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Amonoo HL, Newcomb R, Lorenz KA, Psenka R, Holmbeck K, Farnam EJ, Tse A, Desai S, Vassev N, Waldman LP, El-Jawahri A. A novel psychosocial virtual reality intervention (BMT-VR) for patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Pilot randomized clinical trial design and methods. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 142:107550. [PMID: 38685401 PMCID: PMC11180582 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107550] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) must cope with psychological distress and isolation during an extended transplant hospitalization, psychosocial interventions to address these unmet needs are lacking. Virtual reality offers an innovative modality to deliver a patient-centered psychosocial intervention to address psychosocial needs of patients undergoing HSCT. However, there are currently no supportive care interventions leveraging virtual reality in patients undergoing HSCT. OBJECTIVE To describe the methods of a randomized clinical trial (RCT) to assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a self-administered, virtual reality-delivered psychosocial intervention (BMT-VR) to improve psychological distress and quality of life (QOL) for patients hospitalized for HSCT. METHODS This study entails a single-center RCT of BMT-VR compared to usual transplant care in 80 patients hospitalized for HSCT. Adult patients with hematologic malignancies hospitalized for autologous or allogeneic HSCT are eligible. BMT-VR includes psychoeducation about the HSCT process, psychosocial skill building to promote effective coping and acceptance, and self-care and positive psychology skills to promote post-HSCT recovery. The primary aim is to assess the feasibility defined a priori as ≥60% of eligible patients enrolling in the study, and of those enrolled and randomized to the BMT-VR, ≥ 60% completing 4/6 BMT-VR modules. Secondary objectives include assessing the preliminary effects on psychological distress and QOL. DISCUSSION This is the first RCT of a virtual reality-delivered psychosocial intervention for the HSCT population. If deemed feasible, a future larger multi-site clinical trial can evaluate the efficacy of BMT-VR on outcomes for patients hospitalized for HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermioni L Amonoo
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Richard Newcomb
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karl A Lorenz
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Section of Palliative Care, Palo Alto VA Health Care System, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Riley Psenka
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine Holmbeck
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emelia J Farnam
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexandra Tse
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Lauren P Waldman
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Areej El-Jawahri
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Peng F, Meng Y, Sun L, Dong B, Xu G, Liu S, Zhang X, Liu T. People-Oriented Nursing Mode on the Negative Emotions and Psychological Status of Patients with Bladder Cancer. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 53:1087-1095. [PMID: 38912154 PMCID: PMC11188660 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v53i5.15590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Background We aimed to investigate the clinical application effect of people-oriented nursing model on the negative emotions and psychological conditions of patients with bladder cancer. Methods Eighty patients with bladder cancer were enrolled from January 2020 to January 2022 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University Heilongjiang, Province, China. The patients were randomly divided into the control group, each group consisted of 40 patients (conventional nursing mode) and the experimental group (people-oriented nursing mode) according to the admission time. The differences of the anxiety, depression and quality of life scores at the time of admission and discharge were compared between the two groups. Results There was statistically significant differences in the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating depression scale (SDS) score within each group of patients and between the two groups at the time of admission and discharge, respectively (P=0.001). In addition, there was a statistically significant difference in the scores at discharge, and the scores of the patients in the experimental group were better than those in the control group. There was a statistically significant difference in the scores at discharge, and the scores of the experimental group were lower than those of the control group P<0.001). After comparing the overall scores of admission and discharge of the two groups of patients, the differences were statistically significant, and the scores at discharge were better improved than those at admission were. Conclusion The people-oriented nursing model could relieve the negative emotions, relieve pain and improve the life quality of patients with bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Peng
- Urological Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar161000, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yin Meng
- Urological Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar161000, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Lanchun Sun
- Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar161000, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Bo Dong
- Urological Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar161000, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Guangchi Xu
- Urological Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar161000, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Songtao Liu
- Urological Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar161000, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- Urological Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar161000, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Urological Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar161000, Heilongjiang Province, China
