Survivors of uterine cancer empowered by exercise and healthy diet (SUCCEED): a randomized controlled trial

Barriers and facilitators for healthy lifestyle and recommendations for counseling in endometrial cancer follow-up care: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES

Lifestyle promotion during follow-up consultations may improve long-term health and quality of life in endometrial cancer patients. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to improve and sustain a healthy lifestyle that can be translated to behavioral methods and strategies for lifestyle counseling.

METHODS

Endometrial cancer patients from three hospitals were recruited to participate in a semi-structured interview. The data were transcribed and coded. Thematic analysis was applied to identify themes and the behavior change wheel was used as a theoretical framework. Data saturation was confirmed after 18 interviews.

RESULTS

Barriers included knowledge gaps as well as lack of motivation and environmental opportunities to engage in health-promoting behavior. Facilitators included applying incremental lifestyle changes, social support, positive reinforcements, and the ability to overcome setbacks.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose the following intervention functions: education, persuasion, training, environmental restructuring, and enablement. Suitable behavior change techniques to deliver the intervention functions include information about the consequences of certain behavior, feedback on behavior, credible source, graded tasks, habit formation, restructuring of the environment, prompts/cues, goal setting, action planning, and social support. Including these recommendations in lifestyle counseling could aid lasting lifestyle change since it suits the needs and preferences of patients.

Dietary intervention for adult survivors of cancers other than breast cancer: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Healthy eating and weight control are recommended for cancer survivors; however, dietary interventions are not routinely offered to them. This study aimed to assess the effects of dietary interventions on survival, nutritional status, morbidity, dietary changes, health-related quality of life (QOL), and clinical measures in cancer survivors.

METHODS

Searches were conducted from October 1, 2018 to November 21, 2011 in the Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Emcare, and DARE electronic databases. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that involved individuals diagnosed with cancer, excluding conference abstracts, case studies, other reviews, and meta-analyses, and screened the articles.

RESULTS

Eight studies were included in this meta-analysis. We observed significant improvements in QOL and clinical data in 3 of 6 studies and in one study, respectively, significant weight loss on anthropometry in 2 of 5 studies, and dietary improvement in 4 of 5 studies of adult cancer survivors. However, we did not observe any benefits of dietary intervention for cancer survivors with undernutrition.

DISCUSSION

Dietary interventions for adult cancer survivors might contribute to improving their nutritional status; however, further clarification requires a study that standardizes the intervention method. Furthermore, RCTs are required to determine the effects on cancer survivors with undernutrition.

Identification of weight loss interventions for translation among endometrial cancer survivors: A RE-AIM analysis

Interventions for obesity-related cancers that combine nutrition and physical activity for weight loss exist; however, their application to survivors of endometrial cancer is unknown. Furthermore, little is known about pre-implementation perceptions of existing programs from a variety of interested persons (physicians, researchers) who may be part of the implementation team. Adapting an existing intervention rather than developing a new intervention may speed the translational lag time as long as intervention characteristics and fit within the delivery system are considered during the planning phase. To describe the process of determining the core elements of obesity-related interventions for cancer survivors and determine which one might be best delivered by an urban healthcare system that predominantly serves individuals who live in rural areas of Virginia and West Virginia. A pragmatic review of the literature was conducted via PubMed and Google Scholar with broad search terms of cancer survivor AND weight loss AND health intervention. Identified interventions were scored related to the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model-which is an extension of RE-AIM framework to guide the understanding of who, what, where, when, and how the intervention was conducted. Intervention characteristics are reported. In addition, ratings from three independent reviewers on the validated 5-point Likert scale of an intervention's acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility in the intended delivery system were collected and summarized. Twelve interventions were identified with an average sample size of 241(±195) and a range of 48-683 participants. Target populations included survivors of colorectal, breast, and endometrial cancers as well as general cancer survivors and included both men and women or only women. Most participants (74%) identified as white/Caucasian and average age ranged from 47.1 to 65.9 years. Program duration ranged from 4 weeks to 18 months, with an average duration of 32 weeks. Intervention dosage ranged from three times a week to once a month. Intervention acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility had average and standard deviation ratings of 3.52(±0.46), 3.41(±0.45), and 3.21(±0.46), respectively, out of 5. The four interventions with the highest combined acceptable, appropriate, and feasible scores are being considered for potential use as an obesity-related intervention for survivors of endometrial cancer. Future work is needed to determine relevant adaptations and efficacy among survivors of endometrial cancer with obesity. Our approach may be beneficial for other interventionists aiming to speed intervention development and implementation.

Discussing diet, nutrition, and body weight after treatment for gynecological cancer: a conversation analytic study of outpatient consultations

PURPOSE

To generate direct observational evidence for understanding how diet, nutrition, and weight-related topics are discussed during follow-up after treatment for gynecological cancer, as recommended by survivorship care guidelines.

METHODS

Conversation analysis of 30 audio-recorded outpatient consultations, involving 4 gyne-oncologists, 30 women who had completed treatment for ovarian or endometrial cancer, and 11 family members/friends.

RESULTS

From 21 instances in 18 consultations, diet, nutrition, or weight-related talk continued beyond initiation if the issue raised was ostensibly relevant to the clinical activity being undertaken at the time. These instances led to care-related outcomes (i.e., general dietary recommendations, referral to support, behavior change counseling) only when the patient identified needing further support. Diet, nutrition, or weight-related talk was not continued by the clinician if it was not apparently related to the current clinical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The continuation of diet, nutrition, or weight-related talk during outpatient consultations after treatment for gynecological cancer, and the subsequent delivery of care-related outcomes, depends on its immediate clinical relevance and the patient indicating needing further support. The contingent nature of these discussions means there can be missed opportunities for the provision of dietary information and support post-treatment.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

If seeking information or support for diet, nutrition, or weight-related issues post-treatment, cancer survivors may need to be explicit regarding their need for this during outpatient follow-up. Additional avenues for dietary needs assessment and referral should be considered to optimize the consistent delivery of diet, nutrition, and weight-related information and support after treatment for gynecological cancer.

Impact of Lifestyle Interventions on Gynecologic Cancers: Beyond Diet and Exercise

A Lifestyle Medicine approach to compliment cancer care is less commonly researched or implemented for women with gynecologic cancers as compared to better funded malignancies such as breast, prostate, and colorectal. Yet, several gynecologic malignancies are linked to obesity, estrogen/metabolic signaling pathways, and altered tumor microenvironment which could benefit greatly from a lifestyle medicine program. Lifestyle medicine, an evidenced-based branch of science, has expanded to the prevention and treatment of disorders caused by lifestyle factors (including cancer). Modifiable lifestyle factors such as obesity, lack of physical activity/nutrient density, microbial dysbiosis, sleep disturbance, and chronic stressors contribute greatly to cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. This overarching area of research is evolving with some subtopics in their infancy requiring further investigation. Modern tools have allowed for better understanding of mechanisms by which adiposity and inactivity affect tumor promoting signaling pathways as well as the local tumor environment. Through the evolving use of these sophisticated techniques, novel prognostic biomarkers have emerged to explore efficacy of pharmacologic and lifestyle interventions in cancer. This state-of-the-art review article appraises recent evidence for a lifestyle medicine approach, beyond diet and exercise, to optimize survivorship and quality of life for patients with gynecologic cancers and introduces the 8-week web-based comprehensive HEAL-GYN program.

Dietary Barriers Appear to Influence the Effects of a Dyadic Web-Based Lifestyle Intervention on Caloric Intake and Adiposity: A Mediation Analysis of the DUET Trial

Mechanisms that explain behavior change within web-based lifestyle interventions are not well-studied. This secondary analysis explores whether the effects of the DUET web-based lifestyle intervention on diet, physical activity, and/or adiposity are mediated through changes in self-efficacy, social support, and perceived barriers (key constructs of social cognitive theory). Data on mediators, diet quality, caloric intake, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), weight, and waist circumference (WC) were analyzed from 112 cancer survivors and their partners enrolled in the DUET intervention. Mediation analyses were performed using Mplus to execute regression analyses and determine associations. Mediation analyses supported an effect of the intervention on caloric intake (-3.52, 95% CI [-8.08 to -0.84]), weight (-1.60, CI [-3.84 to -0.47]), and WC (-0.83, CI [-1.77 to -0.18]), interpreting these negative associations as intervention induced reductions in dietary barriers. Higher social support was significantly and positively associated with, but not a mediator for, improvements in self-reported and accelerometry-measured MVPA (b = 0.69, CI [0.19, 1.24]) and (b = 0.55, CI [0.15, 1.00]), respectively. Self-efficacy did not appear to mediate the intervention's effects. Findings suggest that the effects of the DUET intervention on diet and adiposity stem from reducing perceived barriers to a healthful, low-calorie diet.

Impact of exercise and/or dietary interventions, and their behaviour change techniques, on quality of life in middle-aged and older women following treatment for cancer: A systematic review

Many middle-aged or older women are treated for cancer and their quality of life can be significantly impaired following treatment. Exercise and dietary interventions could address this. The aim of this review was to determine whether exercise and/or dietary interventions which are scaffolded by behaviour change theories and techniques are associated with improved quality of life in middle-aged and older women following cancer treatment. Secondary outcomes included self-efficacy, distress, waist circumference, and food variety. A search of CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Embase, MEDLINE (EBSCOhost), PsycINFO, PubMed and Scopus databases up to 17th November 2022 was conducted. A narrative summary was provided. Twenty articles discussing 18 independent randomised controlled trials/interventions were included, with a total of 1754 participants. No studies reported the outcomes of distress or food variety. Exercise and/or dietary interventions had mixed effects on quality of life, self-efficacy and waist circumference (positive effect: n = 4/14; n = 3/5; n = 4/7, respectively). Two-thirds of the interventions (exercise-only, n = 2; exercise and diet, n = 2) that demonstrated an improvement in quality-of-life scores were based upon Social Cognitive Theory. All studies that reported improvements in waist circumference employed combined exercise and dietary interventions, with individualised aspects for the dietary components. Exercise and/or dietary interventions could potentially enhance quality of life and self-efficacy, and reduce waist circumference, in middle-aged and older women treated for cancer. Although findings are currently mixed, avenues for the development of interventions include ensuring there is a theoretical underpinning and incorporating more behaviour change techniques in exercise and/or dietary interventions in this population.

