Next-generation characterization of the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia.

Large panels of comprehensively characterized human cancer models, including the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), have provided a rigorous framework with which to study genetic variants, candidate targets, and small-molecule and biological therapeutics and to identify new marker-driven cancer dependencies. To improve our understanding of the molecular features that contribute to cancer phenotypes, including drug responses, here we have expanded the characterizations of cancer cell lines to include genetic, RNA splicing, DNA methylation, histone H3 modification, microRNA expression and reverse-phase protein array data for 1,072 cell lines from individuals of various lineages and ethnicities. Integration of these data with functional characterizations such as drug-sensitivity, short hairpin RNA knockdown and CRISPR-Cas9 knockout data reveals potential targets for cancer drugs and associated biomarkers. Together, this dataset and an accompanying public data portal provide a resource for the acceleration of cancer research using model cancer cell lines.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for adult renal transplant de novo graft lithiasis: a single center analysis and systematic review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: Graft stones in renal transplant recipients pose a unique challenge, finding effective interventions to ensure optimal graft function and patient well-being. Various methods of stone clearance have been described for graft stones, including percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). While PCNL is a promising approach for managing graft stones, specific outcomes and associated characteristics for this approach have not been comprehensively evaluated before. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the use of PCNL as the primary intervention of graft stones by assessing stone-free rates (SFR), treatment impact on graft function, and perioperative complications. METHODS: A retrospective clinical audit was performed for all transplants performed in a single center from 2007 to 2022, which included all graft lithiasis patients who were treated with PCNL. Both perioperative parameters and post-operative outcomes were collected. In addition, a systematic review including articles from MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science yielded 18 full-text articles published between 1/1/2000 and 15/11/2023. The results pertaining to patients who underwent PCNLs for graft stones were cross-referenced and thoroughly evaluated. The review encompassed a comprehensive analysis of clinical data, postoperative outcomes, and procedural details. The protocol for the systematic review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023486825). RESULTS: In our center, 6 graft lithiasis patients were treated with PCNL. The initial SFR was 83.3%. SFR at 3 months and 1 year were both 100.0%. SFR at 3 years was 66.7%. Other centers reported initial SFR of 82.6-100.0% (interquartile range). SFR at 3 months, 1 year, 3 years was not well reported across the included studies. Incidence of graft lithiasis ranged from 0.44%-2.41%. Most common presentations at diagnosis were oliguria/anuria/acute kidney injury and asymptomatic. Reported complications included blood loss, transient hematuria, high urine output, sepsis, and damage to surrounding structures. The most commonly reported metabolic abnormalities in transplant lithiasis patients included hyperuricemia and hyperparathyroidism. CONCLUSION: PCNL is a practical and efficient choice for addressing graft lithiasis, demonstrating excellent stone clearance and minimal perioperative complications. These findings show the importance of PCNL as a primary intervention in this complex patient population.

Oral Sedation Anesthesia Protocol for In-Office Oculoplastic Surgery.

PURPOSE: To present an oral anesthesia protocol for in-office oculoplastic surgery and to compare safety outcomes and patient and physician experiences to ambulatory surgery center (ASC)-based surgery with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. METHODS: A prospective study was performed on consecutive patients undergoing surgery at an oculofacial plastic surgery practice. Surgery was performed in an in-office setting using our standardized oral sedation protocol or at an ASC with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Preoperative and postoperative surveys were conducted by patients and physicians to compare surgical experience, safety, and efficacy of our oral sedation protocol for in-office surgery in the ASC setting. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty-three patients (167 in-office and 86 at ASC) underwent surgery between March and November 2022. There was no significant difference in how patients or physicians rated their experience between the 2 locations. A significantly higher proportion of ASC patients would have rather had surgery in-office (34.9% vs. 19.2%; p = 0.006). A significantly higher number of physicians in the office setting would have rather performed surgery at the ASC than the reverse (12.7% vs. 2.3%, respectfully; p = 0.007). There were no safety complications reported in either setting. CONCLUSIONS: Within our patient cohort, the presented oral sedation protocol provided safe and effective anesthesia for in-office oculoplastic surgery that is comparable to an ASC.

Sutureless Transconjunctival Insertion of Eyelid Weights: A Novel Technique.

