Promoting physical activity in childhood cancer survivors: results from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Cancer-Related Worries in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Many childhood cancer survivors (CCS) experience cancer-related worries (CRW), for example about late effects and cancer recurrence. CRW are associated with lower quality of life (QoL) and maladaptive health care use. We examined the prevalence, severity, and factors associated with CRW in adult CCS.

METHODS

We included quantitative studies of ≥ 100 participants reporting on prevalence, severity, mean scores and/or associated factors of CRW among CCS aged ≥ 18 years, diagnosed at ≤ 21 years, and ≥ 2 years post-diagnosis. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed and APA PsycINFO, hand-searched reference lists, and consulted experts. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Childhood Cancer Risk of Bias Criteria. Results were synthesized descriptively.

RESULTS

The 17 included studies with a total of 26,306 CCS identified three main themes of CRW: health-related, financial, and interpersonal. Most prevalent were health-related worries regarding future health (88%-92%), late effects (83%), cancer recurrence (25%-88%), second cancers (50%-91%), and infertility (34%-68%). Factors associated with increased CRW varied depending on the specific CRW. These included female sex, more pain, anxiety, depression, chronic conditions (e.g., neurologic, being overweight), and treatment history (chemotherapy, radiotherapy).

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Although most included studies used single items to assess CRW, this review underscores that health-related worries are particularly prevalent among CCS. Effectively identifying CCS at high risk, for example through using validated measures, and addressing severe CRW can facilitate adaptive healthcare use and improve QoL among CCS. Potential interventions can be providing information about late effects, psycho-education, discussions during follow-up care, and targeted psychosocial support for those with severe CRW.

Sleep quality and physical fitness as modifiable contributors of fatigue in childhood cancer survivors

PURPOSE

Advances in cancer treatment have increased childhood cancer patient's survival rates. However, many childhood cancer survivors (CCS) face long-term effects such as fatigue. This study assessed fatigue in CCS and healthy controls (HCs), its contributors, and associated outcomes.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 90 CCS and 55 age and sex-matched HCs. Fatigue was measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Multidimensional Fatigue Scale, and modifiable contributors included sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]) and physical fitness (VO2 peak during a treadmill test). Quality of life (QoL) and emotional and cognitive functioning were evaluated using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory II, Cognitive Failure Questionnaire, and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised. Stepwise linear regressions identified predictors of general, sleep/rest, cognitive, and total fatigue.

RESULTS

General, cognitive, and total fatigue were significantly higher in CCS compared to HCs (44.7% vs. 23%, p < .001; cognitive: 64.7% vs. 29.3%, p < .001; total fatigue: 56.5% vs. 25%, p < .001). Sex, PSQI, PSQI × sex, and PSQI × VO₂ were significant predictors for general fatigue, PSQI and PSQI × VO₂ for cognitive fatigue, and PSQI for sleep/rest and total fatigue. Cognitive and total fatigue correlated most strongly with cognitive and work-related functioning, whereas general and sleep/rest fatigue were more related to psychosocial functioning.

CONCLUSION

Fatigue is highly prevalent among CCS, with distinct factors influencing general, sleep/rest, cognitive, and total fatigue. Female survivors, those with poorer sleep quality and lower physical fitness, are at risk.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

This study underscores the need for tailored interventions for each type of fatigue. Improving sleep quality, physical fitness, and psychological well-being may contribute to reducing fatigue and enhancing overall quality of life in CCS.

The association of perceived health status and presence of chronic conditions with physical activity in childhood cancer survivors

PURPOSE

Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at risk for therapy-related late effects. Physical activity (PA) can minimize some late effects risk, but rates of PA are low in CCS. We aimed to determine how perception of survivor health status and presence of chronic conditions are associated with patient- or proxy-reported PA.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, retrospective study of CCS (6-25 years; ≥ 1 year off-therapy) defined low PA as < 5 days per week with ≥ 60 minutes/day of patient- or proxy-reported activity. Participants completed PROMIS Global Health questions assessing perceptions of overall, physical, and mental health. Presence of chronic conditions was abstracted from the health record and defined as ≥ 2 late effects. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to identify associations between physical activity and health status or chronic conditions.

RESULTS

Of 284 CCS, 71.8% reported low PA. Negative perceived overall, physical, and mental health status were present in 5.6%, 10.6%, and 15.9% of CCS, respectively, with presence of chronic conditions in 49.7%. Low PA was directly associated with female sex (p = 0.002) and poor physical (p = 0.01) and mental (p = 0.02) health status, and inversely associated with relapsed/refractory disease (p = 0.03). Presence of chronic conditions was not associated with low PA (p = 0.68); however, all CCS with chronic graft-versus-host disease or vision impairment had low PA.

CONCLUSION

Low PA is an issue for CCS, especially females, and is associated with negative perceived physical and mental health. Future PA interventions for CCS should address perceived physical and mental health, and focus on specific at-risk sub-groups.

Systematic Review of Pain Assessment Measures Used in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

BACKGROUND

Pain is a prevalent, frequent, and often persistent symptom among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Despite its high prevalence, pain has remained understudied, and no evidence-based recommendations exist for how best to assess and treat pain in this population. Without proper assessment, clinical efforts to improve pain management in pediatric ALL will be ineffective.

AIMS

Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review is to describe and identify gaps in measurement approaches that have been used to assess pain in pediatric ALL, evaluate the psychometric properties of available pediatric pain measures, and provide recommendations for clinical research and practice.

METHODS

Literature searches were performed following Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Domains of pain assessed, measures used to assess pain, measure format, respondent, and timing of pain assessment were extracted from studies that met inclusion criteria. The psychometric properties of included measures were then evaluated. A total of 238 full-text articles were screened and 123 met inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Most studies assessed pain using generic health-related quality of life instruments rather than pain-specific measures. A total of 39 measures were used across the 123 included studies, and the psychometric properties of the measures varied considerably.

CONCLUSIONS

Recommendations include a selection of well-validated pain assessment measures that are currently available and can be used to facilitate best practices in ALL pain assessment. Clinicians and investigators are encouraged to utilize a multidimensional pain assessment approach to inform and enhance pain care in pediatric ALL.

Pain and Frailty in Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Narrative Review

A significant proportion of childhood cancer survivors experience persistent health problems related to cancer or cancer treatment exposures, including accelerated or early onset of aging. Survivors are more likely than non-cancer peers to present a frail phenotype suggestive of reduced physiologic reserve and have symptoms that interfere with function in daily life, including pain. Studies in the general population, mostly among older adults, suggest that pain is a significant contributor to development and progression of frail health. This association has not been explored among childhood cancer survivors. In this narrative review, we highlight this gap by summarizing the epidemiologic evidence on pain and frailty, including their prevalence, common risk factors, and correlates in childhood cancer survivors. We further discuss associations between pain and frailty in non-cancer populations, likely biological mechanisms in survivors, and potential interventions targeting both domains.

Game-Based eHealth Interventions for the Reduction of Fatigue in People With Chronic Diseases: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is a common and debilitating side effect of chronic diseases, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. While physical exercise and psychological treatments have been shown to reduce fatigue, patients often struggle with adherence to these interventions in clinical practice. Game-based eHealth interventions are believed to address adherence issues by making the intervention more accessible and engaging.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to compile empirical evidence on game-based eHealth interventions for fatigue in individuals with chronic diseases and to evaluate their effectiveness in alleviating fatigue.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed across Embase, MEDLINE ALL, PsycINFO, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar in August 2021. Study characteristics and outcomes from the included studies were extracted, and a random-effects meta-analysis was conducted. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to identify sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Of 1742 studies identified, 17 were included in the meta-analysis. These studies covered 5 different chronic diseases: multiple sclerosis (n=10), cancer (n=3), renal disease (n=2), stroke (n=1), and Parkinson disease (n=1). All but 1 study used exergaming interventions. The meta-analysis revealed a significant moderate effect size in reducing fatigue favoring the experimental interventions (standardized mean difference [SMD] -0.65, 95% CI -1.09 to -0.21, P=.003) compared with control conditions consisting of conventional care and no care. However, heterogeneity was high (I2=85.87%). Subgroup analyses were conducted for the 2 most prevalent diseases. The effect size for the multiple sclerosis subgroup showed a trend in favor of eHealth interventions (SMD -0.47, 95% CI -0.95 to 0.01, P=.05, I2=63.10%), but was not significant for the cancer group (SMD 0.61, 95% CI -0.36 to 1.58, P=.22). Balance exercises appeared particularly effective in reducing fatigue (SMD -1.19, 95% CI -1.95 to -0.42, P=.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Game-based eHealth interventions appear effective in reducing fatigue in individuals with chronic diseases. Further research is needed to reinforce these findings and explore their impact on specific diseases. Additionally, there is a lack of investigation into interventions beyond exergaming within the field of game-based learning.

