Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy Treatment Research Articles

Association of Nutritional Status with Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients on Chemotherapy

Background: Cancer patients often experience a decline in their nutritional status due to chemotherapy, which can result in malnutrition and negatively impact their quality of life. However, there has been limited research on the prevalence of these conditions in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in Indonesia. Purposes: This research aims to explore the connection between the quality of life and the nutritional status of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a private hospital in Pekanbaru using non-probability sampling. Demographic profile, nutritional status assessment by PG-SGA, and quality of life assessment by the EORTC QLQ C-30 module were obtained. Mann-Whitney and Spearman's tests analyzed the association between nutritional status and QoL. Results: The average age of breast cancer patients was 45.46±14.375. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 64.1%. According to the PG-SGA score, the vast majority of patients, approximately 91%, were discovered to be well-nourished. The nutritional status was significantly associated with most functional and symptom scales (p<0.05). Improved nutritional status is associated with increased functionality and a reduction in symptoms, while malnutrition has been linked to decreased quality of life across multiple dimensions. Conclusion: The nutritional status of breast cancer patients affects some dimensions of quality of life. Well-nourished patients had better function and fewer symptoms.

Перспективные подходы неинвазивной диагностики субклинической кардиоваскулярной токсичности химиотерапии

Objective: to present data on available modern methods of diagnosis of subclinical cardiovascular toxicity of chemotherapy. Modern strategies of treatment of cancer allow to stable remission and increase life expectancy of patients, the success of which is balanced by increased mortality of cancer patients due to the development of side effects of chemotherapy, the most prognostically significant of which are cardiovascular complications. Early diagnosis of cardiovascular toxicity in cancer patients is a “new” priority for collaboration of oncologists and cardiologists, as the development or progression of an already existing heart disease has a significant impact on the duration and quality of life of cancer patients. This review, at the current level of development of medical science, presents methods of diagnosis and monitoring of subclinical cardiovascular toxicity against the background of chemotherapy. Use for the diagnosis of subclinical cardiotoxicity such modern methods of visualization as two- and three-dimensional echocardiography, echocardiography with the definition of global longitudinal deformation of the myocardium - spectrum-tracking echocardiography, myocardial work, magnetic resonance tomography, definition of diastolic dysfunction allows to identify manifestations of cardiovascular toxicity in earlier terms, thereby affecting the prognosis and quality of life in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment.

Phase angle, physical quality of life and functionality in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Nutritional deficiency, especially malnutrition, is frequent in cancer patients and is associated with changes in body composition, such as low muscle mass. Phase angle (PhA) has been used as a prognostic indicator and may be related to nutritional status, functionality, and quality of life in these patients. The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of chemotherapy treatment on PhA values, comparing the PhA variation before and after treatment, and to evaluate the PhA correlation, as a muscle mass surrogate, with the physical domain of quality of life, functionality, and nutritional risk in a sample of patients with cancer. A longitudinal study was conducted in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy for the first time. All patients aged 18 years or older, newly diagnosed, and undergoing chemotherapy for the first time were included. To analyze the difference in the PhA means according to the different classification variables, the t-test - or ANOVA - was used. The variation of the final and initial PhA was evaluated through the linear regression test. A total of 175 patients were analyzed, of which 66.3% were female. The mean PhA of the initial assessment was significantly higher when compared to the final assessment of the patients PhA (p=0.018). In both the initial and final assessments, PhA was correlated with the physical domain (r=0.29; p<0.001 and r=0.19; p=0.021) and with the functionality score (r=- 0.32; p<0.001 and r=- 0.30; p<0.001) and total PG-SGA (r=- 0.31; p<0.001 and r=- 0.23; p=0.006). PhA can be considered a predictor of physical quality of life and functionality in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment.

The Effects of Taste Changes on the Quality of Life of Patients Receiving Chemotherapy Treatment

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of taste changes on quality of life in cancer patients taking chemotherapy Material and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted between January 2020 and September 2020 with cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in the inpatient and outpatient unit of a university hospital. The sample consisted of 466 cancer patients who met the inclusion criteria and received the same treatment at the same university hospital. Data were collected using the Introductory Information Form, the European Organization for Cancer Research and Treatment Quality of Life Scale Version 3 (EORTC QLQ-C30 Version 3.0), and the Chemotherapy-Induced Taste Change Scale (CiTAS). Results: While the mean total score of EORTC QLQ-C30 was 62.97±13.31, the mean total score of CiTAS was found to be 40.43±17.84. Statistically significant correlations were found between total scores of EORTC QLQ-C30 and CiTAS scales and sub-dimension scores (p&amp;lt;0.001). In the regression analysis, it was found that the EORTC QLQ-C30 total score average of the individuals had a statistically significant and negative effect on the CiTAS total score average. Conclusion: As a consequence, it was determined that taste changes in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment negatively affect the quality of life.

