Treatment-related Side Effects Research Articles

Severity and Longitudinal Course of Depression, Anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress in Paediatric and Young Adult Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

A diagnosis of cancer and treatment may constitute a highly traumatic period for paediatric cancer patients (PYACPs). However, no review has comprehensively analysed how the mental health of PYACPs is acutely affected and the longitudinal course. This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive searches of databases were conducted to identify studies of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms in PYACPs. Random effects meta-analyses were used for the primary analysis. From 4898 records, 13 studies were included. Acutely after diagnosis, depressive and anxiety symptoms were significantly elevated in PYACPs. Depressive symptoms only significantly decreased after 12 months (standardised mean difference, SMD = -0.88; 95% CI: -0.92, -0.84). This downward trajectory persisted to 18 months (SMD = -1.862; 95% CI: -1.29, -1.09). Anxiety symptoms similarly only decreased after 12 (SMD = -0.34; 95% CI: -0.42, -0.27) up to 18 months (SMD = -0.49; 95% CI: -0.60, -0.39) after the cancer diagnosis. Post-traumatic stress symptoms showed protracted elevations throughout follow-up. Overall, significant predictors of poorer psychological outcomes included unhealthy family functioning, concomitant depression or anxiety, poor cancer prognosis or experiencing cancer and treatment-related side effects. While depression and anxiety may improve over time with a favourable environment, post-traumatic stress may have a protracted course. Timely identification and psycho-oncological intervention are critical.

Unmet needs in ANCA-associated vasculitis: Physicians' and patients' perspectives.

In recent years, clinical research has increased significantly and therapies for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis have improved. However, there are still unanswered questions and unmet needs about AAV patients. The purpose of this review is to examine the frontiers of research related to emerging biomarkers eventually predicting relapse, and new therapeutic approaches, not to mention new quality of life assessment tools. Identifying predictors of relapse may help optimize therapeutic strategies, minimize disease recurrence, and reduce treatment-related side effects. In addition, it is important to recognize that patients may suffer long-term consequences of the disease and its treatment, which, although life-saving, is often associated with significant side effects. Our goal, therefore, is to highlight what has been achieved, the pitfalls, and what still needs to be done, comparing the views of physicians and patients.

A Comprehensive 6-mo Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program Decreases Psychological Distress Among Men Undergoing Curative Prostate Cancer Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BackgroundAlthough survival rates for newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients are very high, most of them will likely suffer significant treatment-related side effects, depression, or anxiety, affecting their quality of life. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the effects of a 6-mo online home-based physical, mental, and social support intervention, the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP), on preventing psychological distress among men undergoing curative prostate cancer treatment. Design, setting, and participantsIn a crossover randomized clinical trial of 128 men aged 50–82 yr scheduled for curative prostate cancer surgery or radiotherapy (± hormone treatment), 66 received the 6-mo PC-PEP intervention and 62 were randomized to a waitlist-control arm and received the standard of care for 6 mo, and then PC-PEP to the end of the year. The PC-PEP intervention consisted of daily e-mails with video instructions providing education, patient activation, and empowerment on healthy living including physical and mental health, dietary recommendations, social support, physical and pelvic floor fitness, stress reduction using a biofeedback device, social connection and intimacy, and social support. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisThe primary outcome was nonspecific psychological distress (clinical cutoff ≥20) measured at baseline, and at 6 and 12 mo using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Results and limitationsAt 6 mo, patients in the waitlist-control group had 3.59 (95% confidence interval: 1.12–11.51) times higher odds for nonspecific psychological distress and need for psychological treatment than men who received the PC-PEP intervention. At 12 mo, the wait-list control group that received the intervention at 6 mo had higher psychological distress than the early group. ConclusionsPC-PEP delivered early following diagnosis significantly prevented the burden of psychological distress in men undergoing curative prostate cancer treatment compared with standard of care, or late (6 mo later) intervention. Patient summaryIn this report, we looked at the effectiveness of a program (Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program: PC-PEP) developed with patients' engagement on the mental distress of patients awaiting curative treatment for their prostate cancer. The PC-PEP program lasted for 6 mo, and it prescribed, described, and demonstrated daily aerobic and strength training, kegels (pelvic floor training to help with urinary and sexual function), dietary changes that have been shown to be helpful in the prevention of prostate cancer and prostate cancer progression, stress reduction using a biofeedback device, as well as social and emotional support. All patients in the PC-PEP program were invited to a monthly video conference with the leads of the program who appeared in the 6 mo of daily videos prescribing the activities the patients were asked to watch and follow. The leads were a prostate cancer oncologist and a scientist in prostate cancer quality of life research. Half of the patients in this study received PC-PEP daily for the first 6 mo and were re-assessed at the end of the year. The other half received standard of care for 6 month and then received the intervention to the end of the year. The results of the study show that, at 6 mo, this intervention was effective at reducing the mental distress that accompanies a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment compared with the standard of care. Mental distress was significantly reduced when the intervention was received early, compared with that received late (6 mo after scheduled curative treatment). We conclude that multi-faceted patient education and empowerment programming of this kind that is developed with patient engagement from the start is crucial to the care of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer and should be implemented in the standard of care. While treatment for prostate cancer is highly successful, side effects that accompany most treatments significantly affect the quality of life of patients. Here, we describe PC-PEP, a patient education and activation program that is cost effective, highly enforced by patients, and successful at reducing the impact of prostate cancer active treatment–related side effects on their psychological state. To learn more about this project, please visit www.pcpep.org. The program is now being tested in a phase 4 implementation trial throughout Canada and internationally (New Zealand), and is being expanded and tested for other types of cancer.

