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Chevalier LL, Blackmon JE, Bober SL, Roman A, Chang G, Recklitis CJ. Evaluating sensitive symptoms in young adult cancer survivors: acceptability of suicidal ideation and sexual health items across administration modes. J Cancer Surviv 2024; 18:450-456. [PMID: 35904728 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-022-01237-5] [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: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are essential for assessing potential late effects experienced by young adult cancer survivors (YACS), but stigma and social desirability bias may limit their effectiveness for assessing sensitive topics (e.g., suicidal ideation, sexual health). This study compared two methods of item administration to determine the optimal method for obtaining sensitive information in YACS. METHODS Two hundred forty-four YACS (ages 18-40) were randomized to complete measures of suicidal ideation and sexual health (i.e., sensitive items) by paper survey or by telephone automated computer assisted structured interview (TACASI). Participants also provided information on acceptability of administration mode and sensitive items. RESULTS The proportion of participants reporting symptoms did not significantly vary between paper and TACASI administration: respectively, 10% vs. 12% reported suicidal ideation and 55% vs. 58% reported sexual health concerns. The majority (≥ 78%) of participants reported feeling comfortable answering sensitive items on paper and TACASI and there were no significant differences in acceptability based on administration mode. Although participants endorsing sensitive symptoms were significantly more likely to feel upset answering sensitive items, the majority (93%) of participants experiencing symptoms still felt they were important to ask. CONCLUSIONS Despite their potentially sensitive nature, questions about suicidal ideation and sexual health were highly acceptable to YACS across administration modes. Moreover, YACS almost universally endorse the importance of providers asking about these topics. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Findings should bolster provider confidence that screening for suicidal ideation and sexual health concerns can and should be integrated into clinical care for YACS using paper or technology-assisted methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia L Chevalier
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jaime E Blackmon
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Sharon L Bober
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anthony Roman
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Grace Chang
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Brockton, MA, USA
| | - Christopher J Recklitis
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Stefana A, Gamba A. Making the Best in a Bad Job: A Psychoanalytic Perspective on Communication with Children and Adolescents with Severe Physical Condutions. THE PSYCHOANALYTIC QUARTERLY 2023; 92:463-497. [PMID: 38032764 DOI: 10.1080/00332828.2023.2269940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Ill children/adolescents who suffer from severe organic diseases have to cope with their inner experiences, therapies, and the global burden of the disease. Although sometimes depression, anger, and death anxiety are openly encountered in medical settings, other times they can be partially hidden by a reactive and defensive path. In these scenarios, psychoanalysis is challenged to contribute the best comprehension of the intimate communication, maybe hidden, and the needs of the ill patients to express themselves. The best way a child can talk about himself is through spontaneous creativity. The adult's task is to facilitate the creation of an empty space and to recognize the child's mode of communication. There may be intense emotional reactions that the adult has to tolerate to not move the patient towards an over-adaptation. These over-adaptations entail the child being forced to feel good or have fun, thereby causing them to escape from their inner experience. The loss of the child's reality forms an additional burden to the child. The most valid indicator of this attitude is the ability to not take counterphobic attitudes but to allow the depression to be shared in a contact space between the child's true self and the perceived environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Stefana
- Alberta Stefana Corso Giacomo Matteotti 40, 25122 Brescia, Italy
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Kesler SR, Henneghan AM, Prinsloo S, Palesh O, Wintermark M. Neuroimaging based biotypes for precision diagnosis and prognosis in cancer-related cognitive impairment. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1199605. [PMID: 37720513 PMCID: PMC10499624 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1199605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is commonly associated with cancer and its treatments, yet the present binary diagnostic approach fails to capture the full spectrum of this syndrome. Cognitive function is highly complex and exists on a continuum that is poorly characterized by dichotomous categories. Advanced statistical methodologies applied to symptom assessments have demonstrated that there are multiple subclasses of CRCI. However, studies suggest that relying on symptom assessments alone may fail to account for significant differences in the neural mechanisms that underlie a specific cognitive phenotype. Treatment plans that address the specific physiologic mechanisms involved in an individual patient's condition is the heart of precision medicine. In this narrative review, we discuss how biotyping, a precision medicine framework being utilized in other mental disorders, could be applied to CRCI. Specifically, we discuss how neuroimaging can be used to determine biotypes of CRCI, which allow for increased precision in prediction and diagnosis of CRCI via biologic mechanistic data. Biotypes may also provide more precise clinical endpoints for intervention trials. Biotyping could be made more feasible with proxy imaging technologies or liquid biomarkers. Large cross-sectional phenotyping studies are needed in addition to evaluation of longitudinal trajectories, and data sharing/pooling is highly feasible with currently available digital infrastructures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelli R. Kesler
- Division of Adult Health, School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine, Dell School of Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Department of Oncology, Dell School of Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Ashley M. Henneghan
- Division of Adult Health, School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Department of Oncology, Dell School of Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Sarah Prinsloo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Oxana Palesh
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Max Wintermark
- Department of Neuroradiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer, Houston, TX, United States
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Vanderhaegen J, Prikken S, Van Laere E, Lemiere J, Claes L, Moons P, Uyttebroeck A, Jacobs S, Luyckx K. Identity Formation and General and Cancer-specific Functioning in Adolescent and Emerging Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Longitudinal Study into Directionality of Effects. Ann Behav Med 2023; 57:722-732. [PMID: 37036114 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaac075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent and emerging adult survivors of childhood cancer generally adjust well psychologically similar to their peers. Nevertheless, some survivors are at greater risk for developing psychological and physical difficulties. To shed light on the psychosocial functioning of adolescent and emerging adult survivors of childhood cancer, personal identity formation and its interplay with general and cancer-specific functioning need to be investigated. PURPOSE To examine the longitudinal associations linking identity formation to general and cancer-specific functioning in adolescent and emerging adult childhood cancer survivors using three-wave data over a 2-year period. METHODS Dutch-speaking survivors (at baseline: n = 125; 53% female; age range: 14-25 years) treated at the pediatric oncology department of the University Hospitals Leuven (Belgium), completed self-report questionnaires at three annual timepoints. Directionality of effects and correlated changes were examined using cross-lagged structural equation modeling. RESULTS Regarding general functioning, bidirectional effects occurred. Life satisfaction positively predicted identity synthesis and both life satisfaction and good physical functioning negatively predicted identity confusion over time. Identity synthesis, in turn, positively predicted life satisfaction and identity confusion negatively predicted good physical functioning over time. Regarding cancer-specific functioning, mainly unidirectional effects occurred. Post-traumatic stress symptoms negatively predicted identity synthesis and positively predicted identity confusion over time, whereas the reverse pattern of associations was found for benefit finding. Several correlated changes were found linking identity formation and psychosocial functioning as well. CONCLUSIONS The present study uncovered clinically meaningful pathways linking identity formation to psychosocial functioning over time in adolescents and emerging adults who survived childhood cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janne Vanderhaegen
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sofie Prikken
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elise Van Laere
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jurgen Lemiere
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Pediatric Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laurence Claes
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Philip Moons
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anne Uyttebroeck
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Pediatric Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sandra Jacobs
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Pediatric Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Luyckx
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- UNIBS, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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Majdalani MP, Alazraqui M. Predominant approaches in studies on health-related quality of life of young survivors of childhood or adolescent cancer: an integrative literature review. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232022278.22132021en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Survivors of childhood cancer constitute a growing population. The disease experienced, its treatment or the occurrence of late complications may affect survivors’ health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Understanding HRQOL is a challenge due to its conceptual complexity and the mode in which it is studied. Objective: To identify the predominant lines of research in the study of HRQOL in this population. Methods: An integrative literature review was carried out, involving a systematic search of primary articles indexed in the Scopus and PubMed databases. Results: In the 48 publications selected, four main lines of research were identified: HRQOL in survivors in general; HRQOL in long-term survivors; the study of determinants of HRQOL; and the study of methodological aspects of HRQOL measurement. A quantitative approach using generic measurement instruments predominates, and the conceptual model of HRQOL based on function emphasizes the importance of physical, psychological, and social functionality and the impact of the disease and treatment on these aspects. Conclusions: incorporating a qualitative, meaning-based approach to the understanding of lived experiences from a subjective and holistic perspective is indispensable.
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Majdalani MP, Alazraqui M. Predominant approaches in studies on health-related quality of life of young survivors of childhood or adolescent cancer: an integrative literature review. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2022; 27:3063-3077. [PMID: 35894319 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232022278.22132021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Survivors of childhood cancer constitute a growing population. The disease experienced, its treatment or the occurrence of late complications may affect survivors' health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Understanding HRQOL is a challenge due to its conceptual complexity and the mode in which it is studied. OBJECTIVE To identify the predominant lines of research in the study of HRQOL in this population. METHODS An integrative literature review was carried out, involving a systematic search of primary articles indexed in the Scopus and PubMed databases. RESULTS In the 48 publications selected, four main lines of research were identified: HRQOL in survivors in general; HRQOL in long-term survivors; the study of determinants of HRQOL; and the study of methodological aspects of HRQOL measurement. A quantitative approach using generic measurement instruments predominates, and the conceptual model of HRQOL based on function emphasizes the importance of physical, psychological, and social functionality and the impact of the disease and treatment on these aspects. CONCLUSIONS incorporating a qualitative, meaning-based approach to the understanding of lived experiences from a subjective and holistic perspective is indispensable.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Pía Majdalani
- División de Medicina Interna General, Hospital de Clínicas "José de San Martín", Universidad de Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires Argentina.
