Symptom Experiences in Colorectal Cancer Survivors After Cancer Treatments: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

"To be myself again": Perceived benefits of group-based exercise for colorectal cancer patients

PURPOSE

To explore the perceived benefits of a group-based exercise program for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

METHODS

In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with all participants (n = 27) at the end of the exercise program (patients, relatives and healthcare professionals). The exercise instructor in charge of the exercise program with CRC patients also collected observational field notes throughout a research diary.

RESULTS

Three main themes related to exercise as a coping strategy were obtained: (a) physical recovery; (b) psychosocial well-being, and (c) reconnection with their embodied selves and normal lives. Physical recovery included a perceived increase in fitness and a reduction in physical side-effects. Psychosocial well-being included perceived benefits in self-confidence, sense of control, reduced fear, feeling of being useful, sense of achievement, positive thinking and avoiding depression. All the physical and psychosocial benefits helped patients reconnect with their embodied selves, engage in activities practised before the diagnoses, improve their body image, avoid stigma, and increase their social life beyond cancer diagnoses. In this sense, some patients held on to their past selves, trying to keep or recover normality in their lives, while others acknowledged that they might not be the same person anymore, with exercise being part of this new identity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that exercise is a coping strategy that benefitted CRC patients in several ways related to their physical and psychosocial quality of life.

Gender Differences in Psychosocial Outcomes and Coping Strategies of Patients with Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review

(1) Background: Gender is an important factor impacting cancer experience. This review mainly aimed to summarize colorectal cancer (CRC) patients' gender differences in psychosocial outcomes and coping strategies. (2) Methods: Relevant studies were searched for in four electronic databases from 2007 to July 2023. And manual searching was performed on the included studies' reference lists to identify additional eligible studies. (3) Results: A total of 37 eligible articles were included in this review. These studies were conducted in 19 countries, and they targeted CRC patients at various treatment stages. Significant results showed that female patients tended to have more psychological distress, complex social functioning, and less sexual distress and to choose more positive coping strategies than male patients. But there was no gender difference in psychosocial outcomes and/or coping strategies in some studies, which implied that gender similarity also existed. (4) Conclusions: The findings support the fact that there are both gender differences and similarities in CRC patients' psychosocial outcomes and coping strategies. A perspective beyond the simple masculine-feminine binary improved our in-depth understanding of gender tendency. Importantly, taking gender tendency into account is critical for medical staff to provide more personalized support and communication interventions.

Latent class symptom profiles of colorectal cancer survivors with cancer-related cognitive impairment

PURPOSE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors experience cancer-related cognitive impairment and co-occurring symptoms after cancer treatments. There has been little data to inform the risk factors of complex symptom phenotypes in CRC survivors.

OBJECTIVES

To determine if subgroups of CRC survivors after cancer treatments could be identified based on the cognitive impairment and common co-occurring symptoms (depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and pain); and to explore risk factors (sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, perceived stress, and social support) of these subgroups.

METHODS

Latent class profile analysis (LCPA) was used to identify subgroups based on self-reported symptoms in 64 CRC survivors. Cognitive impairment was measured by assessing subjective cognitive function using the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measure. The Kruskal-Wallis test and regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Three distinct latent classes were identified (Class 1: All Low '28.1%'; Class 2: High Psychological Symptoms (depression/anxiety) '25%'; Class 3: High Somatic Symptoms (fatigue, sleep disturbance, and pain) with High Cognitive Impairment'46.9%'). The pain was the most distinguishable symptom across the latent classes. The high symptom burden group was associated with less time since cancer diagnosis, higher perceived stress levels, and poor emotional social support.

CONCLUSION

Our study adds to the information on interindividual variability in symptom experience of CRC survivors with cognitive impairment. Findings suggest a need for increased attention to screening for co-occurring symptoms (e.g., high pain) and future interventions focused on stress management and social support.

Cognitive Function in Patients at Different Stages of Treatment for Colorectal Cancer: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVES

To compare subjective and objective cognitive functions among patients at the following three stages of treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC): new diagnosis (Group A), ≤2 years since chemotherapy completion (Group B), and >2 years since chemotherapy completion (Group C).

DATA SOURCES

A comparative cross-sectional approach was used in this study. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function questionnaire and neuropsychological assessments were used to assess patients' subjective cognitive function, attention, memory, and executive functions. A total of 63 patients with stage I to III CRC were recruited from a medical center in northern Taiwan. We performed one-to-one-to-one propensity score matching to identify 36 individuals as eligible for this study. A generalized estimating equation was used to compare subjective and objective cognitive functions.

CONCLUSION

We observed no significant between-group differences in subjective cognitive function and objective performance in overall cognition and memory. Group B had significantly longer reaction time in attention and processing speed than did Group A. Adjuvant chemotherapy had significantly deleterious effects on attention and processing speed in patients with CRC. These cognitive symptoms last for approximately 2 years after the completion of chemotherapy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The early detection of cancer-related cognitive impairment is necessary for managing symptom distress. Future studies with a large sample size and longitudinal design may elucidate the trajectory of specific cognitive functions. Developing nursing interventions aimed at improving attention and executive function in patients with CRC are needed.

A Web-Based Dyadic Intervention to Manage Psychoneurological Symptoms for Patients With Colorectal Cancer and Their Caregivers: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study

BACKGROUND

Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) receiving chemotherapy often experience psychoneurological symptoms (PNS; ie, fatigue, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, pain, and cognitive dysfunction) that negatively impact both patients' and their caregivers' health outcomes. Limited information is available on PNS management for CRC patient and caregiver dyads.

OBJECTIVE

The purposes of this study are to (1) develop a web-based dyadic intervention for patients with CRC receiving chemotherapy and their caregivers (CRCweb) and (2) evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of CRCweb among patient-caregiver dyads in a cancer clinic.

METHODS

A mixed methods approach will be used. Semistructured interviews among 8 dyads will be conducted to develop CRCweb. A single-group pre- and posttest clinical trial will be used to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of the intervention (CRCweb) among 20 dyads. Study assessments will be conducted before (T1) and after intervention (T2). Content analysis will be performed for semistructured interviews. Descriptive statistics will be calculated separately for patients and caregivers, and pre-post paired t tests will be used to evaluate treatment effects.

RESULTS

This study was funded in November 2022. As of April 2023, we have obtained institutional review board approval and completed clinical trial registration and are currently recruiting patient-caregiver dyads in a cancer clinic. The study is expected to be completed in October 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

Developing a web-based dyadic intervention holds great promise to reduce the PNS burden in patients with CRC receiving chemotherapy and their caregivers. The findings from this study will advance intervention development and implementation of symptom management and palliative care for patients with cancer and their caregivers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05663203; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05663203.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/48499.