Theory-based physical activity and/or nutrition behavior change interventions for cancer survivors: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Theory-based interventions aimed at promoting health behavior change in cancer survivors seem to be effective but remain scarce. More information on intervention features is also needed. This review aimed to synthesize the evidence from randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of theory-based interventions (and its features) on physical activity (PA) and/or diet behaviors in cancer survivors.

METHODS

A systematic search in three databases (PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science) identified studies that (i) targeted adult cancer survivors and (ii) included theory-based randomized controlled trials designed to influence PA, diet, or weight management. A qualitative synthesis of interventions' effectiveness, extensiveness of theory use, and applied intervention techniques was conducted.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies were included. Socio-Cognitive Theory was the most used theory, showing promising results in PA-only trials and mixed findings in multiple-behavior interventions. Mixed findings were observed for interventions based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and Transtheoretical Model. Limited findings were found in diet-only interventions. A large variability in the extensiveness of theory use, and in intervention techniques was found. Further research is required to understand how and why these interventions offer promise for improving behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

Theory-based interventions seem to improve PA and diet behaviors in cancer survivors. Further studies, including thorough intervention descriptions, are needed to confirm these findings and identify the optimal features and content of lifestyle theory-based interventions for cancer survivors.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

This systematic review can contribute to the development of more effective interventions to promote long-term adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors.

Interventions for weight reduction in obesity to improve survival in women with endometrial cancer

BACKGROUND

This is an updated version of the original Cochrane Review published in Issue 2, 2018. Diagnoses of endometrial cancer are increasing secondary to the rising prevalence of obesity. Obesity plays an important role in promoting the development of endometrial cancer, by inducing a state of unopposed oestrogen excess, insulin resistance and inflammation. It also affects treatment, increasing the risk of surgical complications and the complexity of radiotherapy planning, and may additionally impact on subsequent survival. Weight-loss interventions have been associated with improvements in breast and colorectal cancer-specific survival, as well as a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is a frequent cause of death in endometrial cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harm of weight-loss interventions, in addition to standard management, on overall survival and the frequency of adverse events in women with endometrial cancer who are overweight or obese compared with any other intervention, usual care, or placebo.

SEARCH METHODS

We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was from January 2018 to June 2022 (original review searched from inception to January 2018).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions to facilitate weight loss in women with endometrial cancer who are overweight or obese undergoing treatment for, or previously treated for, endometrial cancer compared with any other intervention, usual care, or placebo.  DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were 1. overall survival and 2. frequency of adverse events. Our secondary outcomes were 3. recurrence-free survival, 4. cancer-specific survival, 5. weight loss, 6. cardiovascular and metabolic event frequency and 7. quality of Life. We used GRADE to assess certainty of evidence. We contacted study authors to obtain missing data, including details of any adverse events.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified nine new RCTs and combined these with the three RCTs identified in the original review. Seven studies are ongoing.  The 12 RCTs randomised 610 women with endometrial cancer who were overweight or obese. All studies compared combined behavioural and lifestyle interventions designed to facilitate weight loss through dietary modification and increased physical activity with usual care. Included RCTs were of low or very low quality, due to high risk of bias by failing to blind participants, personnel and outcome assessors, and significant loss to follow-up (withdrawal rate up to 28% and missing data up to 65%, largely due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic). Importantly, the short duration of follow-up limits the directness of the evidence in evaluating the impact of these interventions on any of the survival and other longer-term outcomes.  Combined behaviour and lifestyle interventions were not associated with improved overall survival compared with usual care at 24 months (risk ratio (RR) mortality, 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01 to 4.55, P = 0.34; 1 RCT, 37 participants; very low-certainty evidence). There was no evidence that such interventions were associated with improvements in cancer-specific survival or cardiovascular event frequency as the studies reported no cancer-related deaths, myocardial infarctions or strokes, and there was only one episode of congestive heart failure at six months (RR 3.47, 95% CI 0.15 to 82.21; P = 0.44, 5 RCTs, 211 participants; low-certainty evidence). Only one RCT reported recurrence-free survival; however, there were no events. Combined behaviour and lifestyle interventions were not associated with significant weight loss at either six or 12 months compared with usual care (at six months: mean difference (MD) -1.39 kg, 95% CI -4.04 to 1.26; P = 0.30, I2 = 32%; 5 RCTs, 209 participants; low-certainty evidence). Combined behaviour and lifestyle interventions were not associated with increased quality of life, when measured using 12-item Short Form (SF-12) Physical Health questionnaire, SF-12 Mental Health questionnaire, Cancer-Related Body Image Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire 9-Item Version or Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G) at 12 months when compared with usual care (FACT-G: MD 2.77, 95% CI -0.65 to 6.20; P = 0.11, I2 = 0%; 2 RCTs, 89 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The trials reported no serious adverse events related to weight loss interventions, for example hospitalisation or deaths. It is uncertain whether lifestyle and behavioural interventions were associated with a higher or lower risk of musculoskeletal symptoms (RR 19.03, 95% CI 1.17 to 310.52; P = 0.04; 8 RCTs, 315 participants; very low-certainty evidence; note: 7 studies reported musculoskeletal symptoms but recorded 0 events in both groups. Thus, the RR and CIs were calculated from 1 study rather than 8).  AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of new relevant studies has not changed the conclusions of this review. There is currently insufficient high-quality evidence to determine the effect of combined lifestyle and behavioural interventions on survival, quality of life or significant weight loss in women with a history of endometrial cancer who are overweight or obese compared to those receiving usual care. The limited evidence suggests that there is little or no serious or life-threatening adverse effects due to these interventions, and it is uncertain if musculoskeletal problems were increased, as only one out of eight studies reporting this outcome had any events. Our conclusion is based on low- and very low-certainty evidence from a small number of trials and few women. Therefore, we have very little confidence in the evidence: the true effect of weight-loss interventions in women with endometrial cancer and obesity is currently unknown. Further methodologically rigorous, adequately powered RCTs are required with follow-up of five to 10 years of duration. These should focus on the effects of varying dietary modification regimens, and pharmacological treatments associated with weight loss and bariatric surgery on survival, quality of life, weight loss and adverse events.

A systematic review of inequalities in the uptake of, adherence to, and effectiveness of behavioral weight management interventions in adults

The extent to which behavioral weight management interventions affect health inequalities is uncertain, as is whether trials of these interventions directly consider inequalities. We conducted a systematic review, synthesizing evidence on how different aspects of inequality impact uptake, adherence, and effectiveness in trials of behavioral weight management interventions. We included (cluster-) randomized controlled trials of primary care-applicable behavioral weight management interventions in adults with overweight or obesity published prior to March 2020. Data about trial uptake, intervention adherence, attrition, and weight change by PROGRESS-Plus criteria (place of residence, race/ethnicity, occupation, gender, religion, education, socioeconomic status, social capital, plus other discriminating factors) were extracted. Data were synthesized narratively and summarized in harvest plots. We identified 91 behavioral weight loss interventions and 12 behavioral weight loss maintenance interventions. Fifty-six of the 103 trials considered inequalities in relation to at least one of intervention or trial uptake (n = 15), intervention adherence (n = 15), trial attrition (n = 32), or weight outcome (n = 34). Most trials found no inequalities gradient. If a gradient was observed for trial uptake, intervention adherence, and trial attrition, those considered "more advantaged" did best. Alternative methods of data synthesis that enable data to be pooled and increase statistical power may enhance understanding of inequalities in behavioral weight management interventions.

Do people change their eating habits after a diagnosis of cancer? A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

People who live with and beyond cancer are thought to be motivated to change their diet. However, there is a lack of reviews conducted on what specific dietary changes people make and further evaluation may inform future interventional studies. Hence, we aim to summarise the evidence on dietary changes in observational studies before and after a cancer diagnosis.

METHODS

This systematic review followed the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. Electronic searches were conducted in four databases to identify cohort and cross-sectional studies on dietary changes before and after a cancer diagnosis, excluding studies that evaluated an intervention. Quality assessment was undertaken, and meta-analyses were conducted where suitable.

RESULTS

We identified 14 studies with 16,443 participants diagnosed with cancer, age range 18-75 years. Dietary change was assessed <1-5 years before diagnosis and up to 12-years post-diagnosis. Meta-analyses showed that the standard mean difference (SMD) for energy (SMD-0.32, 95% CI -0.46 to -0.17) and carbohydrate consumption (SMD 0.20, 95% CI -0.27 to -0.14). Studies showed inconsistent findings for fat, protein, and fibre, most food groups, and supplement intake. A small decrease in red and processed meat consumption was consistently reported.

CONCLUSION

All studies reported some positive changes in dietary intake and supplement consumption after receiving a cancer diagnosis without any intervention. However, differences for food groups and nutrients were mainly small and not necessarily clinically meaningful. Evidence demonstrates that a cancer diagnosis alone is insufficient to motivate people to change their dietary intake, indicating that most people would benefit from a dietary intervention to facilitate change. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

ENhAncing Lifestyle Behaviors in EndometriaL CancEr (ENABLE): A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

Endometrial cancer is associated with the highest comorbid disease burden of any cancer. The aim of this trial was to assess the feasibility and safety of an allied health intervention during adjuvant treatment.