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Zhao C, Diao W, Xu X, Li L, Jia Z. Effect of cognitive behavior therapy based on the health education pathway on psychology of papillary thyroid carcinoma patients: a randomized controlled trial. Nucl Med Commun 2024; 45:304-311. [PMID: 38247574 DOI: 10.1097/mnm.0000000000001818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our main aim was to explore whether cognitive behavior therapy based on the health education pathway (CBT-HEP) can effectively alleviate the distress, anxiety, and depression of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients after 131 I treatment. In addition, we investigated the critical factors that can significantly affect the distress and quality of life in PTC patients before 131 I treatment. METHODS In total, 496 people were screened and 357 were enrolled, followed by randomization of those with a distress thermometer (DT) ≥4. Patients in the experimental group received CBT-HEP intervention, and patients in the control group were given casual conversation. RESULTS The scores of DT, Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) in CBT-HEP group decreased gradually after intervention. In control group, DT scores decreased significantly, while HAMA and PHQ-9 scores did not change significantly. CONCLUSION CBT-HEP is effective in relieving distress, anxiety and depression in PTC patients. In addition, female sex, lifestyle, hypothyroidism, negative emotions, related symptoms, fear of tumor recurrence and radiation safety are the critical factors affecting mental health and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and
| | - Wei Diao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and
| | - Xin Xu
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and
| | - Zhiyun Jia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and
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Shi H, Wu Y, Wang L, Zhou X, Li F. Effects of Laughter Therapy on Improving Negative Emotions Associated with Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Oncology 2023; 102:343-353. [PMID: 37906984 PMCID: PMC10994600 DOI: 10.1159/000533690] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With aging and growth of the population, the risk of cancer incidence and mortality is rapidly increasing. However, psychosocial treatment has been seriously neglected in many healthcare settings. Laughter therapy is a therapeutic program to improve emotional wellbeing and health which has been applied as a complementary treatment. We aim to explore effects of laughter therapy for patients with cancer on their negative emotions such as depression, anxiety, stress, pain, and fatigue. METHODS We searched the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, WANFANG data, Weipu (VIP), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and independently rated the risk of bias in every article using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. Review Manager and STATA software were used to pool the individually included studies. RESULTS Seven studies were found eligible to be included in the present review. Overall, study quality was relatively high. Our findings suggest that laughter therapy might have a positive effect on improving emotional response in cancer patients. Arguably, laughter therapy, whether humor or laughter, has a positive effect on anxiety, stress, pain feeling, fatigue, and depression in cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS Laughter therapy is a convenient, multi-modality, flexible-duration therapy to improve negative emotions in cancer patients, regardless of their gender, age, and type of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Shi
- Nursing School, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuejin Wu
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lu Wang
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiuling Zhou
- Nursing School, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Feng Li
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Fernando A, Tokell M, Ishak Y, Love J, Klammer M, Koh M. Mental health needs in cancer - a call for change. Future Healthc J 2023; 10:112-116. [PMID: 37786642 PMCID: PMC10540791 DOI: 10.7861/fhj.2023-0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
There is continued under-recognition and underinvestment in the psychological and mental health aspects of care for cancer patients, despite the fact that increased patient survival rates in cancer mean that patients are living longer after diagnosis. In this article, we advocate for better integration and joint working between clinicians across all areas, including education and research, impacting positively on the outcomes and care of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asanga Fernando
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, and honorary senior lecturer, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Yostina Ishak
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, and clinical pharmacology tutor, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Jenna Love
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Matthias Klammer
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK and honorary senior lecturer, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Mickey Koh
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, and St George's, University of London, London, UK
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El-Jawahri A, Luskin MR, Greer JA, Traeger L, Lavoie M, Vaughn DM, Andrews S, Yang D, Boateng KY, Newcomb RA, Ufere NN, Fathi AT, Hobbs G, Brunner A, Abel GA, Stone RM, DeAngelo DJ, Wadleigh M, Temel JS. Psychological mobile app for patients with acute myeloid leukemia: A pilot randomized clinical trial. Cancer 2023; 129:1075-1084. [PMID: 36655338 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) experience a substantial decline in quality of life (QoL) and mood during their hospitalization for intensive chemotherapy, yet few interventions have been developed to enhance patient-reported outcomes during treatment. METHODS We conducted a pilot randomized trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03372291) of DREAMLAND, a psychological mobile application for patients with a new diagnosis of AML who are receiving intensive chemotherapy. Patients were randomly assigned to DREAMLAND or usual care. DREAMLAND included four required modules focused on: (1) supportive psychotherapy to help patients deal with the initial shock of diagnosis, (2) psychoeducation to manage illness expectations, (3) psychosocial skill-building to promote effective coping, and (4) self-care. The primary end point was feasibility, which was defined as ≥60% of eligible patients enrolling and 60% of those enrolled completing ≥60% of the required modules. We assessed patient QoL (the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Leukemia), psychological distress (the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9), symptom burden (the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale), and self-efficacy (the Cancer Self-Efficacy Scale) at baseline and at day 20 after postchemotherapy. RESULTS We enrolled 60 of 90 eligible patients (66.7%), and 62.1% completed ≥75% of the intervention modules. At day 20 after chemotherapy, patients who were randomized to DREAMLAND reported improved QoL scores (132.06 vs. 110.72; p =.001), lower anxiety symptoms (3.54 vs. 5.64; p = .010) and depression symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale: 4.76 vs. 6.29; p = .121; Patient Health Questionnaire-9: 4.62 vs. 8.35; p < .001), and improved symptom burden (24.89 vs. 40.60; p = .007) and self-efficacy (151.84 vs. 135.43; p = .004) compared with the usual care group. CONCLUSIONS A psychological mobile application for patients with newly diagnosed AML is feasible to integrate during hospitalization for intensive chemotherapy and may improve QoL, mood, symptom burden, and self-efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areej El-Jawahri