Prevention of cardiotoxicity in childhood cancer survivors: In physical exercise, we trust

In recent years, the mean survival rate of children after a cancer diagnosis has significantly improved. At the same time, a growing interest in short and long-term cardiovascular (CV) complications of cancer therapy, as well as long-term CV risk in childhood cancer survivors (CCS) developed, along with proposals of protocols for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of cancer therapy-related CV toxicity (CTR-CVT) in this population. Many clinical and individual risk factors for CTR-CVT have been identified, and a non-negligible prevalence of traditional CV risk factors has been described in this population, potentially associated with a further worsening in both CTR-CVT and long-term CV risk. Physical exercise (PE) represents a promising, free-of-cost and free-of-complications, helpful therapy for primary and secondary prevention of CTR-CVT in CCS. The present narrative review aims to summarize the most critical evidence available about CTR-CVT in CCS, focusing on the role of PE in this clinical scenario.

Barriers, facilitators, and other factors associated with health behaviors in childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Healthy behaviors are paramount in preventing long-term adverse health outcomes in childhood, adolescent, and young adult (CAYA) cancer survivors. We systematically reviewed and synthesized existing literature on barriers, facilitators, and other factors associated with health behaviors in this population.

METHODS

MEDLINE and PsycInfo were searched for qualitative and quantitative studies including survivors aged 16-50 years at study, a cancer diagnosis ≤25 years and ≥2 years post diagnosis. Health behaviors included physical activity, smoking, diet, alcohol consumption, sun exposure, and a combination of these behaviors (defined as health behaviors in general).

RESULTS

Barriers, facilitators, and other factors reported in ≥2 two studies were considered relevant. Out of 4529 studies, 27 were included (n = 31,905 participants). Physical activity was the most frequently examined behavior (n = 12 studies), followed by smoking (n = 7), diet (n = 7), alcohol (n = 4), sun exposure (n = 4), and health behavior in general (n = 4). Relevant barriers to physical activity were fatigue, lack of motivation, time constraints, and current smoking. Relevant facilitators were perceived health benefits and motivation. Influence of the social environment and poor mental health were associated with more smoking, while increased energy was associated with less smoking. No relevant barriers and facilitators were identified for diet, alcohol consumption, and sun exposure. Barriers to healthy behavior in general were unmet information needs and time constraints whereas lifestyle advice, information, and discussions with a healthcare professional facilitated healthy behavior in general. Concerning other factors, women were more likely to be physically inactive, but less likely to drink alcohol and more likely to comply with sun protection recommendations than men. Higher education was associated with more physical activity, and lower education with more smoking.

CONCLUSION

This knowledge can be used as a starting point to develop health behavior interventions, inform lifestyle coaches, and increase awareness among healthcare providers regarding which survivors are most at risk of unhealthy behaviors.

Protocol of a randomised controlled multicentre trial investigating the effectiveness and safety of a wilderness programme on the mental and physical well-being of adolescents and young adults affected by cancer: the WAYA-2 study

INTRODUCTION

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) affected by cancer are an understudied group. Effective interventions are needed to support coping with the late effects of cancer, its treatment and to promote quality of life. Nature-based interventions may be promising in support of the self-management and health of AYAs affected by cancer. However, randomised controlled studies (RCTs) on the effectiveness of such interventions are lacking. We performed a first pilot RCT (n=42) that showed that it is feasible and safe to conduct such a study. Here, we propose a full-scale RCT to investigate the effectiveness and safety of a wilderness programme on the mental and physical health of AYAs affected by cancer.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Participants are 150 AYAs affected by cancer, aged 16-39 years, who will be randomised to a wilderness (n=75) or a hotel stay (n=75). The wilderness programme is an 8-day intervention including a 6-day wilderness expedition. This is followed 3 months later by a 4-day intervention including a 2-day basecamp. Activities include hiking, backpacking, kayaking, rock climbing, mindfulness and bush-crafting. The comparison group is an 8-day hotel stay followed by a 4-day hotel stay (interventions include two travel days) at the same hotel after 3 months. Primary outcomes are psychological well-being and nature connectedness up to 1 year after the study start. Secondary outcomes are quality of life, physical activity and safety parameters.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The Swedish Ethical Review Authority approved the study protocol on 27 September 2023 (reference: 2023-05247-01). The recruitment started on 19 February 2024 and the first part is planned to end on 31 December 2027. Study results will be disseminated by means of scientific publications, presentations at conferences, popular articles, interviews, chronicles and books. News items will be spread via social media, websites and newsletters.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN93856392.

Depressive symptoms and physical activity among young adult survivors of childhood cancer

OBJECTIVE

Young adult survivors of childhood cancers are less likely to be physically active compared to non-cancer affected controls, putting them at an increased risk for morbidity and mortality. Preliminary research has examined how mental health may contribute to physical activity (PA) in this population; however, those more recently diagnosed and Hispanic survivors have been understudied. The objectives were to examine associations of dimensions of depressive symptoms, demographic characteristics, and cancer-related predictors with PA among a diverse sample of young adult childhood cancer survivors.

METHODS

Participants (N = 895) diagnosed with childhood cancer between 1996 and 2010 (53% Hispanic; Mage  = 26.2 ± 4.9 years; Mage  = 14.8 ± 4.4 years at diagnosis) were recruited from the Los Angeles County cancer registry. Self-report surveys assessed current PA, depressive symptoms (i.e., positive affect, negative affect, somatic symptoms, interpersonal problems), late effects of cancer treatment, and demographic factors. Multivariable ordinal regressions examined the study objectives.

RESULTS

About 70% of participants engaged in low or moderate frequency PA (fewer than 3 days a week). Participants who were older, female, Asian, or reported more late effects of cancer treatment were less likely to engage in PA. Greater positive affect was significantly associated with higher frequency PA, whereas negative affect, somatic symptoms, and interpersonal problems were not associated with PA.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggests that positive-but not negative-mental health characteristics are more likely to facilitate or result from PA among young adult survivors of childhood cancers. Interventions seeking to increase PA may benefit from considering positive aspects of mental health/well-being.

Health behavior profiles in young survivors of childhood cancer: Findings from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

There is limited understanding of associations between a combination of health behaviors (physical activity, sedentary/screen-time, diet) and cardiometabolic health risk factors, physical performance, and emotional health among young (<18) childhood cancer survivors (CCS). The aims of this research were to address this gap by 1) deriving health behavior adherence profiles among CCS, and 2) examining associations among demographic, diagnosis and/or treatment exposures, cardiometabolic, physical performance, and emotional functioning with health behavior profile membership.

METHODS

Participants included 397 CCS (≥5 years post-diagnosis; 10-17 years old) enrolled in the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study who completed physical health evaluations and questionnaires assessing health behaviors and psychological functioning. Latent profile analysis was used to derive profiles of health behavior adherence. Logistic regression and t-tests were used to examine mean-level differences and associations between profile membership with demographic, diagnosis, treatment exposures, cardiometabolic health, psychological functioning, and physical performance.

RESULTS

Two profiles emerged: inactive-unhealthy-diet ("IU") and active-sedentary-unhealthy-diet ("ASU") to guidelines. More participants in IU demonstrated higher resting heart rate (mean [M], 76.54; SD = 12.00) and lower motor proficiency scores (M = 34.73; SD = 29.15) compared to ASU (resting heart rate, M = 71.95, SD = 10.74; motor proficiency, M = 50.40, SD = 31.02).

CONCLUSIONS

CCS exhibited low adherence to multiple health behavior guidelines, with adherence patterns differentially associated with cardiometabolic health (i.e., resting heart rate) and physical performance. However, robust protection against all health variables was not observed. Findings suggest interventions designed to improve health outcomes should target multiple health behaviors simultaneously.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

Pediatric cancer survivors are at-risk for detrimental health outcomes associated with cancer and treatment. Engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviors serves to reduce health vulnerabilities among adult survivors but less is known about associations with lifestyle behaviors on young survivors. This study documents patterns of lifestyle behaviors among survivors of pediatric cancer, factors that increase susceptibility to nonadherence, and associations among lifestyle behaviors and health indicators.

Self-reported physical activity behaviors of childhood cancer survivors: comparison to a general adolescent population in Korea

PURPOSE

Adequate physical activity (PA) can significantly contribute to the prevention of undesirable health outcomes in childhood cancer survivors (CCS). This study aimed to identify the patterns of PA and related factors in Korean CCS.

METHODS

Study subjects were 184 adolescents selected from an ongoing cohort study of Korean CCS and 1,840 sex- and school grade-matched controls randomly selected from the participants of the 2019 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey. Information on PA and sedentary behaviors was collected by self-administered questionnaire. We estimated body mass index (BMI)-adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the advisable healthy behaviors of CCS compared with healthy controls using conditional logistic regression analysis. In addition, the associations of advisable healthy behaviors of CCS with sociodemographic and clinical factors were estimated using multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

CCS were less likely to be physically active than controls, but this finding was evident only in males. The ORs (95% CIs) for regular exercise, moderate intensity PA, vigorous intensity PA, and walking were 0.42 (0.27-0.65), 0.39 (0.24-0.63), 0.53 (0.33-0.84), and 0.64 (0.42-0.98), respectively, in male CCS compared with same-sex controls. Compared with same-sex controls, male CCS were 4.60 times and female survivors were 15.19 times more likely to sleep longer than 8 h a day. Among CCS, males were 2.92 times and 3.07 times more likely to perform moderate intensity PA and muscle-strengthening exercise, respectively, than female. Higher BMI (OR: 1.16), highest family income (OR: 3.98), and a caregiver who performed regular exercise (OR: 2.08) were positively associated with vigorous intensity PA of CCS. With increasing time after treatment completion, the probability of engaging in sedentary activity for less than 6 h per day decreased (OR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.79-1.00).

