open AccessReview

Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia by Docetaxel: Prevalence, Treatment and Prevention

by Aleymi M. Perez, Nicole I. Haberland, Mariya Miteva and Tongyu C. Wikramanayake

Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(9), 5709-5721; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31090423 - 23 Sep 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3882

Abstract

Docetaxel is a commonly used taxane chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of a variety of cancers, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, gastric cancer, and head and neck cancer. Docetaxel exerts its anti-cancer effects through inhibition of the [...] Read more.

Docetaxel is a commonly used taxane chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of a variety of cancers, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, gastric cancer, and head and neck cancer. Docetaxel exerts its anti-cancer effects through inhibition of the cell cycle and induction of proapoptotic activity. However, docetaxel also impacts rapidly proliferating normal cells in the scalp hair follicles (HFs), rendering the HFs vulnerable to docetaxel-induced cell death and leading to chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA). In severe cases, docetaxel causes persistent or permanent CIA (pCIA) when hair does not grow back completely six months after chemotherapy cessation. Hair loss has severe negative impacts on patients’ quality of life and may even compromise their compliance with treatment. This review discusses the notable prevalence of docetaxel-induced CIA and pCIA, as well as their prevention and management. At this moment, scalp cooling is the standard of care to prevent CIA. Treatment options to promote hair regrowth include but are not limited to minoxidil, photobiomodulation (PBMT), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). In addition, a handful of current clinical trials are exploring additional agents to treat or prevent CIA. Research models of CIA, particularly ex vivo human scalp HF organ culture and in vivo mouse models with human scalp xenografts, will help expedite the translation of bench findings of CIA prevention and/or amelioration to the clinic. Full article

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17 pages, 1403 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Nutritional Intervention for the Elderly during Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review

by Roberta Vella, Erica Pizzocaro, Elisa Bannone, Paola Gualtieri, Giulia Frank, Alessandro Giardino, Isabella Frigerio, Davide Pastorelli, Salvatore Gruttadauria, Gloria Mazzali, Laura di Renzo and Giovanni Butturini

Cancers 2024, 16(16), 2809; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16162809 - 9 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2294

Abstract

This study aims to review existing literature on the effect of oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) during chemotherapy in older cancer patients. Electronic databases were searched for relevant studies up to March 2024. The risk of bias in the included studies was evaluated using [...] Read more.

This study aims to review existing literature on the effect of oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) during chemotherapy in older cancer patients. Electronic databases were searched for relevant studies up to March 2024. The risk of bias in the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane tool. Eligible studies included randomized, prospective, and retrospective studies evaluating the effect of ONSs in elderly (median age > 65 years) cancer patients during chemotherapy. Data regarding chemotherapy adherence, toxicity, overall survival, and nutritional status were extracted. A total of ten studies, involving 1123 patients, were included. A meta-analysis of the results was not conducted due to the scarcity and heterogeneity of results. Some ONSs were associated with reduced incidence of chemotherapy side-effects, particularly oral mucositis, and improved nutritional status. There was limited or no evidence regarding the impact of ONSs on chemotherapy adherence or overall survival. Various types of ONS were investigated, including multimodal intervention with tailored nutritional counseling, whey protein supplements, amino acids supplements (including immune nutrition supplements), and fish oil omega-3-enriched supplements. ONSs showed promise in reducing chemotherapy side-effects and improving nutritional status in older cancer patients, but further studies are needed to explore their efficacy on chemotherapy adherence and overall survival. Future research should consider both chronological age and frailty criteria, account for dietary habits, and use specific nutritional assessment like Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis. Full article

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10 pages, 633 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Regular Use of Analgesics before Cancer Diagnosis and Occurrence of Mood Disorders

by Hyun Sook Oh, Subin Noh and Hwa Jeong Seo

Nurs. Rep. 2024, 14(3), 1828-1837; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep14030136 - 24 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1063

Abstract

We aimed to determine the relationship between the use of analgesics prescribed for pain management and the onset and progression of mood disorders using a large-scale cohort database. We calculated hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for patient risk of developing [...] Read more.