A qualitative study into cancer survivors' relationship with nutrition post-cancer treatment.

In Ireland, one in every 25 individuals is living with and beyond cancer, placing survivorship care at the forefront of strategic planning and service requirements. Several unmet needs of cancer survivors were identified in the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026. Further reports from national bodies have highlighted how these unmet needs, including those of a nutritional nature, have not been prioritised. In Ireland, little information is available on how cancer diagnosis changes cancer survivors' perceptions of food and nutrition. Thus, this study aimed to describe cancer survivors' relationship with nutrition. Survivors who lived on the Island of Ireland and were at least 6 months post-treatment were eligible. Five semi-structured focus groups and two individual interviews were conducted online (n = 20). Focus groups and interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The cohort was mostly female breast cancer survivors (n = 12) with an average age of 51.3 ± 12 years. Emergent themes illustrated how a cancer diagnosis appears to motivate cancer survivors to immediate positive dietary changes. Many new dietary introductions were in line with cancer survivor recommendations, while dietary supplement use and some nonevidence-supported actions were revealed. A minority of participants continued their original dietary intake prior to their diagnosis. Participants reported the impact of treatment-related side effects on their relationship with nutrition. The participants emphasised a desire to receive dietary advice from health professionals while undergoing treatment and survivorship.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Opportunistic Infections and Beyond.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection causes substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) has changed the epidemiology of HIV in the last 20 years with increased survival and decreasing incidence of opportunistic infections (OI), CNS OI remain a major cause of morbidity. Improved survival has also increased neurological presentations due to co morbid conditions, treatment related side effects and inflammatory syndromes. Being familiar with the imaging findings, the impact of ART and interpretation of imaging in the context of clinical and laboratory findings is important for radiologists as well as clinicians in the management of HIV-infected patients.