CONCLUSION

Korean adolescent CCS were physically inactive compared with control adolescents. Several sociodemographic factors such as sex, family income, caregiver PA, and obesity level were associated with PA behaviors of CCS.

IMPLICATIONS

Strategic effort would be needed to increase physical activity of childhood cancer survivors in adolescent period with consideration of various sociodemographic factors found in this study.

Cancer-Related Barriers to Health Behaviors Among Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Pediatric Cancer and Their Families

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of pediatric cancer and their caregivers frequently do not meet national guidelines for physical activity (PA), nutrition, or sleep. Respondents from N = 73 AYA-aged (mean [M] = 19.0 years, range = 11-30 years) survivor families completed a survey on cancer-related barriers to health behaviors. Almost all respondents (68/73, 93.2%) endorsed ≥1 cancer-specific barrier(s) to current health behaviors (median = 5, standard deviation = 3.42, range = 0-16) in their family. Cancer-related barriers to PA, nutrition, and sleep were positively correlated (PA-nutrition: r = 0.39, p = 0.001; PA-sleep: r = 0.41, p < 0.001; nutrition-sleep: r = 0.52, p < 0.001). Wellness interventions are needed to address the unique needs of AYA-aged survivors and support multiple health behaviors simultaneously.

Cancer-related fatigue in childhood cancer survivors: A systematic scoping review on contributors of fatigue and how they are targeted by non-pharmacological interventions

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to identify contributors to cancer-related fatigue (CRF), explore non-pharmacological interventions addressing CRF, and highlight which contributors were targeted by these interventions in childhood cancer survivors.

METHODS

We performed a search in various databases and used the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Findings were synthesized in various different tables and figures in accordance with our objectives.

RESULTS

We included 49 articles in this systematic scoping review. We identified 59 significant contributors. Depression and physical activity level were some of the most studied significant contributors. Ten interventional studies were identified (e.g., yoga, physical activity intervention) that addressed 6 contributors (e.g., physical activity level).

DISCUSSION

This review is the first to describe and relate contributors and non-pharmacological interventions targeting CRF in childhood cancer survivors. Important clinical implications could be derived from the variety of factors explaining CRF and how it is currently addressed.

PASTEC - a prospective, single-center, randomized, cross-over trial of pure physical versus physical plus attentional training in children with cancer

Despite recent improvements in survival rates in children with cancer, long-term toxicities remain a major concern. Physical activity could reduce the impact of long-term sequelae, notably in neuropsychological and physical areas. We report of a randomized trial of pure physical versus physical/attentional training in pediatric oncology patients. Twenty-two patients aged 6-18 y.o. were included, irrespective of their clinical diagnosis or treatment status, stratified by age and randomized 1:1 into pure physical vs. physical/attentional activity arms, with a cross-over at study midpoint. Neurological, motor and neuropsychological assessments were performed at inclusion, start, crossover and end of the program. Feasibility, defined as > 80% patients attending > 80% of sessions, was the primary endpoint. Secondary outcomes were improvements in neuropsychological and motor performance tests. While 68% of patients attended more than 80% of sessions during the pre-crossover phase of the study, this dropped to 36% post-crossover. Our study therefore failed to meet our primary endpoint. Nonetheless, significant improvements in anxiety (p<0.001), emotional control (p = 0.04), organization skills (p = 0.03), as well as motor deficit scores (p = 0.04) were observed. We noted no significant difference between the pure physical and the physical/attentional training arms, or when analyzing subgroups by age or sequence of intervention. We conclude that physical activity has a positive impact on anxiety, emotional and organizational aspects as well as motor deficits. Attendance dropped during the course of the study and motivational interventions should be included in future studies or equivalent programs.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/08880018.2021.1994677 .

Cardiovascular Function and Exercise Capacity in Childhood Cancer Survivors

Introduction: Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) might be at high risk of additional chronic diseases due to cardiotoxic side effects. The aim of this study was to analyze long-term side effects of cancer therapy on vascular structure/function, cardiac biomarkers and on physical activity. Methods: In total, 68 asymptomatic patients aged 16–30 years with childhood cancer (diagnosed 10.6 ± 3.9 years ago) were examined from 2015–2020. (Central) blood pressure and pulse wave velocity were registered via the oscillometric method, while carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) was measured non-invasively by ultrasound. cIMT values of patients were compared to healthy controls (n = 68; aged 22.3 ± 3.5 years). Patients’ exercise capacity was recorded. The plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic protein (NTproBNP) and troponin levels were measured as cardiac biomarkers. CCS were categorized in groups with low, moderate and high anthracyclines. Results: No differences were found in cIMT between patients and controls as well as between patients with various anthracycline dosage. Patients with high dose anthracyclines showed a significant lower performance versus patients with moderate dose anthracyclines (84.4% of predicted VO₂peak; p = 0.017). A total of 11.6% of CCS had abnormal NTproBNP values which correlated with received anthracycline dosage (p = 0.024; r = 0.343). Conclusion: NTproBNP levels and exercise capacity might be early markers for cardiovascular dysfunction in CCS and should be included in a follow-up protocol, while cIMT and troponin seem not to be adequate parameters.

Level of physical activity and sedentary behavior in children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to examine already published evidence on the level of physical activity and sedentary behavior in children during and after treatment for cancer. And, thusly to verify if patients are following the recommendations of the World Health Organization, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American College of Sports Medicine.

METHODS

The platforms for searches were EBSCO, Web of Science and PubMed. The keywords used were physical activity, sedentary behavior, children or adolescents with cancer.

RESULTS

Found 4572 articles. 16 satisfied the eligibility criteria. The most children of whom had a low level of physical activity and a high level of sedentary behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that this population showed an increase in sedentary behavior. And, it was also observed that does not have specific recommendations for this population. Already, the recommendations used for the healthy children and for chronic patients are not ideal for this population. Therefore, it is demonstrated that specific recommendations must be created for this population.

Osteopathic Treatment and Evaluation in the Clinical Setting of Childhood Hematological Malignancies

Simple Summary

Children: adolescents, and young adults who are affected by hematological malignancies and who are undergoing intensive phases of cancer treatment including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, experience diminished functional ability. This study was aimed at assessing if osteopathic treatment and evaluation can be used when an 11-week precision-based exercise program is run inside the hospital. Our results support that osteopathy plus precision-based intervention could be a desirable support in the clinical prise en charge of these children and adolescents. Osteopathy is a safe method for the evaluation of clinical conditions and requires strong multidisciplinary synergy between pediatricians and exercise physiologists.

Abstract

Children: adolescents, and young who are adults affected with hematological malignancies (CAYA-H) and who are undergoing intensive phases of cancer treatment, including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), experience diminished functional ability. This study was aimed at assessing the feasibility, efficacy, safety, and satisfaction of an osteopathic intervention in CAYA-H attending an 11-week precision-based exercise program (PEx). All of the participants were given 4–10 treatments according to the prescription ordered by the sports medicine doctor in charge of the PEx, and the following outcomes were assessed: (1) spinal column range of motion (ROM) by palpation; (2) lower and upper limb joints ROM by a goniometer; (3) orthostatic posture by plumb line assessment; (4) chest and abdomen mobility by inspection and palpation; (5) cranial-sacral rhythmic impulse (CRI) by palpation; and (6) adverse effects. Goal attainment scaling (GAS) was used to identify the accomplishment of a desired clinical result. Moreover, HSCT patients who were affected with graft-versus-host disease and/or osteonecrosis had their joints assessed in terms of ROM as tools to monitor the effectiveness of immunosuppressive treatment. A total of 231 CAYA-H were identified, and 104 participated in the study (age 10.66 ± 4.51 yrs; 43% F). PEx plus osteopathy reached positive GAS scores by improving the ROMs of the spinal column and/or limbs (81% and 78%, respectively), chest and abdomen mobility (82%), and CRI (76%). Only minor reversible adverse effects were noticed during the study. Together, our data seem to initiate a new course where osteopathy could be useful in evaluating structural edges due to the clinical history of each CAYA-H. Given the contributions that were obtained by the GAS scores, osteopathic treatment seems to reveal interesting potential that can be targeted in the future.

Physical activity levels, exercise preferences, and exercise barriers in Korean children and adolescents after cancer treatment

PURPOSE

The purpose of the current study was to explore physical activity (PA) levels, exercise preferences, and perceived barriers to PA in childhood cancer survivors.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study surveyed 120 childhood cancer survivors aged 8-18 years from the pediatric oncology center in South Korea between March and August 2017. The modified Exercise & Quality of Life questionnaire, Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, and Godin Leisure-Time Questionnaire were used to assess PA levels, preferences, and exercise barriers.

RESULTS

Among 120 participants (72 boys, 48 girls) whose average age at the time of the survey was 14.57 ± 3.00 years and the average age at diagnosis was 8.22 years, the three most common diagnoses were acute leukemia (43.3%), brain tumor (13.3%), and malignant lymphoma (10.8%). Only 16 participants (5%) met the PA recommendations for children (at least 60 min of moderate PA per day). The most preferred sporting activities included soccer, basketball, strengthening exercises, badminton, dance, and taekwondo. They generally had positive attitudes toward exercise, and more than 63% of participants intended to exercise the following month. The five most prevalent perceived barriers to exercise were lack of time, poor health, reluctance to sweat, lack of exercise skills, and no exercise partners.

