Is the excretory phase necessary to identify upper tract urothelial neoplasms at CT urography? A 10-year population-based study.

PURPOSE: To assess the proportion of upper tract urothelial carcinomas (UTUC) that are evident without the excretory phase at CT urography (CTU), and the proportion of potentially avoidable radiation. METHODS: UTUCs diagnosed between January 2008-December 2017 were retrospectively identified from a population-based cancer registry. For each patient, US, non-urographic CT, and MRI exams were assessed for a primary mass and secondary imaging findings (hydronephrosis, urinary tract thickening, luminal distention, fat stranding, and lymphadenopathy/metastatic disease). CTUs were assessed for primary and secondary findings, and whether the tumor was evident as a filling defect on excretory phase. The dose-length product (DLP) of potentially avoidable excretory phases was calculated as a fraction of total DLP. RESULTS: 288 patients (mean age, 72±11 years, 165 males) and 545 imaging examinations were included. Of 192 patients imaged with 370 non-urographic CTs, a primary mass was evident in 154 (80.2%), secondary findings were evident in 172 (89.6%), and primary or secondary findings were evident in 179 (93.2%). Of 175 CTUs, primary and secondary findings were evident in 157 (89.7%) and 166 (94.9%) examinations, respectively, and primary or secondary findings were evident in 170/175 (97.1%). 131/175 (74.9%) UTUCs were evident as a filling defect, including the 5/175 (2.9%) UTUCs without primary or secondary findings. Of 144 CTUs with available DLP data, the proportion of potentially avoidable radiation was 103.7/235.8 (44.0%) Gy⋅cm. CONCLUSION: In our population, almost all UTUCs were evident via primary or secondary imaging findings without requiring the excretory phase. These results support streamlining protocols and pathways.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy vs. laparoscopic and open partial nephrectomy: A single-site, two-surgeon, retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: In 2019, our center attempted to transition all partial nephrectomies (PNs) to robotic-assisted laparoscopic PN (RALPN). The purpose of this study was to compare RALPN outcomes to laparoscopic PN (LPN) and open PN (OPN) at our institution, as there is limited literature from Canadian centers. METHODS: In this single-center, two-surgeon, retrospective cohort study, we compared RALPN outcomes during the early phase of our robotics program to OPN and LPN performed just before the introduction of RALPN. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients underwent OPN, 83 LPN, and 82 RALPN during the study period. Median RALPN RENAL score was 7 vs. 6 for LPN (p<0.05) and 8 for OPN (p=0.10). Median RALPN length of stay (LOS) was two days vs. three and four days for LPN and OPN (p<0.05), respectively. OPN median procedure time was 104 minutes vs. 94 and 82 minutes for LPN and RALPN (p<0.05), respectively. Median OPN operating room (OR) time was 160 minutes vs. 150 and 146 minutes for LPN and RALPN (p<0.05), respectively. There were no significant differences in intraoperative (p=0.92) or postoperative complications rates (p=0.47). RALPN warm ischemia time (WIT) was 17 minutes vs 14.5 and 15 minutes for OPN and LPN (p<0.05), respectively. Median RALPN estimated blood loss (EBL) was 165 ml vs. 250 ml for OPN (p<0.05) and 125 ml for LPN (p=0.15). CONCLUSIONS: Although patients who underwent RALPN had longer WIT, they had similar rates of complications, required less total OR time, and had shorter procedure time and LOS compared with OPN and LPN despite similar RENAL score compared to OPN and greater score than LPN.

PC-PEP, a Comprehensive Daily Six-Month Home-Based Patient Empowerment Program Leads to Weight Loss in Men with Prostate Cancer: A Secondary Analysis of a Clinical Trial.

Background: The Prostate Cancer-Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) is a six-month daily home-based program shown to improve mental health and urinary function. This secondary analysis explores weight loss in male PC-PEP participants. Methods: In a randomized clinical trial with 128 men undergoing curative prostate cancer (PC) treatment, 66 received 'early' PC-PEP, while 62 were assigned to the 'late' waitlist-control group, receiving 6 months of standard-of-care treatment followed by 6 months of PC-PEP. PC-PEP comprised 182 daily emails with video-based exercise and dietary (predominantly plant-based) education, live online events, and 30 min strength training routines (using body weight and elastic bands). Weight and height data were collected via online surveys (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months) including medical chart reviews. Adherence was tracked weekly. Results: No attrition or adverse events were reported. At 6 months, the early PC-PEP group experienced significant weight loss, averaging 2.7 kg (p < 0.001) compared to the waitlist-control group. Weight loss was noted in the late intervention group of PC-PEP, albeit less pronounced than in the early group. Early PC-PEP surgery patients lost on average 1.4 kg (SE = 0.65) from the trial's start to surgery day. High adherence to exercise and dietary recommendations was noted. Conclusions: PC-PEP led to significant weight loss in men undergoing curative prostate cancer treatment compared to standard-of-care.

