Nicotinamide for Skin-Cancer Chemoprevention in Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Immunosuppressed organ-transplant recipients have an increased incidence of, and mortality from, skin cancer. Nicotinamide (vitamin B3) enhances the repair of ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced DNA damage, reduces the cutaneous immunosuppressive effects of UV radiation, and reduces the incidence of keratinocyte cancers (including squamous-cell and basal-cell carcinomas) and actinic keratoses among high-risk immunocompetent patients. Whether oral nicotinamide is useful for skin-cancer chemoprevention in organ-transplant recipients is unclear. METHODS: In this phase 3 trial, we randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, organ-transplant recipients who had had at least two keratinocyte cancers in the past 5 years to receive 500 mg of nicotinamide or placebo twice daily for 12 months. Participants were examined for skin lesions by dermatologists at 3-month intervals for 12 months. The primary end point was the number of new keratinocyte cancers during the 12-month intervention period. Secondary end points included the numbers of squamous-cell and basal-cell carcinomas during the 12-month intervention period, the number of actinic keratoses until 6 months after randomization, safety, and quality of life. RESULTS: A total of 158 participants were enrolled, with 79 assigned to the nicotinamide group and 79 to the placebo group. The trial was stopped early owing to poor recruitment. At 12 months, there were 207 new keratinocyte cancers in the nicotinamide group and 210 in the placebo group (rate ratio, 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.8 to 1.3; P = 0.96). No significant between-group differences in squamous-cell and basal-cell carcinoma counts, actinic keratosis counts, or quality-of-life scores were observed. Adverse events and changes in blood or urine laboratory variables were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this 12-month, placebo-controlled trial, oral nicotinamide therapy did not lead to lower numbers of keratinocyte cancers or actinic keratoses in immunosuppressed solid-organ transplant recipients. (Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council; ONTRANS Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number, ACTRN12617000599370.).

Telehealth cognitive behaviour therapy for the management of sleep disturbance in women with early breast cancer receiving chemotherapy: a feasibility study.

PURPOSE: Sleep quality commonly deteriorates in people receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer (BC). We aimed to determine feasibility and acceptability of telehealth-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in people with early BC receiving (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: Multi-centre, single arm, phase 2 feasibility trial. People with stage I-III BC received 4 sessions of telehealth CBT-I over 8 weeks, during chemotherapy. Participants completed Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and other Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) at baseline, post-program (week 9) and post-chemotherapy (week 24); and an Acceptability Questionnaire at week 9. Primary endpoint was proportion completing 4 sessions of telehealth CBT-I. RESULTS: In total, 41 participants were recruited: mean age 51 years (range 31-73). All 4 CBT-I sessions were completed by 35 (85%) participants. Acceptability of the program was high and 71% reported 'the program was useful'. There was no significant difference in the number of poor sleepers (PSQI score ≥ 5) at baseline 29/40 (73%) and week 24 17/25 (68%); or in the mean PSQI score at baseline (7.43, SD 4.06) and week 24 (7.48, SD 4.41). From baseline to week 24, 7/25 (28%) participants had a ≥ 3 point improvement in sleep quality on PSQI, and 5/25 (20%) had a ≥ 3 point deterioration. There was no significant difference in mean PROM scores. CONCLUSION: It is feasible to deliver telehealth CBT-I to people with early BC receiving chemotherapy. Contrary to literature predictions, sleep quality did not deteriorate. Telehealth CBT-I has a potential role in preventing and managing sleep disturbance during chemotherapy. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) registration number: ACTRN12620001379909 and date 22/12/2020.

