Cancer Research Articles

Development of an antigen-based approach to noninvasively image CAR T cells in real time and as a predictive tool.

CAR T cell therapy has revolutionized the treatment of a spectrum of blood-related malignancies. However, treatment responses vary among cancer types and patients. Accurate monitoring of CAR T cell dynamics is crucial for understanding and evaluating treatment efficacy. Positron emission tomography (PET) offers a comprehensive view of CAR T cell homing, especially in critical organs such as lymphoid structures and bone marrow. This information will help assess treatment response and predict relapse risk. Current PET imaging methods for CAR T require genetic modifications, limiting clinical use. To overcome this, we developed an antigen-based imaging approach enabling whole-body CAR T cell imaging. The probe detects CAR T cells in vivo without affecting their function. In an immunocompetent B cell leukemia model, CAR-PET signal in the spleen predicted early mortality risk. The antigen-based CAR-PET approach allows assessment of CAR T therapy responses without altering established clinical protocols. It seamlessly integrates with FDA-approved and future CAR T cell generations, facilitating broader clinical application.

Addressing trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and post-traumatic growth in breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is a common cancer among females in Africa. Being infected with BC in Africa seems like a life sentence and brings devastating experiences to patients and households. As a result, BC is comorbid with trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and post-traumatic growth (PTG). AIM To identify empirical evidence from peer-reviewed articles on the comorbidity trajectories between BC and trauma, BC and PTSD, and BC and PTG. METHODS This review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines of conducting a systematic review. Literature searches of the National Library of Medicine, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases were conducted using search terms developed for the study. The search hint yielded 769 results, which were screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. At the end of the screening, 24 articles were included in the systematic review. RESULTS BC patients suffered trauma and PTSD during the diagnosis and treatment stages. These traumatic events include painful experiences during and after diagnosis, psychological distress, depression, and cultural stigma against BC patients. PTSD occurrence among BC patients varies across African countries, as this review disclosed: 90% was reported in Kenya, 80% was reported in Zimbabwe, and 46% was reported in Nigeria. The severity of PTSD among BC patients in Africa was based on the test results communicated to the patients. Furthermore, this review revealed that BC patients experience PTG, which involves losing, regaining, and surrendering final control over the body, rebuilding a personified identity, and newfound appreciation for the body. CONCLUSION Patients with BC undergo numerous traumatic experiences during their diagnosis and treatment. Psychological interventions are needed in SSA to mitigate trauma and PTSD, as well as promote PTG.

Development of miRNA-based PROTACs targeting Lin28 for breast cancer therapy.

Lin28, a highly conserved carcinogenic protein, plays an important role in the generation of cancer stem cells, contributing to the unfavorable prognosis of cancer patients. This RNA binding protein specifically binds to pri/pre-microRNA (miRNA) lethal-7 (let-7), impeding its miRNA maturation. The reduced expression of tumor suppressor miRNA let-7 fosters development and progression-related traits such as proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. We report a series of miRNA-based Lin28A-miRNA proteolysis-targeting chimeras (Lin28A-miRNA-PROTACs) designed to efficiently degrade Lin28A through a ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent mechanism, resulting in up-regulation of mature let-7 family. The augmented levels of matured let-7 miRNAs further exert inhibitory effects on cancer cell proliferation and migration, and increase its sensitivity to chemotherapy. In a mouse ectopic tumor model, Lin28A-miRNA-PROTAC demonstrates a substantial efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth. When combined with tamoxifen, the tumors exhibit gradual regression. This study displays an effective miRNA-based PROTACs to degrade Lin28A and inhibit tumor growth, providing a promising therapeutic avenue for cancer treatment with miRNA-based therapy.

Premature ovarian insufficiency in pediatric cancer patients: a 10 year Rady Children's hospital experience.

