1
|
Kim MS, Yoo S. Correlations Among Perceived Symptoms and Interferences, Barriers to Symptom Management, and Comfort Care in Nurses Caring for Chemotherapy and Transarterial Chemoembolization Patients. Cancer Nurs 2024; 47:E245-E254. [PMID: 36867016 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nursing care, encompassing the physical, psychospiritual, sociocultural, and environmental aspects of care, should ensure patients' comfort in both chemotherapy and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatment. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the canonical correlations between perceived symptoms and interferences, barriers to symptom management, and comfort care in nurses caring for chemotherapy and TACE patients. METHODS This cross-sectional study surveyed 259 nurses caring for patients undergoing chemotherapy (n = 109) and TACE (n = 150). Fisher exact test, t tests, χ2 tests, Pearson correlations, and canonical correlations were performed. RESULTS In the chemotherapy nurse group, higher perceived symptoms ( R values = 0.74), higher perceived interference ( R values = 0.84), and higher barriers to pain management ( R values = 0.61) were associated with higher physical ( R values = 0.58) and psychological ( R values = 0.88) comfort care. In the TACE nurse group, the higher the perceived symptoms and perceived interference, the lower the perceived barriers to pain management, and lower barriers to nausea/vomiting management were associated with higher physical, psychological, sociocultural, and environmental care. CONCLUSIONS Nurses caring for TACE patients reported lower perceived symptom interference and comfort care, including physical, psychological, and environmental aspects, than those caring for chemotherapy patients. In addition, there was a canonical correlation among perceived symptoms, symptom interferences, barriers to pain management, and comfort care, including physical and psychological care of nurses caring for chemotherapy and TACE patients. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE Nurses caring for TACE patients need to provide physical, psychological, and environmental comfort care for their patients. Oncology nurses caring for chemotherapy and TACE patients should coordinate treatment for co-occurring symptom clusters to enhance comfort care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myoung Soo Kim
- Author Affiliation: Department of Nursing, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jafari MD, Mesiti A, Brouwer J, McKinney C, Wenzel LB, Pigazzi A, Zell JA. Attitudes of physicians and patients toward immediate and intraoperative chemotherapy treatment in colon cancer. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2024; 39:100798. [PMID: 38447475 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2024.100798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We have shown in a Phase I trial that immediate adjuvant chemotherapy (IAC) during surgical resection and immediately postoperative is safe and feasible in patients with colon cancer (CC). IAC avoids delays in adjuvant treatment and has the potential to improve survival and quality of life. We aim to determine patients and providers attitudes toward this novel multidisciplinary treatment approach. METHODS Two web-based surveys were administered to newly diagnosed CC patients, survivors, surgeons and oncologists. Surveys assessed treatment preferences and perceived barriers to IAC. Chi-square tests were conducted to compare differences between patients' and providers' responses. RESULTS Responses were collected from 35 patients and 40 providers. Patients were more willing to: (1) proceed with IAC to finish treatment earlier thus possibly improving quality of life (p = 0.001); (2) proceed with IAC despite potential side effects (p < 0.001); and (3) proceed with a dose of intraoperative chemotherapy even if on final pathology, may not have been needed (p = 0.002). Patients were more likely to indicate no barriers to collaborative care (p = 0.001) while providers were more likely to cite that it is time consuming, thus a barrier to participation (p = 0.001), has scheduling challenges (p = 0.001), and physicians are not available to participate (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS We observed a discordance between what providers and patients value in perioperative and adjuvant CC treatment. Patients are willing to accept IAC despite potential side effects and without survival benefit, highlighting the importance of understanding patient preference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehraneh D Jafari
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Surgery, 525 E 68th Street, K802, New York, NY 10065, United States; Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, United States
| | - Andrea Mesiti
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Surgery, 525 E 68th Street, K802, New York, NY 10065, United States.