METHODS

A mixed-methods pilot randomized (2:1) controlled trial with concealed allocation and assessor-blinding. Eligibility criteria: adjuvant endometrial cancer treatment scheduled, disease stage I-IIIC1, ECOG 0-2 and able to perform unsupervised physical activity (PA). Participants received usual care and 8 sessions of weekly, individualized, lifestyle education (diet and PA) with behavior change and social support (intervention group), delivered predominantly by telehealth, or usual care alone. Feasibility outcomes: recruitment and consent rates, decline reasons, program acceptability, intervention adherence and retention.

RESULTS

22/44 eligible patients (50%, 95%CI: 36%, 64%) were recruited over 10 months (14 intervention, 8 usual care). The recruitment rate was 2.2 patients/month (95%CI: 1.4, 3.3). Patients who declined had too much going on (7/22, 32%) or were not interested (6/22, 27%). Mean (SD) age and BMI were 63.2 years (6.8) and 31.9 kg/m² (6.7). A majority were FIGO stage I (15/22, 68%) and received vaginal brachytherapy (14/22, 64%). Adherence was high, 11/14 (79%, 95%CI: 52%, 92%) participants attended >70% of scheduled sessions. Retention was 100% (95%CI: 85%, 100%) at 9 weeks, however completion of objective measures was impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Telehealth and online questionnaires enabled participation. No serious adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSION

The intervention was acceptable to participants with high levels of adherence and retention. Trial findings will be used to design a future RCT.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered on www.anzctr.org.au (ACTRN12619000631101) 29/04/2019.

Clinical and Demographic Factors Associated With Follow-Up in a Hospital-Based Exercise Oncology Program

Objective:

Despite the numerous benefits of regular exercise participation for cancer survivors, nearly 60% of survivors do not meet current guidelines. Hospital-based exercise oncology programs may be one strategy to promote exercise engagement as survivors have expressed a preference for exercise programs associated with a cancer hospital. However, follow-up rates in hospital-based exercise oncology programs can be low. Follow-up assessments are a critical component of exercise oncology programs as they determine survivor progress, allow for revision of exercise prescriptions, and demonstrate the effectiveness of the exercise program. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify clinical and demographic factors associated with not attending a 12-week follow-up assessment in a hospital-based exercise oncology program.

Methods:

We analyzed data collected from 2016 to 2019 (n = 849) from the Huntsman Cancer Institute’s hospital-based exercise oncology program, the Personal Optimism with Exercise Recovery (POWER) program. Cancer survivors completed an assessment at the start of POWER and were encouraged to attend a 12-week follow-up assessment. Factors associated with not attending a 12-week follow-up assessment were identified using logistic regression.

Results:

Multiple myeloma cancer survivors were more likely (OR 2.33; 95% CI 1.09, 4.98) to not attend a 12-week follow-up assessment, whereas endometrial cancer survivors were less likely (OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.18, 0.87). Greater travel time (OR 2.69; 95% CI: 1.83, 3.96) and distance (OR 2.37; 95% CI: 1.61, 3.49) were associated with not attending a 12-week follow-up assessment. Immunotherapy (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.02, 2.72), waist circumference (OR 1.01; 95% CI 1.00, 1.02), overweight status per body mass index (OR 1.62; 95% CI 1.11, 2.38), and male sex (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.23, 2.35) were associated with an increased likelihood of not attending a 12-week follow-up assessment. Survivors with a higher baseline quality of life (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.93, 0.99) and peak oxygen consumption (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.95, 0.99) were less likely not to attend a 12-week follow-up assessment.

Conclusions:

Both clinical and demographic factors were associated with not attending a 12-week follow-up assessment in a hospital-based exercise oncology program. Understanding factors related to follow-up assessment attendance in exercise oncology programs can inform the development of targeted interventions to improve follow-up rate thus maximizing exercise support for cancer survivors.

Efficacy of face-to-face behavior change counseling interventions on physical activity behavior in cancer survivors - a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials determines the efficacy of face-to-face behavior change counseling (BCC) interventions on physical activity (PA) behavior in adult cancer survivors at least pre-and immediately post-intervention compared to usual care. Additionally, this review aims to answer the question which behavior change techniques (BCTs) are most effective.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A structured search of the databases Medline, OTseeker, PEDro, the Cochrane Library, and article reference lists was conducted. All trials were critically appraised for methodological quality using the PEDro scale. The BCC interventions were coded using the BCT Taxonomy (v1). Random effect meta-analysis explored between group differences in PA behavior post intervention. Standardized mean differences (SMD) describe effect sizes.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies were included, 12 effect sizes within 11 trials were pooled in meta-analysis. The SMD between groups favored the intervention group with a small effect (SMD 0.22; 95% CI 0.11, 0.33; p < 0.0001). The BCTs "graded tasks", "self-monitoring of behavior", "action planning" and "habit reversal" were more frequently coded in more efficacious interventions.

CONCLUSION

BCC interventions are effective in increasing PA behavior in cancer survivors. Further research is needed providing details of fidelity assessment and structuring the intervention description by using a BCT taxonomy. Health care professionals should consider our results while awaiting further trial evaluation.Implications for RehabilitationFace-to-face behavior change counseling interventions can significantly increase physical activity behavior in cancer survivors.Although small differences are evident, included trials presented with a broad variety of study components, and characteristics, which limits the interpretation of effective components.The behavior change techniques "Graded tasks", "Action planning", "Habit reversal", and "Credible Source" were used in the trials with a positive effect, but not in the ineffective ones.

Innovative Follow-up Strategies for Endometrial Cancer

Increasing recognition of the heterogeneous nature of endometrial cancer, the excellent prognosis of low-risk cases and improvements in risk stratification offer opportunities for innovative, personalised follow-up strategies. This review article outlines the evidence base for alternative follow-up strategies in the different risk categories of endometrial cancer, cancer survivorship programmes and considers future directions in endometrial cancer follow-up, including emerging new techniques, such as the liquid biopsy, and opportunities for combining molecular and clinicopathological features to personalise endometrial cancer follow-up.

A Pilot Study of Home-Based Exercise and Personalized Nutrition Counseling Intervention in Endometrial Cancer Survivors

Introduction

To assess the feasibility of a home-based aerobic exercise and nutrition counseling intervention and effect on cardiorespiratory fitness, cardiovascular disease risk profile, and immune response in obese endometrial cancer survivors.

Methods

A longitudinal pilot study assessed a 12-week home-based aerobic exercise and nutrition counseling intervention in obese endometrial cancer survivors. The primary outcome was feasibility defined as 80% adherence to weekly walking sessions calculated among individuals that completed the intervention. Secondary outcomes comprised pre- and post-intervention differences in cardiorespiratory fitness, cardiovascular risk factors, and T-cell function. Descriptive statistics summarized data. Wilcoxon sign tests identified differences between and pre and post-intervention variables.

Results

Nineteen women with stage 1 endometrial cancer consented; 9 withdrew and one was a screen failure. Median adherence to weekly walking sessions was 83.3%. Body composition was significantly altered with a reduction in median fat mass from 52.5 kg to 46.9 kg (p=0.04), and BMI from 37.5 kg/m2 to 36.2 kg/m2 (p = 0.004). There was no significant difference in cardiorespiratory fitness or cardiovascular parameters. The percentage of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cells producing IFNγ towards MAGE-A4 significantly increased from and 5.9% to 7.2% (p=0.043) and 13.9% to 14.8% (p=0.046), respectively. There were 3 related adverse events: hip pain, back sprain, and abdominal pain.

Discussion

Our home-based exercise and nutrition counseling program was feasible based on 80% adherence to walking sessions and favored altered body composition. However, the discontinuation rate was high and further research is needed to overcome barriers to implementation. Improvement in cardiovascular parameters will most likely require longer and more intensive programs.

Dietitian encounters after treatment for ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

After ovarian cancer treatment, women report health issues that may be amenable to change with dietary support. The present study investigated how many women encounter a dietitian post-treatment and the factors associated with dietitian service use.

METHODS

We used data from a cohort of women with invasive epithelial ovarian cancer to identify socio-economic, clinical and personal factors associated with dietitian encounter after treatment completion. Data were collected at regular intervals using validated questionnaires up to 4 years post-treatment completion. Logistic regression (LR) and generalised linear mixed models (GLMM) were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to assess factors associated with dietitian encounter at any time-point post-treatment (LR), as well as in the 3 months prior to a follow-up questionnaire (GLMM) to assess time-varying factors.

RESULTS

Of 819 women, 97 (12%) reported seeing a dietitian post-treatment. Factors associated with dietitian encounter were being overweight (OR_LR  = 1.7, CI = 1.1-2.8), having poorer self-rated health (OR_LR  = 2.5, CI = 1.2-5.2; OR_GLMM  = 2.3, CI = 1.2-4.4) or poorer diet quality (OR_LR  = 0.5, CI = 0.2-1.0) pre-diagnosis, treatment within the public health system (OR_GLMM  = 1.8, CI = 1.2-2.7), previous support from dietetic (OR_LR  = 3.1, CI = 1.8-5.4; OR_GLMM  = 2.8, CI = 1.8-4.2) or other allied health services (OR_LR  = 2.0, CI = 1.2-3.2; OR_GLMM  = 3.7, CI = 2.4-5.5), and having progressive disease at follow-up (OR_GLMM  = 2.2, CI = 1.4-3.3). Most women (86%) with ≥ 3 moderate-to-severe nutrition impact symptoms did not report a dietitian encounter post-treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Few women encounter a dietitian post-treatment for ovarian cancer, including those with multiple nutrition impact symptoms. Further work is needed to engage those likely to benefit from dietitian support but less likely to seek or receive it.