We aimed to determine the relationship between the use of analgesics prescribed for pain management and the onset and progression of mood disorders using a large-scale cohort database. We calculated hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for patient risk of developing mood disorders based on age, income, health-related variables, disease history, Charlson comorbidity index, and analgesics prescription behavior (Models 1–3). Additionally, we determined the risk of mood disorder occurrence by age group (Model 4) using a proportional hazards regression model. The age- and income-adjusted HR (Model 1) was 1.8275. The age-, income-, BMI-, and physical-activity-adjusted HR (Model 2) was 1.882. The fully adjusted HR (Model 3) was 1.698. Compared with no analgesic use, nonregular use (HR = 1.386) and regular use (HR = 1.698) was associated with a higher risk of mood disorders. Among patients older than 50 years, those who participated in physical activity (less than five days) had a lower risk of mood disorders than those who did not. This suggests that it may be useful for preventing mood disorders in older cancer survivors. A high risk of comorbidities and regular use of analgesics are risk factors for developing mood disorders. Therefore, our results suggest that cancer survivors with a high risk of comorbidities and a history of regular analgesic use should undergo careful psychiatric consultation. Full article

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28 pages, 2688 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) Mimicking Primary Ovarian Tumors or Metastasizing to the Ovaries: A Systematic Literature Review

by Gabriele Tonni, Andrea Palicelli, Maria Chiara Bassi, Federica Torricelli, Ilaria Vacca, Lorenzo Aguzzoli and Vincenzo Dario Mandato

Cancers 2024, 16(13), 2305; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16132305 - 23 Jun 2024

Viewed by 2002

Abstract

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are a rare neoplasm, sometimes mimicking primary ovarian tumors (OTs) and/or metastasizing to the ovaries (M-OT). We performed a systematic literature review (SLR) of OTs and M-OTs, investigating differences in recurrence-free and overall survival. Methods: Our SLR was [...] Read more.

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are a rare neoplasm, sometimes mimicking primary ovarian tumors (OTs) and/or metastasizing to the ovaries (M-OT). We performed a systematic literature review (SLR) of OTs and M-OTs, investigating differences in recurrence-free and overall survival. Methods: Our SLR was performed according to PRISMA guidelines, searching in Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from inception until 21 April 2024. Results: Overall, 59 OTs (Group 1) and 21 M-OTs (Group 2) were retrieved. The absence of residual disease after surgery was achieved significantly in a higher percentage of patients with Group 1 GISTs (91.5%) compared with Group 2 GISTs (57.1%). Chemotherapy was more frequently administered to Group 2 patients (33% vs. 0%). Recurrence and deaths for disease were significantly more frequent in Group 2 than Group 1 cases (54.5% vs. 6.8%, and 37.5% vs. 9.8%, respectively). Conclusions: GISTs can rarely mimic primary ovarian cancers or even more rarely metastasize to the ovaries. Group 1 GISTs occurred in younger women, were not associated with elevated tumor markers, and had a better prognosis. In contrast, Group 2 GISTs occurred in older women, may exhibit elevated tumor markers, and presented a worse prognosis. However, no significant statistical difference for survival between the two studied groups was detected. Computed tomography scans can define the size of GISTs, which correlate to stage and prognostic risk classes. The gold standard treatment is complete surgical resection, which was achieved in almost all cases of Group 1 GISTs and in half of Group 2. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry are essential for the final diagnosis and guide chemotherapy treatment. Full article

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11 pages, 264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality of Life after Mastectomy with or without Breast Reconstruction and Breast-Conserving Surgery in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana

by Josephine Nsaful, Edmund Tetteh Nartey, Florence Dedey, Antoinette Bediako-Bowan, Rita Appiah-Danquah, Kwame Darko, Levi Nii Ayi Ankrah, Cynthia Akli-Nartey, Jessie Yaoteokor Annan, Jessica Dei-Asamoa, George Amanquanor Ahene-Amanquanor and Joe-Nat Clegg-Lamptey

Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(6), 2952-2962; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31060224 - 24 May 2024

Viewed by 1882

Abstract

(1) Background: Breast cancer is the leading malignancy worldwide, and in Ghana, it has a poor overall survival rate. However, approximately 50% of cases are cases of early-stage disease, and with advances in breast cancer treatment and improvements in survival, quality of life [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Breast cancer is the leading malignancy worldwide, and in Ghana, it has a poor overall survival rate. However, approximately 50% of cases are cases of early-stage disease, and with advances in breast cancer treatment and improvements in survival, quality of life (QOL) is becoming as important as the treatment of the disease. (2) Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study of survivors who had breast-conserving surgery (BCS), mastectomy only (M) and mastectomy with breast reconstruction (BRS) from 2016 to 2020 at a tertiary hospital in Ghana, comparatively assessing their QOL using EORTC QLQ C-30 and EORTC QLQ BR-23. (3) Results: The study participants had an overall global health status (GHS) median score of 83.3 [IQR: 66.7–91.7] with no significant differences between the surgery types. The BRS group had statistically significant lower median scores for the functional scale (82.8 and 51.0) and the highest scores for the symptomatic scale (15.7 and 16.5). Body image was significantly lowest for the BRS group (83.3) [68.8–91.7] and highest (100) [91.7–100] for the BCS group (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusion: There is a need to develop support systems tailored at improving the QOL of breast cancer survivors taking into consideration the type of surgery performed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Life of Cancer Survivor)