암 병동 간호사의 간호업무성과에 미치는 영향요인

This study is a descriptive research study to understand the relationship between professional autonomy, moral distress, and nursing performance of nurses working in cancer wards, and to identify factors affecting nursing performance of nurses in cancer wards. The subjects of the study were conveniently extracted from 180 nurses with more than 6 months of experience in nursing cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment at a university hospital in Gyeonggi-do. The data collection period was from July 11, 2022 to July 29, 2022, when the clinical research review committee of the medical institution where the study was conducted, and a self-fill survey was conducted by distributing structured questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS window 21.0 statistical program. The reliability of the measurement tool was analyzed using Cronbach's alpha. The general characteristics of the subject, the subject's professional autonomy, moral distress, and nursing performance were analyzed by technical statistics. Professional autonomy, moral distress, and nursing performance according to the general characteristics of the subject were analyzed by t-test and ANOVA, and post-test was analyzed by Scheffé test. The factors influencing professional autonomy and moral distress on nursing performance were analyzed using regression analysis. As a result of the study, the subject's professional autonomy was 2.65 points out of 5, moral distress was 2.83 points, and nursing performance was 3.75 points. As a result of analyzing professional autonomy, moral distress, and nursing performance according to general characteristics such as gender, marital status, religious status, position, and total clinical experience, there was no statistically significant difference in professional autonomy. Nurses over the 3rd year were found to have higher moral distress than nurses under 1~3 years, and nursing performance was higher when married, responsible nurse or more, and when total clinical experience was more than 5 years. As a result of verifying the regression model to confirm the factors affecting the subject's nursing performance, it was statistically significant, and the total explanatory power was 23.8%. Clinical experience and professional autonomy were significant influencing factors on nursing performance. Based on the results of this study, a strategy is needed to develop and support individual nurses' nursing capabilities through the development of a career development system within the nursing organization to improve the nursing performance of cancer ward nurses. These efforts will have a positive effect on the management of human resources of nursing organizations as well as on the improvement of nursing performance of nurses in cancer wards.

Assessment of adverse drug reactions in oral cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment at tertiary care centres in North-Western India

Background/Aim: Pharmacovigilance in oncology is imperative as antineoplastic drugs are two-edged swords whose irrational use can pose a major health problem and a needless financial burden on the patient. The aim of this study was to study the comprehensive safety profile of anti-neoplastic drugs used for treating oral cancers. Methods: This hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted at two premiers (a government and a private) tertiary care centres in North-Western India among newly diagnosed cases of oral cancers of both sexes between the ages of 20-70 years and requiring chemotherapy treatment. The prescribing pattern of chemotherapy drugs, associated adverse effects and potential risk factors for the development of adverse effects was studied. An adverse drug reaction (ADR) causality was assessed by the WHO-UMC algorithm and preventability by Schumock and Thornton's criteria. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the predictors related to chemotherapy-induced adverse effects. Results: The data concerned 188 patients, of which 64.3 % developed chemotherapy-related adverse effects. Among the prescribed anti-neoplastic drugs, a combination of 5-Fluorouracil, Cisplatin and Paclitaxel regimen was associated with the majority (91.42 %) of the adverse effects. Alopecia was the most common adverse effect noted in 26.44 % of patients, followed by nausea and anaemia in 15.7 % and 9.9 % of patients, respectively. Independent predictors of chemotherapy-related adverse effects were site (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.95; 95 % CI 1.04 - 3.62, p = 0.03), chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment (AOR = 5.00; 95 % CI 2.62 - 9.53, p &lt; 0.001), combination regimen of 5-Fluorouracil, Cisplatin and Paclitaxel (AOR = 8.68; 95 % CI 2.55 - 29.48, p = 0.001), associated comorbidities (AOR = 16.68; 95 % CI 2.45 - 28.34, p &lt; 0.001). Causality assessment revealed most adverse effects (82.64 %) to be possible. Conclusion: The adverse effect varies with the type of regimen which is prescribed for the patient. Site of cancer, concomitant radiotherapy treatment and associated comorbidities were the identifiable risk factors for developing adverse effects. Onco-pharmacovigilance studies in the future will help to provide tailored treatment to patients and improve their quality of life.