Six-Month Prostate Cancer Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) Improves Urinary Function: A Randomized Trial.

Purpose: This is a secondary analysis examining a six-month home-based Prostate Cancer-Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) on patient-reported urinary, bowel, sexual, and hormonal function in men with curative prostate cancer (PC) against standard of care. Methods: In a crossover clinical trial, 128 men scheduled for PC surgery (n = 62) or radiotherapy with/without hormones (n = 66) were randomized to PC-PEP (n = 66) or waitlist-control and received the standard of care for 6 months, and then PC-PEP to the end of the year. PC-PEP included daily emails with video instructions, aerobic and strength training, dietary guidance, stress management, and social support, with an initial PFMT nurse consultation. Over 6 months, participants in the PC-PEP received optional text alerts (up to three times daily) reminding them to follow the PFMT video program, encompassing relaxation, quick-twitch, and endurance exercises; compliance was assessed weekly. Participants completed baseline, 6, and 12-month International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) questionnaires. Results: At 6 months, men in the PC-PEP reported improved urinary bother (IPSS, p = 0.004), continence (EPIC, p < 0.001), and irritation/obstruction function (p = 0.008) compared to controls, with sustained urinary continence benefits at 12 months (p = 0.002). Surgery patients in the waitlist-control group had 3.5 (95% CI: 1.2, 10, p = 0.024) times and 2.3 (95% CI: 0.82, 6.7, p = 0.11) times higher odds of moderate to severe urinary problems compared to PC-PEP at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Conclusions: PC-PEP significantly improves lower urinary tract symptoms, affirming its suitability for clinical integration alongside established mental health benefits in men with curative prostate cancer.

Examining the utility of routine perioperative hemoglobin monitoring in patients undergoing radical nephrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing radical nephrectomy (RN) are often admitted with protocolized bloodwork for several days following their operation, yet the clinical value of serial hemoglobin (Hgb) measurements has not been established. This can lead to unnecessary costs and can prolong patient stay, despite the absence of an intervention based on these lab values. This study sought to examine perioperative Hgb values and identify those patients at high risk of bleeding requiring intervention, as well as those patients who are unlikely to require further monitoring. METHODS: Patient and perioperative factors were retrospectively examined for a cohort of 259 radical nephrectomy patients from 2015-2021 in Atlantic Canada. Postoperative Hgb values and transfusion rates were recorded. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify variables associated with requiring a blood transfusion. RESULTS: Overall, 31 (12%) patients required a blood transfusion in the postoperative period. Median estimated blood loss (EBL) was 150 ml (interquartile range [IQR] 100-300), with a median Hgb change of 15 g/L (IQR 9-22 g/L) from preoperative to postoperative day 1 (POD1). In patients with a Hgb loss of ≤15 g/L (n=131), transfusion was only required in four of these patients (3.1%). Among those with a POD1 Hgb >100 g/L (n=199), only four (2%) required transfusion. These patients were identified to be having complications based on hemodynamic instability. Factors found to be associated on multivariate regression analysis with higher transfusion risk were age and intraoperative EBL, while higher preoperative Hgb was found to be associated with a lower transfusion risk. CONCLUSIONS: In patients who have a reassuring POD1 Hgb value, with a drop of <15 g/L or an absolute value of >100 g/L, consideration can be made towards discontinuing routine Hgb testing in the absence of a clinical indication. Age, blood loss, and preoperative Hgb are factors that may affect a patient's overall risk of transfusion.

