Association between the prevalence of symptoms and health-related quality of life in adult survivors of childhood cancer: a report from the St Jude Lifetime Cohort study

Using mHealth Technology to Evaluate Daily Symptom Burden among Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND

Cancer therapies predispose survivors to a high symptom burden. This study utilized mobile health (mHealth) technology to assess the feasibility of collecting daily symptoms from adult survivors of childhood cancer to evaluate symptom fluctuation and associations with future health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL).

METHODS

This prospective study used an mHealth platform to distribute a 20-item cancer-related symptom survey (5 consecutive days each month) and an HRQOL survey (the day after the symptom survey) over 3 consecutive months to participants from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. These surveys comprised a PROMIS-29 Profile and Neuro-QOL assessed HRQOL. Daily symptom burden was calculated by summing the severity (mild, moderate, or severe) of 20 symptoms. Univariate linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze total, person-to-person, day-to-day, and month-to-month variability for the burden of 20 individual symptoms. Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze the association between daily symptom burden in the first month and HRQOL in the third month, adjusted for covariates.

RESULTS

Out of the 60 survivors invited, 41 participated in this study (68% enrollment rate); 83% reported their symptoms ≥3 times and 95% reported HRQOL in each study week across 3 months. Variability of daily symptom burden differed from person-to-person (74%), day-to-day (18%), and month-to-month (8%). Higher first-month symptom burden was associated with poorer HRQOL related to anxiety (regression coefficient: 6.56; 95% CI: 4.10-9.02), depression (6.32; 95% CI: 3.18-9.47), fatigue (7.93; 95% CI: 5.11-10.80), sleep (6.07; 95% CI: 3.43-8.70), pain (5.16; 95% CI: 2.11-8.22), and cognitive function (-6.89; 95% CI: -10.00 to -3.79) in the third month.

CONCLUSIONS

Daily assessment revealed fluctuations in symptomology, and higher symptom burden was associated with poorer HRQOL in the future. Utilizing mHealth technology for daily symptom assessment improves our understanding of symptom dynamics and sources of variability.

Impact of Propofol Exposure on Neurocognitive Outcomes in Children With High-Risk B ALL: A Children's Oncology Group Study

PURPOSE

Many children treated for ALL develop long-term neurocognitive impairments. Increased risk of these impairments is associated with treatment and demographic factors. Exposure to anesthesia is an additional possible risk factor. This study evaluated the impact of cumulative exposure to anesthesia on neurocognitive outcomes among a multicenter cohort of children with ALL.

METHODS

This study was embedded in AALL1131, a Children's Oncology Group phase III trial for patients with high-risk B-ALL. In consenting patients age 6-12 years, prospective uniform assessments of neurocognitive function were performed during and at 1 year after completion of therapy. Exposure to all episodes of anesthetic agents was abstracted. Multivariable linear regression models determined associations of cumulative anesthetic agents with the primary neurocognitive outcome reaction time/processing speed (age-normed) at 1 year off therapy, adjusting for baseline neurocognitive score, age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance status (as a proxy for socioeconomic status), and leukemia risk group.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-four children, 76 (52.8%) males, mean age of 9.1 (min-max, 6.0-12.0) years at diagnosis, underwent a median of 27 anesthetic episodes (min-max, 1-37). Almost all patients were exposed to propofol (140/144, 97.2%), with a mean cumulative dose of 112.3 mg/kg. One year after therapy, the proportion of children with impairment (Z-score ≤-1.5) was significantly higher compared with a normative sample. In covariate-adjusted multivariable analysis, cumulative exposure to propofol was associated with a 0.05 Z-score decrease in reaction time/processing speed per each 10 mg/kg propofol exposure (P = .03).

CONCLUSION

In a multicenter and uniformly treated cohort of children with B-ALL, cumulative exposure to propofol was an independent risk factor for impairment in reaction time/processing speed 1 year after therapy. Anesthesia exposure is a modifiable risk, and opportunities to minimize propofol use should be considered.

Estimation of Personal Symptom Networks Using the Ising Model for Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Simulation Study with Real-World Data Application

Purpose

Childhood cancer survivors experience interconnected symptoms, patterns of which can be elucidated by network analysis. However, current symptom networks are constructed based on the average survivors without considering individual heterogeneities. We propose to evaluate personal symptom network estimation using the Ising model with covariates through simulations and estimate personal symptom network for adult childhood cancer survivors.

Patients and Methods

We adopted the Ising model with covariates to construct networks by employing logistic regressions for estimating associations between binary symptoms. Simulation experiments assessed the robustness of this method in constructing personal symptom network. Real-world data illustration included 1708 adult childhood cancer survivors from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study (SJLIFE), a retrospective cohort study with prospective follow-up to characterize the etiology and late effects for childhood cancer survivors. Patients' baseline symptoms in 10 domains (cardiac, pulmonary, sensation, nausea, movement, pain, memory, fatigue, anxiety, depression) and individual characteristics (age, sex, race/ethnicity, attained education, personal income, and marital status) were self-reported using survey. Treatment variables (any chemo or radiation therapy) were obtained from medical records. Personal symptom network of 10 domains was estimated using the Ising model, incorporating individual characteristics and treatment data.

Results

Simulations confirmed the robustness of the Ising model with covariates in constructing personal symptom networks. Real-world data analysis identified age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, and treatment (any chemo and radiation therapy) as major factors influencing symptom co-occurrence. Older childhood cancer survivors showed stronger cardiac-fatigue associations. Survivors of racial/ethnic minorities had stronger pain-fatigue associations. Female survivors with above-college education demonstrated stronger pain-anxiety associations. Unmarried survivors who received radiation had stronger association between movement and memory problems.

Conclusion

The Ising model with covariates accurately estimates personal symptom networks. Individual heterogeneities exist in symptom co-occurrence patterns for childhood cancer survivors. The estimated personal symptom network offers insights into interconnected symptom experiences.

Characterization of chronic pain, pain interference, and daily pain experiences in adult survivors of childhood cancer: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

ABSTRACT

Although survivors of childhood cancer are at an increased risk, little is known about the prevalence of chronic pain, associated interference, and daily pain experiences. Survivors (N = 233; mean age = 40.8 years, range 22-64 years; mean time since diagnosis = 32.7 years) from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study completed pain and psychosocial measures. Survivors with chronic pain completed 2-week, daily measures assessing pain and psychological symptoms using mHealth-based ecological momentary assessment. Multivariable-modified Poisson and linear regression models estimated prevalence ratio estimates (PR) and mean effects with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations of key risk factors with chronic pain and pain interference, respectively. Multilevel mixed models examined outcomes of daily pain and pain interference with prior day symptoms. Ninety-six survivors (41%) reported chronic pain, of whom 23 (24%) had severe interference. Chronic pain was associated with previous intravenous methotrexate treatment (PR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.3), respiratory (PR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.5), gastrointestinal (PR = 1.6, 95% CI 11.0-2.3), and neurological (PR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.1) chronic health conditions, unemployment (PR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-1.9) and clinically significant depression and anxiety (PR = 2.9, 95% CI 2.0-4.2), as well as a diagnosis of childhood Ewing sarcoma or osteosarcoma (PR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.0-3.5). Higher pain interference was associated with cardiovascular and neurological conditions, unemployment and clinical levels of depression and/or anxiety, and fear of cancer recurrence. For male, but not female survivors, low sleep quality, elevated anxiety, and elevated depression predicted high pain intensity and interference the next day. A substantial proportion of childhood cancer survivors experience chronic pain and significant associated interference. Chronic pain should be routinely evaluated, and interventions are needed.

Health-related quality of life and DNA methylation-based aging biomarkers among survivors of childhood cancer

BACKGROUND

Childhood cancer survivors are at high risk for morbidity and mortality and poor patient-reported outcomes, typically health-related quality of life (HRQOL). However, associations between DNA methylation-based aging biomarkers and HRQOL have not been evaluated.

METHODS

DNA methylation was generated with Infinium EPIC BeadChip on blood-derived DNA (median for age at blood draw = 34.5 years, range = 18.5-66.6 years), and HRQOL was assessed with age at survey (mean = 32.3 years, range = 18.4-64.5 years) from 2206 survivors in the St Jude Lifetime Cohort. DNA methylation-based aging biomarkers, including epigenetic age using multiple clocks (eg, GrimAge) and others (eg, DNAmB2M: beta-2-microglobulin; DNAmADM: adrenomedullin), were derived from the DNAm Age Calculator (https://dnamage.genetics.ucla.edu). HRQOL was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey to capture 8 domains and physical and mental component summaries. General linear models evaluated associations between HRQOL and epigenetic age acceleration (EAA; eg, EAA_GrimAge) or other age-adjusted DNA methylation-based biomarkers (eg, ageadj_DNAmB2M) after adjusting for age at blood draw, sex, cancer treatments, and DNA methylation-based surrogate for smoking pack-years. All P values were 2-sided.