| | - Julianna Brouwer
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Surgery, 525 E 68th Street, K802, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Chelsea McKinney
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, UC Irvine Medical Center, 101 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868, United States
| | - Lari B Wenzel
- Department of Medicine, UC Irvine, United States; Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, UC Irvine Medical Center, 101 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868, United States
| | - Alessio Pigazzi
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Surgery, 525 E 68th Street, K802, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Jason A Zell
- Department of Medicine, UC Irvine, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Skouras AZ, Antonakis-Karamintzas D, Tsolakis C, Koulouvaris P. Unraveling the "golden ratio": a pilot study investigating acute-to-chronic workload ratio in breast cancer patients undergoing active treatment. Front Physiol 2024; 14:1273624. [PMID: 38260104 PMCID: PMC10801086 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1273624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Training load monitoring is a common practice in sports medicine for supporting athletes' health and performance. Despite progress in exercise oncology research for breast cancer patients, training load monitoring is underutilized. This study retrospectively investigated the relationship between maintained training load within a defined range and physical and health outcomes of ten breast cancer patients during active anticancer treatment who underwent a 12-week exercise program. Intervention consisted of endurance and resistance training, three times a week, with each session lasting 30-45 min. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks after enrollment, evaluating physical function (6-min walk test-6MWT, and sit-to-stand), muscle strength, body composition, sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), quality of life (EORTC-QLQ-C30), heart rate variability and physical activity levels (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-International Physical Activity Questionnaire). The Physiological Cost Index/Energy Expenditure Index (PCI/EEI) was estimated using the 6MWT and Heart rate. Training load monitoring was performed by session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE, relative intensity multiplying with session duration). Acute-to-Chronic Workload Ratio (ACWR) (7:28, rolling average) was calculated accordingly. Analyses were performed within-subjects across time points and between-subjects, comparing those who maintained from weeks 6-12 an ACWR of 0.8-1.3 with those who did not. Adherence rates were similar between groups. Physical function improved in the total sample with large effect sizes (Δ6MWT = 56.5 m [95%CI: 6-100 m], effect size [w] = 0.52, p = 0.006; ΔSit-to-Stand = 1.5 [95%CI: 1-5], effect size [w] = 0.681, p < 0.001), demonstrating greater changes in patients with higher ACWR. Sleep quality improvements were higher in the appropriate ACWR group (p = 0.016). A positive correlation was demonstrated between global health status and 6MWT change from baseline to 12 weeks (ρ = 0.689, p = 0.04). Despite a small sample size, patients maintaining sufficient relative training load presented greater physical fitness and sleep quality improvements. Thus, training load monitoring may enhance exercise program benefits in breast cancer patients under active treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Apostolos Z. Skouras
- Sports Excellence, 1st Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Antonakis-Karamintzas
- Sports Excellence, 1st Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Charilaos Tsolakis
- Sports Excellence, 1st Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Sports Performance Laboratory, School of Physical Education & Sports Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Koulouvaris
- Sports Excellence, 1st Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rodríguez-Gonzalez A, Carmona-Bayonas A, Hernandez San Gil R, Cruz-Castellanos P, Antoñanzas-Basa M, Lorente-Estelles D, Corral MJ, González-Moya M, Castillo-Trujillo OA, Esteban E, Jiménez-Fonseca P, Calderon C. Impact of systemic cancer treatment on quality of life and mental well-being: a comparative analysis of patients with localized and advanced cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:3492-3500. [PMID: 37247131 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03214-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study investigated the impact of systemic cancer therapy on the quality of life, mental well-being, and life satisfaction of cancer patients. METHODS This prospective study was promoted by the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) and enrolled patients with localized, resected, or unresectable advanced cancer from 15 Spanish medical oncology departments. Patients completed surveys on quality of life (EORTC-QoL-QLQ-C30), psychological distress (BSI-18) and life satisfaction (SWLS) before and after systemic cancer treatment. RESULTS The study involved 1807 patients, 944 (52%) having resected, localized cancer, and 863 with unresectable advanced cancer. The mean age was 60 years, and 53% were female. The most common types of localized cancer were colorectal (43%) and breast (38%), while bronchopulmonary (32%), non-colorectal digestive (23%), and colorectal (15%) were the most frequent among those with advanced cancer. Before systemic treatment, patients with advanced cancer had poorer scores than those with localized cancer on physical, role, emotional, cognitive, social limitations, symptoms, psychological distress, and life satisfaction (all p < 0.001), but there were no differences in financial hardship. Patients with localized cancer had greater life satisfaction and better mental well-being than those with advanced cancer before systemic treatment (p < 0.001). After treatment, patients with localized cancer experienced worsening of all scales, symptoms, and mental well-being (p < 0.001), while patients with advanced disease had a minor decline in quality of life. The impact on quality of life was greater on all dimensions except economic hardship and was independent of age, cancer location, and performance status in participants with resected disease after adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our study highlights that systemic cancer treatment can improve quality of life in patients with advanced cancer, while adjuvant treatments for localized disease may have a negative impact on quality of life and psychological well-being. Therefore, treatment decisions should be carefully evaluated on an individual basis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adán Rodríguez-Gonzalez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Central of Asturias, ISPA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Avenida de Roma S/N, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Alberto Carmona-Bayonas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital General Universitario Morales Meseguer, Murcia, Spain