Development of the consensus-based recommendations for Podiatry care of Neuropathy In Cancer Survivors (PodNICS): a Delphi consensus study of Australian podiatrists

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) is the most common presenting side effect of chemotherapy. As a sensory based neuropathy, this condition can persist for a long time after cessation of chemotherapy and impact the quality of life of cancer survivors. Podiatrists in Australia have been managing people with CIPN related lower limb complications, however guidelines on management of CIPN do not exist. The aim of this study was to achieve consensus and agreement of Australian podiatrists on strategies to best manage people presenting with symptoms of CIPN.

METHODS

An online three-round modified Delphi survey of Australian podiatrists with expertise in CIPN was conducted in line with recommendations for conducting and reporting of Delphi studies (CREDES). Panellists responded to open-ended questions in Round 1, whereupon their responses were themed into statements and analysed for existing consensus. Statements not reaching consensus were returned during Round 2 to seek agreement from responders using a five-point Likert scale and to allow responders to make further comments. For a statement to reach consensus or agreement, 70% or more of panellists needed to make the same comment or agree or strongly agree with the same themed statement. Statements reaching 50 to 69% consensus or agreement were returned to panellists in Round 3 for them to consider their responses in the light of group outcomes.

RESULTS

Round one resulted in 229 comments from 21 of 26 podiatrists who agreed to participate. These comments were themed into 53 statements with 11 consensus statements accepted. Round 2 resulted in 22 statements reaching agreement, and 15 new statements being generated from 18 comments made by 17 respondents. Round 3 resulted in 11 statements reaching agreement. Outcomes were developed into a set of clinical recommendations for diagnosis and management of people presenting with CIPN. These recommendations provide guidance on 1) identifying common signs and symptoms of CIPN including sensory, motor and autonomic symptoms; 2) diagnosis and assessment of CIPN including neurological, motor and dermatological assessment modalities; and 3) best clinical practice and management strategies for CIPN identified by podiatrists including both podiatry and non-podiatry specific care.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study in podiatry literature to develop expert-informed consensus-based recommendations for clinical presentation, diagnosis and assessment and management of people with CIPN. These recommendations aim to help guide podiatrists in the consistent care of people with CIPN.

Positive affect and fatigue as predictors of anti-inflammatory IL-10 concentrations among colorectal cancer patients during adjuvant chemotherapy

OBJECTIVES

(1) To examine the relationships of positive and negative affect and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fatigue at baseline with the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 concentrations in serum at three points in colorectal cancer patients; and (2) to assess the relationship between these factors and disease recurrence or mortality after a median follow-up of 24 months.

METHODS

In a prospective trial, 92 stage II or III colorectal cancer patients scheduled to receive standard chemotherapy were enrolled. Blood samples were collected prior to start of chemotherapy onset (T0), 3 months later (T1), and upon chemotherapy completion (T2).

RESULTS

IL-10 concentrations were similar across the time points. Linear mixed-effects model analysis showed that controlling for confounders, higher positive affect and lower fatigue pretreatment (T0) predicted IL-10 concentrations across the time points (estimate = 0.18, SE = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.34, p < .04 and estimate = -0.25, SE = 0.12, 95% CI = -0.50, 0.01, p < .04, respectively). Depression at T0 significantly predicted higher disease recurrence and mortality (estimate = 0.17, SE = 0.08, adjusted OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.38, p = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

We report on associations not previously assessed between positive affect and fatigue and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Results add to previous findings suggesting that positive affect and fatigue could have a role in anti-inflammatory cytokine dysregulation.

Cancer literacy among Jordanian colorectal cancer survivors and informal carers: Qualitative explorations

Introduction

Cancer patients face a variety of challenges in understanding their diagnosis and treatment options. Making informed decisions requires health literacy. There is scant research on how colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors and their caregivers engage with healthcare systems and obtain cancer-related knowledge to maintain proper health literacy, which is crucial for enhancing their outcomes.

Materials and methods

In-depth semi-structured interviews (IDIs) with CRC survivors (n = 15) and online focus groups (FG) with informal caregivers (ICs) were held in Amman between Jan-June 2020. In-depth interviews were conducted using semi-structured interview protocol that addressed the healthcare experience of CRC cancer survivors. FGs evaluated ICs' perspectives of e-health for cancer care support. IDIs and FGs were done in the local Jordanian Arabic dialect, which was then translated into English. Transcribed audio-recordings were thematically coded and framework analysis was used.

Results

The findings are organized around a central concept of “exploring the level of literacy and its impact.” From the overarching theme, three themes and subthemes emerged, including: (1) The current state of counseling and information provision, (2) The impact of lack of information, awareness, and literacy and (3) The health system's influence on literacy.

Conclusions

Poor cancer literacy hinders patients throughout their cancer journey. Empowering cancer patients is crucial for a more timely and positive patient experience. Increased cancer literacy together with the creation of health-literate organizations and systems have the potential to improve patients' treatment throughout the continuum of care.

Resilience process in individuals with colorectal cancer: a qualitative study

PURPOSE

Resilience is a positive outcome in giving individuals strength to adapt to cancer and have better various aspects of health-related quality of life. However, research focusing on resilience in relation to colorectal cancer (CRC) is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the process of resilience in individuals with CRC.

METHOD

Sixteen individuals diagnosed with stage Ι to III CRC within the last five years were recruited from a CRC surgical outpatient department in a medical center in Northern Taiwan. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore the resilience process of living with CRC. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and were analyzed using modified grounded theory.

FINDINGS

Resilience is a dynamic three-phase process, including impact of CRC, adaptation or maladaptation following CRC, and growth from CRC experience. Resilience strategies (i.e., attitude adjustment, developing personal strategies to conquer CRC and side effects, setting new goals in life, and viewing death as a normal process), avoidance behaviors, and passive waiting strategy were shown across the resilience process.

CONCLUSIONS

All individuals showed negative impacts during CRC diagnosis and treatments, but some individuals used the resilience strategies in helping to promote positive adjustment and redirect to develop their resilience process. Furthermore, resilient and maladaptive individuals may change the situation depending on which strategies are used and on the progression of CRC because resilience is dynamic. Oncology clinicians should help individuals use resilience strategies to smoothly go through the resilience process.

Management of treatment-related sequelae following colorectal cancer

AIM

Colorectal cancer survivors are one of the most rapidly growing groups of patients living with and beyond cancer. In a national multidisciplinary setting, we have examined the extent of late treatment-related sequelae in colorectal cancer survivors and present the scientific evidence for management of these conditions in this patient category with the aim of facilitating identification and treatment.

METHOD

A systematic search for existing guidelines and relevant studies was performed across 16 and 4 databases, respectively, from inception to 2021. This yielded 13 guidelines and 886 abstracts, of which 188 were included in the finalized guideline (231 included for full text review). Secondarily, bibliographies were cross-referenced and 53 additional articles were included.