| | - Marcio Alazraqui
- Instituto de Salud Colectiva, Universidad Nacional de Lanús. Buenos Aires Argentina
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Kesler SR, Henneghan AM, Thurman W, Rao V. Identifying themes for assessing cancer-related cognitive impairment identified by topic modeling and qualitative content analysis of public online comments (Preprint). JMIR Cancer 2021; 8:e34828. [PMID: 35612878 PMCID: PMC9178450 DOI: 10.2196/34828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a common and significant adverse effect of cancer and its therapies. However, its definition and assessment remain difficult due to limitations of currently available measurement tools. Objective This study aims to evaluate qualitative themes related to the cognitive effects of cancer to help guide development of assessments that are more specific than what is currently available. Methods We applied topic modeling and inductive qualitative content analysis to 145 public online comments related to cognitive effects of cancer. Results Topic modeling revealed 2 latent topics that we interpreted as representing internal and external factors related to cognitive effects. These findings lead us to hypothesize regarding the potential contribution of locus of control to CRCI. Content analysis suggested several major themes including symptoms, emotional/psychological impacts, coping, “chemobrain” is real, change over time, and function. There was some conceptual overlap between the 2 methods regarding internal and external factors related to patient experiences of cognitive effects. Conclusions Our findings indicate that coping mechanisms and locus of control may be important themes to include in assessments of CRCI. Future directions in this field include prospective acquisition of free-text responses to guide development of assessments that are more sensitive and specific to cognitive function in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelli R Kesler
- School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Ashley M Henneghan
- School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Whitney Thurman
- School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Vikram Rao
- School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
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Hecht SL, Quach A, Gao D, Brazell A, Beltran G, Holbrook S, Gore L, Iguchi N, Malykhina A, Wilcox D, Cost NG. A prospective survey study of lower urinary tract dysfunction in childhood cancer survivors after vincristine and/or doxorubicin chemotherapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29226. [PMID: 34245214 PMCID: PMC8384667 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two chemotherapeutic agents used widely in pediatric oncology are vincristine (VCR) and doxorubicin (DOX), which may cause neuropathy and myopathy, respectively. The study hypothesis is that neurotoxic effects of VCR and/or myotoxic effects of DOX affect bladder physiology and manifest clinically as lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). PROCEDURE Based on a priori power analysis, 161 children divided evenly by gender were recruited. Children aged 5-10 years completed the dysfunctional voiding scoring system (DVSS) survey. The study cohort comprised cancer survivors treated with VCR and/or DOX. Healthy controls were recruited from well-child clinic visits. Exclusion criteria included pelvic-based malignancy, pelvic irradiation, pre-existing LUTD, neurologic abnormalities, and treatment with cyclophosphamide/ifosfamide. DVSS scores and presence of LUTD, defined as DVSS scores above gender-specific thresholds (males ≥9, females ≥6), were compared across cohorts. RESULTS Median DVSS scores were higher in the study cohort (6 vs. 4, p = .003). Moreover, children in the study cohort were more likely to exceed threshold scores for LUTD (38.8% vs. 21%, p = .014; OR 1.8). Subanalysis by gender revealed female cancer survivors are more likely to report LUTD than controls (57.5% vs. 30%, p = .013, OR 1.9). This did not hold true for males (20% vs. 12.2%, p = .339). CONCLUSIONS Childhood cancer survivors who received VCR and/or DOX reported higher rates of LUTD than controls. Female cancer survivors appear more likely to suffer from LUTD than males. Further study with a positive control cohort of cancer survivors who received non-VCR, non-DOX chemotherapy is underway to elucidate the contribution of a cancer diagnosis to LUTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L. Hecht
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Alan Quach
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Dexiang Gao
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO
| | - Andrew Brazell
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Gemma Beltran
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Sheryl Holbrook
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Lia Gore
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant, Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Nao Iguchi
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Anna Malykhina
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Duncan Wilcox
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Nicholas G. Cost
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO,Corresponding author: Nicholas G. Cost, MD, , 13123 E 16 Ave Box 463, Aurora, CO 80045, Tel: 720-777-5084, Fax: 720-777-7370
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Perceived Health among Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:825-836. [PMID: 33562251 PMCID: PMC7985790 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Survivors of childhood cancer (SCCs) are at increased risk of late effects, which are cancer- and treatment-related side-effects that are experienced months to years post-treatment and encapsulate a range of physical, cognitive and emotional problems including secondary malignancies. Perceived health can serve as an indicator of overall health. This study aims to (1) understand how a patient reported outcome (PRO) of perceived health of SCCs compares to controls who have not had a cancer diagnosis and (2) examine the relationships between perceived health and demographic and clinical variables, and health behavior. A total of 209 SCCs (n = 113 (54.10%) males; median age at diagnosis = 6.50 years; median time off treatment = 11.10 years; mean age at study = 19.00 years) were included. SCCs completed annual assessments as part of Long-Term Survivor Clinic appointments, including a question on perceived health answered on a five-point Likert scale. Data were collected retrospectively from medical charts. Perceived health of SCCs was compared to a control group (n = 836) using data from the 2014 Canadian Community Health Survey. Most SCCs (67%) reported excellent or very good health. The mean perceived health of SCCs (2.15 ± 0.91) was not statistically different from population controls (2.10 ± 0.87). Pain (B = 0.35; p < 0.001), physical activity (B = −0.39; p = 0.013) and concerns related to health resources (B = 0.59; p = 0.002) were significant predictors of perceived health. Factors shown to influence SCCs’ perceived health may inform interventions. Exploration into how SCCs develop their conception of health may be warranted.
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Cárceles-Álvarez A, Ortega-García JA, López-Hernández FA, Fuster-Soler JL, Sanz-Monllor A, Ramis R, Claudio L. Environment, lifestyle behavior and health-related quality of life in childhood and adolescent cancer survivors of extracranial malignancies. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 189:109910. [PMID: 32980005 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood cancer is a chronic disease with high survival rates. Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) can still face health effects later in their lives. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the factors that modify it allow CCS and their families to improve care in the long-term follow-up. This study aims to: (1) examine the differences in HRQoL between CCS of extracranial malignancies and a comparison group, and (2) explore the clinical, environmental and lifestyles factors implicated in the HRQoL of CCS. METHODS In this cross-sectional study with a case vs. non-case comparison, the HRQoL of 117 CCS between 8 and 18 years old was compared with healthy non-cases paired by sex and age. The Pediatric Environmental History (PEHis) was applied to obtain information on sociodemographic, clinical, environmental and lifestyle factors. The PedsQL™ Generic Core Scales questionnaire was used to evaluate HRQoL. RESULTS In the multivariate analysis among the CCS, the following variables were significantly associated with HRQoL: Poor outdoor air quality (Total, Psychosocial, Emotional, Social and School domains); household income (Total, Psychosocial and School domains); and the presence of late effects (Total, Physical, Psychosocial, and Social domains); regular contact with nature (Physical domain); and the daily hours of screen-time (Emotional domain). CCS present HRQoL results superior to the non-cases group in the physical domain (86.10 vs. 80.34; p=0.001), finding no differences in the other domains evaluated. CONCLUSIONS An environmental and community health approach, such as PEHis, in CCS long-term programs promoting the creation of healthier environments and lifestyles contributes to improving their HRQoL and secondarily other chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Cárceles-Álvarez
- European and Latin American Environment, Survival and Childhood Cancer Network (ENSUCHICA), Spain; Pediatric Environmental Health Speciality Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Laboratory of Environment and Human Health (A5), Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIB-Arrixaca), Clinical University Hospital "Virgen de La Arrixaca", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan A Ortega-García
- European and Latin American Environment, Survival and Childhood Cancer Network (ENSUCHICA), Spain; Pediatric Environmental Health Speciality Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Laboratory of Environment and Human Health (A5), Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIB-Arrixaca), Clinical University Hospital "Virgen de La Arrixaca", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Fernando A López-Hernández
- European and Latin American Environment, Survival and Childhood Cancer Network (ENSUCHICA), Spain; Department of Quantitative Methods and Computing, Technical University of Cartagena, Spain
| | - José L Fuster-Soler
- European and Latin American Environment, Survival and Childhood Cancer Network (ENSUCHICA), Spain; Pediatric Onco-Hematology Section, Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIB-Arrixaca), Clinical University Hospital "Virgen de La Arrixaca", Murcia, Spain
| | - Ainara Sanz-Monllor
- European and Latin American Environment, Survival and Childhood Cancer Network (ENSUCHICA), Spain; Pediatric Environmental Health Speciality Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Laboratory of Environment and Human Health (A5), Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIB-Arrixaca), Clinical University Hospital "Virgen de La Arrixaca", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Rebeca Ramis
- European and Latin American Environment, Survival and Childhood Cancer Network (ENSUCHICA), Spain; Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, National Epidemiology Centre, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain; Centre for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Luz Claudio
- European and Latin American Environment, Survival and Childhood Cancer Network (ENSUCHICA), Spain; Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Division of International Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Puhr A, Ruud E, Anderson V, Due-Tønnessen BJ, Skarbø AB, Finset A, Andersson S. Social attainment in physically well-functioning long-term survivors of pediatric brain tumour; the role of executive dysfunction, fatigue, and psychological and emotional symptoms. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2019; 31:129-153. [PMID: 31603026 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2019.1677480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate long-term social attainment in physically well-functioning adult survivors of pediatric brain tumour (PBT) and identify demographic, medical, and psychological factors related to poor social outcomes, with a special focus on the significance of executive dysfunction. One hundred and fourteen PBT survivors and a healthy control group provided personal data on social outcomes, i.e., education, work, and government benefits, and completed questionnaires on executive function (EF), psychological and emotional difficulties, and fatigue. A significantly higher number of survivors compared to healthy controls reported having received educational adjustments and substantial government benefits, and significantly more survivors than controls were currently not engaged in regular employment/training. PBT survivors and healthy controls did not differ on educational level or living situation. The factors most strongly associated with poor social outcomes were self-reported executive dysfunction, difficulties with adaptive functioning, and fatigue. The findings show that physically well-functioning PBT survivors are at risk of poorer social outcomes and financial dependence in adulthood compared to their healthy peers, and underline the importance of investigating EF in short- and long-term follow-ups. Future rehabilitation efforts should focus more on compensatory strategies for executive dysfunction and improving EF skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Puhr
