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Neville AR, Tabaczynski A, Whitehorn A, Bastas D, Trinh L. Sedentary time transitions and associations with quality of life in cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Psychosoc Oncol 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38693609 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2024.2346560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patterns in sedentary time (SED) and its impact on quality of life (QoL) in cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to 1) compare total and domain-specific SED before and during the pandemic; and 2) examine its association with QoL in a global sample of cancer survivors. METHODS In an online survey, cancer survivors retrospectively self-reported domain-specific SED (e.g. transportation, television) before and during the pandemic via the Domain-Specific Sitting Time Questionnaire. QoL was assessed via the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)-General and FACT-Fatigue. Paired t-tests compared daily SED before and during the pandemic. Analysis of covariance compared QoL among: those who remained high (>8 h/day), remained low (<8 h/day), increased (<8 h/day to >8 h/day), or decreased (>8 h/day to <8 h/day) daily SED. RESULTS Among cancer survivors (N = 477, Mage=48.5 ± 15.4), 60.8% reported that their SED remained high, 19.7% remained low, 7.5% increased SED, and 11.9% decreased SED. Computer and television screen time significantly increased (p's<.001), while SED during transportation significantly decreased (p<.001). Sub-group analyses revealed that those who reduced SED who were normal or underweight (p=.042) or were meeting physical activity guidelines (p=.031) had significantly less fatigue than those who increased or remained high in SED, respectively. Those who remained high in SED with <3 comorbidities (p's =.005) had significantly better social well-being than those who increased SED. CONCLUSIONS As we transition to a post-pandemic era, behavioral strategies for cancer survivors should focus on reducing screen time to improve QoL and fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa R Neville
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Allyson Tabaczynski
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexis Whitehorn
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Denise Bastas
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Linda Trinh
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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2
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Searl J, Genoa K, Fritz A, Kearney A, Pandian V, Brenner MJ, Doyle P. Perceptions and practices of people with a total laryngectomy during COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed methods analysis. Am J Otolaryngol 2024; 45:104126. [PMID: 38039911 PMCID: PMC10939873 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2023.104126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE People with a total laryngectomy (PTL) confront safety threats related to altered airway anatomy and risk of adverse events is amplified during healthcare crises, as exemplified by COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding these challenges, how they are navigated by PTL, and what resources can be deployed to alleviate risk can improve interprofessional care by speech-language pathologists (SLPs), otolaryngologists, and other professionals. MATERIALS AND METHODS An online survey was disseminated to PTL in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, querying participants about safety concerns and sources of information accessed to address care. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square were used to analyze information sources consumed by tracheoesophageal, esophageal, and electrolaryngeal speakers. Content analysis was completed to identify themes and quantify responses by subtheme. RESULTS Among 173 respondent PTL, tracheoesophageal speakers preferentially sought otolaryngologist input, whereas esophageal and electrolaryngeal speakers more often chose SLPs (p < .01). Overall, tracheoesophageal speakers had more SLP or otolaryngologist contact. Many PTL reported stringent handwashing, neck cleaning, and hygienic risk mitigation strategies. Six themes emerged in content analysis involving risk of infection/transmission, heightened vigilance, changes to alaryngeal communication, modified tracheostoma coverage, diagnostic testing, and risk from comorbid conditions. Limited provider contact suggested pandemic barriers to healthcare access. CONCLUSIONS PTL have a range of laryngectomy-specific needs and concerns, and type of alaryngeal communication was associated with source of information sought. Collaborations among healthcare professionals need to be optimized to improve patient navigation and overall access to specialized care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Searl
- Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Kathryn Genoa
- Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Alyssa Fritz
- Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Ann Kearney
- Division of Laryngology, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Vinciya Pandian
- Center for Immersive Learning and Digital Innovation, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA.; Outcomes After Critical Illness and Surgery (OACIS) Research Group, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Global Tracheostomy Collaborative, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Michael J Brenner
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Global Tracheostomy Collaborative, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Philip Doyle
- Division of Laryngology, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Blasko D, Schweizer C, Fitz T, Schröter C, Sörgel C, Kallies A, Fietkau R, Distel LV. Impact of COVID-19 on Quality of Life in Long-Term Advanced Rectal Cancer Survivors. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1981. [PMID: 37510423 PMCID: PMC10379628 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11141981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers. Advanced rectal cancer patients receive neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy as well as surgery and suffer from reduced health-related quality of life due to various side effects. We were interested in the role of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affected those patients' quality of life. A total of 489 advanced rectal cancer patients from the University Hospital Erlangen in Germany were surveyed between May 2010 and March 2022 and asked to fill out the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR38 questionnaires over eight different time points: at the beginning, during and after radiochemotherapy, right before surgery, and in yearly intervals after surgery for up to four years. Answers were converted to scores to compare the COVID-19 period to the time before March 2020, focusing on the follow-ups, the developments over time-including by sex and age-and the influence of the TNM cT-stage. Overall, a trend of impaired functional and symptom scores was found across all surveys with few significances (body image -10.6 percentage points (pp) after one year; defecation problems +13.5 pp, insomnia +10.2 pp and weight loss +9.8 pp after three years; defecation problems +11.3 pp after four years). cT4-stage patients lost significantly more weight than their cT1-3-stage counterparts (+10.7 to 13.7 pp). Further studies should be conducted to find possible causes and develop countermeasures for future major infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Blasko
