Opportunities During Early Life for Cancer Prevention: Highlights From a Series of Virtual Meetings With Experts

A self-management plus mind body intervention for adolescents and young adults with type 2 diabetes: Trial design and methodological report

BACKGROUND

The onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasingly common in adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Improving self-management skills and the mental health of this population is important, but understudied.

METHODS

The goal of this research was to develop a mind-body intervention which could serve as an adjunctive therapy to support AYAs with T2D (INTEND intervention). Toward that end, we used an iterative process, including use of focus groups, advisory board, and cognitive semi-structured interviews with patients, parents of patient and clinical providers, to understand the gaps in the current information provided to AYAs with T2D. Based on the data gathered from the focus groups and interviews, we enhanced an existing self-management intervention for adults with T2D to include an additional mind body intervention for AYAs with T2D. The INTEND intervention will be piloted in a group of AYAs with T2D.

RESULTS

This report describes the methodology and design of the InterveNTion for Early oNset type 2 Diabetes (INTEND) study. The details of this single arm pre-post pilot feasibility trial are described.

DISCUSSION

If successful, the INTEND approach has the potential to advance care for vulnerable youth with T2D.

Childhood Cancer Predisposition: An Overview for the General Pediatrician

Cancer predisposition syndromes (CPS), or genetic syndromes leading to increased cancer risk, are responsible for at least 10% of all childhood cancers. With advances in both tumor and germline sequencing, these syndromes have been uncovered both in patients with and without syndromic features and family history of cancer. Recognition of CPS in children and use of associated screening guidelines can improve morbidity and mortality from childhood cancer. Given the multidisciplinary approach needed for management of CPS, knowledge of clinical features and surveillance guidelines are essential for the general pediatrician. Pediatricians also play a vital role in anticipatory guidance regarding cancer prevention strategies and management of psychosocial stressors associated with ongoing screening. This article discusses 10 of the more common pediatric CPS, reasons to refer patients for CPS genetic testing and evaluation, and general cancer prevention strategies. [Pediatr Ann. 2022;51(1):e15-e21.].

Searching beyond the Lamppost to Reduce Breast Cancer Disparities

Racial and ethnic differences in breast cancer occur by race/ethnicity in both incidence and mortality rates. Women of lower socioeconomic status likewise have poorer outcomes. When race alone is considered, incidence rates in the United States are highest among White women (130.8 per 100,000), with Black women close behind (126.7 per 100,000). Incidence is lowest among Asian/Pacific Islander women, at 93.2 per 100,000. Mortality differences are more pronounced, with Black women 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than White women (28.4 per 100,000 and 20.3 per 100,000, respectively). Mortality rates for Asian/Pacific Islander women (11.5 per 100,000) are far lower than for Black and White women. When age is considered, additional differences between Black and White women appear, in part accounted for by types of breast cancer experienced. Women of other racial/ethnic groups and socioeconomic status have received less scientific attention. In this article, we provide a brief overview of the evidence for social determinants of breast cancer and argue that the current reliance on race over racism and ethnicity contributes to our inability to eliminate breast cancer disparities in the United States and elsewhere in the world. We suggest alternatives to the current approach to research in breast cancer disparities.

Using mobile phones to improve young people sexual and reproductive health in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review to identify barriers, facilitators, and range of mHealth solutions

BACKGROUND

Globally, reproductive health programs have used mHealth to provide sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education and services to young people, through diverse communication channels. However, few attempts have been made to systematically review the mHealth programs targeted to improve young people SRH in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). This review aims to identify a range of different mHealth solutions that can be used for improving young people SRH in LMICs and highlight facilitators and barriers for adopting mHealth interventions designed to target SRH of young people.

METHODS

Databases including PubMed, CINAHL Plus, Science Direct, Cochrane Central, and grey literature were searched between January 01, 2005 and March 31, 2020 to identify various types of mHealth interventions that are used to improve SRH services for young people in LMICs. Of 2948 titles screened after duplication, 374 potentially relevant abstracts were obtained. Out of 374 abstracts, 75 abstracts were shortlisted. Full text of 75 studies were reviewed using a pre-defined data extraction sheet. A total of 15 full-text studies were included in the final analysis.