Evaluating a shared care pathway intervention for people receiving chemotherapy to reduce post-treatment unplanned hospital presentations: a randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this randomised controlled trial (RCT) was to explore whether a community nursing intervention for outpatients receiving systemic therapy reduced unplanned hospital presentations and improved physical and psychosocial health outcomes over the first three cycles of treatment compared to a control group receiving standard care. METHODS: The number of and reasons for unplanned presentations were obtained for 170 intervention and 176 control group adult patients with solid tumours starting outpatient chemotherapy. Poisson regression was used to compare the number of presentations between the intervention and control groups. Patients self-completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Cancer Behavior Inventory and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) at the start of the first four cycles. Linear regression techniques were used to compare quality of life outcomes. RESULTS: The reduction in unplanned presentations in the intervention group relative to the control group was 12% (95% CI, - 25%, 37%; P = 0.48). At the start of cycle 4, there was no difference in anxiety (difference = 0.47 (95% CI, - 0.28, 1.22; P = 0.22)), depression (difference = 0.57 (95% CI, - 0.18, 1.31; P = 0.13)) or EORTC QLQ-C30 summary score (difference = 0.16 (95% CI, - 2.67, 3.00; P = 0.91)). Scores for self-efficacy as measured by the Cancer Behavior Inventory were higher in the intervention group (difference = 4.3 (95% CI, 0.7, 7.9; P = 0.02)). CONCLUSION: This RCT did not demonstrate a benefit in reducing unplanned presentations to hospital. The trial identified improved cancer-based self-efficacy in patients receiving the intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered at Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12614001113640, registered 21/10/2014.

Anxiety, depression, and concentration in cancer survivors: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey results.

PURPOSE: We report on prevalence of anxiety, depression, and concentration difficulties and their associations in survivors of cancer in a nationally representative sample up to 25 years after diagnosis. METHODS: Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2015 to 2018, participants between the ages of 18 and 79 self-reported on cancer history, symptoms of anxiety, depression, and difficulties with concentration. RESULTS: Of 10,337 participants, 691 (6.7%) reported a previous diagnosis of cancer; the median time since diagnosis was 8 years. Prevalence was similar between those with and without cancer for anxiety (45.8% versus 46.9%) and depression (19.7% versus 20.0%). Concentration difficulties were more common (11.3% versus 9.0%) for those with a history of cancer compared to those without (adjusted OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.00-1.90). Prevalence of mental health symptoms was not related to time since diagnosis. Anxiety and depression were highly correlated (r = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.74-0.86) and moderately correlated with difficulty with concentration (r = 0.52, 95%CI: 0.40-0.64 and r = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.53-0.74 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Difficulty with concentration was more commonly reported by participants with than without a cancer history. Report of anxiety and depression was no different between participants with and without a history of cancer. Anxiety, depression, and difficulties with concentration were strongly related. Further research is needed to explore if there is a causal association, and if so, the direction of these correlations, so that interventions may be appropriately targeted.

Is there a need for change in cancer survivorship care? A qualitative exploration of survivor experiences and needs at the Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre Clinic.

PURPOSE: Effective cancer survivorship care is contingent on a comprehensive understanding and management of the dynamic needs of cancer survivors. The Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre (SCSC) clinic established a holistic, multidisciplinary model of survivorship care. We aimed to explore survivors' experiences and perceptions of the clinic, and to identify their unmet needs. METHODS: Semi-structured focus groups (FGs) involving participants recruited from the SCSC clinic were conducted by an experienced facilitator and observer using a guide covering: survivor perceptions of first SCSC clinic visit, services accessed, ongoing unmet needs, and how needs changed over time. FGs were audio-recorded and transcribed. Interpretive description using a Framework approach was undertaken and participant characteristics summarised descriptively. RESULTS: Eight FGs were conducted involving a total of 26 participants (mean age: 60), most were female (n = 20), born in Australia (n = 14), and with breast cancer diagnoses (n = 16). Four overarching themes were identified: (i) perceptions of the SCSC clinic; (ii) patient-centred care; (iii) adjustment to illness; and (iv) external supports and resources. Participants valued the centralisation of multidisciplinary survivorship care at the SCSC clinic, which helped their recovery. Mitigating ongoing treatment sequelae, reassurance of good-health, normalisation of survivorship experiences, and handling caregiver stress represent some needs identified. CONCLUSIONS: The SCSC clinic offers holistic, specialised care and reassurance to cancer survivors. Adjustment to the survivorship journey, inter-survivor shared experiences, and management of physical treatment sequelae were perceived as important in their recovery. Managing survivor needs is integral to improving long-term survivorship care.

Defining research priorities and needs in cancer symptoms for adults diagnosed with cancer: an Australian/New Zealand modified Delphi study.