CONCLUSIONS

While most childhood cancer survivors did not meet the PA recommendation, most of them agreed that exercise was beneficial, and they intended to participate in the exercise. Exercise and PA programs should be tailored to the personal health and preferences of childhood cancer survivors.

Obesity Status on associations between cancer-related beliefs and health behaviors in cancer survivors: Implications for patient-clinician communication

OBJECTIVE

Associations between cancer beliefs and health behavior engagement are largely unexplored in cancer survivors, particularly among those with overweight and obesity. We investigated belief-behavior associations for cancer survivors, and whether obesity altered these associations.

METHODS

Cancer survivors were identified from the National Cancer Institute HINTS Survey 5 data and classified as having had an obesity-related cancer or not. Linear and multiple logistic regression analyses examined whether cancer risk beliefs and self-efficacy predicted dining out behaviors and physical activity (PA). Restricted analyses were conducted in those with overweight or obesity.

RESULTS

Low self-efficacy to take care of one's health was associated with longer sitting time in the overall sample (p = 0.04). In cancer survivors with overweight or obesity, engagement in healthier behaviors was associated with 1) feeling less overwhelmed by cancer risk recommendations and 2) believing that PA or obesity influences cancer development (both p < 0.05). Among those with overweight and obesity, associations between cancer beliefs and health behaviors were not significantly different by cancer type (obesity-related vs. not).

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity altered associations between cancer risk beliefs and health behavior engagement from the overall sample.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Weight status may be a useful tailoring factor when delivering health-promoting interventions for cancer survivors.

Prevalence of Obesity/Abdominal Obesity and Related Factors in Pediatric ALL Survivors

OBJECTIVE

Obesity has been increasingly recognized in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors. The aim of the current study was to determine the prevelance and related factors of obesity/abdominal obesity and evaluate the association between nutrition and overweight/obesity after cancer treatment in pediatric ALL survivors.

METHOD

An observational retrospective cohort study was performed among 67 volunteers (aged 5-15). Participants completed 3 consecutive days (2 weekdays and 1 weekend day) recording food consumption and physical activity simultaneously. Weight, height, and waist circumference measurements were performed in remission period, and retrospective data were obtained from patient records. We examined data at three periods: diagnosis, end of treatment, and remission. Subjects were classified into four groups according to body mass index for age z score (BAZ): underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese. Abdominal obesity was defined waist-to-height ratio ≥ 0.5.

RESULTS

Prevalence of overweight, obesity, and abdominal obesity were 25.3%, 23.9%, 38.8%, respectively in remission. BAZ at diagnosis and at treatment completion, dietary energy intake, and physical activity were associated with an increased risk of being overweight/obese in remission (p < .05). Gender, age at diagnosis, cranial radiotherapy, and treatment risk category were not significant (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

As in obesity, abdominal obesity was found an important problem in pediatric ALL survivors. Therefore, nutritional targets are needed to prevent obesity. Survivors should be closely monitored in terms of nutritional status during and after treatment and informed about and supported for healthy lifestyle (balanced and adequate nutrition, increase in physical activity).

Fatigue, Physical and Functional Mobility, and Obesity in Pediatric Cancer Survivors

BACKGROUND

Survivors of childhood cancer are prone to an increased risk of chronic issues such as cardiovascular disease, fatigue, weight-related problems, and emotional disturbances.

OBJECTIVE

This study utilized the biopsychosocial model to examine the hypothesis that greater depression and lower mobility would be significantly associated with greater fatigue and higher body mass index in survivors of childhood cancer.

METHODS

Data were analyzed for 144 children treated and followed up for an oncology condition at a southeastern academic medical center. Voluntarily, children completed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 1.0, and parents completed the Family Symptom Inventory as part of a brief annual psychosocial screening battery. Height and weight were collected by a clinic nurse prior to questionnaire completion.

RESULTS

Hierarchical linear regression showed that shorter time since diagnosis (β = -.154, P < .05), greater child-reported depression (β = .396, P < .01), and lower mobility (β = .427, P < .01) significantly predicted greater fatigue (adjusted R = 0.54). Older age (β = .262, P < .01) and not receiving chemotherapy (β = -.209, P < .05) significantly predicted higher body mass index (adjusted R = 0.051).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings showed that fatigue tends to improve over time after treatment but may be predicted by greater depression symptoms and lower mobility in recent survivors of childhood cancer.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

For survivors of childhood cancer with higher levels of fatigue, treating symptoms of depression and maximizing physical and mobility may be of clinical value. With the impact of psychological and social factors not yet understood in pediatric cancer survivors, weight status in recent survivors of childhood cancer is likely a complex interaction between biological and treatment factors.

Neurocognitive and Behavioral Outcomes of Chinese Survivors of Childhood Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Background

Increasing attention has been dedicated to investigate modifiable risk factors of late effects in survivors of childhood cancer. This study aims to evaluate neurocognitive and behavioral functioning in a relatively young cohort of survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in Hong Kong, and to identify clinical and socio-environmental factors associated with these outcomes.

Methods

This analysis included 152 survivors of childhood ALL who were ≥5 years post-diagnosis (52% male, mean [SD] age 23.5[7.2] years at evaluation, 17.2[7.6] years post-diagnosis). Survivors completed performance-based neurocognitive tests, and reported their emotional and behavioral symptoms using the Child/Adult Behavior Checklist. Socio-environmental variables (living space, fatigue, physical activity, family functioning, and academic stress) were self-reported using validated questionnaires. Clinical variables and chronic health conditions were extracted from medical charts. Multivariable linear modeling was conducted to test identify factors associated with neurocognitive/behavioral outcomes, adjusting for current age, sex, age at diagnosis and cranial radiation. An exploratory mediation analysis was performed to examine the mediating effects of risk factors on neurocognitive and behavioral outcomes.

Results

As compared to population norms, a minority of survivors developed mild-moderate impairment in motor processing speed (36.2%), memory (9.2%) and attention measures (4.0%-10.5%). Survivors also reported attention problems (12.5%), sluggish cognitive tempo (23.7%) and internalizing (depressive, anxiety and somatic symptoms) problems (17.1%). A minority of survivors developed mild-moderate treatment-related chronic conditions (n=37, 24.3%). As compared to survivors without chronic conditions, survivors with chronic conditions had more executive dysfunction (B=5.09, standard error [SE]=2.05; P=0.014) and reported more attention problems (B=5.73, SE=1.43; P<0.0001). Fatigue and poor family functioning was associated with multiple measures of behavior problems (all P<0.001). A lower level of physical activity was correlated with more self-reported symptoms of inattention (B= -1.12, SE=0.38, P=0.004) and sluggish cognitive tempo (B=-1.22, SE=0.41, P=0.003). Exploratory analysis showed that chronic health conditions were associated with behavioral measures through fatigue as the mediator.

Conclusion

The majority of young Chinese survivors of ALL had normal cognitive and behavioral function. Regular monitoring of behavioral function should be performed on survivors who develop treatment-related chronic conditions. Health behavior and socio-environment factors may be potentially modifiable risk factors associated with health outcomes in survivors.

A cluster-randomized control trial targeting parents of pediatric cancer survivors with obesity: Rationale and study protocol of NOURISH-T

Approximately 40-50% of pediatric cancer survivors (PCS) are overweight or obese; increasing their risk for metabolic syndrome and other negative long-term physical health complications. Using our successful pilot trial testing the preliminary feasibility and efficacy of NOURISH for Healthy Transitions (NOURISH-T), we refined our intervention, now NOURISH-T+, and will implement these refinements in this larger, multi-site randomized control trial. Parents of PCS with overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 85th%ile), age 5-12, ≥6 months off treatment are randomly assigned to the NOURISH-T+ intervention or Enhanced Usual Care (EUC) comparison. Parents in NOURISH-T+ will participate in a 6-session, manualized intervention, with an additional dietician session and 2 PCS sessions, as well as post-intervention booster sessions. EUC consists of a one-time informational session, nationally available brochures and follow-up check-ins. Both study conditions will be conducted remotely via a videoconferencing platform. Parents and PCS will be assessed on anthropometric measures, physical activity (PA) and dietary behaviors at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-intervention. We will enroll a diverse group of 260 parents/PCS dyads from four pediatric oncology clinics with the aim of evaluating the efficacy of our intervention across diverse pediatric oncology clinics. Our main aim is to compare the impact of NOURISH-T+ with EUC on PCS BMI z-score. Secondary aims are to compare intervention impact on PCS PA and eating behaviors and parent BMI and behaviors as well as to explore potential moderators of the intervention. Our longer-term goal is to establish a framework for future translation and dissemination of NOURISH-T+.

Designing an exercise intervention for adult survivors of childhood cancers

BACKGROUND

This study examined current physical activity levels and preferences for exercise settings and activities among adult survivors of childhood cancers as a strategy to inform the feasibility and design of such programs.

METHODS

A mixed-methods design was used to investigate current activity levels as well as barriers to and preferences for physical activity among 20 adult survivors of pediatric cancer.