Systematic Review of Behaviour Change Theories Implementation in Dietary Interventions for People Who Have Survived Cancer

Background: An increasing number of dietary interventions for cancer survivors have been based on the behaviour change theory framework. The purpose of this study is to review the use and implementation of behaviour change theories in dietary interventions for people after cancer and assess their effects on the reported outcomes. Methods: The search strategy from a Cochrane review on dietary interventions for cancer survivors was expanded to incorporate an additional criterion on the use of behaviour change theory and updated to September 2020. Randomised controlled trials (RCT) testing a dietary intervention compared to the control were included. Standard Cochrane methodological procedures were used. Results: Nineteen RCTs, with 6261 participants (age range 44.6 to 73.1 years), were included in the review. The Social Cognitive Theory was the most frequently used theory (15 studies, 79%). Studies included between 4 to 17 behaviour change techniques. Due to limited information on the mediators of intervention and large heterogeneity between studies, no meta-analyses was conducted to assess which theoretical components of the interventions are effective. Conclusions: Whilst researchers have incorporated behaviour change theories into dietary interventions for cancer survivors, due to inconsistencies in design, evaluation and reporting, the effect of theories on survivors’ outcomes remains unclear.

What do cancer survivors and their health care providers want from a healthy living program? Results from the first round of a co-design project

PURPOSE

Healthy lifestyles are an important part of cancer survivorship, though survivors often do not adhere to recommended guidelines. As part of the co-design of a new online healthy living intervention, this study aimed to understand cancer survivors', oncology healthcare professionals' (HCP) and cancer non-government organisation (NGO) representatives' preferences regarding intervention content and format.

METHODS

Survivors, HCP and NGO representatives participated in focus groups and interviews exploring what healthy living means to survivors, their experience with past healthy living programs and their recommendations for future program content and delivery. Sessions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Six focus groups and eight interviews were conducted including a total of 38 participants (21 survivors, 12 HCP, 5 NGO representatives). Two overarching messages emerged: (1) healthy living goes beyond physical health to include mental health and adjustment to a new normal and (2) healthy living programs should incorporate mental health strategies and peer support and offer direction in a flexible format with long-term accessibility. There was a high degree of consensus between participant groups across themes.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the need for integration of physical and mental health interventions with flexibility in delivery. Future healthy living programs should investigate the potential for increased program adherence if mental health interventions and a hybrid of delivery options were included.

Optimising weight-loss interventions in cancer patients-A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background

Excess weight has been associated with increased morbidity and a worse prognosis in adult patients with early-stage cancer. The optimal lifestyle interventions to optimize anthropometric measures amongst cancer patients and survivors remain inconsistent.

Objective

To conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of exercise and dietary interventions alone or in combination on anthropometric measures of adult cancer patients and survivors.

Methods

A systematic search of Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Trials Registry was performed. Outcomes of interest included changes in weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Screening and data collection were performed by two reviewers. Bayesian NMAs were performed.

Results

Overall, 98 RCTs were included; 75 were incorporated in NMAs (n = 12,199). Groups of intervention strategies included: 3 exercise interventions, 8 dietary interventions, 7 combination interventions of diet and exercise and standard care. Median intervention duration was 26 weeks. NMA suggested that diet alone (mean difference [MD] -2.25kg, 95% CrI -3.43 to -0.91kg) and combination strategies (MD -2.52kg, 95% CrI -3.54 to -1.62kg) were associated with more weight loss compared to standard care. All dietary interventions achieved a similar magnitude of weight loss (MD range from -2.03kg to -2.52kg). Both diet alone and combination strategies demonstrated greater BMI reductions versus standard care, and each of diet alone, exercise alone and combination strategies demonstrated greater reductions in waist circumference than standard care.

Conclusion

Diet and exercise alone or in combination are effective lifestyle interventions to improve anthropometric measures in cancer patients and survivors. All reputable diets appear to be similarly effective to achieve weight loss.

A population-based study of causes of death after endometrial cancer according to major risk factors

OBJECTIVE

To identify the most common causes of death and potentially modifiable risk factors in endometrial cancer patients.

METHODS

745 women diagnosed with incident endometrial cancer were enrolled in a population-based study from 1991 to 1994. Participants completed structured interviews about 1 year after diagnosis. Study files were linked with the National Death Index to identify dates and causes of death through 2016. Proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard rate ratios for cause of death adjusting for age and stage of disease. Hazard ratios were also examined according to comorbidities.

RESULTS

Of the 745 women, 450 were deceased after a median of 19.9 years. The two most common causes of death were cardiovascular disease (N = 145, 32%) and any cancer (N = 135, 30%), with only 10% of women dying from endometrial cancer (N = 46). Obesity, diabetes and smoking increased risk of all-cause mortality (HRR 1.77, 95%CI 1.36-2.31; HRR 1.74, 95%CI 1.34-2.27; HRR 1.59, 95%CI 1.16-2.17). Diabetes also increased risk of cardiovascular disease-specific mortality (HRR 1.98, 95%CI 1.38-3.08), but not endometrial cancer mortality (HRR 0.55, 95%CI 0.21-1.48). Neither obesity nor smoking was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease-specific mortality (HRR 1.46, 95%CI 0.92-2.32; HRR 1.21, 95%CI 0.67-2.18) nor endometrial-cancer specific mortality (HRR 1.81, 95%CI 0.83-3.93; HRR 0.61, 95%CI 0.17-2.15).

CONCLUSIONS

Endometrial cancer patients were 3 times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than endometrial cancer. Obesity, smoking and diabetes increase the risk of death in these patients and are potentially modifiable. Clinical trials should be developed that incorporate counseling regarding these risk factors into survivorship care to determine impact on mortality.

Patient-reported outcomes of non-pharmacological interventions for endometrial cancer survivors: a systematic review

PURPOSE

The objective of this review was to assess the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions on endometrial cancer (EC) survivors' QOL, and their use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of non-pharmacological interventions that assessed the impact of intervention on EC survivors' general and domain-specific QOL (i.e., physical, psychological, and social well-being) using PROMs.

RESULTS

Of the 3178 studies identified, 28 full-text articles were reviewed, and 10 were included in the review. Nine RCTs assessed at least one PROM as a primary outcome and six assessed a PROM as a secondary outcome, but few studies used validated PROMs. Significant improvements in general QOL were found in two studies, domain-specific QOL in three studies, and both general and domain-specific QOL in three studies; however, effect sizes ranged from small to large and no significant effects were found for social well-being and few were found for psychological well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

Few non-pharmacological interventions for EC survivors targeted QOL, even though QOL was assessed as either a primary or secondary outcome of the RCT. Despite this, findings suggest that non-pharmacological interventions for EC survivors hold promise for improving general and domain-specific QOL. Use of validated PROMs would greatly enhance outcome reporting and facilitate comparisons across studies. More interventions are also needed that address social and psychological functioning in this population.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Our review highlights a need to (1) expand non-pharmacological RCTs for EC survivors, (2) increase the use of validated PROMs measuring QOL, and (3) address psychosocial domains of QOL when developing interventions for this population.

Diet and sedentary behaviour in relation to cancer survival. A report from the national health and nutrition examination survey linked to the U.S. mortality registry

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Cancer is the second most common chronic disease and cause of death in the United States. Our aim was to evaluate the associations of sedentary behavior and nutrient intakes with total and cancer-specific mortality among US cancer survivors.

METHODS

Data from 2371 cancer survivors collected by the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1999 and 2014 were linked to the US mortality registry. Multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for all-cause and cancer-specific mortality associated with sedentary time and nutrient intakes. The interaction between time spent on sedentary activities and nutrient intake was evaluated on additive and multiplicative scales.

RESULTS

During a median observational period of 5.7 years, 532 total deaths occurred among cancer survivors, of which 180 were cancer-specific. A monotonic increasing linear relationship between time spent sitting and all-cause mortality was observed (HR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.28 per one standard deviation increment). The highest versus the lowest tertiles of intakes of dietary fiber, carotene, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and vitamin C were inversely associated with all-cause and cancer-specific mortality (HRs = 0.48 to 0.75). The inverse associations with all-cause mortality were more pronounced for combinations of low sedentary behaviour and high intakes of dietary fiber, carotenoids, vitamin B12, and vitamin C.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support recommendations for cancer survivors to reduce time spent sedentary and to follow a balanced diet with adequate intakes of dietary fiber and micronutrients.

Quality of life in endometrial cancer survivors: single institution experience in Slovakia

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and quality of life among endometrial cancer survivors.

METHODS

Women diagnosed with endometrioid endometrial cancer at the Slovakian university hospital between January 2010 and December 2018 were identified. Three hundred ninety women diagnosed with endometrial cancer were invited to participate. Quality of life was measured using the EORTC (European Organisation for Reseach and Treatment of Cancer) quality of life questionnaires (QLQ-C30 and QLQ-EN24). Univariate and multiple regression analyses were used to determine associations between BMI and quality-of-life outcome variables. T-test was used to determine differences between groups.

RESULTS

337 (95.2%) women completed the questionnaire. 131 (38.8%) were pre-obese, 111 (32.9%) were class I and II obese and 29 (8.6%) were class III obese. Women with highher BMI experienced poorer physical, emotional and social functioning compared to normal weignt and pre-obese pacients (p <  0.05). Class I-III obese women had significantly more lymphoedema (59% v. 41%, p = 0.048) and dyspnea (73% v. 27%, p = 0.029), and experienced more fatigue (68% v, 32%, p = 0.036) and pain (65% v. 35%, p = 0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

Class I-III obesity was associated with poorer quality of life in endometrial cancer survivors. Increasing BMI was inversely associated with QoL. Pre-obese and obese patients should be informed about greater incidence of pain, fatigue and dyspnea. Lifestyle changes (e.g., dietary interventions, physical activity) might reduce obesity and improve quality of life among endometrial cancer survivors.

