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Bjornard K, Close A, Burns K, Chavez J, Chow EJ, Meacham LR. Fertility preservation in pediatric solid tumors: A report from the Children's Oncology Group. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e30960. [PMID: 38532279 PMCID: PMC11104288 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Treatment for childhood solid tumors may lead to an increased risk for gonadal dysfunction/infertility. Discussion of risk should occur at diagnosis, any changes in therapy, and during survivorship. Gonadotoxic therapies were abstracted from 32 Children's Oncology Group (COG) phase III, frontline solid tumor protocols, in use from 2000 to 2022. Risk for gonadal dysfunction/infertility was assessed based on gonadotoxic therapies, sex, and pubertal status and assigned as minimal, significant, and high following the Oncofertility Consortium Pediatric Initiative Network (PIN) risk stratification. Most protocols (65.6%, 21/32) contained at least one therapeutic arm with a high level of increased risk. Solid tumor therapies present challenges in risk stratification due to response-adjusted therapy and the need to account for radiation field in the risk assessment. This guide hopes to serve as a tool to assist in standardizing gonadotoxic risk assessments across disciplines and improve referral for fertility services and reproductive health counseling for patients receiving COG-based solid tumor therapy. Internationally, many solid tumor therapies follow similar paradigms to COG studies, and risk stratifications may be generalizable to similar styles of therapy. In addition, this model may be applied to other international groups with the goal of standardizing fertility assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Bjornard
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Allison Close
- Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Karen Burns
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Josuah Chavez
- Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Eric J. Chow
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lillian R. Meacham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Emory University Atlanta, GA USA
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2
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Fernando RA. Improving Supportive and Palliative Care Integration in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2024; 13:271-280. [PMID: 37878271 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2023.0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Timely supportive and palliative care (SPC) integration in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer management is recommended in curative and palliative settings. However, multiple barriers exist to implementing this goal. Liverpool Cancer Therapy Center (LCTC) serviced a growing AYA (15-39 years) population without AYA-dedicated services and the vast majority receiving no SPC engagement. Concerned this was placing AYA patients' wellbeing at risk, we determined a cultural change was required and that the newly established AYA Supportive and Palliative Care (AYASPC) Service could facilitate this. Methods: The AYASPC Service conducted a 6-month quality improvement project aiming to increase its referrals from a baseline average of one per month to four per month, to increase confidence in making SPC referrals and to enhance appreciation for specialized AYA care. Interventions included formalizing an AYASPC referral pathway with broad indications, and educating clinicians on holistic AYA care, the AYASPC Service's model of care (MoC) and AYASPC referral benefits. Results: During the project, 27 AYASPC referrals were made. Referrals consistently exceeded the Service's baseline, and from 3 months onward exceeded the project target. Additionally, referrals were made earlier (29.6% at diagnosis), for a variety of cancer diagnoses with varied prognoses, and for indications beyond traditional issues of complex symptoms and end-of-life care. Clinicians also expressed greater confidence in supporting AYAs and making SPC referrals. Conclusion: In a brief timeframe, the AYASPC Service's innovative and adaptable MoC and project interventions sustainably improved AYASPC access and affected a positive cultural shift around AYA care and advocacy.
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3
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Benedict C, Ford JS, Schapira L, Davis A, Simon P, Spiegel D, Diefenbach M. Preliminary testing of "roadmap to parenthood" decision aid and planning tool for family building after cancer: Results of a single-arm pilot study. Psychooncology 2024; 33:e6323. [PMID: 38629761 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many young adult female cancer survivors need to use reproductive medicine, surrogacy, or adoption to have a child. This study pilot tested Roadmap to Parenthood, a web-based, self-guided decision aid and planning tool for family building after cancer (disease agnostic). METHODS A single-arm pilot study tested feasibility, acceptability, and obtained effect size estimates of the Roadmap tool. Participants, recruited via hospital-based and social media strategies, completed a baseline survey (T1), accessed the Roadmap tool (website), then completed surveys at one- and 3-months (T2 and T3, respectively). Feasibility and acceptability were evaluated with rates of eligibility, enrollment, and survey completion, and feedback. Pairwise t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA evaluated usage effects. Effect size estimates were calculated. RESULTS Participants (N = 98) averaged 31 years old (SD = 5.61); 71% were nulliparous. Enrollment rate was 73%, T1-T2 completion rate was 80%, and 93% accessed the website. From T1-T2, participants reported improvements in decisional conflict (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 0.85), unmet information needs (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 0.70), self-efficacy (p = 0.003; Cohen's d = 0.40), and self-efficacy for managing negative emotions (p = 0.03; Cohen's d = 0.29); effects were sustained at T3. There was no change in reproductive distress (p = 0.22). By T3, 94% reported increased consideration of preparatory actions and 20%-61% completed such actions. CONCLUSIONS The Roadmap intervention was feasible to conduct, acceptable to users, and led to improvements in key psychosocial outcomes. Future directions will test intervention efficacy in a randomized controlled trial with a larger sample and over a longer period. A web-based tool may help women make decisions about family building after cancer and prepare for potential challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Benedict
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jennifer S Ford
- Hunter College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Alexandra Davis
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Pamela Simon
- Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - David Spiegel
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Michael Diefenbach
- Center for Health Innovation and Outcomes Research, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, USA
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4
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Giugliano D. A Dimensional Analysis of School Connectedness in Adolescents Newly Diagnosed With Cancer. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol Nurs 2024:27527530231214534. [PMID: 38523330 DOI: 10.1177/27527530231214534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Background: Adolescents newly diagnosed with cancer must navigate medical, psychosocial, and educational issues when confronting this life-threatening illness. Frequent hospitalizations and intense therapy disrupt attendance at school and social events. Research supports that school connectedness is a protective factor associated with improved adolescent health, psychological, and academic outcomes. However, this phenomenon is understudied in adolescents newly diagnosed with cancer. Method: This qualitative inquiry used a dimensional analysis method to uncover the nature of school connectedness in adolescents newly diagnosed with cancer prior to school reentry. Semistructured interviews with 19 adolescents explored school relationships and experiences at the time of cancer diagnosis. Data collection and inductive analysis occurred simultaneously. Results: Analysis revealed four key dimensions: "School Days and Ways," "The Boom," "The Pause," and "Connection Reconciliation: Me, You, and Learning." Additionally, "Social Scenes," "Shared Experiences," and "Seeing and Being With" emerged as subdimensions of "School Days and Ways." All adolescents in this study described being negatively impacted by the cancer experience with universal disruption in school relationships and diminished school connections. However, the desire to restore unraveled or broken relationships and reconcile connections with self, others from the school, and learning were highly salient. Discussion: This research uncovers the meaning and context of school connectedness prior to and following a cancer diagnosis, illuminating a deeper understanding of the impact of a cancer diagnosis on adolescents, school relationships, and learning. The findings provide direction in supporting adolescents as they confront the physical, psychosocial, and educational disruptions caused by their cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra Giugliano
- Stony Brook University School of Nursing, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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5
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McGrady ME, Willard VW, Williams AM, Brinkman TM. Psychological Outcomes in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors. J Clin Oncol 2024; 42:707-716. [PMID: 37967297 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.01465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of cancer during adolescent and young adulthood (AYA) may alter the development and psychological trajectory of survivors across their lifespan. The current review focuses broadly on emotional health, social functioning, health behaviors, and cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) among AYA survivors. Overall, AYA survivors appear to be at elevated risk of emotional distress symptoms, mood and anxiety disorders, suicide, and mental health care service utilization compared with individuals without a cancer history. Difficulties with social relationships and reduced achievement of expected social outcomes including educational attainment and employment have been reported. Despite risk for health-related morbidities, including subsequent neoplasms, many AYA survivors do not engage in health behaviors at the recommended levels for physical activity, diet, or tobacco and alcohol use. Although CRCI has not been comprehensively characterized in this population, subgroups of AYA survivors appear to be at risk for experiencing CRCI, including survivors of central nervous system tumors, Hodgkin lymphoma, testicular, and breast cancer. Across each considered domain of psychological functioning, intervention efforts have largely focused on acceptability and feasibility with an increasing focus on e/mHealth approaches. Future research should include multiphase studies, including randomized controlled trials designed to evaluate intervention efficacy and effectiveness. It is imperative that psychological interventions consider the unique needs of AYA survivors by developmental stage and across multiple levels of influence (patient, support system, institution, and health care system).