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and biomarker assessments in daNIS-3, a phase II platform study of NIS793 (anti–TGF-β monoclonal antibody) and other investigational drug combinations with standard of care (SOC) vs SOC alone in patients (pts) with second-line metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

TPS272 Background: Despite the utilization of systemic targeted agents with chemotherapy for mCRC, long-term survival remains poor. Disease progression in mCRC is common, and SOC options are associated with reduced quality of life (QoL) that has been negatively associated with survival. Here, we present daNIS-3, a Phase II, randomized, open-label platform study (NCT04952753) of NIS793 and other investigational drug combinations in pts with second-line mCRC, with an emphasis on the exploratory PROs and biomarker assessments. Methods: Eligible pts are adults with microsatellite-stable mCRC who have progressed on or within 6 months of one prior line of systemic therapy for mCRC and are not amenable to potentially curative surgery. Pts are treated with NIS793 (Day [D]1 ± D15; 2100 mg) + SOC (D1 + D15; bevacizumab [5 mg/kg] + FOLFIRI/mFOLFOX6) +/- tislelizumab (D1; 300 mg), or SOC alone. All drugs are administered intravenously on 28-day cycles. Each investigational arm begins with a safety run-in involving ≥6 eligible pts; safety run-in of the tislelizumab arm follows completion of the NIS793 + SOC safety run-in. Following confirmation of the recommended dose, pts are randomized (2:1) in the expansion part to receive investigational drug(s) + SOC (n≈75) or SOC alone (n≈38). Exploratory objectives include PROs (expansion part only) and biomarker assessments. PRO measures (EORTC-QLQ-C30, QLQ-CR29, PRO-CTCAE, and FACT-GP5) will be collected electronically throughout the study and used to explore pt-reported disease symptoms, health-related QoL, functioning, and treatment-related side effects. Potential biomarkers of response and mechanisms of resistance will be assessed in tumor and blood samples. Baseline archival/tumor biopsies will be collected to assess the correlations between clinical response and molecular subtype, tumor mutational burden, TGF-β gene signatures, and immune-related biomarkers. Optional biopsies during Cycle 3 and at the end of treatment will be used to assess pharmacodynamic effects of NIS793 on the tumor microenvironment and resistance mechanisms, respectively. Circulating tumor DNA and cytokine and TGF-β levels will be continuously monitored through serial blood samples to evaluate treatment benefit, correlate alterations with response, and assess the effect(s) of NIS793. An additional blood sample for nucleic acid analysis will evaluate the effect(s) of TGF-β blockade. The daNIS-3 study started on November 15, 2021, and plans to recruit approximately 266 pts from 77 sites across 19 countries. Clinical trial information: NCT04952753 .

Safety, Feasibility, and Efficacy of Exercise Interventions for People With Multiple Myeloma: A Systematic Review.

Bone lesions and other disease- and treatment-related side effects commonly experienced by people with multiple myeloma (MM) may impede their ability to exercise. This systematic review evaluated the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of exercise program participation on the physiological and/or psychological health of people with MM. Literature searches were conducted through five electronic databases and appraised using the Delphi list of criteria. Controlled trials that assessed the safety and feasibility of an exercise intervention and its effects on disease- or treatment-related symptoms in people with MM were included. Seven studies of varying quality involving 563 participants were included. All studies concluded that exercise was safe, reporting zero serious and 4 adverse events attributable to exercise testing or training. Attendance ranged from 58% to 96%, however no study reported adherence to the exercise prescription. Compared to a control group, exercise did not appear to affect fatigue, depression, anxiety, body composition, quality of life, or sleep. Isolated studies identified between-group differences favoring exercise in lower limb strength (+8.4 kg, 95% CI 0.5, 16.3, P= .04), peak oxygen uptake (+1.2 mL/kg/min, 95% CI 0.3, 3.7, P= .02), physical activity (+6.5MET-hs/wk, P< .001), stem cell collection attempts (1.1 ± 0.2 vs. 1.5 ± 0.9, P< .01), and red blood cell (1.8 ± 2.2 vs. 2.4 ± 2.6, P< .05) and platelet transfusions (2.3 ± 1.6 vs. 3.5 ± 3.4, P < .05) during transplantation. Exercise interventions appear safe and well attended by people with MM. The lack of improvements in disease- and treatment-related symptoms requires further exploration to determine whether exercise is a sufficient stimulus to elicit benefits in this unique population.

A Survey of Patient Experience in CML: American and Canadian Perspectives.