RESULTS

Worse HRQOL was associated with greater EAA_GrimAge (physical component summaries: β = -0.18 years, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.251 to -0.11 years; P = 1.85 × 10-5; and 4 individual HRQOL domains), followed by ageadj_DNAmB2M (physical component summaries: β = -0.08 years, 95% CI = -0.124 to -0.037 years; P = .003; and 3 individual HRQOL domains) and ageadj_DNAmADM (physical component summaries: β = -0.082 years, 95% CI = -0.125 to -0.039 years; P = .002; and 2 HRQOL domains). EAA_Hannum (Hannum clock) was not associated with any HRQOL.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall and domain-specific measures of HRQOL are associated with DNA methylation measures of biological aging. Future longitudinal studies should test biological aging as a potential mechanism underlying the association between poor HRQOL and increased risk of clinically assessed adverse health outcomes.

Risk factors for neurocognitive impairment, emotional distress, and poor quality of life in survivors of pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

BACKGROUND

Prevalence and risk of poor psychological outcomes following rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) are not well-established.

METHODS

Participants in this cross-sectional, case-control study (n = 713 survivors, 42.5% female; mean [SD] age, 30.5 [6.6] years; n = 706 siblings, 57.2% female; mean age, 32.8,[7.9] years) completed measures of neurocognition, emotional distress, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Multivariable logistic regression models identified treatments, health behaviors, and chronic conditions associated with impairment.

RESULTS

Relative to siblings, more survivors reported neurocognitive impairment (task efficiency: 21.1% vs. 13.7%, emotional regulation: 16.7% vs. 11.0%, memory: 19.3% vs. 15.1%), elevated emotional distress (somatic distress: 12.9% vs. 4.7%, anxiety: 11.7% vs. 5.9%, depression: 22.8% vs. 16.9%) and poorer HRQOL (physical functioning: 11.1% vs. 2.8%, role functioning due to physical problems: 16.8% vs. 8.2%, pain: 17.5% vs. 10.0%, vitality: 22.3% vs. 13.8%, social functioning: 14.4% vs. 6.8%, emotional functioning: 17.1% vs. 10.6%). Cranial radiation increased risk for impaired task efficiency (odds ratio [OR], 2.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-4.63), whereas chest and pelvic radiation predicted increased risk of physical functioning (OR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.16-6.21 and OR, 3.44; 95% CI, 1.70-6.95, respectively). Smoking was associated with impaired task efficiency (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.14-3.70), memory (OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.26-3.95), anxiety (OR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.36-5.41) and depression (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.01-3.11). Neurologic conditions increased risk of anxiety (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.04-5.10), and hearing conditions increased risk of depression (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.05-3.03). Neurologic and hearing conditions, respectively, were associated with impaired memory (OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.20-4.95 and OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.05-3.35) and poor health perception (OR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.62-1.28 and OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.34-4.06).

CONCLUSIONS

RMS survivors are at significant risk for poor psychological outcomes. Advancing therapies for local control, smoking cessation, and managing chronic medical conditions may mitigate poor outcomes following RMS.

Using an mHealth approach to collect patient-generated health data for predicting adverse health outcomes among adult survivors of childhood cancer

Introduction

Cancer therapies predispose childhood cancer survivors to various treatment-related late effects, which contribute to a higher symptom burden, chronic health conditions (CHCs), and premature mortality. Regular monitoring of symptoms between clinic visits is useful for timely medical consultation and interventions that can improve quality of life (QOL). The Health Share Study aims to utilize mHealth to collect patient-generated health data (PGHD; daily symptoms, momentary physical health status) and develop survivor-specific risk prediction scores for mitigating adverse health outcomes including poor QOL and emergency room admissions. These personalized risk scores will be integrated into the hospital-based electronic health record (EHR) system to facilitate clinician communications with survivors for timely management of late effects.

Methods

This prospective study will recruit 600 adult survivors of childhood cancer from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort study. Data collection include 20 daily symptoms via a smartphone, objective physical health data (physical activity intensity, sleep performance, and biometric data including resting heart rate, heart rate variability, oxygen saturation, and physical stress) via a wearable activity monitor, patient-reported outcomes (poor QOL, unplanned healthcare utilization) via a smartphone, and clinically ascertained outcomes (physical performance deficits, onset of/worsening CHCs) assessed in the survivorship clinic. Participants will complete health surveys and physical/functional assessments in the clinic at baseline, 2) report daily symptoms, wear an activity monitor, measure blood pressure at home over 4 months, and 3) complete health surveys and physical/functional assessments in the clinic 1 and 2 years from the baseline. Socio-demographic and clinical data abstracted from the EHR will be included in the analysis. We will invite 20 cancer survivors to investigate suitable formats to display predicted risk information on a dashboard and 10 clinicians to suggest evidence-based risk management strategies for adverse health outcomes.

Analysis

Machine and statistical learning will be used in prediction modeling. Both approaches can handle a large number of predictors, including longitudinal patterns of daily symptoms/other PGHD, along with cancer treatments and socio-demographics.

Conclusion

The individualized risk prediction scores and added communications between providers and survivors have the potential to improve survivorship care and outcomes by identifying early clinical presentations of adverse events.

Symptom cluster among cancer survivors from a nationally representative survey: a network analysis

PURPOSE

To identify the symptom cluster among cancer survivors and examine their subgroup differences via network analysis based on nationally representative data.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 2966 survivors participating in the 2020 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Participants self-reported the presence of 14 symptoms capturing four clusters (physical, somatic, sleep, and psychologic problems). Network analysis models were used to reveal the relationships between symptoms and those interactions. Network comparison tests were applied to compare subgroups.

RESULTS

The core symptoms of the symptom cluster were fatigue (Bet = 33, Clo = 0.0067, Str = 0.9397), pain (Bet = 11, Clo = 0.0060, Str = 0.9226), wake up well rested (Bet = 25, Clo = 0.0057, Str = 0.8491), and anxiety (Bet = 5, Clo = 0.0043, Str = 0.9697) among cancer survivors. The core symptoms, network structure, and global strength were invariant between time since diagnoses (< 2 years vs. ≥ 2 years) or between numbers of cancers (1 vs. ≥ 2), yet varied between the comorbidity group and non-comorbidity group (≥ 1 vs. 0).

CONCLUSIONS

Fatigue would be a potential target for alleviating other symptoms through a negative feedback loop of other related symptoms of cancer survivors. In particular, cancer survivors with other chronic diseases should be the focus of attention and strengthen targeted intervention.

Multilevel Social Determinants of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Young Survivors of Childhood Cancer

In this study, the social determinants of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in young survivors of childhood cancer aged <18 years are researched. This cross-sectional study investigated social determinants associated with poor PROs among young childhood cancer survivors. We included 293 dyads of survivors receiving treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital who were <18 years of age during follow-up from 2017 to 2018 and their primary caregivers. Social determinants included family factors (caregiver-reported PROs, family dynamics) and county-level deprivation (socioeconomic status, physical environment via the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps). PROMIS measures assessed survivors' and caregivers' PROs. General linear regression tested associations of social determinants with survivors' PROs. We found that caregivers' higher anxiety was significantly associated with survivors' poorer depression, stress, fatigue, sleep issues, and reduced positive affect (p < 0.05); caregivers' sleep disturbances were significantly associated with lower mobility in survivors (p < 0.05). Family conflicts were associated with survivors' sleep problems (p < 0.05). Residing in socioeconomically deprived areas was significantly associated with survivors' poorer sleep quality (p < 0.05), while higher physical environment deprivation was associated with survivors' higher psychological stress and fatigue and lower positive affect and mobility (p < 0.05). Parental, family, and neighborhood factors are critical influences on young survivors' quality of life and well-being and represent new intervention targets.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Quality of Life of Children With Cancer

Background/objectives: Little is known about the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the quality of life (QoL) of children with cancer who may be more vulnerable to the pandemic's effects. We examined associations between COVID-19 exposure and impact on parent-proxy reported QoL in children with cancer, and potential moderation based on the child's cancer status (i.e., time since diagnosis, on/off treatment). Design/method: Parents of children with cancer were recruited February-April 2021 via Facebook and Momcology. Parents completed the COVID-19 Exposure and Family Impact Scale and a child QoL measure. Controlling for parent age, income, child age, and child sex, we examined the indirect effect of COVID-19 impact on the association between COVID-19 exposure and parent-proxy reported child QoL, as well as the moderating role of cancer status. Results: Parents (N = 401) reported lower child QoL scores (M = 59.74) than prepandemic reports of children with cancer, t(735) = -6.98, p < .001. Mediation analyses revealed a significant indirect effect, 95% CI [-0.47, -0.13]: Higher COVID-19 exposure was associated with higher COVID-19 impact (a = 0.47, p < .001), which was related to lower QoL (b = -0.56, p < .001). The association between impact and QoL was stronger as time since diagnosis increased (95%CI [-0.08, -0.001]), yet treatment status did not moderate this path. Conclusions: Parents who report greater COVID-19 impact may also report lower QoL in their children with cancer, especially further from diagnosis. Nurses and clinicians should be aware of the pandemic's negative impact and screen for COVID-19 related distress. Additionally, results highlight the importance of long-term, family-centered care, regardless of whether children receive treatment or survivorship care.

