Quality of life in the digital age: young adult hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients and healthcare providers' views of telehealth.

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic shifted the healthcare field from in-person clinic visits to virtual-based telehealth appointments. This study explored young adult (YA) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patient and physician communication preferences and quality of life. METHODS: One researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with n = 10 YA HSCT patients and n = 10 healthcare providers (HPs). HPs included physicians (n = 5) and advanced practice provider (APP) (nurse practitioners and physician assistants) (n = 5). Interviews lasted approximately 10-15 min, were held over Zoom®, and were audio-recorded. Interviews were professionally transcribed verbatim, and two independent researchers conducted a thematic analysis using Dedoose®. RESULTS: Common themes included the following: (1) convenience, (2) improved communication, (3) technology issues, and (4) quality of life for patients and physicians. In general, most patients (n = 7; 70%) preferred in-person visits over telehealth for initial appointments, stating they chose the "social connection" and "engagement" associated with in-person visits. For "check-ins" and follow-up appointments (n = 5; 50%), patients preferred hybrid appointments. Physicians (n = 4; 80%) preferred telehealth stating it was "convenient," "timesaving," and improved "compliance." In contrast, all APP staff (n = 5; 100%) preferred in-person visits, stating in-person improved "relationships" with patients and was more "convenient" than using electronic devices for telehealth. CONCLUSION: Providers differed in preference. APP personnel preferred in-person visits and HSCT physicians preferred telehealth appointments. YA HSCT patients preferred in-person for initial appointments and hybrid clinic visits for follow-up appointments.

Acute cancer-related symptoms and concerns among patients receiving chemotherapy: current state of the science.

PURPOSE: This study provides an updated evaluation of the prevalence and severity of acute cancer-related symptoms and quality of life (QOL) concerns among patients treated with emetogenic chemotherapy. METHODS: Patients were recruited to a larger, multi-site observational study prior to starting chemotherapy. Participants completed sociodemographic questionnaires and clinical data were abstracted via medical record review. Symptoms and QOL were assessed 5 days after starting moderately or highly emetogenic chemotherapy. Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General assessed QOL concerns. Patient Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events evaluated symptoms. Symptoms were considered severe when participants responded "severe" or "very severe." RESULTS: Participants (N = 1174) were on average 58 ± 13 years, mostly female (73%), non-Hispanic (89%), and White (87%). Most participants were diagnosed with breast (38.1%), gynecological (20%), and gastrointestinal (17.1%) cancer. The most common QOL concerns of any severity were fatigue (94%), anhedonia (89%), dissatisfaction with QOL (86%), and sleep disturbance (86%). The most common severe QOL concerns were anhedonia (44%), fatigue (40%), and inability to work (38%). Decreased appetite (74%), pain (71%), and constipation (70%) were the most common symptoms of any severity, as well as most common severe symptoms (13%, 18%, and 18%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Herein, updates are provided in regard to QOL concerns and symptoms reported by patients in the days after chemotherapy and demonstrates that concerns and symptoms have shifted in the last decade.

Relationships Among Physical Activity, Sleep, and Cancer-related Fatigue: Results From the International ColoCare Study.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for cancer-related fatigue are understudied in colorectal cancer. PURPOSE: This study aimed to address this critical gap in the literature by (a) describing changes in colorectal cancer-related fatigue and health behavior (physical activity, sleep problems) and (b) examining if physical activity and sleep problems predict fatigue trajectories from baseline (approximately at the time of diagnosis), to 6- and 12 months after enrollment. METHODS: Patients participating in the international ColoCare Study completed self-report measures at baseline (approximately time of diagnosis), 6-, and 12 months assessing physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and fatigue and sleep using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30). Mixed-effect models examined changes in physical activity, sleep problems, and fatigue. Cross-lagged panel models examined bidirectional relationships between physical activity or sleep and fatigue across time. RESULTS: Colorectal cancer patients (n = 649) had a mean age of 61 ± 13 years. Most were male (59%), non-Hispanic White (91%), diagnosed with Stages III-IV (56%) colon cancer (58%), and treated with surgery (98%). Within-person cross-lagged models indicated higher physical activity at Month 6 was associated with higher fatigue at Month 12 (ß = 0.26, p = .016). When stratified by cancer stage (I-II vs. III-IV), the relationship between physical activity at Month 6 and fatigue at Month 12 existed only for patients with advanced cancer (Stages III and IV, ß = 0.43, p = .035). Cross-lagged associations for sleep and fatigue from baseline to Month 6 were only observed in patients with Stages III or IV cancer, however, there was a clear cross-sectional association between sleep problems and fatigue at baseline and Month 6. CONCLUSIONS: Within-person and cross-lagged association models suggest fatiguability may become increasingly problematic for patients with advanced colorectal cancer the first year after diagnosis. In addition, sleep problems were consistently associated with higher fatigue in the first year, regardless of cancer stage. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The international ColoCare Study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02328677, in December 2014.