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Claudia Schweizer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tim Fitz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christoph Schröter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christopher Sörgel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Annett Kallies
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rainer Fietkau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Luitpold Valentin Distel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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Colomer-Lahiguera S, Canella C, Giacomini S, Van KL, Pedrazzani C, Naegele M, Thouvenin L, O'Meara Stern A, Condorelli R, Corbière T, Witt CM, Eicher M, Ribi K. Patient-reported experiences of cancer care related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:410. [PMID: 37347278 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07871-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to describe the experience of Swiss oncological patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A national multi-center study including five hospitals covering the three main language regions of Switzerland was conducted between March and July 2021. Patients with melanoma, breast, lung, or colon cancer receiving active systemic anti-cancer treatment at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic were included. We conducted semi-structured telephone or onsite interviews alongside the administration of distress and resilience-validated questionnaires. Thematic analysis was performed for the qualitative data and descriptive statistics for the quantitative data. RESULTS Sixty-two cancer patients with a mean age of 61 (SD=14) (58% female) were interviewed. Based on the interviews, we identified that the experience of having cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic was related to five dimensions: psychological, social, support, healthcare, and vaccination. Three themes transverse the five dimensions: (a) needs, (b) positive changes, and (c) phases of the pandemic. In general, patients did not experience delays or disruptions in their cancer treatment nor felt additionally burdened by the pandemic. Lockdown and isolation were reported as mixed experiences (positive and negative), and access to vaccination reassured patients against the risk of infection and instilled hope to return to normalcy. Additionally, we found low distress levels (M=2.9; SD=2.5) and high resilience scores (M=7; SD=1.3) in these patients. CONCLUSION Swiss patients with cancer did not express major needs or disruptions in their care during this period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results identify the mixed experiences of patients and highlight the high resilience levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Colomer-Lahiguera
- Institute of Higher Education and Research & Department of Oncology Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, Office 01/169 - PROLINE - Rte de la Corniche, 10-1010, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Claudia Canella
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stellio Giacomini
- Institute of Higher Education and Research & Department of Oncology Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, Office 01/169 - PROLINE - Rte de la Corniche, 10-1010, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kim Lê Van
- Institute of Higher Education and Research & Department of Oncology Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, Office 01/169 - PROLINE - Rte de la Corniche, 10-1010, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carla Pedrazzani
- Department of Economics, Health and Social Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Manno, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Naegele
- Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, Department of Development and Quality Management in Nursing, Network Oncology, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Laure Thouvenin
- Department of Oncology, University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alix O'Meara Stern
- Department of Medical Oncology, Réseau Hospitalier Neuchatelois, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Rosaria Condorelli
- Department of Medical Oncology, EOC - Istituto Oncologico della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Tourane Corbière
- Institute of Higher Education and Research & Department of Oncology Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, Office 01/169 - PROLINE - Rte de la Corniche, 10-1010, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claudia M Witt
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manuela Eicher
- Institute of Higher Education and Research & Department of Oncology Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, Office 01/169 - PROLINE - Rte de la Corniche, 10-1010, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Karin Ribi
- Department Health, Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences, Zürich, Switzerland
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5
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Sariani OK, Aminzadeh S, Hosseini SS, Moghadam MT. Challenges that cancer patients face during the outbreak of waves of the COVID-19 disease. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2023; 12:133. [PMID: 37397111 PMCID: PMC10312420 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_1328_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Omid Karimdadi Sariani
- Department of Genetics, Colleague of Sciences, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran
| | - Soheila Aminzadeh
- Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | | | - Majid Taati Moghadam
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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6
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Babin E, Heutte N, Bethuel-Kamga C, Perréard M. Quotidien de vie des patients avec cancer des VADS pendant la période COVID. ANNALES FRANÇAISES D'OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGIE ET DE PATHOLOGIE CERVICO-FACIALE 2022. [PMCID: PMC9450490 DOI: 10.1016/j.aforl.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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7