Long-term neurotoxicity among childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia survivors enrolled between 1971 and 1998 in EORTC Children Leukemia Group studies

Survival after childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has increased over the last 40 years with an overall survival above 90%. Survivors may experience neurological late effects secondary to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This observational retrospective study evaluated the cumulative incidence of neurological late effects among 890 childhood ALL survivors treated in EORTC CLG trials (58741, 58831/2 and 58881) between 1971 and 1998. Median follow-up was 19 years and interquartile range of the follow-up was 15-22 years. At 20 years from the end of treatment, approximately 66% of patients from the 58741 trial (accrual time: 1971-1978) and approximately 15% from the more recent trials had cognitive disturbance grade 1 or higher. Cumulative incidences at 20 years from treatment end of seizures, stroke and leukoencephalopathy were respectively 45%, 16% and 62% in study 58741, 13%, 2% and 5% in study 58831/2, and 8%, 2% and 3% in study 58881. Patients who were 10-17 years of age at diagnosis had a higher incidence of stroke and leukoencephalopathy as compared to those less than 6 years of age. Noteworthy, all neurological late effects continued to occur beyond 5 years after end of treatment. This retrospective study highlights the frequency of neurological late effects in survivors of childhood ALL. With the increase of the overall survival of ALL patients, the role and potential benefit of longitudinal neurological screening should be evaluated in further studies as these neurological late effects become an important public health challenge. This study is part of the larger EORTC CLG 58 Late Adverse Effects (LAE) study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01298388, date of registration February 16, 2011).

Body Mindsets are Associated With Pain and Threat-Related Risk Factors for Pain in Survivors of Childhood Cancer

Pain is a common consequence of childhood cancer. While most research has examined biomedical predictors of post-cancer pain, biopsychosocial conceptualisations such as the cancer threat interpretation (CTI) model hold promise for guiding comprehensive pain management strategies. Guided by the CTI model, this cross-sectional study evaluated correlates of post-cancer pain in childhood cancer survivors including threat-related risk factors (bodily threat monitoring, fear of cancer recurrence, help-seeking) and mindsets about the body. In the preceding three months, 21.8% of the survivors reported chronic pain (>3 months), and 14.3% experienced pain most days. Greater bodily threat monitoring, more fear of cancer recurrence, and more help-seeking were associated with more pain. There was heterogeneity in the mindsets that survivors of childhood cancer hold about their bodies. Holding the mindset that the 'body is an adversary' was associated with more pain, greater bodily threat monitoring, and more fear of cancer recurrence. Holding the mindset that the 'body is responsive' was associated with less bodily threat monitoring, while the mindset that the 'body is capable' was associated with greater help-seeking. A path model demonstrated a significant combined indirect effect of the 'body is an adversary' mindset on pain through bodily threat monitoring and fear of cancer recurrence. Overall, this study supported that a sub-group of childhood cancer survivors experience persistent and interfering pain and provided cross-sectional support for threat-related correlates for pain aligning with the CTI model. Body mindsets were associated with pain and threat-related correlates and may represent a novel target to support survivors with pain. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents associations of body mindsets, threat-related risk factors, and pain in survivors of childhood cancer (aged 11-25), guided by the Cancer Threat Interpretation model. The study indicates that body mindsets may be novel targets to embed in comprehensive post-cancer pain management approaches to support young survivors with pain.

Behavioral physical activity intervention coupled with standard post-cancer directed treatment care to mitigate chronic pain in childhood cancer survivors: A protocol for a single-center, pilot randomized controlled trial

Background

Long term survivors of childhood cancer have a high prevalence of chronic pain. Novel, multidisciplinary approaches to manage pain, are needed to allow for a reduction in the use of opioids for pain management. Physical activity is highly effective in managing chronic pain in children and adolescents, however, evidence about the combination of physical activity intervention and pain medications in chronic pain management in childhood cancer survivors is lacking. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effects of a behavioral physical activity intervention integrated into standard post cancer directed treatment care to mitigate chronic pain in this unique population.

Methods

This is a single site pilot randomized controlled trial of a 16-week physical activity intervention coupled with standard care. The primary aim is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the physical activity intervention in childhood cancer survivors with chronic pain. Secondary aims include evaluating the differences in functional and psychosocial outcomes along with self-reported pain scores and cumulative dose of pain medications between the exercise group and standard cancer care group. The physical activity intervention is a home-based program structured to increase patients' physical activity behavior and to favor low intensity bodily movement using aerobic exercise and resistance training.

Conclusions

This study will demonstrate that behavioral supportive measures like physical activity may be a novel means to improve cancer related chronic pain in young survivors of childhood cancer and decrease medication usage for pain along with improvement in functional and psychosocial outcomes.

Using IT to Improve Outcomes for Children Living With Cancer (SyMon-SAYS): Protocol for a Single-Institution Waitlist Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Children and adolescents with cancer may experience multiple disease- and treatment-related symptoms that negatively affect health-related quality of life. Routine symptom surveillance thus constitutes an important component of supportive care in pediatric oncology. The Symptom Monitoring and Systematic Assessment and Reporting System in Young Survivors (SyMon-SAYS) system will administer, score, interpret, and display the results of symptom assessments captured weekly using patient-reported outcomes presented via the electronic health record (EHR) portal between clinic visits in oncology ambulatory settings, when patients are likely to be more symptomatic. This study is testing a digital system for routine symptom surveillance that includes EHR-based reports to clinicians and alerts for severe symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

In this randomized trial, we are examining the effects of the SyMon-SAYS system on perceived barriers to symptom management, self-efficacy, and symptom severity. Better self-management and timely clinical intervention to address symptoms promote adherence to treatment plans, strengthen child and parent self-efficacy, improve interactions between children, parents, and their clinical providers, and optimize clinical outcomes.

METHODS

The SyMon-SAYS system is integrated into the EHR to streamline the presentation of symptom scores and delivery of alerts for severe symptoms to clinicians using EHR (Epic) messaging functionalities. Children (aged 8 to 17 years) complete the weekly symptom assessment and review the symptom report by logging into the patient portal (Epic MyChart). This single-institution waitlist randomized controlled trial is recruiting 200 children (aged 8-17 years) with cancer and their parents, guardians, or caregivers. Participating dyads are randomly assigned to receive the intervention over 16 weeks (Group A: 16-week SyMon-SAYS intervention; Group B: 8-week usual care and then an 8-week SyMon-SAYS intervention). Analyses will (1) evaluate the efficacy of SyMon-SAYS at week 8 and the maintenance of those effects at week 16; (2) evaluate factors associated with those efficacy outcomes, including contextual factors, adherence to the SyMon-SAYS intervention, demographic characteristics, and clinical factors; and (3) evaluate predictors of adherence to the SyMon-SAYS intervention and preference of SyMon-SAYS versus usual care.

RESULTS

Data collection is currently in progress. We hypothesize that at 8 weeks, those receiving the SyMon-SAYS intervention will report decreased parent-perceived barriers to managing their children's symptoms, increased parent and child self-efficacy, decreased child symptom burden, and ultimately better child health-related quality of life, compared to waitlist controls. Feasibility, acceptability, and engagement from the perspectives of the children with cancer, their parents, and their clinicians will be examined using mixed methods.

CONCLUSIONS

We anticipate that this system will facilitate prompt identification of problematic symptoms. Additionally, we hypothesize that with the availability of graphical symptom reports over time, and timely provider responses, children or parents will become better informed and take an active role in managing their symptoms, which will further improve clinical outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04789720; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04789720.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/50993.

Association of markers of inflammation on attention and neurobehavioral outcomes in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Background

Survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are at-risk of developing cognitive impairment and neurobehavioral symptoms. Inflammation induced by a compromised health status during cancer survivorship is proposed as a pathophysiological mechanism underlying cognitive impairment in cancer survivors.

Objectives

To evaluate the associations of biomarkers of inflammation with attention and neurobehavioral outcomes in survivors of childhood ALL, and to identify clinical factors associated with biomarkers of inflammation in this cohort.

Methods

We recruited patients who were diagnosed with ALL at ≤ 18 years old and were currently ≥5 years post-cancer diagnosis. The study outcomes were attention (Conners Continuous Performance Test) and self-reported behavioral symptoms (Adult Self-Report [ASR] checklist). Using a commercial screening kit, survivors' plasma (5ml) was assayed for 17 cytokines/chemokine cell-signaling molecules that are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. The final panel of the targeted markers included interleukin (IL)-8, IL-13, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Biomarker levels were rank-ordered into tertiles based on the sample distribution. Multivariable general linear modeling was used to test for associations between biomarkers and study outcomes in the overall cohort and stratified by gender.

Results

This study included 102 survivors (55.9% males, mean[SD] age 26.2[5.9] years; 19.3[7.1] years post-diagnosis). Survivors within top tertiles of IFN-γ (Estimate =6.74, SE=2.26; P=0.0037) and IL-13 (Estimate =5.10, SE=2.27; P=0.027) demonstrated more inattentiveness. Adjusting for age, gender and treatment, more self-reported thought (Estimate=3.53, SE=1.78; P=0.050) and internalizing problems (Estimate =6.52, SE=2.91; P=0.027) correlated with higher IL-8. Higher levels of IL-13 (RR = 4.58, 95% CI: 1.01-11.10) and TNF-α (RR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.03-4.07) were observed in survivors had developed chronic health conditions (n=26, 25.5%). The stratified analysis showed that association of IFN-γ with attention was stronger in male survivors than in female survivors.