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan E McGrady
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Patient and Family Wellness Center, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Victoria W Willard
- Department of Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - AnnaLynn M Williams
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, Rochester, NY
| | - Tara M Brinkman
- Department of Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
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6
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Cherven BO, Demedis J, Frederick NN. Sexual Health in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2024; 42:717-724. [PMID: 37856773 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.01390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual health (SH), an integral aspect of overall health and quality of life, can be negatively affected by cancer and cancer treatment. SH is influenced by biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors, and, for adolescents and young adults (AYAs), developmental factors. The AYA population (age 15-39 years) is diverse in terms of psychosexual development, interpersonal relationships, and varying levels of independence, resulting in unique SH needs for this population. AYAs with cancer are particularly vulnerable to unmet SH needs related to contraception and infection prevention, sexual function, body image, and romantic/sexual relationships. Sexual dysfunction during and after cancer treatment is reported by 30%-100% of AYA cancer survivors. Clinical guidelines recommend discussing SH and screening for dysfunction but currently lack specifics regarding psychosexual interventions and strategies for incorporating screening into clinical care. Research and clinical priorities include improved provider-AYA communication regarding SH, standardization of SH measures and screening tools, infrastructure to support the SH needs of AYAs across pediatric and adult clinical environments, and engagement of sexual and gender minority AYAs in research. As the field of SH in cancer evolves, interventions need to be tailored to the developmental needs that are unique to AYAs and address the multidimensional aspects of SH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke O Cherven
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jenna Demedis
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
- Division of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Natasha N Frederick
- Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders, Connecticut Children's, Hartford, CT
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Mansfield, CT
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7
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Ehrhardt MJ, Friedman DN, Hudson MM. Health Care Transitions Among Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2024; 42:743-754. [PMID: 38194608 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.01504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancers, defined as individuals diagnosed with a primary malignancy between age 15 and 39 years, are a growing population with unique developmental, psychosocial, and health-related needs. These individuals are at excess risk of developing a wide range of chronic comorbidities compared with the general population and, therefore, require lifelong, risk-based, survivorship care to optimize long-term health outcomes. The health care needs of survivors of AYA cancers are particularly complicated given the often heterogeneous and sometimes fragmented care they receive throughout the cancer care continuum. For example, AYA survivors are often treated in disparate settings (pediatric v adult) on dissimilar protocols that include different recommendations for longitudinal follow-up. Specialized tools and techniques are needed to ensure that AYA survivors move seamlessly from acute cancer care to survivorship care and, in many cases, from pediatric to adult clinics while still remaining engaged in long-term follow-up. Systematic, age-appropriate transitional practices involving well-established clinical models of care, survivorship care plans, and survivorship guidelines are needed to facilitate effective transitions between providers. Future studies are necessary to enhance and optimize the clinical effectiveness of transition processes in AYA cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Ehrhardt
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Danielle Novetsky Friedman
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Melissa M Hudson
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
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8
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Schilstra CE, Sansom-Daly UM, Ellis SJ, Trahair TN, Anazodo AC, Amiruddin A, Lindsay T, Maguire F, Wakefield CE, Lah S, Bland E, Lenthen K, Rifkin A, Awan A, Kittos T, Hanbury N, Tsalidis S, Patterson P, McDonald F, Fardell JE. Guidelines for Caring for the Social Well-Being of Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer in Australia. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2024; 13:8-29. [PMID: 37367208 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2023.0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 1000 Australian adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are diagnosed with cancer annually. Many report unmet social well-being needs, which impact their mental health. Australian AYA cancer care providers lack guidance to address these needs well. We aimed to develop guidelines for caring for the social well-being of AYAs with cancer in Australia. Following the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council guidance, we formed a multidisciplinary working group (n = 4 psychosocial researchers, n = 4 psychologists, n = 4 AYA cancer survivors, n = 2 oncologists, n = 2 nurses, and n = 2 social workers), defined the scope of the guidelines, gathered evidence via a systematic review, graded the evidence, and surveyed AYA cancer care providers about the feasibility and acceptability of the guidelines. The guidelines recommend which AYAs should have their social well-being assessed, who should lead that assessment, when assessment should occur with which tools/measures, and how clinicians can address AYAs' social well-being concerns. A key clinician, who is knowledgeable about AYAs' developmental needs, should lead the assessment of social well-being during and after cancer treatment. The AYA Psycho-Oncology Screening Tool is recommended to screen for social well-being needs. The HEADSSS Assessment (Home, Education/Employment, Eating/Exercise, Activities/Peer Relationships, Drug use, Sexuality, Suicidality/Depression, Safety/Spirituality Assessment) can be used for in-depth assessment of social well-being, while the Social Phobia Inventory can be used to assess social anxiety. AYA cancer care providers rated the guidelines as highly acceptable, but discussed many feasibility barriers. These guidelines provide an optimal care pathway for the social well-being of AYAs with cancer. Future research addressing implementation is critical to meet AYAs' social well-being needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa E Schilstra
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Ursula M Sansom-Daly
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
- Sydney Youth Cancer Service, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarah J Ellis
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Toby N Trahair
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Antoinette C Anazodo
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Azhani Amiruddin
- Western Sydney Youth Cancer Service, Westmead Hospital, Wentworthville, Australia
| | | | - Fiona Maguire
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
- Sydney Youth Cancer Service, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Claire E Wakefield
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Suncica Lah
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Bland
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | | | - Allison Rifkin
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Adry Awan
- Cancer Survivor and Advisor, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Pandora Patterson
- Canteen, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Fiona McDonald
- Canteen, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Joanna E Fardell
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
- Western Sydney Youth Cancer Service, Westmead Hospital, Wentworthville, Australia
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9
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Hughes K, Blackett L, Jacobson CEH, Henley SMD, Carr E. A Systematic Review of the Psychosocial Measures Used in Teenage and Young Adult Cancer. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2024; 13:30-39. [PMID: 37477895 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2023.0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Teenagers and young adults (TYAs; ages 16-24 in the United Kingdom) with cancer have specific needs and experience worse physiological and psychological outcomes compared with pediatric and adult cancer. In the United Kingdom, psychosocial screening is a mandatory part of TYA care. However, there is a lack of age-appropriate and acceptable psychosocial measures for this population. This review aimed to (1) identify the psychosocial measures utilized and available for TYA cancer and (2) describe their psychometric properties. Methods: We searched five databases for studies meeting the eligibility criteria. We extracted data relevant to the review and assessed study quality using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines and the Hughes Quality Assessment Tool developed by the research team. Results: We identified 40 studies that included 105 psychosocial measures. The main constructs measured were distress, depression, and anxiety. The TYA age range varied widely. Reporting of psychosocial measures and their psychometric properties was poor, and most measures were not validated or developed for TYA cancer populations. Discussion: There is an urgent need for psychosocial measures that are designed for and validated in TYA cancer populations. Appropriate measures would enable clinicians to reliably identify and effectively support the psychosocial challenges faced by TYAs. The use of validated psychosocial measures enables earlier detection of difficulties, fosters patient-centered care, and is cost-effective since resources can be allocated to those most in need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Hughes
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Blackett
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Susie M D Henley
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ewan Carr
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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10
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Meernik C, Dorfman CS, Zullig LL, Lazard AJ, Fish L, Farnan L, Nichols HB, Oeffinger KC, Akinyemiju T. Health Care Access Barriers and Self-Reported Health Among Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2024; 13:112-122. [PMID: 37307018 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2023.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Adolescents and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors (15-39 years at diagnosis) are at risk for treatment-related late effects but face barriers in accessing survivorship care. We examined the prevalence of five health care access (HCA) barriers: affordability, accessibility, availability, accommodation, and acceptability. Methods: We identified AYA survivors from the University of North Carolina (UNC) Cancer Survivorship Cohort who completed a baseline questionnaire in 2010-2016. Participants had a history of cancer, were ≥18 years of age, and receiving care at a UNC oncology clinic. The sample was restricted to AYA survivors who were interviewed ≥1 year postdiagnosis. We used modified Poisson regression to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) for the association between HCA barriers and self-reported fair or poor health, adjusted for sociodemographic and cancer characteristics. Results: The sample included 146 AYA survivors who were a median age of 39 at the time of the survey. The majority (71%)-and 92% of non-Hispanic Black survivors-reported at least one HCA barrier, including acceptability (40%), accommodation (38%), or affordability (31%). More than one-quarter of survivors (28%) reported fair or poor health. Affordability barriers (PR: 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-3.18) and acceptability barriers (PR: 1.60, 95% CI: 0.96-2.66) were associated with a higher prevalence of fair/poor health, as were the cumulative effects of multiple HCA dimensions reported as barriers. Conclusions: Barriers across multiple HCA dimensions were prevalent and associated with worse health in AYA survivors. Findings highlight the need to better understand and target specific barriers to care for diverse AYA survivors to improve their long-term health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Meernik
- Department of Population Health Sciences and Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Caroline S Dorfman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Leah L Zullig
- Department of Population Health Sciences and Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Allison J Lazard
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Laura Fish
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Laura Farnan
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hazel B Nichols
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kevin C Oeffinger
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tomi Akinyemiju
- Department of Population Health Sciences and Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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11
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Moerdler S, DuVall AS, Hayes-Lattin B, Grimes A, Prasad PK, Molina JC, Monga V, Freyer DR, Roth ME. Gaps in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Education in Oncology Fellowship Training. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2024; 13:97-104. [PMID: 37477884 PMCID: PMC11071107 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2023.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs, 15-39 years) with cancer experience disparities in care and outcomes compared with older/younger patients. AYAs receive care from medical and pediatric oncologists, however, little is known about the extent of training fellows receive. This needs assessment evaluating current AYA oncology (AYA-O) education in pediatric and medical oncology fellowship programs to identify knowledge gaps for curricular development. Methods: An anonymous, cross-sectional, web-based survey developed by pediatric and medical oncologists was sent to medical (n = 178) and pediatric (n = 119) hematology/oncology program directors (PDs) at 251 sites in the United States. PDs were asked to participate and distribute the survey to their fellows. Survey questions addressed current AYA curriculum, provider comfort, and priorities for future AYA educational content. Results: Participants from 69/251 programs responded (program response rate = 27%), including 51 PDs (32 pediatric, 19 medical oncology) and 58 fellows (33 pediatric, 25 medical oncology). Eighty-five percent of PDs (44/51) reported lacking formal AYA curricula. Of these, 80% (35/44) offer some topic-specific lectures, while 20% (9/44) provide little/no education for any topics. For nearly all topics, at least 45% of combined respondents reported little/no education. Respondents believe AYA topics are important for inclusion in future curricula. The most important topics for inclusion reported were oncofertility (82%), survivorship (78%), and communication (77%). Conclusions: There are large and actionable gaps in AYA-O education during fellowship training. Efforts are underway to develop AYA-O curriculum to provide both medical and pediatric oncology fellows with the knowledge and skills required to provide optimal AYA care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Moerdler
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Adam S. DuVall
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Brandon Hayes-Lattin
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Allison Grimes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Pinki K. Prasad
- Hematology and Oncology Section, Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Health, Children's Hospital of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - John C. Molina
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Varun Monga
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - David R. Freyer
- Department of Pediatrics and Population and Public Health Sciences, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Michael E. Roth
- Department of Pediatrics Patient Care, Division of Pediatrics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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12
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Linkeviciute A, Canario R, Peccatori FA, Dierickx K. Caring for Pregnant Patients with Cancer: A Framework for Ethical and Patient-Centred Care. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:455. [PMID: 38275896 PMCID: PMC10813952 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Caring for pregnant cancer patients is clinically and ethically complex. There is no structured ethical guidance for healthcare professionals caring for these patients. (2) Objective: This concept paper proposes a theoretically grounded framework to support ethical and patient-centred care of pregnant cancer patients. (3) Methodological approach: The framework development was based on ethical models applicable to cancer care during pregnancy-namely principle-based approaches (biomedical ethics principles developed by Beauchamp and Childress and the European principles in bioethics and biolaw) and relational, patient-focused approaches (relational ethics, ethics of care and medical maternalism)-and informed by a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines. (4) Results: Five foundational discussion themes, summarising the key ethical considerations that should be taken into account by healthcare professionals while discussing treatment and care options with these patients, were identified. This was further developed into a comprehensive ethics checklist that can be used during clinical appointments and highlights the need for a holistic view to patient treatment, care and counselling while providing ethical, patient-centric care. (5) Conclusion: The proposed framework was further operationalised into an ethics checklist for healthcare professionals that aims to help them anticipate and address ethical concerns that may arise when attending to pregnant cancer patients. Further studies exploring clinicians' attitudes towards cancer treatment in the course of pregnancy and patient experiences when diagnosed with cancer while pregnant and wider stakeholder engagement are needed to inform the development of further ethical, patient-centred guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Linkeviciute
