Care For Adult Cancer Survivors Research Articles

Knowledge, Perception, and Skills, and Practices of Oncology Nurses in Cancer Survivorship Care: a Scoping Review.

Survivorship care focuses on the well-being and quality of life of people affected by cancer. Oncology nurses play an essential role in survivorship care and must be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to provide survivorship care. This scoping review explored the existing literature on nurses' knowledge, perception, skills, or practices in delivering cancer survivorship care for adult cancer survivors. A scoping review was conducted through databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycInfo in February 2022, following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Fourteen original research studies were included. Most of the studies were conducted in the USA and targeted oncology registered nurses. The studies primarily focused on the knowledge (n = 2, 14.3%), perception of responsibility (n = 8, 57.1%), and practice (n = 9, 64.3%) regarding survivorship care among oncology nurses, reporting widely varied results. Nine studies reported perceived skills, practice, and perceived barriers as the most used outcome measurements, while two assessed nurses' cancer survivorship care knowledge. The main gaps were discrepancies between oncology nurses' perceptions of responsibility and practices in delivering survivorship care. Lack of time, knowledge, and skills were reported as significant factors impeding survivorship care provision among oncology nurses. Limited research shows a gap in integrating knowledge into survivorship care practices among oncology nurses. Further studies are needed to develop educational programs on survivorship care to support the integration of survivorship care into oncology nurses' practice.

Oncology and Primary Care Provider Views on Cancer Survivorship Care: Mind the Gap.

Coordination between oncology and primary care practices in cancer survivorship is lacking. To identify cancer care coordination perceptions, knowledge, and practices in a sample of Oklahoma oncology care providers (ONCs) and primary care providers (PCPs) regarding post-treatment care of adult cancer survivors. Cross-sectional, statewide survey by mail/web link in 2014/5. PCPs identified through a primary care research network, primary care organization membership lists; ONCs identified through www.Healthgrades.com. Contacts who were clinically active and seeing cancer patients were eligible. The final sample size included 101 ONCs and 58 PCPs who reported actively seeing cancer patients. Responses to predominately Likert scale or ranked-order questions derived from the Survey of Physician Attitudes Regarding the Care of Cancer Survivors. Chi square and t tests were performed to test bivariate associations between provider type and survey measures. Statistically significant differences (P < .05) between ONC and PCP perceptions were observed for several questions on communication between the 2 provider types, ONC perceptions of PCP ability to address survivorship care, and responsibilities for post-treatment care. Highly discrepant perspectives between ONCs and PCPs regarding communications and responsibilities for survivorship care may lead to adverse health outcomes. Interventions aimed at improving care coordination for cancer survivors should define each provider group's responsibilities in survivorship care, and create structures and processes that foster clear channels of communication between ONC and PCP practices.

Incorporating the Risk for Subsequent Primary Cancers Into the Care of Adult Cancer Survivors

Incorporating the Risk for Subsequent Primary Cancers Into the Care of Adult Cancer Survivors

Improving the Care of Adult Cancer Survivors

Internationally, there are growing numbers of cancer survivors. Survivors report a range of persistent symptoms and unmet needs, which are quite consistent, internationally. Current models of post-treatment survivorship care are suboptimal, and unsustainable given the number of survivors, and limited health workforce. The most appropriate model of care for an individual will depend on a range of patient, disease and treatment factors. Alternatives to traditional follow up have been evaluated including nurse led follow up, follow up led by a primary care physician and formalized models of shared care. There should be greater focus on implementation of proven models.

The effect of telehealth interventions on quality of life of cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the effect of telehealth interventions to usual care for cancer survivors' quality of life. A comprehensive search of four different databases was conducted. Manuscripts were included if they assessed telehealth interventions and usual care for adult cancer survivors and reported a measure of quality of life. Pooled random effects models were used to calculate overall mean effects for quality of life pre- and post-intervention. Eleven articles fit all systematic review and meta-analysis criteria. Initial analyses indicated that telehealth interventions demonstrated large improvements compared with usual care in quality of life measures (Δ = 0.750, p = 0.007), albeit with substantial heterogeneity. Upon further analysis and outlier removal, telehealth interventions demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life compared with usual care (Δ = 0.141-0.144, p < 0.05). The results of the systematic review with meta-analysis indicate that supplementary interventions through telehealth may have a positive impact on quality of life compared with in-person usual care.

