Changes In Cancer Patients Research Articles

Audit on weight change in cancer patients

Audit on weight change in cancer patients

Influence of Amino Acids and Exercise on Muscle Protein Turnover, Particularly in Cancer Cachexia.

Cancer cachexia is a multifaceted syndrome that impacts individuals with advanced cancer. It causes numerous pathological changes in cancer patients, such as inflammation and metabolic dysfunction, which further diminish their quality of life. Unfortunately, cancer cachexia also increases the risk of mortality in affected individuals, making it an important area of focus for cancer research and treatment. Several potential nutritional therapies are being tested in preclinical and clinical models for their efficacy in improving muscle metabolism in cancer patients. Despite promising results, no special nutritional therapies have yet been validated in clinical practice. Multiple studies provide evidence of the benefits of increasing muscle protein synthesis through an increased intake of amino acids or protein. There is also increasing evidence that exercise can reduce muscle atrophy by modulating protein synthesis. Therefore, the combination of protein intake and exercise may be more effective in improving cancer cachexia. This review provides an overview of the preclinical and clinical approaches for the use of amino acids with and without exercise therapy to improve muscle metabolism in cachexia.

Assessment of Native Myocardial T1 Mapping for Early Detection of Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Patients with Cancer: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Anthracycline antibiotic is one of the most effective anti-tumor drugs used to manage certain types of breast cancers, lymphomas, and leukemias. However, anthracyclines induce a dose-dependent cardiotoxicity that may progress to heart failure. Thus, using a sensitive predictor of early cardiac dysfunction in patients treated with anthracyclines can help detect subclinical cardiac dysfunction early and help initiate interventions to protect these patients. Among parameters of myocardial measure, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-measured native myocardial T1 mapping is considered a sensitive and accurate quantitative measure of early subclinical cardiac changes, particularly cardiac inflammation and fibrosis. However, to understand the quality and the validity of the current evidence supporting the use of these measures in patients treated with anthracyclines, we aimed to conduct a systematic review of clinical studies of this measure to detect early myocardial changes in cancer patients treated with anthracyclines. The primary outcome was the level of native T1 mapping. We performed fixed-effects meta-analyses and assessed certainty in effect estimates. Of the 1780 publications reviewed (till 2022), 23 were retrieved, and 9 articles met the inclusion criteria. Our study showed that exposure to anthracycline was associated with a significant elevation of native myocardial T1 mapping from baseline (95% CI 0.1121 to 0.5802; p = 0.0037) as well as compared to healthy control patients (95% CI 0.2925 to 0.7448; p < 0.0001). No significant publication bias was noted on the assessment of the funnel plot and Egger’s test. According to the Q test, there was no significant heterogeneity in the included studies (I2 = 0.0000% versus healthy controls and I2 = 14.0666% versus baseline). Overall, our study suggests that native myocardial T1 mapping is useful for detecting anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in patients with cancer.

Toxicity burden patterns of MET-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors: evidence from real-world pharmacovigilance.

MET exon 14 skipping alterations and MET amplifications are recognized as oncogenic and targetable genetic changes in cancer patients. The treatment of MET-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in this specific population has shown encouraging therapeutic results. However, a comprehensive understanding of the potential toxicities linked to these agents is still lacking.The present pharmacovigilance analysis was carried out using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database to assess notable adverse events associated with MET-selective TKIs.Gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory toxicity, hepatotoxicity, and disturbances in metabolism and nutrition demonstrated a substantial prevalence and significance among the adverse event (AE) categories. Particularly notable were the occurrences of peripheral oedema, nausea, dysphagia, fatigue, and dyspnoea, which emerged as the foremost five reported AEs. The majority of these AEs were observed within the initial months of initiating treatment with MET-selective TKIs and persistently thereafter. Notably, our investigation unveiled a significant correlation between the usage of capmatinib and the incidence of hearing loss and difficulty in swallowing.Diligent monitoring and the implementation of supportive care strategies are essential in managing the toxicities associated with MET-selective TKIs, particularly those related to gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory toxicity, hepatotoxicity, and ototoxicity.

Changes in vascular function and correlation with cardiotoxicity in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer undergoing HER2-directed therapy with and without anthracycline/cyclophosphamide.