An in-depth analysis on the effects of body composition in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy for urothelial cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is the standard of care for patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC); however, NAC can be associated with significant side effects and morbidity in some patients. NAC may contribute to sarcopenia, obesity, and the combination of the two. Our study examined the effects of NAC on body composition and the association between body composition and adverse events. METHODS: We created a retrospective database of patients with non-metastatic MIBC receiving NAC prior to RC. The change in skeletal muscle index (SMI) and fat mass index (FMI) was calculated using computed tomography (CT) scans done within three months prior to NAC and after the first two cycles. The association between body composition (sarcopenia, obesity, and sarcopenic obesity) and preoperative adverse events was investigated using a multivariable logistic regression. Changes in body composition were calculated using a paired Student's t-test. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients were included in our study. There was a mean decrease in SMI of 2.2±3.2 cm2/m2. Adiposity and FMI were unchanged by NAC. Sarcopenic obesity was found to be associated with adverse events among patients receiving NAC in the multivariable analysis. There were a total of 637 preoperative complications with grades 1-2 and 33 complications with grades 3-5. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our retrospective cohort study, NAC did not affect obesity and FMI, but there was a significant decrease in SMI. Sarcopenic obesity was associated with increased severity of NAC adverse events. As such, the presence of this factor may help predict tolerance of NAC.

Assessing the Efficacy of a 28-Day Comprehensive Online Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) in Facilitating Engagement of Prostate Cancer Patients in Their Survivorship Care: A Qualitative Study.

A 28-day Prostate Cancer-Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) developed through patient engagement was successful at promoting mental and physical health. Thirty prostate cancer patients from Halifax, Canada participated in the 28-day PC-PEP intervention in early 2019. PC-PEP encompassed daily patient education and empowerment videos, prescribed physical activities (including pelvic floor exercises), a mostly plant-based diet, stress reduction techniques, intimacy education, social connection, and support. Quantitative exit surveys and semi-structured interviews (conducted in focus groups of ten) were used to assess perceived factors that facilitated or impeded adherence to the program. The program received high praise from the patients and was deemed extremely useful by the participating men, who rated it 9 out of 10. Patients expressed that the multifaceted, online, home-based nature of the program helped them adhere to it better than they would have had to a single or less comprehensive intervention. Feedback from the participants indicated that the program, when viewed as a whole, was perceived as greater than the sum of its individual parts. Furthermore, the program addressed various issues, including emotional vulnerability and distress, physical fitness, urinary incontinence, challenges in expressing emotions, perceived lack of control over healthcare decisions, emotional fragility, and hesitancy to discuss prostate cancer-related matters in social settings. Patients highly (9.6/10) endorsed integrating the program into the standard care regimen from the very beginning of diagnosis. However, challenges such as work commitments were noted. Patients' high endorsement of PC-PEP suggests that its implementation into the standard of care from day one of diagnosis may be warranted.

A comparison of the sarcopenic effect of androgen receptor-axis-targeted agents vs. androgen deprivation alone in patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with androgen receptor axis-targeted (ARAT) therapy is the standard of care provided to patients with metastatic prostate cancer. While effective, it results in sequelae, such as loss of skeletal muscle mass. In this study, we compared the sarcopenic effects of abiraterone and enzalutamide, two ARATs used to treat metastatic prostate cancer. METHODS: Our cohort was comprised of 55 patients diagnosed with metastatic hormonenaive prostate cancer from 2014-2019. Patients were divided into three treatment groups: gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH ) agonist alone; GnRH agonist combined with abiraterone acetate; and GnRH agonist combined with enzalutamide. We then compared axial computed tomographic (CT) scans at the L3 level before and after the initiation of hormone therapy for each patient. A skeletal muscle index (SMI) was calculated for each patient, and alongside clinical data, was compared between the three groups. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Fisher's exact test were used to compare means and proportions, respectively. RESULTS: Baseline clinical characteristics were not significantly different between the three groups. The percent SMI change and number of newly sarcopenic patients were not found to be significantly different between the groups. The only variable that was significantly different across the three groups was time between CT scans. CONCLUSIONS: Although we found no significant difference in the sarcopenic effects of GnRH alone, GnRH with abiraterone, or GnRH with enzalutamide in our cohort of 55 hormone-naive metastatic prostate cancer patients, overall decreases in muscle mass were observed for all three groups. This highlights the importance of muscle-retaining strategies for patients undergoing ADT for metastatic prostate cancer, regardless of therapeutic regimen.

Therapeutic Approaches to Penile Cancer: Standards of Care and Recent Developments.

