Exploring Inflammation and Stress as Biological Correlates of Symptoms in Children With Advanced Cancer: A Longitudinal Feasibility Study.

Background: Few studies have examined biomarkers of stress and inflammation as underlying mechanisms of symptoms in adolescents and young adults with cancer. This study determined the feasibility of collecting blood and saliva samples across time, described the range and distribution of biomarkers, and explored the association of biomarkers with symptom adverse events (AEs). Method: This longitudinal, prospective repeated-measures single-site feasibility study recruited N = 10 children (M = 12.5 years) receiving treatment for advanced cancer. Symptom AE data and inflammation (cytokines and C-reactive protein) and physiologic response to stress (salivary cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase) biomarker levels were collected at three time points. Descriptive statistics were used to examine feasibility and acceptability and to summarize symptom AE, stress, and inflammatory biomarker data. A linear regression model was used to determine cortisol diurnal slopes. The relationship between symptom and inflammatory biomarker data was explored and Hedges's g statistic was used to determine its effect size. Results: Participants provided 83% of saliva samples (n = 199/240) and 185 samples were sufficient to be analyzed. Nurses collected 97% (n = 29/30) of blood samples. Participants reported the saliva collection instructions, kits, and reminders were clear and helpful. Insomnia, pain, fatigue, and anxiety demonstrated the most medium and large negative effects with inflammatory markers. Symptom AEs demonstrated the highest number of medium and large negative effects with interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (-0.53 to -2.00). Discussion: The results indicate longitudinal concurrent collection of symptom and biomarker data is feasible and inflammatory and stress biomarkers merit consideration for inclusion in future studies.

A Systematic Review of the Characteristics and Effects of Physical Activity Interventions on Physical Activity Engagement, Long-Term and Late Effects, and Quality of Life in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors.

Physical activity (PA) may minimize long-term and late effects experienced by cancer survivors. However, the efficacy of PA interventions in increasing PA engagement among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors diagnosed between 15 and 39 is not well understood. This systematic review aimed to examine the effects of moderate- to high-intensity or strength training PA interventions on PA engagement in AYA cancer survivors. Secondary aims included describing intervention components unique to efficacious interventions, identifying symptom management in PA interventions, and evaluating intervention effects on quality of life (QoL), and long-term or late effects of cancer. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SportDiscus, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases from inception to August 2022 and identified 12 articles, including 8 randomized controlled trials and 4 quasi-experimental studies. The effect of PA interventions on PA engagement was mixed, with four studies reporting increases in PA engagement ranging from 18.4 to 113.8 min/week postintervention. There was great diversity in PA intervention components. Motivational interviewing, supervised and unsupervised PA sessions together, moderate-intensity PA only, and mindful meditation were components unique to efficacious interventions. No intervention incorporated symptom management components. Studies provided some evidence of PA interventions on potential long-term effects of cancer, with positive impact on fatigue, and some evidence of improved anxiety, sleep, and QoL. Given limited research with AYA cancer survivors, additional research is needed to identify effective intervention components, integrate symptom management strategies into PA interventions, and track effects of PA interventions on late and long-term effects of cancer in this population.