RESULTS

The final 15 studies were categorized into three main mHealth applications including client education and behavior change communication, data collection and reporting, and financial transactions and incentives. The most reported use of mHealth was for client education and behavior change communication [n = 14, 93%] followed by financial transactions and incentives, and data collection and reporting Little evidence exists on other types of mHealth applications described in Labrique et al. framework. Included studies evaluated the impact of mHealth interventions on access to SRH services (n = 9) and SRH outcomes (n = 6). mHealth interventions in included studies addressed barriers of provider prejudice, stigmatization, discrimination, fear of refusal, lack of privacy, and confidentiality. The studies also identified barriers to uptake of mHealth interventions for SRH including decreased technological literacy, inferior network coverage, and lower linguistic competency.

CONCLUSION

The review provides detailed information about the implementation of mobile phones at different levels of the healthcare system for improving young people SRH outcomes. This systematic review recommends that barriers to uptake mHealth interventions be adequately addressed to increase the potential use of mobile phones for improving access to SRH awareness and services.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42018087585 (Feb 5, 2018).

Advancing neuro-oncology of glial tumors from big data and multidisciplinary studies

INTRODUCTION

Multidisciplinary studies for glial tumors has produced an enormous amount of information including imaging, histology, and a large cohort of molecular data (i.e. genomics, epigenomics, metabolomics, proteomics, etc.). The big data resources are made possible through open access that offers great potential for new biomarker or therapeutic intervention via deep-learning and/or machine learning for integrated multi-omics analysis. An equally important effort to define the hallmarks of glial tumors will also advance precision neuro-oncology and inform patient-specific therapeutics. This review summarizes past studies regarding tumor classification, hallmarks of cancer, and hypothetical mechanisms. Leveraging on advanced big data approaches and ongoing cross-disciplinary endeavors, this review also discusses how to integrate multiple layers of big data toward the goal of precision medicine.

RESULTS

In addition to basic research of cancer biology, the results from integrated multi-omics analysis will highlight biological processes and potential candidates as biomarkers or therapeutic targets. Ultimately, these collective resources built upon an armamentarium of accessible data can re-form clinical and molecular data to stratify patient-tailored therapy.

CONCLUSION

We envision that a comprehensive understanding of the link between molecular signatures, tumor locations, and patients' history will identify a molecular taxonomy of glial tumors to advance the improvements in early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

Precautionary Principle: Cancer Prevention Efforts During Critical Periods of Growth and Development

Although the mechanisms of action for all cancer types are not fully known, best practice recommends promoting a healthy lifestyle while avoiding certain substances. Based on environmental science, the precautionary principle is a guideline that suggests that preventive action should be taken when the effects of a substance are unknown or disputed. Oncology nurses and maternal child healthcare professionals can improve cancer prevention through efforts during pregnancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. This article reviews the application of the precautionary principle during critical periods of growth and development and provides recommendations that may prevent epigenetic changes and reduce the risk for cancer.

Implementing risk stratification to the treatment of adolescent substance use among youth involved in the juvenile justice system: protocol of a hybrid type I trial

BACKGROUND

Youth involved in the juvenile justice system (YIJJ) have high rates of substance use problems; however, rates of YIJJ engagement in substance use services is low. Barriers to service engagement include lack of appropriate screening and connection to services by the juvenile justice system, as well as lack of resources for delivering evidence-based treatment in community-based settings. To address these barriers, this paper describes a protocol for a type 1 hybrid design to (1) implement universal substance use screening for YIJJ; (2) implement and evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a brief, three-session substance use interventions based in motivational interviewing for youth with mild/moderate substance use: Teen Intervene (an individual-based intervention); (3) implement ENCOMPASS, an evidence-based substance use intervention based in motivational enhancement and cognitive behavioral therapy for youth with severe substance use; and (4) evaluate facilitators and barriers to implementing these interventions for mild to severe substance use among YIJJ in community mental health centers (CMHC).