RESULTS

Symptoms have been divided into overall categories including psychosocial, bowel-related, urinary, sexual (male and female), pain/neuropathy and fatigue symptoms or complaints that are examined individually. Merging and grading of data resulted in 22 recommendations and 42 management strategies across categories. Recommendations are of a more general character, whereas management strategies provide more practical advice suited for initiation on site before referral to specialized units.

CONCLUSION

Treatment-related sequelae in colorectal cancer survivors are common and attention needs to be focused on identifying patients with unmet treatment needs and the development of evidence-based treatment algorithms.

Quality of life among colorectal cancer survivors participating in a pilot randomized controlled trial of a web-based dietary intervention with text messages

PURPOSE

We aimed to estimate the effect of a 12-week web-based dietary intervention with text messages on quality of life (QoL) among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors.

METHODS

Between 2017 and 2018, 50 CRC survivors were randomized (1:1) to receive a 12-week web-based dietary intervention with daily text messages or wait-list control. Health-related QoL was assessed using the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30) and colorectal quality of life module (QLQ-CR29) at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks. Within- and between-group mean changes in health-related QoL with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for both arms.

RESULTS

Compared to the controls, participants receiving the intervention had an improvement in emotional functioning (mean change: 14.3; 95% CI: 3.0, 25.6) at 12 weeks and social functioning (mean change: 13.8; 95% CI: 2.1, 25.5) at 24 weeks. A decrease of fatigue from baseline was also observed in the intervention arm (mean change: - 9.1; 95% CI: - 17.1, - 1.1) at 24 weeks. No other changes in QoL scores were associated with the intervention.

CONCLUSION

CRC survivors randomized to receive a web-based dietary intervention with text messages experienced higher emotional and social functioning. Further study with a larger population may be warranted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02965521. Registered 16 November 2016, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/keydates/NCT02965521.

Providing Leadership Through Patients as Partners: Improving Australian Colorectal Survivorship Care Through Perspectives from a Nurse Who Became a Cancer Patient

OBJECTIVE

To provide contemporary real-world, real-life insights into gaps in supportive care experiences for people affected by colorectal cancer. For the first time, this article includes a patient as a coauthor, with the aim to identify future priorities to improve care and recovery in colorectal cancer survivorship.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases, peer-reviewed literature, and real-life professional and personal experiences were used.

CONCLUSION

There are several problematic areas in providing supportive care for people affected by colorectal cancer that could be improved by wider access to colorectal specialist nurses, coordinated multidisciplinary teams, patient collaboration, linking survivorship care outcomes to national standards, and developing supported self-management care plans.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

A patient-led insight has underscored some fundamental failings in current service delivery among people affected by colorectal cancer. Partnering with consumers in research and service redesign is essential to stratify future priorities to optimize care and person-centered recovery.

Factors associated with long-term gastrointestinal symptoms in colorectal cancer survivors in the women's health initiatives (WHI study)

PURPOSE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors often experience long-term symptoms after cancer treatments. But gastrointestinal (GI) symptom experiences are under-investigated in CRC survivors. We described persistent GI symptoms after cancer treatments in female CRC survivors and assessed GI symptoms' risk and life-impact factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study utilized data from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Life and Longevity After Cancer (LILAC) study that recruited postmenopausal women. Correlation analyses and multivariable linear regression models were used.

RESULTS

CRC survivors after cancer treatments were included (N = 413, mean age 71.2 years old, mean time since diagnosis = 8.1 years). 81% of CRC survivors experienced persistent GI symptoms. Bloating/gas was the most prevalent (54.2%± 0.88) and severe GI symptom, followed by constipation (44.1%±1.06), diarrhea (33.4%±0.76), and abdominal/pelvic pain (28.6%±0.62). Significant risk factors for GI symptoms include time since cancer diagnosis (<5 years), advanced cancer stage, high psychological distress, poor dietary habits, and low physical activity. Fatigue and sleep disturbance were the most significant risk factors for long-term GI symptoms (β = 0.21, t = 3.557; β = 0.20, t = 3.336, respectively, Ps < .001). High severity of GI symptoms was positively associated with poor quality of life (QOL), increased daily life interferences (social and physical functions), and low body image satisfaction (Ps < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Women CRC survivors experience a high GI symptom burden, highlighting the need to inform policy and improve the QOL of cancer survivors. Our findings will aid in identifying those more vulnerable to symptoms, and inform future survivorship care interventions (i.e., community-based cancer symptom management) by considering multiple risk factors (e.g., psychological distress).

The relationship between cancer-related fatigue, quality of life and pain among cancer patients

Objectives

This study aimed to select patients with cancer-related pain to further analyze the relationship between pain severity, fatigue severity, and quality of life.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted. A convenience sampling method was used to select 224 patients with cancer-related pain who were undergoing chemotherapy and met the inclusion criteria in two hospitals of two provinces from May to November 2019. All participants were invited to complete a general information questionnaire, the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain intensity, and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30).

Results

In the 24 h before completing the scales, 85 patients (37.9%) had mild pain, 121 (54.0%) had moderate pain, and 18 (8.0%) had severe pain. In addition, 92 (41.1%) patients had mild fatigue, 72 (32.1%) had moderate fatigue, and 60 (26.8%) had severe fatigue. Most patients with mild pain only experienced mild fatigue, and their quality of life was also at a moderate level. Patients with moderate and severe pain mostly had moderate or higher levels of fatigue and a lower quality of life. There was no correlation between fatigue and quality of life in patients with mild pain (r = -0.179, P = 0.104). There was a correlation between fatigue and quality of life in patients with moderate and severe pain (r = -0.537, P < 0.01; r = -0.509, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Patients with moderate and severe pain have more fatigue symptoms and lower quality of life than those with mild pain. Nurses should pay more attention to patients with moderate and severe pain, explore the interaction mechanism between symptoms, and carry out joint symptom intervention to improve the quality of life of patients.

Exercise-induced changes to the human gut microbiota and implications for colorectal cancer: a narrative review

Physical activity is associated with reduced risks of colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence, recurrence and mortality. While these findings are consistent, the mechanism/s underlying this association remain unclear. Growing evidence supports the many ways in which differing characteristics of the gut microbiota can be tumourigenic or protective against CRC. CRC is characterised by significant dysbiosis including reduced short chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. Recent findings suggest that exercise can modify the gut microbiota, and these changes are inverse to the changes seen with CRC; however, this exercise-microbiota interaction is currently understudied in CRC. This review summarises parallel areas of research that are rapidly developing: The exercise-gut microbiota research and cancer-gut microbiota research and highlights the salient similarities. Preliminary evidence suggests that these areas are linked, with exercise mediating changes that promote the antitumorigenic characteristics of the gut microbiota. Future mechanistic and population-specific studies are warranted to confirm the physiological mechanism/s by which exercise changes the gut microbiota, and the influence of the exercise-gut interaction on cancer specific outcomes in CRC.

