Phase II trial evaluating efficacy of a Fitbit program for improving the health of endometrial cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: Despite the favorable prognosis of early stage endometrial cancer, mortality from cardiovascular disease is high. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a Fitbit program to improve physical activity in endometrial cancer survivors. METHODS: Eligible patients were diagnosed with stage IA-IIIA endometrial adenocarcinoma, ≥3 months out from treatment. Participants received a Fitbit Alta and were randomized to receive communication via telephone or electronic methods (email/text). Communication was every two weeks for two months, then once during months four and five. Average daily steps were assessed weekly for nine months. RESULTS: The 46 analyzable patients demonstrated a baseline of 5641 median daily average steps. Average steps increased by 22% at 6 months but decreased to baseline by nine months. Baseline activity level (daily steps and walks per week) was the greatest predictor of activity level. Only the telephone intervention participants demonstrated increased activity level at several timepoints, although not maintained by nine months. BMI was unchanged. There was mild improvement in physical and social well-being in those with low baseline well-being (p = 0.009 and 0.014, respectively), regardless of intervention group. Emotional well-being correlated with step count (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Activity level was low and mildly improved on the Fitbit program with the telephone intervention, but effects did not persist by study completion. The program had the greatest impact on a select group of telephone intervention patients with high baseline walking frequency and low baseline step count. Others may require more intense intervention to promote more robust/persistent lifestyle changes.

A comparison of robot-assisted and traditional radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer.

A robotics surgery program was introduced into the division of gynecologic oncology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in June 2007. A prospective database of all patients undergoing a type III radical hysterectomy for stage IB1 cervical cancer between July 2007 and June 2008 was collected and analyzed. Demographic data and perioperative outcomes were analyzed between a traditional and robot-assisted approach. A total of 14 patients were identified who underwent a type III radical hysterectomy for stage IB1 cervical cancer. Seven patients underwent robotic surgery and seven patients underwent traditional surgery. There were no significant differences in median age or body mass index between the two groups. A significant difference in blood loss between robotic (75 cc) and traditional (700 cc) surgery was detected (P = 0.002). A significant difference in hospital stay between robotic (1 day) and traditional (5 days) surgery was observed (P = 0.0007). No significant difference in operative time (260 vs. 264 min) or lymph node yield (19 and 14) was identified between the robotic and traditional approaches. No major operative complications occurred with robotic radical hysterectomy. Robot-assisted radical hysterectomy was associated with a significant reduction in blood loss and hospital stay. Improved nodal yields, fewer operative complications, and less pain was observed with the robotic approach. Robot-assisted radical hysterectomy appears safe and feasible and further investigation is warranted in a prospective fashion.

The impact of robotics on practice management of endometrial cancer: transitioning from traditional surgery.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the impact of a new robotic surgery programme on perioperative outcomes for endometrial cancer METHODS: A prospective database of all patients undergoing staging for endometrial cancer during July 2007-July 2008 was collected and analysed. Demographic data and perioperative outcomes were compared between cases performed via laparotomy, laparoscopy and robotics. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients underwent staging during the time of data collection (LAP-26, LSC-7, ROB-32). No difference in surgical volume in the year before vs. after robotics was identified. Median operative time for robotics and laparotomy was significantly less than for laparoscopy (p = 0.023). There was no significant difference in lymph node yields between the three groups (p = 0.92). Robotics was associated with significantly less blood loss (p < 0.0001). Complication rates were significantly lower in the robotic group compared to the laparotomy group (p = 0.05). Median hospital stay was 1 day for the minimally invasive groups. Total number of perioperative inpatient days decreased from 331 to 150 in one year. Practice management of endometrial cancer transitioned from a predominantly open approach (5.6% LSC) to robotics (11% LSC, 49% ROB) within 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgery dramatically altered our management of endometrial cancer and was associated with a significant improvement in several perioperative outcomes when compared to laparotomy and laparoscopy.