RESULTS

One-half of participants reported engaging in regular physical activity, although the frequency, intensity, and duration varied. Overall, 17 of the 20 participants (85%) stated they would be interested in participating in a structured exercise intervention, and they expressed a strong interest in walking (76%), bicycling (53%), and weight training (53%). Common barriers to participation in a potential structured exercise program were insufficient time, current health issues, and program location/distance. Nearly all participants agreed that information on nutrition and diet should be included as part of an exercise intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings will help inform the design and implementation of future exercise programs to enhance physical activity among this high-risk group of cancer survivors.

Exercise with Nutrition Education to Improve Quality of Life of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study

Purpose: Most evidence for the relationship between physical activity, nutrition education, and late effects from cancer treatment come from cross-sectional studies. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if 8 weeks of exercise and nutrition education in adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors positively affects fatigue, quality of life, health-related fitness, and dietary intake. Methods: The exercise program targeted improvement in multiple areas of health-related fitness. A Registered Dietitian conducted nutrition education sessions with goal setting. To encourage activity, social engagement, and support, participants connected to a study-specific group. Fatigue and QoL (FACIT, PedsQL Teen, and Young Adult), health-related fitness (cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, anthropometrics), nutrition knowledge, and dietary intake assessments were conducted at weeks 1 and 10. Participant perceptions of strengths and weaknesses within the program were assessed after program completion. Results: Twenty four (16.6 ± 2.8 years) AYA cancer survivors began and completed the program. Problems with fatigue (PedsQL Teen and Young Adult) significantly improved along with decreased perceived barriers to exercise. Participants significantly improved cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and muscular strength and endurance. Trying to make healthy nutrition choices, understanding how to read nutrition labels, and identifying a saturated fat significantly improved without a significant change in dietary intake. Participants' favorite program components related to exercise and social support. Conclusion: In view of the short- and long-term impacts of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, as well as the benefits of physical activity on these factors, exercise programs with social support should be considered adjuvant therapy among AYA cancer survivors.

Precision-based exercise as a new therapeutic option for children and adolescents with haematological malignancies

Children and adolescents with haematological malignancies (PedHM) are characterized by a severe loss of exercise ability during cancer treatment, lasting throughout their lives once healed and impacting their social inclusion prospects. The investigation of the effect of a precision-based exercise program on the connections between systems of the body in PedHM patients is the new frontier in clinical exercise physiology. This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of 11 weeks (3 times weekly) of combined training (cardiorespiratory, resistance, balance and flexibility) on the exercise intolerance in PedHM patients. Two-hundred twenty-six PedHM patients were recruited (47% F). High or medium frequency participation (HAd and MAd) was considered when a participant joined; > 65% or between 30% and < 64% of training sessions, respectively. The “up and down stairs'' test (TUDS), “6 min walking” test (6MWT), the “5 Repetition Maximum strength” leg extension and arm lateral raise test (5RM-LE and 5RM-ALR), flexibility (stand and reach), and balance (stabilometry), were performed and evaluated before and after training. The TUDS, the 5RM-LE and 5RM-ALR, and the flexibility exercises showed an increase in HAd and MAd groups (P < 0.05), while the 6MWT and balance tests showed improvement only in HAd group (P < 0.0001). These results support the ever-growing theory that, in the case of the treatment of PedHM, ‘exercise is medicine’ and it has the potential to increase the patient’s chances of social inclusion.

Social ecological interventions to increase physical activity in children and young people living with and beyond cancer: a systematic review

Objective: To identify the behaviour change techniques and intervention components associated with the promotion of physical activity (PA) for children and young people living with and beyond cancer. Design and main outcome measures: A systematic review and narrative synthesis was conducted on the evidence on PA interventions for children and young people (up to 30 years of age) living with and beyond cancer using a social ecological framework. Results: Out of 12 studies, 8 were shown to change PA. Intervention components included (1) behavioural (Instruction on how to perform the behaviour, credible source, behavioural demonstration and rehearsal), (2) cognitive-emotional (targeting attitude, perceived behavioural control, intentions, resilience and achievement) (3) socio-cultural (family and peer support for PA), (4) environmental (providing access to resources, environmental restructuring, safety), (5) demographic (child, adolescent, young adult or mixed) and (6) medical (tailored exercise depending on age and cancer stage). Conclusions: Interventions designed to increase physical activity participation and adherence during and beyond cancer treatment for young people should integrate psychosocial (behavioural, cognitive-emotional, social), environmental and medical intervention components. Our conceptual model can be used to inform the development of interventions and guides future research objectives and priorities.

Severe fatigue after treatment for childhood cancer

BACKGROUND

Treatment strategies for childhood cancer are improving, resulting in higher survival rates. However, the consequences of childhood cancer do not end with the successful completion of cancer treatment. Most patients will develop late effects after cessation of treatment. Severe fatigue is seen as a common and debilitating late effect in cancer survivors. Although most research on fatigue has been performed in patients after adult-onset cancer, our review focuses on fatigue after childhood cancer.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the prevalence of severe fatigue after treatment for childhood cancer. Secondary objectives are to describe the course of severe fatigue following cancer treatment and to examine risk factors for fatigue, or factors associated with it.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (the Cochrane Library 2019; issue 8 March 2019), MEDLINE/PubMed (from 1945 to 8 March 2019), Embase/Ovid (from 1947 to 8 March 2019), reference lists of included articles and several conference proceedings from 2011 to 2018.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Observational studies, randomised controlled trials and controlled clinical trials reporting on fatigue in participants after treatment for childhood cancer. Case series and case reports were not eligible for inclusion.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed risks of bias. If the publication did not present the prevalence of severe fatigue, we contacted study authors for additional information.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 30 studies (18,682 participants in total). Eighteen studies contributed to the main objective and 22 studies contributed to the secondary objectives. We found substantial differences between studies in cancer diagnosis, cancer treatment, age of participants, questionnaires used to assess fatigue, and sample size. All included studies scored at least one 'Risk of bias' item as unclear or high risk. We identified both clinical and statistical heterogeneity and therefore could not pool results, so we present them descriptively. Eighteen studies (describing 14,573 survivors) reported the prevalence of severe fatigue, which ranged from 0% to 61.7%. In a subgroup of three studies including children aged up to 18 years at fatigue assessment (268 survivors), prevalence rates ranged from 6.7% to 12.5%. In comparison, in a subgroup of 12 studies including participants aged 16 and over (13,952 survivors), prevalence rates ranged from 4.4% to 61.7%. The prevalence of severe fatigue in a subgroup of survivors of haematological cancer was presented in seven studies and ranged from 1.8% to 35.9% (1907 survivors). Prevalence of severe fatigue in brain cancer survivors was presented in two studies (252 survivors) and was 14.6% and 21.1% respectively. One study presented a prevalence for bone cancer survivors of 0.0% (17 survivors). Four studies provided prevalence rates of severe fatigue in control groups of siblings or population-based controls, which ranged from 3.1% to 10.3%. In these four studies, survivors were more often fatigued than controls, but this difference was statistically significant in only two studies. Studies assessing risk and associated factors for fatigue were heterogeneous, and definitions of the factors under study were often inconsistent, with results therefore presented descriptively. They found that depression might be associated with fatigue. In contrast, age at diagnosis and education level did not seem to be associated with fatigue. We were unable to calculate any overall risk estimate for any of the reported risks and associated factors, because we could not conduct meta-analysis. One study provided information about the course of fatigue over time, and found that over the course of 2.7 years, 32 of the 102 participants (31.4%) reported persistent severe fatigue.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

It is unclear how many childhood cancer survivors suffer from severe fatigue. This review encountered several difficulties. We found statistical and clinical heterogeneity and great variation in the reporting of possible risk and associated factors. The evidence in this review is therefore weak, and the exact prevalence of severe fatigue after treatment for childhood cancer remains to be determined. This is also the case for the course of severe fatigue following treatment and the strength of the relationship between fatigue and associated and risk factors. Despite these limitations, our review does provide a comprehensive overview of the existing literature about severe fatigue after treatment for childhood cancer.

Pain in long-term survivors of childhood cancer: A systematic review of the current state of knowledge and a call to action from the Children's Oncology Group

Survivors of childhood cancer may be at risk of experiencing pain, and a systematic review would advance our understanding of pain in this population. The objective of this study was to describe: 1) the prevalence of pain in survivors of childhood cancer, 2) methods of pain measurement, 3) associations between pain and biopsychosocial factors, and 4) recommendations for future research. Data sources for the study were articles published from January 1990 to August 2019 identified in the PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Web of Science data bases. Eligible studies included: 1) original research, 2) quantitative assessments of pain, 3) articles published in English, 4) cancers diagnosed between birth and age 21 years, 5) survivors at 5 years from diagnosis and/or at 2 years after therapy completion, and 6) a sample size >20. Seventy-three articles were included in the final review. Risk of bias was considered using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The quality of evidence was evaluated according to Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Common measures of pain were items created by the authors for the purpose of the study (45.2%) or health-related quality-of-life/health status questionnaires (42.5%). Pain was present in from 4.3% to 75% of survivors across studies. Three studies investigated chronic pain according the definition in the International Classification of Diseases. The findings indicated that survivors of childhood cancer are at higher risk of experiencing pain compared with controls. Fatigue was consistently associated with pain, females reported more pain than males, and other factors related to pain will require stronger evidence. Theoretically grounded, multidimensional measurements of pain are absent from the literature.