With treatment, chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has a favorable prognosis, however, individuals with CML experience impairment to their quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to examine the perspectives and experiences of individuals with CML and to understand their challenges communicating with their CML physician. An online survey in adults with CML (n=100) in the US and Canada assessed QoL, patient-provider relationships, treatment satisfaction, and understanding of CML and treatment goals via the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory, the Cancer Therapy Satisfaction Questionnaire and de novo survey questions. Participants were recruited via an external patient recruiter and CML Patient Groups. Many participants reported hardships due to CML and its treatment. The main impacts were on the ability to work (21%), engage in personal activities (e.g., hobbies, 28%), and to enjoy sexual relations (median=2.00, IQR=8.50). A substantial proportion (21-39%) wished to discuss additional topics with their providers (e.g., management of CML and/or its impacts). While participants reported satisfaction with therapy overall (median=85.71, IQR=17.86), they indicated low to moderate treatment satisfaction with specific components, including concerns regarding side effects (median=43.75, IQR=43.75). Participants generally had a good understanding of CML (97%) and its treatment goals (92%). These findings advance our understanding of issues that need improvement to support QoL for individuals living with CML. Future work is needed to improve patient-provider relationships, address treatment-related side effects, and provide clinical information that is easier for patients to understand.

Using immersive technology and architectural design to assist head and neck cancer patients' recovery from treatment: A focus group and technology acceptance study.

Head and neck cancer patients can face debilitating treatment related side-effects, resulting in requirement for support and negatively impacting on care outcomes. This study aimed to develop a digital recovery support package and assess its acceptability with head and neck cancer patients to support their information needs and assist with their self-management. It provided additional support through development of a WebXR platform 'recovery' package, which allowed patients to live a 'virtual reality' experience, entering and moving inside a 'virtual room', accessing targeted resources and specific learning materials related to their cancer. A qualitative intervention development study consisting of three phases. This study followed the COREQ checklist for qualitative research. Phase 1- Focus groups with seven head and neck cancer patients and six healthcare professionals. Phase 2- Development of 'recovery' package based on the focus group data which informed the content and design of the WebXR recovery platform. Phase 3- Technology acceptance study. Once developed, the platform's acceptability of the experience lived inside the virtual room was assessed via qualitative interviews with six different patient participants. Most participants felt comfortable using the virtual reality platform, finding it a realistic and useful support for identifying resources and signposting to relevant materials. Participants agreed the WebXR platform was a feasible tool for the head and neck cancer setting and helped reduce anxiety. Head and neck cancer patients welcome specific targeted, information and advice to support their ability to self-manage their rehabilitation and thus focus their nursing care. The platform was implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic, demonstrating its versatility and accessibility in providing complementary support to head and neck cancer patients, to empower them to adjust to their 'new' normal as part of their ongoing cancer journeys.

Anti-Cancer Peptides: Status and Future Prospects.

The dramatic rise in cancer incidence, alongside treatment deficiencies, has elevated cancer to the second-leading cause of death globally. The increasing morbidity and mortality of this disease can be traced back to a number of causes, including treatment-related side effects, drug resistance, inadequate curative treatment and tumor relapse. Recently, anti-cancer bioactive peptides (ACPs) have emerged as a potential therapeutic choice within the pharmaceutical arsenal due to their high penetration, specificity and fewer side effects. In this contribution, we present a general overview of the literature concerning the conformational structures, modes of action and membrane interaction mechanisms of ACPs, as well as provide recent examples of their successful employment as targeting ligands in cancer treatment. The use of ACPs as a diagnostic tool is summarized, and their advantages in these applications are highlighted. This review expounds on the main approaches for peptide synthesis along with their reconstruction and modification needed to enhance their therapeutic effect. Computational approaches that could predict therapeutic efficacy and suggest ACP candidates for experimental studies are discussed. Future research prospects in this rapidly expanding area are also offered.

18-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography for large vessel vasculitis in clinical practice.