Coriolus (Trametes) versicolor mushroom to reduce adverse effects from chemotherapy or radiotherapy in people with colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are used to improve survival in colorectal cancer but adverse effects can be a problem. Severe adverse effects may result in dose reduction or cessation of treatment, which have an impact on survival. Coriolus versicolor (Trametes versicolor or 'Turkey Tail') mushroom and its extracts have been used by cancer patients to help with adverse effects.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of adjunctive Coriolus versicolor (Trametes versicolor) and its extracts on adverse effects and on survival during colorectal cancer treatment (chemotherapy and radiotherapy) compared with no adjunctive treatment.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched databases including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, AMED and CINAHL, Chinese and Japanese databases, and trials registers to 12th April 2022 without restriction of language or publication status. We screened reference lists and attempted to contact researchers in the field to identify additional studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy and safety of Coriolus versicolor and its extracts in adult participants with a confirmed diagnosis of colorectal cancer, in addition to conventional treatment. Interventions included any preparation of Coriolus versicolor (raw, decoction, capsule, tablet, tincture, extract, injection), any part of the fungus (cap, stem, mycelium or whole), in any dose or regimen. Outcomes included adverse events rates, survival, disease progression and recurrence, response rates and quality of life.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened and selected studies, extracted outcome data, and assessed risk of bias. We evaluated the overall certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included seven parallel RCTs (1569 participants). Six studies (1516 participants) were conducted in Japan and one study (53 participants) in China. Studies included both male and female participants with colorectal cancer (five studies), colon cancer (one study) or rectal cancer (one study). Participants were diagnosed with cancer ranging from stage II to stage IV. Coriolus was used in the form of an extract in all seven studies and was generally used after curative resection, although in one study it was used preoperatively. Duration of treatment with the extract varied between four weeks and three years. Chemotherapeutic regimens in six studies consisted of an oral fluoropyrimidine which was preceded by weekly intravenous 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in one study, by mitomycin C in two studies, and which was combined with folinic acid (Leucovorin) in two studies and with radiotherapy preoperatively in one study. XELOX (oxaliplatin intravenous infusion and capecitabine) was used in the remaining study. We found very low-certainty evidence of little to no effect of adjunctive treatment with Coriolus (in the form of an extract, polysaccharide-Krestin, PSK) on withdrawal from treatment due to adverse events  (risk ratio (RR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45 to 2.34; 703 participants; 3 studies;). We are uncertain whether adjunctive Coriolus versicolor and its extracts compared to usual care alone resulted in a difference in adverse events including neutropenia (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.71; 133 participants; 3 studies; very low certainty), oral cavity disorders such as oral dryness and mucositis (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.03; 1022 participants; 5 studies; very low certainty), nausea (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.22; 969 participants; 4 studies; very low certainty), diarrhoea (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.86; 1022 participants; 5 studies; very low certainty), and fatigue (RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.33 to 1.78; 133 participants; 3 studies; very low certainty). We found low-certainty evidence of a small effect of adjunctive Coriolus on improved survival at five years compared with no adjunctive care (RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.15; 1094 participants; 3 studies; number needed to benefit (NNTB) = 16 (95% Cl 9 to 70). The effect at earlier time points was unclear.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Due to the very low certainty of evidence, we were uncertain about the effect of adjunctive Coriolus (in the form of an extract PSK) on adverse events resulting from conventional chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. This includes effects on withdrawal of treatment due to adverse events and on specific adverse outcomes such as neutropenia and nausea. The uncertainty in the evidence also means that it was unclear whether any adverse events were due to the chemotherapy or to the extract itself. While there was low-certainty evidence of a small effect on overall survival at five years, the influence of reduced adverse effects on this could not be determined. In addition, chemotherapy regimens used in assessing this outcome do not reflect current preferred practice.

The prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients with cancer in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases and is recognized as a global problem that is currently showing a growing trend. Cancer is one of the most stressful circumstances that a person may experience. Given how the mental state of patients with depression and anxiety may have a negative impact on their experience with cancer, this study was conducted with the aim to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in cancer patients in Iran.

METHODS

This study was conducted using a systematic review method and based on the guideline Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020). The studies used were searched for via databases, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), Google Scholar, SID, Magiran, and using keywords related to anxiety, depression, and cancer. After extracting the required data, statistical analysis was performed based on the random model and using the second version of Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software.

RESULTS

In a review of 24 studies with a sample size of 3225 people, the overall prevalence of depression in cancer patients in Iran was reported to be 50.1% (95% CI: 40.6-59.6). Additionally, in a review of 15 studies with a sample size of 2009, the overall prevalence of anxiety in cancer patients in Iran was reported to be 40.9% (95% CI: 30.9-51.6). The highest reported prevalence of depression in cancer patients in Iran according to the Beck questionnaire is 64.6 (95% CI: 48.2-78.1). Specifically, the highest prevalence of depression was reported in patients with breast cancer with a prevalence of 66 (95% CI: 50.9-78.4). The highest prevalence of anxiety in patients with cancer in Iran according to the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale was 49.2 (95% CI: 18.9-80.1). Comparatively, the highest prevalence of anxiety in patients with breast cancer was reported to be 53.2 (95% CI: 25.8-78.7).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of depression and anxiety among cancer patients in Iran, in particular patients with breast cancer, is significantly higher than in other parts of the world. The prevalence found in our study was even higher than the reported number by studies that have examined the disorder globally. Therefore, it is of great urgency for health system policymakers to work to improve the current situation.

Appraisals of cancer, religious/spiritual coping, and hope in patients with colorectal cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

To examine the extent to which religious/spiritual coping moderates the association between stress appraisals and hope among patients with colorectal cancer.

DESIGN/RESEARCH APPROACH

A longitudinal, prospective examination of hope, stress appraisals of cancer, and religious/spiritual coping through self-report questionnaires at baseline, 6-months, and 12-months post-surgery.

SAMPLE/PARTICIPANTS

One hundred thirty-nine newly diagnosed patients with colorectal cancer recruited from tertiary medical centers.

FINDINGS

Challenge and threat appraisals predicted hope. Only the relationship between hope and challenge appraisals was significantly moderated by coping through religion/spirituality, such that those who were both low on challenge and low in religious/spiritual coping reported the lowest hope.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Hope is predicted by how people appraise their cancer. Hope was lowest among participants who reported both low challenge appraisals and religious/spiritual coping.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL PROVIDERS

Understanding how patients appraise their cancer and use religion/spirituality to cope may help providers understand which patients are at risk for low hope.