| | | | | | - Mónica Antoñanzas-Basa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María Jose Corral
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Oscar Alfredo Castillo-Trujillo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Central of Asturias, ISPA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Avenida de Roma S/N, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Emilio Esteban
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Central of Asturias, ISPA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Avenida de Roma S/N, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Paula Jiménez-Fonseca
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Central of Asturias, ISPA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Avenida de Roma S/N, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
| | - Caterina Calderon
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Malhotra A, Fransen HP, Quaresma M, Raijmakers N, Versluis MAJ, Rachet B, van Maaren MC, Leyrat C. Associations between treatments, comorbidities and multidimensional aspects of quality of life among patients with advanced cancer in the Netherlands-a 2017-2020 multicentre cross-sectional study. Qual Life Res 2023; 32:3123-3133. [PMID: 37389733 PMCID: PMC10522740 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03460-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate associations between quality of life (QoL) and 1) immunotherapy and other cancer treatments received three months before QoL measurements, and 2) the comorbidities at the time of completion or in the year prior to QoL measurements, among patients with advanced cancer. METHODS A cross-sectional study is conducted on patients with advanced cancer in the Netherlands. The data come from the baseline wave of the 2017-2020 eQuiPe study. Participants were surveyed via questionnaires (including EORTC QLQ-C30). Using multivariable linear and logistic regression models, we explored statistical associations between QoL components and immunotherapy and other cancer treatments as well as pre-existing comorbidities while adjusting for age, sex, socio-economic status. RESULTS Of 1088 participants with median age 67 years, 51% were men. Immunotherapy was not associated with global QoL but was associated with reduced appetite loss (odds ratio (OR) = 0.6, 95%CI = [0.3,0.9]). Reduced global QoL was associated with chemotherapy (adjusted mean difference (β) = - 4.7, 95% CI [- 8.5,- 0.8]), back pain (β = - 7.4, 95% CI [- 11.0,- 3.8]), depression (β = - 13.8, 95% CI [- 21.5,- 6.2]), thyroid diseases (β = - 8.9, 95% CI [- 14.0,- 3.8]) and diabetes (β = - 4.5, 95% CI [- 8.9,- 0.5]). Chemotherapy was associated with lower physical (OR = 2.4, 95% CI [1.5,3.9]) and role (OR = 1.8, 95% CI [1.2,2.7]) functioning, and higher pain (OR = 1.9, 95% CI [1.3,2.9]) and fatigue (OR = 1.6, 95% CI [1.1,2.4]). CONCLUSION Our study identified associations between specific cancer treatments, lower QoL and more symptoms. Monitoring symptoms may improve QoL of patients with advanced cancer. Producing more evidence from real life data would help physicians in better identifying patients who require additional supportive care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ananya Malhotra
- Inequalities in Cancer Outcomes Network, Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Heidi P Fransen
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Association for Palliative Care (PZNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Manuela Quaresma
- Inequalities in Cancer Outcomes Network, Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Natasja Raijmakers
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Association for Palliative Care (PZNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Moyke A J Versluis
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Graduate School of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Universiteit Van Tilburg, Warandelaan 2, 5037 AB, Tilburg, Nederland
| | - Bernard Rachet
- Inequalities in Cancer Outcomes Network, Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Marissa C van Maaren
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Health Technology and Services Research, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Clémence Leyrat
- Inequalities in Cancer Outcomes Network, Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Medical Statistics, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Maurer GS, Clayton ZS. Anthracycline chemotherapy, vascular dysfunction and cognitive impairment: burgeoning topics and future directions. Future Cardiol 2023; 19:547-566. [PMID: 36354315 PMCID: PMC10599408 DOI: 10.2217/fca-2022-0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthracyclines, chemotherapeutic agents used to treat common forms of cancer, increase cardiovascular (CV) complications, thereby necessitating research regarding interventions to improve the health of cancer survivors. Vascular dysfunction, which is induced by anthracycline chemotherapy, is an established antecedent to overt CV diseases. Potential treatment options for ameliorating vascular dysfunction have largely been understudied. Furthermore, patients treated with anthracyclines have impaired cognitive function and vascular dysfunction is an independent risk factor for the development of mild cognitive impairment. Here, we will focus on: anthracycline chemotherapy associated CV diseases risk; how targeting mechanisms underlying vascular dysfunction may be a means to improve both CV and cognitive health; and research gaps and potential future directions for the field of cardio-oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace S Maurer
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Zachary S Clayton