An Observation Study to Evaluate the Drug Utilization Pattern for Oral Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy Treatment at a Private and Government Tertiary Care Hospital in Jaipur City

Background: As oral cavity and oropharynx cancers are the second most common type of tobacco-related cancer reported in Jaipur city so it is imperative to study the drug utilization pattern in these cancers. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the trends in drug usage patterns for oral cancer patients in Jaipur city. Methods: The prescriptions of oral cancer patients attending the outpatient department of SMS and Bhagwan Mahaveer cancer hospital from May 2017 to August 2017 were studied. They were studied for WHO Prescribing indicators for good prescribing practice. Results: A total of 188 prescriptions were studied. An average of 2.6 (0.5) antineoplastic medications were prescribed per prescription. The combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin was the most frequently prescribed antineoplastic drug, prescribed to 29.8% of patients. The drafting of the prescriptions was of average quality. In 5% of the prescriptions, a diagnosis was omitted, and in 48% of the prescriptions, the patient's weight and/or body surface area (BSA) were omitted. Only 52% of the prescriptions contained the medications' generic names. Conclusion: The quality of prescribing was fair and moderately acceptable. To ensure rational prescribing and safe and successful treatment of cancer patients, interventions such as new policy formulation and educational measures should be developed.

Assessment of Quality of Life for Oral Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy Treatment at a Government Tertiary Care Center

Objectives: Quality of life (QOL) is a valuable prognostic indicator of survival in cancer patients. It further aids the health-care professionals to cater to patient needs. This study aimed to estimate longitudinally the changes in the QOL of oral cancer patients in early and late stages and receiving chemotherapy treatment. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted with 400 oral cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment at a government tertiary care cancer hospital in Jaipur city. QOL for each patient was measured before treatment, after 6 months, and 1 year posttreatment using the instrument Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck version 4. Statistical analysis was conducted with IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for Windows version 17.0 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). For all the analyses, P &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A statistically significant difference in the mean score for physical (P &lt; 0.0001), social (P &lt; 0.0001), and functional (P = 0.001) well-being was recorded for early- and late-stage cancer patients at baseline. Only emotional (0.03) and social (0.04) well-being showed a significant improvement for late-stage cancer patients in contrast to early-stage patients where all QOL subscores improved longitudinally. Conclusion: Early-stage disease is associated with better QOL. Chemotherapy treatment could improve only emotional and social well-being parameters in late-stage disease patients. QOL studies can be fruitful clinical endpoint and should be inculcated in the framework of various tertiary care centers.

Increased risk of venous thrombosis in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment after COVID-19.

e24106 Background: Immune suppression and coagulopathy development in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy determines a high incidence of complications, including venous thrombosis, and mortality from COVID-19 infection. There are still no explicit data on managing cancer patients when anticancer treatment is resumed after coronavirus disease. According to clinical guidelines for the prevention of venous thromboembolic complications in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, patients with breast cancer are classified as having a low risk of these complications and do not require prophylactic anticoagulation. The purpose of this study was to assess the parameters of the blood coagulation system and the frequency of venous thrombosis in breast cancer patients with chemotherapy resumption after coronavirus disease. Methods: The study included 30 patients receiving anticancer medical therapy for breast cancer after COVID-19. Anticancer treatment was resumed no earlier than 4 weeks after clinical recovery, absence of SARS-CoV-2 RNAs in nasopharyngeal swabs, infiltrative lung damage according to a chest CT scan, exclusion of venous thrombosis by a lower extremity venous ultrasound. Control group included 20 breast cancer patients without a history of COVID-19. Stage I tumors were registered in 26.6% in the main group vs 15% controls; II - 40% vs 60%; III - 20% vs 15%. Some patients were diagnosed with distant metastases (stage IV- 13.3% vs 10%). Results: Initially, before chemotherapy resumption in the main group, half of the patients had elevated levels of fibrinogen and D-dimer compared with the control group (66.7% vs. 35%, p &gt; 0.05). After a cycle of chemotherapy, a significant difference in the coagulation system parameters was noted (73.3% vs 30%). A lower extremity venous ultrasound after the end of the therapy cycle in the main group showed venous thrombosis in 3 patients (catheter-related n = 2, distal vein thrombosis of the lower extremities n = 1), while no venous thrombotic complications were detected in the control group (10% vs. 0%). Conclusions: Breast cancer patients after coronavirus disease 2019 have hemostasis abnormalities and higher risk of venous thrombosis, and the resumption of anticancer treatment increases the incidence of thrombotic complications. COVID-19 should be considered an additional risk factor of venous thrombosis in cancer patients and requires reconsideration of indications for prophylactic anticoagulation when resuming anticancer treatment for patients with breast cancer.

