A randomised controlled trial evaluating two cognitive rehabilitation approaches for cancer survivors with perceived cognitive impairment

Application of comprehensive geriatric assessment in oncology nursing: A literature review on optimizing treatment decisions and patient outcomes

With the global population aging, the care of elderly cancer patients has become increasingly complex and significant. Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), a multidimensional evaluation tool, has been widely implemented in oncology nursing to enhance the precision of treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes. This review examines the application of CGA in oncology nursing, drawing on literature published between 2010 and 2024 in major databases using keywords such as "Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment" and "Oncology Nursing". It highlights how CGA contributes to optimizing treatment selection, monitoring the treatment process, and improving patients' quality of life and long-term outcomes. CGA provides a comprehensive evaluation of elderly cancer patients, including physical, psychological, and social aspects, enabling the identification of high-risk patients and reducing treatment-related side effects and complications. It also offers a critical foundation for developing personalized care plans. The article discusses various practical examples of CGA implementation across different countries and regions, including multidisciplinary collaborative models in France, the United States, and Australia, demonstrating CGA's flexible application in diverse healthcare settings. Although significant progress has been made in applying CGA in oncology nursing, numerous challenges remain in its implementation, such as resource limitations and insufficient personnel training. Future research will focus on integrating CGA with emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and precision medicine, to further improve the quality of care and treatment outcomes for elderly cancer patients. By summarizing the current status and challenges of CGA in oncology nursing, this review provides guidance for future research and clinical practice, emphasizing the importance of advancing CGA application to meet the growing demands of elderly oncology care.

Effects of non-pharmacological interventions on cancer-related cognitive impairment in patients with breast cancer: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To compare and rank the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions on cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) for breast cancer patients.

METHODS

A systematic review and network meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials from January 1, 2000 to October 11, 2024 were searched in nine electronic databases. Studies involving non-pharmacological interventions for managing CRCI in breast cancer were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias 2 assessment tool. Stata 15 was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 42 eligible studies were identified, covering eight non-pharmacological interventions. Psychological interventions (98.7%), Tai Chi/Qigong/Baduanjin (74.5%), and cognitive rehabilitation (70.1%) were the three most effective methods to improve subjective cognition. Cognitive training showed the highest effectiveness for working memory and executive function, with effectiveness rates of 78.3% and 83.4%, respectively. Cognitive rehabilitation (87.1%) was also the most effective for learning memory., while meditation/mindfulness-based stress reduction (71.8%) led in processing speed.

CONCLUSIONS

This network meta-analysis found that psychological interventions was the most effective for improving subjective outcomes. cognitive training proved most effective for working memory and executive function, while cognitive rehabilitation was most effective in enhancing learning memory, and meditation/mindfulness-based stress reduction ranked highest for processing speed.

Are digital psychological interventions for psychological distress and quality of life in cancer patients effective? A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Many cancer patients experience psychological distress and/or poor quality of life during or after their cancer treatment, yet they face multiple barriers to accessing psychological support. Digital psychological interventions represent a promising approach for addressing these barriers, however their comparative effectiveness remains uncertain.

METHODS

Nine databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to July 2024. The primary outcomes were psychological distress and quality of life, and the secondary outcomes were measures of depression, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, and fear of cancer recurrence in this study.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-six RCTs with 23,154 participants were identified. Of these interventions, three types-digitally-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), health education, and virtual reality therapy (VRT)-demonstrated significant reductions in psychological distress compared to non-active controls. Digital CBT, narrative interventions, and VRT significantly improved quality of life compared to non-active controls. For depression, both digital CBT and VRT were superior to the non-active control group. Regarding anxiety, CBT, psychoeducation, and VRT outperformed the non-active control group. In terms of fatigue, CBT, psychoeducation, VRT, and multi-component interventions all showed enhanced efficacy compared to the non-active control group. However, only CBT exhibited significantly superior effectiveness in alleviating insomnia compared to non-active controls. Similarly, only mindfulness-based interventions significantly reduced fear of cancer recurrence compared to the non-active control condition.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that digital CBT and VRT are highly promising options for reducing psychological distress and enhancing the quality of life among cancer patients; further high-quality randomized controlled trials involving diverse populations are essential to validate these findings.

A Biobehavioral Perspective on Caring for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Survivors with Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Among the potential complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is common and associated with significant physical and psychosocial symptom burden. Despite substantial advances in GVHD treatment, the global immune suppression that frequently accompanies GVHD treatment also contributes to high rates of physical and emotional suffering and mortality. The complex manifestations of GVHD and its treatment warrant a multidisciplinary team-based approach to managing patients' multi-organ system comorbidities. A biobehavioral framework can enhance our understanding of the complex association between medications, physical symptoms, and psychosocial distress in patients with GVHD. Hence, for this perspective, we highlight the importance of addressing both the physical and psychosocial needs experienced by patients with GVHD and provide guidance on how to approach and manage those symptoms and concerns as part of comprehensive cancer care.

Internet-based cognitive rehabilitation for working cancer survivors: results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Cognitive problems contribute to decline in work performance. We evaluated (1) the effectiveness of basic self-management and extensive therapist-guided online cognitive rehabilitation on attainment of individually predetermined work-related goals among occupationally active cancer survivors, and (2) whether effectiveness of the programs differed for survivors with and without formal cognitive impairment.

METHODS

In a 3-arm randomized controlled trial (NCT03900806), 279 non-central nervous system cancer survivors with cognitive complaints were assigned to the basic program (n = 93), the extensive program (n = 93), or a waiting-list control group (n = 93). Participants completed measurements pre-randomization (T0), 12 weeks post-randomization upon program completion (T1), and 26 weeks post-randomization (T2). Mixed-effects modeling was used to compare intervention groups with the control group on goal attainment, and on self-perceived cognitive problems, work ability, and health-related quality of life.

RESULTS

Participants in the extensive program achieved their predetermined goals better than those in the control group, at short- and long-term follow-up (effect size [ES] = .49; P < .001; ES = .34; P = .014). They also had fewer recovery needs after work (ES = -.21; P = .011), more vitality (ES = .20; P = .018), and better physical role functioning (ES = .0.43 P = .015) than controls. At long-term follow-up, this finding persisted for physical role functioning (ES = .42; P = .034). The basic program elicited a small positive nonsignificant short-term (not long-term) effect on goal attainment for those with adequate adherence (ES = .28, P = .053). Effectiveness of the programs did not differ for patients with or without cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

Internet-based therapist-guided extensive cognitive rehabilitation improves work-related goal attainment. Considering the prevalence of cognitive problems in survivors, it is desirable to implement this program.

Mitigating long-term and delayed adverse events associated with cancer treatment: implications for survivorship

Despite the importance of chemotherapy-associated adverse events in oncology practice and the broad range of interventions available to mitigate them, limited systematic efforts have been made to identify, critically appraise and summarize the totality of evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions. Herein, we review the most common long-term (continued beyond treatment) and late or delayed (following treatment) adverse events associated with chemotherapy and other anticancer treatments that pose major threats in terms of survival, quality of life and continuation of optimal therapy. These adverse effects often emerge during and continue beyond the course of therapy or arise among survivors in the months and years following treatment. For each of these adverse effects, we discuss and critically evaluate their underlying biological mechanisms, the most commonly used pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment strategies, and evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for their appropriate management. Furthermore, we discuss risk factors and validated risk-assessment tools for identifying patients most likely to be harmed by chemotherapy and potentially benefit from effective interventions. Finally, we highlight promising emerging supportive-care opportunities for the ever-increasing number of cancer survivors at continuing risk of adverse treatment effects.