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of HER2-directed therapy (HER2-Tx) on peripheral vasoreactivity and its correlation with cardiac function changes and the additive effects of anthracycline/cyclophosphamide (AC) therapy and baseline cardiovascular risk. Single-centre, prospective cohort study of women with newly diagnosed stage 1-3 HER2-positive breast cancer undergoing HER2-Tx +/- AC. All participants underwent baseline and 3-monthly evaluations with Endo-Peripheral Arterial Tonometry (Endo-PAT), vascular biomarkers [C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and neuregulin-1 beta (NRG-1β)], and echocardiography. Cardiotoxicity was defined as a decrease in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of >10% to a value <53%. Of the 47 patients enrolled, 20 (43%) received AC in addition to HER2-Tx. Deterioration of reactive hyperaemia index (RHI) on Endo-PAT by ≥20% was more common in patients receiving HER-Tx plus AC than HER2-Tx alone (65% vs. 22%; P = 0.003). A decrease in CNP and log NRG-1β levels by 1 standard deviation did not differ significantly between the AC and non-AC groups (CNP: 20.0% vs. 7.4%; P = 0.20 and NRG-1β: 15% vs. 11%; P = 0.69) nor did GLS (35% vs. 37%; P = 0.89). Patients treated with AC had a significantly lower 3D LVEF than non-AC recipients as early as 3 months after exposure (mean 59.3% (SD 3) vs. 63.8% (SD 4); P = 0.02). Reactive hyperaemia index and GLS were the only parameters correlating with LVEF change. Combination therapy with AC, but not HER2-Tx alone, leads to a decline in peripheral vascular and cardiac function. Larger studies will need to define more precisely the causal correlation between vascular and cardiac function changes in cancer patients.

Increase in the Life Expectancy of Patients with Cancer in the United States.

Cancer is becoming more of a chronic disease due to improvements in treatment and early detection for multiple cancer sites. To gain insight on increased life expectancy due to these improvements, we quantified trends in the loss in expectation of life (LEL) due to a cancer diagnosis for six cancer sites from 1975 through 2018. We focused on patients diagnosed with female breast cancer, chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), colon and rectum cancer, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), lung cancer, or melanoma between 1975 and 2018 from nine Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registries. Life expectancies for patients with cancer ages 50+ were modeled using flexible parametric survival models. LEL was calculated as the difference between general population life expectancy and life expectancy for patients with cancer. Over 2 million patients were diagnosed with one of the six cancers between 1975 and 2018. Large increases in life expectancy were observed between 1990 and 2010 for female breast, DLBCL, and CML. Patients with colon and rectum cancer and melanoma had more gradual improvements in life expectancy. Lung cancer LEL only began decreasing after 2005. Increases in life expectancy corresponded with decreases in LEL for patients with cancer. The reported gains in life expectancy largely correspond to progress in the screening, management, and treatment of these six cancers since 1975. LEL provides an important public health perspective on how improvements in treatment and early detection and their impacts on survival translate into changes in cancer patients' life expectancy.

The relationship between loneliness, psychological resilience, quality of life and taste change in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

This study aimed to determine the correlation between taste change, nutritional intake and quality of life in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. A total of 610 (F = 314, M = 296) volunteers aged 19 and 65 who received outpatient chemotherapy treatment participated in the study. Individuals' general information was obtained, anthropometric measurements were carried out, malnutrition status (Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment PG-SGA), loneliness (Cancer Loneliness Scale), psychological resilience (Psychological Resilience Scale), quality of life (Quality of Life Scale (EORT QLQ-C30) and taste changes were scrutinized [Chemotherapy-Induced Taste Alteration Scale (CiTAS)]. There was a negative correlation between the Cancer Loneliness Scale and PG-SGA and General Health Status (r = -0.494, p = 0.000; r = -0.406, p = 0.000) and a positive correlation with Symptom Scales (r = 0.484, p = 0.000; r = 0.506, p = 0.000) (p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the Psychological Resilience Scale and General Health Status (r = 0.393, P = 0.000), Functional Scales (r = 0.349, P = 0.000), and a negative correlation between Symptom Scales (r = -0.302, p = 0.000) (p < 0.05). 70.9% of men and 70.7% of women had severe malnutrition. General Taste Changes, General Health and Symptom Scale values were significant predictors of severe malnutrition status (p < 0.05). The symptoms that develop during the treatment process cause many psychological problems. Before starting treatment, patients should be evaluated comprehensively, depression anxiety levels and quality of life levels should be determined, and precautions should be taken accordingly.