- Fertility and Procreation Unit, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Rita Canario
- Cancer Metastasis i3S-Institute for Research & Innovation in Health, R. Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Research Centre, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fedro Alessandro Peccatori
- Fertility and Procreation Unit, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Kris Dierickx
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
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13
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Bootsma TI, van de Wal D, Vlooswijk C, Roos DC, Drabbe C, Tissier R, Bijlsma RM, Kaal SEJ, Kerst JM, Tromp JM, Bos MEMM, van der Hulle T, Lalisang RI, Nuver J, Kouwenhoven MCM, van der Graaf WTA, Janssen SHM, Husson O. Exploring the interconnectedness between health-related quality of life factors among long-term adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYAs): a network analysis. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:104. [PMID: 38217712 PMCID: PMC10787889 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08295-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYAs) are at increased risk of long-term and late effects, and experience unmet needs, impacting their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). In order to provide and optimize supportive care and targeted interventions for this unique population, it is important to study HRQoL factors' interconnectedness on a population level. Therefore, this network analysis was performed with the aim to explore the interconnectedness between HRQoL factors, in the analysis described as nodes, among long-term AYAs. METHODS This population-based cohort study used cross-sectional survey data of long-term AYAs, who were identified by the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR). Participants completed a one-time survey (SURVAYA study), including the EORTC survivorship questionnaire (QLQ-SURV111) to assess their long-term HRQoL outcomes and sociodemographic characteristics. The NCR provided the clinical data. Descriptive statistics and a network analysis, including network clustering, were performed. RESULTS In total, 3596 AYAs (on average 12.4 years post diagnosis) were included in our network analysis. The network was proven stable and reliable and, in total, four clusters were identified, including a worriment, daily functioning, psychological, and sexual cluster. Negative health outlook, part of the worriment cluster, was the node with the highest strength and its partial correlation with health distress was significantly different from all other partial correlations. CONCLUSION This study shows the results of a stable and reliable network analysis based on HRQoL data of long-term AYAs, and identified nodes, correlations, and clusters that could be intervened on to improve the HRQoL outcomes of AYAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom I Bootsma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, 1066, CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Deborah van de Wal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, 1066, CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carla Vlooswijk
- Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization, 3511, DT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Daniëlle C Roos
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015, GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cas Drabbe
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, 1066, CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Renaud Tissier
- Department of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066, CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rhodé M Bijlsma
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584, CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Suzanne E J Kaal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Martijn Kerst
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, 1066, CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline M Tromp
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monique E M M Bos
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015, GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tom van der Hulle
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333, ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Roy I Lalisang
- Department of Internal Medicine, GROW-School of Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht UMC+ Comprehensive Cancer Center, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Janine Nuver
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713, GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mathilde C M Kouwenhoven
- Department of Neurology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Brain Tumor Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Winette T A van der Graaf
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, 1066, CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015, GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Silvie H M Janssen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, 1066, CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066, CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Olga Husson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, 1066, CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015, GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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14
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Robert R, Andersen CR, Murphy KM, Granger TA, Scardaville MC, Medina-George SA, Nguyen V, Frieden LM. Factors contributing to financial distress in young adults with cancer: Material resources, health, and workplace. Work 2024; 77:197-209. [PMID: 37638461 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Financial distress is a primary concern for young adults with cancer. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify material resources, physical and psychological health, and workplace variables that are associated with financial distress in young adult cancer survivors. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Cancer Survivor Employment Needs Survey. Participants were young adults (18-39 years of age) who lived in the United States and had a cancer diagnosis. Multivariable linear regression was used to model relations between financial distress and material resources, physical and psychological health, and workplace variables. RESULTS Participants (N = 214) were mostly non-Hispanic White (78%), female (79%), and had a mean age of 31 years and 4.6 years post-diagnosis. Material resources, physical and psychological health, and workplace variables were all identified as contributing to study participants' financial distress. Among the young adults surveyed, financial distress was prevalent, and an array of problems were associated with financial distress. CONCLUSION Oncology and rehabilitation providers should openly discuss finances with YAs with cancer and guide them to resources that can address their financial, benefits, and vocational needs to ultimately improve quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhonda Robert
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Clark R Andersen
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Teresa A Granger
- Department of Educational Studies in Psychology, Research Methodology, and Counseling, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | | | | | - Vinh Nguyen
- Texas Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) Memorial Hermann, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lex M Frieden
- Texas Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) Memorial Hermann, Houston, TX, USA
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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15
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Baye AA, Bogale SK, Delie AT, Melak Fekadie M, Wondyifraw HG, Tigabu ME, Kebede M. Psychosocial distress and associated factors among adult cancer patients at oncology: a case of Ethiopia. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1238002. [PMID: 38192622 PMCID: PMC10772143 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1238002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Psychosocial distress is a chronic burden for cancer survivors, which impacts both their quality of life and their oncologic prognosis. Although the national cancer prevention and control program in Ethiopia has made efforts in cancer prevention, control, and management by implementing the national cancer control plan 2016-2020, there was no enough evidence about psychosocial distress among adult cancer patients. So, it is critical to understand the magnitude of psychosocial distress and the factors that contribute to it. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of psychosocial distress and associated factors among adult cancer patients at oncology units in the Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. 2022. Methods A multicenter institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 605 adult cancer patients from 30 April to 22 June 2022. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study units. In addition, data were collected through interviewers administered questionnaires by using the validated and pretested tools. Distress was assessed using the Questionnaire on Stress in Cancer Patients Revised 10. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to describe the association between dependent and independent variables. Independent variable with p < 0.25 in the bivariable logistic regression analyses were entered into multivariable logistic regression model. Variables with p < 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression analyses were considered as statistically significant associated factors of psychosocial distress. Result A total of 593 adult cancer patients took part in this study with mean age of 46.86 ± 14.5 years. The overall prevalence of psychosocial distress was 63.74%. Variables such as being female [AOR = 1.98, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24-3.17], patients who lives in rural areas (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.49-3.54), community-based health insurance utilization (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.23-0.51), patients on chemotherapy treatment (AOR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.38-5.39), patients with comorbidity (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.67-6.10), and symptom burdens such as severe fatigue (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI:1.09-2.39) and severe nausea (AOR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.43-3.00) were statistically associated with psychosocial distress. Conclusion and recommendation In general, the findings of this study showed a relatively high magnitude in which around two-thirds of patients experienced psychosocial distress. It is better to establish and enforce the integration and coordination of psychosocial oncology service programs at national level with parallel guidelines and policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astewle Andargie Baye
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Sitotaw Kerie Bogale
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Abebu Tegenaw Delie
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Mengistu Melak Fekadie
- Department of Pediatric and Child Health Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | | | - Mengistu Ewunetu Tigabu
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Mulu Kebede
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
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Daniels S, Bartholomew E, Chambliss H. Development of the Together - Teens&20s microsite, an online resource for adolescent and young adult cancer patients. PEC Innov 2023; 3:100235. [PMID: 38213758 PMCID: PMC10782112 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2023.100235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Objectives The purpose of this study was to explore the information needs and preferences of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients to guide next steps for development of a new online resource for this audience. The goals were to understand information needs, prioritize topic areas, and inform website design and functionality. Methods Participants were AYA cancer patients ages 13-25 years. We used multiple methods in two phases to gather audience feedback. The first phase collected quantitative data in an electronic survey (n = 45) about AYA patients' internet use and content preferences. The second phase collected qualitative data through focus groups (n = 13) about user preferences for content design and website function. Results Survey results showed AYA patients were more interested in content about how treatments would impact their lives rather than the treatments themselves. They preferred content on school, careers, relationships, independence, side effects, and fertility. The focus groups indicated AYA patients prefer a clean, stylish design; infographics and visual aids; and the ability to find information quickly and control the amount they read. Conclusions Online resources represent an important opportunity to advance cancer education for AYA patients. However, it is important to consider the information needs and preferences of this audience in content design and delivery. Innovation Practitioners should use stakeholder input to guide the creation of patient education resources that are age- and audience-appropriate. This study provides insights into AYA information needs and preferences in pediatric oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Daniels
- Child Life Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS 121, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Elizabeth Bartholomew
- Department of Strategic Communications, Education, and Outreach, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, USA
| | - Heather Chambliss
- Department of Strategic Communications, Education, and Outreach, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, USA
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Haines ER, Lux L, Stein J, Swift C, Matson M, Childers J, Kleissler D, Mayer DK, Steiner N, Steiner L, Rosenstein D, Gold S, Smitherman AB. Developing a Comprehensive Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program: Lessons Learned from 7 Years of Growth and Progress. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023; 12:868-878. [PMID: 37155196 PMCID: PMC10777816 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2023.0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Every year, nearly 100,000 adolescents and young adults (15-39 years, AYAs) are diagnosed with cancer in the United States and many have unmet physical, psychosocial, and practical needs during and after cancer treatment. In response to demands for improved cancer care delivery for this population, specialized AYA cancer programs have emerged across the country. However, cancer centers face multilevel barriers to developing and implementing AYA cancer programs and would benefit from more robust guidance on how to approach AYA program development. Methods: To contribute to this guidance, we describe the development of an AYA cancer program at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Results: We summarize the evolution of UNC's AYA Cancer Program since it was established in 2015, offering pragmatic strategies for developing, implementing, and sustaining AYA cancer programs. Conclusion: The development of the UNC AYA Cancer Program since 2015 has generated many lessons learned that we hope may be informative to other cancer centers seeking to build specialized services for AYAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R. Haines
- Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lauren Lux
- UNC Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jacob Stein
- Division of Oncology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Catherine Swift
- UNC Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Melissa Matson
- UNC Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Julie Childers
- UNC Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel Kleissler
- Office of Clinical and Translational Research in Oncology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Deborah K. Mayer
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Lucy Steiner
- Be Loud! Sophie Foundation, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Donald Rosenstein
- Comprehensive Cancer Support Program, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Stuart Gold
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Andrew B. Smitherman
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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18
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Din HN, Strong D, Singh-Carlson S, Corliss HL, Hartman SJ, Madanat H, Su HI. The effect of changing pregnancy intentions on preconception health behaviors: a prospective cohort study. J Cancer Surviv 2023; 17:1660-1668. [PMID: 36289184 PMCID: PMC10539193 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-022-01281-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pregnancy intentions are associated with preconception health behaviors but are understudied among female adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. Preconception health is critical for survivors because they face unique risks to fertility and pregnancy from late effects of cancer treatments. This study prospectively assessed the effect of pregnancy intention on physical activity (PA) and smoking behaviors among female AYA survivors. METHODS A cohort of 1049 female AYA survivors were recruited between 2013 and 2017. Participants were 18-39 years and had completed primary cancer treatment. Longitudinal mixed effects analysis was conducted on participants who completed at least 2 of 4 questionnaires over 1.5 years. Two measures were used to capture multiple dimensions of pregnancy intention. The pregnancy intention score (PIS) captured wanting and planning dimensions and represented a scaled response of low to high intention. The trying dimension captured urgent intention and ranged from not trying, ambivalent (neither attempting nor avoiding pregnancy), and trying now. Intention change was assessed between each consecutive time points. Final analysis was conducted with multiple imputations. RESULTS Survivors with increased intention measured by trying was associated with increased PA over time (adjusted B [95%CI]: 0.3 [0.01, 0.5]) compared to survivors with no changes or decreased trying intention. PIS was not significantly associated with preconception behaviors. No measure of intention was associated with smoking behavior. CONCLUSIONS Increasingly urgent pregnancy intention (trying dimension) was associated with higher preconception PA. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Screening for immediate intentions can identify AYA survivors in need of early preconception health promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hena Naz Din
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA, 92182, USA.