PURPOSE: This study asked consumers (patients, carers) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) to identify the most important symptoms for adults with cancer and potential treatment interventions. METHODS: A modified Delphi study was conducted involving two rounds of electronic surveys based on prevalent cancer symptoms identified from the literature. Round 1 gathered information on participant demographics, opinions and/or experience on cancer symptom frequency and impact, and suggestions for interventions and/or service delivery models for further research to improve management of cancer symptoms. In Round 2, respondents ranked the importance of the top ten interventions identified in Round 1. In Round 3, separate expert panels of consumers and healthcare professionals (HCPs) attempted to reach consensus on the symptoms and interventions previously identified. RESULTS: Consensus was reached for six symptoms across both groups: fatigue, constipation, diarrhoea, incontinence, and difficulty with urination. Notably, fatigue was the only symptom to reach consensus across both groups in Round 1. Similarly, consensus was reached for six interventions across both groups. These were the following: medicinal cannabis, physical activity, psychological therapies, non-opioid interventions for pain, opioids for breathlessness and cough, and other pharmacological interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Consumers and HCPs prioritise differently; however, the symptoms and interventions that reached consensus provide a basis for future research. Fatigue should be considered a high priority given its prevalence and its influence on other symptoms. The lack of consumer consensus indicates the uniqueness of their experience and the need for a patient-centred approach. Understanding individual consumer experience is important when planning research into better symptom management.

Exploring assessment of balance using virtual reality in patients at risk of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common dose-limiting toxicity for people treated for cancer. Impaired balance and falls are functional consequences of CIPN. Virtual reality (VR) technology may be able to assess balance and identify patients at risk of falls. AIMS: To assess the impact of potentially neurotoxic chemotherapy on balance using VR, and explore associations between VR balance assessment, falls and CIPN. METHODS: This prospective, repeated measures longitudinal study was conducted at two Australian cancer centres. Eligible participants were commencing adjuvant chemotherapy containing a taxane for breast cancer, or oxaliplatin for colorectal cancer (CRC), per institutional guidelines. Balance assessments using VR were conducted at baseline, end of chemotherapy and 3 and 6 months after completion of chemotherapy. Participants also completed a comprehensive CIPN assessment comprising clinical and patient-reported outcomes, and recorded falls or near falls. RESULTS: Out of 34 participants consented, 24 (71%) had breast cancer and 10 (29%) had CRC. Compared to baseline, balance threshold was reduced in 10/28 (36%) evaluable participants assessed at the end of chemotherapy, and persistent in 7/22 (32%) at 6 months. CIPN was identified in 86% at end of chemotherapy and persisted to 6 months after chemotherapy completion in 73%. Falls or near falls were reported by 12/34 (35%) participants, and were associated with impaired VR balance threshold (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: While VR balance assessment was no better at identifying CIPN than existing measures, it is a potential surrogate method to assess patients at risk of falls from CIPN.

Patterns of Patient-Reported Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Colorectal Cancer Survivors.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) can be a debilitating toxicity of oxaliplatin used for treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to assess CIPN symptoms and associations in our colorectal survivorship population and review the impact of neurotoxicity on dose delivery of oxaliplatin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients attending their first visit to the Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre following completion of adjuvant treatment for CRC completed comprehensive patient-reported outcome measures, including symptoms, quality of life (QoL), alcohol intake, and exercise habits. Participants scored symptoms of "numbness or pins and needles" in hands or feet from 0 (no trouble at all) to 10 (worst I can imagine). Diagnosis, treatment, and comorbidity details were obtained from medical records. A subset of patients completed serial assessments of PN symptoms at follow-up visits. RESULTS: Data were analyzed from 233 patients (52% male; mean age, 63 years) with CRC attending their first visit at the Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre. A subset of 104 patients were included in the longitudinal analysis. The odds of patient-reported numbness were significantly higher in patients receiving oxaliplatin (odds ratio, 5.6; 95% CI, 3.2-9.8), with 72.4% of oxaliplatin-treated CRC survivors reporting numbness an average of 5.9 months after chemotherapy. Mean patient-reported numbness was significantly higher in those who received oxaliplatin-containing chemotherapy (mean, 3.31) compared with fluoropyrimidines alone (mean, 1.37) and no chemotherapy (mean, 0.66). Of the patients receiving oxaliplatin, 80% required dose reduction or early cessation, with PN the most common reason reported. QoL in physical, emotional, and functional well-being domains was lower in patients with numbness. We found a weak negative association between numbness score and age, and between (1) numbness and cardiovascular disease and (2) numbers and pain score. CONCLUSIONS: CIPN symptoms are common in CRC survivors who have received oxaliplatin and are associated with lower QoL. Neurotoxicity is underreported in clinical trials compared with real-world populations and is a major barrier to oxaliplatin treatment delivery.