Developing a cardiac monitoring plan in at-risk cancer survivors.

133 Background: Improvements in early detection, screening, and treatment of cancer translate into survivors living longer, highlighting the need for guidelines to address the late and long-term effects of cancer treatment. A particularly concerning effect is Cancer Therapeutics-Related Cardiac Dysfunction (CTRCD). Cancer treatments can result in a range of cardiovascular toxicity including left ventricular dysfunction, heart failure and radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD). Various consensus statements related to cardiovascular care for adult cancer survivors exist; however there are no globally accepted follow-up guidelines. Our purpose is to create a protocol to stratify a survivor’s cardiac risk and provide a basis for follow-up recommendations. Methods: We first evaluated existing resources within our institution and identified key stakeholders who were recruited to form a multidisciplinary workgroup (2 survivorship advanced practice providers, an oncologist, a radiation oncologist, and 2 cardio-oncologists). We then reviewed current research and literature on cardiotoxic cancer therapies and identified two consensus statements from the American Society of Echocardiography and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging which helped inform our protocol. Finally, we created a cardiac assessment that could be applied in the pre-treatment phase and extend into the post-treatment phase. Results: Two assessment tools were developed. The first is an algorithm initiated in the pre-treatment setting by an oncologist when a Type I or Type II cardiotoxic agent is planned. The second is a risk assessment tool that is initiated in the post-treatment setting to stratify cardiac risk and provide follow-up recommendations. Conclusions: Development of standardized guidelines for assessment and treatment of late and long-term effects of treatment is critical. This protocol has been developed to account for the many factors that contribute to overall cardiac risk after various anti-cancer therapies. Further data is needed to evaluate long-term cardiac and survival outcomes based on this protocol.

Self-reported competence in long term care provision for adult cancer survivors: A cross sectional survey of nursing and allied health care professionals

BackgroundCancer survival is increasing as patients live longer with a cancer diagnosis. This success has implications for health service provision in that increasing numbers of adults who have received cancer therapy are requiring monitoring and long-term health care by a wide range of practitioners. Given these recent trends there is a need to explore staff perceptions and confidence in managing the consequences of cancer diagnosis and treatment in cancer survivors to enhance an integrated cancer service delivery. ObjectiveThis study examines the self-reported perceptions of competence in nurses and professionals allied to medicine providing survivorship services caring for adults after cancer treatment in both secondary and primary care. DesignA cross sectional survey of the adult cancer workforce using a self-assessment tool for assessing confidence in providing long-term cancer patient management. This study was a health service evaluation. SettingThe study was conducted within the United Kingdom. ParticipantsRespondents were 618 health care professionals of these 368 were specialist adult cancer nurses in oncology and the community setting and 250 cancer allied health professionals. MethodThe survey tool was developed with experts in cancer management, nurses professionals allied to medicine such as physiotherapists and dieticians, educationalists, patient groups as well as health service managers. Competence was assessed in 4 domains clinical practice, symptom management, care co-ordination and proactive management. Perceptions of training needs were also ascertained. Data were collected using an Internet survey distributed through cancer services, community settings and professional institutions. ResultsIn total 618 practitioners who responded were providing services for adults’ 1-year post cancer therapy. Practitioners felt confident in managing psychosocial care and communicating with patients. Deficits in self-reported confidence were found in long-term medications management, care planning, long-term and complex symptom management, for those providing dimensions of care coordination and proactive care. Differences in confidence were seen between practitioner groups. Community nurses felt less skilled in managing adult cancer patients long-term. ConclusionsNurses and allied health professionals self-reported confidence, in managing all areas of care for adult cancer survivors, is variable with deficits in important areas of practice. Despite this being a small proportion of practitioners who are working in cancer care, those responding had perceived gaps in knowledge and educational needs. In providing cancer aftercare there is a requisite shift to proactive care, supported self-management and collaborative management if patient's long-term consequences of cancer and its treatment are to be addressed. Implications for practiceIf health care providers are to transform cancer survivor services then investment is required in education and capability planning across nurses, allied health professionals in both the hospital and the community setting.

Radiation-induced coronary artery disease: a second survivorship challenge?