| | - David Strong
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Savitri Singh-Carlson
- School of Nursing, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Mall, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
| | - Heather L Corliss
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
- Center for Research On Sexuality and Sexual Health, Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, San Diego State University, 9245 Sky Park Court, Suite 221, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA
| | - Sheri J Hartman
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Hala Madanat
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
- Division of Research & Innovation, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
- Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, San Diego State University, 9245 Sky Park Court, Suite 221, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA
| | - H Irene Su
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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Betts AC, Murphy CC, Shay LA, Balasubramanian BA, Markham C, Roth ME, Allicock M. Polypharmacy and medication fill nonadherence in a population-based sample of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors, 2008-2017. J Cancer Surviv 2023; 17:1688-1697. [PMID: 36346577 PMCID: PMC10164839 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-022-01274-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We examined the association between polypharmacy-an established risk factor for nonadherence in the elderly-and medication fill nonadherence in a large national sample of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYAs) in the USA. METHODS We pooled data (2008-2017) from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. We defined polypharmacy as ≥ 3 unique medications prescribed, based on self-report and pharmacy data, and medication fill nonadherence as self-reported delay or inability to obtain a necessary medication. We estimated prevalence of medication fill nonadherence among AYAs (age 18-39 years with a cancer history). We used logistic regression to estimate the association between (1) polypharmacy and medication fill nonadherence in AYAs, and (2) total number of medications prescribed and medication fill nonadherence, controlling for sex, number of chronic conditions, disability, and survey year. RESULTS AYAs (n = 598) were predominantly female (76.2%), age 30-39 years (64.9%), and non-Hispanic White (72.1%). Nearly half were poor (19.0%) or near-poor/low income (21.6%). One in ten AYAs reported medication fill nonadherence (9.75%). Of these, more than 70% cited cost-related barriers as the reason. AYAs with polypharmacy had 2.49 times higher odds of medication fill nonadherence (95%CI 1.11-5.59), compared to those without polypharmacy. Odds of medication fill nonadherence increased by 16% with each additional medication prescribed (AOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.07-1.25). CONCLUSIONS Polypharmacy may be an important risk factor for medication fill nonadherence in AYAs in the USA. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Improving AYAs' medication adherence requires eliminating cost-related barriers, particularly for those with polypharmacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Betts
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Caitlin C Murphy
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - L Aubree Shay
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Bijal A Balasubramanian
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, Dallas, TX, USA
- Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, UTHealth School of Public Health, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Christine Markham
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael E Roth
- Division of Pediatrics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marlyn Allicock
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, Dallas, TX, USA
- Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, UTHealth School of Public Health, Dallas, TX, USA
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Agapito I, Ng DQ, Milam J, Ziogas A, Anton‐Culver H, Chan A. Neuropsychiatric complications and associated management in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: An All of Us study. Cancer Med 2023; 12:20953-20963. [PMID: 37902258 PMCID: PMC10709746 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND About 4.5% of new cancer cases affect adolescent and young adult aged between 15 and 39 years in the United States (US). However, the effect of neuropsychiatric conditions on long-term adolescent and young adult cancer (AYAC) survivors has not been formally investigated. Thus, the impact and management of late neuropsychiatric complications in AYAC survivors compared to non-cancer-matched controls (NCMC) in the US were evaluated using the All of Us (AoU) Research Program. METHODS Participants in the AoU Controlled Tier Dataset (v6) diagnosed with cancer between ages 15 and 39 were identified from electronic health records and surveys. AYAC survivors were matched with NCMC using the optimal pair-matching algorithm at a 1:4 ratio. Data on past diagnoses, current follow-up care, and treatment patterns of neuropsychiatric complications were collected. RESULTS Analysis was performed on 788 AYAC survivors and 3152 NCMC. AYAC survivors, with an average of 8.8 years since their first cancer diagnosis, were more likely than NCMC to receive a diagnosis of neuropathy, memory loss and epilepsy (p < 0.001). Survivors also had a higher rate of follow-up care and treatment utilization for these neurological conditions compared to NCMC (p < 0.05). Treatment utilization was highest among survivors receiving care for epilepsy (88%), and lower for neuropathy (70%), memory loss (61%), and chronic fatigue (59%). CONCLUSIONS This large study reveals that AYAC survivors, on average 9 years after their cancer diagnosis, require more frequent follow-up care for neurological complications compared to non-cancer individuals. However, the management of neuropathy, memory loss, and chronic fatigue is hindered by a lack of mechanism-based effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivann Agapito
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of California IrvineIrvineCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ding Quan Ng
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of California IrvineIrvineCaliforniaUSA
| | - Joel Milam
- School of MedicineUniversity of California IrvineIrvineCaliforniaUSA
- Program in Public HealthUniversity of California IrvineIrvineCaliforniaUSA
| | - Argyrios Ziogas
- School of MedicineUniversity of California IrvineIrvineCaliforniaUSA
| | - Hoda Anton‐Culver
- School of MedicineUniversity of California IrvineIrvineCaliforniaUSA
| | - Alexandre Chan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of California IrvineIrvineCaliforniaUSA
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21
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Wu X, Wang J, He D. Establishment and validation of a competitive risk model for predicting cancer-specific survival in patients with osteosarcoma: a population-based study. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:15383-15394. [PMID: 37639006 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05320-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor with a poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to establish a competitive risk model nomogram to predict cancer-specific survival in patients with osteosarcoma. METHODS Patient data was obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database in the United States. A sub-distribution proportional hazards model was used to analyze independent risk factors affecting cancer-specific mortality (CSM) in osteosarcoma patients. Based on these risk factors, a competitive risk model was constructed to predict 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) in osteosarcoma patients. The reliability and accuracy of the nomogram were evaluated using the concordance index (C-index), the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and calibration curves. RESULTS A total of 2900 osteosarcoma patients were included. The analysis showed that age, primary tumor site, M stage, surgery, chemotherapy, and median household income were independent risk factors influencing CSM in patients. The competitive risk model was constructed to predict CSS in osteosarcoma patients. In the training and validation sets, the C-index of the model was 0.756 (95% CI 0.725-0.787) and 0.737 (95% CI 0.717-0.757), respectively, and the AUC was greater than 0.7 for both. The calibration curves also demonstrated a high consistency between the predicted survival rates and the actual survival rates, confirming the accuracy and reliability of the model. CONCLUSION We established a competitive risk model to predict 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year CSS in osteosarcoma patients. The model demonstrated good predictive performance and can assist clinicians and patients in making clinical decisions and formulating follow-up strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 2 ZhongShan Rd, Chongqing, 400013, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinkui Wang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 2 ZhongShan Rd, Chongqing, 400013, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dawei He
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 2 ZhongShan Rd, Chongqing, 400013, Chongqing, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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22
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Quarello P, Toss A, Berchialla P, Mascarin M, Lambertini M, Canesi M, Maria Milano G, Incorvaia L, Luigi Banna G, Peccatori F, Ferrari A. Healthcare Professional Communication on Sexual Health: A Report from the Italian Working Group on Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer. Oncologist 2023; 28:e884-e890. [PMID: 37348061 PMCID: PMC10546817 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual function is an important concern for adolescent and young adult (AYA) with cancer. The aim of this study was to explore the attitude of Italian health care professionals who deal with AYA patients with cancer toward sexual health communication. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 11-question survey was developed by the AIOM (Associazione Italiana di Oncologia Medica) and AIEOP (Associazione Italiana Ematologia Oncologia Pediatrica) AYA workgroup and sent to AIOM and AIEOP members. RESULTS The sample comprised 360 respondents, 54.2% AIEOP and 45.8% AIOM members. Eighty percent were physicians, 14.5% nurses, 4.7% psychologists, and 0.8% other professionals. Medical oncologists are more used to investigate about AYA sexual health than pediatric oncologists (58.2% vs. 46.2%), even if pediatrics more frequently refer patients to specific and shared protocol (40% vs. 26.1%). Both AIOM and AIEOP participants mostly talk about sexual health only on request or occasionally (78.8% and 79%, respectively). Clinician-reported barriers to communication identified in this study are lack of preparation and embarrassment for both the categories, plus the presence/interference of parents for pediatrics and lack of time for medical oncologists. Overall, less than 5% of clinicians in our survey received specific training on potential sexual health issues in AYA patients with cancer and only 2% felt adequately prepared to speak about it. CONCLUSION Sexual health is a key component of comprehensive care for AYA with cancer during treatments. This study highlighted the need of Italian providers for specific training and guidelines on sex-related health issues encountered by AYA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Quarello
- Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Division, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Torino, Italy
- Department of Sciences of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Angela Toss
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Paola Berchialla
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mascarin
- AYA Oncology and Department of Radiation Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy
| | - Matteo Lambertini
- Departament of Medical Oncology, U.O. Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Marta Canesi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maria Milano
- Department of Pediatric Onco-Hematology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Lorena Incorvaia
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences Section of Medical Oncology University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Fedro Peccatori
- Gynecologic Oncology Department, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Ferrari
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
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Lown EA, Otto HR, Norton CL, Jong MC, Jong M. Program evaluation of a wilderness experience for adolescents facing cancer: A time in nature to heal, connect and find strength. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291856. [PMID: 37788280 PMCID: PMC10547176 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite advances in cancer treatment and increased survival, adolescents in treatment for cancer often suffer from psychosocial distress, negative mood, and chronic health problems. Wilderness therapy is considered a promising program to address psychosocial issues among adolescents with mental or behavioral health issues. There is little research on whether it may benefit adolescents in cancer treatment. METHODS This program evaluation in the form of a pilot study uses qualitative and quantitative measures to describe the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and to explore the impact of a nine-day wilderness program among adolescents aged 13-17 in treatment or who recently finished treatment for a cancer. Quantitative tracking documented recruitment, retention, safety, and participant satisfaction. PROMIS measures assessed mental and social health, positive affect, fatigue, pain interference and intensity over three time-points: pre, post, and three-months after the nine-day wilderness experience. Mean differences were compared over time. Qualitative data collection involved participant observation and open-ended interviews. RESULTS Study enrollment goals were met, enrolling eight adolescent participants with 100% participant retention. No serious adverse events were reported and participants described high satisfaction (9.25/10) with the wilderness experience on the final day and at three-months follow-up (9.5/10). Exploratory data analysis showed scores in a favorable direction indicating improved psychosocial outcomes in physical functioning, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and peer relations. From qualitative analysis it is suggested that program participation supported: increased self-confidence and peer connection. The program was evaluated as increasing personal accomplishment, supporting social interaction, having strong staff support, and capitalizing on the natural surroundings. CONCLUSION Use of a wilderness program is feasible, acceptable, and safe among this highly vulnerable adolescent cancer population. Participants described greater self-confidence and peer connection which developed as participants experienced physical competency, group leadership, and personal strength. Larger randomized controlled studies are needed to learn whether these programs can improve psychosocial outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Anne Lown
- Department of Social Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | | | - Christine Lynn Norton
- School of Social Work, Texas State University, Kyle, Texas, United States of America
| | - Miek C. Jong
- National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden
| | - Mats Jong
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden
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Hall AG, Syrjala KL, Ketterl TG, Ganz PA, Jacobs LA, Palmer SC, Partridge A, Rajotte EJ, Mueller BA, Baker KS. Socioeconomic Factors and Adherence to Health Care Recommendations in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023; 12:701-709. [PMID: 36779982 PMCID: PMC10611968 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2022.0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The majority of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors do not receive recommended health care surveillance after therapy. We used cross-sectional survey data to evaluate the impact of income, education, marital status, and insurance on health care adherence among AYA survivors. Methods: Eligible survivors were 18-39 years at diagnosis with invasive malignancy, 1-5 years from therapy completion. Online surveys assessed sociodemographic factors and self-report of completion of recommended health care services. Diagnosis and treatment data were abstracted from medical records. Multivariable logistic regression calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for adherence in relation to socioeconomic status and support. Results: Of 344 participants, 36% were adherent to at least 80% of recommendations. Adherence varied by cancer type: 34% for breast cancer, 52% for leukemia/lymphoma, 23% for other tumors. Adherence rates were similar among White, Asian, and Hispanic/Latinx patients. Lower adherence was associated with lower education (OR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.23-0.80 for <4-year college degree) and lower annual income (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.28-0.95 for $41,000-$80,000; OR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.19-0.86 for ≤$40,000). Adherence decreased with decreasing income levels among those who were 1 to less than 3 years after diagnosis (OR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.07-0.93 for $81,000-$120,000; OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.07-0.84 for $41,000-$80,000; OR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.03-0.60 for ≤$40,000). Conclusion: Risk of nonadherence to health care guidelines was associated with lower income and lower education among AYA cancer survivors. Identification of these risks and related barriers to adherence in AYA survivors will inform interventions designed to meet needs of these high-risk groups, particularly during the first years after diagnosis. Trial Registration: NCT02192333.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurekha G Hall