Within-person and cross-lagged association models suggest fatiguability may become increasingly problematic for patients with advanced (Stages III and IV) colorectal cancer the first year after diagnosis.

Nutritional status and body mass index before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and associated outcomes: a rapid review.

PURPOSE: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients experience several post-HSCT complications affecting nutritional status, body mass index (BMI), and mortality that can potentially be mitigated by nutritional management. This rapid review examines the relationship between pre-HSCT nutritional status and BMI and post-HSCT survival. METHODS: Articles were identified from PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Two researchers independently completed the title, abstract, and full-text review. Inclusion criteria included the following: (1) randomized clinical trials or observational studies; (2) human subjects diagnosed with cancer and undergoing HSCT; (3) reported pre-HSCT nutritional status (e.g., diet recall, nutritional survey, dietitian session) or BMI; and (4) reported treatment related mortality and/or survival. RESULTS: The initial search found 3036 articles, 28 were included in full-text review, and 18 met inclusion criteria. Articles had quasi-experimental (n = 2) and observational (n = 16) study designs. Of the studies, n = 5 reported nutritional intake decreased post-HSCT, and n = 2 reported nutrition intervention (i.e., controlled feeding) post-HSCT improved survival. Four studies reported having a BMI classified as underweight improved survival, while n = 5 reported having a BMI classified as overweight or obese improved survival. CONCLUSION: Current research exploring the relationship between nutritional status and BMI with HSCT survival is mixed. Further research is needed to determine how nutritional status and BMI are associated withsurvival post-HSCT to inform future intervention work.

Trajectories and risk factors of fatigue following colorectal cancer diagnosis.

AIM: This study sought to identify groups of colorectal cancer patients based upon trajectories of fatigue and examine how demographic, clinical and behavioural risk factors differentiate these groups. METHOD: Patients were from six cancer centres in the United States and Germany. Fatigue was measured using the fatigue subscale of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) at five time points (baseline/enrolment and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after diagnosis). Piecewise growth mixture models identified latent trajectories of fatigue. Logistic regression models examined differences in demographic, clinical and behavioural characteristics between fatigue trajectory groups. RESULTS: Among 1615 participants (57% men, 86% non-Hispanic White, mean age 61 ± 13 years at diagnosis), three distinct groups were identified. In the high fatigue group (36%), fatigue significantly increased in the first 6 months after diagnosis and then showed statistically and clinically significant improvement from 6 to 24 months (P values < 0.01). Throughout the study period, average fatigue met or exceeded cutoffs for clinical significance. In the moderate (34%) and low (30%) fatigue groups, fatigue levels remained below or near population norms across the study period. Patients who were diagnosed with Stage II-IV disease and/or current smokers were more likely to be in the high fatigue than in the moderate fatigue group (P values < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A large proportion of colorectal cancer patients experienced sustained fatigue after initiation of cancer treatment. Patients with high fatigue at the time of diagnosis may benefit from early supportive care.

Preoperative Nutritional Status and Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) Prior to Radical Cystectomy: A Review of the Literature.

Preoperative nutritional status is an important and modifiable risk factor of a patient's recovery and outcome after radical cystectomy. There are multiple malnutrition screening tools and treatment options. In this review, we discuss the best indicators of this condition and how to optimize nutrition status prior to radical cystectomy.