Screening for cognitive symptoms among cancer patients during chemotherapy: Sensitivity and specificity of a single item self-report cognitive change score.

OBJECTIVES: Cognitive symptoms are commonly reported among cancer patients and survivors, yet guidance on when self-reported cognitive symptoms warrant follow-up is lacking. We sought to establish cut-off scores for identifying patients with perceived low cognitive functioning on widely used self-report measures of cognition and a novel single item Cognitive Change Score. METHODS: Adult patients diagnosed with invasive cancer who had completed at least one cycle of chemotherapy completed a questionnaire containing the EORTC-Cognitive Function (CF) subscale, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function (FACT-COG) Perceived Cognitive Impairment (PCI) and our Cognitive Change Score (CCS). We used receiver operating characteristic analyses to establish the discriminative ability of these measures against the Patient's Assessment of Own Functioning Inventory (PAOFI) as our reference standard. We chose cut-off scores on each measure that maximised both sensitivity and specificity for identifying patients with self-reported low CF. RESULTS: We recruited 294 participants (55.8% women, mean age 56.6 years) with mixed cancer diagnoses (25.5 months since diagnosis). On the CCS, 77.6% reported some cognitive change since starting chemotherapy. On the PAOFI 36% had low CF. The following cut-off scores identified cases of low CF: ≥28.5 on the CCS (75.5% sensitivity, 67.6% specificity); ≤75.0 on the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer, QLQ-C30 Cognitive Functioning scale (90.9% sensitivity, 57.1% specificity); ≤55.1 on the FACT-COG PCI-18 (84.8% sensitivity, 76.2% specificity), and ≤59.5 on the FACT-COG PCI-20 (78.8% sensitivity, 84.1% specificity). CONCLUSIONS: We found a single item question asking about cognitive change has acceptable discrimination between patients with self-reported normal and low CF when compared to other more comprehensive self-report measures of cognitive symptoms. Further validation work is required.

Evaluating laser photobiomodulation for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a randomised phase II trial.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of laser photobiomodulation (PBM) for treatment of established chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in cancer survivors. METHODS: We conducted a randomised phase II, non-comparative, sham-controlled, single-blinded clinical trial in 44 cancer survivors reporting CIPN symptoms at least 3 months following completion of neurotoxic chemotherapy. Participants were randomised 2:1 to either PBM laser or sham control delivered twice weekly for 12 sessions. Assessments were conducted at baseline, the end of intervention (6 weeks), and 6 weeks post intervention (12 weeks). Participants completed neuropathy, quality of life and function questionnaires, and a clinical neurological assessment. The primary outcome was proportion of participants with CIPN response, defined as either symptom resolution or reduction of minimally clinically important difference. RESULTS: In the laser and control groups, CIPN response rates were - 48% and 53% at 6 weeks and 45% and 33% at 12 weeks, respectively. The null hypothesis that the true response rate is 5% in the laser arm was rejected at both 6 and 12 weeks (p < 0.001 for both). Compared to baseline, patient-reported CIPN improved in both laser and control groups after the intervention. At 12 weeks, improvement was sustained in the laser group and approaching baseline in the control group. Clinical signs, quality of life, and function remained stable in both groups. Low-grade "side-effects" were observed in both arms. CONCLUSION: PBM may offer clinically meaningful symptom benefit in cancer survivors with established CIPN with improvement potentially continuing beyond completion of the intervention. A larger study is warranted to evaluate this further.