To highlight the occurrence of premature ovarian insufficiency in pediatric cancer patients and determine which patient characteristics or treatment modalities are associated with ovarian failure and recovery. Between August 2011-August 2021, 36 of 2,661 patients with cancer were identified to have subsequent ovarian failure. Data collected included cancer type, diagnosis age, types of chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant or radiation treatment, peak FSH, peak AMH, GnRHa treatment, type of hormone replacement therapy, and if ovarian function recovery occurred. The most common cancer type identified was ALL. The mean age of diagnosis was 8.5±4.3 years and mean age of peak FSH value was 12.6±2.8 years. Most patients (97.2 %) were treated with alkylating agents and 72.2 % received radiation. Most patients (72.2 %) received hormone therapy, and 15.8 % of patients received GnRHa Lupron. Ten patients (27.8 %) had ovarian function recovery. Diagnosis age and treatment type were recovery predictors in multivariate regression modeling. Each year older in age was associated with a 30 % decrease in odds of recovery (OR: 0.7, CI: 0.5-0.95, p=0.035), and alkylating agent treatment without transplant was associated with a 3-fold increase in odds of recovery (OR: 3, CI: 2.7-564, p=0.007). This retrospective review demonstrates that POI can occur in pediatric cancer survivors, emphasizing the importance of educating patients on potential long-term effects of cancer treatment and importance of routine surveillance. This study confirmed that recovery of ovarian function is possible, especially when diagnosed at a younger age, making continued monitoring essential.

Experiences and Comfort of Young Cancer Patients Discussing Cannabis with Their Providers: Insights from a Survey at an NCI-Designated Cancer Center.

Cannabis use among cancer patients for managing treatment-related symptoms is increasing, yet little is known about patterns in patient-provider communication. This study examines demographic differences in cannabis use communication at a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. The analysis included cancer patients aged ≥ 18years who self-reported current cannabis use (past 30days) and had visited Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center within the past 5years (N = 226). Data were collected via an anonymous electronic survey on REDCap. Responses on patients' disclosure of cannabis use to cancer doctor/care team and their comfort in discussing cannabis were analyzed. Chi-squared/Fisher's exact tests and t-tests were applied. Logistic regression estimated the associations between age and stage of cancer treatment with patients' comfort in discussing cannabis use with cancer doctor (oncologist). The sample was 51.8% male and 39.4% Hispanic (mean age, 45.9years (SD = 15.1)); 41.1% were aged 20-39years, 43.8% were undergoing treatment, and 35.4% were in follow-up/had finished treatment. Over half (50.4%) did not disclose cannabis use to their cancer doctor/care team. Non-disclosers were more often younger (20-39years) than disclosers (52.6% vs. 29.5%, p < 0.01). Most patients (72.5%) felt comfortable discussing cannabis use with their oncologist; however, younger patients (20-39years) were more often uncomfortable (40.8%). Logistic regression showed newly diagnosed patients had lower odds (aOR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.12-0.98) of comfort discussing cannabis compared to those in follow-up/finished treatment. Younger patients (20-39years) also had lower odds (aOR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.03-0.40) of feeling comfortable discussing cannabis compared to older patients (≥ 60years). Age and treatment stage significantly impact the cannabis use disclosure and comfort in discussing it with cancer doctor/care team. These findings underscore the importance of considering age-related factors and treatment status when addressing cannabis use discussions within oncology setting.

Impact of gynecological cancers on women’s mental health

Gynecological cancers and their treatments are associated with both specific and non-specific long-term physiological effects. Cancer patients face transformations in their lifestyle, body image, role, and social interactions and suffer from physical, psychological, and economic problems. The mental health of cancer patients is of great importance and requires special attention, as growing evidence demonstrates its influence not only on quality of life but also on treatment compliance. Gynecological cancers have peculiar psychological consequences, which are linked to the specificity of the site of the neoplasia. Clinicians should be aware of the importance of protecting the psychophysical health of these patients and the fact that their physical health and quality of life also depend on the quality of their mental health. It is possible to structure targeted and effective prevention interventions and treatments to reduce psychological distress and improve the quality of life of subjects living with gynecological cancers.

Study on psychological resilience and associated influencing factors in lung cancer patients with bone metastases