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pediatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ellen Ruud
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vicki Anderson
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Anne-Britt Skarbø
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Stein Andersson
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Piscione J, Barden W, Barry J, Malkin A, Roy T, Sueyoshi T, Mazil K, Salomon S, Dandachli F, Griffin A, Saint-Yves H, Giuliano P, Gupta A, Ferguson P, Scheinemann K, Ghert M, Turcotte RE, Lafay-Cousin L, Werier J, Strahlendorf C, Isler M, Mottard S, Afzal S, Anderson ME, Hopyan S. The Pediatric Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (pTESS): Validation of a Self-reported Functional Outcomes Tool for Children with Extremity Tumors. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2019; 477:2127-2141. [PMID: 31299028 PMCID: PMC7000085 DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000000756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The physical function of children with sarcoma after surgery has not been studied explicitly. This paucity of research is partly because of the lack of a sufficiently sensitive pediatric functional measure. The goal of this study was to establish and validate a standardized measure of physical function in pediatric patients with extremity tumors. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES (1) What is the best format and content for new upper- and lower-extremity measures of physical function in the pediatric population? (2) Do the new measures exhibit floor and/or ceiling effects, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability? (3) Are the new measures valid? METHODS In Phase 1, interviews with 17 consecutive children and adolescents with bone tumors were conducted to modify the format and content of draft versions of the pediatric Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (pTESS). In Phase 2, the pTESS was formally translated into French. In Phase 3, 122 participants between 7 and 17.9 years old with malignant or benign-aggressive bone tumors completed the limb-specific measure on two occasions. Older adolescents also completed the adult TESS. Floor and ceiling effects, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and validity were evaluated. RESULTS Feedback from interviews resulted in the removal, addition, and modification of draft items, and the pTESS-Leg and pTESS-Arm questionnaires were finalized. Both versions exhibited no floor or ceiling effects and high internal consistency (α > 0.92). The test-retest reliability was excellent for the pTESS-Leg (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.90-0.97) and good for the pTESS-Arm (ICC = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.61-0.96). Known-group validity (ability to discriminate between groups) was demonstrated by lower mean pTESS-Leg scores for participants using gait aids or braces (mean = 68; SD = 21) than for those who did not (mean = 87; SD = 11; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between pTESS arm scores among respondents using a brace (n = 5; mean = 73; SD = 11) and those without (n = 22; mean = 83; SD = 19; p = 0.13). To evaluate construct validity, we tested a priori hypotheses. The duration since chemotherapy correlated moderately with higher pTESS-Leg scores (r = 0.4; p < 0.001) but not with pTESS-Arm scores (r = 0.1; p = 0.80), and the duration since tumor resection correlated moderately with higher pTESS-Leg scores (r = 0.4; p < 0.001) but not pTESS-Arm scores (r = 0.2; p = 0.4). Higher VAS scores (that is, it was harder to do things) antecorrelated with both pTESS versions (pTESS-Leg: r = -0.7; p < 0.001; pTESS-Arm: r = -0.8; p < 0.001). To assess criterion validity, we compared the pTESS with the current "gold standard" (adult TESS). Among adolescents, strong correlations were observed between the TESS and pTESS-Leg (r = 0.97, p < 0.001) and pTESS-Arm (r = 0.9, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Both pTESS versions exhibited no floor or ceiling effects and had high internal consistency. The pTESS-Leg demonstrated excellent reliability and validity, and the pTESS-Arm demonstrated good reliability and reasonable validity. The pTESS is recommended for cross-sectional evaluation of self-reported physical function in pediatric patients with bone tumors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II, outcome measurement development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Piscione
- J. Piscione, W. Barden, Rehabilitation Department, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada J. Barry, H. Saint-Yves, M. Isler, S. Mottard, Service d'orthopédie, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont et Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada A. Malkin, T. Roy, S. Hopyan, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada T. Sueyoshi, C. Strahlendorf, Division of Hematology and Oncology, BC Children's Hospital and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada K. Mazil, P. Giuliano, L. Lafay-Cousin, Department of Oncology, Alberta Children's Hospital and University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada S. Salomon, F. Dandachli, R. E. Turcotte, Divisions of Orthopaedic Surgery and Surgical Oncology, McGill University Health Centre and McGill University, Montréal, Canada A. Griffin, P. Ferguson, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mt Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada A. Gupta, Division of Haematology/Oncology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada K. Scheinemann, Division of Hematology/Oncology, McMaster University Health Sciences Centre, Hamilton, Canada M. Ghert, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Juravinski Cancer Centre and McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada J. Werier, Division of Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada S. Afzal, Division of Hematology/Oncology, IWK Health Centre and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada M. E. Anderson, Orthopedic Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Jimmy Fund Clinic/Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA S. Hopyan, Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Departments of Surgery and Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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13
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Balsamo LM, Mitchell HR, Ross W, Metayer C, Hardy KK, Kadan-Lottick NS. Monitoring neurocognitive functioning in childhood cancer survivors: evaluation of CogState computerized assessment and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). BMC Psychol 2019; 7:26. [PMID: 31046815 PMCID: PMC6498488 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-019-0302-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many childhood cancer survivors develop neurocognitive impairment, negatively affecting education and psychosocial functioning. Recommended comprehensive neuropsychological testing can be time- and cost- intensive for both institutions and patients and their families. It is important to find quick and easily administered surveillance measures to identify those in need of evaluation. METHODS We evaluated, individually and in combination, the sensitivity and specificity of the 1) Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning-Metacognition Index (BRIEF-MCI), and 2) CogState Composite Index (computerized assessment of cognition) in identifying below grade-level performance on state-administered tests of reading and mathematics among childhood cancer survivors. RESULTS The 45 participants (39% female) were a mean age of 7.1 ± 4.4 years at diagnosis, 14.0 ± 3.0 at evaluation, with a history of leukemia (58%), lymphoma (9%), central nervous system tumors (20%), and other tumors (13%). Impairment on the BRIEF-MCI was associated with low sensitivity (26% reading, 41% mathematics) but stronger specificity (88% reading, 96% mathematics). We found similar associations for the CogState Composite Index with sensitivity of 26% for reading and 29% for mathematics and specificity of 92% for both reading and mathematics. Combining the two measures did not improve sensitivity appreciably (47% reading, 59% mathematics) while reducing specificity (84% reading, 88% mathematics). CONCLUSIONS While individuals identified from the BRIEF-MCI or CogState Composite would likely benefit from a full neuropsychological evaluation given the strong specificity, use of these measures as screening tools is limited. With poor sensitivity, they do not identify many patients with academic difficulties and in need of a full neuropsychological evaluation. Continued effort is required to find screening measures that have both strong sensitivity and specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyn M Balsamo
- Yale University School of Medicine, 15 PO Box 208064, 16 333 Cedar Street, LMP-2073 (for courier mail), 17, New Haven, CT, 06520-8064, USA.
| | | | - Wilhelmenia Ross
- Yale University School of Medicine, 15 PO Box 208064, 16 333 Cedar Street, LMP-2073 (for courier mail), 17, New Haven, CT, 06520-8064, USA
| | - Catherine Metayer
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Kristina K Hardy
- Center for Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine, Neuropsychology Division, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nina S Kadan-Lottick
- Yale University School of Medicine, 15 PO Box 208064, 16 333 Cedar Street, LMP-2073 (for courier mail), 17, New Haven, CT, 06520-8064, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, USA
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Shin H, Bartlett R, De Gagne JC. Health-Related Quality of Life Among Survivors of Cancer in Adolescence: An Integrative Literature Review. J Pediatr Nurs 2019; 44:97-106. [PMID: 30683287 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2018.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM Adolescence is a critical developmental period, but little research is available on the quality of life for individuals ages 10-19, especially those who have faced a life-threatening illness. This integrative review examines factors related to quality of life among survivors of a childhood cancer that occurred during adolescence. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA The Garrard Matrix Method guided this review of studies that were conducted from 1990 to 2017. Studies were eligible if participants were diagnosed with cancer during adolescence, the studies followed survivorship from cancer diagnosis to treatment completion, and health-related quality of life measures were taken. SAMPLE Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS Most survivors of a childhood cancer that occurred during adolescence reported physical and psychological health-related quality of life scores similar to, or higher than, healthy controls. Risk factors for poorer quality of life were type of cancer, type of treatment, late effects, and time since diagnosis. Factors for better quality of life were older age, positive feelings such as happiness and optimism, social support, and coping strategies. Most studies used the Short Form-36 and the PedsQL Generic Core Scales to measure quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Protective factors such as social support and subjective feelings positively affected quality of life. IMPLICATIONS In order to promote the best patient outcomes, relevant protective factors that improve quality of life should be incorporated in long-term care plans for survivors of a childhood cancer that occurred during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyewon Shin
- Clemson University School of Nursing, Greenville, SC, USA.