Conclusion

Inflammation due to cancer-related late effects may potentially be mechanistic mediators of neurobehavioral problems in pediatric ALL survivors. Markers of inflammation can potentially be applied to assess or monitor the effectiveness of interventions, particularly behavioral interventions, in improving cognitive outcomes in survivors. Future work includes understanding the underlying gender-specific pathophysiology behind functional outcomes in the population.

Dietary supplement use among adult survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Adult survivors of childhood cancer have poor adherence to nutrition guidelines and inadequate intake of dietary vitamins D and E, potassium, fiber, magnesium, and calcium. The contribution of vitamin and mineral supplement use to total nutrient intake in this population is unclear.

METHODS

We examined the prevalence and dose of nutrient intake among 2570 adult survivors of childhood cancer participating in the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study, and the association of dietary supplement use with treatment exposures, symptom burden, and quality of life.

RESULTS

Nearly 40% of the adult survivors of cancer survivors reported regular use of dietary supplements. Although cancer survivors who used dietary supplements were less likely to have inadequate intake of several nutrients, they were also more likely to have excessive intake (total nutrient intake ≥ tolerable upper intake levels) of folate (15.4% vs. 1.3%), vitamin A (12.2% vs. 0.2%), iron (27.8% vs. 1.2%), zinc (18.6% vs. 1%), and calcium (5.1% vs. 0.9%) compared with survivors who did not use dietary supplements (all p < 0.05). Treatment exposures, symptom burden, and physical functioning were not associated with supplement use, whereas emotional well-being and vitality were positively associated with supplement use among childhood cancer survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

Supplement use is associated with both inadequate and excessive intake of specific nutrients, but positively impacts aspects of quality of life among childhood cancer survivors.

Healthy lifestyle interventions for childhood and adolescent cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This study investigated the effects of healthy lifestyle interventions (HLSIs) on health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in childhood and adolescent cancer survivors (CACS).

METHODS

Major databases were searched for English-language original articles published between January 1, 2000 and May 2, 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs were included. Quality was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, and a meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies were included. Significant effects on HR-QoL were found for interventions using a multi-modal approach (exercise and education) (d=-0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]=-0.84 to -0.07, p=.02), lasting not less than 6 months (d=-0.72; 95% CI=-1.15 to -0.29, p=.0010), and using a group approach (d=-0.46; 95% CI=-0.85 to -0.06, p=.02). Self-efficacy showed significant effects when HLSIs provided health education only (d=-0.55; 95% CI=-0.92 to -0.18; p=.003), lasted for less than 6 months (d=-0.40; 95% CI=-0.69 to -0.11, p=.006), and were conducted individually (d=-0.55; 95% CI=-0.92 to -0.18, p=.003). The physical outcomes (physical activity, fatigue, exercise capacity-VO2, exercise capacity-upper body, body mass index) revealed no statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Areas of HLSIs for CACS requiring further study were identified, and needs and directions of research for holistic health management were suggested.

Chronic pain in children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer: the challenge of mitigating the pain and the potential of integrating exercise into pain management

BACKGROUND

Pain is one of the most common and distressing symptoms experienced by children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer. It is vital that children and adolescents receive adequate pain management early on in their cancer treatments to mitigate pain and cancer-related symptoms. Exercise training shows particular promise in the management of acute and chronic pain among children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer.

METHODS

This position paper comes to outline the challenge of mitigating pain in children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer, and the potential benefits of integrating exercise training to the management of chronic pain in this population in need.

RESULTS

Integrating exercise training into the care and pain management of children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer who have chronic pain would have the advantage of addressing several shortcomings of pain medication. Pain medication aims to temporarily manage or reduce pain; it does not have the potential to directly improve a patient's physical condition in the way that exercise training can. The current paucity of data available on the use of exercise training as a complementary treatment to pain medications to reduce chronic pain in children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer allows only for hypotheses on the effectiveness of this pain management modality.

CONCLUSION

More research on this important topic is necessary and mitigating pain effectively while also reducing the use of opioid pain medication is an important goal shared by patients, their families, clinicians, and researchers alike. Future research in this area has great potential to inform clinical care, clinical care guidelines, and policy-making decisions for pain management in children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer who experience chronic pain.

Overview of radiotherapy-induced chronic pain in childhood cancer survivors: A narrative review

Radiotherapy is an important aspect of oncological treatment in several childhood cancers. However, radiotherapy is known to have numerous side effects, including detrimental effects on growth, neurocognitive impairment, and the development of secondary malignancies. One less studied long-term side effect of pediatric radiotherapy treatment is chronic pain. While the short-term toxicities of radiotherapy resolve over a few weeks to months, the chronic pain caused by radiotherapy-induced tissue damage can significantly affect children's quality of life. As long-term childhood cancer survivors age into adulthood, they are typically followed up by a wide variety of doctors, not all of whom may be familiar with radiotherapy-induced chronic pain and its management. The aim of this review is to discuss the various common manifestations of radiotherapy-related pain in children, as well as ways to identify and manage these. Common radiotherapy-related side effects leading to chronic pain symptoms include radiation fibrosis, enteritis, dermatitis, lymphedema, neuropathic pain, and effects on bone development. The pathophysiology, evaluation and management of these are briefly summarized in this review. This is followed by an overview of radiotherapy techniques that allow greater sparing of normal tissue, minimizing future painful side effects. Finally, the assessment of pain in children is described, as well as strategies for management, and red flag symptoms that should prompt urgent specialist referral. In conclusion, a good understanding of the long-term side effects of radiotherapy treatment in children is essential for the various medical professionals that follow-up the child in the years after treatment. For young children, the evaluation of pain is in itself a challenge, and effects on growth, development, and learning are crucial. For older children, social and psychological factors become increasingly important. As radiation therapy techniques continue to advance, the spectrum and incidence of chronic pain syndromes may change over time.

Ten Considerations for Integrating Patient-Reported Outcomes into Clinical Care for Childhood Cancer Survivors

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are subjective assessments of health status or health-related quality of life. In childhood cancer survivors, PROMs can be used to evaluate the adverse effects of cancer treatment and guide cancer survivorship care. However, there are barriers to integrating PROMs into clinical practice, such as constraints in clinical validity, meaningful interpretation, and technology-enabled administration of the measures. This article discusses these barriers and proposes 10 important considerations for appropriate PROM integration into clinical care for choosing the right measure (considering the purpose of using a PROM, health profile vs. health preference approaches, measurement properties), ensuring survivors complete the PROMs (data collection method, data collection frequency, survivor capacity, self- vs. proxy reports), interpreting the results (scoring methods, clinical meaning and interpretability), and selecting a strategy for clinical response (integration into the clinical workflow). An example framework for integrating novel patient-reported outcome (PRO) data collection into the clinical workflow for childhood cancer survivorship care is also discussed. As we continuously improve the clinical validity of PROMs and address implementation barriers, routine PRO assessment and monitoring in pediatric cancer survivorship offer opportunities to facilitate clinical decision making and improve the quality of survivorship care.

Associations of Symptom Clusters and Health Outcomes in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Report From the St Jude Lifetime Cohort Study

PURPOSE

To identify symptom clusters among adult survivors of childhood cancers and test associations with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and physical and neurocognitive performance.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 3,085 survivors (mean age at evaluation 31.9 ± 8.3 years; mean years from diagnosis 28.1 ± 9.1) participating in the St Jude Lifetime Cohort Study. Survivors self-reported the presence of 37 symptoms capturing 10 domains (cardiac, pulmonary, sensory, motor/movement, nausea, pain, fatigue, memory, anxiety, and depression). The Short Form-36's Physical/Mental Component Summaries assessed HRQOL; the Physical Performance Test evaluated physical performance; and neurocognitive batteries tested attention, processing/psychomotor speed, memory, and executive function. Latent class analysis identified subgroups of survivors experiencing different patterns of symptom burden (ie, symptom clusters). Multivariable regression models identified risk of cluster membership and tested associations with health outcomes.

RESULTS

Four symptom clusters were identified including cluster 1 (prevalence 52.4%; low physical, somatization, and psychologic domains), cluster 2 (16.1%; low physical, moderate somatic, and high psychologic domains), cluster 3 (17.6%; high physical, moderate somatic, and low psychologic domains), and cluster 4 (13.9%; high in all three domains). Compared with cluster 1, survivors in cluster 4 were more likely to have less than high school education (odds ratio [OR], 7.71; 95% CI, 4.46 to 13.31), no insurance (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.04 to 2.13), and exposure to corticosteroids (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.02 to 3.03); survivors in cluster 3 were more likely to have received platinum agents (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.34 to 3.68) and brain radiation ≥ 30 Gy (OR, 3.99; 95% CI, 2.33 to 6.86). Survivors in cluster 4 reported the poorest Physical Component Summary/Mental Component Summary scores (31.0/26.7) and physical and neurocognitive performance versus survivors in the other clusters (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Nearly 50% of survivors had moderate to high multisymptom burden, which was associated with sociodemographic, treatment factors, HRQOL, and functional outcomes.