Early Lifestyle Intervention for Obesity Prevention in Pediatric Survivors of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Patients with pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) experience rapid weight gain during treatment and increases in weight are maintained throughout treatment and beyond. Without prompt interventions, altered dietary and physical activity behaviors may become difficult to reverse, contributing to obesity risk long-term. Fifteen children, aged 3–9 years, diagnosed with pediatric ALL who were on maintenance therapy or within two years of treatment completion (mean BMI percentile: 70.4^th) and one parent from each family, were enrolled into a 12-week lifestyle intervention delivered remotely through web-based sessions and phone calls with a lifestyle coach. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and end of the intervention. Thirteen of the 15 enrolled families (86.7%) completed the intervention. Parents reduced the “pressure to eat” feeding practice (change in mean score: −0.60, 95% CI: −1.12 to −0.07; p-value = 0.03) post intervention. Children increased the consumption of milk (0.54 serving/d, 0.02 to 1.07; p-value = 0.04) and percent of calories from protein (2.54%, 0.22 to 4.87%; p-value = 0.04) and reduced the consumption of potatoes (−0.16 serving/d, -0.30 to −0.03; p-value = 0.02). No significant changes were observed for children’s levels of physical activity, BMI, or waist circumference. Results from this pilot support the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of early lifestyle intervention among pediatric ALL survivors.

Exercise Intolerance, Mortality, and Organ System Impairment in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer

PURPOSE

Exercise intolerance, associated with heart failure and death in general populations, is not well studied in survivors of childhood cancer. We examined prevalence of exercise intolerance in survivors exposed or not to cardiotoxic therapy, and associations among organ system function, exercise intolerance, and mortality.

METHODS

Participants consisted of 1,041 people who had survived cancer ≥ 10 years (and had or did not have exposure to anthracyclines and/or chest-directed radiation) and 285 control subjects. Exercise intolerance was defined as peak oxygen uptake < 85% predicted from maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing; organ functions were ascertained with imaging or clinical testing. Multivariable regression of the data was performed to compare exercise capacity between survivors exposed or unexposed to cardiotoxic therapy and control subjects, and to evaluate associations between treatment and organ function, and organ function and exercise intolerance. Propensity score methods in time-to-event analyses evaluated associations between exercise intolerance and mortality.

RESULTS

Survivors (mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 35.6 ± 8.8 years) had lower mean (± SD) peak oxygen uptake (exposed: 25.74 ± 8.36 mL/kg/min; unexposed: 26.82 ± 8.36 mL/kg/min) than did control subjects (32.69 ± 7.75 mL/kg/min; P for all < .001). Exercise intolerance was present in 63.8% (95% CI, 62.0% to 65.8%) of exposed survivors, 55.7% (95% CI, 53.2% to 58.2%) of unexposed survivors, and 26.3% (95% CI, 24.0% to 28.3%) of control subjects, and was associated with mortality (hazard ratio, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.09 to 14.14). Global longitudinal strain (odds ratio [OR], 1.71; 95% CI, 1.11 to 2.63), chronotropic incompetence (OR, 3.58; 95% CI, 1.75 to 7.31); forced expiratory volume in 1 second < 80% (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.65 to 4.09), and 1 SD decrease in quadriceps strength (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.82) were associated with exercise intolerance. Ejection fraction < 53% was not associated with exercise intolerance.

CONCLUSION

Exercise intolerance is prevalent among childhood cancer survivors and associated with all-cause mortality. Treatment-related cardiac (detected by global longitudinal strain), autonomic, pulmonary, and muscular impairments increased risk. Survivors with impairments may require referral to trained specialists to learn to accommodate specific deficits when engaging in exercise.

Representations of cancer recurrence risk, recurrence worry, and health-protective behaviours: an elaborated, systematic review

An expanded Common-Sense Model (CSM) contextualised to the self-regulation of cancer recurrence risk identifies risk representational attributes and recurrence worry as primary processes motivating protective behaviours in cancer survivors. A systematic review examined evidence for CSM hypotheses regarding how these processes influence diet and physical activity (PA) among survivors. A research agenda is outlined and used to evaluate the evidence base. Common databases were searched for eligible, peer-reviewed, English language reports, yielding 18 studies quantitatively testing hypothesised relationships among representations of prior cancer, recurrence risk representations, recurrence worry, and diet and PA. The findings provide promising, but mixed and limited evidence for some of the hypothesised associations of specific risk recurrence attributes with recurrence worry, and risk recurrence attributes and recurrence worry with diet and PA. Findings support the distinction of recurrence risk representations and illness representations of the prior cancer, with each showing different relationships with recurrence worry and behaviours. We discuss the status of the evidence base in relation to assessment, design, and analysis priorities and propose strategies that can yield more sensitive, rigorous tests of the CSM for cancer recurrence risk as applied to diet and PA.

Physical activity and fitness among pediatric cancer survivors: a meta-analysis of observational studies

PURPOSE

The number of pediatric cancer survivors has increased dramatically over recent decades. Prior studies involving pediatric cancer survivors have reported reduced physical activity and fitness levels. Thus, the aim of this meta-analysis was to synthesize previous findings on physical activity and fitness levels of pediatric cancer survivors, who had completed cancer treatment and are in complete remission compared with age-matched, non-athletic healthy controls with no history of cancer diagnosis.

METHODS

Three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO) were searched using a combination of 24 terms. Observational studies examining the post-treatment physical activity and/or fitness levels of pediatric cancer survivors compared with that of non-cancer controls and published in peer-reviewed, English-language journals before August 22, 2018 were eligible. Random-effect models were used in Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software for effect-size estimations of eight studies for physical activity and eight for fitness.

RESULTS

The studies included a total sample of 2628; 1413 pediatric cancer survivors and 1215 non-cancer controls. Both physical activity and fitness were significantly lower in childhood cancer survivors than in non-cancer controls (g = - 0.889; 95% confidence interval [CI] = - 1.648 - 0.130; p = 0.022) and (g = - 1.435; 95% CI = - 2.615 - 0.225; p = 0.017), respectively, with high heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric cancer sequelae and its treatment may limit participation in physical activity and fitness activities by survivors of pediatric cancer. Accentuating the need to incorporate physical activity and fitness into treatment protocols and post-treatment recommendations may improve pediatric cancer survivors' health and well-being.

NOURISH-T: Targeting caregivers to improve health behaviors in pediatric cancer survivors with obesity

BACKGROUND

Obesity rates in pediatric cancer survivors (PCS) are alarmingly high. Although healthy lifestyle changes may prevent future health complications, promoting healthy behaviors in PCS is challenging, and few interventions have successfully addressed this issue.

PROCEDURE

This randomized control trial evaluated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a parent-focused six-session intervention, NOURISH-T (Nourishing Our Understanding of Role Modeling to Improve Support and Health for Healthy Transitions), compared with enhanced usual care (EUC) on the outcomes of caregiver and PCS anthropometric measurements, eating behaviors, and physical activity. Behavioral and self-report assessments of caregivers and PCS in both conditions were conducted at baseline, postintervention, and at a 4-month follow-up.

RESULTS

In comparison to no change among EUC caregivers, NOURISH-T caregivers showed small yet significant decreases from baseline through follow-up on BMI, waist-hip ratio, and total daily caloric intake. However, there was no change with regard to daily fat and sugar intake. NOURISH-T caregivers also showed positive changes in their child feeding behaviors, including decreases in pressuring their child to eat and restricting their child's eating and increased eating together as a family. Similarly, decreases in BMI percentile, waist-hip ratio, and sugary beverage consumption were found for NOURISH-T PCS from baseline to postintervention. NOURISH-T PCS also significantly increased their daily steps, whereas EUC PCS decreased their daily steps.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that an intervention targeting parents is feasible and demonstrates preliminary effectiveness. NOURISH-T showed a longer term effect on caregivers, and, although shorter term effect, a positive impact on the PCS themselves. Implications for ways to improve NOURISH-T as an intervention for increasing healthy behaviors of PCS are discussed.

Nutritional Characteristics of the Diets of Child and Adolescent Cancer Survivors

PURPOSE

Diseases associated with prior treatment, such as obesity, have been described in cancer survivors. Recent studies have shown that current estimates of overweight do not differ from that in the general population, suggesting the influence of environmental factors, such as dietary intake. In this context, there is increasing interest in the examination of health behaviors that may modify and reduce the risk of overweight and obesity. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of dietary intake among child cancer survivors living in a developing country.

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study included children and adolescents up to 18 years of age. Dietary intake of the patients was assessed using 24-hour dietary recall.

RESULTS

All age groups showed sufficient carbohydrate and protein consumption levels. The mean percentages of carbohydrate and protein consumption were 54% and 20.8%, respectively. Regarding lipid quality, survivors showed low consumption levels of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. The consumption level of saturated fats was close to the upper limit. Fiber intake was below the recommended level in all patient categories, and its mean was 11.5 g/day. The average daily intake of some vitamins and minerals was below the recommended intake levels for all sexes and age groups, with values below 50% of suitability.