Systematic review of long-term chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) following adjuvant oxaliplatin for colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is the most common dose-limiting side effect of oxaliplatin. It often persists and can adversely affect quality of life of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. This systematic review explored the proportions of patients with persistent CIPN and the reporting methods used. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and CINAHL were searched up to March 2021 for publications reporting CIPN outcomes following adjuvant oxaliplatin-containing chemotherapy at prespecified timepoints in participants with CRC. Secondary outcomes assessed the tools used to measure CIPN. Two authors reviewed full text publications for eligibility, data extraction and appraisal. Meta-analysis was performed where Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (any grade) was reported at the most frequent timepoints. RESULTS: From 7895 citations identified, 27 studies met the eligibility criteria: six were randomised control trials, and 21 were non-randomised studies. Pooled prevalence of CIPN at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after chemotherapy were 58%, 45%, 32% and 24% respectively. The average prevalence of CIPN decreased by 26% per year after chemotherapy (pooled RR = 0.74; 95% CI 0.72-0.75). Across all studies, ten separate tools were used as the primary measure of CIPN. Quality appraisal identified open-label design and inadequate reporting of participants lost to follow-up as the main methodological limitations. CONCLUSION: Our summary of reported rates of persistent CIPN indicates substantial long-term toxicity affecting CRC survivors, and will help clinicians estimate CIPN risk and its change over time. The heterogeneity of CIPN measures identified in the review highlights the need for a standardised CIPN assessment.

Comorbidities and perceived health status in persons with history of cancer in the USA.

PURPOSE: Comorbidities can further challenge prognosis and general wellbeing of cancer patients. This study aimed to assess the association between comorbidities and perceived health status (PHS) of US persons with cancer. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used 2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data and included individuals who were alive throughout the year, aged 18 to 84 years, and had diagnosis for cancer. Using adjusted logistic regression models, we estimated the association of comorbidities (no, few [1/2], and more [3 or more] comorbidities) with PHS. Analyses accounted for the complex design of MEPS. RESULTS: The dataset included 28,512 participants, 1739 of which were eligible for the study. Of these, 11.16% (95% CI 9.64, 12.59%); 41.73% (95% CI 39.21, 43.96%); and 47.10% (95% CI 44.86, 49.73%) reported having no, few, and more comorbidities, respectively. While breast (N = 356), prostate (N = 276), and melanoma (N = 273) were the most common cancers, hypertension (88.3%), hypercholesterolemia (49.5%), and arthritis (48%) were the most prevalent comorbidities. Adjusted logistic regression showed that, compared with those with no comorbidities, persons with few and more comorbidities had 1.58 (95% CI = 0.79, 3.15) and 2.27 (95% CI = 1.19, 4.32) times greater odds of poor PHS. Younger or male patients, those with less formal education, low-income, pain, functional limitation, or poor perception of mental health were more likely to regard their health as poor. CONCLUSION: About 88% of persons with history of cancer in the USA aged 18-84 years reported at least one comorbidity. Having more comorbidities, along with several other variables, was associated with poor PHS. Comorbidities management must be given special consideration to improve the prognosis and general wellbeing of persons with cancer.

Cancer-related cognitive impairment in patients with newly diagnosed aggressive lymphoma undergoing standard chemotherapy: a longitudinal feasibility study.

PURPOSE: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a recognised adverse consequence of cancer and its treatment. This study assessed the feasibility of collecting longitudinal data on cognition in patients with newly diagnosed, aggressive lymphoma undergoing standard therapy with curative intent via self-report, neuropsychological assessment, peripheral markers of inflammation, and neuroimaging. An exploration and description of patterns of cancer-related cognitive impairment over the course of treatment and recovery was also undertaken and will be reported separately. METHODS: Eligible participants completed repeated measures of cognition including self-report and neuropsychological assessment, and correlates of cognition including blood cell-based inflammatory markers, and neuroimaging at three pre-specified timepoints, time 1 (T1) - pre-treatment (treatment naïve), time 2 (T2) - mid-treatment, and time 3 (T3) - 6 to 8 weeks post-completion of treatment. RESULTS: 30/33 eligible patients (91%, 95% CI: 76%, 97%) were recruited over 10 months. The recruitment rate was 3 patients/month (95% CI: 2.0, 4.3 patients/month). Reasons for declining included feeling overwhelmed and rapid treatment commencement. Mean age was 57 years (SD = 17 years) and 16/30 (53%) were male. Most patients (20/30, 67%) had diffuse large B cell lymphoma or Hodgkin lymphoma (4/30, 13%). The neuroimaging sub-study was optional, 11/30 participants (37%) were eligible to take part, and all agreed. The remaining 19 participants were ineligible as their diagnostic PET/CT scan was completed prior. Retention and compliance with all assessments were 89 to 100% at all timepoints. Only one participant was withdrawn due to disease progression. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study including excellent recruitment, retention, and compliance rates demonstrate it is feasible to longitudinally assess cognition in people with newly diagnosed aggressive lymphoma during their initial treatment and recovery to inform the development of future research to improve patient experiences and cognitive outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12619001649101.

