Cancer-Related Fatigue and Circulating Biomarkers in Breast Cancer Survivors.

PURPOSE: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most common and disruptive symptom experienced by cancer survivors and because of its frequency and severity is especially worrisome in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Despite a great deal of research, the mechanisms underlying CRF have not been determined. The present study aims to describe associations between CRF in BCS and different blood biomarkers. METHODS: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted. A set of biomarkers assessing inflammation were measured in BCS: C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF); HPA axis dysfunction (cortisol), autonomic dysfunction (noradrenaline); oxidative stress (8-OH deoxyguanosine); insulin resistance markers (insulin, IGF-I, IGFBP3) and sexual hormones (estrogens, progesterone, testosterone). RESULTS: NLR (p = .00) and cortisol (p = .02) were positive and negatively associated with CRF, respectively. The rest of the blood markers were not associated with CRF. CONCLUSION: Our results increase the evidence on pathophysiological mechanisms driving CRF in BCS. However, longitudinal studies are needed to explore the role of these factors as potential causal mechanisms.

Prevalence and correlates of cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: To identify potential correlates of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) after curative breast cancer (BC) treatment. The hypothesis was that fatigue would be more severe among women treated with cardiotoxic drugs, with poor physical condition and those who exercised less. METHODS: Observational cross-sectional design. Fatigue was evaluated through PERFORM Questionnaire (multi-item, multi-dimensional). Patient-reported assessments and objective information regarding clinical data, physical activity (PA) and physical condition were analysed as potential correlates of CRF. RESULTS: One hundred eighty women who remained free of disease were recruited. The prevalence of fatigue interfering with quality of life was 43%. Weight, resting and recovery heart rate were positively associated with fatigue. Age and time from diagnosis were negatively associated. Previous therapies, objectively assessed weekly PA, cardiorespiratory condition, muscular strength and adherence to Mediterranean diet were not associated with CRF. CONCLUSIONS: CRF is a prevalent problem after BC treatment. Objectively assessed PA, cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength did not predict CRF. The association of heart rate and fatigue deserves a further insight. Future research should include longitudinal studies and determination of biomarkers. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: BC survivors, especially younger and overweight women, should be informed about fatigue as a potential persistent symptom through all stages of the cancer trajectory and into survivorship. They also should be routinely screened for CRF.

Clinical audit of multidisciplinary care at a medium-sized hospital in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Multidisciplinary care is a key enabler in the provision of high quality care for cancer patients. Despite compelling evidence supporting their benefit to patients and for providers, multidisciplinary cancer conferences (MCC) are not universally occurring. Team composition of MCC reflects the multidisciplinary nature of the body. Lack of nursing input can have a negative impact on team decision making. The objective of this study was to evaluate multidisciplinary care and adherence to national recommendations at a medium-sized hospital through a clinical audit of cancer conferences and clinical records. METHODS: A total of 77 multidisciplinary cancer conferences were visited and 496 electronic health records were reviewed. The regularity of meetings and multidisciplinary attendance were evaluated. Each electronic health record was checked to verify documented prospective discussion before any treatment was started. RESULTS: Nine multidisciplinary teams meet on a weekly or biweekly basis at the hospital with an average number of ten people and six different specialties represented. Average duration of meetings was 46.8 min. Though most patients (64.5%) were discussed at some point at the relevant cancer conference, only 40% had a documented multidisciplinary team discussion prior to the first treatment. Pathological stage (pTNM) was documented in 53.6% of clinical records. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing representatives should be included as usual attendees at cancer conferences. Prospective discussion of all cancer cases should be encouraged. Use of checklists and systematic collection of key information, specifically cancer staging, could improve clinical documentation in the electronic clinical record.

Objectively assessed physical activity levels in Spanish cancer survivors.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To objectively assess physical activity (PA) levels in a cohort of Spanish cancer survivors. DESIGN: Descriptive, cross-sectional. SETTING: The Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada and two healthcare centers in Madrid, Spain. SAMPLE: 204 cancer survivors and 115 adults with no history of cancer. METHODS: Participants wore a triaxial accelerometer for seven or more consecutive days to assess PA levels. Body mass index (BMI), indirect indicators of adiposity (waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio), and cardiorespiratory fitness also were determined. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Light, moderate, vigorous, and total PA (sum of the former). FINDINGS: Most (94%) of the cancer survivors met international recommendations for moderate PA, but very few (3%) fulfilled those (75 minutes or more per week) for vigorous PA. Except for lower total (minute per day, p=0.048) and vigorous PA levels (p<0.001 for both minute per day and minute per week) recorded in the cancer survivors group, no between-group differences were detected (p>0.05). A high percentage of the survivors (33%) were obese (BMI greater than 30 kg/m2), and many also showed poor cardiorespiratory fitness (45% were below the 8 metabolic equivalent threshold). CONCLUSIONS: Although cancer survivors overall met international PA recommendations for a healthy lifestyle, their BMI and cardiorespiratory profiles were not within the healthy range. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Cancer survivors need to be informed about healthy lifestyle habits and should be regularly monitored.