Diagnosis, prognostic assessment, and monitoring disease activity in patients with large vessel vasculitis (LVV) can be challenging. Early recognition of LVV and treatment adaptation is essential because vascular complications (aneurysm, dilatations, ischemic complications) or treatment related side effects can occur frequently in these patients. 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (2-[18F]FDG-PET/CT) is increasingly used to diagnose, follow, and evaluate treatment response in LVV. In this review, we aimed to summarize the current evidence on the value of 2-[18F]FDG-PET/CT for diagnosis, follow, and treatment monitoring in LVV.

Cyclophosphamide, Thalidomide and Dexamethasone (CTD) as First-Line Therapy in Multiple Myeloma Patients: An Experience in a Clinical Haematology Centre in Dakar, Senegal

Introduction: Induction therapy followed by high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation remains the gold standard for myeloma patients who can tolerate this treatment approach. In a developing country setting, in the absence of availability of bone marrow transplantation, the CTD protocol is an accessible treatment regimen whose efficacy and lower toxicity compared to the Melphalan Prednisone protocol has been reported. This protocol has been administered since 2018 in first line. It’s against this backdrop we perform this study to assess the efficacy of this CTD protocol in first line therapy. Methods: We conducted a descriptive and analytical study including clinical, paraclinical and evolutionary data of 50 patients with MM treated during the period range from 01 September 2018 and 01 July 2022 with the CTD protocol of cyclophosphamide (500 mg at D1, D8 and D15), dexamethasone (40 mg weekly) and thalidomide (100 mg/day) in 28-day cycles. Survival outcomes were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The mean age was 62.3 ± 9.1 years and the sex ratio was 0.7. An advanced prognostic score at diagnosis was found in 73.5% of patients according to the Salmon and Durie score and in 32% according to the ISS. Overall remission was noted in 64%, of which 34% were in very good partial remission and partial remission in 12% of cases. Progression was noted in 4 patients. Treatment-related side effects were mainly peripheral neuropathy and anaemia in 3 patients respectively. The median survival was 38.4 months. The progression-free survival was 60%. An advanced age (≥65 years) is correlated with negative impact on survival (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Cyclophosphamide, thalidomide and dexamethasone give good outcome with less toxicity. Thus, it remains a first-line treatment alternative for newly diagnosed and low-income patients.

Exploring the Impact of Yoga as a Mind-body Intervention for Cancer survivors – A Comprehensive Narrative Review

This review explores yoga as a transformative mind-body therapy for cancer survivors, addressing the unique challenges they face post-treatment. Beyond conquering cancer, survivors contend with lingering fatigue, emotional turbulence, and diverse physical and psychological complexities during their survivorship phase. In response to these challenges, deeply rooted in ancient traditions, yoga emerges as a holistic approach to well-being. Tracing yoga’s evolution from ancient traditions to modern therapeutic practices, the narrative underscores its role as a source of ancient wisdom in contemporary healing. The philosophical foundations, drawn from texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, emphasize yoga’s holistic approach and its foundational concepts like “Ahimsa,” “Satya,” and “Santosha.” The review systematically delves into the benefits of yoga for cancer survivors: Enhancing physical well-being, fostering psychological and emotional resilience, and contributing to an improved overall quality of life. Supported by scientific evidence, yoga is shown to improve flexibility, strength, and balance, alleviate treatment-related side effects, and reduce stress, ultimately enhancing survivors’ vitality and quality of life. Key studies are synthesized, and strategies for implementing yoga in survivorship programs are outlined. Addressing potential barriers, the discussion emphasizes the adaptability of yoga practices, showcasing their tailoring to survivors’ varying needs. Collaborative integration into comprehensive care plans and evidence-based strategies for overcoming challenges is highlighted. In conclusion, the review advocates for the integration of yoga into comprehensive cancer care plans, presenting evidence-based insights that position yoga as a transformative and holistic modality in the journey to enhanced well-being for cancer survivors.Introduction: Cancer survivors face diverse challenges post-treatment, necessitating a holistic approach. This review explores the impact of yoga as a mind-body intervention for cancer survivors.Methods: Asystematic literature search, including PubMed and ScienceDirect, identified peer-reviewed articles and clinical trials. Inclusion criteria focused on relevance and quality.Results: Yoga enhances physical well-being, addressing treatment-related side effects. Psychologically, it reduces stress and provides coping mechanisms. Emotional challenges are navigated through mindfulness. Quality of life improves holistically. Implementation strategies, tailored modalities, and multidisciplinary collaboration underscore feasibility.Discussion: Key studies validate yoga’s efficacy, offering a foundation for tailored survivorship programs. Challenges are addressed strategically, enhancing inclusivity.Conclusion: The narrative review advocates integrating yoga into cancer care, bridging ancient wisdom with modern healing practices. Evidence-based insights pave the way for a tailored, holistic approach, empowering cancer survivors on their journey to enhanced well-being.