CONCLUSION

The imbalance of lipids quality and low consumption of micronutrients demonstrated that the diet quality is poor in child cancer survivors. This favors the development of not only obesity but also other chronic diseases, and potentially predisposes such patients to secondary cancers.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

this is a relevant issue due to the increased number of childhood cancer survivors who develop obesity and chronic and metabolic complications due to inadequate food consumption. Our study may help understand, prevent, or minimize public health problems.

Early Nutrition and Physical Activity Interventions in Childhood Cancer Survivors

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Childhood cancer survivors experience excessive weight gain early in treatment. Lifestyle interventions need to be initiated early in cancer care to prevent the early onset of obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We reviewed the existing literature on early lifestyle interventions in childhood cancer survivors and consider implications for clinical care.

RECENT FINDINGS

Few lifestyle interventions focus on improving nutrition in childhood cancer survivors. A consistent effect on reducing obesity and CVD risk factors is not evident from the limited number of studies with heterogeneous intervention characteristics, although interventions with a longer duration and follow-up show more promising trends. Future lifestyle interventions should be of a longer duration and include a nutrition component. Interventions with a longer duration and follow-up are needed to assess the timing and sustainability of the intervention effect. Lifestyle interventions introduced early in cancer care are both safe and feasible.

Weight Trajectories of Israeli Pediatric Cancer Survivors

Objective

Cross-national replication of the high rates of overweight/obesity among U.S. pediatric cancer survivors (PCS) is limited. Predictors of weight trajectories of Israeli PCS were examined from diagnosis and end of active cancer treatment to 3 years posttreatment.

Methods

World Health Organization-derived body mass index (z-BMI) values were calculated at each time point from medical records of 135 Israeli PCS ( M diagnosis age = 11.4). A three-section piecewise multilevel model including age, ethnicity, gender, treatment length, and diagnosis as predictors was used to estimate z-BMI trajectories.

Results

Most participants remained at a healthy weight at all time points. Differing weight trajectories emerged for PCS diagnosed with lymphoma/leukemia versus other cancer diagnoses from diagnosis to end of treatment, but similar weight change patterns were observed posttreatment.

Conclusion

Replication of U.S. PCS weight trajectories was not observed in Israeli PCS, suggesting the importance of exploring environmental risk factors contributing to obesity among PCS.

Physical Activity in Long-term Survivors of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Childhood and Adolescence: A Cross-sectional Cohort Study

Inadequate physical activity (PA) and elevated overweight/obesity (OW/OB) rates are common in survivors of cancer in childhood, especially acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Bony morbidity, including fractures, is also prevalent among survivors of ALL. This study examined the interrelationships of PA, measured in hours by the Habitual Activity Estimation Scale; OW/OG, defined by body mass index; and fractures (yes/no) in survivors of ALL (n=75) more than 10 years after diagnosis. All had been treated using protocols of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute Childhood ALL Consortium. The median age was 21.15 years and time from diagnosis 15.07 years, and 27 subjects had experienced fractures. More than 30% of the total sample were OW/OB. There was no correlation of body mass index with present PA. There were no significant differences between those with/without fractures in terms of age, sex, time from diagnosis, and the prevalence of OW/OB. Subjects with fractures during treatment reported more total activity on typical weekend days than those without fractures (mean 8.8 vs. 6.9 h, P<0.01). There was no significant difference on weekdays. Higher activity on weekends suggests that fractures may have occurred more commonly in those who had a more active lifestyle before, during, and after treatment.

Exercise and Fatigue in Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Report from the Children's Oncology Group

Fatigue is a significant problem for adolescent and young adult (AYA) Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) survivors. The relationship between exercise and fatigue is complex. This study explored the trajectory of and the relationship between exercise and fatigue over 36 months post-therapy in a cohort of 103 AYA-aged HL survivors treated on Children's Oncology Group (COG) study AHOD0031. Descriptive statistics and generalized estimating equations were used in this secondary data analysis. Exercise and fatigue improved over time but were unrelated; amount of exercise at end of therapy predicted amount of exercise at 12 (p = 0.02) and 36 (p = 0.0008) months post-therapy.

Nutritional interventions for survivors of childhood cancer

BACKGROUND

Childhood cancer survivors are at a higher risk of developing health conditions such as osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease than their peers. Health-promoting behaviour, such as consuming a healthy diet, could lessen the impact of these chronic issues, yet the prevalence rate of health-protecting behaviour amongst survivors of childhood cancer is similar to that of the general population. Targeted nutritional interventions may prevent or reduce the incidence of these chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim of this review was to assess the efficacy of a range of nutritional interventions designed to improve the nutritional intake of childhood cancer survivors, as compared to a control group of childhood cancer survivors who did not receive the intervention. Secondary objectives were to assess metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors, measures of weight and body fat distribution, behavioural change, changes in knowledge regarding disease risk and nutritional intake, participants' views of the intervention, measures of health status and quality of life, measures of harm associated with the process or outcomes of the intervention, and cost-effectiveness of the intervention

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the electronic databases of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2013, Issue 3), MEDLINE/PubMed (from 1945 to April 2013), and Embase/Ovid (from 1980 to April 2013). We ran the search again in August 2015; we have not yet fully assessed these results, but we have identified one ongoing trial. We conducted additional searching of ongoing trial registers - the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number register and the National Institutes of Health register (both screened in the first half of 2013) - reference lists of relevant articles and reviews, and conference proceedings of the International Society for Paediatric Oncology and the International Conference on Long-Term Complications of Treatment of Children and Adolescents for Cancer (both 2008 to 2012).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effects of a nutritional intervention with a control group which did not receive the intervention in this review. Participants were childhood cancer survivors of any age, diagnosed with any type of cancer when less than 18 years of age. Participating childhood cancer survivors had completed their treatment with curative intent prior to the intervention.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected and extracted data from each identified study, using a standardised form. We assessed the validity of each identified study using the criteria outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We used the GRADE criteria to assess the quality of each trial.

MAIN RESULTS

Three RCTs were eligible for review. A total of 616 participants were included in the analysis. One study included participants who had been treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) (275 participants). Two studies included participants who had all forms of paediatric malignancies (266 and 75 participants). All participants were less than 21 years of age at study entry. The follow-up ranged from one month to 36 months from the initial assessment. All intended outcomes were not evaluated by each included study. All studies looked at different interventions, and so we were unable to pool results. We could not rule out the presence of bias in any of the studies.There was no clear evidence of a difference in calcium intake at one month between those who received the single, half-day, group-based education that focused on bone health, and those who received standard care (mean difference (MD) 111.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) -258.97 to 482.17; P = 0.56, low quality evidence). A regression analysis, adjusting for baseline calcium intake and changes in knowledge and self-efficacy, showed a significantly greater calcium intake for the intervention as compared with the control group at the one-month follow-up (beta coefficient 4.92, 95% CI 0.33 to 9.52; P = 0.04). There was statistically significant higher, self-reported milk consumption (MD 0.43, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.79; P = 0.02, low quality evidence), number of days on calcium supplementation (MD 11.42, 95% CI 7.11 to 15.73; P < 0.00001, low quality evidence), and use of any calcium supplementation (risk ratio (RR) 3.35, 95% CI 1.86 to 6.04; P < 0.0001, low quality evidence), with those who received this single, face-to-face, group-based, health behaviour session.There was no clear evidence of a difference in bone density Z-scores measured with a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan at 36 months follow-up (MD -0.05, 95% CI -0.26 to 0.16; P = 0.64, moderate quality evidence) between those who received calcium and vitamin D supplementation combined with nutrition education and those who received nutrition education alone. There was also no clear evidence of a difference in bone mineral density between the intervention and the control group at the 12-month (median difference -0.17, P = 0.99) and 24-month follow-up (median difference -0.04, P = 0.54).A single multi-component health behaviour change intervention, focusing on general healthy eating principles, with two telephone follow-ups brought about a 0.17 lower score on the four-point Likert scale of self-reported junk food intake compared with the control group (MD -0.17, 95% CI -0.33 to -0.01; P = 0.04, low quality evidence); this result was statistically significant. There was no clear evidence of a difference between the groups in the self-reported use of nutrition as a health protective behaviour (MD -0.05, 95% CI -0.24 to 0.14; P = 0.60, low quality evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Due to a paucity of studies, and the heterogeneity of the studies included in this review, we are unable to draw conclusions regarding the effectiveness of nutritional interventions for use with childhood cancer survivors. Although there is low quality evidence for the improvement in health behaviours using health behaviour change interventions, there remains no evidence as to whether this translates into an improvement in dietary intake. There was also no evidence that the studies reduced the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in childhood cancer survivors, although no evidence of effect is not the same as evidence of no effect. This review highlights the need for further well designed trials to be implemented in this population.

Patterns and predictors of clustered risky health behaviors among adult survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

BACKGROUND

Health complications related to childhood cancer may be influenced by risky health behaviors (RHBs), particularly when RHBs co-occur. To the authors' knowledge, only limited information is available describing how RHBs cluster among survivors of childhood cancer and their siblings and the risk factors for co-occurring RHBs.

METHODS

Latent class analysis was used to identify RHB clusters using longitudinal survey data regarding smoking, alcohol use, and physical activity from adult survivors (4184 survivors) and siblings (1598 siblings) in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. Generalized logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between demographic characteristics, treatment exposures, psychological distress, health conditions, and cluster membership.