Insights to the neural response to food cues in class III compared with class I and II obese adults using a sample of endometrial cancer survivors seeking weight loss

Background

The rates of severe or Class III obesity (BMI ≥ 40.0 kg/m²) and endometrial cancer (EC) incidence and mortality have been increasing significantly in the United States. Adults with severe obesity are more likely to die and women with severe obesity have a higher risk of EC development and mortality than those with Class I/II obesity (BMI: 30–<40 kg/m²). However, no prior studies have evaluated the neural response to food cues by obesity severity/class in adults with or without cancer.

Methods

We conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging visual food cue task in 85 obese Stage I EC survivors who were seeking weight loss in a lifestyle intervention at baseline. We evaluated the neural response to high-calorie vs. non-food images after an overnight fast (fasted state) and after eating a standardized meal (fed state), and grouped patients by obesity class (Class I/II: n = 38; Class III: n = 47).

Results

In the fasted state, we found increased activation in several regions including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in Class III and Class I/II patients (whole brain cluster corrected (WBCC), p < 0.05), which was significantly higher in Class III vs. Class I/II (p < 0.05). We found decreased activation in the insula in the fasted state, which was significantly lower in Class I/II vs. Class III (p = 0.03). In the fed state, we found increased activation in the DLPFC in Class III and Class I/II (WBCC, p < 0.05). The increased activation in cognitive control/inhibition regions (DLPFC) is consistent with the summative literature; however, the decreased activation in taste information processing regions (insula) was unexpected.

Conclusions

Our results provide novel insights on food cue response between different classes of obesity and highlight the importance of targeting the DLPFC in weight loss interventions, particularly in severely obese patients. Additional studies examining food-related neural circuitry between different classes of obesity are needed.

Body mass index and attitudes towards health behaviors among women with endometrial cancer before and after treatment

INTRODUCTION

Some experts have argued that obesity-related malignancies such as endometrial cancer are a "teachable moment" that lead to meaningful changes in health behaviors. It is unclear if endometrial cancer survivors lose weight following treatment. Our goal with this investigation was to evaluate post-treatment changes in body mass index (BMI) and attitudes towards health behaviors in endometrial cancer survivors.

METHODS

Incident endometrial cancer cases undergoing surgery between 2009-2015 were identified in the Marketscan Commercial database and linked with BMI data and health behavior questionnaires from the Marketscan Health Risk Assessment database. Patients were excluded for insufficient BMI data. Standard statistical methods, including the two-sample Wilcoxon rank sum test, χ² test, and McNemar's test, were used.

RESULTS

655 patients with a median age of 54 (IQR 49-58) were identified and analyzed. Median duration of follow-up was 595 days (IQR 360-1091). Mean pre- and post-treatment BMI was 35.5 kg/m² (median 35.0; IQR 27.0-42.3) and 35.6 kg/m² (median 34.3; IQR 28.0-42.0), respectively. Median BMI change in the entire cohort was 0 kg/m² (IQR -1.0 to 2.0). Weight gain (n=302; 46.1%) or no change in weight (n=106; 16.2%) was seen in most patients. Among the 302 patients who gained weight, the mean pre-treatment BMI was 34.0 kg/m² and mean increase was 2.8 kg/m² (median 2.0; IQR 1.0-3.4). Among the 247 cases who lost weight, the mean pre-treatment BMI was 38.6 kg/m² and mean decrease was 3.2 kg/m² (median 2.0; IQR 1.0-4.0). No pre- to post-treatment differences were observed in health behavior questionnaires regarding intention to better manage their diet, exercise more, or lose weight.

DISCUSSION

Most endometrial cancer survivors gain weight or maintain the same weight following treatment. No post-treatment changes in attitudes regarding weight-related behaviors were observed. The systematic delivery of evidence-based weight loss interventions should be a priority for survivors of endometrial cancer.

Physical Activity: Impact on Survival in Gynecologic Cancer

Importance

Physical activity has many important health benefits. There is also growing evidence that physical activity plays a role in the prevention and prognosis of multiple cancers, including gynecologic malignancies. Despite the many benefits of physical activity, the number of individuals meeting physical activity recommendations remains low.

Objective

To examine the role that physical activity plays in the prevention, treatment, and prognosis of gynecologic malignancies and to review the feasibility of physical activity interventions among gynecologic cancer survivors.

Evidence Acquisition

A PubMed search was performed using relevant terms to identify journal articles related to the proposed subject. The websites of multiple national and international organizations were also used to obtain up-to-date guidelines and recommendations.

Results

Physical activity appears to decrease the risk of ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancer, with the strongest evidence of this association seen in endometrial cancer. Although the literature is scarce, participation in physical activity is feasible during active treatment for gynecologic cancers and may decrease symptom burden and increase chemotherapy completion rates. Gynecologic cancer survivors are motivated to increase physical activity, and lifestyle intervention programs are feasible and well received among this population.

Conclusions and Relevance

Health care providers caring for women with gynecologic malignancies must counsel patients regarding the importance of physical activity. This should include a discussion of the health benefits and, specifically, the cancer-related benefits. A personalized approach to physical activity intervention is essential.

Dietary interventions for adult cancer survivors

BACKGROUND

International dietary recommendations include guidance on healthy eating and weight management for people who have survived cancer; however dietary interventions are not provided routinely for people living beyond cancer.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of dietary interventions for adult cancer survivors on morbidity and mortality, changes in dietary behaviour, body composition, health-related quality of life, and clinical measurements.

SEARCH METHODS

We ran searches on 18 September 2019 and searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials (CENTRAL), in the Cochrane Library; MEDLINE via Ovid; Embase via Ovid; the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED); the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL); and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE). We searched other resources including reference lists of retrieved articles, other reviews on the topic, the International Trials Registry for ongoing trials, metaRegister, Physicians Data Query, and appropriate websites for ongoing trials. We searched conference abstracts and WorldCat for dissertations.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that recruited people following a cancer diagnosis. The intervention was any dietary advice provided by any method including group sessions, telephone instruction, written materials, or a web-based approach. We included comparisons that could be usual care or written information, and outcomes measured included overall survival, morbidities, secondary malignancies, dietary changes, anthropometry, quality of life (QoL), and biochemistry.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. Two people independently assessed titles and full-text articles, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. For analysis, we used a random-effects statistical model for all meta-analyses, and the GRADE approach to rate the certainty of evidence, considering limitations, indirectness, inconsistencies, imprecision, and bias.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 25 RCTs involving 7259 participants including 977 (13.5%) men and 6282 (86.5%) women. Mean age reported ranged from 52.6 to 71 years, and range of age of included participants was 23 to 85 years. The trials reported 27 comparisons and included participants who had survived breast cancer (17 trials), colorectal cancer (2 trials), gynaecological cancer (1 trial), and cancer at mixed sites (5 trials). For overall survival, dietary intervention and control groups showed little or no difference in risk of mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77 to 1.23; 1 study; 3107 participants; low-certainty evidence). For secondary malignancies, dietary interventions versus control trials reported little or no difference (risk ratio (RR) 0.99, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.15; 1 study; 3107 participants; low-certainty evidence). Co-morbidities were not measured in any included trials. Subsequent outcomes reported after 12 months found that dietary interventions versus control probably make little or no difference in energy intake at 12 months (mean difference (MD) -59.13 kcal, 95% CI -159.05 to 37.79; 5 studies; 3283 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Dietary interventions versus control probably led to slight increases in fruit and vegetable servings (MD 0.41 servings, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.71; 5 studies; 834 participants; moderate-certainty evidence); mixed results for fibre intake overall (MD 5.12 g, 95% CI 0.66 to 10.9; 2 studies; 3127 participants; very low-certainty evidence); and likely improvement in Diet Quality Index (MD 3.46, 95% CI 1.54 to 5.38; 747 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). For anthropometry, dietary intervention versus control probably led to a slightly decreased body mass index (BMI) (MD -0.79 kg/m², 95% CI -1.50 to -0.07; 4 studies; 777 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Dietary interventions versus control probably had little or no effect on waist-to-hip ratio (MD -0.01, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.02; 2 studies; 106 participants; low-certainty evidence). For QoL, there were mixed results; several different quality assessment tools were used and evidence was of low to very low-certainty. No adverse events were reported in any of the included studies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Evidence demonstrated little effects of dietary interventions on overall mortality and secondary cancers. For comorbidities, no evidence was identified. For nutritional outcomes, there was probably little or no effect on energy intake, although probably a slight increase in fruit and vegetable intake and Diet Quality Index. Results were mixed for fibre. For anthropometry, there was probably a slight decrease in body mass index (BMI) but probably little or no effect on waist-to-hip ratio. For QoL, results were highly varied. Additional high-quality research is needed to examine the effects of dietary interventions for different cancer sites, and to evaluate important outcomes including comorbidities and body composition. Evidence on new technologies used to deliver dietary interventions was limited.

Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Overweight or Obese Individuals: A Meta-Analysis

Researchers have shown that fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC) promotes weight loss and prevents weight gain, thereby reducing risks for chronic health conditions. We conducted a meta-analysis to examine the overall effects of FVC interventions on weight loss for those with body-mass index (BMI) >25; we follow-up with moderator analyses to determine if effects varied based on participants, interventions, methods, or source characteristics. Extensive literature searches were conducted, resulting in 16 studies and providing 17 comparisons, across 3,719 participants. The overall summary effect was large (-2.81kg; p<.001). Several moderators were significant for increased weight loss: low socio-economic status (-4.99kg; p<.001), higher baseline BMI (slope=-0.29; p=.047), longer interventions (slope=0.012; p<.001), and recruitment setting [health care/programs (-3.7kg; p<.001); work/academic settings (-5.2kg: p<.001)]. Future researchers should investigate varying intervention lengths and examine specific needs of subgroups-higher versus lower socio-economic status, and overweight versus obese.