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Karen L Syrjala
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Tyler G Ketterl
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Patricia A Ganz
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Linda A Jacobs
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Steven C Palmer
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ann Partridge
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily Jo Rajotte
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Beth A Mueller
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - K Scott Baker
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
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25
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Cui W, Rocconi RP, Thota R, Anderson RA, Bruinooge SS, Comstock IA, Denduluri N, Gassman A, Gralow J, Hutt KJ, Amiri-Kordestani L, Lambertini M, Leighton J, Lu KH, Mostoufi-Moab S, Pollastro T, Pradhan S, Saber H, Schenkel C, Spratt D, Wedam S, Phillips KA. Measuring ovarian toxicity in clinical trials: an American Society of Clinical Oncology research statement. Lancet Oncol 2023; 24:e415-e423. [PMID: 37797647 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(23)00390-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Anticancer agents can impair ovarian function, resulting in premature menopause and associated long-term health effects. Ovarian toxicity is not usually adequately assessed in trials of anticancer agents, leaving an important information gap for patients facing therapy choices. This American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) statement provides information about the incorporation of ovarian toxicity measures in trial design. ASCO recommends: (1) measurement of ovarian toxicity in relevant clinical trials of anticancer agents that enrol post-pubertal, pre-menopausal patients; (2) collection of ovarian function measures at baseline and at 12-24 months after anticancer agent cessation, as a minimum, and later in line with the trial schedule; and (3) assessment of both clinical measures and biomarkers of ovarian function. ASCO recognises that routine measurement of ovarian toxicity and function in cancer clinical trials will add additional complexity and burden to trial resources but asserts that this issue is of such importance to patients that it cannot continue to be overlooked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanda Cui
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Rodney P Rocconi
- The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Cancer Center & Research Institute, Jackson, MS, USA
| | | | - Richard A Anderson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Ioanna A Comstock
- Office of Rare Diseases, Pediatrics, Urologic and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Urology, Obstetrics, and Gynecology, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | | | - Audrey Gassman
- Office of Rare Diseases, Pediatrics, Urologic and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Urology, Obstetrics, and Gynecology, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Julie Gralow
- American Society of Clinical Oncology, Alexandria, VA, USA
| | - Karla J Hutt
- Development and Stem Cell Program and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Laleh Amiri-Kordestani
- Division of Oncology 1, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Matteo Lambertini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy; Department of Medical Oncology, UO Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - John Leighton
- Division of Hematology Oncology Toxicity, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Karen H Lu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sogol Mostoufi-Moab
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Shan Pradhan
- Office of Oncologic Diseases, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Haleh Saber
- Division of Hematology Oncology Toxicity, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | | | - Daniel Spratt
- Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Suparna Wedam
- Division of Oncology 1, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Kelly-Anne Phillips
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Chan A, Ports K, Ng DQ, Nasr R, Hsu S, Armenian S, Baca N, Freyer DR, Kuo DJ, Lin C, Milam J, Valerin J, Yun C, Torno L. Unmet Needs, Barriers, and Facilitators for Conducting Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivorship Research in Southern California: A Delphi Survey. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023; 12:765-772. [PMID: 36695742 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2022.0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: An adolescent and young adult cancer (AYAC) patient is an individual who has received a cancer diagnosis between 15 and 39 years of age. They require significant survivorship care due to a combination of practical, physical, and mental health problems, but research in these areas is sparse. This study aimed to identify the unmet needs, barriers, and facilitators for conducting AYAC survivorship research in Southern California (SoCal) from the providers' and researchers' perspectives. Methods: A two-round, electronically administered Delphi survey study was conducted, involving a panel of 12 health care professionals and/or researchers with substantial work experience in AYAC. A 10-point Likert scale was used to evaluate 24 areas of unmet needs in AYAC survivors, 39 barriers, and 25 facilitators. Results: The top unmet needs in AYAC survivorship requiring research were in mental health issues, improving school/occupational performance, neurocognitive disorders, subsequent malignant neoplasms, and reproductive health. The top barriers identified were as follows: (1) institutions are too short-staffed to administer survivorship studies; (2) oncologists do not have the time/resources; and (3) lack of available funding. The top facilitators identified were as follows: (1) development of a mechanism/program to fund AYAC survivorship research studies; (2) in-person or virtual investigator engagement between children's hospitals and adult cancer centers to discuss research studies; and (3) developing personalized survivorship goals with AYAC patients and survivors to facilitate enrollment into survivorship studies. Conclusion: Experts identified the lack of time, manpower, funding, and resources as major barriers in AYAC survivorship research. Enhancing communication and collaboration with different stakeholders may facilitate AYAC survivorship research efforts within the SoCal region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Chan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Kayleen Ports
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Ding Quan Ng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Reem Nasr
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Steffi Hsu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Saro Armenian
- Department of Pediatrics, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
- Department of Population Sciences, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Nicole Baca
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David R Freyer
- Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Dennis John Kuo
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Carol Lin
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Hyundai Cancer Institute at Children's Healthcare of Orange County, Orange, California, USA
| | - Joel Milam
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Jennifer Valerin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Christine Yun
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Hyundai Cancer Institute at Children's Healthcare of Orange County, Orange, California, USA
| | - Lilibeth Torno
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Hyundai Cancer Institute at Children's Healthcare of Orange County, Orange, California, USA
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27
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Parsons SK, Beauchemin MP, Dupuis L, Sugalski A, Wolfson JA, Santacroce SJ, Marchak JG, Sung L, Roth ME. Children's Oncology Group 2023 blueprint for research: Cancer care delivery research. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70 Suppl 6:e30579. [PMID: 37469004 PMCID: PMC10686255 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has a 40-year history of initiatives to encourage the participation of community oncology sites into clinical trials research and clinical care. In 2014, the NCI re-organized to form the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) network across seven research bases, including the Children's Oncology Group (COG), and numerous community sites. The COG portfolio for Cancer Care Delivery Research (CCDR), mirroring the larger NCORP network, has included two studies addressing guideline congruence, as an important marker of quality cancer care, and another focusing on financial toxicity, addressing the pervasive problems of healthcare cost. CCDR is a cross-cutting field that frequently examines intersectional aspects of healthcare delivery. With that in mind, we explicitly define domains of CCDR to propel our research agenda into the next phase of the NCORP CCDR program while acknowledging the complex and dynamic fields of clinical care, policy level decisions, research findings, and needs of communities served by the NCORP network that will inform the subsequent research questions. To ensure programmatic success, we will engage a broad interdisciplinary group of investigators and clinicians with expertise and dedication to community oncology and the populations they serve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan K. Parsons
- Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies and the Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Melissa P. Beauchemin
- Columbia University School of Nursing, CUIMC Minority/Underserved NCI Community Oncology Research Program, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Lee Dupuis
- Department of Pharmacy, The Hospital for Sick Children and Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Aaron Sugalski
- University Health System Pediatric Blood and Cancer Center, Division Hematology/Oncology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Julie Anna Wolfson
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Sheila J. Santacroce
- School of Nursing and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jordan G. Marchak
- Emory University School of Medicine, Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lillian Sung
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael E. Roth
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Moravek MB, Pavone ME, Burns K, Kashanian JA, Anderson RA, Klosky JL, Rotz SJ, Stern CJ, Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Levine JM, Meacham LR. Fertility assessment and treatment in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70 Suppl 5:e28854. [PMID: 37381152 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
In the survivorship setting, adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors frequently demonstrate little knowledge of infertility risk, are unclear regarding their fertility status, and may under- or overestimate their treatment-related risk for infertility. In female AYA survivors, ovarian function usually parallels fertility, and can be assessed with serum hormone levels and ultrasonography. Posttreatment fertility preservation may be appropriate for survivors at risk for primary ovarian insufficiency. In male AYA survivors, fertility and gonadal function are not always equally affected, and can be assessed with a semen analysis and serum hormones, respectively. As reproductive health issues are commonly cited as an important concern by survivors of AYA cancer, multidisciplinary care teams including oncology, endocrinology, psychology, and reproductive medicine are advocated, with the aim of optimal provision of fertility advice and care for AYA cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly B Moravek
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mary Ellen Pavone
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Karen Burns
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - James L Klosky
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Seth J Rotz
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Catharyn J Stern
- Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kenny A Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Division of Gynecology and Reproduction, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| | - Jennifer M Levine
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Cornell University Joan and Sanford I Weill Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Lillian R Meacham
- Aflac Cancer Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology and Endocrinology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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Frederick NN, Lehmann V, Ahler A, Carpenter K, Cherven B, Klosky JL, Nahata L, Quinn GP. Psychosexual functioning in cancer survivorship: What the pediatric oncologist needs to know. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70 Suppl 5:e30611. [PMID: 37548483 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Sexual health may be disrupted in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) both during and after cancer treatment, irrespective of whether they are diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood. Unfortunately, oncology providers often underestimate the relevance of psychosexual issues for AYAs and underprioritize sexual health throughout treatment and survivorship. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide information on (a) the etiology of psychosexual dysfunction in childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer patients and young adult survivors of childhood cancer; (b) strategies for communicating and evaluating potential sexual health issues of AYA patients/survivors; and (c) guidance for the practicing pediatric oncologist on how to address sexual health concerns with patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha N Frederick
- Department of Pediatrics and the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Vicky Lehmann
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid Ahler
- Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology (RME), Department of Sexual Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kristen Carpenter
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Brooke Cherven
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine & Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - James L Klosky
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine & Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Leena Nahata
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology and Center for Biobehavioral Health, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Gwendolyn P Quinn
- Departments of OB-GYN, Population Health, Center for Medical Ethics, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York
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Mersin S, Gülük F, Gülcan E, Eşkazan AE. Current and emerging tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia in young adults. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:1703-1713. [PMID: 37482425 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2240702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is more common in older adults, but nearly 15-20% of the patients is between 15 and 39 years of age. In this age group, patients may seek clinical care a much later period of the disease and they may have a heavier burden of disease. In addition, young patients with CML may face unique challenges related to their age, such as concerns about health care, fertility, or careers. The current standard of care for CML is the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), which induce remission in most young patients and can achieve long-term disease control. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes age-specific treatment-related conditions, as well as the effectiveness of TKI therapy in this age group. PubMed, Google Scholar, clinicaltrials.gov and other abstract databases were used while preparing this review. The period of 2001-2023 was chosen as the search window. EXPERT OPINION Although we do not have sufficient data, young adult population has a special importance for TKI treatment. Clinical features, efficacy of treatments, and specific conditions in this age group should attract more attention of clinicians and more intensive studies should be conducted in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinan Mersin
- Department of Hematology, Dr. Ersin Arslan Training and Research Hospital, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Fatih Gülük
- Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emirhan Gülcan
- Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Emre Eşkazan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