Sensory neuron dysfunction in orthotopic mouse models of colon cancer

Reports of neurological sequelae related to colon cancer are largely restricted to rare instances of paraneoplastic syndromes, due to autoimmune reactions. Systemic inflammation associated with tumor development influences sensory neuron function in other disease models, though the extent to which this occurs in colorectal cancer is unknown. We induced orthotopic colorectal cancer via orthotopic injection of two colorectal cancer cell lines (MC38 and CT26) in two different mouse strains (C57BL/6 and Balb/c, respectively). Behavioral tests of pain sensitivity and activity did not detect significant alterations in sensory sensitivity or diminished well-being throughout tumor development. However, immunohistochemistry revealed widespread reductions in intraepidermal nerve fiber density in the skin of tumor-bearing mice. Though loss of nerve fiber density was not associated with increased expression of cell injury markers in dorsal root ganglia, lumbar dorsal root ganglia neurons of tumor-bearing animals showed deficits in mitochondrial function. These neurons also had reduced cytosolic calcium levels in live-cell imaging and reduced spontaneous activity in multi-electrode array analysis. Bulk RNA sequencing of DRGs from tumor-bearing mice detected activation of gene expression pathways associated with elevated cytokine and chemokine signaling, including CXCL10. This is consistent with the detection of CXCL10 (and numerous other cytokines, chemokines and growth factors) in MC38 and CT26 cell-conditioned media, and the serum of tumor-bearing mice. Our study demonstrates in a pre-clinical setting that colon cancer is associated with latent sensory neuron dysfunction and implicates cytokine/chemokine signaling in this process. These findings may have implications for determining risk factors and treatment responsiveness related to neuropathy in colorectal cancer.

Effects of Mindfulness Yoga Versus Conventional Physical Exercises on Symptom Experiences and Health-related Quality of Life in People with Parkinson's Disease: The Potential Mediating Roles of Anxiety and Depression

BACKGROUND

Although several studies have reported positive effects of mind-body exercises on symptom management and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of people living with Parkinson's disease (PD), it is not known whether these effects are attributable to a change in anxiety and depression.

PURPOSE

To compare the effects of mindfulness yoga to conventional stretching exercises in a randomized controlled trial while examining potentially mediating effects of anxiety and depression.

METHODS

138 adults with PD were randomized to eight weekly yoga (n = 71) or stretching (n = 67) sessions. Symptom experiences, anxiety and depression, and HRQOL outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediate post-intervention, and 3-month post-intervention.

RESULTS

Generalized estimating equation analyses revealed that, compared to stretching, yoga significantly improved patients' nonmotor (time-by-group interaction, T1:β = -1.99, p = .008; T2:β = -2.86, p < .001) and motor (time-by-group interaction, T1:β = -1.77, p = .03) symptom experiences. The mediation analysis found that the changes in anxiety and depression were the mediators in the associations between non-motor experience and HRQOL; while only the changes in depression were found to be the mediator in the relationship between motor experience and HRQOL.

CONCLUSIONS

Yoga is superior to conventional stretching exercises in improving nonmotor and motor symptoms in daily living. Reduced anxiety and depression play a role in mediating the positive effects of the mindfulness yoga intervention. To optimize HRQOL, rehabilitation should reinforce psychological care in addition to pharmacological treatments and physical relief of PD symptoms. Future studies are needed to identify strategies for facilitating the implementation and sustainability of mind-body rehabilitation to enhance the quality of care for PD.

Establishment of a nurse-led clinic for late complications after colorectal and anal cancer surgery: a descriptive study

Purpose

Survival rates after colorectal and anal cancer are increasing and more patients have late complications to treatment. This represents a clinical field under development, and we have established a specialized clinic for late complications after colorectal and anal cancer. With this paper, we want to give our experiences and present the organizational setup with a nurse as the primary contact person.

Methods

We have established a multidisciplinary clinic for the treatment of late complications and the clinic is organized with specialized nurses as the front persons. The structure includes a stepwise increase in expertise level when needed, and the patient has one common entry regardless of symptoms. Initial screening is performed by an electronic questionnaire which is followed up by a consultation with the nurse. The nurse can provide primary treatment according to local algorithms developed in the clinic and refer the patient to more specialized care if needed.

Results

Experiences from the first year of service show that more than half of the patients needs this and wants consultation in the late complication clinic. We also found that most of the consultations were performed successfully by phone instead of by physical visits, and the most common clinical problem was bowel symptoms including diarrhea and urge.

Conclusion

We have established a nurse-led clinic for late complications after colorectal and anal cancer. There seems to be a high need for this function in a department taking care of colorectal and anal cancer.

Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Short-Form Survivor Unmet Needs Survey (SF-SUNS) among Cancer Patients

Objective

Accurate identification of the unmet needs of patients with cancer and with a valid and reliable scale leads to the improvement of planning and implementation of nursing care. Thus, this study aims to translate the Short-Form Survivor Unmet Needs Survey (SF-SUNS) into Persian and to assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version among patients with cancer in Iran.

Methods

This study was conducted by methodological design. The translation of SF-SUNS was performed by translation protocol of the Quality of Life Assessment. Qualitative assessment of the face validity was conducted through cognitive interview and content validity was assessed through expert panel. This study used a convenience sampling method for 757 patients with cancer referring to Omid and Imam Reza hospitals in Mashhad, Iran. To determine the construct validity, confirmatory factor analysis and convergent validity were employed. Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient were calculated for reliability.

Results

Total score of unmet needs was 2.20 ​± ​0.73, which indicates the average level of unmet needs in patients with cancer. Content validity ratio and content validity index scores were 0.88 and 0.91, respectively, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.89, and intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.91. Based on confirmatory factor analysis, goodness-of-fit indices confirmed the model fit (χ²/df ​= ​4.43, GFI ​= ​0.90, TLI/NNFI ​= ​0.91, CFI ​= ​0.90, RMSEA ​= ​0.067). In the subscale of unmet work and financial needs, 4 items had a factor loading lower than 0.4, which were omitted from the Persian version. The results revealed a significant difference in the unmet needs and quality of life of patients with cancer (P ​< ​0.001).

Conclusions

The Persian version of SF-SUNS has desirable psychometric properties. It can be used to design and assess interventions to improve the quality of caring, cancer management, and as well as interaction between patients and healthcare providers.

Factors associated with psychosocial adjustment in working-age colorectal cancer survivors: A cross-sectional study

Objective

This study aimed to describe the level of psychosocial adjustment and identify factors associated with psychosocial adjustment in working-age colorectal cancer survivors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 212 colorectal cancer survivors visiting a cancer clinic at a specialized oncology hospital in China. Socio-demographic characteristics, disease-related characteristics, status of returning to work, Work Ability Index scores, M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory for Gastrointestinal Cancer scores, and self-reported Psychological Adjustment to Illness Scale scores were collected from all participants. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis, which were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA).