The effect of hepatic steatosis on 18F-FDG uptake in PET-CT examinations of cancer Egyptian patients

BackgroundHepatic steatosis is the most common chronic hepatic disease. Imaging diagnosis of hepatic steatosis has been evaluated as an alternative to invasive histological diagnosis.Study aimsThe study aimed to assess the effect of hepatic steatosis on Flourine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptakes in cancer patients.Patients and MethodsBlood samples were collected from 50 cancer patients and analyzed to calculate fatty liver index and Hepatic steatosis index (HIS). Hepatic steatosis examined using high-resolution ultrasound and positron emission tomography—computed tomography (PET-CT). Linear attenuation coefficient, standardized-uptake value (SUV) mean (SUV mean), and SUV maximum (SUVmax) were measured. Accordingly, patients were divided equally into non-fatty liver, and fatty liver groups.ResultsA significant increase in SUVmax and SUV mean was observed in the fatty liver group more than in the non-fatty liver group. HSI significantly increased in the fatty liver group compared to the non-fatty liver group. Liver tissue uptake FDG was significantly correlated with HSI values. SUV max significantly correlated with body mass index (BMI) in the non-fatty group only.ConclusionHepatic changes in cancer patients affect the liver metabolic activity and thus the 18 F-FDG uptake. Therefore, further corrections should be considered when the liver is used as a comparator for PET-CT scans of cancer patients.

The nexus of dynamic T cell states and immune checkpoint blockade therapy in the periphery and tumor microenvironment.

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies, that is, using monoclonal antibodies to reinvigorate tumor-reactive, antigen-specific T cells from the inhibitory effects of CTLA-4, PD-1 and PD-L1 immune checkpoints, have revolutionized the therapeutic landscape of modern oncology. However, only a subset of patients can benefit from the ICB therapy. Biomarkers associated with ICB response, resistance and prognosis have been subjected to intensive research in the past decade. Early studies focused on the analysis of tumor specimens and their residing microenvironment. However, biopsies can be challenging to obtain in clinical practice, and do not reflect the dynamic changes of immunological parameters during the ICB therapy. Recent studies have investigated profiles of antigen-specific T cells derived from the peripheral compartment using multi-omics approaches. By tracking the clonotype and diversity of tumor-reactive T cell receptor repertoire, these studies collectively establish that de novo priming of antigen-specific T cells in peripheral blood occurs throughout the course of ICB, whereas preexisting T cells prior to ICB are exhausted to various degrees. Here, we review what is known about ICB-induced T cell phenotypic and functional changes in cancer patients both within the tumor microenvironment and in the peripheral compartment. A better understanding of parameters influencing the response to ICBs will provide rationales for developing novel diagnostics and combinatorial therapeutic strategies to maximize the clinical efficacies of ICB therapies.

Metabolic Changes in Blood-derived Extracellular Vesicles of Malnourished Breast Cancer Patients.

Cancer cachexia describes a multifactorial wasting syndrome marked by a metabolic imbalance leading to the loss of muscle and fat tissue. Extracellular vesicles (EV) provide unique insights into their parental cells' metabolism. The value of these vesicles as diagnostic tools in cancer cachexia has not been investigated so far. A previously analyzed metabolomics dataset on large EV from breast cancer patients was used for analyzing the metabolomic changes in patients with malnutrition. Follow-up time was 6 months. The data were analyzed using fold change analysis, volcano plotting, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis, pathway analysis, and survival analysis. In patients with weight loss, statistical analysis revealed an increase in lysophosphatidylcholines (lysoPC a C16:0, lysoPC a C18:0, lysoPC a C18:1, lysoPC a C18:2, lysoPC a C20:4), sphingomyelins (SM (OH) C22:2 and SM C18:1), and phosphatidylcholines (PC aa C24:0, PC ae C34:3). When combined, these metabolites are a good predictor for cachexia in ROC curve analysis (AUC of 0.970; 95%CI=0.920-1.000; p<0.0001). Pathway analysis revealed an involvement of metabolites in "choline metabolism in cancer" and "glycerophospholipid metabolism". Large EV reflect metabolic changes in cancer patients suffering from cancer cachexia. Metabolic changes at the time of drawing blood were associated with the weight status (stable vs. weight loss) six months later and thereby could have a predictive impact.