Penile cancer is a rare malignancy, most commonly diagnosed in older men, associated with poor outcomes, dramatic decline in quality of life and sexual function. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histopathology of penile cancer, accounting for 95% of all cases. Localized, early-stage penile cancer can be effectively managed through penile-sparing techniques in many cases, though advanced stages of penile cancer carry a poor prognosis. Current innovative treatments are exploring the role of targeted therapy, HPV-directed therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive T-cell therapies in treatment and prevention of relapse of penile cancer. Clinical trials are investigating the potential of targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced penile cancer. This review examines the current management of penile cancer and highlights future directions in research and treatment.

Poliovirus antibodies following two rounds of campaigns with a type 2 novel oral poliovirus vaccine in Liberia: a clustered, population-based seroprevalence survey.

BACKGROUND: Novel oral poliovirus vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) was administered in Liberia in response to an outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in 2021. We conducted a serological survey of polio antibodies after two national campaigns with nOPV2. METHODS: This clustered, cross-sectional, population-based seroprevalence survey was conducted in children aged 0-59 months, more than 4 weeks after the second nOPV2 vaccination round. We used a clustered sampling method in four geographical regions of Liberia, followed by a simple random sampling of households. One eligible child was randomly selected per household. Dried blood spot specimens were taken and vaccination history was recorded. The antibody titres against all three poliovirus serotypes were assessed using standard microneutralisation assays done at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA, USA. FINDINGS: Analysable data were obtained from 436 (87%) of 500 enrolled participants. Of these, 371 (85%) children were reported via parental recall to have received two nOPV2 doses, 43 (10%) received one dose, and 22 (5%) received no doses. The seroprevalence against type 2 poliovirus was 38·3% (95% CI 33·7-43·0; 167 of 436 participants). No significant difference was observed between type 2 seroprevalence in children aged 6 months or older who were reported to have received two doses of nOPV2 (42·1%, 95% CI 36·8-47·5; 144 of 342), one dose (28·0%, 12·1-49·4; seven of 25), or no doses (37·5%, 8·5-75·5; three of eight; p=0·39). The seroprevalence against type 1 was 59·6% (54·9-64·3; 260 of 436), and the seroprevalence against type 3 was 53·0% (48·2-57·7; 231 of 436). INTERPRETATION: Unexpectedly, the data showed low type 2 seroprevalence after two reported doses of nOPV2. This finding is probably affected by the lower oral poliovirus vaccine immunogenicity previously demonstrated in resource-limited settings, with high prevalence of chronic intestinal infections in children and other factors discussed herein. Our results provide the first assessment of nOPV2 performance in outbreak response in the African region. FUNDING: WHO and Rotary International.

Examining the impact of postoperative opioid use on length of hospital stay following radical cystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Radical cystectomy (RC) is associated with high rates of morbidity, prolonged hospital stay, and increased opioid use for postoperative pain management; however, the relationship between postoperative opioid use and length of stay (LOS ) remains uncharacterized. This study serves to investigate the association between postoperative opioid use and length of hospital stay after RC. The relationship between patient and surgical factors on LOS was also characterized. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients between 2009 and 2019 who underwent RC at our institution. Patient and perioperative variables were analyzed to determine the relationship between postoperative opioid use and LOS using multivariable linear regression analysis. RESULTS: We identified 240 patients for study inclusion with a median age of 70.0 years. Median LOS was 10.0 days, with median daily mg morphine equivalent use of 57.5 for patients. Daily mg morphine equivalent use was significantly associated with an increased LOS, as were previous pelvic radiation, postoperative ileus, and higher Clavien-Dindo grade complication during admission (all p<0.05). Median LOS increased by one day for each increase of 13.2 daily mg morphine equivalents received. CONCLUSIONS: Increased daily opioid use was associated with increased length of hospital stay after RC. Non-opioid-based pain management approaches may be effective in reducing LOS after RC.