10.2217/FON.15.121 © 2015 Future Medicine Ltd The role of adjuvant mediastinal radiation (RT) in improving disease-free survival in Hodgkin’s disease and breast cancer (BC) is well known. However, this survival advantage is accompanied by the late cardiac sequelae of radiation. Radiationinduced coronary artery disease (RICAD) is a challenging clinical entity and a major contributor to cardiovascular (CV) mortality in cancer survivors. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology, surveillance and management challenges of RICAD.

Challenges to Standardizing the Care for Adult Cancer Survivors: Highlighting ASCO's Fatigue and Anxiety and Depression Guidelines.

There are over 14 million survivors of cancer living in the United States alone and tens of millions more worldwide, with this population expected to nearly double in the next decade. The successes of prevention, early detection, and better therapies have lead to an emerging understanding of the substantial medical and psychosocial issues for this growing population that must be tackled for individuals and from the health care system and societal perspectives.

Clinical Update: Survivorship Care - Models and Programs

To provide a clinical update of models of care for adult cancer survivors and the challenges in program development. Review of the literature. In the 4 years since the publication of the original article, survivorship is becoming a distinct phase of cancer care that includes surveillance for recurrence, evaluation of and treatment for medical and psychosocial consequences of treatment, recommendations for screening for new primary cancers, health promotion recommendations, and provision of a written treatment summary and care plan to the patient and other health professionals. Implementing comprehensive services and evaluating care models continue to pose significant challenges for cancer care providers across the country; however, oncology nurses are uniquely positioned to take the lead in the care of cancer survivors of all ages and their role in the care of survivors is gaining recognition nationally and internationally.

Models of care for post-treatment follow-up of adult cancer survivors: a systematic review and quality appraisal of the evidence

The impact of cancer and cancer treatment on the long-term health and quality of life of survivors is substantial, leading to questions about the most appropriate configuration of services and models of care for follow-up of post-primary treatment survivors. A systematic review and quality appraisal of the health literature for structure of services and models of follow-up care for post-treatment survivors was identified through a search of guideline sources and empirical databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and EBSCO from 1999 through December 2009. Ten practice guidelines and nine randomized controlled trials comprised the evidence base for models of care for adult cancer survivors. Although the evidence base was rated as low quality, nurse-led and primary care physician models of follow-up care were equivalent for detecting recurrence. Consensus also suggests that cancer survivors may benefit from coordinated transition planning that includes the provision of survivorship care plans as part of standard care. Realignment of models of care is identified as a health system priority to meet the supportive care and surveillance needs of a burgeoning survivor population. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of models of care in a broader population of cancer survivors with differing needs and risks. While the evidence is limited, there is research that may be used to guide the configuration of health care services and planning.

Inhibition of serine palmitoyltransferase delays the onset of radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis through the negative regulation of sphingosine kinase-1 expression

The enforcement of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) signaling network protects from radiation-induced pneumonitis. We now demonstrate that, in contrast to early postirradiation period, late postirradiation sphingosine kinase-1 (SphK1) and sphingoid base-1-phosphates are associated with radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIF). Using the mouse model, we demonstrate that RIF is characterized by a marked upregulation of S1P and dihydrosphingosine-1-phosphate (DHS1P) levels in the lung tissue and in circulation accompanied by increased lung SphK1 expression and activity. Inhibition of sphingolipid de novo biosynthesis by targeting serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) with myriocin reduced radiation-induced pulmonary inflammation and delayed the onset of RIF as evidenced by increased animal lifespan and decreased expression of markers of fibrogenesis, such as collagen and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), in the lung. Long-term inhibition of SPT also decreased radiation-induced SphK activity in the lung and the levels of S1P-DHS1P in the lung tissue and in circulation. In vitro, inhibition or silencing of serine palmitoyltransferase attenuated transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β)-induced upregulation of α-SMA through the negative regulation of SphK1 expression in normal human lung fibroblasts. These data demonstrate a novel role for SPT in regulating TGF-β signaling and fibrogenesis that is linked to the regulation of SphK1 expression and S1P-DHS1P formation.