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.

18F-FDG] PET/CT monitoring of tissue-specific changes in cancer patients at risk for cachexia

Prior research has identified lower muscle tissue CT attenuation in patients impacted by cancer cachexia. CT attenuation is a measure of tissue radiodensity, which in muscle, reflects the degree of myocellular fat and intramuscular fat infiltration. In contrast, PET imaging captures glucose uptake as quantified by the standardized uptake value (SUV). Collectively, CT and PET may provide an opportunity to identify tissue-specific differences that are associated with unintentional weight loss. This study utilized [18F-FDG] PET/CT imaging at multiple timepoints in cancer patients to investigate how adipose tissue and skeletal muscle properties change following cancer diagnosis and treatment. We hypothesized that longitudinal changes in CT attenuation and SUV adipose tissue and muscle would be more profound in cachectic individuals. Eighty-four patients (57M, 27F; 63.3±9.6 years; BMI 27.4±5.3) with stage 2 or 3 non-small cell lung cancer were imaged before and after chemoradiation treatment (162±32 days between scans). Pre- to post-treatment weight change averaged -4.93% (±9.6) normalized to six months, with 41 patients experiencing cachexia (defined as 5% weight loss in ≤6 months). CT attenuation (HU) and mean SUV normalized to body mass index were compared pre- to post-treatment. Pre-treatment, CT attenuation was higher in the non-cachectic group for the gluteus maximus (p=0.0087) and pectoralis major (p=0.0479), but not the erector spinae or subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). SUV was higher pre-treatment in the cachectic group in the erector spinae (p=0.0103) and gluteus maximus (p=0.0035); no group differences in the pectoralis major or SAT. Pre- to post-treatment decreases in CT attenuation occurred only in the non-cachectic group of the pectoralis major (p&lt;0.0001), despite no changes in either group in the erector spinae, gluteus maximus or SAT. Post-treatment increases in SUV were seen in the non-cachectic group only for the erector spinae (p=0.0075) and gluteus maximus (p=0.0209), and both groups for the pectoralis major (cachectic, p=0.0333; non-cachectic, p=0.0304). In contrast, post-treatment increases in SUV only occurred in the cachectic group (p=0.0057). Findings suggest that both CT and PET can provide differential value in monitoring cancer induced changes to non-malignant tissues; changes in tissue composition, quantified via CT, are not linear with changes in metabolism, measured via PET. Further, the PET/CT profiles of all muscle groups do not initially exist or change in the same manner, which may correspond to variability in fiber type composition or function. Pre-treatment evaluation of adipose and muscle properties using both PET and CT could be useful for stratifying vulnerability to unintentional weight loss, allowing for early application of exercise and nutritional interventions. This research was funded by NIAMS (R01AR079445; Pistilli) This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Why We Should Look at Dinner Plates: Diet Changes in Cancer Patients

Malnutrition is often underestimated in the context of cancer therapy: the dietary trends initiated by patients after diagnosis are usually neither known to nor evaluated by the medical staff. Here, we propose a combined screening instrument evaluating malnutrition and dietary trends. The validated screening tool NRS-2002 was combined with a four-item questionnaire assessing whether (1) patients preferred certain foods, (2) avoided certain foods, (3) used dietary supplements or followed a special diet since the time of cancer diagnosis. The screening tool was routinely used by cancer patients in the daily practice of three oncological departments. The presented analysis was performed retrospectively and anonymized. Overall, 102 cancer patients undergoing systemic therapy (CP), 97 undergoing radiation therapy (RP), and 36 head-neck cancer patients (HNP) were screened. The CP cohort showed a higher rate of malnutrition (50.00%) than the HNP (28.13%) or RP (26.80%) cohort. Overall, diet changes were observed in 33.63% of all patients. Avoiding meat, stimulants, or hard and edgy food was often mentioned in free text answers, while patients reported a preference for fruit and vegetables. Nutritional supplements were used by 28.76% of the patients. While dietary changes were common, only 6.64% of the patients mentioned adhering to a specific cancer diet. Malnutrition is still underestimated nowadays. Diet trends, especially avoiding certain foods, are common in cancer patients, while adhering to a specific cancer diet is an exception. Diet trends should be assessed and addressed to avoid or aggravate malnutrition.