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Whiteside SL, Frias OJ, Clifford L, Schultz K, Erickson L, Caldwell M, Prebus O, Pruett M, Smith K. Oncofertility patient navigation: The frontlines of fertility and reproductive health care in cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70 Suppl 5:e28810. [PMID: 37606939 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Oncofertility is an emerging field that incorporates diverse disciplines working together to care for oncology patients from birth to adulthood who are facing surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy that may impact their fertility potential and reproductive function. Providing this care to newly diagnosed oncology patients in an expedited manner can be challenging. There is currently a paucity of published data about how this care is provided, training and education of individuals providing this care, and patient-reported outcomes related specifically to oncofertility care. The role of the oncofertility patient navigator is to bridge the institutional and disciplinary boundaries so oncology patients of all ages can receive timely information regarding fertility risk and preservation options at diagnosis and throughout survivorship care. The purpose of this paper is to define the role of the oncofertility patient navigator within diverse models of care and health care systems, and provide a framework for ongoing efforts to improve reproductive care for those affected by cancer in their years of child-bearing potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy L Whiteside
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Olivia Jaworek Frias
- Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Comprehensive Fertility Care and Preservation Program, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Lindsey Clifford
- Stead Family Children's Hospital and Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center Clinic, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Katie Schultz
- Department of Gynecology, Pediatric Fertility Preservation, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Laura Erickson
- Fertility and Hormone Preservation and Restoration Program, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mary Caldwell
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Olivia Prebus
- Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Megan Pruett
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Aflac Cancer Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kristin Smith
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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Kim S, Cho J, Shin DW, Jeong SM, Kang D. Racial differences in long-term social, physical, and psychological health among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. BMC Med 2023; 21:289. [PMID: 37542291 PMCID: PMC10403852 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03005-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current guidelines for survivorship in adolescents and young adults (AYA) cancer are based on studies conducted in the United States and European AYA survivors. However, previous studies have shown that the health-related quality of life in cancer survivors can vary depending on race, yet the long-term health differences among AYA survivors by race/ethnicity have not been fully explored. Therefore, our aim is to compare the psychosocial and physical health of AYA survivors and their matched controls across different racial and ethnic groups. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study using US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and the Korea NHANES from 2007 to 2018. We included AYA cancer survivors who were diagnosed with any type of cancer aged between 15 and 39 years, and who were adult with aged over 18 years old at survey year. We then stratified the study population by race/ethnicity with Non-Hispanic White (NHW, n = 310), African American (AA, n = 42), Hispanic (n = 81) from NHANES, and Asian (n = 389) from the Korea NHANES. We also selected 5 times age-, sex-, race-, and survey year-matched general population among participants who had never been diagnosed with cancer (N = 4110). Variables were defined using questionnaire data, physical exams, and laboratory tests. RESULTS Compared to NHW, Hispanics (aOR 1.15, 95% CI 1.00-1.32) had poor or fair general health, lower education (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.07-1.40), and lower household income (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.01-1.33). AA survivors were more likely to be non-coupled (aOR 1.35, 95% 1.15-1.60) and have hypertension (aOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.03-1.36). Asians were more former/current drinkers (aOR 1.21, 95% CI 1.05-1.40). NHW are more likely to experience psychological limitation. Compared to matched general, NHW and Asian survivors had poor general health and psychological health. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence for future studies concerning long-term health after AYA cancer survivorship that may vary according to race.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sooyeon Kim
- Department of Clinical Research Design and Evaluation, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Science and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 115 Irwon-Ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 06355, Republic of Korea
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Juhee Cho
- Department of Clinical Research Design and Evaluation, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Science and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 115 Irwon-Ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 06355, Republic of Korea
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Wook Shin
- Department of Clinical Research Design and Evaluation, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Science and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 115 Irwon-Ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 06355, Republic of Korea
- Department of Family Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Digital Health, SAISHT, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Min Jeong
- Department of Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Danbee Kang
- Department of Clinical Research Design and Evaluation, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Science and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 115 Irwon-Ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 06355, Republic of Korea.
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Thompson EC, Owen J, Wolfson JA, Arbuckle JL. Menstrual Suppression in the Myelosuppressed: A Retrospective Cohort Study. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:586-594. [PMID: 37220317 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Adolescent and young adult female patients receiving myelosuppressive cancer treatments are at risk of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). The frequency with which patients with cancer receive menstrual suppression and the agents used have not previously been well-characterized. We studied the rate of menstrual suppression, the effect of suppression on bleeding and blood product utilization, and if there were practice pattern differences between adult and pediatric oncologists. METHODS We established a retrospective cohort of 90 females with a diagnosis of Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 25), AML (n = 46), or sarcoma (n = 19) and treated with chemotherapy between 2008 and 2019 at our institutions (University of Alabama at Birmingham [UAB] adult oncology: UAB hospital; UAB pediatric oncology: Children's of Alabama). Data were abstracted from the medical record including sociodemographics, primary oncologist specialty (pediatric v adult), cancer details (diagnosis and treatment) and gynecologic course (documented gynecologic history, menstrual suppression agents used, reported AUB outcomes, and treatments). RESULTS The majority of patients (77.8%) received menstrual suppression. Compared with nonsuppressed patients, suppressed patients had similar rates of packed red blood cell transfusions but higher number of platelet transfusions. Adult oncologists were more likely to document a gynecologic history, consult gynecology, and list AUB as a problem. Among suppressed patients, there was heterogeneity in the agents used for menstrual suppression, with a predilection toward progesterone-only agents; a low rate of thrombotic events was observed. CONCLUSION Menstrual suppression was common in our cohort with variability in agents used. Pediatric and adult oncologists demonstrated different practice patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Thompson
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - John Owen
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Julie A Wolfson
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Janeen L Arbuckle
- Division of Women's Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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Kazzi AI, Diniz PH, Mano M, Nogueira-Rodrigues A. Challenging Outlook of Caring for Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer in Brazil: Results of a Nationwide Survey. JCO Glob Oncol 2023; 9:e2300078. [PMID: 37561979 PMCID: PMC10581624 DOI: 10.1200/go.23.00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The global burden of cancer in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) emerges as a major public health issue, in which remarkable challenges and unmet needs are evident. Because of sociodemographic inequalities, initiatives to change this scenario need to be expanded globally, particularly to low-middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to gain information about the standards of AYA cancer care in Brazil from the physician's perspective. METHODS Physicians involved in AYA cancer care were invited to answer a national online survey. The questions covered several aspects from health care's demographics to specialized services availability, such as fertility and genetic counseling. The availability of a specialized AYA cancer care facility was the primary study end point, and the findings were stratified by region and treatment setting (public v private). RESULTS Among the physicians who responded (N = 249), 90% reported no access to a specialized AYA service. Only 20% had access to a fertility specialist, and 30% to a survivorship program in their institutions. Even external referrals to medical specialties were challenging, with 24% of the physicians reporting challenges. Despite the potential cardiotoxicity related to treatments, 43% of the respondents reported to refer patients for cardio-oncologists hardly ever. Furthermore, 36% of physicians had never enrolled AYA patients into clinical trials and 42% had never ordered a genetic test. Lack of specialized human resources was particularly evident in Northern Brazil, and delays in cancer diagnoses were frequent. CONCLUSION This first study addresses standards of AYA cancer care across Brazil. Importantly, the data disclose significant infrastructural gaps, implying that major investments in training and infrastructure are urgently needed. These data may mirror other LMICs reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana I.M. Kazzi
- Grupo Oncoclínicas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Max Mano
- Grupo Oncoclínicas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Dorfman CS, Shelby RA, Stalls JM, Somers TJ, Keefe FJ, Vilardaga JP, Winger JG, Mitchell K, Ehren C, Oeffinger KC. Improving Symptom Management for Survivors of Young Adult Cancer: Development of a Novel Intervention. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023; 12:472-487. [PMID: 36178972 PMCID: PMC10457621 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2022.0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Improved symptom management is a critical although unmet post-treatment need for young adult (YA) cancer survivors (aged 18-39 at diagnosis). This study aimed to develop and refine a behavioral symptom management intervention for YA survivors. Methods: Phase I: YA survivors (N = 21) and oncology providers (N = 11) completed individual interviews and an online, self-report assessment to examine symptom experiences, the need for a behavioral symptom management intervention for YAs, and perceptions about potential intervention components, structure, and format. Phase II: YA survivors (N = 10) completed user testing sessions, providing feedback on the prototype intervention materials (paper manual and mobile application), and completed an online assessment. Quantitative data were examined using descriptive statistics. Rapid qualitative analysis, a methodologically rigorous standardized approach, was used. Results: Pain, fatigue, and distress were ranked as top concerns by most YAs and providers. Phase I interviews underscored the need for a symptom management intervention for YAs. YAs and providers highlighted potential coping strategies and program format/structure suggestions (e.g., small group format) to best meet YAs' needs. A prototype intervention was developed combining the following: traditional behavioral symptom coping skills; home-based physical activity; strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy; and strategies to foster self-compassion. Phase II user testing sessions highlighted strengths and suggestions for refining the prototype materials. Conclusion: Post-treatment symptoms are common for YAs. A tailored behavioral symptom management program was developed and refined with input from YAs and providers and will be examined for feasibility and acceptability in a pilot randomized controlled trial. Clinical Trial: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT04035447.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline S. Dorfman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rebecca A. Shelby
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Juliann M. Stalls
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tamara J. Somers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Francis J. Keefe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennifer Plumb Vilardaga
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Joseph G. Winger
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kara Mitchell
- Duke Health and Fitness Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher Ehren
- Duke Health and Fitness Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kevin C. Oeffinger
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Close A, Burns K, Bjornard K, Webb M, Chavez J, Chow EJ, Meacham L. Fertility preservation in pediatric leukemia and lymphoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30407. [PMID: 37194406 PMCID: PMC10525075 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Certain chemotherapy agents, radiation, and surgery can all negatively impact future fertility. Consults regarding treatment-related risk for infertility and gonadal late effects of these agents should occur at the time of diagnosis as well as during survivorship. Counseling on fertility risk has traditionally varied significantly across providers and institutions. We aim to provide a guide to standardize the assignment of gonadotoxic risk, which can be used in counseling patients both at the time of diagnosis and in survivorship. Gonadotoxic therapies were abstracted from 26 frontline Children's Oncology Group (COG) phase III protocols for leukemia/lymphoma, in use from 2000-2022. A stratification system based on gonadotoxic therapies, sex, and pubertal status was used to assign treatments into minimal, significant, and high level of increased risk for gonadal dysfunction/infertility. Risk levels were assigned to protocols and different treatment arms to aid oncologists and survivor care providers in counseling patients regarding treatment-related gonadotoxicity. Males were most commonly at high risk, with at least one high-risk arm in 14/26 protocols (54%), followed by pubertal females (23% of protocols) and prepubertal females (15% of protocols). All patients who received direct gonadal radiation or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) were considered at high risk. Partnering with patients and their oncology/survivorship team is imperative for effective fertility counseling both prior to and post treatment, and this comprehensive guide can be used as a tool to standardize and improve reproductive health counseling in patients undergoing COG-based leukemia/lymphoma care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Close
- Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Karen Burns
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kari Bjornard
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Martine Webb
- University of California, Los Angeles, Division of Internal Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Josuah Chavez
- Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Eric J. Chow
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lillian Meacham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Emory University Atlanta, GA USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although fertility preservation is not yet fully integrated into the comprehensive cancer care of pediatric and adolescent patients, advances continue to take place. This review summarizes recent updates and trends for health care professionals caring for these patients. RECENT FINDINGS The creation of standardized infertility risk assessment guidelines offers the opportunity to provide greater consistency in clinical care and to provide a current baseline for future research studies seeking to refine risk stratification for individual patients. New agents are being introduced into cancer care; as their use increases, information about their impact on fertility is being studied. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation offers a new standard of care option for fertility preservation, but additional studies are needed to further assess efficacy and impact on ovarian reserve among pediatric and adolescent patients. Standardization of fertility preservation recommendations among certain sub-populations may also make it easier to provide greater consistency in clinical care. Advances continue to be made in the field of fertility preservation, but dissemination of this information is critical to moving toward fertility preservation truly being a part of comprehensive cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Nelson
- Children's National Medical Center, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Room W4-604, Washington, D.C., 20010, USA
| | - Jennifer Levine
- Children's National Medical Center, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Room W4-604, Washington, D.C., 20010, USA.