19 pages, 485 KiB

Open AccessReview

Domains and Categories of Needs in Long-Term Follow-Up of Adult Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review of Systematic Reviews

by Nicolas Sperisen, Dimitri Kohler, Nicole Steck, Pierre-Yves Dietrich and Elisabetta Rapiti

Healthcare 2024, 12(11), 1058; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12111058 - 22 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1613

Abstract

The number of long-term cancer survivors increases continually. Understanding their needs is crucial to ensure an adequate follow-up. The aim of our study was to summarize the current literature concerning needs and what influences these needs. A scoping review of systematic reviews was [...] Read more.

The number of long-term cancer survivors increases continually. Understanding their needs is crucial to ensure an adequate follow-up. The aim of our study was to summarize the current literature concerning needs and what influences these needs. A scoping review of systematic reviews was conducted according to the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Four electronic databases were searched. Of 414 retrieved papers, 11 met the eligibility criteria. Needs were aggregated into six domains (health-related information, health system, mental, practical, relationship and physical) and 15 categories. The lack of adequate information and the lack of access and/or continuity of supportive care were the most prominent needs. Female gender, younger age, a low level of family and/or social support, and higher educational level were identified as risk factors. Employment and relationship status can affect the needs both in a positive and negative way. The weeks or months after the end of the treatments are particularly critical, and needs can be emphasized during this period. The experience of cancer could also lead to positive changes. The variety of needs affects the quality of life of cancer survivors. Needs assessments should be systematically provided to ensure a better awareness of health professionals and to allow an individual, holistic, and integrated follow-up. Full article

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20 pages, 731 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Actuarial Analysis of Survival after Breast Cancer Diagnosis among Lithuanian Females

by Justina Levickytė, Aldona Skučaitė, Jonas Šiaulys, Rokas Puišys and Ieva Vincerževskienė

Healthcare 2024, 12(7), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12070746 - 29 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1341

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cause of mortality due to cancer for women both in Lithuania and worldwide. The chances of survival after diagnosis differ significantly depending on the stage of disease at the time of diagnosis and other factors. One way [...] Read more.

Breast cancer is the most common cause of mortality due to cancer for women both in Lithuania and worldwide. The chances of survival after diagnosis differ significantly depending on the stage of disease at the time of diagnosis and other factors. One way to estimate survival is to construct a Kaplan–Meier estimate for each factor value separately. However, in cases when it is impossible to observe a large number of patients (for example, in the case of countries with lower numbers of inhabitants), dividing the data into subsets, say, by stage at diagnosis, may lead to results where some subsets contain too few data, thus causing the results of a Kaplan–Meier (or any other) method to become statistically incredible. The problem may become even more acute if researchers want to use more risk factors, such as stage at diagnosis, sex, place of living, treatment method, etc. Alternatively, Cox models can be used to analyse survival data with covariates, and they do not require the data to be divided into subsets according to chosen risks factors (hazards). We estimate the chances of survival for up to 5 years after a breast cancer diagnosis for Lithuanian females during the period of 1995–2016. Firstly, we construct Kaplan-Meier estimates for each stage separately; then, we apply a (stratified) Cox model using stage, circumstance of diagnosis, and year of diagnosis as (potential) hazards. Some directions of further research are provided in the last section of the paper. Full article

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15 pages, 291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychological Distress and Concerns of In-Home Older People Living with Cancer and Their Impact on Supportive Care Needs: An Observational Survey

by Christos Kleisiaris, Maria Maniou, Savvato Karavasileiadou, Constantinos Togas, Theocharis Konstantinidis, Ioanna V. Papathanasiou, Konstantinos Tsaras, Wafa Hamad Almegewly, Emmanouil Androulakis and Hanan Hamdan Alshehri

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(11), 9569-9583; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30110692 - 31 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2331