BACKGROUND Evaluating the psychological resilience of lung cancer (LC) patients helps understand their mental state and guides future treatment. However, there is limited research on the psychological resilience of LC patients with bone metastases. AIM To explore the psychological resilience of LC patients with bone metastases and identify factors that may influence psychological resilience. METHODS LC patients with bone metastases who met the inclusion criteria were screened from those admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. The psychological scores of the enrolled patients were collected. They were then grouped based on the mean psychological score: Those with scores lower than the mean value were placed in the low-score group and those with scores equal to or greater than the mean value was placed in the high-score group. The baseline data (age, gender, education level, marital status, residence, monthly income, and religious beliefs), along with self-efficacy and medical coping mode scores, were compared. RESULTS This study included 142 LC patients with bone metastases admitted to our hospital from June 2022 to December 2023, with an average psychological resilience score of 63.24 ± 9.96 points. After grouping, the low-score group consisted of 69 patients, including 42 males and 27 females, with an average age of 67.38 ± 9.55 years. The high-score group consisted of 73 patients, including 49 males and 24 females, with a mean age of 61.97 ± 5.00 years. χ 2 analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups in education level (χ 2 = 6.604, P = 0.037), residence (χ 2 = 12.950, P = 0.002), monthly income (χ 2 = 9.375, P = 0.009), and medical coping modes (χ 2 = 19.150, P = 0.000). Independent sample t -test showed that the high-score group had significantly higher self-efficacy scores (t = 3.383, P = 0.001) and lower age than the low-score group (t = 4.256, P &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression hazard analysis confirmed that self-efficacy is an independent protective factor for psychological resilience [odds ratio (OR) = 0.926, P = 0.035, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.862-0.995], while age (OR = 1.099, P = 0.003, 95%CI: 1.034-1.169) and medical coping modes (avoidance vs confrontation: OR = 3.767, P = 0.012, 95%CI: 1.342-10.570; resignation vs confrontation: OR = 5.687, P = 0.001, 95%CI: 1.974-16.385) were identified as independent risk factors. A predictive model based on self-efficacy, age, and medical coping modes was developed. The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed an area under the curve value of 0.778 (95%CI: 0.701-0.856, P &lt; 0.001), indicating that the model has good predictive performance. CONCLUSION LC patients with bone metastases are less psychologically resilient than the general population. Factors such as self-efficacy, age, and medical coping modes influence their psychological resilience. Patients with low self-efficacy, old age, and avoidance/resignation coping modes should be closely observed.

Screening and identification of susceptibility genes for cervical cancer via bioinformatics analysis and the construction of an mitophagy-related genes diagnostic model

PurposeThis study aims to utilize bioinformatics methods to systematically screen and identify susceptibility genes for cervical cancer, as well as to construct and validate an mitophagy-related genes (MRGs) diagnostic model. The objective is to increase the understanding of the disease’s pathogenesis and improve early diagnosis and treatment.MethodWe initially collected a large amount of genomic data, including gene expression profile and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data, from the control group and Cervical cancer (CC) patients. Through bioinformatics analysis, which employs methods such as differential gene expression analysis and pathway enrichment analysis, we identified a set of candidate susceptibility genes associated with cervical cancer.ResultsMRGs were extracted from single-cell RNA sequencing data, and a network graph was constructed on the basis of intercellular interaction data. Furthermore, using machine learning algorithms, we constructed a clinical prognostic model and validated and optimized it via extensive clinical data. Through bioinformatics analysis, we successfully identified a group of genes whose expression significantly differed during the development of CC and revealed the biological pathways in which these genes are involved. Moreover, our constructed clinical prognostic model demonstrated excellent performance in the validation phase, accurately predicting the clinical prognosis of patients.ConclusionThis study delves into the susceptibility genes of cervical cancer through bioinformatics approaches and successfully builds a reliable clinical prognostic model. This study not only helps uncover potential pathogenic mechanisms of cervical cancer but also provides new directions for early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Low Magnetic Field Exposure Alters Prostate Cancer Cell Properties

Prostate cancer is the second most common neoplasia and fifth-leading cause of cancer death in men worldwide. Electromagnetic and magnetic fields have been classified as possible human carcinogens, but current understanding of molecular and cellular pathways involved is very limited. Effects due to extremely low magnetic/hypomagnetic fields (LMF) are furthermore poorly understood. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial mediators of cellular communication with multifaceted roles in cancer progression, including via transport and uptake of various protein and microRNA (miRNA) EV-cargoes. miRNAs regulate gene expression and are implicated in cancer-related processes such as proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance. This study investigated the effects of LMF exposure (20 nT) by magnetic shielding on the prostate cancer cell line PC3 compared to the prostate epithelial cell line PNT2 under short-term (4 h) conditions. We examined EV profiles following a 4 h LMF exposure alongside associated functional enrichment KEGG and GO pathways for the EV proteomes. The 4 h LMF exposure significantly reduced cellular EV release and modified PC3 EV cargoes to a more inflammatory and metastatic profile, with 16 Disease Pathways and 95 Human Phenotypes associated specifically with the LMF-treated PC3 EV proteomes. These included cancerous, metabolic, blood, skin, cardiac and skeletal Disease Pathways, as well as pain and developmental disorders. In the normal PNT2 cells, less EV protein cargo was observed following LMF exposure compared with cells not exposed to LMF, and fewer associated functional enrichment pathways were identified. This pointed to some differences in various cellular functions, ageing, defence responses, oxidative stress, and disease phenotypes, including respiratory, digestive, immune, and developmental pathways. Furthermore, we analysed alterations in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and miRNAs linked to metastasis, as this is crucial in cancer aggressiveness. The 4 h LMF exposure caused a significant increase in MMP2 and MMP9, as well as in onco-miRs miR-155, miR-210, miR-21, but a significant reduction in tumour-suppressor miRs (miR-200c and miR-126) in the metastatic PC3 cells, compared with normal PNT2 cells. In addition, 4 h LMF exposure significantly induced cellular invasion of PC3 cells. Overall, our findings suggest that changes in magnetic field exposures modulate EV-mediated and miR-regulatory processes in PCa metastasis, providing a basis for exploring novel therapeutic strategies.