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Komariah M, Hatthakit U, Boonyoung N, Ibrahim K, Susilaningsih FS, Mediani HS, Rahayuwati L, Hermayanti Y, Pahria T, Arifin H. Islamic Mindfulness-Based Caring as an Intervention to Manage Fatigue. J Holist Nurs 2023:8980101231180363. [PMID: 37455340 DOI: 10.1177/08980101231180363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to determine the effects of Islamic Mindfulness-based Caring (IMC) on fatigue among breast cancer patients. Design: A quasi-experimental study was undertaken in the chemotherapy unit of a hospital, in Bandung, Indonesia. Methods: A total of 112 females with stage III breast cancer undertaking chemotherapy treatment were recruited by purposive sampling technique. The experimental group (n = 53) was given both IMC and usual care, whereas the control group (n = 59) received only the usual care. Data were collected on days 1, 3, 23, and 44 using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) and demographic information tools. Data analyses were carried out with the Mixed-Effects Linear Regression. Findings: We found a significant difference in fatigue between the control and experimental groups on days 23 (mean: 29.34-34.92; p = .001) and 44 (mean: 28.68-37.89; p < .001) after IMC intervention. The increase of time was significantly associated with a lower fatigue score (p < .05). Mixed-Effect Linear Regression showed a significant interaction between time and intervention of IMC effect on fatigue score on time-4 (adjusted β coefficient: 6.62; 95% CI: 2.17-11.06). Conclusions: Nurse-administered IMC is capable of reducing fatigue among breast cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tuti Pahria
- Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
| | - Hidayat Arifin
- Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
- Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Vardar O, Serçekus P. Experiences of Muslim women living with gynaecological cancer and family caregivers. Int J Palliat Nurs 2023; 29:225-234. [PMID: 37224095 DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2023.29.5.225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer has a large impact on the life of the diagnosed person and also their caregivers, who are typically family members. The impact of cancer on a Muslim woman and her caregivers has not been well researched because of cultural and social constraits. AIMS The aim of this study was to explorel the experiences of Muslim women with gynaecological cancers and their family caregivers. METHODS A descriptive phenomenological approach was adopted. A convenience sample was used in the research. FINDINGS The study findings were grouped into four major themes: the initial reaction to a cancer diagnosis from women and their caregivers, difficulties the patient and caregiver experienced (physiological, psychological, social and sexual), coping with cancer and expectations that caregivers and patients have of the institution and the health personnel. It was determined that during this disease and treatment, both the patients and caregivers faced difficulties, which can be categorised as physiological, psychological, social and sexual. Muslim women with gynaecological cancer frequently used coping behaviours, such as worshiping and believing that illness and healing come from God during the illness process. CONCLUSIONS Patients and their family caregivers lived through various difficulties. Healthcare professionals need to consider the expectations of patients with gynecological cancer, alongside those of their family caregivers. Nurses can help Muslim patients and their families cope with the problems they experience by being aware of the positive coping methods of Muslim cancer patients and their caregivers. Nurses should consider individuals' religious beliefs and cultural differences while giving care.
Collapse
|
9
|
Degu A, Terefe EM, Some ES, Tegegne GT. Treatment Outcomes and Its Associated Factors Among Adult Patients with Selected Solid Malignancies at Kenyatta National Hospital: A Hospital-Based Prospective Cohort Study. Cancer Manag Res 2022; 14:1525-1540. [PMID: 35498512 PMCID: PMC9042075 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s361485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The treatment outcome of cancer is poor in the African setting due to inadequate treatment and diagnostic facilities. However, there is a paucity of data on solid cancers in Kenya. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the treatment outcomes and its determinant factors among adult patients diagnosed with selected solid malignancies at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Materials and Methods A prospective cohort study was employed at the Oncology Department of KNH from 1st July 2020 to 31st December 2021. All new patients with a confirmed diagnosis of lymphoma, prostate cancer and breast cancer were studied. A consecutive sample of 99 breast cancer, 50 lymphomas, and 82 prostate cancer patients was included in the study. Semi-structured questionnaires consisting of socio-demographics, clinical characteristics, and quality of life were employed to collect the data. All enrolled patients were followed prospectively for 12 months. Treatment outcomes were reported as mortality, cancer-specific survival and health-related quality of life. The data were entered and analyzed using the SPSS 20.0 statistical software. Survival outcomes and its predictors were evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression analyses, respectively. Results The study showed that the mortality rate among breast and prostate cancer patients was 3% and 4.9%, respectively. In contrast, the mortality rate was 10% among lymphoma patients. Most of the patients had partial remission and a good overall global health-related quality of life. Older age above 60 years, co-morbidity, distant metastasis and advanced stages of disease were significant predictors of mortality. Conclusion Although the mortality was not high at 12 months, only a few patients had complete remission. For many patients, the disease was progressing, despite 12-month mortality was not high. Therefore, longer follow-up will be required to report cancer mortality accurately. In addition, most of the patients had a good overall global health-related quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amsalu Degu
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, United States International University-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
- Correspondence: Amsalu Degu, United States International University-Africa, School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya, Tel +254745063687, Email
| | - Ermias Mergia Terefe
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, United States International University-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eliab Seroney Some
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, United States International University-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gobezie T Tegegne
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|