PURPOSE: To describe a novel surgical technique for implanting eyelid weights via a sutureless transconjunctival approach. In comparison to the traditional supratarsal crease approach, this technique does not involve any external incisions or suture placement. The procedure can reduce surgical time and complications associated with the traditional external approach. METHODS: This case series includes 13 patients who underwent eyelid weight placement via the transconjunctival approach for paralytic lagophthalmos secondary to facial nerve paralysis (12 patients had unilateral paralysis and 1 patient had bilateral) with a total of 14 eyelid weights placed. The procedures were performed at an outpatient office-based surgical center. All procedures were performed or supervised by the same surgeon. Patients were followed for an average 6-month postoperative period for postoperative complications. RESULTS: The sutureless transconjunctival approach to eyelid weight insertion was successful in achieving the desired functional and aesthetic outcomes. Patients undergoing this technique avoided the discomfort of postoperative suture removal. All patients achieved comparable outcomes postoperatively. There were no complications reported across the 13 patients throughout the 6-month postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: This case series demonstrates that the transconjunctival approach for metal eyelid weight insertion is practical, relatively easy to perform, and associated with functional outcomes that are comparable to those achieved with the traditional approach, however, without external incision or placement of sutures.

Periphlebitis of the Superior Ophthalmic Vein.

Isolated orbital periphlebitis in the context of nonspecific orbital inflammation is rare. This case series describes 3 patients with periphlebitis of the superior ophthalmic vein, 2 of which were confirmed with pathology. All 3 cases had a history of Graves hyperthyroidism. Superior ophthalmic vein periphlebitis is a rare form of orbital inflammation presenting with proptosis and motility restriction yet few inflammatory signs. It may be associated with autoimmune hyperthyroidism and represent a rare feature of thyroid eye disease, or perhaps could be an overlap syndrome between thyroid eye disease and nonspecific orbital inflammation. Treatment response is variable and may require a prolonged course of steroids or other immunosuppressive medications.

What is in a Name? It is Time to Retire the Term "Asian Blepharoplasty".

PURPOSE: This perspective explores the term "Asian blepharoplasty" and its socioemotional meaning to some patients. METHODS: N/A. RESULTS: Words have power. The term "Asian blepharoplasty" makes some patients uncomfortable. To our knowledge, it is the only medical descriptor that uses race. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the term "Asian Blepharoplasty" may unwittingly make patients uncomfortable and pathologize Asian features. Therefore, we suggest replacing the term "Asian Blepharoplasty" with "Double Eyelid Surgery." For the subset of procedures which do not include the creation of an eyelid crease, "Blepharoplasty" is appropriate.

Natural history of inflammatory and non-inflammatory dry eye in thyroid eye disease.

PURPOSE: The purpose is to understand the natural history and physical findings in thyroid eye disease (TED) patients with severe dry eye symptoms (DES). METHODS: Prospective cohort study, studying DES in TED patients over two years. Baseline data included clinical activity score (CAS), time since disease onset, punctate epithelial erosions (PEE), lagophthalmos, superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (SLK), and marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD1). Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) was utilized to measure symptomatology and scores > 33 (severe) were the primary outcome measure. Multivariate logistic regression was performed on two groups (<9 months, >9 months) to assess if variables change in early versus late disease. RESULTS: 88 met the inclusion criteria. 80.7% (n = 71) were female. There were 42 patients in the group with onset of symptoms under nine months and 46 patients over nine months. Mean CAS score was greater under nine months (2.45) than over nine months (1.29) (p < .05).In the multivariate logistic regression for the group presenting with symptoms under nine months, CAS was the only significant predictor of severe OSDI. Every increase in CAS of one yielded a 2.0x increased risk of severe OSDI. For the patients over nine months from onset, PEE was the significant predictor of severe OSDI. PEE was associated with a 5.9x increased risk of severe OSDI. CONCLUSIONS: Severe DES correlate with inflammatory features within the first nine months. Afterward, presence of PEE became more important. DES in TED tends to be a manifestation of orbital inflammation early in disease and exposure later.

Emotion And Symptom-focused Engagement (EASE): a randomized phase II trial of an integrated psychological and palliative care intervention for patients with acute leukemia.