The Lived Experience of Young Adult Cancer Survivors after Treatment: A Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this qualitative study was to compare the lived experiences among extended (one year or less post-treatment) and long-term (three years or more post-treatment) young adult (YA) cancer survivors (ages 18-39 years old). METHODS: Two trained researchers conducted semi-structured interviews inquiring about the overall lived experience of N = 24 YA cancer survivors (n = 12 extended and n = 12 long-term). The same two researchers independently completed line-by-line coding and thematic content analysis. RESULTS: Interviews lasted an average of 41 min and revealed common themes of symptoms, psychosocial concerns, coping, and changes in health behaviors (e.g., nutrition and physical activity). All participants discussed symptoms impairing their quality of life and affecting their fear of recurrence. Specific psychosocial concerns among extended survivors were appearance-related (e.g., hair loss, weight gain) whereas concerns among long-term survivors included job loss, fertility, and financial stress. Coping strategies described by extended survivors were often distraction-based (e.g., watching television to "escape"), while long-term survivors described more active coping strategies (e.g., yoga, meditation, and seeking support from family and friends). Most survivors reflected on limited physical activity or unhealthy eating during treatment; however, nearly all declared healthy eating and physical activity post-treatment to improve well-being. CONCLUSIONS: YA cancer survivors report differing symptoms, psychosocial concerns, and coping strategies across time since treatment. While survivors reported challenges with physical activity and nutrition during treatment, nearly all emphasized the importance of these health behaviors post-treatment. Thus, health behavior interventions could represent a preferred approach to address post-treatment challenges and improve quality of life for YA survivors.

Qualitative assessment of uptake retention and evaluation of prevention materials for skin cancer among Hispanics.

OBJECTIVE: Examine retention and evaluation of incorporating melanocortin-1 receptor genetic risk information materials in a skin cancer prevention intervention conducted in Hispanics living near Tampa, Florida and Ponce, Puerto Rico. METHODS: Two researchers applied thematic content analysis to identify major themes of open-ended responses (n = 1689) from 489 participants. RESULTS: Five major thematic categories emerged: 1) intervention comments; 2) tips and tricks; 3) cancer prevention; 4) general information; and 5) risk factors and genetics. Responses captured under intervention comments (e.g., information was clear, easy to understand) and tips and tricks for sun protection (e.g., using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing) were most frequent. Participants noted the importance of conducting skin exams professionally or at home. English-preferring Tampa residents stated their individual risk factors, especially race and/or ethnicity, more frequently than Ponce residents and Spanish-preferring Tampa residents. Ponce residents were more likely to comment on wanting to share intervention materials with family and friends. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest Hispanic participants implemented sun safety activities.

Gut microbiome and cancer implications: Potential opportunities for fermented foods.

There is a critical opportunity to improve response to immunotherapies and overall cancer survivorship via dietary interventions targeted to modify the gut microbiome, and in turn, potentially enhance anti-cancer immunity. A promising dietary intervention is fermented foods, which may alter gut microbiome composition and, in turn, improve immunity. In this article, we summarize the state of the literature pertaining to the gut microbiome and response to immunotherapy and other cancer treatments, potential clinical implications of utilizing a fermented foods dietary approach to improve cancer treatment outcomes, and existing gaps in the literature regarding the implementation of fermented food interventions among individuals with cancer or with a history of cancer. This review synthesizes a compelling rationale across different disciplines to lay a roadmap for future fermented food dietary intervention research aimed at modulating the gut microbiome to reduce cancer burden.

Mediators of Social Acceptance Among Emerging Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer.

Purpose: Examine associations of social developmental factors (e.g., peer/parent social attachment, romantic relationships) and perceptions of social acceptance among emerging adult survivors of childhood cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional, within-group design was used. Questionnaires included the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire, Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment, Adolescent Social Self-Efficacy Scale, Personal Evaluation Inventory, Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents, and demographics. Correlations were utilized to determine associations between general demographic, cancer-specific, and the psychosocial outcome variables. Peer and romantic relationship self-efficacy were assessed as potential mediators of social acceptance in three mediation models. Relationships between perceived physical attractiveness, peer attachment, parental attachment, and social acceptance were assessed. Results: Data were collected from N = 52 adult participants (Mage = 21.38 years, standard deviation = 3.11 years) diagnosed with cancer as a child. The first mediation model demonstrated a significant direct effect of perceived physical attraction on perceived social acceptance and retained significance after adjusting for indirect effects of the mediators. The second model demonstrated a significant direct effect of peer attachment on perceived social acceptance; however, significance was not retained after adjusting for peer self-efficacy, suggesting the relationship is partially mediated by peer relationship self-efficacy. The third model demonstrated a significant direct effect of parent attachment on perceived social acceptance; however, significance was not retained after adjusting for peer self-efficacy, suggesting the relationship is partially mediated by peer self-efficacy. Conclusion: Relationships between social developmental factors (e.g., parental and peer attachment) and perceived social acceptance are likely mediated by peer relationship self-efficacy in emerging adult survivors of childhood cancer.