- Divsion of Hematology Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marlise R Luskin
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joseph A Greer
- Divsion of Hematology Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lara Traeger
- Divsion of Hematology Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mitchell Lavoie
- Divsion of Hematology Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dagny Marie Vaughn
- Divsion of Hematology Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stephanie Andrews
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel Yang
- Divsion of Hematology Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kofi Y Boateng
- Divsion of Hematology Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard A Newcomb
- Divsion of Hematology Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nneka N Ufere
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amir T Fathi
- Divsion of Hematology Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gabriela Hobbs
- Divsion of Hematology Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew Brunner
- Divsion of Hematology Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gregory A Abel
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard M Stone
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel J DeAngelo
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Martha Wadleigh
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer S Temel
- Divsion of Hematology Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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The Quality of Life of Patients with Colorectal Carcinoma and Stoma. SERBIAN JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/sjecr-2022-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Surgical treatment and formation of a stoma can be lifesaving for colorectal cancer patients. However, the quality of life is often impaired in patients with stoma. The goal of this study is to determine the quality of life of patients with stoma and cancer, and the relationship between the quality of life and characteristics of these patients.
The study was conducted from 2018 to 2020 and included a total of 64 patients of both sexes with colorectal cancer and temporary or permanent stoma. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer with Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQC29-30) and the anonymous WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire SF-36 were used for self-assessment of quality of life.
Our study included 39 (61.0%) men and 25 (39.0%) women. 24 patients (37.5%) had colostomy, 14 patients (21.9%) had ileostomy, and 26 patients (40.6%) underwent surgery for resection of colorectal cancer without stoma. A significant number of women were in the group of patients with a permanent stoma (p = 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the assessment of general health (p = 0.680) and quality of life (p = 0.721) during the past month in relation to gender. Patients without a stoma rated their general health better compared to those with stoma and the difference reached statistical significance (p = 0.035). There was no statistically significant difference in the assessment of quality of life between the group of patients with stoma and without stoma, as well as between the patients of different age groups.
Patients with stoma rated their general health as worse, but not their quality of life.
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The Psychosocial Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults with Cancer: A Rapid Review. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:589-601. [PMID: 35200553 PMCID: PMC8870801 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29020053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Older adults with cancer are amongst the most vulnerable population to be negatively impacted by COVID-19 due to their likelihood of comorbidities and compromised immune status. Considering the longevity of the pandemic, understanding the subjective perceptions and psychosocial concerns of this population may help ameliorate the psychological aftermath. In this review, we systematically analyze the literature surrounding the psychosocial impact and coping strategies among older adults with cancer within the context of COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a rapid review of literature following PRISMA guidelines between January 2020 to August 2021 using (1) MEDLINE, (2) Embase, (3) CINAHL, and (4) PsychINFO and keyword searches for “cancer” and “COVID-19” focused on adults 65 years or older. Results: Of the 6597 articles screened, 10 met the inclusion criteria. Based on the included articles, the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 was reported under four domains, (1) impact of COVID-19 on quality of life (QoL), (2) concerns related to COVID-19, (3) coping with the impact of COVID-19, and (4) recommendations for future care. Results pertaining to perceived quality of life were inconsistent across the included articles. The most common concerns related to: contracting COVID-19, survivorship transitions, and feelings of isolation. Coping strategies reported by older adults included: spiritual care, lived experience, acceptance, and positive reinterpretation. Conclusions: We found many psychosocial impacts of the pandemic on older adults with cancer. The findings from this review can inform interventions related to shared decision-making and tailored patient care in the future.
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Klaassen Z, Wallis CJD. Addressing Mental Health in Urology Patients: The Time is Now. Eur Urol Focus 2020; 6:1137-1139. [PMID: 32891584 PMCID: PMC7468339 DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2020.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Klaassen
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta, GA, USA.