PURPOSE: We designed a novel, manualized intervention called Emotion And Symptom-focused Engagement (EASE) for acute leukemia (AL) and report here on a phase II randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess its feasibility and preliminary efficacy. METHODS: Patients were recruited within 1 month of hospital admission and randomized to EASE plus usual care (UC) or UC alone. EASE includes (1) EASE-psy, a tailored psychotherapy delivered over 8 weeks, and (2) EASE-phys, weekly physical symptom screening over 8 weeks to trigger early palliative care. The primary outcome was traumatic stress symptoms; secondary outcomes included physical symptom burden and quality of life. Assessments were conducted at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Between-group differences were evaluated using multilevel modeling. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were randomized to EASE (n = 22) or UC (n = 20), with 76% retention at 12 weeks. Predefined feasibility outcomes were met: 86% (19/22) of EASE participants completed ≥ 50% of EASE-psy sessions (goal ≥ 64%); 100% received Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS, modified for AL) screenings, 64% (14/22) of whom completed ≥ 50% of planned screenings (goal ≥50%); and 100% with scores ≥ 4/10 on any physical ESAS-AL item had ≥ 1 meeting with the EASE-phys team (goal 100%). Significant treatment-group differences favoring EASE were observed in traumatic stress symptoms at 4 and 12 weeks, and pain intensity and interference at 12 weeks (all p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: EASE is feasible in patients newly diagnosed with AL and shows promise of effectiveness. These results warrant a larger RCT to provide evidence for its more routine use as a standard of care.

Estimating the Impact of Carbon Dioxide Absorbent Performance Differences on Absorbent Cost During Low-Flow Anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Reducing fresh gas flow when using a circle anesthesia circuit is the most effective strategy for reducing both inhaled anesthetic vapor cost and waste. As fresh gas flow is reduced, the amount of exhaled gas rebreathed increases, but the utilization of carbon dioxide absorbent increases as well. Reducing fresh gas flow may not make economic sense if the increased cost of absorbent utilization exceeds the reduced cost of anesthetic vapor. The primary objective of this study was to determine the minimum fresh gas flow at which absorbent costs do not exceed vapor savings. Another objective is to provide a qualitative insight into the factors that influence absorbent performance as fresh gas flow is reduced. METHODS: A mathematical model was developed to compare the vapor savings with the cost of carbon dioxide absorbent as a function of fresh gas flow. Parameters of the model include patient size, unit cost of vapor and carbon dioxide absorbent, and absorbent capacity and efficiency. Boundaries for fresh gas flow were based on oxygen consumption or a closed-circuit condition at the low end and minute ventilation to approximate an open-circuit condition at the high end. Carbon dioxide production was estimated from oxygen consumption assuming a respiratory quotient of 0.8. RESULTS: For desflurane, the cost of carbon dioxide absorbent did not exceed vapor savings until fresh gas flow was almost equal to closed-circuit conditions. For sevoflurane, as fresh gas flow is reduced, absorbent costs increase more slowly than vapor costs decrease so that total costs are still minimized for a closed circuit. Due to the low cost of isoflurane, even with the most effective absorbent, the rate of absorbent costs increase more rapidly than vapor savings as fresh gas flow is reduced, so that an open circuit is least expensive. The total cost of vapor and absorbent is still lowest for isoflurane when compared with the other agents. CONCLUSIONS: The relative costs of anesthetic vapor and carbon dioxide absorbent as fresh gas flow is reduced are dependent on choice of anesthetic vapor and performance of the carbon dioxide absorbent. Absorbent performance is determined by the product selected and strategy for replacement. Clinicians can maximize the performance of absorbents by replacing them based on the appearance of inspired carbon dioxide rather than the indicator. Even though absorbent costs exceed vapor savings as fresh gas flow is reduced, isoflurane is still the lowest cost choice for the environmentally sound practice of closed-circuit anesthesia.

Conversational avoidance during existential interviews with patients with progressive illness.

We examined patterns of avoidance when existential emotional topics were raised during conversations with patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), an incurable life-limiting disease. 30 adult outpatients with PAH were recruited for a 20 to 60-minute interview about their illness experience. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify avoidance strategies that patients employed. Participants averaged 58 years in age (SD = 18), 77% were female, and mean length of illness was 6.3 years (SD = 5.3). We found four avoidance strategies: (1) Reversal, when individuals would begin discussing a negative concern and then backtrack to more positive sentiments; (2) Diversion for when patients would sidetrack the conversation to a different and less uncomfortable topic; (3) Diminishment for when a concern is raised and then made to seem unimportant; and (4) Obstruction, when patients refuse to discuss a concern further. Exploration of existential concerns can elicit distress but may be necessary to promote adaptation to progressive illness and to the foreseeable challenges that may affect the sense of life meaning and value. By recognizing when existential concerns may be present but not adequately discussed, clinicians may be better able to assist patients to cope and prepare for the future.