Terapi Akupresur Laser untuk Mengatasi Mual Muntah Akibat Kemoterapi pada Pasien Kanker di Ruang Kemoterapi

This study aims to determine the effect of laser acupuncture in overcoming nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy in cancer patients. This research method is a literature review through the database Science Direct and Proquest, in the last five years, from 2015 to 2020. The results obtained in each article focus on oncology nurses' roles. In this context, oncology nurses have an essential role in relieving some of the symptoms of cancer, such as using different techniques to improve patients' quality of life and improve various treatment options to support recovery and health care for patients regarding treatment and rehabilitation. In conclusion, laser acupuncture is very safe and effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Chemotherapy, Laser Acupuncture, Nausea, Vomiting

Prevalence and risk factors of malnutrition among adult cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment in cancer center, Ethiopia: cross-sectional study

IntroductionMalnutrition is a serious problem that causes high morbidity and mortality among cancer patients. There was no sufficient empirical evidence on the prevalence of malnutrition and associated factors among adult cancer hospitalized patients in Ethiopia. ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of malnutrition among adult cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in cancer center, Ethiopia 2019. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 281 patients selected using systematic sampling among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Data were collected by patient interviews and chart reviews using a structured questioner adapted from a subjective global assessment tool. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 24.0. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, mean, median, and standard deviation were used to describe characteristics. Bivariate and multivariable analyses using logistic regression models were used. ResultOf the 281 participating patients, 58.2% had malnutrition, which was higher among females (51.6%) than males (48.4%). The mean body mass index was 20.24 ± 3.6. Of all, 41.9% had moderate weight loss, 21.1% had severe weight loss and 52.3% had weight loss in the past two weeks. Stage four cancer (AOR = 7.2, 95% CI: 1.3–38.5), loss of appetite (AOR = 4.5, 95% CI; 1.5–17.2) and diarrhea (AOR = 7.8, 95% CI: 2.95–20.5) were significantly associated with malnutrition. ConclusionThe prevalence of malnutrition among cancer patients who receive chemotherapy was high. Stage of cancer, appetite loss, and presence of diarrhea was found to be significant factors for malnutrition.

An assessment of food safety information provision for UK chemotherapy patients to reduce the risk of foodborne infection

ObjectivesGiven the increased risk of foodborne infection to cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment, and the risk of listeriosis reportedly five-times greater to this immunocompromised patient group, there is a need to ensure the implementation of domestic food safety practices among chemotherapy patients and their family caregivers. However, information regarding the adequacy of resources to inform and enable patients to implement domestic food safety practices to reduce the risk of foodborne infection is limited. Consequently, this study aimed to evaluate the provision of food safety information available to UK chemotherapy patients. Study designIn-depth semi-structured interviews and content analysis of online patient information resources. MethodsInterviews with patients and family caregivers (n = 15) were conducted to explore food-related experiences during chemotherapy treatment. Online food-related information resources for chemotherapy patients (n = 45) were obtained from 35 of 154 National Health Service chemotherapy providers in England, Scotland, and Wales, the Department of Health (DoH) and three of 184 identified UK cancer charities. Identified food-related information resources were reviewed using a content-analysis approach to assess the inclusion of food safety information for chemotherapy patients. ResultsIn-depth interviews established that many patients indicated awareness of immunosuppression during treatment. Although patients reported practicing caution to reduce the risk of communicable diseases by avoiding crowded spaces/public transport, food safety was reported to be of minimal concern during treatment and the risk of foodborne infection was often underestimated. The review of online food-related patient information resources established that many resources failed to highlight the increased risk of foodborne infection and emphasize the importance of food safety for patients during chemotherapy treatment. Considerable information gaps exist, particularly in relation to listeriosis prevention practices. Cumulatively, information was inconsistent, insufficient, and varied between resources. ConclusionThe study has identified the need for an effective, standardized food safety resource specifically targeting chemotherapy patients and family caregivers. Such intervention is essential to assist efforts in reducing the risks associated with foodborne infection among chemotherapy patients.