Results

Participants reported a medium level of psychosocial maladjustment (35.73 ​± ​19.68), with 19.3% of participants experiencing severe maladjustment, 29.7% experiencing moderate maladjustment, and 50.9% experiencing mild maladjustment, respectively. Age, gender, marital status, having a child, education level, having a stoma, comorbidities, return to work, work ability, and symptom distress were entered into a multiple linear regression analysis. The strongest factor influencing the level of psychosocial adjustment was work ability (β ​= ​−0.393, P ​< ​0.001), followed by symptom distress (β ​= ​0.380, P ​< ​0.001) and an education level of college or above (β ​= ​0.150, P ​= ​0.027). These variables accounted for 46.1% of the variance in psychosocial adjustment.

Conclusions

Colorectal cancer survivors with low work ability, high symptom distress, and an education level of college or above are at a high risk for psychosocial maladjustment. Nursing interventions for psychosocial adjustment should attach increased importance to the work status and symptom distress of colorectal cancer survivors.

Symptom burden and health-related quality of life in chronic kidney disease: A global systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The importance of patient-reported outcome measurement in chronic kidney disease (CKD) populations has been established. However, there remains a lack of research that has synthesised data around CKD-specific symptom and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) burden globally, to inform focused measurement of the most relevant patient-important information in a way that minimises patient burden. The aim of this review was to synthesise symptom prevalence/severity and HRQOL data across the following CKD clinical groups globally: (1) stage 1-5 and not on renal replacement therapy (RRT), (2) receiving dialysis, or (3) in receipt of a kidney transplant.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were searched for English-language cross-sectional/longitudinal studies reporting prevalence and/or severity of symptoms and/or HRQOL in CKD, published between January 2000 and September 2021, including adult patients with CKD, and measuring symptom prevalence/severity and/or HRQOL using a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM). Random effects meta-analyses were used to pool data, stratified by CKD group: not on RRT, receiving dialysis, or in receipt of a kidney transplant. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data, and an exploration of publication bias performed. The search identified 1,529 studies, of which 449, with 199,147 participants from 62 countries, were included in the analysis. Studies used 67 different symptom and HRQOL outcome measures, which provided data on 68 reported symptoms. Random effects meta-analyses highlighted the considerable symptom and HRQOL burden associated with CKD, with fatigue particularly prevalent, both in patients not on RRT (14 studies, 4,139 participants: 70%, 95% CI 60%-79%) and those receiving dialysis (21 studies, 2,943 participants: 70%, 95% CI 64%-76%). A number of symptoms were significantly (p < 0.05 after adjustment for multiple testing) less prevalent and/or less severe within the post-transplantation population, which may suggest attribution to CKD (fatigue, depression, itching, poor mobility, poor sleep, and dry mouth). Quality of life was commonly lower in patients on dialysis (36-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36] Mental Component Summary [MCS] 45.7 [95% CI 45.5-45.8]; SF-36 Physical Component Summary [PCS] 35.5 [95% CI 35.3-35.6]; 91 studies, 32,105 participants for MCS and PCS) than in other CKD populations (patients not on RRT: SF-36 MCS 66.6 [95% CI 66.5-66.6], p = 0.002; PCS 66.3 [95% CI 66.2-66.4], p = 0.002; 39 studies, 24,600 participants; transplant: MCS 50.0 [95% CI 49.9-50.1], p = 0.002; PCS 48.0 [95% CI 47.9-48.1], p = 0.002; 39 studies, 9,664 participants). Limitations of the analysis are the relatively few studies contributing to symptom severity estimates and inconsistent use of PROMs (different measures and time points) across the included literature, which hindered interpretation.

CONCLUSIONS

The main findings highlight the considerable symptom and HRQOL burden associated with CKD. The synthesis provides a detailed overview of the symptom/HRQOL profile across clinical groups, which may support healthcare professionals when discussing, measuring, and managing the potential treatment burden associated with CKD.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42020164737.

Need differences by treatment phases between patients with colorectal cancer and their caregivers: A text mining analysis

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

The Symptom Experience in Pediatric Cancer: Current Conceptualizations and Future Directions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We aimed to review the recent research on the childhood cancer symptom experience pertaining to socioeconomic factors, biology and genetics, growth and development, family psychosocial dynamics, and social and treating environments to begin to formulate recommendations for a personalized approach to symptom management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Cancer symptoms are common and distressing in children and negatively impact child and family quality of life. Many interacting factors influence children's cancer symptoms experiences, including the assessment and management of such symptoms. This paper highlights several gaps in the research related to the cancer symptom experience including routine symptom assessment, the impact of socioeconomic, biological, and genetic factors on symptoms, and the establishment of effective symptom management partnerships with families. Based on our findings, we provide recommendations related to that research which is ready to be implemented into clinical practice and areas for needed future efforts.

Application of rational emotive behavior therapy in patients with colorectal cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy

Objective

This study aimed to explore the effects of our rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) program on symptoms, anxiety, depression, and sleep state in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods

From October 2020 to May 2021, fifty-six patients with CRC in a hospital in the Hunan Province were randomly divided into an intervention group (n = 28) and a control group (n = 28). The patients in the intervention group completed a 6-week REBT program based on routine nursing care, including four courses: 1) establish a relationship and formulate health files; 2) group communications and study symptom management; 3) continuously provide health knowledge and strengthen healthy behavior; and 4) review the treatment and summary. The control group maintained routine nursing care. The simplified Chinese version of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale Short Form (MSAS–SF–SC), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale were used to investigate and compare the intervention effects of the two groups at baseline (T1, before the intervention), four weeks (T2), and six weeks (T3) after the intervention.

Results

The intervention group was significantly improved in symptoms, anxiety, depression, and sleep state, compared with the control group. At T2, MSAS–SF–SC (24.43 ± 4.26 vs.28.07 ± 3.91), symptom distress (17.29 ± 4.04 vs. 19.39 ± 3.59), symptom frequency (7.14 ± 1.51 vs. 8.68 ± 1.42), HADS (13.68 ± 3.38 vs. 15.86 ± 3.79), anxiety (3.89 ± 1.85 vs. 5.18 ± 2.18), and depression (9.79 ± 2.06 vs. 10.68 ± 2.23), showed that the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). At T3, MSAS–SF–SC (23.89 ± 3.54 vs. 30.14 ± 3.94), symptom distress (17.61 ± 3.52 vs. 21.32 ± 3.57), symptom frequency (6.29 ± 1.49 vs. 8.82 ± 1.47), HADS (11.82 ± 2.57 vs. 16.29 ± 3.13), anxiety (3.21 ± 1.64 vs. 5.61 ± 1.77), and depression (8.61 ± 1.52 vs. 10.68 ± 1.81), showed that the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The sleep state of the intervention group was better than the control group at T3, with decreased score of PSQI [4.00 (3.00,8.00) vs. 9.00 (7.00,12.50), Z = −3.706, P < 0.001].