Lifestyle Interventions with Mind-Body or Stress-Management Practices for Cancer Survivors: A Rapid Review.

This rapid review examined current evidence on lifestyle interventions with stress-management or mind-body practices that assessed dietary and/or physical activity outcomes among cancer survivors. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO based on Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group rapid review recommendations using the keywords "diet," "physical activity," "mind-body," "stress," and "intervention." Of the 3624 articles identified from the initial search, 100 full-text articles were screened, and 33 articles met the inclusion criteria. Most studies focused on post-treatment cancer survivors and were conducted in-person. Theoretical frameworks were reported for five studies. Only one study was tailored for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors, and none included pediatric survivors. Nine studies reported race and/or ethnicity; six reported that ≥90% participants were White. Many reported significant findings for diet and/or physical activity-related outcomes, but few used complete, validated dietary intake methods (e.g., 24-h recall; n = 5) or direct measures of physical activity (e.g., accelerometry; n = 4). This review indicated recent progress on evaluating lifestyle interventions with stress-management or mind-body practices for cancer survivors. Larger controlled trials investigating innovative, theory-based, personalized interventions that address stress and health behaviors in cancer survivors-particularly racial/ethnic minority and pediatric and AYA populations-are needed.

Challenges and adaptations for a cluster-randomized control trial targeting parents of pediatric cancer survivors with obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the importance of digital technology in clinical trial implementation, there is a dearth of literature reporting on challenges and strategies related to multi-site randomized controlled trials (RCTs) among pediatric cancer survivors during the pandemic. This paper discusses challenges faced in the implementation of the NOURISH-T+ trial so far (December 2019-March 2022) and describes adaptations made as a result of these disruptions in the areas of recruitment, data collection, and overall engagement. This reflection is based on a multisite cluster-RCT that aims to examine whether an intervention targeting parents as agents of change to promote healthy eating and physical activity in pediatric cancer survivors, NOURISH-T+ (Nourishing Our Understanding of Role modeling to Improve Support and Health for Healthy Transitions), reduces body mass and improves health behaviors compared to Brief NOURISH-T (Enhanced Usual Care/EUC). The COVID-19 pandemic has created and exacerbated challenges for our trial related to participant recruitment and engagement, technology access and literacy, and data collection and management, as well as COVID-related challenges (e.g., Zoom fatigue). Strategies used to address these challenges might prove helpful in future virtual or hybrid RCTs, including developing trust and rapport with participants, providing support through multiple routes of dissemination, and using data management applications (e.g., REDCap™) for automation and project management. Extra efforts to build families' trust and rapport, offering multiple routes of support, and automating as many tasks as possible are critical to ensuring the continuation of high-quality clinical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Challenges and strategies among research on pediatric cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic have not been well described. Our intervention, NOURISH-T+ (Nourishing Our Understanding of Role modeling to Improve Support and Health for Healthy Transitions), aims to promote healthy eating and physical activity in pediatric cancer survivors. The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for our trial related to participant recruitment and engagement, technology, data collection, and management, and COVID-related challenges (e.g., Zoom fatigue). Strategies that have been helpful for us include developing trust and rapport with participants, providing support through multiple routes of dissemination (e.g., website, videos), and using data management applications (e.g., REDCap™) to optimize tasks.