Deciphering the role of claudins in lung cancer

Lung cancer remains a major global health challenge, characterized by aggressive malignancy and poor prognostic outcomes. This review article focuses on the pivotal role of claudins, a family of tight junction proteins, in the pathophysiology of lung cancer. Claudins are integral to maintaining epithelial barrier function and cellular polarity, yet they are intricately involved in the progression and metastasis of lung cancer. The aberrant expression of claudins has been observed across various histological subtypes of lung cancer, indicating their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Specifically, claudins such as claudin-1, -2, -3, -4, and -7 exhibit diverse expression patterns that correlate with tumor aggressiveness, patient survival rates, and response to therapies. Inflammation and cytokine modulation significantly influence claudin expression, affecting tumor microenvironment dynamics and cancer progression. This review also highlights the therapeutic implications of targeting claudins, particularly in cases resistant to conventional treatments. Recent advances in this area suggest that claudin-modulating agents may enhance the efficacy of existing therapies and offer new avenues for targeted interventions. By integrating the latest research, this article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of claudin’s roles in lung cancer and encourages further clinical trials to explore claudin-targeting therapies. This could pave the way for more effective management strategies, improving outcomes for lung cancer patients.

Anticipatory Grief and Its Associated Factors in Lung Cancer Patients

Anticipatory Grief and Its Associated Factors in Lung Cancer Patients

Novel immunotherapeutic approaches in gastric cancer

Abstract Gastric cancer is a malignant tumor that ranks third in cancer-related deaths worldwide. Early-stage gastric cancer can often be effectively managed through surgical resection. However, the majority of cases are diagnosed in advanced stages, where outcomes with conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy remain unsatisfactory. Immunotherapy offers a novel approach to treating molecularly heterogeneous gastric cancer by modifying the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapy are regarded as the promising modalities in cancer immunotherapy. FDA-approved PD1 inhibitors, such as Pembrolizumab, in combination with chemotherapy, have significantly extended overall survival in gastric cancer patients and is recommended as a first-line treatment. Despite challenges in solid tumor applications, adoptive cell therapy has demonstrated efficacy against various targets in gastric cancer treatment. Among these approaches, CAR-T cell therapy research is the most widely explored and CAR-T therapy targeting claudin18.2 has shown acceptable safety and robust anti-tumor capabilities. However, these advancements primarily remain in preclinical stages, and further investigation should be made to promote their clinical application. This review summarizes the latest research on immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapy and their limitations, as well as the role of nanoparticles in enhancing immunotherapy.

The Relationship Between Zinc Level and Pathological Response in Rectum Cancer Patients Receiving Total Neoadjuvant Therapy

The Relationship Between Zinc Level and Pathological Response in Rectum Cancer Patients Receiving Total Neoadjuvant Therapy

The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Predicting Chemotherapy-Induced Toxicities in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Data-Driven Approach for Personalized Oncology

Background: Machine learning models learn about general behavior from data by finding the relationships between features. Our purpose was to develop a predictive model to identify and predict which subset of colorectal cancer patients are more likely to experience chemotherapy-induced toxicity and to determine the specific attributes that influence the presence of treatment-related side effects. Methods: The predictor was general toxicity, and for the construction of our data training, we selected 95 characteristics that represent the health state of 74 patients prior to their first round of chemotherapy. After the data were processed, Random Forest models were trained to offer an optimal balance between accuracy and interpretability. Results: We constructed a machine learning predictor with an emphasis on assessing the importance of numerical and categorical variables in relation to toxicity. Conclusions: The incorporation of artificial intelligence in personalizing colorectal cancer management by anticipating and overseeing toxicities more effectively illustrates a pivotal shift towards more personalized and precise medical care.