A Comprehensive 6-mo Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program Decreases Psychological Distress Among Men Undergoing Curative Prostate Cancer Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Although survival rates for newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients are very high, most of them will likely suffer significant treatment-related side effects, depression, or anxiety, affecting their quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a 6-mo online home-based physical, mental, and social support intervention, the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP), on preventing psychological distress among men undergoing curative prostate cancer treatment. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In a crossover randomized clinical trial of 128 men aged 50-82 yr scheduled for curative prostate cancer surgery or radiotherapy (± hormone treatment), 66 received the 6-mo PC-PEP intervention and 62 were randomized to a waitlist-control arm and received the standard of care for 6 mo, and then PC-PEP to the end of the year. The PC-PEP intervention consisted of daily e-mails with video instructions providing education, patient activation, and empowerment on healthy living including physical and mental health, dietary recommendations, social support, physical and pelvic floor fitness, stress reduction using a biofeedback device, social connection and intimacy, and social support. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The primary outcome was nonspecific psychological distress (clinical cutoff ≥20) measured at baseline, and at 6 and 12 mo using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: At 6 mo, patients in the waitlist-control group had 3.59 (95% confidence interval: 1.12-11.51) times higher odds for nonspecific psychological distress and need for psychological treatment than men who received the PC-PEP intervention. At 12 mo, the wait-list control group that received the intervention at 6 mo had higher psychological distress than the early group. CONCLUSIONS: PC-PEP delivered early following diagnosis significantly prevented the burden of psychological distress in men undergoing curative prostate cancer treatment compared with standard of care, or late (6 mo later) intervention. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this report, we looked at the effectiveness of a program (Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program: PC-PEP) developed with patients' engagement on the mental distress of patients awaiting curative treatment for their prostate cancer. The PC-PEP program lasted for 6 mo, and it prescribed, described, and demonstrated daily aerobic and strength training, kegels (pelvic floor training to help with urinary and sexual function), dietary changes that have been shown to be helpful in the prevention of prostate cancer and prostate cancer progression, stress reduction using a biofeedback device, as well as social and emotional support. All patients in the PC-PEP program were invited to a monthly video conference with the leads of the program who appeared in the 6 mo of daily videos prescribing the activities the patients were asked to watch and follow. The leads were a prostate cancer oncologist and a scientist in prostate cancer quality of life research. Half of the patients in this study received PC-PEP daily for the first 6 mo and were re-assessed at the end of the year. The other half received standard of care for 6 month and then received the intervention to the end of the year. The results of the study show that, at 6 mo, this intervention was effective at reducing the mental distress that accompanies a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment compared with the standard of care. Mental distress was significantly reduced when the intervention was received early, compared with that received late (6 mo after scheduled curative treatment). We conclude that multi-faceted patient education and empowerment programming of this kind that is developed with patient engagement from the start is crucial to the care of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer and should be implemented in the standard of care. While treatment for prostate cancer is highly successful, side effects that accompany most treatments significantly affect the quality of life of patients. Here, we describe PC-PEP, a patient education and activation program that is cost effective, highly enforced by patients, and successful at reducing the impact of prostate cancer active treatment-related side effects on their psychological state. To learn more about this project, please visit www.pcpep.org. The program is now being tested in a phase 4 implementation trial throughout Canada and internationally (New Zealand), and is being expanded and tested for other types of cancer.

Clinical utility of routine postoperative serial hemoglobin measurements in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for urothelial carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Routine measurements of serum hemoglobin (sHgb) are common after abdominal surgery; however, prolonged measurements may be associated with patient anxiety, increased costs, and longer hospitalization without clinical benefit. The objective of this study was to determine the utility of routine sHgb measurements after radical cystectomy (RC) and factors associated with transfusion of packed red blood cell (pRB C) beyond postoperative day (POD ) 2. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent RC between 2009 and 2019 at a single academic tertiary care center. The number of sHgb measurements for each patient was examined and pRB C transfusion rates were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with transfusion beyond POD 2. RESULTS: The median number of sHgb measurements per patient during admission was nine (interquartile range [IQR] 7, 25). Overall, 69/240 (28.7%) patients received a postoperative transfusion, including 46/240 (19.2%) patients receiving a transfusion beyond POD 2. Among patients with a sHgb ≥100 g/L on POD 2, 7/85 (8.2%) went on to receive a transfusion beyond this day compared with 39/155 (25.2%) patients with sHgb <100 g/L. On multivariable analysis, risk factors associated with pRB C transfusion beyond POD 2 included older age, lower sHgb on POD 2, and longer length of stay in hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Transfusion of pRB Cs beyond POD 2 was found to be common; however, patients with sHgb ≥100 g/L on POD 2 were at low risk of requiring subsequent transfusion. Discontinuing further routine sHgb checks in these patients may serve to decrease patient anxiety, healthcare costs, and delays in hospital discharge.