Doxycycline Injection for Sclerotherapy of Lower Eyelid Festoons and Malar Edema: Preliminary Results.

PURPOSE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of direct, intralesional doxycycline hyclate injection for improving the appearance of cosmetically significant lower eyelid festoons and malar edema. METHODS: An Institutional Review Board approved, retrospective review was performed of 15 consecutive patients with malar edema and/or festoons injected with doxycycline hyclate at a concentration of 10 mg/ml. Pre- and postinjection photographs were reviewed and graded on a scale of 0 to 3 (0: no festoon; 1: small festoon; 2: medium festoon; 3: large festoon) by 2 masked physician observers. Patients were excluded from the final analysis if they received an alternate dose concentration, had incomplete photographic records, or did not follow up. Student t test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Twenty consecutive treatment areas of 11 patients were included in the analysis. Final follow up ranged from 3 to 104 weeks, with a mean follow up of 22.5 weeks. The average (standard deviation) initial festoon grade of 2.5 (0.58) decreased to 0.9 (0.82) with a p value of <0.001. The average number of injections performed per side was 1.4 (range: 1-2). The mean volume per injection was 0.72 ml (range: 0.15-2.0 ml). Commonly documented subjective complaints were burning sensation with injection, pain, bruising, and erythema. There were no other dermatologic or visual complications following treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results suggest that intralesional injections of doxycycline hyclate at a concentration of 10 mg/ml may be an effective treatment option for cosmetically significant lower eyelid festoons and malar edema. Future prospective studies with increased patient numbers, increasing concentrations, combination therapies with local anesthetic or regional nerve blocks, and longer follow up are needed to validate these results and determine optimal injection technique.

The Degree of Posttraumatic Enophthalmos Detectable by Lay Observers.

This study was to determine the degree of posttraumatic enophthalmos that is detectable by lay observers. In this case-control study, 60 photographs (frontal and oblique angles) of patients from an oculoplastics registry at the authors' institution were reviewed by lay observers. Patients were included if they had between 1 and 5 mm of unilateral enophthalmos, at least 6 months following trauma. They were divided into five groups of 10 and each group was separated by increments of 1 mm. Controls were selected from the same database and had 0 mm difference between each eye. Patients were excluded if they had any medical condition that might cause enophthalmos (including use of prostaglandin analogues). Participants were also excluded if they had any medical or surgical condition affecting the contralateral side. Lay observers were randomly selected from a pool of volunteers in nonmedical programs at our affiliated university. The primary outcome measure was the asymmetry cut-off (in millimeters) in which more than 50% of the cases (chance) were identified correctly. The generalized mixed model predicts that 66% of lay observers would correctly identify a difference between both eyes at a rate greater than would be predicted by chance, if at least a 5 mm difference existed between them (95% confidence interval [CI] 55.5-75%). This study shows that lay observers only reliably detect unilateral enophthalmos when there is at least a 5 mm difference between the eyes. This study used two-dimensional (2D) photographs and, therefore, results with three-dimensional (3D) observation may be different. In this study of 2D photographs, unilateral posttraumatic enophthalmos is only reliably detected by lay observers when a 5 mm difference exists between the eyes.

Inhibition of Pathogen Adhesion by Bacterial Outer Membrane-Coated Nanoparticles.

Anti-adhesion therapies interfere with the bacterial adhesion to the host and thus avoid direct disruption of bacterial cycles for killing, which may alleviate resistance development. Herein, an anti-adhesion nanomedicine platform is made by wrapping synthetic polymeric cores with bacterial outer membranes. The resulting bacterium-mimicking nanoparticles (denoted "OM-NPs") compete with source bacteria for binding to the host. The "top-down" fabrication of OM-NPs avoids the identification of the adhesins and bypasses the design of agonists targeting these adhesins. In this study, OM-NPs are made with the membrane of Helicobacter pylori and shown to bind with gastric epithelial cells (AGS cells). Treatment of AGS cells with OM-NPs reduces H. pylori adhesion and such anti-adhesion efficacy is dependent on OM-NP concentration and its dosing sequence.