| | - Robin Bartlett
- University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
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15
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Perez GK, Kirchhoff AC, Recklitis C, Krull KR, Kuhlthau KA, Nathan PC, Rabin J, Armstrong GT, Leisenring W, Robison LL, Park ER. Mental health insurance access and utilization among childhood cancer survivors: a report from the childhood cancer survivor study. J Cancer Surviv 2018; 12:528-536. [PMID: 29658062 PMCID: PMC6054538 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-018-0691-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe and compare the prevalence of mental health access, preference, and use among pediatric cancer survivors and their siblings. To identify factors associated with mental health access and use among survivors. METHODS Six hundred ninety-eight survivors in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (median age = 39.4; median years from diagnosis = 30.8) and 210 siblings (median age = 40.4) were surveyed. Outcomes included having mental health insurance coverage, delaying care due to cost, perceived value of mental health benefits, and visiting a mental health provider in the past year. RESULTS There were no differences in mental health access, preferences, and use between survivors and siblings (p > 0.05). Among respondents with a history of distress, most reported not having seen a mental health provider in the past year (80.9% survivors vs. 77.1% siblings; p = 0.60). Uninsured survivors were more likely to defer mental health services due to cost (24.6 vs. 8.4%; p < 0.001). In multivariable models, males (OR = 2.96) and survivors with public (OR = 6.61) or employer-sponsored insurance (ESI; OR = 14.37) were more likely to have mental health coverage. CONCLUSIONS Most childhood cancer survivors value having mental healthcare benefits; however, coverage and use of mental health services remain suboptimal. The most vulnerable of survivors, specifically the uninsured and those with a history of distress, are at risk of experiencing challenges accessing mental health care. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Childhood cancer survivors are at risk for experiencing high levels of daily life stress that is compounded by treatment-related sequelae. Integrative, system-based approaches that incorporate financial programs with patient education about insurance benefits can help reduce some of the financial barriers survivors face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle K Perez
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Anne C Kirchhoff
- Huntsman Cancer Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Christopher Recklitis
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kevin R Krull
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Karen A Kuhlthau
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Julia Rabin
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Elyse R Park
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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16
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Allen J, Willard VW, Klosky JL, Li C, Srivastava DK, Robison LL, Hudson MM, Phipps S. Posttraumatic stress-related psychological functioning in adult survivors of childhood cancer. J Cancer Surviv 2017; 12:216-223. [PMID: 29101712 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-017-0660-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The majority of research examining posttraumatic stress symptoms/disorder (PTSS/PTSD) among adult survivors of childhood cancer has been oriented to cancer, assuming that cancer has been the most traumatic experience in their lives. Whether that assumption is valid, and how it might impact assessment of PTSS, is unknown. METHODS Survivors in the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort study completed an assessment of PTSS without cancer orientation, global psychological functioning, perceived stress, and cancer-related anxiety. RESULTS Participants (n = 2969; Mage = 32.5 ± 8.5 years, 24.1 years since diagnosis, 49.1% female) obtained a mean score on the PTSD Checklist of 27.7, which is comparable to a normative population. Using established cutoffs, 11.8% obtained scores in the at-risk range. Multivariable modeling indicated that psychological factors [global distress (p < 0.0001), perceived stress (p = 0.001), cancer-related anxiety (p < 0.0001)] and demographic variables [female gender (p < 0.0001), survivors with less than a college education (p = 0.002)] were risk factors for increased PTSS. Only 14.5% identified a cancer-related traumatic event, and there was no difference in PTSS scores between those who identified cancer vs. non-cancer events as most stressful (28.4 ± 12.6 vs. 28.5 ± 12.7, p = 0.93). CONCLUSION One in eight adult long-term survivors of childhood cancer had PTSS above the cutoff, though subgroups (e.g., females and those with lower education) report more distress symptoms. Most adult survivors do not identify cancer as their most stressful event. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Screening for distress in survivorship clinics should not assume that distress is directly related to the survivor's cancer experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Allen
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS 740, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Victoria W Willard
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS 740, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
| | - James L Klosky
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS 740, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Chenghong Li
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - D Kumar Srivastava
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Leslie L Robison
- Departments of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Melissa M Hudson
- Departments of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.,Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Sean Phipps
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS 740, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
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Goepfert RP, Fuller CD, Gunn GB, Hanna EY, Lewin JS, Zaveri JS, Hubbard RM, Barrow MP, Hutcheson KA. Symptom burden as a driver of decisional regret in long-term oropharyngeal carcinoma survivors. Head Neck 2017; 39:2151-2158. [PMID: 28736965 DOI: 10.1002/hed.24879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to characterize decisional regret and its association with symptom burden in a large cohort of oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) survivors. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was administered to 1729 OPC survivors. Survey items included a multisymptom inventory and a validated decisional regret inventory. Associations between regret and symptom scores were analyzed to determine and rank symptom drivers of decisional regret. RESULTS Nine hundred seventy-two patients responded reporting a low level of decisional regret overall, although 15.5% communicated "moderate to strong" regret. Overall symptom score and treatment group were statistically significant predictors of decisional regret. Relative to other symptoms, difficulty swallowing and feeling sad were the strongest drivers of decisional regret. CONCLUSION OPC survivors provide a robust description of their long-term outcomes with 15.5% expressing "moderate to high" regret that was significantly associated with late symptom burden and multimodality treatment. Difficulty swallowing was the strongest driver of decisional regret.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Goepfert
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - C David Fuller
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - G Brandon Gunn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ehab Y Hanna
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jan S Lewin
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jhankruti S Zaveri
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Rachel M Hubbard
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Martha P Barrow
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Katherine A Hutcheson
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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18
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Willard VW, Conklin HM, Huang L, Zhang H, Kahalley LS. Concordance of parent-, teacher- and self-report ratings on the Conners 3 in adolescent survivors of cancer. Psychol Assess 2017; 28:1110-8. [PMID: 27537005 DOI: 10.1037/pas0000265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Survivors of childhood cancer are at risk for attention problems. The objectives of this study were to assess concordance between parent-, teacher-, and self-report ratings on a measure of attention (Conners Rating Scales, 3rd ed.; Conners, 2008) in adolescent survivors of childhood cancer and to examine associations with a performance-based task. The Conners 3 was completed by 80 survivors of pediatric cancer (39 brain tumor, 41 acute lymphoblastic leukemia; ages 12–17; at least 1 year posttreatment; 51.3% male) as well as their parents and 1 teacher. In addition, survivors completed a continuous performance test. Parents and teachers demonstrated moderate agreement on most subscales; however, agreement was weaker than would be expected based on the normative sample. Agreement between self- and proxy ratings was more variable. The strongest associations for all raters were observed on the Learning Problems subscale. There were significant mean differences between parent and teacher ratings, with parents reporting more problems across subscales. Only self-ratings of Inattention were significantly associated with the continuous performance test (omission errors). Agreement across raters in assessment of attentional functioning in adolescent survivors of childhood cancer is modest. Findings support the need to obtain multiple ratings of behavior, including both proxy- and self-report, when assessing youth with cancer, particularly adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lu Huang
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
| | - Lisa S Kahalley
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Psychology, Baylor College of Medicine
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19
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Participation in psychosocial oncology and quality-of-life research: a systematic review. Lancet Oncol 2017; 18:e153-e165. [DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(17)30100-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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20
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Willard VW, Klosky JL, Li C, Srivastava DK, Brinkman TM, Robison LL, Hudson MM, Phipps S. The impact of childhood cancer: Perceptions of adult survivors. Cancer 2017; 123:1625-1634. [PMID: 28098955 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.30514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to describe perceptions and associated risk factors of the impact of cancer on functional outcomes, including social relationships, exercise, finances, and religion, among adult survivors of childhood cancer. METHODS Evaluable participants included 3001 adult survivors (mean age, 32.5 years; range, 18.3-63.8 years; 24.1 years from diagnosis; 50.8% male; 84.9% Caucasian) who were enrolled in the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort study. Perceptions of the impact of cancer were assessed using the Brief Cancer Impact Assessment (BCIA). Regression models were used to evaluate risk factors for functional outcomes. RESULTS The median response on the BCIA was a perception that cancer had minimal impact on the domains assessed. Approximately 33.1% to 46.6% of survivors indicated this response across the 4 subscales, although responses ranged from very positive to very negative impact. Other than diagnosis (with survivors of brain tumors generally indicating a more negative impact of cancer, with subscale estimates of -1.25 for caregiving and finance and -1.01 for social and emotional and an odds ratio of 1.83 for exercise and diet), most variability was because of demographic factors, including sex, age, race, education, and employment. CONCLUSIONS The current findings highlight that many long-term adult survivors perceive minimal impact of childhood cancer on functional aspects of adulthood, including caregiving, finances, exercise, social-emotional relationships, and religion. This suggests that survivors may not be focusing on the influence of likely physical and psychological late effects of their disease in their day-to-day lives. For those who do perceive a negative impact, variability in responses suggests that there are of survivors who may benefit from interventions focused on the achievement of functional goals. Cancer 2017;123:1625-1634. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria W Willard
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - James L Klosky
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Chenghong Li
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Deo Kumar Srivastava
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Tara M Brinkman
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Leslie L Robison
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Melissa M Hudson
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.,Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Sean Phipps
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
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Straehla JP, Barton KS, Yi-Frazier JP, Wharton C, Baker KS, Bona K, Wolfe J, Rosenberg AR. The Benefits and Burdens of Cancer: A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study of Adolescents and Young Adults. J Palliat Med 2017; 20:494-501. [PMID: 28051888 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2016.0369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents and early young adults (AYAs) with cancer are at high risk for poor outcomes. Positive psychological responses such as benefit-finding may buffer the negative impacts of cancer but are poorly understood in this population. OBJECTIVE We aimed to prospectively describe the content and trajectory of benefit- and burden-finding among AYAs to develop potential targets for future intervention. PATIENTS AND METHODS One-on-one semistructured interviews were conducted with English-speaking AYA patients (aged 14-25 years) within 60 days of diagnosis of a noncentral nervous system malignancy requiring chemotherapy, 6-12 and 12-18 months later. Interviews were coded using directed content analyses with a priori schema defined by existing theoretical frameworks, including changed sense of self, relationships, philosophy of life, and physical well-being. We compared the content, raw counts, and ratios of benefit-to-burden by patient and by time point. SETTING/SUBJECTS Seventeen participants at one tertiary academic medical center (mean age 17.1 years, SD = 2.7) with sarcoma (n = 8), acute leukemia (n = 6), and lymphoma (n = 3) completed 44 interviews with >100 hours of transcript-data. RESULTS Average benefit counts were higher than average burden counts at each time point; 68% of interviews had a benefit-to-burden ratio >1. Positive changed sense-of-self was the most common benefit across all time points (44% of all reported benefits); reports of physical distress were the most common burden (32%). Longitudinal analyses suggested perceptions evolved; participants tended to focus less on physical manifestations and more on personal strengths and life purpose. CONCLUSIONS AYAs with cancer identify more benefits than burdens throughout cancer treatment and demonstrate rapid maturation of perspectives. These findings not only inform communication practices with AYAs but also suggest opportunities for interventions to potentially improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joelle P Straehla
- 1 Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts.,2 Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Krysta S Barton
- 3 Cancer and Blood Disorders Center , Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington.,4 Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics , Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Joyce P Yi-Frazier
- 3 Cancer and Blood Disorders Center , Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington.,5 Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington
| | - Claire Wharton
- 3 Cancer and Blood Disorders Center , Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kevin Scott Baker
- 3 Cancer and Blood Disorders Center , Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington.,5 Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington.,6 Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center , Seattle, Washington
| | - Kira Bona
- 1 Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts.,2 Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , Boston, Massachusetts.,7 Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts.,8 Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- 1 Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts.,7 Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts.,8 Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , Boston, Massachusetts.,9 Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Abby R Rosenberg
- 3 Cancer and Blood Disorders Center , Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington.,4 Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics , Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington.,5 Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington.,6 Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center , Seattle, Washington
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When Curing a Pediatric Tumor is not Enough: The Case of a Psychiatric Disorder in a Woman Surviving Osteosarcoma. TUMORI JOURNAL 2016; 102:EB2794D9-4739-4E95-97AD-69F344D28811. [DOI: 10.5301/tj.5000417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Aims and background We describe the case of a woman cured of osteosarcoma who took part in a mono-institutional study using different questionnaires to assess pediatric cancer survivors’ quality of life and behavioral features 12 years after completing her cancer treatment. Results The high levels of psychological distress and psychopathologic symptoms revealed by this patient prompted us to offer her specific and prolonged support at our institution, since she refused to seek the help of other psychiatric services. The woman revealed a dysfunctional social and family setting and a borderline personality disorder. She was hospitalized after attempting suicide. No psychological distress had previously come to light during her long follow-up for cancer. Conclusions Cancer survivors are at risk of psychological and behavioral problems, so they should be followed up over time. Questionnaires and standard scales are important, but not enough: the physician-patient relationship is crucial to bring out a patient's psychological issues and needs. This means that dedicated resources should be made available, whenever possible.