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Nguyen HTH, Duong KL, Nguyen ST, Trinh Q, Hoang HTL, Phung TQ, Lin HW, Nguyen HTL. Quality of Life and Its Associated Factors Among Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy at Oncology Hospitals in Vietnam After the Third Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cancer Manag Res 2022; 14:2429-2444. [PMID: 35979066 PMCID: PMC9377346 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s370034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and identify associated factors affecting the HRQOL after the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam. Patients and Methods Patients with solid cancers receiving chemotherapy at two oncology hospitals in Vietnam during April and May 2021 were included. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire version 3 was used to measure the HRQOL. Three questions were asked to explore patients’ concern levels about contracting COVID-19, delaying chemotherapy, or not controlling cancer well. One question was used to explore whether patients were concerned about cancer progression or COVID-19 infection more, or equally, or had no concern about both. Multiple regression models were conducted to examine factors associated with the global health status (GHS) score. Results Of 270 included patients, mean (Standard deviation [SD]) GHS was 56.7 (20.8). Among the functional statuses, social functioning (SF) had the lowest score of 63.6 (29.2). The symptoms with the highest means were insomnia and fatigue, obtaining the score of 38.5 (31.7) and 37.3 (29.2), respectively. The mean of financial difficulties was 54.1 (32.2). In univariate analysis, high concerns about contracting COVID-19, delaying chemotherapy, not controlling cancer well, or more concern about either cancer or COVID-19 over the other were associated with worse GHS, physical functioning, emotional functioning, and SF. In multivariate analysis, those concerns and no income were significantly related to lower GHS scores besides the non-modifiable factors, such as female gender and some cancer types. Conclusion Patients at the high concern levels, or with more concern about either cancer or COVID-19 over the other had poorer HRQOL. Interventions to address the concerns are required to improve their HRQOL, particularly for women, those without income, or with some specific cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanh T H Nguyen
- School of Pharmacy and Graduate Institute, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Khanh Linh Duong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Son T Nguyen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Quy Trinh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Hao T L Hoang
- Pharmacy Department, Hanoi Oncology Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Toan Q Phung
- Pharmacy Department, Vietnam National Cancer Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Hsiang-Wen Lin
- School of Pharmacy and Graduate Institute, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Pharmacy, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Huong T L Nguyen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Vietnam
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8
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Babin E, Heutte N, Bethuel-Kamga C, Perréard M. Daily life of head and neck cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis 2022; 139:248-249. [PMID: 35177368 PMCID: PMC8818349 DOI: 10.1016/j.anorl.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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9
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Petrović-Lazić M, Babac S, Ilić-Savić I. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life of laryngectomized patients. ACTA FACULTATIS MEDICAE NAISSENSIS 2022. [DOI: 10.5937/afmnai39-36517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Quality of life is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to changes in the daily routine, there was a change in the psychosocial functioning of individuals. Given that laryngectomized patients belong to a vulnerable group that requires psychological support after surgery, specific epidemiological measures during the COVID-19 pandemic could only further increase the fear and reluctance that is especially pronounced after surgery. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether there was a link between the quality of life of laryngectomized patients and the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: The literature review was performed through the Google Scholar Advanced Search search engine and the Consortium of Libraries of Serbia for Unified Acqusition - KoBSON. Results: The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the emotional well-being of patients with head and neck cancer. These patients became even more anxious due to the high mortality from the COVID-19 viral infection, hospital occupancy and missed therapeutic examinations. The need for togetherness, impaired concentration and attention, irritability and fear that family members might suffer from a deadly disease were the most common behavioral problems identified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The psychological burden associated with the direct and indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic should not be overlooked, given the fact that laryngectomized patients have twice the risk of suicide compared to patients who have undergone other types of cancer. Assessing the quality of life in laryngectomized patients is very important because it enables the timely identification of mental disorders and suggests the necessary support measures.
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10
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Discrepancies of SARS-CoV-2 testing results among patients with total laryngectomy. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2021; 279:2193-2196. [PMID: 34853865 PMCID: PMC8636284 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-021-07203-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Prevention of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is obtained with nasopharyngeal swabs. By the way, there is no consensus regarding sampling in totally laryngectomized subjects (who thus breathe directly by the tracheostomy and, theoretically, may be infected in the trachea). The aim of this study is to evaluate possible differences between swab results in the trachea and in the nasopharynx of this category of patients. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed in April 2021 among patients who previously had been operated on for total laryngectomy and who underwent swabs for SARS-CoV-2 research in 3 health-care centers in Northern-Eastern Italy. Data regarding the site of swabbing (trachea or nasopharynx) were analyzed. A comprehensive review of the literature regarding the same topic was then performed. RESULTS A total of 25 totally laryngectomized subjects underwent swabs. Among them, 5 tested positive in the trachea (1) and in the nasopharynx (4). According to the literature review, 4 more subjects tested positive in the trachea (1) and in the nasopharynx (3). Data were overall divergent and no statistically significant correlations emerged between results of the tests performed in the two sites. CONCLUSION Due to these discrepancies, both tracheal and nasopharyngeal swabs are recommended in these kinds of patients, to obtain a reliable test and to avoid false negatives.