Abstract ED02-04: Intersection of cancer, aging, and survivorship

Abstract Cancer is a disease associated with aging, with approximately 60% of cancer diagnoses occurring in patients age 65 and older. Of 10.8 million cancer survivors in the US, approximately 6.8 million are age 65 or older. With the aging of the baby boomer population and rises in life expectancy, the number of cancer cases and the number of cancer survivors is anticipated to grow over the coming decades.1 Optimal care of this growing population of older adult cancer survivors will require an understanding of the interaction between cancer, cancer therapy, and the aging process. In particular there is a gap in knowledge regarding whether cancer and/or cancer treatment accelerates the aging process, and if so whether the accelerated aging is transient or permanent. This lecture will provide an overview of the available data regarding the intersection between aging and survivorship, as well as specific considerations in the assessment and treatment of older adult survivors. Cancer and cancer treatment has a potential long term impact on the health status and physical function of older adults.2–3 The Health and Retirement study evaluated the health and functional status of older cancer survivors in comparison to controls. Older cancer survivors were less likely to report excellent or good health (P&amp;lt;0.001), reported more mobility limitations (P&amp;lt;0.001), and reported more limitations with activities of daily living (P=0.01). Among older cancer survivors, obesity, lack of exercise, and poor diet are associated with a poorer quality of life.4 A randomized study tested the benefits of an exercise and diet intervention in older cancer survivors and demonstrated that the intervention was associated with a decrease in self-reported functional decline.5 Older cancer survivors have an increased number of comorbid conditions in comparison to individuals without a history of cancer.2 The NIA/NCI Collaborative Study on Cancer and Comorbidity in the Elderly provided summary data on the comorbidity of 7,600 patients age 55 and older with a history of cancer. The most common comorbid conditions included hypertension (43%), heart conditions (39%) and arthritis (35%).6 Patients may be at increased risk for specific comorbid conditions based on their preexisting comorbid conditions and the therapeutic exposures received. For example, therapy with doxorubicin is associated with an increased risk of congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy.7–8 Risk factors include a history of diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and hypertension. Therapy with an aromatase inhibitor is associated with a loss in bone mineral density and this risk is most pronounced in patients with pre-existing bone loss.9 These examples highlight the need to better understand the association between a history of cancer, patient characteristics (including pre-existing comorbid conditions), specific therapeutic exposure, and the subsequent development or acceleration of comorbid conditions. Although our knowledge of the potential survivorship issues facing older adults is growing, several gaps in knowledge remain.10 As the number of cancer survivors is on the rise, it is critical to improve our evidence-based knowledge to identify and reduce the risk of late side effects from treatment. Prospective longitudinal studies of the long term impact of cancer therapies and interventions to decrease the risk are needed.

Informational needs assessment of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma survivors and their physicians

Cancer Survivorship Care Plans (SCPs) are a recommended part of medical care for cancer survivors. We sought to identify the medical and psychosocial informational needs of non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivors and their physicians in cancer survivorship care to be included in SCPs. Questionnaires were mailed to eligible lymphoma survivors and their physicians, querying their preferences about informational needs in SCPs. The survivor cohort had a median age at diagnosis of 62, with 57% Female, 87% White, and 76% from North Carolina. The physician cohort was comprised of oncologists (27%) and nononcologists (73%), and 86% practiced in North Carolina. Greater than 60% of both survivors and physicians preferred an oncologist and primary care provider comanage cancer survivorship care. The most highly rated informational needs were medical issues, although there were differences between survivors and physicians for many of the informational needs queried. There was higher concordance between patient and physician responses for medical issues (63 to 100%) compared to psychosocial issues (25 to 63%). Important components of SCPs for lymphoma survivors and their physicians may go unrecognized. Tailoring SCPs to patient or physician users may better accommodate the differences in need for particular cancer survivorship care information.