METHODS/DESIGN

Using a hybrid type 1 clinical effectiveness-implementation design, we will collaborate with CMHCs and juvenile justice in two rural Indiana counties. Guided by the EPIS (exploration, preparation, implementation, sustainability) framework, we will measure factors that affect implementation of substance use screening in juvenile justice and implementation of substance use interventions in CMHCs utilizing self-reports and qualitative interviews with juvenile justice and CMHC staff pre- and post-implementation. YIJJ with mild/moderate substance use will receive a brief interventions and YIJJ with severe substance use will receive ENCOMPASS. We will measure the effectiveness of a brief and comprehensive intervention by assessing changes in substance use across treatment. We anticipate recruiting 160 YIJJ and their caregivers into the study. We will assess intervention outcomes utilizing baseline, 3-, and 6-month assessments.

DISCUSSION

Findings have the potential to improve screening and intervention services for YIJJ.

Disparities in the Context of Opportunities for Cancer Prevention in Early Life

Persistent health disparities are a major contributor to disproportionate burden of cancer for some populations. Health disparities in cancer incidence and mortality may reflect differences in exposures to risk factors early in life. Understanding the distribution of exposures to early life risk and protective factors for cancer across different populations can shed light on opportunities to promote health equity at earlier developmental stages. Disparities may differentially influence risk for cancer during early life and create opportunities to promote health equity. Potential risk and protective factors for cancer in early life reveal patterns of disparities in their exposure. These disparities in exposures can manifest in downstream disparities in risk for cancer. These risk and protective factors include adverse childhood experiences; maternal alcohol consumption in pregnancy; childhood obesity; high or low birth weight; benzene exposure; use of assisted reproductive technologies; pesticide and insecticide exposure; isolated cryptorchidism; early pubertal timing; exposure to radiation; exposure to tobacco in utero and in early life; allergies, asthma, and atopy; and early exposure to infection. Disparities on the basis of racial and ethnic minority status, economic disadvantage, disability status, sex, geography, and nation of origin can occur in these risk and protective factors. Vulnerable populations experience disproportionally greater exposure to risk factors in early life. Addressing disparities in risk factors in early life can advance opportunities for prevention, promote health equity, and possibly reduce risk for subsequent development of cancer.

Childhood Leukemia and Primary Prevention

Leukemia is the most common pediatric cancer, affecting 3800 children per year in the United States. Its annual incidence has increased over the last decades, especially among Latinos. Although most children diagnosed with leukemia are now cured, many suffer long-term complications, and primary prevention efforts are urgently needed. The early onset of leukemia-usually before 5 years of age-and the presence at birth of "pre-leukemic" genetic signatures indicate that pre- and postnatal events are critical to the development of the disease. In contrast to most pediatric cancers, there is a growing body of literature-in the United States and internationally-that has implicated several environmental, infectious, and dietary risk factors in the etiology of childhood leukemia, mainly for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common subtype. For example, exposures to pesticides, tobacco smoke, solvents, and traffic emissions have consistently demonstrated positive associations with the risk of developing childhood leukemia. In contrast, intake of vitamins and folate supplementation during the preconception period or pregnancy, breastfeeding, and exposure to routine childhood infections have been shown to reduce the risk of childhood leukemia. Some children may be especially vulnerable to these risk factors, as demonstrated by a disproportionate burden of childhood leukemia in the Latino population of California. The evidence supporting the associations between childhood leukemia and its risk factors-including pooled analyses from around the world and systematic reviews-is strong; however, the dissemination of this knowledge to clinicians has been limited. To protect children's health, it is prudent to initiate programs designed to alter exposure to well-established leukemia risk factors rather than to suspend judgment until no uncertainty remains. Primary prevention programs for childhood leukemia would also result in the significant co-benefits of reductions in other adverse health outcomes that are common in children, such as detriments to neurocognitive development.