On the receiving end: have patient perceptions of the side-effects of cancer chemotherapy changed since the twentieth century?

BACKGROUND: Studies in 1983 and 1993 identified and ranked symptoms experienced by cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. We repeated the studies to obtain updated information on patient perceptions of chemotherapy-associated symptoms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional interview and patient-reported outcome questionnaires were administered to out-patients receiving chemotherapy. Patients selected from 124 cards to identify and rank the severity of physical and non-physical symptoms they had experienced and attributed to chemotherapy (primary endpoint). The patient's medical oncologist and primary chemotherapy nurse were invited to rank the five symptoms they believed the patient would rank as their most severe. We analysed the association of symptoms and their severity with patient demographics, chemotherapy regimen, and patient-reported outcomes. Results were compared to the earlier studies. RESULTS: Overall, 302 patients completed the interview: median age 58 years (range 17-85); 56% female; main tumour types colorectal 81 (27%), breast 67 (22%), lung 49 (16%); 45% treated with curative intent. Most common symptoms (reported by >50%) were: alopecia, general weakness, effects on family/partner, loss of taste, nausea, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, effects on work/home duties, and having to put life on hold. The most severe symptoms (ranked by >15% in top five) were: concern about effects on family/partner, nausea, fear of the future, fatigue, not knowing what will happen, putting my life on hold, and general weakness. Perceptions of doctors and nurses of patients' symptom severity closely matched patients' rankings. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to earlier studies, there was an increase in non-physical concerns such as effects on family and future, and a decrease in physical symptoms, particularly vomiting, but nausea, fatigue and general weakness remained bothersome. HIGHLIGHTS: • Symptoms related to chemotherapy have changed over time, likely due to less toxic regimens and improvements in supportive care. • Effects on family/partner, fear of the future, not knowing what will happen, and "life on hold" were major issues for patients. • Vomiting has decreased but nausea, fatigue and general weakness remain common symptoms for chemotherapy patients.

Lack of cognitive impairment in long-term survivors of colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Our longitudinal study reported cognitive impairment in 43% of people following diagnosis of localised colorectal cancer (CRC) versus 15% in healthy controls (p < 0.001) and 50% versus 13% 1-2 years later (p < 0.001). Here we evaluate cognitive function and neuroimaging in a subgroup at long-term follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cancer-free Australian participants in the study, and controls, completed cognitive and functional assessments. Neuroimaging was optional. Blood tests included inflammatory markers, clotting factors, sex hormones and apolipoprotein E genotype. The primary endpoint was demographically and practice effect-corrected cognitive scores comparing CRC survivors with controls over time examined using a linear mixed model, adjusted for baseline performance. Secondary endpoints included cognitive impairment rate using the Global Deficit Score [GDS > 0.5], Functional Deficit Score, blood results and neuroimaging. RESULTS: The study included 25 CRC survivors (60% men, median age 72) at mean 9 years after baseline (9 received adjuvant chemotherapy) and 25 controls (44% men, median age 68) at mean 6 years after baseline. There were no significant differences in cognitive scores or proportion with cognitive impairment (16 vs. 8%) between survivors and controls and no evidence of accelerated ageing in CRC survivors. Baseline cognitive performance predicted for subsequent cognitive function. There were no differences in functional tests or blood tests between groups. In 18 participants undergoing neuroimaging, 10 CRC survivors had higher myoinositol levels than 8 controls, and lower volume in the right amygdala and caudate and left hippocampal regions. CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in cognitive capacity and function between CRC survivors and controls 6-12 years after diagnosis. Differences in neuroimaging require confirmation in a larger sample. HIGHLIGHTS: • No evidence of long term cognitive impairment in colorectal cancer survivors compared to controls 6-12 years after diagnosis • No evidence of accelerated cognitive ageing in colorectal cancer survivors • No evidence of long-term functional impairment in colorectal cancer survivors.