The Relationship between Cancer and Dementia: An Updated Review.

The risk of cancer and dementia increases with age, raising complex questions about whether it is appropriate to continue cancer treatment in older patients. There is emerging research suggesting the association between cancer and dementia. However, the mechanistic underpinnings are still under investigation. Progress has already been made toward understanding the cognitive effects associated with cancer therapy. Such associations raise awareness about the need to establish better prevention methods and early screening in clinical practice. Additionally, recent studies have suggested possible therapeutic strategies for better preserving cognitive function and reducing the risk for dementia before patients start cancer treatment. We review the current literature and summarize the incidence and mechanisms of cognitive impairment in patients with lung cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancer, gastric cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and brain tumor/brain metastasis following different kinds of therapies. Possible risk factors are suggested to identify the early onset of cognitive changes in cancer patients and provide more insight into the pathophysiological process of dementia.

Study on the Influencing Factors of Chemotherapeutic-Related Taste Changes in Cancer Patients

Objective: To investigate the current situation of chemotherapy-related taste changes of cancer patients in Jingzhou area, and analyze the influencing factors of chemotherapy-related taste changes of cancer patients. Methods: In this study, 233 patients with malignant tumors who were confirmed by pathological examination and expected survival time of more than 6 months after admission to a tertiary general hospital in Jingzhou from January 2018 to October 2018 were selected by convenience sampling method. The Chinese version of The chemotherapy-induced Taste Alternation Scale (CiTAS) was used to investigate the baseline data and occurrence status, and multiple regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors. Results: In this study, 171 tumor patients experienced chemotherapy related taste changes, accounting for 73.4% (171/233); The vast majority of chemotherapy patients have different types and severity of taste changes; Multiple regression analysis showed that the duration of chemotherapy, the number of consecutive days of chemotherapy, and dry mouth were the main influencing factors for chemotherapy related taste changes in cancer patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Nursing personnel should pay attention to the occurrence of chemotherapy-related taste changes in tumor patients, and provide predictive nursing interventions to improve their taste experience for tumor patients who have a long course of chemotherapy, many consecutive days of chemotherapy, or have dry mouth conditions.

Concerns and expectations of patients with cancer in the Covid-19 pandemic: A prospective cohort study

İntroduction and aim: Cancer affects people psychologically and organically. The emotional state of cancer patients is fragile and can be affected by many factors. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mood and behavioral changes of cancer patients with solid cancer who are in follow-up and treatment. &#x0D; Material and Method: A face-to-face questionnaire was filled in solid cancer patients without known psychological disorders who applied to the Medical Oncology outpatient clinic between 1-30 September 2021. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the scale examining the perspectives on Covid-19 were applied to the patients whose consent was obtained. &#x0D; Results: A total of 235 people, 139 women and 63 men, participated in the survey. In the review of 202 completed surveys, the median age was 55 (23-83 years). In the study in which seventeen different solid cancer patients were evaluated, breast (52.5%), colon (19.3%) and lung (10.8%) cancers were most common. Most of the people who were more afraid of Covid-19 compared to cancer were patients who were on active cancer treatment. In the multivariate regression analysis, being on active treatment was found to be the only risk factor for 'being more afraid of Covid-19' compared to cancer. During Covid-19 pandemic, it was observed that 18 (8.9%) patients delayed their treatment/follow-up due to fear of Covid-19 infection. A high HADS anxiety score was observed in 58 (28.7%) patients, and a high HADS depression score was observed in 39 patients (19.3%). Conclusion: Cancer patients are seriously worried about the progression of their cancer due to changes in follow-up or treatment due to Covid-19 pandemic. However, despite the associated risks, they were found to want to continue their treatment as planned.

Identification of GINS1 as a therapeutic target in the cancer patients infected with COVID-19: a bioinformatics and system biology approach