Utility of Postoperative Serial Renal Function Monitoring in Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy for Urothelial Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to examine the rates of clinical actions (CAs) as a result of serial creatinine (SCr) values and to examine postoperative SCr trends to assess the utility of SCr measurements in radical cystectomy (RC) patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review using our institution's database on all patients who underwent radical cystectomy for urothelial carcinoma (UC) from 2009 to 2019. Preoperative and all postoperative inpatient creatinine values were recorded. Minor CAs included fluid boluses, fluid rate changes, and medication changes. Major CAs included OR take-backs for stent repositioning, nephrostomy tube placement, nephrology consultation, and hemodialysis. RESULTS: A total of 238 RCs were performed with a resultant 2952 SCr measurements. The median number of SCr measurements per patient was 9 (interquartile range, IQR 7) with median length of hospital stay of 10 days (IQR 9 days). There were 92 minor and 12 major CAs as a result of 3% and 0.44% of SCr measurements, respectively. All major CAs were seen in patients experiencing complicated postoperative course. The median postoperative day with the highest creatinine was day 2. Predictors of postoperative CAs included preoperative renal dysfunction and obesity. CONCLUSION: SCr measurements remain a clinically valuable tool in postoperative management. Nonetheless, this present study suggests that prolonged SCr monitoring is of limited clinical utility. As such, discontinuing SCr checks after postoperative day 3 in patients experiencing uncomplicated postoperative course is safe and may lead to both cost savings and decreased patient discomfort.

Personality Traits and Urinary Symptoms Are Associated with Mental Health Distress in Patients with a Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: With a prolonged natural history compared with many other cancers, prostate cancer patients have high rates of mental illness over the duration of their treatment. Here, we examine the relationship between personality and mental health distress in a sample of prostate cancer patients. METHODS: This study was conducted in the Canadian Maritime provinces, where a cohort of 189 men with prostate cancer were invited to complete a quality-of-life online survey between May 2017 and December 2019. The presence or absence of screening positive for mental health illness was the primary outcome and was assessed using Kessler's 10-item scale (K10). Urinary symptoms were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). The ten-item personality inventory (TIPI) assessed extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability (or neuroticism), and openness to experiences. A multivariate logistic regression model was created to examine the association between personality, urinary symptoms, and mental health distress, while controlling for time from diagnosis, treatment type, age, and multimorbidity. RESULTS: Screening positive for mental illness (18.0%) was associated with personality traits of low levels of emotional stability (OR = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.03-0.20) and moderate to severe urinary problems (OR = 5.21, 95% CI: 1.94-14.05)). There was no identified association between treatment received for prostate cancer and personality type. CONCLUSION: Screening for mental health illness in this population may help reduce morbidity associated with cancer treatment, as well as identify patients who may be at risk of mental health distress and could benefit from individualized mental health support services. These findings suggest that multidisciplinary care is essential for the management of these patients.

Psychosocial Distress in Adult Patients Awaiting Cancer Surgery during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Cancer causes substantial emotional and psychosocial distress, which may be exacerbated by delays in treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased wait times for many patients with cancer. In this study, the psychosocial distress associated with waiting for cancer surgery during the pandemic was investigated. This cross-sectional, convergent mixed-methods study included patients with lower priority disease during the first wave of COVID-19 at an academic, tertiary care hospital in eastern Canada. Participants underwent semi-structured interviews and completed two questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Qualitative analysis was completed through a thematic analysis approach, with integration achieved through triangulation. Fourteen participants were recruited, with cancer sites including thyroid, kidney, breast, prostate, and a gynecological disorder. Increased anxiety symptoms were found in 36% of patients and depressive symptoms in 14%. Similarly, 64% of patients experienced moderate or high stress. Six key themes were identified, including uncertainty, life changes, coping strategies, communication, experience, and health services. Participants discussed substantial distress associated with lifestyle changes and uncertain treatment timelines. Participants identified quality communication with their healthcare team and individualized coping strategies as being partially protective against such symptoms. Delays in surgery for patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in extensive psychosocial distress. Patients may be able to mitigate these symptoms partially through various coping mechanisms and improved communication with their healthcare teams.