Dying of mesothelioma: A qualitative exploration of caregiver experiences.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the experience of family caregivers of people with mesothelioma with focus on end-of-life issues. METHODS: A qualitative sub-study using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. RESULTS: Fourteen caregivers were interviewed; 11 were bereaved. The overarching theme was the impact of patients' diagnosis, treatment and death on caregivers and families. Three main themes were identified: (i) information provision and decision-making; (ii) grief and bereavement; and (iii) involvement and timing of palliative care. Caregivers initially had minimal knowledge of mesothelioma and wanted more information. Prognostic uncertainty caused distress. Grief and bereavement sub-themes were (i) coping and personal priorities; (ii) reflections on dying; and (iii) reflections on care. Caregivers highlighted the importance of creating meaningful events, having hope, 'doing something' and support from family and external sources. Reflections on dying contrasted regret after a 'bad', often unexpected death, with 'good' deaths. Care was made difficult by challenges navigating the health system and perceived gaps. Caregivers reported late referral to palliative care. CONCLUSION: Lack of information caused challenges for caregivers. Grief and bereavement outcomes varied and may have been adversely impacted by lack of engagement with palliative care. Integrated care with lung cancer coordinators and improved palliative care access may reduce caregiver burden.

"SQiD, the Single Question in Delirium; can a single question help clinicians to detect delirium in hospitalised cancer patients?" running heading Single Question in Delirium" (Bcan-D-20-01665).

AIM: A serious syndrome for cancer in-patients, delirium risk increases with age and medical acuity. Screening tools exist but detection is frequently delayed or missed. We test the 'Single Question in Delirium' (SQiD), in comparison to psychiatrist clinical interview. METHODS: Inpatients in two comprehensive cancer centres were prospectively screened. Clinical staff asked informants to respond to the SQiD: "Do you feel that [patient's name] has been more confused lately?". The primary endpoint was negative predictive value (NPV) of the SQiD versus psychiatrist diagnosis (Diagnostic and Statistics Manual criteria). Secondary endpoints included: NPV of the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), sensitivity, specificity and Cohen's Kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Between May 2012 and July 2015, the SQiD plus CAM was applied to 122 patients; 73 had the SQiD and psychiatrist interview. Median age was 65 yrs. (interquartile range 54-74), 46% were female; median length of hospital stay was 12 days (5-18 days). Major cancer types were lung (19%), gastric or other upper GI (15%) and breast (14%). 70% of participants had stage 4 cancer. Diagnostic values were similar between the SQiD (NPV = 74, 95% CI 67-81; kappa = 0.32) and CAM (NPV = 72, 95% CI 67-77, kappa = 0.32), compared with psychiatrist interview. Overall the CAM identified only a small number of delirious cases but all were true positives. The specificity of the SQiD was 87% (74-95) The SQiD had higher sensitivity than CAM (44% [95% CI 41-80] vs 26% [10-48]). CONCLUSION: The SQiD, administered by bedside clinical staff, was feasible and its psychometric properties are now better understood. The SQiD can contribute to delirium detection and clinical care for hospitalised cancer patients.

Do cancer survivors change their diet after cancer diagnosis?