Abstract

(1) Background: Cancer patients are experiencing psychological problems after diagnosis, such as emotional distress and social anxiety, which may increase their demands for emotional and supportive care. This study aimed to assess the influence of both emotional distress and concerns on the supportive [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Cancer patients are experiencing psychological problems after diagnosis, such as emotional distress and social anxiety, which may increase their demands for emotional and supportive care. This study aimed to assess the influence of both emotional distress and concerns on the supportive care needs of cancer patients receiving home-based healthcare. (2) Methods: In this door-to-door screening program, 97 cancer patients were approached, with a mean age of 73 years old (mean = 73.43; SD = 6.60). (3) Results: As expected, 42.3% of patients highlighted their treatment as their main psychological priority, with 20.6% identifying concerns about the future of their family in this regard. No significant associations with respect to sex were identified in terms of focus, though females reported the need for more frequent psychological support (58.7% vs. 37.3%, respectively, p = 0.035) compared to males. Patients who had experienced an increased number of concerns during the last weeks (IRR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.00–1.03, p = 0.007) had a significantly greater risk of presenting an increased rate of supportive care needs. Notably, male patients with bone cancer presented a significantly greater number of supportive care needs (mean rank 45.5 vs. 9.0, p = 0.031) respectively, in comparison to those with other types of cancer. (4) Conclusions: Supportive care needs arise from a greater concern and specific type of cancer, highlighting the need for supportive care, such as psychosocial and psychological support. This may have significant implications for treatment and patient outcomes in home care settings. Full article

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11 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pretreatment Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment in Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients

by Veronika Juríčková, Dan Fayette, Juraj Jonáš, Iveta Fajnerová, Tomáš Kozák and Jiří Horáček

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(10), 9028-9038; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30100652 - 5 Oct 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2499

Abstract

Background: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is one of the most serious side effects of cancer that negatively impacts the quality of life of cancer patients and survivors. There is evidence of CRCI in Hodgkin lymphoma patients (HL); however, there is a lack of [...] Read more.

Background: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is one of the most serious side effects of cancer that negatively impacts the quality of life of cancer patients and survivors. There is evidence of CRCI in Hodgkin lymphoma patients (HL); however, there is a lack of studies examining the presence of cognitive deficits before starting any treatment in HL patients. Methods: Forty adult patients (N = 40) newly diagnosed with HL (with no previous cancer diagnoses) and 40 healthy controls (N = 40) matched for age, sex, education, and premorbid intellect completed the neuropsychological battery and subjective and objective measures of affective distress and quality of life. Results: The results showed impairment in three out of six cognitive domains: verbal memory and learning, speed of processing/psychomotor speed, and abstraction/executive functions in the HL patients before the initiation of any treatment. The speed of processing/psychomotor speed domain is negatively correlated with depression. Conclusion: Cognitive deterioration in verbal memory and learning and abstraction/executive functions domains in HL patients seems to occur before the initiation of treatment independently of anxiety, depression, or physical symptoms. This suggests that HL itself may cause cognitive deficits in these cognitive domains. However, the underlying causes of CRCI still remain unclear. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Life of Cancer Survivor)

16 pages, 1842 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prioritizing Solutions and Improving Resources among Young Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors: Results of an Online Survey

by Marco Bonanno, Claude Julie Bourque, Lye-Ann Robichaud, Ariane Levesque, Ariane Lacoste-Julien, Émélie Rondeau, Émilie Dubé, Michelle Leblanc, Marie-Claude Bertrand, Carole Provost, Leandra Desjardins and Serge Sultan

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(9), 8586-8601; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30090623 - 19 Sep 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2141

Abstract

Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors (PBTS) often experience social, academic and employment difficulties during aftercare. Despite their needs, they often do not use the services available to them. Following a previous qualitative study, we formulated solutions to help support PBTS return to daily activities [...] Read more.

Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors (PBTS) often experience social, academic and employment difficulties during aftercare. Despite their needs, they often do not use the services available to them. Following a previous qualitative study, we formulated solutions to help support PBTS return to daily activities after treatment completion. The present study aims to confirm and prioritize these solutions with a larger sample. We used a mixed-methods survey with 68 participants (43 survivors, 25 parents, PBTS’ age: 15–39 years). Firstly, we collected information about health condition, and school/work experience in aftercare. Then, we asked participants to prioritize the previously identified solutions using Likert scales and open-ended questions. We used descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze data, and qualitative information to support participants’ responses. Participants prioritized the need for evaluation, counseling, and follow-up by health professionals to better understand their post-treatment needs, obtain help to access adapted services, and receive information about resources at school/work. Responses to open-ended questions highlighted major challenges regarding the implementation of professionals’ recommendations at school/work and the need for timely interventions. These results will help refine solutions for PBTS and provide key elements for future implementation. Translating these priorities into action will need further work involving professionals and decision makers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Life of Cancer Survivor)

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