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D'Agostino NM, Edelstein K, Zhang N, Recklitis CJ, Brinkman TM, Srivastava D, Leisenring WM, Robison LL, Armstrong GT, Krull KR. Comorbid symptoms of emotional distress in adult survivors of childhood cancer. Cancer 2016; 122:3215-3224. [PMID: 27391586 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.30171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood cancer survivors are at risk for emotional distress symptoms, but symptom comorbidity has not been previously examined. This study examined distress profiles for adult survivors of childhood cancer diagnosed between 1970 and 1999. METHODS Self-reported depression, anxiety, and somatization symptoms from Brief Symptom Inventory 18 were examined in survivors (n = 16,079) and siblings (n = 3085) from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. A latent profile analysis identified clusters of survivors with individual and comorbid symptoms. Disease, treatment, and demographic predictors of distress comorbidity patterns were examined with multinomial logistic regressions. RESULTS Four clinically relevant profiles were identified: low distress on all subscales (asymptomatic, 62%), high distress on all subscales (comorbid distress, 11%), elevated somatization (somatic symptoms, 13%), and elevated depression and anxiety (affective distress, 14%). Compared with siblings, fewer survivors were asymptomatic (62% vs 74%, P < .0001), and more had comorbid distress (11% vs 5%, P < .0001). Survivors of leukemia (odds ratio [OR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-1.61), central nervous system tumors (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.05-1.61), and sarcoma (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.01-1.57) had a greater risk of comorbid distress than survivors of solid tumors. Psychoactive medications were associated with comorbid distress (P < .0001), and this suggested that this group was refractory to traditional medical management. Comorbid distress was associated with poor perceived health (OR, 31.7; 95% CI, 23.1-43.3), headaches (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.8-3.7), and bodily pain (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 3.2-5.0). CONCLUSIONS A significant proportion of survivors are at risk for comorbid distress, which may require extensive treatment approaches beyond those used for individual symptoms. Cancer 2016;122:3215-24. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kim Edelstein
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nan Zhang
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kevin R Krull
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
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Mueller GC, Steiner K, Wild JM, Stark V, Kozlik‐Feldmann R, Mir TS. Health-related quality of life is unimpaired in children and adolescents with Marfan syndrome despite its distinctive phenotype. Acta Paediatr 2016; 105:311-6. [PMID: 26566600 DOI: 10.1111/apa.13264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a progressive, life-threatening genetic disorder of the connective tissue, which causes impaired quality of life (QoL) in adults. This study investigated the quality of life in children and adolescents, taking into account their gender, age and how MFS affected their organs. METHODS This prospective nonrandomised single-centre study included 46 patients with verified MFS with a mean age of 10.98 years (±3.72). QoL was measured using the self-reported, multidimensional KINDL-R questionnaire and compared with an age-matched control group of 174 children and adolescents. RESULTS No significant overall reduction of QoL was found. Total QoL scores for patients diagnosed at four to seven years were the same as the control group (77.65 ± 9.37 versus 77.06 ± 11.72), but they were higher for patients aged eight to 16 years (75.15 ± 9.19 versus 70.46 ± 11.35, p = 0.025). No gender-specific differences or impairments in QoL during adolescence were observed (p > 0.05). Analysis of the effect of organ manifestation on QoL showed better or equal QoL scores (p > 0.05), despite distinctive phenotypes such as ectopia lentis. CONCLUSION QoL was fairly good in paediatric patients with MFS, and there was no impairment during adolescence. Despite the distinctive phenotype, quality of life was unimpaired in younger patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goetz C. Mueller
- Clinic for Paediatric Cardiology University Heart Centre Hamburg Hamburg Germany
| | - Kristoffer Steiner
- Clinic for Paediatric Cardiology University Heart Centre Hamburg Hamburg Germany
| | - Jeske M. Wild
- Clinic for Paediatric Cardiology University Heart Centre Hamburg Hamburg Germany
| | - Veronika Stark
- Clinic for Paediatric Cardiology University Heart Centre Hamburg Hamburg Germany
| | | | - Thomas S. Mir
- Clinic for Paediatric Cardiology University Heart Centre Hamburg Hamburg Germany
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Kilsdonk E, Wendel E, van Dulmen-den Broeder E, van Leeuwen F, van den Berg M, Jaspers M. Participation rates of childhood cancer survivors to self-administered questionnaires: a systematic review. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2016; 26. [DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Kilsdonk
- Department of Medical Informatics; Centre for Human Factors Engineering of Interactive Health Information Technology; Academic Medical Center; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam
| | - E. Wendel
- Department of Pediatrics; Division of Oncology-Hematology; VU University Medical Center; Amsterdam
| | | | - F.E. van Leeuwen
- Department of Epidemiology; Netherlands Cancer Institute; Amsterdam the Netherlands
| | - M.H. van den Berg
- Department of Pediatrics; Division of Oncology-Hematology; VU University Medical Center; Amsterdam
| | - M.W. Jaspers
- Department of Medical Informatics; Centre for Human Factors Engineering of Interactive Health Information Technology; Academic Medical Center; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam
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de Ruiter MA, Schouten-van Meeteren AYN, van Vuurden DG, Maurice-Stam H, Gidding C, Beek LR, Granzen B, Oosterlaan J, Grootenhuis MA. Psychosocial profile of pediatric brain tumor survivors with neurocognitive complaints. Qual Life Res 2016; 25:435-446. [PMID: 26289022 PMCID: PMC4722086 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-015-1091-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE With more children surviving a brain tumor, neurocognitive consequences of the tumor and its treatment become apparent, which could affect psychosocial functioning. The present study therefore aimed to assess psychosocial functioning of pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) in detail. METHODS Psychosocial functioning of PBTS (8-18 years) with parent-reported neurocognitive complaints was compared to normative data on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), self-esteem, psychosocial adjustment, and executive functioning (one-sample t tests) and to a sibling control group on fatigue (independent-samples t test). Self-, parent-, and teacher-report questionnaires were included, where appropriate, providing complementary information. RESULTS Eighty-two PBTS (mean age 13.4 years, SD 3.2, 49 % males) and 43 healthy siblings (mean age 14.3, SD 2.4, 40 % males) were included. As compared to the normative population, PBTS themselves reported decreased physical, psychological, and generic HRQOL (d = 0.39-0.62, p < 0.008). Compared to siblings, increased fatigue-related concentration problems (d = 0.57, p < 0.01) were reported, although self-reported self-esteem and psychosocial adjustment seemed not to be affected. Parents of PBTS reported more psychosocial (d = 0.81, p < 0.000) and executive problems (d = 0.35-0.43, p < 0.016) in their child than parents of children in the normative population. Teachers indicated more psychosocial adjustment problems for female PBTS aged 8-11 years than for the female normative population (d = 0.69, p < 0.025), but they reported no more executive problems. CONCLUSIONS PBTS with parent-reported neurocognitive complaints showed increased psychosocial problems, as reported by PBTS, parents, and teachers. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Systematic screening of psychosocial functioning is necessary so that tailored support from professionals can be offered to PBTS with neurocognitive complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Anna de Ruiter
- />Pediatric Psychosocial Department, Emma Children’s Hospital AMC, Meibergdreef 9, Room A3-241, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Heleen Maurice-Stam
- />Pediatric Psychosocial Department, Emma Children’s Hospital AMC, Meibergdreef 9, Room A3-241, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Corrie Gidding
- />Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Rachel Beek
- />Department of Medical Psychology, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital UMC, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bernd Granzen
- />Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Oosterlaan
- />Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martha Alexandra Grootenhuis
- />Pediatric Psychosocial Department, Emma Children’s Hospital AMC, Meibergdreef 9, Room A3-241, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Demers C, Gélinas I, Carret AS. Activities of Daily Living in Survivors of Childhood Brain Tumor. Am J Occup Ther 2015; 70:7001220040p1-8. [DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2016.014993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
OBJECTIVE. This cross-sectional, descriptive study evaluated the performance in activities of daily living (ADLs) of youth and young adult survivors of childhood brain tumor (BT) and explored associations with health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
METHOD. Thirty-six participants were examined using the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills to evaluate their quality of ADL task performance and the Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF–12) to evaluate HRQoL.
RESULTS. Participants had significantly lower performance in ADLs compared with age norms (p < .05), and their functional level was positively associated with the SF–12 Physical (r 2 = .5) and Mental (r 2 = .3) scales.