RESULTS

Three RHB clusters were identified: a low-risk cluster, an insufficiently active cluster, and a high-risk cluster (tobacco and risky alcohol use and insufficient activity). Compared with siblings, survivors were more likely to be in the insufficiently active cluster (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj ], 1.17; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.06-1.27) and were less likely to be in the high-risk cluster (ORadj , 0.79; 95% CI, 0.69-0.88). Risk factors for membership in the high-risk cluster included psychological distress (ORadj , 2.76; 95% CI, 1.98-3.86), low educational attainment (ORadj , 7.49; 95% CI, 5.15-10.88), income <$20,000 (ORadj , 2.62; 95% CI, 1.93-3.57), being divorced/separated or widowed (ORadj , 1.36; 95% CI, 1.03-1.79), and limb amputation (ORadj , 1.52; 95% CI, 1.03-2.24). Risk factors for the insufficiently active cluster included chronic health conditions, psychological distress, low education or income, being obese or overweight, female sex, nonwhite race/ethnicity, single marital status, cranial radiation, and cisplatin exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

RHBs co-occur in survivors of childhood cancer and their siblings. Economic and educational disadvantages and psychological distress should be considered in screening and interventions to reduce RHBs. Cancer 2016. © 2016 American Cancer Society. Cancer 2016;122:2747-2756. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Physical exercise training interventions for children and young adults during and after treatment for childhood cancer

BACKGROUND

A decreased physical fitness has been reported in patients and survivors of childhood cancer. This is influenced by the negative effects of the disease and the treatment of childhood cancer. Exercise training for adult cancer patients has frequently been reported to improve physical fitness. In recent years, literature on this subject has also become available for children and young adults with cancer, both during and after treatment. This is an update of the original review that was performed in 2011.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of a physical exercise training intervention on the physical fitness (i.e. aerobic capacity, muscle strength, or functional performance) of children with cancer within the first five years from their diagnosis (performed either during or after cancer treatment), compared to a control group of children with cancer who did not receive an exercise intervention.To determine whether physical exercise within the first five years of diagnosis has an effect on fatigue, anxiety, depression, self efficacy, and HRQoL and to determine whether there are any adverse effects of the intervention.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the electronic databases of Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PEDro; ongoing trial registries and conference proceedings on 6 September 2011 and 11 November 2014. In addition, we performed a handsearch of reference lists.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical controlled trials (CCTs) that compared the effects of physical exercise training with no training, in people who were within the first five years of their diagnosis of childhood cancer.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently identified studies meeting the inclusion criteria, performed the data extraction, and assessed the risk of bias using standardized forms. Study quality was rated by the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria.

MAIN RESULTS

Apart from the five studies in the original review, this update included one additional RCT. In total, the analysis included 171 participants, all during treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).The duration of the training sessions ranged from 15 to 60 minutes per session. Both the type of intervention and intervention period varied in all the included studies. However, the control group always received usual care.All studies had methodological limitations, such as small numbers of participants, unclear randomization methods, and single-blind study designs in case of one RCT and all results were of moderate to very low quality (GRADE).Cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated by the 9-minute run-walk test, timed up-and-down stairs test, the timed up-and-go time test, and the 20-m shuttle run test. Data of the 9-minute run-walk test and the timed up-and-down stairs test could be pooled. The combined 9-minute run-walk test results showed significant differences between the intervention and the control groups, in favour of the intervention group (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.69; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02 to 1.35). Pooled data from the timed up-and-down stairs test showed no significant differences in cardiorespiratory fitness (SMD -0.54; 95% CI -1.77 to 0.70). However, there was considerable heterogeneity (I(2) = 84%) between the two studies on this outcome. The other two single-study outcomes, 20-m shuttle run test and the timed up-and-go test, also showed positive results for cardiorespiratory fitness in favour of the intervention group.Only one study assessed the effect of exercise on bone mineral density (total body), showing a statistically significant positive intervention effect (SMD 1.07; 95% CI 0.48 to 1.66). The pooled data on body mass index showed no statistically significant end-score difference between the intervention and control group (SMD 0.59; 95% CI -0.23 to 1.41).Three studies assessed flexibility. Two studies assessed ankle dorsiflexion. One study assessed active ankle dorsiflexion, while the other assessed passive ankle dorsiflexion. There were no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control group with the active ankle dorsiflexion test; however, in favour of the intervention group, they were found for passive ankle dorsiflexion (SMD 0.69; 95% CI 0.12 to 1.25). The third study assessed body flexibility using the sit-and-reach distance test, but identified no statistically significant difference between the intervention and control group.Three studies assessed muscle strength (knee, ankle, back and leg, and inspiratory muscle strength). Only the back and leg strength combination score showed statistically significant differences on the muscle strength end-score between the intervention and control group (SMD 1.41; 95% CI 0.71 to 2.11).Apart from one sub-scale of the cancer scale (Worries; P value = 0.03), none of the health-related quality of life scales showed a significant difference between both study groups on the end-score. For the other outcomes of fatigue, level of daily activity, and adverse events (all assessed in one study), there were no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control group.None of the included studies evaluated activity energy expenditure, time spent on exercise, anxiety and depression, or self efficacy as an outcome.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The effects of physical exercise training interventions for childhood cancer participants are not yet convincing. Possible reasons are the small numbers of participants and insufficient study designs, but it can also be that this type of intervention is not as effective as in adult cancer patients. However, the first results show some positive effects on physical fitness in the intervention group compared to the control group. There were positive intervention effects for body composition, flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and health-related quality of life (cancer-related items). These were measured by some assessment methods, but not all. However, the quality of the evidence was low and these positive effects were not found for the other assessed outcomes, such as fatigue, level of daily activity, and adverse events. There is a need for more studies with comparable aims and interventions, using a higher number of participants that also include diagnoses other than ALL.

Obesity in Childhood Cancer Survivors: Call for Early Weight Management

A high prevalence of obesity and cardiometabolic conditions has been increasingly recognized in childhood cancer survivors. In particular, survivors of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia have been found to be at risk of becoming overweight or obese early in treatment, with increases in weight maintained throughout treatment and beyond. Nutrition plays an important role in the etiology of obesity and cardiometabolic conditions and is among the few modifiable factors that can prevent or delay the early onset of these chronic conditions. However, nutritional intake in childhood cancer survivors has not been adequately examined and the evidence is built on data from small cohorts of survivors. In addition, the long-term impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment on survivors' nutritional intake as well as how survivors' nutritional intake is associated with chronic health conditions have not been well quantified in large-scale studies. Promoting family-based healthy lifestyles, preferably at a sensitive window of unhealthy weight gain, is a priority for preventing the early onset of obesity and cardiometabolic conditions in childhood cancer survivors.

The impact of cancer and its treatment on physical activity levels and behavior in Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors

BACKGROUND

Research indicates that regular physical activity is associated with numerous physiological and psychological health benefits for childhood cancer survivors. A review of the literature reveals that no study has so far examined the physical activity levels and behavior of Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors, and how the cancer and its treatment affect the physical activity and other behavior of these children remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to assess the physical activity levels of Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors and to explore the factors that affect their adherence to and maintenance of regular physical activity.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was used. A total of 128 childhood cancer survivors (9-16-year-olds) who underwent medical follow-up in the outpatient clinic were invited to participate in the study.

RESULTS

There was a significant decline in physical activity levels among childhood cancer survivors. Most of them did not take physical exercise regularly. Concern about academic performance, fatigue, and a decrease in physical strength and endurance after remission prevented them from engaging in regular physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that many childhood cancer survivors did not engage in regular physical activity and that they overlooked or underestimated its importance.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

It is essential for nurses to correct misconceptions about physical activity among childhood cancer survivors and their parents and, most importantly, to advocate the principle of regular physical activity for these children, with the aim of enhancing their physical and psychological well-being.

Design and rationale for NOURISH-T: a randomized control trial targeting parents of overweight children off cancer treatment

Approximately 40% of off-treatment pediatric cancer survivors (PCS) are overweight or obese, which increases their risk for negative long-term physical health complications. Consistent with the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) emphasis on patients transitioning from treatment to cancer survivorship and increasing long-term healthy behaviors in these survivors, we plan to conduct a pilot RCT to address the increasing overweight/obesity rates among PCS by targeting their caregivers as agents for PCS behavior change. We plan to focus on parents' behaviors, attitudes and roles in promoting healthier eating and physical activity (PA) in PCS and adapt an evidence-informed, manualized parent intervention - NOURISH - found to be effective for parents of overweight and obese children and adolescents in reducing child and adolescent BMI. We plan to adapt NOURISH for caregivers of 5-12 year old PCS (6 months-4 years off active cancer treatment). Our pilot feasibility RCT - NOURISH-T (Nourishing Our Understanding of Role modeling to Improve Support for Healthy Transitions) evaluates: 1) the preliminary efficacy of NOURISH-T for PCS, compared with an Enhanced Usual Care (EUC) control condition, and 2) factors to consider to improve future adaptations of the intervention. The project will enroll caregivers of PCS at two pediatric oncology clinics into the 6-week intervention (or EUC) with assessments occurring pre- and post-6 weeks of intervention, and at a 4-month follow-up.