Diet quality indices and changes in cognition during chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: No evidence-based prevention strategies currently exist for cancer-related cognitive decline (CRCD). Although patients are often advised to engage in healthy lifestyle activities (e.g., nutritious diet), little is known about the impact of diet on preventing CRCD. This secondary analysis evaluated the association of pre-treatment diet quality indices on change in self-reported cognition during chemotherapy. METHODS: Study participants (n = 96) completed the Block Brief Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) before receiving their first infusion and the PROMIS cognitive function and cognitive abilities questionnaires before infusion and again 5 days later (i.e., when symptoms were expected to be their worst). Diet quality indices included the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED), and a low carbohydrate diet index and their components. Descriptive statistics were generated for demographic and clinical variables and diet indices. Residualized change models were computed to examine whether diet was associated with change in cognitive function and cognitive abilities, controlling for age, sex, cancer type, treatment type, depression, and fatigue. RESULTS: Study participants had a mean age of 59 ± 10.8 years and 69% were female. Although total diet index scores did not predict change in cognitive function or cognitive abilities, higher pre-treatment ratio of aMED monounsaturated/saturated fat was associated with less decline in cognitive function and cognitive abilities at 5-day post-infusion (P ≤ .001). CONCLUSIONS: Higher pre-treatment ratio of monounsaturated/saturated fat intake was associated with less CRCD early in chemotherapy. Results suggest greater monounsaturated fat and less saturated fat intake could be protective against CRCD during chemotherapy.

Associations among frailty and quality of life in older patients with cancer treated with chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have suggested that frailty among older adults with cancer is associated with a variety of negative outcomes, including greater chemotherapy toxicity and worse survival. However, results often do not include patient-reported outcomes, such as quality of life (QOL). The objective of this study was to evaluate frailty prior to receipt of moderately- or highly-emetogenic chemotherapy and acute changes in QOL in patients at least 65 years of age. It was hypothesized that frail patients would report greater declines in QOL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants completed questionnaires before receiving their first infusion and again five days later. A 59-item deficit accumulation index score was created at baseline using a modified Rockwood frailty index. QOL was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G). The relationship between baseline frailty and QOL was evaluated using a dichotomized deficit accumulation index (frail vs. robust) in repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Study participants (n = 151) had a mean age of 72 (SD = 4.5) and 62% were female. Nearly half (42%) were frail at baseline. Frail participants reported worse QOL at baseline compared to robust participants. Frail patients reported smaller declines in overall and physical (p < 0.0001) and emotional (p = 0.006) QOL from baseline to five days after receiving chemotherapy. At five days, frail participants reported better emotional and physical QOL compared to robust participants. DISCUSSION: Contrary to expectations, frail patients reported smaller declines in QOL compared to robust patients using a deficit accumulation index. These results can be used to help educate frail patients on what to expect during treatment.

Mindfulness in Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT): A Qualitative Study.

Previous adolescent and young adult (AYA) research suggests patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) experience severe physiological stress. The goal of this study was to identify unmet needs, interests, and preferences for mindfulness to inform the development of a mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at three time points: prior to (n = 20), immediately after (n = 13), and three months post HSCT (n = 16) in the same AYA patients. Interviews assessed stress reduction strategies used, interest in mindfulness, and current quality of life. Three major thematic categories emerged from interview data across all time points: Concerns, Coping Strategies, and Mindfulness Activities. Prior to HSCT, two additional themes emerged including: Hope for the Future and Getting the Body Moving-Physical Activity. Most participants were not familiar with the term "mindfulness" prior to HSCT; but after being provided the definition of mindfulness, participants expressed interest in an online mindfulness-based intervention (e.g., ZOOM), stating: "I think it's necessary" and "It would definitely be useful". Participants suggested an intervention immediately following HSCT may decrease isolation concerns stating: "[in the hospital] You kind of feel like a hamster in a cage" and "you obviously have a lot of time to just be sitting by yourself in a hospital room". The results suggest that a mindfulness-based online intervention is of interest to AYA HSCT patients and may be beneficial in decreasing physiological stress and improving quality of life.

Retention and Evaluation of Precision and Generic Prevention Materials for Melanoma: A Qualitative Study Comparing Young Adults and Adults.