CONCLUSION. Participants had significant limitations in both motor and process skills, which affected their performance in ADLs. Study results emphasize the importance of long-term follow-up and rehabilitation services aimed at improving the functional level and HRQoL of BT survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Demers
- Catherine Demers, MSc, is Graduate Student, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, and Occupational Therapist, Division of Haematology-Oncology, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre, Montreal, Quebec;
| | - Isabelle Gélinas
- Isabelle Gélinas, PhD, is Associate Professor, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, and Researcher, Montreal Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation–Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital Research Site, Laval, Quebec
| | - Anne-Sophie Carret
- Anne-Sophie Carret, MD, is Pediatric Haematologist–Oncologist, Division of Haematology–Oncology, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre, Montreal, Quebec
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Peters JA, Kenen R, Bremer R, Givens S, Savage SA, Mai PL. Easing the Burden: Describing the Role of Social, Emotional and Spiritual Support in Research Families with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome. J Genet Couns 2015; 25:529-42. [PMID: 26621765 DOI: 10.1007/s10897-015-9905-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
This study presents findings of a mixed-method descriptive exploration of the role of friends and spirituality/religiosity in easing the burden of families with the rare inherited disorder, Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS). LFS is caused by germline mutations in the TP53 gene and is associated with very high lifetime risk of developing one or more malignancies. During the first clinical visit we assessed several types of social support among a subset of study participants (N = 66) using an established interactive research tool called the Colored Eco-Genetic Relationship Map (CEGRM). We performed both quantitative and qualitative analyses of social relationships with LFS family members and close non-kin. Distress scores (N = 59) were mostly low normal, with some outliers. We found that reported friendships varied widely, that the friendships were often deep and enduring, and were important sources of informational, tangible, emotional and spiritual support. Confidantes tended to be best friends and/or spouses. Organized religion was important in selected families, typically from mainstream traditions. However, a number of people identified themselves as "spiritual" and reported spiritual and humanist explorations. Our results shed preliminary light on how some people in families with LFS cope in the face of tremendous medical, social and emotional challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- June A Peters
- Clinical Genetics Branch (CGB), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, DHHS, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Regina Kenen
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ, USA
| | - Renee Bremer
- Clinical Genetics Branch (CGB), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, DHHS, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Shannon Givens
- Clinical Genetics Branch (CGB), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, DHHS, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Sharon A Savage
- Clinical Genetics Branch (CGB), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, DHHS, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Phuong L Mai
- Clinical Genetics Branch (CGB), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, DHHS, Rockville, MD, USA
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Health status and quality of life of long-term survivors of childhood acute leukemia: the impact of central nervous system irradiation. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2015; 37:109-16. [PMID: 24936742 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000000209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the impact of central nervous system irradiation (CNSI) on long-term health status and quality of life (QoL) of childhood lymphoblastic leukemia survivors included in the French L.E.A. (Childhood and Adolescent Leukemia) multicentric cohort. QoL was self-reported in adults and assessed by parents in children and adolescents, using adapted questionnaires. From 2004 to 2009, 630 nongrafted patients were assessed after 11.8±6.3 years from diagnosis. Patients receiving CNSI (18.6%) or chemotherapy alone (81.4%) were compared. The risk of having long-term physical effects was increased with CNSI (odds ratio=3.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-5.9), especially regarding growth failure, second tumor, cataract, and overweight. QoL did not differ significantly according to the treatment received, despite a tendency toward lower scores with CNSI in children and adolescents (summary score 63.6±13.3 vs. 71.7±12.4, P=0.14). Compared with French norms, adult survivors had an impaired QoL, especially in mental domains (mental composite score 45.2±9.8 vs. 47.9±2.1, P<0.001). In pediatric survivors, QoL was not impaired and even tended to be higher than population norms (summary score 71.7±12.4 vs. 70.0±4.2, P=0.054), mainly in social and relational domains. In conclusion, QoL seems to be impaired by the trauma of a life-threatening illness in childhood, as well as by the treatment received.
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30
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Wochos GC, Semerjian CH, Walsh KS. Differences in parent and teacher rating of everyday executive function in pediatric brain tumor survivors. Clin Neuropsychol 2014; 28:1243-57. [PMID: 25343533 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2014.971875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to compare executive function (EF) outcomes in pediatric brain tumor (BT) survivors compared with healthy children (HC) across multiple settings. This retrospective cross-sectional study of BT survivors and age- and gender-matched HC analyzed scale patterns of parent and teacher ratings of EF (Behavior Ratings of Executive Function; BRIEF). We also analyzed relationships between groups and raters (parent/teacher) and clinical elevations across EF domains on the BRIEF. Group differences in aspects of EF emerged from parent ratings in working memory (WM), while significant interactions from teacher ratings emerged on nearly all EF scales. Parents reported impaired cognitive/behavioral flexibility in the BT group four times more than parents of HC. Teachers rated survivors significantly more poorly as a group on the majority of EF domains, and indicated clinical impairment in cognitive/behavioral flexibility, emotional regulation, self-starting/initiation, WM, and planning and organization (P/O) four to ten times more often than the teachers of HC. Overall, teacher ratings of EF impairment in pediatric BT survivors were significantly greater than parent ratings, who reported far fewer EF problems. Possible explanations for inter-rater discrepancies include potential reporting bias/response shift in parents and/or differences in EF demands across settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C Wochos
- a Children'sNational Medical Center , Washington , DC 20010 , USA
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31
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Measuring quality of life with fuzzy numbers: in the perspectives of reliability, validity, measurement invariance, and feasibility. Qual Life Res 2014; 24:781-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s11136-014-0816-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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32
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Essig S, Li Q, Chen Y, Hitzler J, Leisenring W, Greenberg M, Sklar C, Hudson MM, Armstrong GT, Krull KR, Neglia JP, Oeffinger KC, Robison LL, Kuehni CE, Yasui Y, Nathan PC. Risk of late effects of treatment in children newly diagnosed with standard-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study cohort. Lancet Oncol 2014; 15:841-51. [PMID: 24954778 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(14)70265-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of patients with paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia has evolved such that the risk of late effects in survivors treated in accordance with contemporary protocols could be different from that noted in those treated decades ago. We aimed to estimate the risk of late effects in children with standard-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treated with contemporary protocols. METHODS We used data from similarly treated members of the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study cohort. The Childhood Cancer Survivor Study is a multicentre, North American study of 5-year survivors of childhood cancer diagnosed between 1970 and 1986. We included cohort members if they were aged 1·0-9·9 years at the time of diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and had received treatment consistent with contemporary standard-risk protocols for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. We calculated mortality rates and standardised mortality ratios, stratified by sex and survival time, after diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. We calculated standardised incidence ratios and absolute excess risk for subsequent neoplasms with age-specific, sex-specific, and calendar-year-specific rates from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program. Outcomes were compared with a sibling cohort and the general US population. FINDINGS We included 556 (13%) of 4329 cohort members treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Median follow-up of the survivors from 5 years after diagnosis was 18·4 years (range 0·0-33·0). 28 (5%) of 556 participants had died (standardised mortality ratio 3·5, 95% CI 2·3-5·0). 16 (57%) deaths were due to causes other than recurrence of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Six (1%) survivors developed a subsequent malignant neoplasm (standardised incidence ratio 2·6, 95% CI 1·0-5·7). 107 participants (95% CI 81-193) in each group would need to be followed-up for 1 year to observe one extra chronic health disorder in the survivor group compared with the sibling group. 415 participants (376-939) in each group would need to be followed-up for 1 year to observe one extra severe, life-threatening, or fatal disorder in the group of survivors. Survivors did not differ from siblings in their educational attainment, rate of marriage, or independent living. INTERPRETATION The prevalence of adverse long-term outcomes in children treated for standard risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia according to contemporary protocols is low, but regular care from a knowledgeable primary-care practitioner is warranted. FUNDING National Cancer Institute, American Lebanese-Syrian Associated Charities, Swiss Cancer Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Essig
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Qiaozhi Li
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, AB, Canada
| | - Yan Chen
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, AB, Canada
| | - Johann Hitzler
- The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Wendy Leisenring
- Programs in Clinical Statistics and Cancer Prevention, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mark Greenberg
- The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Charles Sklar
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Melissa M Hudson
- Departments of Oncology and Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Gregory T Armstrong
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kevin R Krull
- Departments of Epidemiology and Cancer Control and Psychology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Joseph P Neglia
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Leslie L Robison
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Claudia E Kuehni
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yutaka Yasui
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, AB, Canada
| | - Paul C Nathan
- The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Moore DB, Walton C, Moeller KL, Slabaugh MA, Mudumbai RC, Chen PP. Prevalence of self-reported early glaucoma eye drop bottle exhaustion and associated risk factors: a patient survey. BMC Ophthalmol 2014; 14:79. [PMID: 24927769 PMCID: PMC4072615 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2415-14-79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One barrier to patient adherence with chronic topical glaucoma treatment is an inadequate amount of medication available between prescription refills. We examined the self-reported prevalence of early exhaustion of glaucoma eye drops prior to a scheduled refill, and associated risk factors. METHODS This cross-sectional survey was performed at a University-based clinical practice. Glaucoma patients at the University of Washington who were experienced with eye drop application and were on a steady regimen of self-administered glaucoma drops in both eyes took a survey at the time of clinic examination. The main outcome measure was self-reported early eye drop bottle exhaustion. RESULTS 236 patients were eligible and chose to participate. In general, patients included were relatively healthy (mean 2.3 comorbid medical conditions). Sixty patients (25.4%) reported any problem with early exhaustion of eye drop bottles, and this was associated with visual acuity ≤ 20/70 in the better eye (P = .049). Twelve patients (5.1%) reported that they "often" (5-7 times per year), "usually" (8-11 times per year) or "always" ran out of eye drops prior to a scheduled refill. Patients affected by this higher level (≥ 5 times yearly) of eye drop bottle exhaustion were more likely to have poor visual acuity in their worse eye ≤ 20/70 (P = .015) and had significantly lower worse-eye logMAR (P = .043). CONCLUSIONS Self-reported early glaucoma bottle exhaustion regularly affected 5% of patients in our population and 25% reported early exhaustion at least once; the main risk factor was poor vision in at least one eye. These results may not be generalizable to a broad patient population, or to those inexperienced with eye drop self-administration. However, this pilot study compels further evaluation and consideration of early eye drop bottle exhaustion in glaucoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Philip P Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Ave, Seattle, WA 98104-2499, USA.