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Aguiar TF, da Conceição Barbosa T, Maciel ALT, Blunck CB, Sellos-Laclette J, de Melo AC, Mansur MB, Emerenciano M. Outcome of adolescents and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a single center in Brazil. Hematol Transfus Cell Ther 2023; 45 Suppl 2:S108-S112. [PMID: 35989249 PMCID: PMC10433312 DOI: 10.1016/j.htct.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) presents a poor prognosis in adults. The adoption of pediatric protocols has been changing this scenario, especially for adolescents and young adults (AYA). OBJECTIVE AND METHOD We aimed to evaluate a consecutive series of patients treated at the State Institute of Hematology of Rio de Janeiro between 2012 and 2020, focusing on the AYA subgroup. RESULT The B-ALL was the most frequent subtype (81.6%) and AYA, the predominant age group (57.7%). The median overall survival (OS) was 9.4 months. High early mortality was observed and sepsis was the main cause of death. Better OS results were noted in AYA, in comparison to over 39y (13.3 × 6.2 months, respectively), the Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (BFM) being the protocol of choice in this group. CONCLUSION The use of the pediatric protocol seems to improve the OS of AYA, however, high rates of deaths from infection were observed, demonstrating the need for advances in the Brazilian public system clinical support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Ferraz Aguiar
- Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Instituto Estadual de Hematologia Arthur Siqueira Cavalcanti, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marcela B. Mansur
- Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Children's Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine -WIMM, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Hagen CP, Fischer MB, Mola G, Mikkelsen TB, Cleemann LH, Gravholt CH, Viuff MH, Juul A, Pedersen AT, Main KM. AMH and other markers of ovarian function in patients with Turner syndrome - a single center experience of transition from pediatric to gynecological follow up. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1173600. [PMID: 37455919 PMCID: PMC10339808 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1173600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Turner syndrome (TS) is a chromosomal disorder that affects about 1 in 2500 female births and is characterized by the partial or complete absence of the second X chromosome. Depending on karyotype, TS is associated with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Approximately 50% of girls with a mosaic 45, X/46, XX karyotype may enter puberty spontaneously, but only 5-10% of women with TS achieve pregnancy without egg donation. In this review, we will evaluate the clinical use of markers of ovarian function in TS patients. Based on longitudinal studies of serum concentrations of reproductive hormones as well as ovarian morphology in healthy females and patients with TS, we will evaluate how they can be applied in a clinical setting. This is important when counseling patients and their families about future ovarian function essential for pubertal development and fertility. Furthermore, we will report on 20 years of experience of transition from pediatric to gynecological and adult endocrinological care in our center at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper P. Hagen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Margit Bistrup Fischer
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Gylli Mola
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Theis Bech Mikkelsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Line Hartvig Cleemann
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Claus Højbjerg Gravholt
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrine Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mette H. Viuff
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anette Tønnes Pedersen
- Department of Gynecology, The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katharina Maria Main
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Himpe J, Lammerant S, Van den Bergh L, Lapeire L, De Roo C. The Impact of Systemic Oncological Treatments on the Fertility of Adolescents and Young Adults-A Systematic Review. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051209. [PMID: 37240854 DOI: 10.3390/life13051209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past decades, advancements in oncological treatments have led to major improvements in survival. Particularly for adolescents and young adults (AYAs), fertility is an important concern in cancer survivorship. The purpose of the review is to provide physicians with a practical overview of the current knowledge about the impact of systemic oncological treatments on the fertility of female and male AYAs. METHODS A systematic review was performed based on relevant articles obtained from 4 databases up until 31 December 2022. RESULTS The mechanisms of gonadotoxicity and the concurrent risk is described for the following categories: chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. For the category "chemotherapy", the specific effects and risks are listed for the different classes and individual chemotherapeutics. In the category "targeted therapy", a distinction was made between tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and monoclonal antibodies. Information concerning immunotherapy is scarce. CONCLUSIONS The effects of chemotherapy on fertility are well investigated, but even in this category, results can be conflicting. Insufficient data are available on the fertility effects of targeted therapy and immunotherapy to draw definitive conclusions. More research is needed for these therapies and their evolving role in treating cancers in AYAs. It would be useful to include fertility endpoints in clinical trials that evaluate new and existing oncological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Himpe
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lammerant
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lore Van den Bergh
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lore Lapeire
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- AYA Research Centre and Hub (ARCH), Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Chloë De Roo
- AYA Research Centre and Hub (ARCH), Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Reynolds AC, McKenzie LJ. Cancer Treatment-Related Ovarian Dysfunction in Women of Childbearing Potential: Management and Fertility Preservation Options. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:2281-2292. [PMID: 36888938 PMCID: PMC10115556 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.01885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To review the complex concerns of oncofertility created through increased cancer survivorship and the long-term effects of cancer treatment in young adults. DESIGN Review chemotherapy-induced ovarian dysfunction, outline how fertility may be addressed before treatment initiation, and discuss barriers to oncofertility treatment and guidelines for oncologists to provide this care to their patients. CONCLUSION In women of childbearing potential, ovarian dysfunction resulting from cancer therapy has profound short- and long-term implications. Ovarian dysfunction can manifest as menstrual abnormalities, hot flashes, night sweats, impaired fertility, and in the long term, increased cardiovascular risk, bone mineral density loss, and cognitive deficits. The risk of ovarian dysfunction varies between drug classes, number of received lines of therapy, chemotherapy dosage, patient age, and baseline fertility status. Currently, there is no standard clinical practice to evaluate patients for their risk of developing ovarian dysfunction with systemic therapy or means to address hormonal fluctuations during treatment. This review provides a clinical guide to obtain a baseline fertility assessment and facilitate fertility preservation discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laurie J. McKenzie
- Baylor College of Medicine Houston, Houston, TX
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Braun I, Friedrich M, Morgenstern L, Sender A, Geue K, Mehnert-Theuerkauf A, Leuteritz K. Changes, challenges and support in work, education and finances of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors: A qualitative study. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2023; 64:102329. [PMID: 37172338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2023.102329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE An increasing number of adolescents and young adults (AYA) are becoming cancer survivors and are dealing with long-term effects of the disease and its treatment. We aimed to collect detailed self-reported information about the areas of work, education, and the financial situation of AYA survivors after acute treatment. We further examined sources of support that were perceived as particular helpful. METHOD We conducted semi-structured interviews with a sample of 11 AYA cancer survivors (on average 5 years from diagnosis; mean age at diagnosis = 25.7 years) that had been recruited for the AYA-Leipzig longitudinal study. Interviews were transcribed and data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS The following themes emerged as relevant: (1) career modifications and job loss, (2) career interruptions and delays, (3) uncertainty in the return-to-work process, (4) reduced work ability, (5) discrimination at the workplace, (6) changes in the personal importance of work and (7) financial burdens. Sources of considerable support included relatives as well as German social security institutions. CONCLUSIONS Health care providers should address the specific risk of a financial burden and the somewhat complex social legal situation of young adult survivors after cancer diagnosis. AYA cancer survivors need age-specific comprehensive cancer survivorship support programs. These should accompany them in the long term and be targeted to the individual need for career modification or reorientation - even after the completion of cancer treatment and rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Braun
- University Medical Center Leipzig, Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Michael Friedrich
- University Medical Center Leipzig, Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Larissa Morgenstern
- Sachsen-Anhaltische Krebsgesellschaft e.V, Schlossplatz 3, 06844, Dessau, Germany
| | - Annekathrin Sender
- University Medical Center Leipzig, Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kristina Geue
- University Medical Center Leipzig, Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anja Mehnert-Theuerkauf
- University Medical Center Leipzig, Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katja Leuteritz
- University Medical Center Leipzig, Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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Canzona MR, Murphy K, Victorson D, Harry O, Clayman ML, McLean TW, Golden SL, Patel B, Strom C, Little-Greene D, Saker S, Salsman JM. Fertility Preservation Decisional Turning Points for Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer: Exploring Alignment and Divergence by Race and Ethnicity. JCO Oncol Pract 2023:OP2200613. [PMID: 37058685 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE For adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer, fertility preservation (FP) decision making is complex and distressing. Racial/ethnic minority (REM) AYAs experience disparities in FP awareness, uptake, and outcomes. A turning point (TP) is a point of reflection, change, or decisive moment(s) resulting in changes in perspectives or trajectories. To enhance understanding of AYAs' diverse experiences, this study examined alignment and/or divergence of FP decisional TPs among non-Hispanic White (NHW) AYAs and REM AYAs. METHODS Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted in person, by video, or phone with 36 AYAs (20 NHW and 16 REM [nine Hispanic and seven Black/multiracial Black). The constant comparative method was used to identify and analyze themes illustrating participants' conceptualization and/or experience of FP decisional TPs. RESULTS Seven thematic TPs emerged: (1) emotional reaction to discovering FP procedures exist; (2) encountering unclear or dismissive communication during initial fertility conversations with health care providers; (3) encountering direct and supportive communication during initial fertility conversations with health care providers; (4) participating in critical family conversations about pursuing FP; (5) weighing personal desire for a child against other priorities/circumstances; (6) realizing FP is not feasible, and (7) experiencing unanticipated changes in cancer diagnosis or treatment plans/procedures. TP variations include REM participants reported dismissive communication and suggested cost was prohibitive. NHW participants emphasized more forcefully that biological children may become a future priority. CONCLUSION Understanding how clinical communication and priorities/resources may vary for NHW and REM AYAs can inform future interventions aimed at reducing health disparities and enhancing patient-centered care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mollie R Canzona
- Department of Communication, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Karly Murphy
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - David Victorson
- Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Onengiya Harry
- Pediatrics-Rheumatology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Marla L Clayman
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC
- Department of Population and Quantitative Research, UMass Chan School of Medicine, Worcester, MA
| | - Thomas W McLean
- Pediatrics-Hematology/and Oncology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC
| | | | - Bonnie Patel
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Carla Strom
- Operations, Office of Cancer Health Equity, Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC
| | | | - Siba Saker
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - John M Salsman
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
- Clinical Research in Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology, Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC
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Noce A, Marrone G, Di Lauro M, Mitterhofer AP, Ceravolo MJ, Di Daniele N, Manenti G, De Lorenzo A. The Onco-Nephrology Field: The Role of Personalized Chemotherapy to Prevent Kidney Damage. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082254. [PMID: 37190182 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the onco-nephrology field has acquired a relevant role in internal medicine due to the growing number of cases of renal dysfunction that have been observed in cancer patients. This clinical complication can be induced by the tumor itself (for example, due to obstructive phenomena affecting the excretory tract or by neoplastic dissemination) or by chemotherapy, as it is potentially nephrotoxic. Kidney damage can manifest as acute kidney injury or represent a worsening of pre-existing chronic kidney disease. In cancer patients, physicians should try to set preventive strategies to safeguard the renal function, avoiding the concomitant use of nephrotoxic drugs, personalizing the dose of chemotherapy according to the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and using an appropriate hydration therapy in combination with nephroprotective compounds. To prevent renal dysfunction, a new possible tool useful in the field of onco-nephrology would be the development of a personalized algorithm for the patient based on body composition parameters, gender, nutritional status, GFR and genetic polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Noce
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Policlinico Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Marrone
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Di Lauro
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Paola Mitterhofer
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Policlinico Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Di Daniele
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Leonardo per le Scienze Mediche Onlus, Policlinico Abano, 35031 Abano Terme (PD), Italy