Demoralization and death anxiety in advanced cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The circumstances of advanced cancer can cause considerable psychological distress, including death anxiety and demoralization. Although these states of existential distress have a negative impact on the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer, they are rarely evaluated as outcomes or targets of interventions in this population. In an effort to improve understanding of existential distress, a structural model of relationships among death anxiety, demoralization, symptom burden, and social relatedness was tested in patients with advanced cancer. METHODS: A total of 307 patients with advanced cancer completed baseline measures including the Death and Dying Distress Scale, the Demoralization Scale, the modified Experiences in Close Relationships Scale, the Life Completion subscale of the Quality of Life Evaluation-Cancer scale, the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, and Karnofsky Performance Status. A structural equation model of protective and risk factors for demoralization and death anxiety was tested. RESULTS: The final model had good fit (SRMR = 0.061; RMSEA = 0.077; CFI = 0.927; NNFI = 0.902) in which death anxiety was positively associated with demoralization (ß = 0.71), and demoralization was positively associated with symptom burden (ß = 0.31) and negatively associated with social relatedness (ß = -0.74). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that demoralization and death anxiety are closely linked in patients with advanced cancer. The contribution of both symptom burden and low social relatedness to demoralization suggests that an integrated intervention addressing both physical and psychosocial disease factors may be most effective at alleviating such states of existential distress.

Unilateral localized conjunctival amyloidosis in a patient with a history of contralateral orbit/eyelid lymphoma.

Amyloidosis is a disorder characterized by the deposition of insoluble abnormal proteins in the extracellular space. It may occur as a localized lesion or as a systemic disease involving multiple organs and systems. Localized conjunctival amyloidosis is rare and is less frequently associated with systemic involvement. Although amyloidosis itself is a benign lesion involvement of multiple organs and systems is associated with poor prognosis. Diagnosis of amyloidosis is made on biopsy specimens with Congo red staining for the appearance of apple-green birefringence under polarized light microscopy. Liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is much more sensitive in diagnosing amyloidosis and can determine the type of amyloid deposit. Here we reported a case of conjunctival amyloidosis in a 52 year-old male patient who was presented with left lower eyelid swelling to our medical center. He has a complicated past medical history of anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome, Buerger's disease (thromboangitis obliterans), and small cell lymphoma (SLL) of the right orbit/eyelid. The patient received radiation to the right orbit to treat SLL with therapy completed one and a half years prior to presentation. Physical examination revealed a firm, raised yellowish colored lesion in the left lower conjunctiva. The conjunctival lesion was biopsied, and tissue sections were examined with Congo red stains and LC-MS/MS analysis. The biopsy showed amyloid deposits without evidence of malignancy, and the type of proteins in the deposit was immunoglobulin light chain (AL) of kappa type. A complete work up was taken for possible systemic involvement of amyloidosis and results were all negative. To our knowledge, this is the first case of localized conjunctival amyloidosis with a history of contralateral orbit/eyelid SLL.

Endocrine Mucin-Producing Sweat Gland Carcinoma of the Eyelid Associated With Mucinous Adenocarcinoma.

Endocrine mucin-producing sweat gland carcinoma, a rare, low-grade neoplasm with predilection for the eyelids, has been posited as a precursor to invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma. Endocrine mucin-producing sweat gland carcinoma and its concurrence with mucinous adenocarcinoma have received little attention in the ophthalmic literature. The combination of the 2 histologic patterns parallels endocrine ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast and its transition to Type B invasive mucinous carcinoma. The authors describe a 59-year-old man who developed a tumor of the right upper eyelid showing endocrine mucin-producing sweat gland carcinoma in the outer dermis and extensive mucinous carcinoma in the deeper tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positivity for endocrine markers chromogranin, synaptophysin, CD56, estrogen, and progesterone in each histologic component of the tumor. This research was conducted in conformity with the Helsinki Declaration and HIPPA regulations.

Congenital Accessory Palpebral Fissure and Eyelid in a Newborn: A Case Report.

The occurrence of an accessory palpebral fissure and eyelid is an extremely rare phenomenon. An isolated accessory palpebral fissure and eyelid have been reported only twice in the literature, and in one case as an extension of Delleman syndrome, or oculocerebrocutaneous syndrome. The authors report a case of a full-term newborn who presented with an accessory palpebral fissure and eyelid associated with microcornea, skin polyps and tags, cutis dysplasia, and hypoplasia of the corpus callosum with an otherwise normal systemic workup and negative genetic screening. Detailed surgical management and histopathological analysis of the accessory findings are also described.

Medial Buttressing in Orbital Blowout Fractures.