Conclusion

The 6-week REBT program can effectively improve the symptom, anxiety, depression, and sleep state of patients with CRC undergoing chemotherapy, which could as a care plan for patients with CRC who are repeatedly admitted to the hospital for chemotherapy.

Serum biomarkers predict adjuvant chemotherapy-associated symptom clusters in radical resected colorectal cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Due to individual heterogeneity, patients at the same stage of colorectal cancer (CRC) who receive the same chemotherapy may experience different symptom clusters. Identifying the precise factors that predict symptom clusters is of great clinical significance for precision care and for improving the quality of life of patients. The present study investigated the relationship between serum biomarkers and adjuvant chemotherapy-related symptom clusters in radically resected CRC patients.

METHODS

Serum biomarkers and clinical/pathological characteristics of the radical resected CRC patients were collected before the first cycle of adjuvant chemotherapy. A demographic questionnaire and M.D. Anderson Gastrointestinal Cancer Symptom Scale (MDASI-GI) were performed on the third day after chemotherapy and exploratory factor analysis was performed to determine the symptoms clusters. Multiple linear regression and correlation analysis were also performed to evaluate the correlation between serum biomarkers and chemotherapy-related symptom clusters.

RESULTS

A total of 4 chemotherapy-related symptom clusters were determined in the enrolled radical resected CRC patients, including a fatigue-psychological symptom cluster, gastrointestinal symptom cluster, neurotoxic symptom cluster, and constipation-abdominal distension symptom cluster. Further analysis showed that the gastrointestinal symptom cluster was significantly associated with age, gender, weight change status, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and body mass index (BMI). Additionally, the fatigue-psychological symptom cluster was found to be significantly associated with high NLR. The neurotoxic symptom cluster was found to be significantly associated with low hemoglobin level.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum biomarkers and clinical characteristics of the radical resected CRC patients could be used to predict chemotherapy-related symptoms clusters.

Psychological and Sexual Distress in Rectal Cancer Patients and Partners

BACKGROUND

Rectal cancer (RC) patients experience unique sources of distress, including sexual dysfunction and body image concerns, which can also cause distress among partners. This preliminary study investigated patterns of psychological distress, sexual functioning, sexual distress, and relationship satisfaction among RC patient-partner couples at pivotal points during cancer treatment.

METHODS

Twenty couples participated (N=40). Patients and partners completed a series of validated measures of psychological distress (ET), sexual functioning (FSFI; IIEF), sexual distress (GMSEX; Sexual Distress Scale) and relationship satisfaction (GMREL) at time of diagnosis, 3 weeks after radiation, 4 weeks post-surgery, and after chemotherapy and surgery for ostomy closure. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and repeated-measures ANOVA were used to analyze scores over time, first for patients and partners, and then by sex.

RESULTS

Relationship satisfaction remained elevated over time. In this sample, 55% of patients and 78.9% of partners reported clinically significant rates of psychological distress at diagnosis, which decreased to 23% and 46% respectively at the last assessment. Sexual satisfaction and distress worsened for patients and partners between baseline and surgery for ostomy closure. Both male and female participants reported statistically significant declines in sexual function from baseline to end of treatment (p< .05).

DISCUSSION

Relative to relationship satisfaction, psychological and sexual health outcomes seem more vulnerable to the effects of RC treatment during the first year after diagnosis, both for patients and partners and for men and women. Results support the need for psychosocial care and sexual education/counseling for couples coping with RC. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

A Resilience Model for Patients With Colorectal Cancer: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) experience multiple symptoms. Resilience is a positive health outcome that can assist patients to face and adapt to their disease.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a proposed resilience model for patients with CRC.

METHODS

Patients (n = 416), who were given a diagnosis of stage Ι to III CRC within the past 5 years, were recruited from 2 medical centers in Northern Taiwan. Symptom Severity Scale, Fatigue Symptom Inventory, and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale were used to assess the risk factors of symptom severity, fatigue, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Cancer Behavior Inventory and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale were used to assess the protective factors of self-efficacy for coping with cancer and spiritual well-being, respectively. Resilience was assessed using the Resilience Scale. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the proposed resilience model for patients with CRC.

RESULTS

The initial structural equation modeling fit indices did not support the proposed model. In the revised model, depressive symptoms was a partial mediator between protective factors and resilience with an acceptable model fit (comparative fit index, 0.968; root mean square error of approximation, 0.085; standardized root mean square residual, 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CRC who had higher levels of protective factors had higher levels of resilience. This study provides new information on the role of depressive symptoms as a partial mediator between protective factors and resilience.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Oncology nurses need to evaluate for depressive symptoms as well as protective factors and resilience in patients with CRC.

Cancer-related fatigue and treatment burden in surgically treated colorectal cancer patients - A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

This cross-sectional study aimed to describe cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients who were surgically treated with curative intent, identify subgroups at risk of elevated fatigue levels and explore associations between CRF and treatment burden.

BACKGROUND

CRF is a prominent symptom among cancer patients. In patients treated for CRC, CRF is associated with adjuvant treatments, low quality of life and reduced ability to self-manage.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-four patients with CRC treated at a Norwegian university hospital between 2016-2018 were included. The Schwartz Cancer Fatigue Scale-6 and the Patient Experience with Treatment and Self-management questionnaires were applied for data collection. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and non-parametric approaches to analyse correlations and identify differences between groups. The study adhered to STROBE Statement checklist for reporting of cross-sectional studies.

RESULTS

Median fatigue level was 10.0 (range: 7.0-13.0). Physical fatigue was higher than perceptual fatigue, with medians of 6.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.0-13.0) and 4.0 (IQR: 3.0-12.0), respectively. Higher fatigue levels were associated with age <60 years, advanced cancer and adjuvant treatments. Increased CRF was significantly associated with higher treatment burden on seven of the nine dimensions, adjusted for demographic and clinical variables. The association of fatigue and treatment burden was stronger in survivors <60 years, with advanced cancer, 6-12 months since surgery or who had more comorbid conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed patients at risk of experiencing CRF following CRC treatment. It established proof of associations between CRF and treatment burden and identified subgroups of CRC patients where this association was stronger.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Screening of CRF in CRC patients can help clinicians provide individualized treatment and care to manage CRF. Clinicians should consider the association between CRF and treatment burden, especially in subgroups of CRF patients.

Burden of disease experienced by patients following a watch-and-wait policy for locally advanced rectal cancer: A qualitative study

AIM

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are increasingly being used in routine cancer care to evaluate treatment and monitor symptoms, function and other aspects of quality of life (QoL). There is no suitable PROM for rectal cancer patients following a watch-and-wait (W&W) programme. Insight into patient experiences with this programme is an essential step in the development of a PROM. The aim of this qualitative study was to provide insights into the most important functional outcomes and QoL features experienced by patients during our W&W programme.