Adherence to Sorafenib Therapy Is Not Affected by Treatment-Related Side Effects or Demographic Characteristics of Iraqi Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Adherence to Sorafenib Therapy Is Not Affected by Treatment-Related Side Effects or Demographic Characteristics of Iraqi Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Cardiotoxicity in breast cancer treatment: Causes and mitigation

Survivorship issues and treatment related toxicities have considerably increased in breast cancer patients following improved therapeutic options. Cardiotoxicity has been a major treatment related side effects in these patients. Despite this being a well-known entity, the real magnitude of the problem remains an enigma. The amount of research in mitigation of cardiotoxicity or its management in breast cancer survivors is limited and there is an urgent need for finding solutions for the problem. In this article, we are reviewing the agents that cause cardiotoxicity and suggesting a proposal for follow up of breast cancer survivors in an attempt to reduce the magnitude of impact on their quality of life.

A comparative study of 20% azelaic acid cream versus 5% tranexamic acid solution for the treatment of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in patients with acne vulgaris: A single-blinded randomized clinical trial.

There is a lack of evidence on the therapeutic efficacy of topical tranexamic acid (TA) for the treatment of acne-related postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). The current study aimed to assess the efficacy of twice-daily administration of 20% azelaic acid (AZA) cream versus 5% TA solution for the treatment of PIH in patients with acne vulgaris. Patients in the present single-blinded randomized clinical trial were randomized into AZA or TA groups for 12 weeks. The rate of healing was assessed by scoring recorded photographs based on postacne hyperpigmentation index (PAHI) at baseline, 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks. The frequency of side effects was examined and recorded at each study time point. Thirty volunteers in each treatment group completed the intervention. PAHI score in both AZA and TA groups improved during the study course (Ptime < 0.001, for both groups). However, mean PAHI scores were comparable in the two groups (Pgroup = 0.05). No significant interaction was also found between time and treatments in terms of PAHI score (Ptime × group = 0.66). The frequency of treatment-related side effects was significantly higher in the AZA group compared to the TA group at week 4 of treatment (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in the frequency of reported side effects at weeks 8 and 12 of the treatment (P > 0.05). Topical administration of 20% AZA cream and 5% TA solution was comparably efficient in the treatment of acne-related PIH with a significantly better safety profile of TA in the 1st month of the treatment.

Health Literacy and Adherence to Clinical Recommendations in Head and Neck Cancer