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11
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Hamilton SN, Chau N, Berthelet E, Wu J, Tran E, Chevrier M, Lau V, Chan M, DeVries K, LaPointe V, Olson RA. Patient-reported outcomes and complications during head and neck cancer radiotherapy before versus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Support Care Cancer 2021; 30:2745-2753. [PMID: 34825983 PMCID: PMC8619651 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06703-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study compares patient-reported outcomes and treatment-related complications during radiotherapy before (August 2019-January 2020) versus during (March-Sept 2020) the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS The MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-head and neck module was used to assess curative intent in H&N cancer patients' symptoms during radiotherapy. RESULTS There were 158 patients in the pre-pandemic cohort and 137 patients in the pandemic cohort. There was no significant difference in enteral feeding requirements between the cohorts (21% versus 30%, p = 0.07). Weight loss was higher during the pandemic (mean - 5.6% versus 6.8%, p = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, treatment during the pandemic was associated with higher symptom scores for coughing/choking while eating (2.7 versus 2.1, p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS Complication rates during H&N radiotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic were similar at our institution relative to the pre-pandemic era, although weight loss was greater and patients reported more severe choking/coughing while eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nicole Hamilton
- BC Cancer - Vancouver Centre, 600 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5K 4E6, Canada. .,Univeristy of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Nicole Chau
- BC Cancer - Vancouver Centre, 600 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5K 4E6, Canada.,Univeristy of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Eric Berthelet
- BC Cancer - Vancouver Centre, 600 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5K 4E6, Canada.,Univeristy of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jonn Wu
- BC Cancer - Vancouver Centre, 600 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5K 4E6, Canada.,Univeristy of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Eric Tran
- BC Cancer - Vancouver Centre, 600 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5K 4E6, Canada.,Univeristy of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Melanie Chevrier
- BC Cancer - Vancouver Centre, 600 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5K 4E6, Canada
| | - Victoria Lau
- BC Cancer - Vancouver Centre, 600 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5K 4E6, Canada
| | - Matthew Chan
- BC Cancer - Vancouver Centre, 600 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5K 4E6, Canada.,Univeristy of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kimberly DeVries
- BC Cancer - Vancouver Centre, 600 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5K 4E6, Canada
| | - Vincent LaPointe
- BC Cancer - Vancouver Centre, 600 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5K 4E6, Canada
| | - Robert A Olson
- Univeristy of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Cancer - Centre for the North, Prince George, BC, Canada.,University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
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Lauricella E, Cives M, Bracigliano A, Clemente O, Felici V, Lippolis R, Amoruso B, Pelle' E, Mandriani B, Esposto C, Forte C, Perri F, Porta C, Tafuto S. The psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on patients with neuroendocrine tumors: Between resilience and vulnerability. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e13041. [PMID: 34596289 PMCID: PMC8646700 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has added another layer of complexity to the fears of patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Little is known regarding the psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on patients with gastroenteropancreatic or bronchopulmonary (BP) NETs. We longitudinally surveyed the mental symptoms and concerns of NET patients during the plateau phase of the first (W1) and second epidemic waves (W2) in Italy. Seven specific constructs (depression, anxiety, stress, health-related quality of life, NET-related quality of life, patient-physician relationship, psychological distress) were investigated using validated screening instruments, including DASS-21, EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ GI.NET21, PDRQ9 and IES-R. We enrolled 197 patients (98 males) with a median age of 62 years. The majority of the patients had G1/G2 neoplasms. Some 38% of the patients were on active treatment. At W1, the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was 32%, 36% and 26% respectively. The frequency of depression and anxiety increased to 38% and 41% at W2, whereas no modifications were recorded in the frequency of stress. Poor educational status was associated with higher levels of anxiety at both W1 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.33 ± 0.22; p = .07) and W2 (OR = 1.45 ± 0.26; p = .03). Notably, post-traumatic stress symptoms were observed in the 58% of the patients, and both single marital status (OR = 0.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.06-0.48; p = .0009) and low levels of formal education (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.23-0.99; p = .05) predicted their occurrence. No significant deteriorations of health-related quality of life domains were observed from W1 to W2. High patient care satisfaction was documented despite the changes in health systems resource allocation. NET patients have an increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress symptoms as result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific screening measures and psychological interventions should be implemented in NET clinics to prevent, recognize and treat mental distress in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Lauricella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Mauro Cives
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
- National Cancer Institute, IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Ottavia Clemente
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Felici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Rossella Lippolis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Brunella Amoruso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Pelle'
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Barbara Mandriani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Chiara Esposto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Cira Forte
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Perri
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Camillo Porta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Tafuto
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
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