The mediating role of perceived stress in the association between family resilience and psychological distress among gynecological cancer patients: a cross-sectional study

The mediating role of perceived stress in the association between family resilience and psychological distress among gynecological cancer patients: a cross-sectional study

Family Peace and Affecting Factors in Family Caregivers of Patients With Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: During the care process, family members who provide care for a patient with cancer are confronted with changes in their family dynamics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the family peace of caregivers of patient with cancer and the associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a single center. The sample of the study included caregivers who were family members of patients with cancer. Data were collected with Caregiver and Patient Information Forms, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Family Peace Scale, Self-Care Behaviors Scale, and MD Anderson Symptom Inventory. Results: It was found that the mean age of the caregivers was 50.20 ± 0.71 years, 64.1% were female, 78.7% were married. The mean score of the caregivers on the total family peace scale was above the average value with 46 ± 0.75 out of 75 points. The caregivers' level of family peace increases as their scores on the scale increase. The family peace of caregivers who were widowed or divorced, were self-employed, had less income than their expenses, had a chronic disease, reported that their health was affected, had low self-efficacy was worse than that of others. The family peace of caregivers of patients who had gynecological cancer and had a good income was better (P < 0.05). The self-efficacy level of the caregivers and the symptoms of the patient with cancer were significant predictors of family peace (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Family peace of caregivers was affected by the type of cancer, symptom burden, self-care behaviors of the patient, and caregivers' income status, chronic disease, marital status, and self-efficacy. Physicians and nurses, who are in close contact with caregivers of cancer patients, should be aware of the issue, professionals should assess the family environment of the caregivers of patient with cancer and counseling should be provided if deemed necessary.

Proportion of Patients With Ductal Carcinoma In Situ That Qualify for Observation Criteria Set Forth by Clinical Trials.

The COMET, LORD, and LORIS clinical trials are investigating the role of active surveillance in low-risk ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The objective of this study was to identify the proportion of patients eligible for these trials amongst a cohort of patients treated at our institution. Retrospective chart review was performed of patients diagnosed with DCIS who were treated from 2013 to 2022. Clinical, tumor, and imaging inclusion and exclusion criteria of the aforementioned observation trials were applied to determine the proportion of patients eligible for each trial. Upgrade rate to invasive cancer were examined across all three groups. Of 1223 patients diagnosed with DCIS, applying the criteria of each trial, 245 (20%), 238 (19.4%), and 264 (21.6%) patients were eligible for the COMET, LORD, and LORIS trials, respectively. High-grade DCIS and mass on imaging had the largest impact on exclusion. Nineteen (7.8%) of women who qualified for COMET were upgraded to invasive disease at excision, compared to 18 (7.6%) for LORD, and 19 (7.2%) for LORIS. One in five patients diagnosed with DCIS at our institution would qualify for observation with current trial eligibility. Observation of DCIS may have limited impact on all DCIS patients.

The association of compassion with dignity and symptoms in end-of-life cancer patients.

Compassion is essential in palliative care; however, there is a lack of evidence of the association between this construct and patients' dignity-related distress. The present study aimed to investigate the association between end-of-life cancer patients' sense of dignity, the level of compassion of the healthcare professionals (HCPs) noticed and perceived by the patients, and levels of compassion that HCPs felt they had toward patients, investigating through specific attitudes and behaviors. Furthermore, the relationship between compassion and patients' physical and psychological symptoms, such as levels of anxiety and depression, was also investigated. The study was cross-sectional. The sample consisted of 105 end-of-life cancer patients and 40 HCPs. Patients had a Karnofsky Performance Status of 50 or lower and a life expectancy of less than 4 months. For each patient, sociodemographic data were collected, and a set of rating scales assessing compassion, dignity as well as physical and psychological symptoms were administered. The results showed significant negative associations between patients' perception of compassion and dignity-related distress as well as significant negative associations between patients' perception of compassion and patients' symptoms. Compassion seems to be involved in diminishing dignity-related distress and alleviating physical and psychological symptoms. Other studies are needed to understand whether patients' symptoms or whether specific HCPs' conditions influence compassion. Exploring compassion and at the end-of-life could encourage a dignity-conserving care.