BACKGROUND: Improvements in lifestyle such as diet and exercise can minimise the risk of a new cancer diagnosis or cancer recurrence. We investigated dietary changes and supplement use by survivors attending Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre (SCSC) clinic to plan future interventions to help survivors improve their diet. METHODS: Eligible survivors were SCSC cancer patients who had completed anticancer treatment with curative intent and attended their initial clinic between September 2013 and July 2019. Attendees completed questionnaires investigating dietary change and a 3-day food diary before attending clinic. RESULTS: Overall, 520 (91%) survivors completed questionnaires and 310 (54%) a 3-day food diary. Mean age was 57 (range 18-90 years), and 68% were female. The main cancer types were breast (41%), colorectal (31%), and haematological (17%). In total, 318/520 (55%) reported making dietary change after their cancer diagnosis. Most common changes were increased fruit and vegetable intake (36%), reduced or avoidance of red meat (25%), sugar or sweets (20%) and fat (12%), while some (7%) specifically avoided dairy products. Overall, 269/439 (61%) reported taking dietary supplements, with a median of 2 supplements (range 0-8). Based on their 3-day food diary assessed by a dietitian, only 53/270 (20%) and 110/276 (40%) met the recommended serves of vegetables and fruit respectively. CONCLUSION: The majority of survivors modified their diet after their cancer diagnosis; some modifications appeared to be beneficial, while others were not evidence-based. More than half of survivors reported taking dietary supplements. There is a need for providing appropriate dietary education in a timely manner to improve cancer survivors' diet.

Correlates of cognitive impairment in adult cancer survivors who have received chemotherapy and report cognitive problems.

OBJECTIVE: Cognitive impairment negatively affects some cancer survivors who have completed chemotherapy; however, factors underlying this cognitive impairment remain poorly understood. We aimed to investigate (1) the relative importance of demographics, medical, and psychological characteristics associated with cognitive impairment and (2) the specific variables associated with cognitive impairment in adult cancer survivors who completed adjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: We performed post hoc analyses of baseline data from early-stage cancer survivors with cognitive complaints who received adjuvant chemotherapy 0.5-5 years earlier and volunteered for a trial designed to improve cognition. The primary outcome of self-reported cognitive impairment was measured using a questionnaire; secondary outcome of objective cognitive impairment was measured using a computerized neuropsychological test battery. Hierarchical linear regression determined the relative importance of demographics, medical, and psychological characteristics in associations with both self-reported and objective cognitive impairment. RESULTS: The sample was 95% female and 89% breast cancer patients. The final model accounted for 33% of variation in self-reported cognitive impairment (n = 212, demographics 5%, medical 3%, and psychological 25%), with fatigue and stress as significant individual correlates (p values ≤ 0.0001). For the secondary analysis, the final model accounted for 19% of variation in objective cognitive impairment (n = 206, demographics 10%, medical 5%, and psychological 4%), with age, smoking history, and number of chemotherapy cycles as significant individual correlates. CONCLUSION: We found that psychological characteristics are more important than demographic and medical characteristics in self-reported cognitive impairment, whereas other characteristics are more important in objective cognitive impairment. This suggests clinicians should investigate possible psychological problems in cancer survivors who self-report cognitive impairment.

Efficacy of pelvic floor rehabilitation for bowel dysfunction after anterior resection for colorectal cancer: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Bowel dysfunction is common after anterior resection for colorectal cancer (CRC). Pelvic floor rehabilitation (PFR) may improve functional outcomes after surgery. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PFR for patients with bowel symptoms after anterior resection. METHODS: MEDLINE, CINHAL, PUBMED, EMBASE, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, PEDRO and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to June 2019. A final search was performed on 11 July 2020. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, case-control studies and case series of bowel dysfunction after CRC surgery and PFR were eligible for review. Outcome measures were bowel function changes measured by patient-reported outcomes and manometric measurement. Risk of bias assessments using Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) tool and Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) were conducted. RESULTS: Eleven trials met eligibility criteria: four retrospective studies and seven prospective, non-randomised controlled studies. A total of 516 participants were included, of which 455 received PFR. Functional outcomes were measured by bowel functional outcome questionnaires, patient diary, anorectal manometry and three studies measured quality of life. Faecal incontinence was improved in seven studies, and bowel frequency also decreased in five studies. The mean MINORS score was 10 (8-13) out of 16 in non-comparative groups and 18 (16-22) out of 24 in comparative groups; the NOS was 4.2 (3-7) out of 9. The overall risk of bias was high in most studies. CONCLUSIONS: PFR appears to be beneficial for improving bowel function after anterior resection for CRC. However, the studies included had methodological limitations, so further investigation on the effectiveness of PFR is warranted.