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Roberts RM, Robins T, Gannoni AF, Tapp H. Survivors of Childhood Cancer in South Australia Attending a Late-Effects Clinic: A Descriptive Report of Psychological, Cognitive, and Academic Late-Effects. J Psychosoc Oncol 2014; 32:152-66. [DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2013.873998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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35
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Gordijn MS, van Litsenburg RR, Gemke RJ, Huisman J, Bierings MB, Hoogerbrugge PM, Kaspers GJL. Sleep, fatigue, depression, and quality of life in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60:479-85. [PMID: 22887764 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.24261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the improved survival of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the effect of treatment on psychosocial well-being becomes increasingly relevant. Literature on sleep and fatigue during treatment is emerging. However, information on these subjects after treatment is sparse. This cross-sectional study examined sleep and fatigue in relation to depression and quality of life (QoL) after treatment for childhood ALL. PROCEDURE Sleep, fatigue, depression, and QoL were evaluated by parent proxy and/or child self-reports of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, the PedsQL™ multidimensional fatigue scale, the Children's Depression Inventory and the Child Health Questionnaire. All total scores were compared to Dutch norm references. RESULTS Sixty-two children were included, being 36 (interquartile range 22-62) months after finishing treatment. Parents rated the ALL survivors as having more disturbed sleep, more fatigue and poorer physical QoL compared to the Dutch norm. ALL survivors themselves reported less sleep problems, less depressive symptoms, and better psychosocial QoL than the Dutch norm. More sleep disturbances and fatigue correlated with more symptoms of depression and a worse QoL. CONCLUSIONS Differences in parental and self-reports, including worse parental ratings, might be explained by worried parents and/or the adaptive style of the children. Impaired sleep and fatigue correlated with more depressive symptoms and a worse QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maartje S Gordijn
- Department of Pediatrics, Division Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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The utility of parent report in the assessment of working memory among childhood brain tumor survivors. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2013; 19:380-9. [PMID: 23351399 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617712001567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Childhood brain tumor survivors are at increased risk for neurocognitive impairments, including working memory (WM) problems. WM is typically assessed using performance measures. Little is known about the value of parent ratings for identifying WM difficulties, the relationship between rater and performance measures, or predictors of parent-reported WM problems in this population. Accordingly, the current study examined the utility of parent report in detecting WM difficulties among childhood brain tumor survivors treated with conformal radiation therapy (n = 50) relative to siblings (n = 40) and solid tumor survivors not receiving central nervous system-directed therapy (n = 40). Parents completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). Participants were administered WM measures (digit span, self-ordered search tasks). Findings revealed parents rated brain tumor survivors as having significantly more WM problems (p < .01) compared to controls. However, the BRIEF-WM scale demonstrated poor sensitivity and specificity for detecting performance-based problems. Significant, albeit modest, correlations were found between the BRIEF-WM scale and performance measures (r = -.24-.22; p < .05) for the combined group. Age at testing, socioeconomic status, and IQ were significant predictors of parent reported WM problems. Rater and performance measures offer complimentary yet different information in assessing WM, which reiterates the importance of using both within the context of clinical assessment.
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Overbeek A, van den Berg MH, Hukkelhoven CWPM, Kremer LC, van den Heuvel-Eibrink MM, Tissing WJE, Loonen JJ, Versluys AB, Bresters D, Kaspers GJL, Lambalk CB, van Leeuwen FE, van Dulmen-den Broeder E. Validity of self-reported data on pregnancies for childhood cancer survivors: a comparison with data from a nationwide population-based registry. Hum Reprod 2012; 28:819-27. [PMID: 23175500 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION To what degree do records registered in the Netherlands Perinatal Registry (PRN) agree with self-report in a study questionnaire on pregnancy outcomes in childhood cancer survivors (CCSs)? SUMMARY ANSWER This study suggests that self-reported pregnancy outcomes of CCSs agree well with registry data and that outcomes reported by CCSs agree better with registry data than do those of controls. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Many studies have shown that childhood cancer treatment may affect fertility outcomes in female CCSs; however, these conclusions were often based on questionnaire data, and it remains unclear whether self-report agrees well with more objective sources of information. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In an nationwide cohort study on fertility (inclusion period January 2008 and April 2011, trial number: NTR2922), 1420 CCSs and 354 sibling controls were invited to complete a questionnaire regarding socio-demographic characteristics and reproductive history. In total, 879 CCSs (62%) and 287 controls (81%) returned the questionnaire. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The current validation study compared the agreement between pregnancy outcomes as registered in the PRN and self-reported outcomes in the study questionnaire. A total of 589 pregnancies were reported in CCSs, and 300 pregnancies in sibling controls, of which 524 could be linked to the PRN. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A high intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was found for birthweight (BW) (0.94 and 0.87 for CCSs and controls, respectively). The self-reported BWs tended to be higher than reported in the PRN. For gestational age (GA), the ICC was high for CCSs (0.88), but moderate for controls (0.49). CCSs overestimated GA more often than controls. The Kappa values for method of conception and for method of delivery were moderate to good. Multilevel analyses on the mean difference with regard to BW and GA showed no differences associated with time since pregnancy or educational level. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Not all pregnancies reported could be linked to the registry data. In addition, the completeness of the PRN could not be assessed precisely, because there is no information on the number of missing records. Finally, for some outcomes there were high proportions of missing values in the PRN registry. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study suggests that questionnaires are a reliable method of data collection, and that for most variables, self-report agrees well with registry data. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST This work was supported by the Dutch Cancer Society (grant no. VU 2006-3622) and by Foundation Children Cancer Free. None of the authors report a conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NTR2922 http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=2922.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Overbeek
- Division of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, VU University Medical Center, PO Box 7057, Amsterdam 1000 MB, The Netherlands.
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Kumar AR, Schapira L. The impact of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community factors on the identity formation of young adults with cancer: a qualitative study. Psychooncology 2012; 22:1753-8. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.3207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Revised: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lidia Schapira
- Gillette Center for Breast Cancer; Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston; MA; USA
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[Survivors of pediatric cancer. Developmental paths and outcomes between trauma and resilience]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2012; 55:481-92. [PMID: 22441518 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-012-1449-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
In Europe and North America, about 80% of all patients with cancer in childhood and adolescence survive their leukemia, lymphomas or tumors. Therefore, neuropsychological impairments, psychopathological comorbidity and health-related quality of life become relevant parameters for treatment evaluation and conceptualization of future therapy protocols. During the last decade, a number of patient registries, multicenter studies and meta-analyses have analyzed the interaction of disease- and treatment-associated risk factors with pre-existing socio-demographic and psychosocial vulnerability factors. Brain tumors and treatment strategies including CNS surgery, cranial radiotherapy and intrathecal chemotherapy carry an increased risk for neurological and neuropsychological long-term outcomes, which in turn also threatens the patients' psychosocial and vocational participation. In the area of psychosocial adaptation, a wide range of developmental paths results, ranging from increased psychological comorbidity, to subclinical impairments in quality of life, to normal courses to resilient outcomes, even with a developmental benefit. A hypothetical model is presented to explain this enormous variance in outcomes. Protective cognitive-emotional schemata already established at the premorbid stage predispose patients to be able to cope successfully with cancer-related challenges and thus further enhance the patients' future adaptability. In contrast, dysfunctional schemata at the premorbid level increase risks of coping failure and thus intensify the long-term risk for psychopathological comorbidity in terms of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder or depression.
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Essig S, von der Weid NX, Strippoli MPF, Rebholz CE, Michel G, Rueegg CS, Niggli FK, Kuehni CE. Health-related quality of life in long-term survivors of relapsed childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. PLoS One 2012; 7:e38015. [PMID: 22662262 PMCID: PMC3360640 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2012] [Accepted: 04/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relapses occur in about 20% of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Approximately one-third of these children can be cured. Their risk for late effects is high because of intensified treatment, but their health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was largely unmeasured. Our aim was to compare HRQOL of ALL survivors with the general population, and of relapsed with non-relapsed ALL survivors. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS As part of the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (SCCSS) we sent a questionnaire to all ALL survivors in Switzerland who had been diagnosed between 1976-2003 at age <16 years, survived ≥5 years, and were currently aged ≥16 years. HRQOL was assessed with the Short Form-36 (SF-36), which measures four aspects of physical health and four aspects of mental health. A score of 50 corresponded to the mean of a healthy reference population. We analyzed data from 457 ALL survivors (response: 79%). Sixty-one survivors had suffered a relapse. Compared to the general population, ALL survivors reported similar or higher HRQOL scores on all scales. Survivors with a relapse scored lower in general health perceptions (51.6) compared to those without (55.8;p=0.005), but after adjusting for self-reported late effects, this difference disappeared. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE Compared to population norms, ALL survivors reported good HRQOL, even after a relapse. However, relapsed ALL survivors reported poorer general health than non-relapsed. Therefore, we encourage specialists to screen for poor general health in survivors after a relapse and, when appropriate, specifically seek and treat underlying late effects. This will help to improve patients' HRQOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Essig
- Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Huang IC, Quinn GP, Wen PS, Shenkman EA, Revicki DA, Krull K, Li Z, Shearer PD. Using three legacy measures to develop a health-related quality of life tool for young adult survivors of childhood cancer. Qual Life Res 2011; 21:1437-50. [PMID: 22101901 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-011-0055-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little attention has been paid to selecting and developing health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measurement tools for young adult survivors of childhood cancer (YASCC). The primary purpose of this study was to develop a HRQOL tool for YASCC based on three legacy instruments. METHODS Data collected from 151 YASCC were analyzed. HRQOL was measured using the Medical Outcomes Study SF-36, Quality of Life in Adult Cancer Survivors, and Quality of Life-Cancer Survivor. We used the following stages to develop our HRQOL tool: mapping items from three instruments into a common HRQOL construct, checking dimensionality using confirmatory factor analyses (CFA), and equating items using Rasch modeling. RESULTS We assigned 123 items to a HRQOL construct comprised of six generic and eight survivor-specific domains. CFA retained 107 items that meet the assumptions of unidimensionality and local independence. Rasch analysis retained 68 items that satisfied the indices of information-weighted/outlier-sensitive fit statistic mean square. However, items in most domains possess relatively easy measurement properties, whereas YASCC's underlying HRQOL was on the middle to higher levels. CONCLUSIONS Psychometric properties of the established tool for measuring HRQOL of YASCC were not satisfied. Future studies need to refine this tool, especially adding more challenging items.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Chan Huang
- Department of Health Outcomes and Policy, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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[The experience of disease and treatments among teenagers and young adults with hematological malignancies]. Bull Cancer 2011; 98:1193-200. [PMID: 22008215 DOI: 10.1684/bdc.2011.1455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We conducted an exploratory study of young patients (< 25 years) in remission from hematologic malignancies to better understand their experiences of care, the impact of disease and therapeutics on their quality of life (assessed by the FACT-BMT) and on their mental state (assessed by the HADS). On the plan of research, the findings of this study confirm the relevance of the qualitative approach; on the plan of care, the need of interdisciplinary support for these patients in remission.