Using quality improvement to increase the awareness of obesity among endometrial cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

To increase discussion about obesity and endometrial cancer and referrals to weight loss clinic in patients with newly diagnosed low-risk endometrial cancer.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary team used a quality improvement methodology to increase patient awareness about obesity and endometrial cancer. Target population included patients <80 years old with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m² who underwent surgery at our institution and had a final diagnosis of complex hyperplasia or stage I, grade 1-2 endometrioid endometrial cancer. A toolkit was developed for the intervention. Clinical characteristics, discussion about obesity, and referrals to a weight loss clinic were abstracted for a historic and intervention cohort. Data for the two cohorts were compared using chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and t-test.

RESULTS

54 patients from the historic cohort and 53 from the intervention cohort met inclusion criteria. Clinical characteristics were balanced between the groups. Discussion about obesity increased from 11.1% (6/54) to 79.2% (42/53) after implementing the toolkit (p<0.001). Referrals to the weight loss clinic also increased from 3.7% (2/54) to 26.4% (14/53) after implementing the toolkit (p=0.001), but in both groups only 50% of those referred actually attended the weight loss clinic. No clinical characteristics were identified as associated with being more likely to have documented conversations or referrals.

CONCLUSIONS

A multidisciplinary quality-improvement project can be used to increase discussion about obesity and referral to a weight loss clinic in patients with low-risk endometrial cancer. Increasing patient awareness of the connection between obesity and endometrial cancer may have implications on the long-term health of endometrial cancer survivors.

Diet, physical activity, and health-related outcomes of endometrial cancer survivors in a behavioral lifestyle program: the Diet and Exercise in Uterine Cancer Survivors (DEUS) parallel randomized controlled pilot trial

OBJECTIVES

To explore the effectiveness of a theory-based behavioral lifestyle intervention on health behaviors and quality of life in endometrial cancer survivors.'

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled pilot trial conducted in two UK hospitals enrolling disease-free stage I-IVA endometrial cancer survivors. Participants were allocated to an 8-week group-based healthy eating and physical activity intervention or usual care using 1:1 minimization. Participants were followed up at 8 and 24 weeks, with the 8-week assessment being blinded. Diet, physical activity, and quality of life were measured with the Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010, Stanford 7-Day Physical Activity Recall, and the EORTC Quality of life Questionnaire Core 30, respectively. We analyzed all eligible participants using the intention-to-treat approach in complete cases, adjusting for baseline values, body mass index, and age.

RESULTS

We enrolled 60 of the 296 potentially eligible endometrial cancer survivors (May - December 2015). Fifty-four eligible participants were randomized to the intervention (n=29) or usual care (n=31), and 49 had complete follow-up data (n=24 in the intervention and n= 25 in usual care). Intervention adherence was 77%. At 8 weeks, participants in the intervention improved their diet compared to usual care (difference in Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 score 7.5 (95% CI: 0.1 to 14.9), P=0.046) but not their physical activity (0.1 metabolic equivalent-h/day 95% CI: (-1.6 to 1.8), P=0.879), or global quality of life score (5.0 (95% CI: -3.4 to 13.3), P=0.236). Global quality of life improved in intervention participants at 24 weeks (difference 8.9 (95% CI: 0.9 to 16.8), P=0.029). No intervention-related adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The potential effectiveness of the intervention appeared promising. A future fully-powered study is needed to confirm these findings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02433080.

Dietary interventions for cancer survivors

This review evaluates evidence on dietary interventions for cancer survivors giving an overview of people's views and preferences for service attributes and provides a narrative review. After cancer, people often want to change their diet and there is a plethora of evidence why dietary optimisation would be beneficial. However, cancer survivors have different preferences about attributes of services including: place, person and communication mode. Randomised control trials have been reviewed to provide a narrative summary of evidence of dietary interventions. Most studies were on survivors of breast cancer, with a few on colorectal, prostate and gynaecological survivors. Telephone interventions were the most frequently reported means of providing advice and dietitians were most likely to communicate advice. Dietary assessment methods used were FFQ, food diaries and 24-h recalls. Dietary interventions were shown to increase intake of fruit and vegetables, dietary fibre, and improve diet quality in some studies but with contradictory findings in others. Telephone advice increased fruit and vegetable intake primarily in women with breast cancer and at some time points in people after colorectal cancer, but findings were inconsistent. Findings from mail interventions were contradictory, although diet quality improved in some studies. Web-based and group sessions had limited benefits. There is some evidence that dietary interventions improve diet quality and some aspects of nutritional intake in cancer survivors. However, due to contradictory findings between studies and cancer sites, short term follow-up and surrogate endpoints it is difficult to decipher the evidence base.

Behavior change techniques for increasing physical activity in cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate how physical activity (PA) can be effectively promoted in cancer survivors. The effect of PA-promoting interventions in general, behavior change techniques (BCTs), and further variables as moderators in particular are evaluated.

Methods

This study included randomized controlled trials of lifestyle interventions aiming at an increase in PA that can be carried out independently at home, published by December 2016, for adults diagnosed with cancer after completion of the main treatment. Primary outcomes were subjective and objective measures of PA prior to and immediately after the intervention. Meta-analysis and meta-regression were used to estimate effect sizes (ES) in terms of standardized mean differences, variation between ES in terms of heterogeneity indices (I²), and moderator effects in terms of regression coefficients.

Results

This study included 30 studies containing 45 ES with an overall significant small positive effect size of 0.28 (95% confidence interval=0.18–0.37) on PA, and I²=54.29%. The BCTs Prompts, Reduce prompts, Graded tasks, Non-specific reward, and Social reward were significantly related to larger effects, while Information about health consequences and Information about emotional consequences, as well as Social comparison were related to smaller ES. The number of BCTs per intervention did not predict PA effects. Interventions based on the Theory of Planned Behavior were associated with smaller ES, and interventions with a home-based setting component were associated with larger ES. Neither the duration of the intervention nor the methodological quality explained differences in ES.

Conclusion

Certain BCTs were associated with an increase of PA in cancer survivors. Interventions relying on BCTs congruent with (social) learning theory such as using prompts and rewards could be especially successful in this target group. However, large parts of between-study heterogeneity in ES remained unexplained. Further primary studies should directly compare specific BCTs and their combinations.

Interventions for promoting habitual exercise in people living with and beyond cancer

BACKGROUND

This is an updated version of the original Cochrane Review published in the Cochrane Library 2013, Issue 9. Despite good evidence for the health benefits of regular exercise for people living with or beyond cancer, understanding how to promote sustainable exercise behaviour change in sedentary cancer survivors, particularly over the long term, is not as well understood. A large majority of people living with or recovering from cancer do not meet current exercise recommendations. Hence, reviewing the evidence on how to promote and sustain exercise behaviour is important for understanding the most effective strategies to ensure benefit in the patient population and identify research gaps.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of interventions designed to promote exercise behaviour in sedentary people living with and beyond cancer and to address the following secondary questions: Which interventions are most effective in improving aerobic fitness and skeletal muscle strength and endurance? Which interventions are most effective in improving exercise behaviour amongst patients with different cancers? Which interventions are most likely to promote long-term (12 months or longer) exercise behaviour? What frequency of contact with exercise professionals and/or healthcare professionals is associated with increased exercise behaviour? What theoretical basis is most often associated with better behavioural outcomes? What behaviour change techniques (BCTs) are most often associated with increased exercise behaviour? What adverse effects are attributed to different exercise interventions?

SEARCH METHODS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. We updated our 2013 Cochrane systematic review by updating the searches of the following electronic databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, CINAHL, PsycLIT/PsycINFO, SportDiscus and PEDro up to May 2018. We also searched the grey literature, trial registries, wrote to leading experts in the field and searched reference lists of included studies and other related recent systematic reviews.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared an exercise intervention with usual care or 'waiting list' control in sedentary people over the age of 18 with a homogenous primary cancer diagnosis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

In the update, review authors independently screened all titles and abstracts to identify studies that might meet the inclusion criteria, or that could not be safely excluded without assessment of the full text (e.g. when no abstract is available). We extracted data from all eligible papers with at least two members of the author team working independently (RT, LS and RG). We coded BCTs according to the CALO-RE taxonomy. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane's tool for assessing risk of bias. When possible, and if appropriate, we performed a fixed-effect meta-analysis of study outcomes. If statistical heterogeneity was noted, a meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. For continuous outcomes (e.g. cardiorespiratory fitness), we extracted the final value, the standard deviation (SD) of the outcome of interest and the number of participants assessed at follow-up in each treatment arm, to estimate the standardised mean difference (SMD) between treatment arms. SMD was used, as investigators used heterogeneous methods to assess individual outcomes. If a meta-analysis was not possible or was not appropriate, we narratively synthesised studies. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach with the GRADE profiler.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 23 studies in this review, involving a total of 1372 participants (an addition of 10 studies, 724 participants from the original review); 227 full texts were screened in the update and 377 full texts were screened in the original review leaving 35 publications from a total of 23 unique studies included in the review. We planned to include all cancers, but only studies involving breast, prostate, colorectal and lung cancer met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen studies incorporated a target level of exercise that could meet current recommendations for moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (i.e.150 minutes per week); or resistance exercise (i.e. strength training exercises at least two days per week).Adherence to exercise interventions, which is crucial for understanding treatment dose, is still reported inconsistently. Eight studies reported intervention adherence of 75% or greater to an exercise prescription that met current guidelines. These studies all included a component of supervision: in our analysis of BCTs we designated these studies as 'Tier 1 trials'. Six studies reported intervention adherence of 75% or greater to an aerobic exercise goal that was less than the current guideline recommendations: in our analysis of BCTs we designated these studies as 'Tier 2 trials.' A hierarchy of BCTs was developed for Tier 1 and Tier 2 trials, with programme goal setting, setting of graded tasks and instruction of how to perform behaviour being amongst the most frequent BCTs. Despite the uncertainty surrounding adherence in some of the included studies, interventions resulted in improvements in aerobic exercise tolerance at eight to 12 weeks (SMD 0.54, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.70; 604 participants, 10 studies; low-quality evidence) versus usual care. At six months, aerobic exercise tolerance was also improved (SMD 0.56, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.72; 591 participants; 7 studies; low-quality evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Since the last version of this review, none of the new relevant studies have provided additional information to change the conclusions. We have found some improved understanding of how to encourage previously inactive cancer survivors to achieve international physical activity guidelines. Goal setting, setting of graded tasks and instruction of how to perform behaviour, feature in interventions that meet recommendations targets and report adherence of 75% or more. However, long-term follow-up data are still limited, and the majority of studies are in white women with breast cancer. There are still a considerable number of published studies with numerous and varied issues related to high risk of bias and poor reporting standards. Additionally, the meta-analyses were often graded as consisting of low- to very low-certainty evidence. A very small number of serious adverse effects were reported amongst the studies, providing reassurance exercise is safe for this population.