A randomized trial was conducted to examine whether providing precision prevention materials incorporating melanocortin-1 receptor genetic risk information would increase intention to practice melanoma preventive behaviors. Here, we determine retention/evaluation of prevention materials for adolescent and young adults (AYA) 18 to 39 years old versus adults aged 40+ at 6 and 12 months as an a priori adjunct analysis to the primary research question. Using qualitative methodology, open-ended questions probing most important information from prevention materials and additional comments were collected at 6 and 12 months after baseline. Descriptive statistics were performed on demographic/self-reported characteristics. Two independent researchers applied qualitative thematic content analysis to identify major themes in open-ended questions. Of the 1,134 participants randomized, 906 completed at least one of the follow-up surveys and contributed to analyses of intervention efficacy. Five major thematic categories emerged from the open-ended response data: (i) tips and tricks for sun protection; (ii) cancer prevention; (iii) risk factors and genetics; (iv) general information; and (v) intervention comments. Across all ages, the most important information retained were sun protection techniques in the generic prevention materials group and identifying the importance of genetic risk factors/implementing lifestyle behavior changes in the precision prevention materials group. For additional comments, AYA participants in the generic prevention materials group preferred more scientific information including statistics and citations for references while adults were more likely to state they already knew cancer prevention techniques. Results provide unique qualitative evaluation of AYA versus adult retention of prevention materials for melanoma that enhance quantitative findings. PREVENTION RELEVANCE: It is important to evaluate information within groups defined by periods of the life trajectory, e.g., AYA and adults, to best inform preferences, knowledge, and motivation for behavior change. By assessing retention, evidence-based interventions can be designed to better support public health messaging and encourage positive health behaviors.

A New Approach to Understanding Cancer-Related Fatigue: Leveraging the 3P Model to Facilitate Risk Prediction and Clinical Care.

A major gap impeding development of new treatments for cancer-related fatigue is an inadequate understanding of the complex biological, clinical, demographic, and lifestyle mechanisms underlying fatigue. In this paper, we describe a new application of a comprehensive model for cancer-related fatigue: the predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating (3P) factors model. This model framework outlined herein, which incorporates the emerging field of metabolomics, may help to frame a more in-depth analysis of the etiology of cancer-related fatigue as well as a broader and more personalized set of approaches to the clinical treatment of fatigue in oncology care. Included within this review paper is an in-depth description of the proposed biological mechanisms of cancer-related fatigue, as well as a presentation of the 3P model's application to this phenomenon. We conclude that a clinical focus on organization risk stratification and treatment around the 3P model may be warranted, and future research may benefit from expanding the 3P model to understand fatigue not only in oncology, but also across a variety of chronic conditions.

A Molecular Approach to Understanding the Role of Diet in Cancer-Related Fatigue: Challenges and Future Opportunities.

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is considered one of the most frequent and distressing symptoms for cancer survivors. Despite its high prevalence, factors that predispose, precipitate, and perpetuate CRF are poorly understood. Emerging research focuses on cancer and treatment-related nutritional complications, changes in body composition, and nutritional deficiencies that can compound CRF. Nutritional metabolomics, the novel study of diet-related metabolites in cells, tissues, and biofluids, offers a promising tool to further address these research gaps. In this position paper, we examine CRF risk factors, summarize metabolomics studies of CRF, outline dietary recommendations for the prevention and management of CRF in cancer survivorship, and identify knowledge gaps and challenges in applying nutritional metabolomics to understand dietary contributions to CRF over the cancer survivorship trajectory.

Physical activity interventions in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: The aim was to summarize the current literature for the effectiveness of physical activity interventions on physical functioning, body composition, and quality of life (QOL) in pediatric, adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. METHODS: We conducted systematic structured searches of PubMed and Web of Science databases. Two independent researchers selected against inclusion criteria: (1) lifestyle intervention including physical activity and/or physical activity interventions for pediatric, adolescent, and young adults with any cancer diagnosis; (2) measured QOL, physical functioning (e.g., strength, activities of daily living), or body composition (e.g., changes in weight, percent body fat); and (3) randomized controlled trials. RESULTS: Searches identified 4770 studies. Following the removal of duplicates and title and abstract screening, 83 full-text articles were assessed, and 9 studies met the inclusion criteria. Childhood and adolescent cancer survivors encompassed n = 7 studies while young adult cancer survivors were included in n = 2 studies. Three studies reported using a theoretical framework and six did not. Interventions ranged from 1 week to 6 months. Across all studies reviewed, n = 2 reported improvements in physical activity, n = 5 studies reported partial improvements, and n = 2 reported no improvements. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to improve physical activity behaviors reported mixed results. Only two physical activity interventions incorporated young adults with cancer; thus, physical activity interventions for young adult cancer survivors should be further explored. Future research should focus on personalized physical activity components encouraging behavior change techniques to maximize physical health and QOL improvements.