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Nightingale CL, Quinn GP, Shenkman EA, Curbow BA, Zebrack BJ, Krull KR, Huang IC. Health-Related Quality of Life of Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Review of Qualitative Studies. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2011; 1:124-132. [PMID: 23610733 PMCID: PMC3621306 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2011.0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The occurrence of late effects, combined with traditional growth and developmental issues, can significantly affect the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of young adult survivors of childhood cancer (YASCC). Limited HRQOL measurement tools have been developed or validated for YASCC. The purpose of this study was to identify the domains of HRQOL that are unique to YASCC by conducting a systematic review of qualitative studies. Specifically, we compared the findings to the classical framework of HRQOL that was developed for survivors of adult-onset cancer and identified specific domains not being assessed in existing HRQOL instruments for YASCC. Methods: We searched qualitative studies published in peer-reviewed journals from 2000 to 2010 in the PsychINFO, PubMed, and EBSCOhost databases. A set of keywords and inclusion/exclusion criteria were utilized to identify eligible studies with a focus on survivorship and HRQOL issues of YASCC. Results: Sixteen studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were investigated in this study. Six important domains of HRQOL were identified (physical, social, psychological, spiritual, fertility/sexual, resilience, and body appearance) with several sub-domains. Conclusion: Use of the classical HRQOL framework and existing instruments is not comprehensive enough for YASCC. Adding unique domains to the classical framework and existing instruments will make them valuable tools for measuring the HRQOL of YASCC and increase health professionals' ability to identify if and when psychosocial services are needed for this unique population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandylen L. Nightingale
- Department of Behavioral Science and Community Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Gwendolyn P. Quinn
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, and Health Outcomes and Behavior Program, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Elizabeth A. Shenkman
- Department of Health Outcomes and Policy, and Institute for Child Health Policy, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Barbara A. Curbow
- Department of Behavioral Science and Community Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | - Kevin R. Krull
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - I-Chan Huang
- Department of Health Outcomes and Policy, and Institute for Child Health Policy, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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Clayer M, Davis A. Can the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score produce reliable results when used online? Clin Orthop Relat Res 2011; 469:1750-6. [PMID: 21128031 PMCID: PMC3094633 DOI: 10.1007/s11999-010-1715-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2010] [Accepted: 11/17/2010] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Web-based questionnaires have become popular, however, access to the Internet can be biased regarding age, gender, and education, among other factors. Therefore, it is unknown whether this is a reasonable avenue to administer a questionnaire to patients or whether Web-based can be a reliable alternative to paper-based. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES We determined whether the Internet version of the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score is reproducible compared with the paper-based version and the compliance and completion rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study population consisted of 81 adults who had had surgery for a musculoskeletal tumor of the lower extremity more than 12 months earlier. The Toronto Extremity Salvage Score was administered by paper at a baseline interview and then readministered via Internet 7 to 14 days later to those with access. RESULTS Sixty of the 81 patients (74%) were able to use the Internet. Increasing age and lower education levels were correlated with a lower likelihood of using the Internet. Questionnaires were done online and on paper by 56 patients but 10 were excluded because of self-reported change in circumstances. The mean TESS was 85.7 (range, 41.1-100; SD, 17.26) for the paper-based questionnaire and 85.2 (range, 42.5-100; SD, 17.47) for the Internet-based questionnaire. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.97. CONCLUSIONS The questionnaire can be transferred successfully to the Internet and can be used reliably instead of a paper-based instrument. Recruitment to use an Internet-based questionnaire is limited only by the percentage of patients able to access and use the Internet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Clayer
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000 Australia
| | - Aileen Davis
- Division of Health Care and Outcomes Research and Arthritis and Community Research and Evaluation Unit, Toronto Western Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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DeRosa BW, Kazak AE, Doshi K, Schwartz LA, Ginsberg J, Mao JJ, Straton J, Hobbie W, Rourke MT, Carlson C, Ittenbach RF. Development and validation of the health competence beliefs inventory in young adults with and without a history of childhood cancer. Ann Behav Med 2011; 41:48-58. [PMID: 20936390 DOI: 10.1007/s12160-010-9228-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer are a vulnerable population. Health beliefs may be related to necessary follow-up care. PURPOSE This study seeks to develop a measure of health beliefs for adolescents and young adults with and without a history of cancer. METHODS Inductive and deductive methods and focus groups were used to develop the Health Competence Beliefs Inventory. Cancer survivors (n = 138) and comparison participants (n = 130) completed the Health Competence Beliefs Inventory and other measures. Healthcare providers reported current medical problems. RESULTS A series of iterative exploratory factor analyses generated a 21-item four-factor solution: (1) Health Perceptions; (2) Satisfaction with Healthcare; (3) Cognitive Competence; and (4) Autonomy. Survivors reported significantly different Health Competence Beliefs Inventory scale scores than comparisons (p < .05). The Health Competence Beliefs Inventory was associated with beliefs, affect, quality of life, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and medical problems. CONCLUSIONS The Health Competence Beliefs Inventory is a promising measure of adolescent and young adult perceptions of health and well-being.
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Lund LW, Schmiegelow K, Rechnitzer C, Johansen C. A systematic review of studies on psychosocial late effects of childhood cancer: structures of society and methodological pitfalls may challenge the conclusions. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 56:532-43. [PMID: 21298737 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.22883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2010] [Accepted: 09/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
High survival rates after childhood cancer raise attention to possible psychosocial late effects. We focus on predictors of psychosocial outcomes based on diagnosis, treatment, demography, somatic disease, and methodological problems. Overall, survivors evaluate their health-related quality of life to be normal or even better than controls, although virtually all diagnostic subgroups report psychosocial impairment. Central nervous system tumor survivors have significant psychosocial problems. Negative outcomes were associated with cranial radiation therapy, female gender, and young age at diagnosis. Significant methodological problems hamper current knowledge. Systematic registration of psychosocial and somatic problems at diagnosis and prospectively through protocols is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasse Wegener Lund
- Department of Psychosocial Cancer Research, Institute of Cancer Epidemiology, Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Hovén E, Lannering B, Gustafsson G, Boman KK. The met and unmet health care needs of adult survivors of childhood central nervous system tumors: a double-informant, population-based study. Cancer 2011; 117:4294-303. [PMID: 21387277 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.26020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2010] [Revised: 01/14/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of the current study was to examine the persistent health care needs (HCNs) of adult survivors of childhood central nervous system tumors. METHODS In this population-based study, 526 of 679 eligible survivors and 550 parents provided data. Survivors' HCNs were assessed using a questionnaire covering 4 domains: Medical Care, care coordination and communication (Care Coordination), Illness Education, and Psychosocial Services. Needs were categorized as no need, met need, and unmet need. Outcomes were analyzed specifically in relation to survivors' functional late effects as assessed using the Health Utilities Index Mark 2/3. RESULTS Approximately 40% of survivors experienced their HCNs as exceeding the supposed general population average, and 41% had a current HCN that was unmet. The most common unmet need concerned the Psychosocial Services domain (reported by 40%), followed by a lack of Illness Education (35%), Care Coordination (22%), and Medical Care (15%). Survivors experiencing functional late effects had greater HCNs, and a greater percentage of unmet needs. Agreement between survivor-reported and parent proxy-reported HCNs was satisfactory, whereas agreement for survivors' unmet HCNs ranged from poor to satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS Findings based on reliable double-informant data demonstrated that a considerable percentage of adult survivors report unmet HCNs, with female sex, younger age at diagnosis, and indications of disability and poor health status comprising significant risk factors. Issues critical for improved, comprehensive, long-term follow-up care were identified. Addressing these issues adequately in clinical follow-up extending into adulthood would likely improve the quality of comprehensive care for this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Hovén
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Self-reported health-related quality of life of children and adolescent survivors of extracranial childhood malignancies: a Finnish nationwide survey. Qual Life Res 2010; 20:787-97. [DOI: 10.1007/s11136-010-9798-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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49
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Seitz DCM, Hagmann D, Besier T, Dieluweit U, Debatin KM, Grabow D, Kaatsch P, Henrich G, Goldbeck L. Life satisfaction in adult survivors of cancer during adolescence: what contributes to the latter satisfaction with life? Qual Life Res 2010; 20:225-36. [PMID: 20844965 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-010-9739-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the general and health-related life satisfaction (LS) in long-term survivors of adolescent cancer with a community sample and to identify medical and psychosocial factors associated with LS. METHODS LS of 820 survivors (age M = 30.4 ± 6.0 years; time since diagnosis M = 13.7 ± 6.0 years) was assessed with the Questions on Life Satisfaction (FLZ(M)) and compared to an age- and sex-matched community sample. The effects of medical, psychological, and socio-demographical factors on the survivors' general and health-related LS were investigated by means of multiple regression analyses. RESULTS Survivors were significantly less satisfied than the comparison group in terms of both their general (P < .001, d = -.35) and health-related (P < .001, d = -.47) life. Somatic late effects, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and less posttraumatic growth were associated with impaired general and health-related LS. Moreover, being married contributed significantly to higher general LS. CONCLUSION Adult survivors of cancer with onset during adolescence are experiencing less LS than the general population. Long-term routine follow-up visits are recommended to identify persisting effects of cancer survival on LS and to provide support for those with special needs. Physicians need to pay special attention to potential risk factors such as psychological distress, somatic late effects, persistent psychological distress, and a lack of posttraumatic growth, which are negatively correlated with LS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana C M Seitz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University Hospital Ulm, Steinhövelstrasse 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany.
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Harila MJ, Salo J, Lanning M, Vilkkumaa I, Harila-Saari AH. High health-related quality of life among long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010; 55:331-6. [PMID: 20582965 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.22531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed in a cohort of long-term childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors. PROCEDURE Rand-36-Item health Survey (RAND-36) was used to assess subjective HRQoL in 74 survivors of ALL an average of 20 years after the diagnosis. Cranial irradiation had been administered to 46 of the survivors, while 28 survivors had solely been treated with chemotherapy. The control group consisted of 146 healthy young adults selected from local population registry. Survivors were examined by a physician and late effects were graded using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAEv3). RESULTS ALL survivors achieved significantly higher scores than the controls on three of the eight HRQoL subscales; role limitations due to emotional problems (P = 0.030), mental health (P = 0.030) and vitality (P = 0.004). In comparison to controls, survivors with a follow-up of more than 20 years had significantly higher scores on vitality (P = 0.006) and mental health (P = 0.011). Survivors with severe (grade 3 and 4) late effects scored significantly better than controls on vitality (P = 0.043) and mental health (P = 0.040). Patients who had been treated for an ALL relapse and had received the most intensive chemo- and radiotherapy had significantly higher scores on mental health (P = 0.004) and vitality (P = 0.004) than the controls. CONCLUSIONS Long-term survivors of childhood ALL reported equal or better HRQoL in RAND-36. Higher HRQoL scores were associated with more severe late effects and intensive therapy. Our findings support the idea of response bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika J Harila
- Department of Neurology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.
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