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Younger E, Smrke A, Lidington E, Farag S, Ingley K, Chopra N, Maleddu A, Augustin Y, Merry E, Wilson R, Benson C, Miah A, Zaidi S, McTiernan A, Strauss SJ, Dileo P, Gennatas S, Husson O, Jones RL. Health-Related Quality of Life and Experiences of Sarcoma Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082288. [PMID: 32823999 PMCID: PMC7547383 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are rare cancers with a spectrum of clinical needs and outcomes. We investigated care experiences and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in sarcoma patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients with appointments during the first two months of the UK lockdown were invited to complete a survey. Questions included views on care modifications, COVID-19 worry and psychosocial impact, and EORTC-QLQ-C30 items. 350 patients completed the survey; median age 58 (16–92) years. Care modifications included telemedicine (74%) and postponement of appointments (34%), scans (34%) or treatment (10%). Most felt the quality of care was not affected (72%), however, social life (87%) and emotional wellbeing (41%) were affected. Worry about COVID-19 infection was moderately high (mean 5.8/10) and significantly related to higher cancer-related worry; associated with lower emotional functioning irrespective of treatment intent. Curative patients (44%) with low resilient coping scores had significantly higher COVID-19 worry. Patients who did not know their treatment intent (22%) had significantly higher COVID-19 worry and insomnia. In summary, care experiences were generally positive; however, cancer-related worry, low resilient coping and uncertainty about treatment intent were associated with COVID-19 worry. These patients may benefit from additional psychological support during the pandemic and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenie Younger
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK; (E.Y.); (A.S.); (E.L.); (S.F.); (Y.A.); (E.M.); (C.B.); (A.M.); (S.Z.); (S.G.)
| | - Alannah Smrke
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK; (E.Y.); (A.S.); (E.L.); (S.F.); (Y.A.); (E.M.); (C.B.); (A.M.); (S.Z.); (S.G.)
| | - Emma Lidington
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK; (E.Y.); (A.S.); (E.L.); (S.F.); (Y.A.); (E.M.); (C.B.); (A.M.); (S.Z.); (S.G.)
| | - Sheima Farag
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK; (E.Y.); (A.S.); (E.L.); (S.F.); (Y.A.); (E.M.); (C.B.); (A.M.); (S.Z.); (S.G.)
| | - Katrina Ingley
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London NW1 2BU, UK; (K.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.J.S.); (P.D.)
| | - Neha Chopra
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London NW1 2BU, UK; (K.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.J.S.); (P.D.)
| | - Alessandra Maleddu
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London NW1 2BU, UK; (K.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.J.S.); (P.D.)
| | - Yolanda Augustin
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK; (E.Y.); (A.S.); (E.L.); (S.F.); (Y.A.); (E.M.); (C.B.); (A.M.); (S.Z.); (S.G.)
| | - Eve Merry
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK; (E.Y.); (A.S.); (E.L.); (S.F.); (Y.A.); (E.M.); (C.B.); (A.M.); (S.Z.); (S.G.)
| | - Roger Wilson
- Sarcoma Patients EuroNet e.V./Association, D-61200 Wolfersheim, Germany;
| | - Charlotte Benson
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK; (E.Y.); (A.S.); (E.L.); (S.F.); (Y.A.); (E.M.); (C.B.); (A.M.); (S.Z.); (S.G.)
| | - Aisha Miah
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK; (E.Y.); (A.S.); (E.L.); (S.F.); (Y.A.); (E.M.); (C.B.); (A.M.); (S.Z.); (S.G.)
- Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK;
| | - Shane Zaidi
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK; (E.Y.); (A.S.); (E.L.); (S.F.); (Y.A.); (E.M.); (C.B.); (A.M.); (S.Z.); (S.G.)
| | - Anne McTiernan
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London NW1 2BU, UK; (K.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.J.S.); (P.D.)
| | - Sandra J. Strauss
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London NW1 2BU, UK; (K.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.J.S.); (P.D.)
| | - Palma Dileo
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London NW1 2BU, UK; (K.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.J.S.); (P.D.)
| | - Spyridon Gennatas
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK; (E.Y.); (A.S.); (E.L.); (S.F.); (Y.A.); (E.M.); (C.B.); (A.M.); (S.Z.); (S.G.)
| | - Olga Husson
- Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK;
| | - Robin L. Jones
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK; (E.Y.); (A.S.); (E.L.); (S.F.); (Y.A.); (E.M.); (C.B.); (A.M.); (S.Z.); (S.G.)
- Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-207-352-8171
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