After definitive cancer treatment, survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC) are commonly recommended to participate in therapies aimed at reducing the burden of treatment-related side effects. In this study, we evaluated whether adherence to referral to physical therapy (PT) and speech-language pathology therapy (SLPT) is related to patient health literacy (HL). This is a retrospective cohort analysis of patients attending a multidisciplinary HNC survivorship clinic between 2017 and 2019. HL was measured using the Brief Health Literacy Screen, with scores below 10 indicating inadequate HL. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to evaluate the association between HL and adherence to PT or SLPT referral. From the overall cohort (N = 454), 80 patients (18%) had inadequate HL. Compared to those with adequate HL, patients with inadequate HL were significantly less likely to complete initial PT evaluation (74% vs. 58%, p = .034) but were not significantly less likely to complete initial SLPT evaluation (70% vs. 61%, p = .37). After adjusting for age, primary tumor site, and treatment stage, we found that patients with inadequate HL were half as likely to follow up for initial PT evaluation (odds ratio 0.45, p = .032). Overall, inadequate HL is associated with reduced adherence to PT but is not associated with adherence to SLPT among HNC survivors. These results highlight the clinical importance of HL and underscore the need for interventions to facilitate adherence to treatment for patients with inadequate HL. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2023;7(1):e52-e60.].

Feasibility and value of salivary cortisol sampling to reflect distress in head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiation: A proof-of-concept study.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing chemo/radiation commonly experience severe and persistent distress associated with treatment related fear and physical side effects such as xerostomia, dysphagia, and dryness of mouth. Cortisol, a stress sensitive hormone, can be easily measured in saliva to reflect biobehavioral responses to such stressors. Unfortunately, it has not been used in this population due to concerns associated with chemoradiation (C/RT) related xerostomia. In a proof-of-concept study, we explored the feasibility of collecting salivary cortisol as a marker of fear and distress in HNC patients. Ten HNC subjects undergoing C/RT provided saliva samples for 3 consecutive days across three timepoints (pre-treatment, 3-weeks and 1-month post-treatment) and completed concurrent depression, anxiety and swallowing related fear measures. Salivary cortisol collection adherence was between 80-60%. It was not impacted by xerostomia. Diurnal cortisol pattern demonstrated dysregulation at pretreatment in 62%, and flattened aberrant slopes continued at 3-weeks and beyond in 50% of subjects. Our study supports the feasibility and utility of salivary cortisol measurement in HNC patients across the treatment trajectory. Diurnal cortisol measures may be a valuable tool to detect and monitor treatment distress during C/RT in this population.

On the sensitivity of PROMs during breast radiotherapy

PurposeTo investigate the sensitivity of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to detect treatment-related side effects in patients with breast cancer undergoing external beam photon radiotherapy. MethodsAs part of daily clinical care, an in-house developed PROM tool was used to assess side effects in patients during a) whole-breast irradiation (WBI) to 40 Gy, b) WBI with a sequential boost of 10 Gy, and c) partial-breast irradiation (PBI) to 40 Gy. Results414 patients participated in this prospective study between October 2020 and January 2022, with 128 patients (31 %) receiving WBI, 241 (58 %) receiving WBI followed by a sequential boost, and 50 patients (12 %) receiving PBI. Significant differences in the reported toxicities (itching, radiation skin reaction, skin darkening, and tenderness and swelling) were reported between the WBI cohorts with and without boost (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.002, respectively). The comparison of PBI with WBI (no-boost) yielded significant differences for radiation skin reaction (p < 0.001). ConclusionThe results highlight the high sensitivity of PROMs to detect treatment-related side effects in patients with breast cancer. Thus, PROMs may be a valuable tool for quality control and may support evidence-based learning from real-world data originating from daily routine care.

Influence of gut microbiota on efficacy and adverse effects of treatment of lymphoproliferative disorders

Gut microbiota has aroused great interest because of its influence on the human body's homeostasis. In addition, multiple reports have indicated its role in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Interestingly, gut microbiota can affect hematological disorders by participating in lymphomagenesis. Patients with lymphoproliferative disorders undergo many procedures that alter their unique microbiota composition and lead to dysbiosis. However, this can have a biased effect as many studies have highlighted gut microbiota’s activity in chemotherapy efficacy, for instance by either enhancing the anti-malignant effects of cyclophosphamide or by diminishing the activity of doxorubicin or cladribine. This review aimed to summarize gut microbiota’s influence on chemotherapy’s outcomes on treatment-related side effects in lymphoproliferative disorders, antimicrobial regimens, and possible gut microbiota modifications to enhance treatment outcomes.