Family functioning buffers the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for children's quality of life and loneliness

COVID-19 resulted in mass quarantine measures early in the pandemic. This disruption of daily life widened inequities and made children one of the most vulnerable populations during the crisis. This national, cross-sectional "COVID-Kids" study collected data from almost 500 parent-child dyads using standardized measures to better understand the effects of COVID exposure and impact on children's quality of life and loneliness. Data were collected via social media from May to July 2020. According to parent proxy and child self-report, United States children experienced worse quality of life (p < 0.0001; d = 0.45 and 0.53) and greater child-reported loneliness (p < 0.0001) when compared to normative, healthy samples (i.e., children who do not have a chronic medical condition). Older children (r = 0.16, p = 0.001) and female children (r = 0.11, p = 0.02) reported greater loneliness. Higher child-reported family functioning scores were associated with better quality of life (r = 0.36, p < 0.0001) and less loneliness (r = -0.49, p < 0.0001). Moderated mediation analyses indicated the indirect effect of parent COVID impact on the association between COVID exposure and child quality of life was weaker in the context of better family functioning. Results of this study raise concern for the short-and long-term sequelae of the pandemic on the physical and mental health of children. Healthcare providers and researchers must find new and innovative ways to protect the well-being of children. Strengthening family functioning may buffer the effects of the pandemic and improve overall quality of life in our "COVID Kids."

Psychosocial outcomes in Chinese survivors of pediatric cancers or bone marrow failure disorders: A single-center study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Most of the studies on functional outcomes in pediatric survivors of cancers and bone marrow failure disorders have been conducted in North American, European, and Oceanian populations, with few studies having been performed in China. The objective of this study was to evaluate psychosocial outcomes in a cohort of Chinese pediatric survivors diagnosed with cancer or conditions requiring hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and to identify clinical and behavioral factors associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional survey study. We recruited pediatric survivors of cancer or inherited disorder requiring HSCT at ≤18 years old and were ≥6 months post-treatment. Parents completed the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital After Completion of Therapy questionnaire to report their child's emotional functioning, social functioning, attention/concentration and behavior. Multivariable general linear modeling was used to identify clinical, treatment and behavioral factors associated with psychosocial outcomes, adjusting for sex, age and cancer diagnoses.

RESULTS

Ninety-five pediatric survivors were recruited (62.1% male; mean [standard deviation] age 9.7 [3.4] years; 4.1 [2.6] years post-diagnosis). They were diagnosed with bone marrow failure disorders (23.2%), hematological malignancies (45.3%) or solid tumors (23.2%). Compared with survivors with no current health problems, those with more than one current health problem performed worse in emotional functioning (Estimate = 2.42, SE = 0.88, P = 0.008) and social functioning (Estimate = 2.90, SE = 1.64, P = 0.03). Higher pain interference was significantly associated with worse emotional functioning (Estimate = 0.19, SE = 0.08, P = 0.03) and attention functioning (Estimate = 0.26, SE = 0.11, P = 0.03). Compared with survivors who reported less sleep problems, those who had more sleep problems demonstrated poorer emotional functioning (Estimate = 0.30, SE = 0.08, P = 0.001). Survivors who had a longer duration of screen usage per day reported more impairment on attention and behavior functioning than those who had a shorter duration of screen usage per day (both P<0.5).

CONCLUSION

Survivors who were diagnosed at a younger age or had unaddressed/untreated health problems may require additional psychological evaluation. The implementation of psychosocial assessments during routine long-term follow-up care may help to identify high-risk patients during the early phase of survivorship. Rehabilitation interventions should address modifiable behavioral factors (e.g. sleep habits, screen time and chronic pain).

Pain, depressive symptoms, and health-related quality of life among survivors of pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant

OBJECTIVE

Pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) is an intensive medical procedure associated with significant late effects, of which pain is a prominent example. While pain is associated with increased depressive symptoms and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) impairments in other pediatric chronic illness populations, associations between these variables are not well understood in pediatric HCT. Clarifying these associations may inform clinical interventions to improve health outcomes following pediatric HCT. This study aimed to investigate the relations between pain intensity, depressive symptoms, and HRQoL in survivors of pediatric HCT.

METHOD

Fifty-one survivors of pediatric HCT (Mage  = 14.3 years, standard deviation [SD] = 4.3; 58.8% male; 80.4% White) completed self-report measures of pain intensity, depressive symptoms, and HRQoL. Demographic and disease information was collected via demographic forms and medical record review. Path analysis was used to examine hypothesized associations between pain intensity, depressive symptoms, and HRQoL.

RESULTS

Analyses revealed direct effects of pain intensity on depressive symptoms (estimate [Est.] = .23, p < .001) and HRQoL (Est. = -.2, p = .04), and direct effects of depressive symptoms on HRQoL (Est. = -.68, p < .001). Depressive symptoms also mediated the relationship between pain intensity and HRQoL (Est. = -.16, p = .006).

CONCLUSIONS

Greater pain intensity was associated directly with increased depressive symptoms and indirectly with HRQoL through depressive symptoms. Results of this study suggest that multitargeted cognitive behavioral interventions that address pain and depressive symptoms may improve HRQoL ratings in survivors of pediatric HCT.

Quality of Life in Adolescents and Young Adults: The Role of Symptom Burden

CONTEXT

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer report worse health-related quality of life (HRQOL) than other age groups. Symptom burden is a modifiable predictor of HRQOL.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to identify which symptoms are most burdensome to AYAs with advanced cancer.

METHODS

In this observational study, English-speaking individuals aged 12-25 years undergoing treatment for advanced cancer completed assessments of symptom burden (Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale) and HRQOL (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Generic Form and Cancer Module; minimal clinically important difference 4.4). We dichotomized participants as having low (<7) or high (≥7) symptom prevalence. Mixed regression models estimated HRQOL differences between groups. For individual symptoms, unadjusted mixed models estimated HRQOL reductions.

RESULTS

N = 58 AYAs completed baseline surveys. The median age was 17 years (IQR 15-19), 58% were male, 59% identified as white, and 44% were diagnosed with leukemia/lymphoma. High symptom prevalence was associated with a mean generic HRQOL 7 points lower (95% CI: -11, -3; P < 0.01) and cancer-specific HRQOL score 12 points lower (95% CI: -17, -7; P < 0.01) than low symptom prevalence. The most prevalent symptoms were fatigue (71%), pain (58%), and difficulty sleeping (58%). Fatigue (-8), difficulty concentrating (-7), and mouth sores (-6) were associated with the greatest generic HRQOL score reductions. Dysphagia (-12), difficulty concentrating (-12), and sadness (-11) were associated with the greatest cancer-specific HRQOL score reductions.

CONCLUSION

The symptom experience among AYAs with advanced cancer is unique. Separate evaluation of AYA's symptoms may optimize management and improve HRQOL.

Pain science education for children living with and beyond cancer: Challenges and research agenda

Pain in children living with and beyond cancer is understudied and undertreated. Pain science education (PSE) is a conceptual change strategy facilitating patients' understanding of the biopsychosocial aspects of pain. Preliminary studies on the adaptation of PSE interventions to adults with and beyond cancer provide a foundation for pediatric research. PSE could help childhood cancer survivors experiencing persistent pain and pain-related worry after active treatment. PSE may also help children receiving cancer treatment, providing them with a foundation of adaptive pain beliefs and cognitions, and preparing them for procedural and treatment-related pain. We direct this paper toward pediatric oncology clinicians, policy makers, and researchers working with children living with and beyond cancer. We aim to (a) identify challenges in adapting PSE for children living with and beyond cancer, (b) offer possible solutions, and (c) propose research questions to guide the implementation of PSE for children living with and beyond cancer.

Neuropathic pain and neurocognitive functioning in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

ABSTRACT

Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) often experience treatment-related neurocognitive deficits and significant pain. Pain may exacerbate these cognitive impairments. This study examined neuropathic pain and neurocognitive outcomes in survivors of childhood ALL treated with contemporary therapy on a clinical trial (NCT00137111). There were 345 survivors (45% female, M = 6.9 years at diagnosis) who completed neurocognitive assessments including measures of sustained attention, learning and memory, and parent ratings of attention during at least one of 4 time points: on-therapy (Induction and Reinduction), end of therapy, and 2 years post-therapy. At-risk performance was defined as a score at least 1SD below the age-adjusted mean. Data on neuropathic pain (events, duration, and severity according NCI Common Toxicity Criteria) and pharmacologic pain management (opioids and gabapentin) were ascertained. Results showed that 135 survivors (39%) experienced neuropathic pain during treatment. Compared with those without pain, survivors with pain had greater memory impairments at end of therapy (California Verbal Learning Test [CVLT]-Total, 24% vs 12%, P = 0.046). Within the pain group, survivors who experienced a greater number of pain events (CVLT-Total = -0.88, P = 0.023) and those who were treated with opioids (versus gabapentin) had poorer learning and memory performance (CVLT-Total = -0.73, P = 0.011; Short Delay = -0.57, P = 0.024; Long Delay = -0.62, P = 0.012; and Learning Slope = -0.45, P = 0.042) across time points. These are considered medium-to-large effects (SD = 0.45-0.88). Neuropathic pain may be a risk factor for learning problems after therapy completion, and treatment for pain with opioids may also adversely affect neurocognitive performance. Therefore, patients who experience pain may require closer monitoring and additional intervention for neurocognitive impairment.