Primary Care Physicians' Views of Routine Follow-Up Care of Cancer Survivors

Routine follow-up of adult cancer survivors is an important clinical and health service issue. Because of a lack of evidence supporting advantages of long-term follow-up care in oncology clinics, there is increasing interest for the locus of this care to be provided by primary care physicians (PCPs). However, current Canadian PCP views on this issue have been largely unknown. A mail survey of a random sample of PCPs across Canada, stratified by region and proximity to urban centers, was conducted. Views on routine follow-up of adult cancer survivors and modalities to facilitate PCPs in providing this care were determined. A total of 330 PCPs responded (adjusted response rate, 51.7%). After completion of active treatment, PCPs were willing to assume exclusive responsibility for routine follow-up care after 2.4 +/- 2.3 years had elapsed for prostate cancer, 2.6 +/- 2.6 years for colorectal cancer, 2.8 +/- 2.5 years for breast cancer, and 3.2 +/- 2.7 years for lymphoma. PCPs already providing this care were willing to provide exclusive care sooner. The most useful modalities PCPs felt would assist them in assuming exclusive responsibility for follow-up cancer care were (1) a patient-specific letter from the specialist, (2) printed guidelines, (3) expedited routes of rereferral, and (4) expedited access to investigations for suspected recurrence. With appropriate information and support in place, PCPs reported being willing to assume exclusive responsibility for the follow-up care of adult cancer survivors. Insights gained from this survey may ultimately help guide strategies in providing optimal care to these patients.

Survivorship Care: Models and Programs

To review models of care for adult cancer survivors and the challenges in program development. Review of the literature. As the number of cancer survivors continues to grow, so does the need to develop unique evidence-based programs and services for this population. Survivorship should become a distinct phase of care and include: surveillance for recurrence, evaluation of and treatment for medical and psychosocial consequences of treatment, recommendations for screening for new primary cancers, health promotion recommendations, and provision of a written care plan to the patient and other health professionals. Many challenges remain to evaluating care models and actualizing clinical services nationally, but oncology nurses are uniquely positioned to take the lead in the care of cancer survivors of all ages.

Cardiovascular Late Effects and the Ongoing Care of Adult Cancer Survivors

Cardiovascular Late Effects and the Ongoing Care of Adult Cancer Survivors

Cancer Survivorship Research and Guidelines: Maybe the Cart Should Be Beside the Horse

Cancer Survivorship Research and Guidelines: Maybe the Cart Should Be Beside the Horse

ASCO Clinical Evidence Review on the Ongoing Care of Adult Cancer Survivors: Cardiac and Pulmonary Late Effects—Review Summary

ASCO Clinical Evidence Review on the Ongoing Care of Adult Cancer Survivors: Cardiac and Pulmonary Late Effects—Review Summary

Primary care physician willingness to provide follow-up care for adult cancer survivors

6562 Background: Routine follow-up of adult cancer survivors is an important clinical and health service issue. Due to a lack of evidence suggesting advantages of long-term follow-up care in oncology clinics, there is increasing support for the locus of this care to be provided by primary care physicians (PCPs). However, views from PCPs on this issue remain to be studied. Methods: A mail survey of a random sample of community based PCPs in Canada, stratified by region and proximity to urban centres was conducted. Views on routine follow-up of adult cancer survivors and modalities to facilitate PCPs in providing this care were determined. Results: 330 PCPs responded (adjusted response rate 52%). PCPs are willing to assume exclusive responsibility for routine follow-up care approximately 2.5 (95 % Confidence Interval [CI], 2.3–2.7;) years after active treatment of colorectal and prostate cancers; 2.8 (95 % CI, 2.5–3.1) years for breast cancer and 3.2 years (95% CI, 2.9–3.5) years for lymphoma. Respondents ranked care shared between cancer specialists and PCPs as their preferred strategy of follow-up, followed equally by exclusive care by cancer specialists or by PCPs. PCPs considered the most useful modalities to assist them in assuming exclusive responsibility for follow-up care were: (1) a patient-specific letter from the specialist; (2) printed guidelines; (3) expedited routes of re-referral; and (4) expedited access to investigations for suspected recurrence. The least useful modalities were: (1) pamphlets; (2) more office staff; and (3) websites. The majority of PCPs recognized that specialist clinics are overcrowded (55.6 %) and that PCPs are better placed to provide psychosocial support (79.8 %). However, they believed that specialist follow-up is important so that patients remain in the cancer centre system (67.2 %) and that patients expect follow-up care by cancer specialists (71.7%). Variations in responses were observed according to current practices and proximity to urban centres. Conclusions: With appropriate information and support in place, PCPs are willing to assume exclusive responsibility for the follow-up care of prevalent adult cancer survivors. Insights gained from this survey may help guide strategies in providing optimal care to cancer survivors. No significant financial relationships to disclose.