| | - Guglielmo Manenti
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonino De Lorenzo
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomic, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Yumura Y, Takeshima T, Komeya M, Karibe J, Kuroda S, Saito T. Long-Term Fertility Function Sequelae in Young Male Cancer Survivors. World J Mens Health 2023; 41:255-271. [PMID: 36593712 PMCID: PMC10042651 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.220102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
With advances in cancer treatment, such as cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiotherapy, grave new sequelae of treatment have emerged for young cancer survivors. One sequela that cannot be overlooked is male infertility, with reportedly 15% to 30% of cancer survivors losing their fertility potential. Cytotoxic therapy influences spermatogenesis at least temporarily, and in some cases, permanently. The degree of spermatogenesis impairment depends on the combination of drugs used, their cumulative dose, and the level of radiation. The American Society of Clinical Oncology has created an index to classify the risks to fertility based on treatment. Medical professionals currently use this risk classification in fertility preservation (FP) programs. FP programs are currently being promoted to prevent spermatogenesis failure resulting from cancer treatment. For patients who are able to ejaculate and whose semen contains sperm, the semen (sperm) is cryopreserved. Moreover, for patients who lack the ability to ejaculate, those with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia, and those who have not attained puberty (i.e., spermatogenesis has not begun), testicular biopsy is performed to collect the sperm or germ cells and cryopreserve them. This method of culturing germ cells to differentiate the sperm has been successful in some animal models, but not in humans. FP has recently gained popularity; however, some oncologists and medical professionals involved in cancer treatment still lack adequate knowledge of these procedures. This hinders the dissemination of information to patients and the execution of FP. Information sharing and collaboration between reproductive medicine specialists and oncologists is extremely important for the development of FP. In Japan, the network of clinics and hospitals that support FP is expanding across prefectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Yumura
- Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Teppei Takeshima
- Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Komeya
- Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Jurii Karibe
- Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shinnosuke Kuroda
- Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tomoki Saito
- Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
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Frederick NN, Klosky JL, Meacham L, Quinn GP, Kelvin JF, Cherven B, Freyer DR, Dvorak CC, Brackett J, Ahmed-Winston S, Bryson E, Su HI, Chow EJ, Levine J. Fertility Preservation Practices at Pediatric Oncology Institutions in the United States: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:e550-e558. [PMID: 36763922 PMCID: PMC10113112 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Fertility discussions are an integral part of comprehensive care for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients newly diagnosed with cancer and are supported by national guidelines. Current institutional practices are poorly understood. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 220 Children's Oncology Group member institutions regarding fertility discussion practices. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables. The association between specific practices and selected outcomes on the basis of sex was examined via multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS One hundred forty-four programs (65.5%) returned surveys. Of these, 65 (45.1%) reported routine discussions of fertility with all female patients and 55 (38.5%) all male patients (P = .25). Ninety-two (63.8%) reported no specific criteria for offering females fertility preservation (FP), compared with 40 (27.7%) for males (P < .001). Program characteristics associated with fertility discussions included reproductive endocrinology and infertility on site (females odds ratio [OR], 2.1; 95% CI, 1.0 to 4.3), discussion documentation mandate (females OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.0 to 5.5; males OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.4 to 8.7), and cumulative institution-based FP infrastructure (which included [1] routine practice of documentation, [2] template for documentation, [3] mandate for documentation, and [4] availability of FP navigation; females OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.3; males OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.6 to 3.4). Utilization of practices unsupported by guidelines included offering sperm banking after treatment initiation (39/135 programs; 28.9%), gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs for ovarian suppression/FP (75/144 programs; 52.1%), ovarian tissue cryopreservation at diagnosis for patients with leukemia (19/64 programs; 29.7%), and testicular tissue cryopreservation (23/138 programs; 16.7%) not part of a clinical trial. CONCLUSION Despite recommended guidelines, fertility discussions with patients/families before treatment initiation are not routine at Children's Oncology Group institutions. Standard criteria to determine which options should be offered to patients are more common for males than females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha N. Frederick
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT
| | - James L. Klosky
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Lillian Meacham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Gwendolyn P. Quinn
- Division of Medical Ethics, Departments of OB-GYN, Population Health, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY
| | | | - Brooke Cherven
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - David R. Freyer
- Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, CA
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Christopher C. Dvorak
- Division of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Julienne Brackett
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Houston, TX
| | | | - Elyse Bryson
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - H. Irene Su
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA
| | - Eric J. Chow
- Clinical Research and Public Health Sciences Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Jennifer Levine
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
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Hirayama T, Ikezawa S, Okubo R, Mizuta T, Iwata S, Suzuki T. Mental health care use and related factors in adolescents and young adults with cancer. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:247. [PMID: 37000309 PMCID: PMC10066100 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07708-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The actual state of mental health care use and related factors in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer is not well understood in Japan. This study aimed to (1) examine the actual state of mental health care use among AYA patients with cancer and (2) describe socio-demographic and related factors associated with mental health care use. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of AYA patients with cancer aged 15-39 who first visited the National Cancer Center Hospital in Japan (NCCH) between January 2018 and December 2020. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between social background characteristics and mental health care use. The association between the patient's course of cancer treatment and mental health care use was analyzed to help identify which patients might benefit from early mental health intervention. RESULTS Among 1,556 patients, 945 AYA patients with cancer were registered. The median age at the time of the study was 33 years (range, 15-39 years). The prevalence of mental health care use was 18.0% (170/945). Age 15-19 years, female gender, urogenital cancer, gynecological cancer, bone or soft tissue cancer, head and neck cancer, and stage II-IV disease were associated with mental health care use. Regarding treatment, palliative treatment, chemotherapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were associated with mental health care use. CONCLUSION Factors associated with mental health care use were identified. Our findings potentially contribute to psychological support interventions for AYA patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takatoshi Hirayama
- Department of Psycho-Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Satoru Ikezawa
- Department of Psychiatry, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Endowed Institute for Empowering Gifted Minds, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Okubo
- Department of psychiatry and neurology, National hospital organization Obihiro hospital, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Tomoko Mizuta
- Department of Psycho-Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shintaro Iwata
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology and Rehabilitation, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Suzuki
- Department of Hematology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The achievement of developmental milestones of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) is significantly challenged by a cancer diagnosis and treatment. To help with challenges in AYAs with cancer, various types of psychosocial support have been studied to cope with cancer and seek optimal well-being. However, despite differences among AYAs' developmental stages, AYAs with cancer are often treated as a homogeneous group in research and hospital settings. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify and compare psychosocial support that facilitates the well-being of AYAs with cancer. METHODS Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted on AYAs' perceived psychosocial support as expressed on an online cancer community. Themes were identified using qualitative content analysis, and descriptive quantitative methods were used to compare themes by age and gender. RESULTS Seven themes emerged: coping skill building, self-transcendence, family support, support from friends, professional support, peer support including online and offline support groups, and accommodation. There were no significant differences in the frequency of posts between age and gender variables by theme. However, the details of the themes were qualitatively different by age and gender. CONCLUSIONS The psychosocial support AYAs perceived may differ by age and gender. This study suggests opportunities for nurses to contribute their support to AYAs' perceived psychosocial support throughout AYAs' cancer journeys. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE The sources of support that can help AYAs with cancer should be routinely available rather than in response to crisis.
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Ng DQ, Ritt-Olson A, Freyer DR, Miller KA, Thomas SM, Milam J, Chan A. Substance Use Among Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer With Cognitive Impairment: An Analysis of the Project Forward Cohort. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:e345-e354. [PMID: 36508698 PMCID: PMC10022886 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Young adult childhood cancer survivors (YACCSs) are often impacted by cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) and psychological distress. Using the Project Forward Cohort, we evaluated the relationship between CRCI and substance use behaviors. METHODS YACCSs were surveyed between 2015 and 2018 (N = 1,106, female = 50.8%, Hispanic = 51.5%, median age = 25.5 years). Associations between CRCI and substance use (tobacco, binge drinking, marijuana, prescription drug misuse, and e-cigarette/vaporizer) were examined in multivariate logistic or log-binomial regressions, adjusting for child at diagnosis (0-14 years), years since diagnosis, sex, race/ethnicity, cancer type, and treatment intensity. Mediation analysis was performed to determine opportunities for interventions. RESULTS CRCI was reported by 144 (13.0%) survivors. The highest prevalence was observed in CNS cancers (25.4%) and leukemia (13.3%) survivors. After covariate adjustment, CRCI was associated with 2.26 times the odds of prior 30-day vaping (95% CI, 1.24 to 4.11; P = .007). Mediators with significant indirect effects in the CRCI-vaping relationship include depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale) and having two or more cancer-related late effects (P < .05). CONCLUSION CRCI among YACCSs was associated with reports of vaping. Oncologists should screen for vaping behavior if CRCI is apparent. Increasing access to long-term follow-up clinics, addressing physical and mental health issues, and monitoring and educating on vaping and other substance use behaviors is recommended to improve the long-term health of YACCSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding Quan Ng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Anamara Ritt-Olson
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - David R. Freyer
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Kimberly A. Miller
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Stefanie M. Thomas
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Joel Milam
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Alexandre Chan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
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50
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Simon PJ, Pyke-Grimm KA, Nasr AS. Assessing the Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults Receiving Cancer Treatment: A Mixed Methods Study. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023; 12:43-52. [PMID: 35575715 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2021.0195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study was designed to assess the most salient health care needs of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) who undergo cancer treatment. Understanding their age-related needs helps providers offer appropriate support when support is vital: as they accept diagnosis and undergo treatment. Methods: A mixed methods design was used to obtain quantitative and qualitative data on the overall needs of AYA cancer patients. Participants, aged 16-29, who enrolled early in their cancer treatment, completed the Stanford Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer (SAYAC) Program survey and a subsequent one-on-one semistructured interview. Results: The quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed separately. The data revealed that AYAs adjusted and adapted to their cancer diagnosis to meet their health care needs. Three themes emerged from the data: acquisition of knowledge and experience, participation in decision-making and self-management behaviors, and gaining perspectives on life inside and outside of the hospital. The quantitative data revealed that the participants agreed or strongly agreed on the importance of being involved in the decision-making process, incorporating hopes and dreams into their treatment, and feeling supported by their family. Conclusion: Understanding the needs of AYAs who undergo cancer treatment is vital to their overall well-being. Using different data collection methods, including interviews, can clarify AYA needs and lead to improved individualized care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela J Simon
- Stanford Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program, Stanford Children's Health, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Kimberly A Pyke-Grimm
- Department of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Stanford Children's Health, Palo Alto, California, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Annette S Nasr
- Department of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Stanford Children's Health, Palo Alto, California, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
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