Behavioral and Pharmacotherapy Weight Loss Interventions to Prevent Obesity-Related Morbidity and Mortality in Adults: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force

IMPORTANCE

Overweight and obesity have been associated with adverse health effects.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review evidence on benefits and harms of behavioral and pharmacotherapy weight loss and weight loss maintenance interventions in adults to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, PubMed Publisher-Supplied Records, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies published through June 6, 2017; ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for ongoing trials through August 2017; and ongoing surveillance in targeted publications through March 23, 2018. Studies from previous reviews were reevaluated for inclusion.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) focusing on weight loss or weight loss maintenance in adults.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Data were abstracted by one reviewer and confirmed by another. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for weight loss outcomes in behavior-based interventions.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Health outcomes, weight loss or weight loss maintenance, reduction in obesity-related conditions, and adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 122 RCTs (N = 62 533) and 2 observational studies (N = 209 993) were identified. Compared with controls, participants in behavior-based interventions had greater mean weight loss at 12 to 18 months (-2.39 kg [95% CI, -2.86 to -1.93]; 67 studies [n = 22065]) and less weight regain (-1.59 kg [95% CI, -2.38 to -0.79]; 8 studies [n = 1408]). Studies of medication-based weight loss and maintenance interventions also reported greater weight loss or less weight regain in intervention compared with placebo groups at 12 to 18 months (range, -0.6 to -5.8 kg; no meta-analysis). Participants with prediabetes in weight loss interventions had a lower risk of developing diabetes compared with controls (relative risk, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.51 to 0.89]). There was no evidence of other benefits, but most health outcomes such as mortality, cardiovascular disease, and cancer were infrequently reported. Small improvements in quality of life in some medication trials were noted but were of unclear clinical significance. There was no evidence of harm such as cardiovascular disease from behavior-based interventions; higher rates of adverse events were associated with higher dropout rates in medication groups than in placebo groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Behavior-based weight loss interventions with or without weight loss medications were associated with more weight loss and a lower risk of developing diabetes than control conditions. Weight loss medications, but not behavior-based interventions, were associated with higher rates of harms. Long-term weight and health outcomes data, as well as data on important subgroups, were limited.

Acceptability and feasibility of a Fitbit physical activity monitor for endometrial cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

Endometrial cancer survivors are the least physically active of all cancer survivor groups and exhibit up to 70% obesity. While studies suggest lifestyle interventions result in improved health outcomes, recruitment and availability of these programs are limited. The purpose was to evaluate the acceptability and validity of the Fitbit Alta™ physical activity monitor (Fitbit) for socioculturally diverse endometrial cancer survivors.

METHODS

Thirty endometrial cancer survivors were given wrist-worn Fitbits to wear for 30 days. Participants then returned the Fitbits, completed the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ), Technology Acceptance Questionnaire, and answered qualitative prompts. Correlations between daily Fitbit step counts, demographic factors, body mass index (BMI), and GLTEQ Index, were analyzed using Stata 13.0. Concordance Correlation Coefficient using U statistics was used to examine convergent validity.

RESULTS

Twenty-five participants completed the study. Mean age was 62 ± 9 years. Mean BMI was 32 ± 9 kg·m^-2. Self-identified race/ethnicity was 36% Hispanic, 36% non-Hispanic white, 16% non-Hispanic black and 12% Asian. Participants wore the Fitbits a median of 93% of possible days. Median daily Fitbit step count was 5325 (IQR: 3761-8753). Mean Technology Acceptance score was 2.8 ± 0.5 out of 4.0. Younger (<65 years) and employed participants were more likely to achieve at least 6000 daily steps (p < 0.05). There was no correlation (CCC = 0.00, p = 0.99) between step count and GLTEQ Index. Most free responses reflected positive experiences.

CONCLUSIONS

The Fitbits were well accepted in this sample. Self-reported physical activity was not associated with steps recorded. The physical activity data indicate an insufficiently active population.

Recruiting Endometrial Cancer Survivors to Studies Examining Lifestyle Behaviors and Quality of Life: Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned

There are a growing number of cancer survivors in the USA. Despite lifestyle behaviors being strongly associated with morbidity and mortality following primary treatment, recruitment to clinical research studies that aim to improve such behaviors remains a significant challenge. Furthermore, pilot and feasibility studies are critical for the refinement of research methods and form an important training opportunity for early career scientists. This report details the challenges faced and lessons learned in the process of recruiting a population of overweight/obese endometrial cancer survivors (ECS) to two separate studies focused on lifestyle behaviors: a survey study and a randomized behavioral intervention study that aimed to improve diet, physical activity, and quality of life. We used in-clinic and mail-based approaches to reach eligible patients identified from clinic records. Surveys were offered via paper or online. To evaluate the recruitment process, we compared clinic records and enrollment data over time and location. Chi-squared tests were also used to compare recruitment strategies. We address specific challenges at the patient level, the clinic/provider level, and the organizational level. Overall response rate was 13.9% to the survey and 4% to the intervention. Responses to in-clinic offers were greater than to mail-based approaches for the survey with no difference for the intervention. Identifying the unique characteristics of each survivorship population, adequate planning, resource allocation, and involvement of key staff are essential to supporting recruitment efforts to research studies. Having the support of physicians and nurses is especially critical to the success of recruitment.

Effects of Theory-Based Behavioral Interventions on Physical Activity Among Overweight and Obese Female Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

PURPOSE

To determine whether theory-based physical activity (PA) interventions for overweight and obese female cancer survivors lead to increased PA and improved health.

METHODS

This systematic review examined randomized controlled trials analyzing the impact of theory-based PA interventions on overweight and obese female cancer survivors through December 2016. Searches of 5 electronic databases revealed 10 articles that included 1351 participants who met the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Participants were primarily non-Hispanic white (74%-100%) breast or endometrial cancer survivors. Intervention characteristics and PA assessment tools varied greatly. Adherence (68%-99%) and retention (79%-100%) were relatively high. Social cognitive theory was utilized as the theoretical construct in 9 of the 10 studies. Home-based interventions led to small improvements in PA (Cohen's d range = 0.25-0.31), whereas home-based plus center-based interventions led to moderate to large improvements (Cohen's d range = 0.45-1.02). Only three of the studies assessed psychosocial behavioral processes associated with PA, and the results were mixed. Health-related outcomes included improvements in aerobic fitness (Cohen's d = 0.32-1.1 in 5 studies), large absolute decreases in waist circumferences (>6 cm in 3 of 5 studies; Cohen's d = -0.31 to -1.02), and no change in inflammatory biomarkers (in 2 studies). Only one serious adverse event (pelvic stress fracture) was attributed to the interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Theory-based PA interventions are safe and feasible for overweight and obese female cancer survivors. Interventions that include a center-based component showed moderate to large effect sizes for PA. Future studies should evaluate behavioral variables and more health-related clinical outcomes.

Promoting Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Behaviors: A Systematic Review of Multiple Health Behavior Change Interventions Among Cancer Survivors

Multiple health behavior change (MHBC) interventions have great potential for enhancing health and well-being following cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, the characteristics and effects of MHBC interventions remain elusive for cancer survivors. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of MHBC interventions on healthy eating and physical activity behaviors among cancer survivors. A secondary aim was to examine the effect of using a simultaneous and sequential design approach to MHBC (ie, changing both behaviors at the same time or one after the other). Randomized controlled trials reporting the impact of a MHBC intervention on both healthy eating and physical activity behaviors among cancer survivors were retrieved from MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO. A total of 27 MHBC interventions were identified; most (92.6%) were designed to promote simultaneous change in both behaviors and assessed end-of-treatment effect among breast cancer survivors. MHBC interventions led by nurses or multidisciplinary teams showed the most compelling evidence for small to moderate improvement in both behaviors, with interventions that lasted ≥17 weeks more likely to improve both behaviors. This study identifies research priorities and provides preliminary evidence for clinical decision making and advancements in MHBC intervention design and delivery for clinical oncology.

Use of intervention mapping to adapt a health behavior change intervention for endometrial cancer survivors: the shape-up following cancer treatment program

Background

About 80% of endometrial cancer survivors (ECS) are overweight or obese and have sedentary behaviors. Lifestyle behavior interventions are promising for improving dietary and physical activity behaviors, but the constructs associated with their effectiveness are often inadequately reported. The aim of this study was to systematically adapt an evidence-based behavior change program to improve healthy lifestyle behaviors in ECS.

Methods

Following a review of the literature, focus groups and interviews were conducted with ECS (n = 16). An intervention mapping protocol was used for the program adaptation, which consisted of six steps: a needs assessment, formulation of matrices of change objectives, selection of theoretical methods and practical applications, program production, adoption and implementation planning, and evaluation planning. Social Cognitive Theory and Control Theory guided the adaptation of the intervention.

