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Gates P, Dhillon HM, Krishnasamy M, Wilson C, Gough K. Cancer-related cognitive impairment and wellbeing in patients with newly diagnosed aggressive lymphoma compared to population norms and healthy controls: an exploratory study. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:238. [PMID: 38512692 PMCID: PMC10957702 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08441-2] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE There has been little dedicated research on cancer-related cognitive impairment in patients with aggressive lymphoma. We describe and compare patients' cognitive function with that of healthy controls and patients' wellbeing and distress with general population values. We also explore associations between patients' neuropsychological test performance and self-reported cognitive function and distress. METHODS Secondary analysis of data from a feasibility study of 30 patients with newly diagnosed aggressive lymphoma and 72 healthy controls. Patients completed neuropsychological tests and self-report measures before and 6-8 weeks after chemotherapy. Healthy controls completed neuropsychological tests and the FACT-Cog at enrolment and 6 months later. Mixed models were used to analyze neuropsychological test and FACT-Cog scores. One-sample t-tests were used to compare patients' self-reported wellbeing and distress with population norms. Associations were explored with Kendall's Tau b. RESULTS Patients and healthy controls were well matched on socio-demographics. Differences between neuropsychological test scores were mostly large-sized; on average, patients' scores on measures of information processing speed, executive function, and learning and memory were worse both before and after chemotherapy (all p ≤ 0.003). The same pattern was observed for impact of perceived cognitive impairment on quality-of-life (both p < 0.001). Patients' physical and emotional wellbeing scores were lower than population norms both before and after chemotherapy (all p ≤ 0.018). Associations between neuropsychological performance and other measures were mostly trivial (all p > 0.10). CONCLUSION For many patients with aggressive lymphoma, impaired neuropsychological test performance and impact of perceived impairments on quality-of-life precede chemotherapy and are sustained after chemotherapy. Findings support the need for large-scale longitudinal studies with this population to better understand targets for interventions to address cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Gates
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Haryana M Dhillon
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Centre for Medical Psychology & Evidence-Based Decision-Making, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mei Krishnasamy
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Carlene Wilson
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Psychology and Public Health, LaTrobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karla Gough
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Haywood D, Dauer E, Baughman FD, Lawrence BJ, Rossell SL, Hart NH, O’Connor M. "Is My Brain Ever Going to Work Fully Again?": Challenges and Needs of Cancer Survivors with Persistent Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5331. [PMID: 38001592 PMCID: PMC10669848 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Many cancer survivors experience cognitive impairments that impact memory, concentration, speed of information processing, and decision making. These impairments, collectively known as cancer-related cognitive impairments (CRCIs), are a key domain of unmet needs and can significantly impact a cancer survivor's identity and quality of life. However, there are no purpose-built, multi-domain, needs assessment tools specifically for CRCI. The development of such tools requires an in-depth understanding of cancer survivors' CRCI-specific challenges and associated needs. This study explored the challenges and associated needs of cancer survivors with persistent CRCI. An in-depth qualitative design using semi-structured interviews with (a) cancer survivors with perceived CRCI (n = 32) and (b) oncology health professionals (n = 19) was utilised. A reflexive thematic analysis of the interviews resulted in five overarching themes: (1) executing regular activities, (2) relational difficulties, (3) occupational functioning, (4) psychological distress, and (5) social functioning, as well as an additional informational needs domain. Ultimately, CRCI was found to directly produce a range of challenges that negatively, and persistently, impact cancer survivors' quality of life. Cancer survivors were also found to have a range of needs associated with these challenges. This research should be used to inform future challenges and needs assessment tools as well as treatment and supportive care priority areas directly relating to CRCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Haywood
- Human Performance Research Centre, INSIGHT Research Institute, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Moore Park, NSW 2021, Australia;
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Department of Mental Health, St. Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia; (E.D.); (S.L.R.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Evan Dauer
- Department of Mental Health, St. Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia; (E.D.); (S.L.R.)
| | - Frank D. Baughman
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; (F.D.B.); (B.J.L.); (M.O.)
| | - Blake J. Lawrence
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; (F.D.B.); (B.J.L.); (M.O.)
| | - Susan L. Rossell
- Department of Mental Health, St. Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia; (E.D.); (S.L.R.)