Effectiveness of Progressive Muscle Relaxation therapy (PMR) on Health Status among Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy Treatment

Effectiveness of Progressive Muscle Relaxation therapy (PMR) on Health Status among Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy Treatment

Impairment of the executive function in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment: a functional MRI study

The aim of this study is to investigate chemotherapy-induced alterations in the functional framework of the brain, and probe the relationship between these changes and executive function impairments in breast cancer patients. Thirty-three breast cancer patients (BC) after receiving chemotherapy and 31 matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in this study. All participants received resting-state functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fcMRI) and neuropsychological background tests. The lower functional connectivity of the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) was found in the left postcentral gyrus, left precentral gyrus, right superior temporal gyrus, right cingulate gyrus and right middle frontal gyrus. A significant negative correlation was found between the response time on the Trail Making Tests and the functional connectivity strength between the PCC and right middle frontal and right cingulate gyri in breast cancer patients. In addition, the strength of the functional connectivity between the PCC and right middle frontal gyrus had a negative correlation with the response times on the Stroop Interference Test in breast cancer patients. This study demonstrated that BC patients after receiving chemotherapy have abnormal functional connectivity. These findings suggest that functional connectivity changes might play an important role in chemotherapy-induced executive function impairments in breast cancer patients.

The Use of a Brochure to Enable CAM-with-Chemotherapy Patient Education.

The majority of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy will consider taking complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) during their treatment. As biologically-active CAM may detrimentally interfere with chemotherapy treatment, cancer patients require evidence-based information on chemotherapy-CAM integration consequences. This study aimed to assess if the availability of a purpose-designed brochure within a cancer service aided doctors' discussions with their patients on CAM use and helped patients understand the effects of CAM during their chemotherapy treatment. Cancer care doctors consulting in an adult day unit completed a structured post-intervention feedback survey form (n = 17), and cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment were provided the brochure and completed the local health service consumer testing feedback form (n = 30). All cancer care doctors perceived a need for the brochure and recommended the brochure to their patients. All doctors thought the brochure made it easier for them to discuss CAM with their patients, and 59% believed that it saved them time during patient consultations. Ninety percent of cancer patients reported the brochure had enough information to answer their CAM questions, and all patients thought the information was easy to read and understand. An evidence-based CAM-with-chemotherapy patient brochure was perceived to have enabled cancer care doctors to discuss CAM with their patients and to have answered patients' CAM questions.

Comparative performances of the new chronic kidney disease epidemiology equations incorporating cystatin C for use in cancer patients.

In cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment, accurate assessment of kidney function is required. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the inclusion of cystatin C together with creatinine in prediction equations would improve the prediction of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Plasma creatinine and cystatin C were analyzed in 155 patients (cancer, n = 80, kidney donors, n = 75) undergoing (99m) Technetium diethylenepentaacetic (Tc-DTPA) GFR clearance. Equations by the CKD-EPI (chronic kidney disease epidemiology) group (creatinine-, creatinine + cystatin C-, cystatin C-based, respectively) and Cockcroft-Gault were compared with Tc-DTPA GFR by difference plots, receiver operator characteristics curve analysis, root mean square error, chi-squared analysis and percentage concordance according to carboplatin dosage. Comparisons between two creatinine methodologies (enzymatic vs Jaffe) were also performed. In the overall group, the combination creatinine and cystatin C equation had 69% of results within 20% of GFR (P20), a sensitivity of 86.3% and a specificity of 73.1% to detect reduced GFR at <90 mL/min/1.73 m(2), and a concordance of 78%. In contrast, the traditional Cockcroft-Gault equation had a P20 of 38.0%, with a large underestimation to predict GFR, thereby accounting for approximately 45% of dosing discordance. No obvious differences were obtained when comparing the performance of equations using the two creatinine methodologies. The inclusion of cystatin C in the CKD-EPI equations improved the prediction of kidney function in the overall population, although probably not sufficiently for it to be favored over radioisotopic GFR for guiding chemotherapy. More research is warranted to further improve estimated GFR equations for these purposes.

Nutrition assessment and management among gastrointestinal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in a medical oncology ward: a best practice implementation project

Executive Summary Background Malnutrition is a growing global health problem among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment. Screening for malnutrition in patients with cancer is vital for further intervention. Most clinicians commonly agree that nutrition management of gastrointestinal cancer remains insufficient. Systematic screening for malnutrition should be instituted and then appropriate and efficient nutritional support proposed if necessary. Objectives The aim of this clinical audit was to implement best practice in nutrition assessment and management among gastrointestinal cancer patients with chemotherapy in a medical oncology ward. Methods This project utilized a pre and post implementation audit strategy using the Joanna Briggs Institute Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice programs. The audit criteria are based on available best evidence. The program was divided into three phases and was conducted over a six-month period in the Medical Oncology Ward of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. Results The compliance rates of all criteria had improved in the follow-up cycle audit. The compliance rates achieved 100% in ‘validated screening tool ’, ‘screen at admission ’, ‘ patient education ’, and ‘ dietary counselling ’after the best practice implementation. Conclusions The program brought many significant changes to the Medical Oncology Ward of Fudan University Shangai Cancer Center. Clinical audit projects can facilitate evidence based practice of nutrition assessment and management among chemotherapy patients. Future strategies include testing the accuracy of the nutritional risk screening 2002 tool, and establishing better cooperation with clinicians.