Results

The process consisted of eight 90-min group sessions focusing on shaping outcome expectations, knowledge, self-efficacy, and goals about healthy eating and physical activity. The adapted performance objectives included establishment of regular eating, balanced diet, and portion sizes, reduction in sedentary behaviors, increase in lifestyle and organized activities, formulation of a discrepancy-reducing feedback loop for all above behaviors, and trigger management. Information on managing fatigue and bowel issues unique to ECS were added.

Conclusions

Systematic intervention mapping provided a framework to design a cancer survivor-centered lifestyle intervention. ECS welcomed the intervention and provided essential feedback for its adaptation. The program has been evaluated through a randomized controlled trial.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-018-5329-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Interventions for weight reduction in obesity to improve survival in women with endometrial cancer

BACKGROUND

Diagnoses of endometrial cancer are increasing secondary to the rising prevalence of obesity. Obesity plays an important role in promoting the development of endometrial cancer, by inducing a state of unopposed oestrogen excess, insulin resistance and inflammation. It also affects treatment, increasing the risk of surgical complications and the complexity of radiotherapy planning, and may additionally impact on subsequent survival. Weight-loss interventions have been associated with improvements in breast and colorectal cancer-specific survival as well as a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease, a frequent cause of death in endometrial cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the impact of weight-loss interventions, in addition to standard management of endometrial cancer, on overall survival and the frequency of adverse events.Secondary objectives include an assessment of weight-loss interventions on endometrial cancer-specific survival, weight loss achieved, cardiovascular event frequency and quality of life both overall and stratified according to patient body mass index (BMI), where possible.

SEARCH METHODS

This review searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase and reference lists of articles, trial registries, and international gynaecological oncology conference abstracts from inception to January 2018.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions to facilitate weight loss in overweight or obese women undergoing treatment for, or previously treated for, endometrial cancer were selected.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected studies, assessed trial quality, and extracted data with disagreements resolved by a third review author. Study authors were contacted to obtain missing data, including details of any adverse events.

MAIN RESULTS

We included three RCTs in the review, randomising a total of 161 overweight and obese women with endometrial cancer. All studies compared combined behavioural and lifestyle interventions to facilitate weight loss through dietary modification and increased physical activity. The included RCTs were of low or very low quality, due to high risk of bias by failing to blind participants, personnel and outcome assessors, and significant loss to follow-up (attrition rate up to 29%).Combined behaviour and lifestyle interventions were not associated with improved overall survival (risk ratio (RR mortality), 0.23 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01 to 4.55, P = 0.34, one RCT, 37 participants; very low-certainty evidence) compared with usual care at 24 months. There was no evidence that such interventions were associated with improvements in cancer-specific survival or cardiovascular event frequency as no cancer-related deaths, myocardial infarctions or strokes were reported in the included studies. None of the included RCTs reported data for the outcome of recurrence-free survival. Combined behaviour and lifestyle interventions were not associated with significant weight loss at either six months (mean difference (MD) -1.88 kg, 95% CI -5.98 to 2.21 kg, P = 0.37, three RCTs, 131 participants, I²= 0%; low-certainty evidenc e)or 12 months (MD -8.98 kg, 95% CI -19.88 to 1.92 kg, P = 0.11, two RCTs, 91 participants, I²= 0%; very low-certainty evidence) when compared with usual care. Combined behaviour and lifestyle interventions were not associated with increased quality of life, when measured using either the SF-12 Physical Health questionnaire or FACT-G at six months (FACT-G MD 2.51, 95% CI -5.61 to 10.64, P = 0.54, two RCTs, 95 participants, I²= 83%; very low-certainty evidence), or by FACT-G alone at 12 months (MD 2.77, 95% CI -0.65 to 6.20, P = 0.11, two RCTs, 89 participants, I²= 0%; very low-certainty evidence) when compared with usual care. No serious adverse events, for example hospitalisation or deaths, were reported in included trials. Lifestyle and behavioural interventions were associated with a higher risk of musculoskeletal symptoms (RR 19.03, 95% CI 1.17, 310.52, P = 0.04, two RCTs, 91 participants; low-certainty evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is currently insufficient high-quality evidence to determine the effect of combined lifestyle and behavioural interventions on survival, quality of life, or significant weight loss in women with a history of endometrial cancer compared to those receiving usual care. The limited evidence suggests that there is little or no serious or life-threatening adverse effects due to these interventions, although musculoskeletal problems were increased, presumably due to increased activity levels. Our conclusion is based on low- and very low-quality evidence from a small number of trials and very few patients. We therefore have very little confidence in the evidence: the true effect of weight-loss interventions in obese women with endometrial cancer is currently not known.Further methodologically-rigorous, adequately-powered RCTs are required with follow-up of 5 to 10 years duration. These should focus on the effects of varying dietary modification regimens, pharmacological treatments associated with weight loss and bariatric surgery on survival, quality of life, weight loss and adverse events.

Effect of Physical Activity on Quality of Life as Perceived by Endometrial Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

A combination of the relatively high prevalence among gynecologic cancers, high survival, and the myriads of factors that negatively impact the quality of life (QoL) among endometrial cancer (EC) survivors underscores the potential benefits of meeting guideline physical activity (PA) guidelines of 150 minutes per week among EC survivors. The objective of the present systematic review was to collate and critically evaluate the currently available literature on the effects of PA on QoL among EC survivors.

METHODS

Medline and Web of Science databases were searched for articles on EC, QoL, and PA. We also inspected bibliographies of relevant publications to identify related articles. Our search criteria yielded 70 studies, 7 of which met the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Of the 7 studies examined, 2 of them were intervention studies, whereas 5 were cross-sectional studies. Meeting guideline PA was significantly associated with better QoL score in 4 of the 5 cross-sectional studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from the cross-sectional studies suggest that EC survivors' inactivity is significantly correlated with poorer QoL. This correlation was worse among obese survivors compared with normal weight survivors. Endometrial cancer survivors may benefit from interventions that incorporate PA. More randomized intervention studies among EC survivors are needed to add to this body of evidence.

Endometrial Cancer: Is This a New Disease?

The incidence of endometrial cancer is increasing, and the age of onset is younger than in prior years. Although endometrial cancer still occurs more commonly in older women, for whom the mortality rate is increasing, it also is being diagnosed in younger and younger women. The underlying cause of the increase in incidence is the epidemic of obesity and the resulting hyperinsulinemia. Conservative treatment may be indicated for younger women who wish to retain their fertility. Lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise can modulate the risk of developing endometrial cancer as well as prevent recurrence and other comorbidities associated with obesity.

Healthy lifestyle intervention for African American uterine cancer survivors: Study protocol

BACKGROUND

Cancer of the uterine corpus is the most common gynecologic malignancy and the fourth most common cancer in U.S. women. There is a racial disparity in the survival from endometrial cancer and this may be addressed by culturally-tailored lifestyle interventions to help African American (AA) endometrial cancer survivors lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

OBJECTIVE

The overall purpose of this pilot study is to develop and evaluate a culturally-tailored lifestyle intervention to help AA uterine cancer survivors reduce their risk of cancer recurrence and improve their quality of life through healthy eating, physical activity, and weight management. While many interventions have been evaluated to assist cancer survivors through diet and physical activity, few have focused on AA women with a uterine cancer diagnosis.

METHODS

Community-engaged research principles are being followed. This study was developed with input from the Augusta University (AU) College of Nursing Community Advisory Board (CAB) and the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the Georgia Cancer Center at AU. Weekly sessions throughout a 12-week intervention will include physical activity and lectures on improving nutritional status. The pre/post-test design includes baseline and 6-month follow-up, where participants will complete a questionnaire that assesses knowledge and attitudes about physical activity, nutrition, uterine cancer, social support, and quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

From this pilot study, we will learn more about the feasibility and integration of healthy lifestyle interventions in this patient population, and the results can provide an opportunity for a larger-scale, multi-center study with a randomized controlled design.

Diet, Physical Activity, and Body Weight in Cancer Survivorship

Diet, physical activity, and body weight have been shown to play an important role in cancer survivorship. The impact of each of these lifestyle factors differs slightly among cancer types, and adherence to recommended diet and physical activity guidelines has been associated with positive outcomes, including decrease in the risk of cancer recurrence and improvement of quality of life. Although there are compelling data that appropriate diet, physical activity, and body weight have beneficial effects in cancer survivorship, additional trials are needed to understand the relationship.

A Randomized, Controlled, Multicenter Study of Technology-Based Weight Loss Interventions among Endometrial Cancer Survivors

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of technology-based weight loss interventions for endometrial cancer (EC) survivors with obesity.

METHODS

EC survivors with obesity (n = 196) from three medical centers completed assessments for knowledge of obesity as a risk for EC and interest in weight management. Forty-one women were randomized to a 6-month intervention: telemedicine with Wi-Fi scales, text messaging (texting), or enhanced usual care (EUC). Changes in anthropometrics and psychosocial measures were analyzed.

RESULTS

One-third of survey participants lacked awareness that obesity increased the risk of EC, and 40% misclassified their body mass. There were no significant differences in weight loss across interventions (mean = -4.4 kg, SD = 6.5 kg). Telemedicine showed improvements in physical health and cancer-related body image (Ps = 0.04) compared to texting and in sexual functioning compared to EUC (P = 0.03). Total physical activity was increased in EUC compared with telemedicine (P = 0.01), and vigorous physical activity was increased in EUC compared with both interventions (P = 0.01-0.03); walking significantly increased in texting compared with telemedicine (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Technology-based lifestyle interventions in EC survivors with obesity were accessible and resulted in weight loss and improved quality of life. EUC also produced weight loss, demonstrating a potential for beginning weight management with information on specific diet and exercise goals.