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Nicolas H. Hart
- Human Performance Research Centre, INSIGHT Research Institute, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Moore Park, NSW 2021, Australia;
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Park, SA 5042, Australia
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane City, QLD 4000, Australia
- Exercise Medicine Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
- Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA 6160, Australia
| | - Moira O’Connor
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; (F.D.B.); (B.J.L.); (M.O.)
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Lim CYS, Laidsaar-Powell RC, Young JM, Solomon M, Steffens D, Blinman P, O'Loughlin S, Zhang Y, Butow P. Fear of Cancer Progression and Death Anxiety in Survivors of Advanced Colorectal Cancer: A Qualitative Study Exploring Coping Strategies and Quality of Life. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2022:302228221121493. [PMID: 36127158 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221121493] [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: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine coping strategies used by advanced colorectal cancer (CRC-A) survivors to manage death anxiety and fear of cancer progression, and links between these strategies and quality of life (QoL), distress, and death acceptance. Qualitative semi-structured interviews of 38 CRC-A survivors (22 female) were analysed via framework analysis. QoL and distress were assessed through the FACT-C and Distress Thermometer. Eleven themes were identified and mapped to active avoidance (keeping busy and distracted), passive avoidance (hoping for a cure), active confrontation (managing negative emotions; reaching out to others; focusing on the present; staying resilient), meaning-making (redefining one's identity; contributing to society; gaining perspective; remaining spiritual), and acceptance (accepting one's situation). Active confrontation (specifically utilising informal support networks) and meaning-making appeared beneficial coping strategies; more research is needed to develop and evaluate interventions which increase CRC-A survivors' use of these strategies to manage and cope with their death anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Yi Shing Lim
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-Based Decision-Making (CeMPED), School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rebekah C Laidsaar-Powell
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-Based Decision-Making (CeMPED), School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane M Young
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a Joint Venture with Cancer Council NSW
| | - Michael Solomon
- RPA Institute of Academic Surgery (IAS), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Surgical Outcomes Research Centre (SOuRCe), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel Steffens
- Surgical Outcomes Research Centre (SOuRCe), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Prunella Blinman
- Concord Cancer Centre, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Scott O'Loughlin
- Ramsay Mental Health, Macarthur Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yuehan Zhang
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Phyllis Butow
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-Based Decision-Making (CeMPED), School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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He S, Lim CYS, Dhillon HM, Shaw J. Australian oncology health professionals' knowledge, perceptions, and clinical practice related to cancer-related cognitive impairment and utility of a factsheet. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:4729-4738. [PMID: 35122530 PMCID: PMC9046357 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-06868-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) can have debilitating effects on cancer survivors' quality of life. Despite this, patients often report a lack of information provided by health professionals (HPs) to assist with understanding and managing cognitive changes. This study aimed to explore Australian oncology HPs' understanding of and clinical practice related to CRCI including the use of a Cancer Council Australia CRCI factsheet. METHODS Australian oncology HPs (medical oncologists, cancer nurses, and clinical psychologists) completed a questionnaire that assessed CRCI knowledge, prior to receiving the factsheet. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore their perceptions of CRCI and the factsheet. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using framework analysis to identify key themes. RESULTS Questionnaires were completed by twenty-nine HPs. Most HPs had moderate to high knowledge of CRCI, yet low knowledge of the relationship between CRCI and cancer. Twenty-six (response rate 90%) HPs; medical oncologists (n = 7), cancer nurses (n = 12), and clinical psychologists (n = 7), consented to be interviewed. Three main themes were identified: (1) Is CRCI impact real or over-rated?; (2) If it is important, they will tell me: identifying and responding to CRCI in clinical practice; and (3) Using a factsheet in clinical practice. CONCLUSION This study's multi-disciplinary exploration of Australian oncology HPs' perceptions of CRCI highlighted that health professional perceptions drive CRCI discussions with patients. Further education to support clinicians to discuss CRCI is required. Consideration of the barriers and facilitators within healthcare settings is important for successful integration of the factsheet into routine care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon He
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia ,Psycho-oncology Co-operative Research Group (PoCoG), School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Chloe Yi Shing Lim
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia ,Centre for Medical Psychology & Evidence-based Decision-making (CeMPED), The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Haryana M. Dhillon
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia ,Psycho-oncology Co-operative Research Group (PoCoG), School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia ,Centre for Medical Psychology & Evidence-based Decision-making (CeMPED), The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Joanne Shaw
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia ,Psycho-oncology Co-operative Research Group (PoCoG), School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
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