Alcohol consumption in cancer patients receiving psycho-oncologic care analysis of socio-demographic, health-related and cancer-related factors.

The carcinogenic effects of alcoholic beverages and the negative impact of alcohol consumption on cancer progression and treatment outcomes are well established in oncology research. Many cancer patients experience significant psychological distress, often manifesting as elevated levels of depression and anxiety. In the general population, alcohol consumption is commonly used as a coping mechanism for such distress. For cancer patients facing substantial psychological challenges, psycho-oncology care is available to help manage their symptoms and the overall impact of their condition. However, there is limited understanding of the alcohol consumption patterns in this particularly vulnerable group of patients, as well as the disease-related factors that may influence their drinking behavior. This study aims to examine the prevalence of potentially risky alcohol consumption in cancer patients receiving psycho-oncology care and to identify sociodemographic, health-related, and psychosocial factors associated with alcohol consumption after cancer diagnosis. By understanding drinking patterns and the factors associated with them, we aim to promote healthier behaviors and enhance treatment outcomes for cancer patients receiving psycho-oncology care. A consecutive sample of 1.225 patients from the psycho-oncology outpatient clinic of the University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf (UKE) was analyzed with regard to their alcohol consumption behavior using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption Items (AUDIT-C). Self-report questionnaires were employed to assess sociodemographic, health-related, and cancer-specific information. For statistical analysis, multiple linear regression was utilized. In the sample of cancer patients receiving psycho-oncology support one in six of both female and male patients showed risky alcohol drinking behavior (e.g. AUDIT-C above three for women and four for men). In the analysis (R-Square: 0.056) male gender (regression coefficient B 0.686, 95% CI: 0.453-0.919) and patientsreporting a higher physical health-related quality of life (SF8-PCS) (B 0.021, 95% CI: 0.011-0.032) were associated with higher levels of alcohol consumption, whereas having children (B -0.481, 95%CI: -0.700- -0.262) was associated with lower alcohol consumption. With regard to cancer type, a single-factor analysis of variance with gender as the centered covariate showed that patients with gastrointestinal cancer had had lower average consumption levels compared to the groups of patients with breast cancer, melanoma, genitourinary cancer, and lymphoma. Also, patients with sarcoma had lower average consumption levels than patients with lymphoma. The results allow to identify patient characteristics and cancer types associated with higher or lower alcohol consumption levels and higher likelihood of risky consumption behavior in this sample of cancer patients receiving psycho-oncological support. Cancer patients are particularly susceptible to the hazardous effects of alcohol consumption. The results of this study help to identify cancer patients at risk of worsening prognosis due to alcohol consumption and to develop intervention programs to minimize alcohol consumption in this group.

Determinants of the implementation of eHealth-based long-term follow-up care for young cancer survivors: a qualitative study

BackgroundeHealth may help closing gaps in the long-term follow-up care of former young age cancer patients. While its introduction to medical aftercare appears promising, it also faces obstacles in the course of its implementation. This study explored what prospective eHealth applications have to achieve and what facilitating and hindering factors are associated with the implementation of them.MethodsA qualitative, explorative-descriptive design involving semi-structured interviews was used in this study. General practitioners (GPs) from urban and rural areas as well as former cancer patients were recruited and interviewed. The interview guide focused on expectations of telemedical care services for the patient group of children and adolescents as well as potential facilitating and hindering factors of the implementation of telemedical care services for former cancer patients. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed on the basis of qualitative content analysis as described by Kuckartz.ResultsEmpiric saturation was reached after 25 interviews, respectively. The age of the physicians surveyed at the time of the interviews ranged from 27 to 71 years, with an average of 42 years. The former patients ranged in age from 21 to 43 at the time of participation, with an average age of 34. The age at diagnosis ranged from 3 to 31 years. eHealth services were considered an effective way to maintain continuity of care and improve the health literacy of cancer survivors. Cooperation with health insurance companies and gamification-elements were regarded as beneficial for the introduction of eHealth structures. Poor interface compatibility, insufficient network coverage and lack of digital literacy were valued as potential barriers.ConclusionsIf properly introduced, eHealth shows the potential to provide stakeholders with tools that increase their self-efficacy and ability to act. As the technology continues to advance, our data provides application-oriented factors for tailored implementation strategies to bring eHealth into the field.