PURPOSE: To study whether ethmoidectomy predisposes the orbit to medial wall fracture with lesser trauma. METHODS: An interventional cadaver study of 5 heads (10 orbits); the left or right orbit was randomized to undergo endoscopic complete ethmoidectomy with the fellow orbit as control. Fractures were induced with direct globe trauma, and heads underwent CT scanning. Energy to induce fracture, peak orbital pressure at time of fracture, fracture pattern, and volume of herniated tissue were measured and analyzed. RESULTS: Fractures were induced in both orbits of all cadavers. Experimental orbits after ethmoidectomy sustained orbital fracture at less energy required (2.14 ± 0.66 vs. 3.10 ± 0.19 J, mean difference: -0.96 ± 0.33 J, p < 0.05). Similarly, peak orbital pressure was lower for ethmoidectomized orbits than for controls (11.8 ± 8.42 vs. 28.4 ± 13.2 mm Hg, mean difference: -16.5 ± 6.9 mm Hg, p < 0.05). Orbits after ethmoidectomy were more likely to sustain medial wall involvement in fracture (100%) compared with controls (20%, p < 0.05) and pure medial wall fracture (80%) compared with controls (0%, p < 0.05). Overall volume of herniated orbital contents was not significantly different between groups (p = 0.25); volume of herniated tissue from the medial wall only was significantly greater in orbits after ethmoidectomy (mean difference: 1.01 ± -0.39 cm, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ethmoidectomy in fresh cadavers reduces impact energy necessary to induce orbital fracture and increases the prevalence of medial wall involvement. Clinicians may wish to counsel patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery about these relative risks.

The association of demoralization with mental disorders and suicidal ideation in patients with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Demoralization refers to a state in which there is a perceived inability to cope, that is associated with a sense of disheartenment and a loss of hope and meaning. This study investigated the co-occurrence versus independence of demoralization with mental disorders and suicidal ideation to evaluate its features as a concept of distress in the context of severe illness. METHODS: In a cross-sectional sample of 430 mixed cancer patients, we assessed demoralization with the Demoralization Scale (DS); the 4-week prevalence of mood, anxiety, and adjustment disorders and suicidal ideation with the standardized Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Oncology (CIDI-O); and depressive symptoms with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). We compared the relative risk (RR) for mental disorders associated with demoralization to that associated with self-reported depression. RESULTS: Clinically relevant levels of demoralization were present in 21% of the patients. Demoralization co-occurred with a mood/anxiety disorder in 7%; 14% were demoralized in absence of any mood/anxiety disorder. Demoralization and adjustment disorders co-occurred in 2%. The RR for any mood/anxiety disorder was 4.0 in patients with demoralization (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5-6.2) and 3.0 in those with depression (95% CI, 1.9-4.6). Demoralization, but not depression, was associated with a significantly increased risk for suicidal ideation after controlling for mental disorders (RR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1-3.5). CONCLUSIONS: Clinically relevant demoralization frequently occurs independently of a mental disorder in patients with cancer and has a unique contribution to suicidal ideation. Demoralization is a useful concept to identify profiles of psychological distress symptoms amenable to interventions improving psychological well-being in this population. Cancer 2017;123:3394-401. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Lost and stranded: the experience of younger adults with advanced cancer.

PURPOSE: There has been increased awareness recently of the unique medical and psychosocial needs of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. However, the existing AYA literature is mainly focused on curative disease or survivorship rather than on advanced disease. Using qualitative methodology, we sought to understand the experience of younger adults with advanced cancer. METHODS: Participants were interviewed using open-ended, discovery-oriented interviews. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. In total, ten English-speaking advanced cancer patients who were being treated at a comprehensive cancer center in Canada, were interviewed. Participants were between the ages of 18 and 35, and seven of them were female. RESULTS: The diagnosis of cancer was universally experienced as isolating and unexpected, with serious illness regarded as a problem of older individuals. The core challenge of living in the face of dying was felt to be constantly present yet typically unarticulated. Meaning-making tended to be constructed around future-oriented goals rather than upon the life that had been lived. Individuals felt forcefully removed from the stream of life, with a perceived interruption in the developmental tasks of establishing adult identity, becoming autonomous, and forming new relationships. All cited a need for young adult-specific services, yet none could describe specific services that would be beneficial. Many expressed reluctance to engage in individual psychotherapeutic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced cancer in younger adults was perceived by them as isolating and as interfering with age-appropriate developmental tasks. Creative and flexible psychosocial support programs are needed to engage this population with limited expected survival.