Neurocognitive outcomes in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Experience from a tertiary care center in India

BACKGROUND

Data of neurocognitive deficits in survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is scarce from low middle-income countries (LMICs), and is influenced by biological and cultural variations. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and spectrum of neurocognitive deficits in a cohort of survivors from India.

PROCEDURE

Seventy survivors of childhood ALL were evaluated for neurocognitive deficits by the Indian adaptation of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fourth Edition (WISC-IV^INDIA ). The prevalence of neurocognitive deficits was calculated based on the full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ), and scores in discrete domains like verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed were calculated and compared to demographics, treatment, and sociocultural factors.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) current age and time since diagnosis was 10.5 (±3.2) years and 5 (±2.8) years, respectively. The mean FSIQ was 86.1 ± 20.5, with significant neurocognitive deficit (FSIQ <90) being prevalent in 50% (95% CI: 38%-62%) of the cohort. The proportion of survivors with deficits in individual domains of verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed were 49%, 50%, 47%, and 44%, respectively. The odds of having neurocognitive deficits were higher when a child belonged to lower socioeconomic strata (OR 5.7, p = .004), parents with lower education attainment (OR 4.3, p = .041), and whose birth order was higher (OR 20.1, p = .005). Age at diagnosis/assessment, chemotherapy received, or dose of radiotherapy did not have a direct impact on neurocognition.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Rates of neurocognitive deficits are higher in survivors in LMICs, with socioeconomic variables contributing more than the direct neurotoxic effects of treatment.

Long-term care for people treated for cancer during childhood and adolescence

Worldwide advances in treatment and supportive care for children and adolescents with cancer have resulted in a increasing population of survivors growing into adulthood. Yet, this population is at very high risk of late occurring health problems, including significant morbidity and early mortality. Unique barriers to high-quality care for this group include knowledge gaps among both providers and survivors as well as fragmented health-care delivery during the transition from paediatric to adult care settings. Survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer are at risk for a range of late-occuring side-effects from treatment, including cardiac, endocrine, pulmonary, fertility, renal, psychological, cognitive, and socio-developmental impairments. Care coordination and transition to adult care are substantial challenges, but can be empowering for survivors and improve outcomes, and could be facilitated by clear, effective communication and support for self-management. Resources for adult clinical care teams and primary care providers include late-effects surveillance guidelines and web-based support services.

Health utilities in pediatric cancer patients and survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis for clinical implementation

PURPOSE

Health utility (HU) is a useful metric for evaluating cost and utility of cancer therapies or prioritizing healthcare resources. We conducted a meta-analysis to compare HUs in association with clinical parameters and identify missing cancer-related themes from the extant HU measures for pediatric cancer patients and survivors.

METHODS

Studies published in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were identified. Meta-analyses were performed to estimate weighted means of HUs assessed by self- and proxy-responses. Mixed-effects meta-regressions were applied to compare HUs between cancer patients/survivors and general populations. Missing themes in the extant measures were identified based on established patient-reported outcomes frameworks.

RESULTS

Of 123 selected studies included pediatric cancer populations, 44% used the Health Utilities Index version 2 (HUI2), and 48% used version 3 (HUI3). Compared to general populations, cancer patients undergoing therapies for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) had 0.129 (95% CI - 0.183 to - 0.075) and brain tumor had 0.257 (95% CI - 0.354 to - 0.160) lower HUs per proxy-reported HUI3, whereas survivors of ALL had 0.028 (95% CI - 0.062 to 0.007) and brain tumor had 0.188 (95% CI - 0.237 to - 0.140) lower HUs per proxy-reported HUI3. Compared to general populations, cancer patients treated with multimodality therapy and survivors off therapy 2-5 years had significantly poorer HUs (p's < 0.05). Missing cancer-specific contents from the HU measures were identified.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric cancer patients and survivors had poorer HUs than general populations. It is important to select appropriate HUs for economic evaluations, and offer interventions to minimize HU deficits for particular cancer populations.

A systematic review and pooled prevalence of symptoms among childhood and adolescent and young adult cancer survivors

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To systematically review the existing literature reporting symptoms in childhood and adolescent and young adult cancer survivors and to meta-analyse the pooled prevalence of symptoms.

BACKGROUND

Cancer survivors experience various symptoms caused by cancer treatments and their late effects. These symptoms are associated with adverse health outcomes. However, estimates of symptom prevalence vary largely, and no comprehensive review of symptoms has been conducted for childhood and adolescent and young adult cancer survivors.

DESIGN

A systematic review.

METHODS

This systematic review is registered in PROSPERO registry and was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus and CINAHL were searched up to July 2021. Three investigators assessed the eligibility of studies, extracted data and performed quality assessment. The pooled prevalence of symptoms was calculated using a random-effect model. Subgroup analysis was conducted to identify heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Sixty-one studies were used to synthesise symptom prevalence, involving 114,184 participants. There were 24 physical symptoms and 10 psychological symptoms reported in two or more studies. The most studied physical symptoms were fatigue and sleep disturbance, and the most studied psychological symptoms were anxiety and depression. Among physical symptoms, drowsiness had the highest prevalence, followed by dry mouth and fatigue. Among psychological symptoms, worry and nervousness had the highest prevalence, followed by difficulty concentrating.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical and psychological symptoms are common in the target population. This review provides an up-to-date overview of symptom prevalence, identifying areas for future research.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Education about possible symptoms related to cancer and its treatment should be given while in treatment. Symptoms should also be monitored throughout the survivorship period. Nurses have a critical role in identifying and making referrals for psychological symptoms as well as promoting preventative strategies that enhance well-being.

Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning Methods to Characterize Unstructured Patient-Reported Outcomes: Validation Study

BACKGROUND

Assessing patient-reported outcomes (PROs) through interviews or conversations during clinical encounters provides insightful information about survivorship.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to test the validity of natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) algorithms in identifying different attributes of pain interference and fatigue symptoms experienced by child and adolescent survivors of cancer versus the judgment by PRO content experts as the gold standard to validate NLP/ML algorithms.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study focused on child and adolescent survivors of cancer, aged 8 to 17 years, and caregivers, from whom 391 meaning units in the pain interference domain and 423 in the fatigue domain were generated for analyses. Data were collected from the After Completion of Therapy Clinic at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Experienced pain interference and fatigue symptoms were reported through in-depth interviews. After verbatim transcription, analyzable sentences (ie, meaning units) were semantically labeled by 2 content experts for each attribute (physical, cognitive, social, or unclassified). Two NLP/ML methods were used to extract and validate the semantic features: bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) and Word2vec plus one of the ML methods, the support vector machine or extreme gradient boosting. Receiver operating characteristic and precision-recall curves were used to evaluate the accuracy and validity of the NLP/ML methods.

RESULTS

Compared with Word2vec/support vector machine and Word2vec/extreme gradient boosting, BERT demonstrated higher accuracy in both symptom domains, with 0.931 (95% CI 0.905-0.957) and 0.916 (95% CI 0.887-0.941) for problems with cognitive and social attributes on pain interference, respectively, and 0.929 (95% CI 0.903-0.953) and 0.917 (95% CI 0.891-0.943) for problems with cognitive and social attributes on fatigue, respectively. In addition, BERT yielded superior areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for cognitive attributes on pain interference and fatigue domains (0.923, 95% CI 0.879-0.997; 0.948, 95% CI 0.922-0.979) and superior areas under the precision-recall curve for cognitive attributes on pain interference and fatigue domains (0.818, 95% CI 0.735-0.917; 0.855, 95% CI 0.791-0.930).

CONCLUSIONS

The BERT method performed better than the other methods. As an alternative to using standard PRO surveys, collecting unstructured PROs via interviews or conversations during clinical encounters and applying NLP/ML methods can facilitate PRO assessment in child and adolescent cancer survivors.

Concordance between Self-reported Symptoms and Clinically Ascertained Peripheral Neuropathy among Childhood Cancer Survivors: the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Childhood cancer survivors are at elevated risk for motor and/or sensory neuropathy. The study aims to evaluate the concordance between self-report peripheral neuropathy compared with clinically ascertained peripheral neuropathy, and to identify factors associated with misclassification of peripheral neuropathy among survivors.

METHODS

The concordance between self-report and clinically ascertained peripheral neuropathy was evaluated among 2,933 5+ years old childhood cancer survivors (mean age 33.3, SD = 8.9). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of self-report peripheral motor neuropathy (PMN) and peripheral sensory neuropathy (PSN) were calculated with reference to clinically assessed peripheral neuropathy.