METHOD

Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who are enrolled in the W&W programme in the Netherlands were interviewed by telephone using a semistructured interview guide. All interviews were digitally audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded. A thematic approach was used to analyse the data and identify themes and subthemes of importance to patients.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients were interviewed (78% male, mean age 68 years, range 52-83 years). Physical complaints after treatment were present, most notably gastrointestinal problems, neuropathy and fatigue. Furthermore, patients were anxious about a possible recurrence, had a fear of surgery or a stoma, or were experiencing a general feeling of apprehension in daily life. Many patients had different coping mechanisms, such as acceptance, and there were few limitations in daily life.

CONCLUSION

We identified important functional outcomes, such as gastrointestinal complaints, fatigue and neuropathy, in patients who were enrolled in this W&W programme. Furthermore, an emotional burden and unmet needs were reported by these patients. These findings can be used to improve clinical practice and inform the development of a PROM.

Health-Promoting Lifestyle in Colorectal Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Study on the Experiences and Perspectives of Colorectal Cancer Survivors and Healthcare Providers

OBJECTIVE

Understanding the experiences of survivors and healthcare providers about health-promoting lifestyle (HPL) in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors is important in planning for coping with the disease, managing treatment side effects, increasing survival, and improving quality of life (QOL). This study was conducted to explore the experiences and perspectives of CRC survivors and healthcare providers about HPL in CRC survivors.

METHODS

This descriptive qualitative study was performed in 2020 at Omid and Imam Reza Hospitals in Mashhad, Iran. Participants were CRC survivors (n = 12) and healthcare providers (n = 33) who were selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interview by face to face and then analyzed by Zhang and Wildemuth content analysis method. MaxQDA software was used to organize the data.

RESULTS

Following the treatment of cancer, CRC survivors seek to make changes in lifestyle and they choose a HPL that maintains or improves their health. HPL in CRC survivors includes nutrition, activity and rest, health responsibility, interpersonal relations, spiritual growth, and psychological management. The results showed that HPL can lead to motivation, the ability to self-care and improve daily performance, reduce treatment complications, and increase the QOL.

CONCLUSIONS

CRC survivors can help change their lifestyle patterns with healthy eating, treatment adherence, regular physical activity, and good sleep habits. Furthermore, effective personal and social relationships, spiritual growth, and management of psychological disorders develop health-promoting behaviors in them. CRC survivors also face challenges and limitations in their life after treatment; identifying the components of a HPL in CRC survivors can lead to desirable care, treatment, education, and counseling services.

A literature review of post-treatment survivorship interventions for colorectal cancer survivors and/or their caregivers

OBJECTIVE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors have reported a number of concerns and unmet needs after treatment completion. This paper aims to explore existing survivorship interventions after CRC treatment according to the American Cancer Society CRC Survivorship Care Guidelines, to identify study gaps, and provide valuable evidence directing future research.

METHODS

Five electronic databases, including CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases from 2005 to October 2020, were systematically searched to identify English or Chinese literature on CRC post-treatment survivorship interventions. Manual searching through the articles' references lists was also conducted.

RESULTS

Thirty studies met the criteria, and focused on addressing issues in four CRC Survivorship Care Guidelines domains. Several issues for CRC surveillance programmes remain to be explored. Regarding the long-term physical and psychosocial effects of CRC treatment, we found mounting evidence for various interventions to solve ostomy issues and improve distress/depression/anxiety, strong evidence for exercise to improve fatigue, and limited evidence in addressing CRC patient sexual concerns. For health promotion, high-quality evidence was found for exercises to improve cardiopulmonary fitness, metabolism, tumour-related biomarkers, and short-term improvement in physical fitness and QOL. Emerging evidence was found for a survivorship care plan to improve patient perceptions of care coordination.

CONCLUSIONS

Further refinements based on the existing evidence, and the development of comprehensive CRC survivorship care comprising multiple essential survivorship components, are required. Furthermore, considering both survivor and caregiver cancer survivorship needs, future research may optimise the care delivered, and help survivors and their families live better with cancer.

Post-treatment Psychological Distress Among Colorectal Cancer Survivors: Relation to Emotion Regulation Patterns and Personal Resources

BACKGROUND

Post-treatment psychological distress among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors is common, but changes over time. However, data on the effects of emotional factors on changes in psychological distress over time remain limited. The study sought to describe the patterns of change in psychological distress among CRC survivors in the short-term after treatment completion and to identify predictors of the change in psychological distress experienced by CRC survivors.

METHODS

A total of 153 CRC survivors, stages II-III at diagnosis, who were 4-24 months post-diagnosis (participation rate 89.5%) completed the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, Resilience Scale-14, Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form, and Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (psychological distress scale) at Time 1 (T1). Psychological distress was assessed again at Time 2 (T2), 6 months later.

RESULTS

Two patterns of change in post-treatment psychological distress among CRC survivors were identified: One group of patients experienced higher psychological distress at T1, which decreased at T2. A second group experienced lower psychological distress at T1, which increased at T2. Self-compassion and personal resilience predicted higher psychological distress at T2. Lower suppression and self-compassion and higher personal resilience increased the likelihood of being in the increased psychological distress group.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological distress evaluation of CRC survivors at different time-points post-treatment is warranted. In addition, awareness is needed that self-compassion may be individually related to psychological distress among participants.

Exercise Levels and Preferences in Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Despite the benefits related to physical exercise, large numbers of cancer patients are not sufficiently active.

METHODS

To investigate exercise levels and preferences in cancer patients, a cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of 392 cancer outpatients who anonymously completed a questionnaire investigating general and medical characteristics, and expressed willingness to participate in exercise programs. Current exercise levels were estimated with the Leisure Score Index (LSI).

RESULTS

Most patients (93%) were insufficiently active but 80% declared an interest in exercise programs. Patients preferred oncologist-instructed programs and specified particular exercise needs. Multivariate logistic regression showed that willingness to exercise was associated with education (OR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.15-3.04 beyond age 14 years vs. up to 14 years) and current physical activity (OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.92-3.63 for sweat-inducing activity >2 times/week vs. <1 time/week). Patients given chemotherapy were less inclined to exercise (OR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.23-0.86) than those who did not. LSI was lower if cancer stage was advanced (β: -0.36; 95% CI: -0.75 to -0.02) than if it was in remission. High LSI was also associated with longer education, lower BMI, and longer time after diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Cancer patients are insufficiently active but are willing to participate in personalized exercise programs. Information from this survey may help in designing personalized interventions so these patients will achieve sufficient exercise.