Selective impairment of attention networks in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment.

Complaints about attention disorders are common among breast cancer survivors who have undergone chemotherapy treatment. However, it is not known whether these complaints indicate a global attention deficit or the selective impairment of attention networks. This study sought to investigate the attentional abilities of breast cancer patients after chemotherapy treatment using the attention network test (ANT). The participants included breast cancer patients who had undergone chemotherapy (CT, N = 58), patients who had not undergone chemotherapy (non-CT, N = 53), and matched healthy controls (HC, N = 55). All participants completed the ANT, which provides measures of three independent attention networks (alerting, orienting, and executive control) and neuropsychological background tests. Our results indicated that the chemotherapy-treated breast cancer patients had significant deficits in the alerting and executive control networks but not in the orienting network. The CT group scored significantly lower in several cognitive tasks, including attention, memory, and information processing tasks, relative to the other two groups. Additionally, significant correlations were found between information processing and the efficiency of the executive control network within the CT group. These results suggest that the three attention networks were selectively impaired following chemotherapy treatment, which affected different brain areas in the breast cancer survivors.

A Study to Assess the Side effects and Coping Strategies Adopted by Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy Treatment

Background: Cancer affects everyone and represents a tremendous burden on patients, families and societies. The principal means for treating cancer (surgery, Chemotherapy and radiation therapy) are very effective; however, all such therapies come with the risk of substantial side effects. Aims and Objectives: The present descriptive study was conducted to assess for side effects experienced and the coping strategies adopted by cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment. Methods: Study carried out on 30 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment at Pravara Rural Hospital. The data were collected by using the self prepared; and validated rating scales. The results were analyzed and interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Result revealed that patients receiving chemotherapy had variety of side effects with wide range; and patients followed many things to make the side effects more acceptable and easier to adopt with. There was significant association found with the side effects, coping strategies with age of the patient (P>0.05). People with cancer often concerned with what side effects are going to occur during their treatment. Conclusion: It is essential to raise awareness on cancer treatment and its impact on health; and develop health seeking behaviors among the patients and caregivers to provide better cancer care and improve the quality of life.

Prospective and working memory decline as a result of impaired sleep and/or impared blood glucose in breast cancer patients during chemotherapy treatment.

TPS9148 Background: Breast cancer patients might develop impaired sleep patterns during chemotherapy, and impaired cognitive function has been associated with sleep patterns disruption. It has been suggested that sleepiness (sleep tendency) in cancer patients is prevalent and causes distress in the patient’s quality of life, that and their cognitive abilities are also affected. Furthermore, increased blood glucose levels among women undergoing chemotherapy may contrubute to memory deficits in breast cancer patients. It is proposed that Prospective and Working Memory are being affected by the disturbance of these biological factors over the course of chemotherapy. Methods: Ninety participants will be invited to take part in the study. Thirty will be breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment, thirty breast cancer patients receiving treatment other than chemotheray, and thirty healthy controls. Measures of sleep and sleepiness, will be administered at 4 testing sessions during a 9-month period, along with a neuropsychological battery. Additionally, blood samples will be analysed. Eight of planned 60 cancer patients have been enrolled, and four of them have completed the second testing session. For the assessment of sleep/wake activity, participants will be required to wear a sleeping monitor (sensewear armband) for 7 days. Pupil dilatation to observe sleepiness will be meassured by using a Pupillometry developed at Poole hospital in the UK. Prospective Memory will be assessed using CAMPROMT test to analyse if this is a more sensitive measure for mild cognitive impairment. Discussion: Impairment on variables such as sleep, sleepiness and glucose have not been studied within the context of Chemo-Brain on breast cancer patients.Therefore we want to observe whether impaired sleep and sleepiness, and impaired glucose levels are at the core of Prospective and Working Memory decline in Chemo-Brain patients in order to find a cause-and-effect relationship as a consequence of chemotherapy.