RESULTS

Female survivors were more likely than male survivors to have clinically ascertained PMN (8.4% vs. 5.6%, P = 0.004). For females, having either PSN or PMN the most sensitive, specific, and accurate self-reported symptom was endorsing ≥2 symptoms on the self-report questionnaire (43.2%, 90.3%, and 85.2%, respectively), with kappa of 0.304. For males, having either PSN or PMN the most sensitive, specific, and accurate self-reported symptom was endorsing ≥2 symptoms on the self-report questionnaire (38.8%, 90.5%, and 86.3%, respectively) with kappa of 0.242. Age at diagnosis, emotional distress, and reporting pain in legs in the past 4 weeks were associated with an increased risk for false-positive reporting of peripheral neuropathy. Race (White), age at assessment, and emotional distress were associated with increased risk for false-negative reporting of peripheral neuropathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Agreement between self-report and clinically ascertained peripheral neuropathy was poor in survivors. Choosing self-report versus clinical ascertained peripheral neuropathy should be carefully considered.

IMPACT

The current study identifies the need for a self-report questionnaire that accurately assesses symptoms of peripheral neuropathy among cancer survivors.

Living with the Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Treatment: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Long-term childhood cancer survivors (CCS) may experience physical, social, and emotional struggles posttreatment. Our aim was to explore the experiences of CCS dealing with the late effects of cancer treatment from their own perspectives. This study employed a qualitative descriptive design to explore and describe the experience of dealing with late effects among CCS. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 CCS in Korea. Participants were selected by purposive and snowball sampling and individually interviewed during the period from September to November 2020. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze data and identify themes. Two main themes and seven subthemes emerged. The two main themes were: "Things I encountered while crossing a bridge" and "Living as a survivor". The participants reported both positive and negative experiences with dealing with the late effects of cancer treatment. The main themes indicated that late effects exert significant impacts on the lives of CCS in both positive and negative ways. Healthcare providers and researchers should pay attention to early intervention needs of CCS and their support systems to strengthen their positive experiences in dealing with late effects during their survivorships.

Factors influencing quality of life among childhood cancer survivors in Korea: A quantile regression approach

Cancer treatment in childhood may negatively affect survivors' quality of life. In this study, we aimed to determine the contributing factors for health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in survivors of childhood cancer in Korea using quantile regression analysis. This study was a secondary analysis. Data were collected from 130 childhood cancer survivors (CCS) from November 2018 to July 2019. Participants completed the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (physical component summary [PCS] and mental component summary [MCS]). Quantile and multiple linear regressions were used to analyze the factors contributing to HRQOL. The quantile and linear regression models revealed different results on the contributing factors to HRQOL in CCS. Mean PCS and MCS scores were 78.55 (SD = 15.08) and 64.02 (SD = 18.00), respectively. Symptoms (e.g., difficulty concentrating, worrying, pain, and lack of energy), physical activity, spiritual growth, interpersonal relationships, stress management, depression, and anxiety were significant influencing factors in some PCS quantiles, while symptoms, spiritual growth, interpersonal relationships, depression, and stress were significant influencing factors in some MCS quantiles. The findings of this study showed specific contributing factors in CCS with different levels of HRQOL. There is a need for targeted interventions related to risk reduction and stratification for CCS with different HRQOL levels. Symptom management strategies, early detection programs for CCS with psychological distress, and clinical and counseling interventions for CCS with poor HRQOL need to be developed.

Self-reported late effect symptom clusters among young pediatric cancer survivors

PURPOSE

Most survivors of childhood cancer experience subsequent chronic conditions but little is known about concurrent symptoms. This study seeks to identify late effect symptom clusters among young pediatric cancer survivors.

METHODS

Survivors ≥ 18 or parents of survivors < 18 years enrolled in an institutional cohort study indicated (yes/no) if they experienced certain symptoms after treatment. The sample was randomly divided in half for exploratory factor analyses to identify symptom clusters followed by confirmatory factor analyses. Symptoms with ≥ 10% prevalence were included. Cluster structure generalizability across subgroups was examined using congruence coefficients.

RESULTS

The sample included 579 survivors (74% non-Hispanic white, 45% leukemia, 12.8 ± 4.5 years at survey, 5.9 ± 3.5 years since therapy). Respondents averaged three symptoms. Three clusters were identified: (1) gastrointestinal: abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting (Cronbach's α = 0.74); (2) psychological: depression, anxiety, memory problems, anger management problems, sleep problems (α = 0.71); and (3) neurologic: problems walking, numbness/tingling, fatigue, back pain, chronic pain, weakness/inability to move legs (α = 0.71). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the three-cluster structure (standardized root mean square residual: 0.09; parsimonious goodness of fit: 0.96; Bentler-Bonett normed fit index: 0.95). The gastrointestinal and psychological clusters were generalizable across most subgroups while the neurologic cluster varied across age and race/ethnicity subgroups.

CONCLUSION

Three distinct late effect symptom clusters were identified in young childhood cancer survivors with gastrointestinal and psychological clusters remaining relatively stable across subgroups. Future studies should focus on the characteristics of patients who experience these symptoms, especially those with high symptom burden, and the synergistic impact on quality of life.

The effectiveness of digital self-management interventions on health outcomes among childhood cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

The study aimed to review the evidence about existing digital interventions for childhood cancer survivors and examine their effectiveness on health outcomes.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycArticles, SCOPUS and PQDT Global databases were searched, and the date last searched was 16 September 2019.

REVIEW METHODS

This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. Randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials, as well as before-and-after studies, were included. The main outcomes were health-related quality of life and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Two authors independently reviewed included studies and assessed methodological quality. Meta-analysis was conducted using statistical software STATA 16.0.

RESULTS

Out of the eight eligible studies, four were included in the meta-analysis. The digital self-management interventions were not effective on health-related quality of life and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Additionally, the digital self-management interventions increased the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity over time but was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence on the effectiveness of digital self-management interventions in improving health outcomes among childhood cancer survivors. Future randomized controlled trials should be conducted from multiple locations and should include objective measures and means to encourage interaction with health care providers.

IMPACT

Digital interventions are increasingly implemented to improve health outcomes among childhood cancer survivors, but their results are inconsistent. Well-designed digital interventions may be beneficial for this population over time. The recommendations proposed in the current review may be useful for developing digital interventions and designing related studies in the future, thereby reducing late effects and improving healthy behaviours among this population.

Health-related quality of life in Dutch adult survivors of childhood cancer: A nation-wide cohort study

AIM

To investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of Dutch adult childhood cancer survivors (CCS) and to identify risk factors of impaired HRQOL.

METHODS

Adult CCS (age >18, diagnosed <18, ≥5 years since diagnosis) from the Dutch LATER registry completed the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) to measure HRQOL and provided sociodemographic characteristics. Age-adjusted mean SF-36 scale scores of CCS were compared to the Dutch general population for men and women separately using t-tests, with effect size d. Multivariate logistic regression models were built to identify sociodemographic and cancer-related risk factors for impaired physical and mental HRQOL.

RESULTS

Both male and female CCS (N = 2301, mean age = 35.4 years, 49.6% female) reported significantly (p ≤ .005) worse HRQOL than the general population on almost all scales of the SF-36 (-.11 ≤ d ≤ -.56). Largest differences were found on vitality and general health perceptions. Significant risk factors (p ≤ .05) for impaired physical HRQOL were female sex, older age at diagnosis, not having a partner, low educational attainment, disease recurrence and exposure to radiotherapy, specifically to lower extremity radiation. Odds ratios (ORs) ranged from 1.6 to 3.7. Significant risk factors for impaired mental HRQOL were age 26-35 years, male sex, not having a partner and low educational attainment. ORs ranged from 1.3 to 2.0.

CONCLUSION

Adult CCS had worse HRQOL than the general population. CCS most at risk were those with low educational attainment and without a partner. Adult CCS could benefit from routine surveillance of their HRQOL. Special attention for CCS' vitality and health perceptions and beliefs is warranted.

Pain and functional outcomes in adult survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort study

BACKGROUND

Although survivors of childhood cancer are at risk of chronic pain, the impact of pain on daily functioning is not well understood.

METHODS

A total of 2836 survivors (mean age, 32.2 years [SD, 8.5 years]; mean time since diagnosis, 23.7 years [SD, 8.2 years]) and 343 noncancer community controls (mean age, 35.5 years [SD, 10.2 years]) underwent comprehensive medical, neurocognitive, and physical performance assessments, and completed measures of pain, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and social functioning. Multinomial logistic regression models, using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), examined associations between diagnosis, treatment exposures, chronic health conditions, and pain. Relative risks (RRs) between pain and neurocognition, physical performance, social functioning, and HRQOL were examined using modified Poisson regression.

RESULTS

Approximately 18% of survivors (95% CI, 16.1%-18.9%) versus 8% of controls (95% CI, 5.0%-10.9%) reported moderate to very severe pain with moderate to extreme daily interference (P < .001). Severe and life-threatening chronic health conditions were associated with an increased likelihood of pain with interference (odds ratio, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.62-2.54). Pain with daily interference was found to be associated with an increased risk of impaired neurocognition (attention: RR, 1.88 [95% CI, 1.46-2.41]; and memory: RR, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.25-2.17]), physical functioning (aerobic capacity: RR, 2.29 [95% CI, 1.84-2.84]; and mobility: RR, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.42-2.06]), social functioning (inability to hold a job and/or attend school: RR, 4.46 [95% CI, 3.45-5.76]; and assistance with routine and/or personal care needs: RR, 5.64 [95% CI, 3.92-8.10]), and HRQOL (physical: RR, 6.34 [95% CI, 5.04-7.98]; and emotional: RR, 2.83 [95% CI, 2.28-3.50]).