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused a series of biological changes in cancer patients which have rendered the original treatment ineffective and increased the difficulty of clinical treatment. However, the clinical treatment for cancer patients infected with COVID-19 is currently unavailable. Since bioinformatics is an effective method to understand undiscovered biological functions, pharmacological targets, and therapeutic mechanisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of COVID-19 infection in cancer patients and to search the potential treatments.MethodsFirstly, we obtained the COVID-19-associated genes from seven databases and analyzed the cancer pathogenic genes from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, respectively. The Cancer/COVID-19-associated genes were shown by Venn analyses. Moreover, we demonstrated the signaling pathways and biological functions of pathogenic genes in Cancer/COVID-19.ResultsWe identified that Go-Ichi-Ni-San complex subunit 1 (GINS1) is the potential therapeutic target in Cancer/COVID-19 by GEPIA. The high expression of GINS1 was not only promoting the development of cancers but also affecting their prognosis. Furthermore, eight potential compounds of Cancer/COVID-19 were identified from CMap and molecular docking analysis.ConclusionWe revealed the GINS1 is a potential therapeutic target in cancer patients infected with COVID-19 for the first time, as COVID-19 will be a severe and prolonged pandemic. However, the findings have not been verified actually cancer patients infected with COVID-19, and further studies are needed to demonstrate the functions of GINS1 and the clinical treatment of the compounds.

Income Change One Year after Confirmed Cancer Diagnosis and Its Associated Factors in Japanese Patients

The number of patients who survive for a long time after cancer diagnosis is rapidly increasing; however, such patients experience major problems such as returning to work and changes in their income. This study aimed to determine the extent of income changes of cancer patients during the first year after cancer diagnosis and identify the influencing factors. From November 2019 through January 2020, we conducted a multicenter, self-administered anonymous survey of cancer patients in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. The number of questionnaires collected was 483 (recovery rate 60.4%), and the number of participants who met the inclusion criteria was 72. Mean year-on-year income level one year since cancer diagnosis was 66% (SD: 32%; median: 70%). Cancer stage (p = 0.016), employment status at diagnosis (p = 0.006), and continued employment at the same workplace (p = 0.001) were associated with income change. Findings from this study showed that cancer patients lost one-thirds of their income one year after their diagnosis. It was related to the stage of their illness, employment status, and continued employment at their workplace just before the diagnosis. Employers should provide cancer patients with the support they need to keep them employed.

Physiological and mental health changes in cancer patients during the COVID-19 state of emergency

BackgroundsDue to the COVID-19 pandemic that we are currently facing, many governments across the world have declared a state of emergency and even confinements. This stressful situation, in addition to prolonged stays at home, may imply a radical change in lifestyle behavior and physical activity (PA). The aim of this study is to evaluate the physiological and psychological effects in cancer patients who changed their PA habits during the COVID-19 state of emergency in Spain.MethodsThirty-three participants were evaluated pre- and post-state of emergency. A series of questionnaires was used to assess cancer-specific quality of life.Results The most relevant results revealed significantly lower walking time (p < 0.001) and sitting time (p = 0.014). Upper and lower body strength also decreased significantly (p = 0.009 and 0.012, respectively) and oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) (p = 0.023). None of the parameters analysed showed significant differences for psychological aspects (QLQ-C-30 and SF-36) and body composition.ConclusionLower physical activity leads to negative physiological adaptation, particularly affecting cardiovascular and strength levels. While it is important to maintain the general population’s amount and intensity of exercise, this particularly vulnerable group’s physical capacity is vital to their health and well-being.

Experience of simultaneous use of single-photon emission and X-ray computed tomography in cancer patients with fibrous dysplasia

Aim to present the results of using single-photon emission computed tomography combined with X-ray computed tomography in the process of diagnosing osteodestructive changes in cancer patients with a rare comorbidity fibrous dysplasia. In the consultative and diagnostic department of the Federal State Budgetary Institution National Medical Research Center of Oncology of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Rostov-on-Don, in 2021, 2 patients with fibrous dysplasia of the skull bones and synchronous oncological diseases were examined. The patients underwent a complex of diagnostic tests: spiral X-ray computed tomography of the head, chest, abdominal cavity and small pelvis, bone scintigraphy, single-photon emission computed tomography combined with X-ray computed tomography of the skeleton bones, and puncture biopsy under ultrasound control. The described clinical observations clearly demonstrate examples of a phased diagnostic oncological search in patients without pathognomonic clinical manifestations and with multiple lesions of the skull bones. An increase in diagnostic information content in the differential diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia of the skeleton bones and bone metastases is facilitated by single-photon emission computed tomography combined with X-ray computed tomography. The combination of these two hybrid technologies provides an opportunity to simultaneous determination of the volume and localization of lesions, timely conduction of differential diagnostics and, in turn, maximum optimization of the examination and management of patients in this category.