CONCLUSIONS

Survivors of childhood cancer are at risk of pain and associated functional impairments. Survivors should be screened routinely for pain and interventions targeting pain interference are needed.

Screening for distress in pediatric cancer survivors: A systematic comparison of one-step and two-step strategies to minimize detection errors

BACKGROUND

Childhood cancer survivors should be routinely screened for psychological distress. However, existing screening tools promoted by cancer care institutions, such as the Distress Thermometer (DT) generate high rates of errors. The aim of this study is to help refining strategies of screening psychological distress in this population by exploring two-step methods combining the DT on step #1 with one question on step #2.

PROCEDURE

Data from 255 survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia aged 13-40 years were analyzed (38% 13-18 years, 62% 19+ years, 53% females). We used the DT on step #1 and the individual emotion items from the Pediatric Quality of Life Questionnaire (PedsQL) on step #2, to detect distress, depression and anxiety as measured by standard instruments. We compared sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values, Youden index, and clinical utility indices, in newly developed two-step strategies.

RESULTS

The best two-step strategies to screen anxious-depressive distress were DT ≥ 2 on step #1, with the item of Sadness on step #2, and DT ≥ 2 combined with the item of Concerns. Two-step strategies outperformed the DT alone on the correct identification of distressed survivors. However, two-step strategies did not outperform the DT used alone on the correct detection of no distressed survivors. Results were similar when predicting depression or anxiety alone.

CONCLUSION

Completing the DT with one single question on emotions from the PedsQL may minimize the number of participants falsely identified as distressed, which could be particularly pertinent in resource-limited clinics.

Health status, health-related quality of life, and socioeconomic outcome in childhood brain tumor survivors: a German cohort study

BACKGROUND

With rising numbers of childhood cancer survivors, somatic and socioeconomic outcome as well as health-related quality of life (QoL) gain increasing relevance. Based on the first nationwide German Survey on Life Situation, State of Health, and Quality of Life of Childhood Cancer Survivors, the VIVE survey, we report the outcome of survivors of childhood brain tumors localized in the posterior fossa.

METHODS

Two hundred seventy participants with a median follow-up period of 21.9 years completed a questionnaire on socioeconomic and somatic late effects as well as a standardized QoL questionnaire (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30). Comparisons were performed between World Health Organization (WHO) grades I-II, WHO grades III-IV brain tumor survivors (BTS), and the general population adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

The socioeconomic and QoL results of WHO grades I-II BTS were largely comparable to the general population, while grades III-IV BTS were at higher risk for significantly worse outcomes. Of WHO grades III-IV BTS, 36.8% were still living with their parents or in assisted living facilities compared with 16.1% of grades I-II BTS and 7.8% of the age-adjusted general population. Of grades III-IV BTS, 60.8% achieved at least an intermediate school degree in comparison to 80.5% of grades I-II BTS and 75.6% of the general population. Grades III-IV BTS developed up to 2 times more somatic late effects than survivors of grades I-II tumors.

CONCLUSION

Derived from a large and homogeneous cohort, these results stress the importance of an appropriate follow-up period focusing not only on physical aspects but encompassing the entire living situation to allow patient-tailored support.

Medical Financial Hardship in Survivors of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer in the United States

BACKGROUND

Cancer and its treatment can result in lifelong medical financial hardship, which we aimed to describe among adult survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancers in the United States.

METHODS

We identified adult (aged ≥18 years) survivors of AYA cancers (diagnosed ages 15-39 years) and adults without a cancer history from the 2010-2018 National Health Interview Surveys. Proportions of respondents reporting measures in different hardship domains (material [eg, problems paying bills], psychological [eg, distress], and behavioral [eg, forgoing care due to cost]) were compared between groups using multivariable logistic regression models and hardship intensity (cooccurrence of hardship domains) using ordinal logistic regression. Cost-related changes in prescription medication use were assessed separately.

RESULTS

A total of 2588 AYA cancer survivors (median = 31 [interquartile range = 26-35] years at diagnosis; 75.0% more than 6 years and 50.0% more than 16 years since diagnosis) and 256 964 adults without a cancer history were identified. Survivors were more likely to report at least 1 hardship measure in material (36.7% vs 27.7%, P < .001) and behavioral (28.4% vs 21.2%, P < .001) domains, hardship in all 3 domains (13.1% vs 8.7%, P < .001), and at least 1 cost-related prescription medication nonadherence (13.7% vs 10.3%, P = .001) behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

Adult survivors of AYA cancers are more likely to experience medical financial hardship across multiple domains compared with adults without a cancer history. Health-care providers must recognize this inequity and its impact on survivors' health, and multifaceted interventions are necessary to address underlying causes.

Negligible Effects of the Survey Modes for Patient-Reported Outcomes: A Report From the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

PURPOSE

This study compared the measurement properties for multiple modes of survey administration, including postal mail, telephone interview, and Web-based completion of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) among survivors of childhood cancer.

METHODS

The population included 6,974 adult survivors of childhood cancer in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study who completed the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18), which measured anxiety, depression, and somatization symptoms. Scale reliability, construct validity, and known-groups validity related to health status were tested for each mode of completion. The multiple indicators and multiple causes technique was used to identify differential item functioning (DIF) for the BSI-18 items that responded through a specific survey mode. The impact of the administration mode was tested by comparing differences in BSI-18 scores between the modes accounting for DIF effects.

RESULTS

Of the respondents, 58%, 27%, and 15% completed postal mail, Web-based, and telephone surveys, respectively. Survivors who were male; had lower education, lower household income, or poorer health status; or were treated with cranial radiotherapy were more likely to complete a telephone-based survey compared with either a postal mail or Web-based survey (all P < .05). Scale reliability and validity were equivalent across the 3 survey options. One, 2, and 5 items from the anxiety, depression, and somatization domains, respectively, were identified as having significant DIF among survivors who responded by telephone (P < .05). However, estimated BSI-18 domain scores, especially depression and anxiety, between modes did not differ after accounting for DIF effects.

CONCLUSION

Certain survivor characteristics were associated with choosing a specific mode for PRO survey completion. However, measurement properties among these modes were equivalent, and the impact of using a specific mode on scores was minimal.

Patient-reported outcomes in survivors of childhood hematologic malignancies with hematopoietic stem cell transplant

Patient-reported outcomes among survivors of pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) are understudied. We compared symptom prevalence, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and risk factors in adult survivors of childhood hematologic malignancies treated with HSCT to those treated with conventional therapy and noncancer controls. Survivors of childhood hematologic malignancies (HSCT N = 112 [70% allogeneic, 30% autologous]; conventionally treated N = 1106) and noncancer controls (N = 242) from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study completed surveys assessing 10 symptom domains and SF-36 HRQOL summary scores. Chronic health conditions (CHCs) were validated by clinical assessment. Multivariable logistic regression reveals that compared with noncancer controls, HSCT survivors endorsed a significantly higher symptom prevalence in sensation (OR = 4.7, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.6-8.4), motor/movement (OR = 4.3, 95% CI, 1.6-11.0), pulmonary (OR = 4.6, 95% CI, 1.8-11.8), and memory domains (OR = 4.8, 95% CI, 2.5-9.2), and poorer physical HRQOL (OR = 6.9, 95% CI, 2.8-17.0). HSCT and conventionally treated survivors had a similar prevalence of all symptom domains and HRQOL (all P > .05); however, HSCT survivors had a significantly higher cumulative prevalence for specific symptoms: double vision (P = .04), very dry eyes (P < .0001), and trouble seeing when wearing glasses (P < .0001). Occurrence of organ-specific CHCs, instead of transplant receipt, was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of all symptom domains (all P < .05) in adult survivors of childhood cancer, except for pain and anxiety domains. This study found that patient-reported outcomes were equally impaired between HSCT and conventionally treated survivors, but poorer in both groups compared with noncancer controls. Poor patient-reported outcomes in all survivors of childhood hematologic malignancies correlated with the presence of CHCs, whether treated with conventional therapy or HSCT.

Change in Pain Status and Subsequent Opioid and Marijuana Use Among Long-Term Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer

We evaluated pain status change and associations with subsequent opioid/marijuana use among 1208 adult survivors of childhood cancer. Pain status and opioid/marijuana were self-reported at baseline and follow-up evaluation (mean interval = 4.2 years). Over time, 18.7% of survivors endorsed persistent/increasing significant pain; 4.8% and 9.0% reported having used opioids and marijuana at follow-up. Persistent/increased (vs none/decreased) pain, persistent/increased (vs none/decreased) anxiety, and lack of health insurance increased odds of subsequent opioid use by 7.69-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.71 to 15.95), 2.55-fold (95% CI = 1.04 to 6.24), and 2.50-fold (95% CI = 1.07 to 5.82), respectively. Persistent/increased (vs none/decreased) depression increased odds of subsequent marijuana use by 2.64-fold (95% CI = 1.10 to 6.33).