1
|
Ferrari A, Perillo T, Maria Milano G, Silva M, Rutigliano C, Salvo A, Livellara V, Conte M, Coccoli L, Amore E, Pierobon M, Vietina F, Pagani Bagliacca E, Spinelli M, Speranza Massei M, Massetti V, Legnani E, Puglisi I, Zucchetti G, Quarello P. The power of art and the powers of adolescents with cancer: Age-specific projects at Italian pediatric oncology centers. Tumori 2024:3008916241245005. [PMID: 38591573 DOI: 10.1177/03008916241245005] [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: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
This article describes the oncology programs developed in Italy for adolescents and young adults with cancer, with a specific focus on the local projects created in pediatric oncology centers. A common feature of such projects is the emphasis on creative and artistic activities and laboratories (involving music, photography, novel writing, fashion design, and so on) designed to give young patients innovative means of expression.This article highlights the amazing powers of adolescents involved in these projects: the power to produce beautiful things in a place that is not normally associated with the idea of beauty; the power to make their doctors smile and grasp the profound sense of life; the power to make hospitals become places for producing culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ferrari
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Teresa Perillo
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Division, Department of Pediatrics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Silva
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Rutigliano
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Division, Department of Pediatrics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea Salvo
- Hematology/Oncology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Virginia Livellara
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Giannina Gaslini Children's Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimo Conte
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Giannina Gaslini Children's Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Coccoli
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Amore
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Pierobon
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology Division, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesco Vietina
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology Division, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Pagani Bagliacca
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Department, Fondazione MBBM, Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza, Italy
| | - Marco Spinelli
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Department, Fondazione MBBM, Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza, Italy
| | - Maria Speranza Massei
- Pediatric Oncology-Hematology Unit, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Valentina Massetti
- Pediatric Oncology-Hematology Unit, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elena Legnani
- Hematology-Oncology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ilaria Puglisi
- Hematology-Oncology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Zucchetti
- Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Division, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Quarello
- Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Division, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Torino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rondelli R, Belotti T, Masetti R, Locatelli F, Massimino M, Biffi A, Dufour C, Fagioli F, Menna G, Biondi A, Favre C, Zecca M, Santoro N, Russo G, Perrotta S, Pession A, Prete A. Healthcare migration in Italian paediatric haematology-oncology centres belonging to AIEOP. Ital J Pediatr 2024; 50:44. [PMID: 38454431 PMCID: PMC10921732 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01620-1] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Italy, there is a network of centres headed by the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (AIEOP) for the diagnosis and treatment of paediatric cancers on almost the entire national territory. Nevertheless, migration of patients in a hospital located in a region different from that of residence is a widespread habit, sometimes motivated by several reasons. The aim of this paper is to assess the impact of migration of children with cancer to AIEOP centres in order to verify their optimal distribution throughout the national territory. METHODS To this purpose, we used information on 41,205 registered cancer cases in the database of Mod.1.01 Registry from AIEOP centres, with age of less than 20 years old at diagnosis, diagnosed from 1988 to 2017. Patients' characteristics were analysed and compared using the X2 or Fisher's exact test or Mann-Whitney test, when appropriate. Survival distributions were estimated using the method of Kaplan and Meier, and the log-rank test was used to examine differences among subgroups. RESULTS Extra-regional migration involved overall 19.5% of cases, ranging from 23.3% (1988-1997) to 16.4% (2008-2017) (p < 0.001). In leukaemias and lymphomas we observed a mean migration of 8.8% overall, lower in the North (1.2%) and Centre (7.8%) compared to the South & Isles (32.3%). In the case of solid tumours, overall migration was 25.7%, with 4.2% in the North, 17.2% in the Centre and 59.6% in the South & Isles. For regions with overall levels of migration higher than the national average, most migration cases opted for AIEOP centres of close or even neighbouring regions. Overall survival at 10 years from diagnosis results 69.9% in migrants vs 78.3% in no migrants (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS There is still a certain amount of domestic migration, the causes of which can be easily identified: migration motivated by a search for high specialization, migration due to lack of local facilities, or regions in which no AIEOP centres are present, which makes migration obligatory. Better coordination between AIEOP centres could help to reduce so-called avoidable migration, but technical and political choices will have to be considered, with the active participation of sector technicians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Rondelli
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit "Lalla Seràgnoli, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Tamara Belotti
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit "Lalla Seràgnoli, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Riccardo Masetti
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit "Lalla Seràgnoli, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Hematology Oncology and Transfusion Medicine, IRCCS Pediatric Hospital "Bambino Gesù", Rome, Italy
| | - Maura Massimino
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Biffi
- Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Division, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Carlo Dufour
- Department of Pediatric and Hemato-Oncologic Sciences, IRCCS "Istituto Giannina Gaslini", Genoa, Italy
| | - Franca Fagioli
- Paediatric Onco-Haematology Division, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, City of Health and Science of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Menna
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, Pediatric Hematology Unit, Università Degli Studi Della Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Biondi
- Pediatrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo Dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Claudio Favre
- Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Meyer Children's Hospital Istituto Di Ricovero E Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Zecca
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Fondazione Istituto Di Ricerca E Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Nicola Santoro
- Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Policlinic, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Russo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Silverio Perrotta
- Department of Women, Children and General and Specialized Surgery, "Luigi Vanvitelli" Università Degli Studi Della Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Pession
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Arcangelo Prete
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit "Lalla Seràgnoli, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zucchetti G, Ciappina S, Dionisi-Vici M, Giordano M, Varetto A, Biasin E, Felicetti F, Fagioli F. Emotional Distress, Self-Management Skills, and Expectations Among Adolescents and Young Adult Childhood Cancer Survivors in Transition from Pediatric to Adult Care: A Brief Report. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023; 12:906-911. [PMID: 36867153 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2022.0166] [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: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The transition from pediatric to adult care poses several emotional and personal challenges to adolescents and young adult (AYA) childhood cancer survivors (CCSs), which need attention to avoid the risk of nonadherence and medical dropout. This brief report describes the condition of AYA-CCSs at the moment of transition in terms of emotional state, personal autonomy, and expectations regarding future care. The results provide insights for clinicians dealing with survivorship care, to enhance AYA-CCSs emotional resilience and to support them in being in charge of their health, thus facilitating their transition to adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Zucchetti
- Pediatric Oncohematology Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, AOU Città Della Salute e Della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Sabrina Ciappina
- Pediatric Oncohematology Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, AOU Città Della Salute e Della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Margherita Dionisi-Vici
- Transition Unit for Childhood Cancer Survivors, AOU Città Della Salute e Della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Mario Giordano
- Pediatric Oncohematology Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, AOU Città Della Salute e Della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonella Varetto
- Transition Unit for Childhood Cancer Survivors, AOU Città Della Salute e Della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Eleonora Biasin
- Pediatric Oncohematology Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, AOU Città Della Salute e Della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Felicetti
- Transition Unit for Childhood Cancer Survivors, AOU Città Della Salute e Della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Franca Fagioli
- Pediatric Oncohematology Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, AOU Città Della Salute e Della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Paediatric Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Terenziani M, Tozzi AE, Diaco L, Biasin E, Cattoni A, Croci I, Fraschini D, Giorgiani G, Haupt R, Muraca M, Pillon M, Sironi G, Valsecchi MG, Mastronuzzi A. Current practices of follow-up programs for childhood cancer survivors in Italy. Tumori 2023; 109:555-561. [PMID: 37434559 DOI: 10.1177/03008916231185981] [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: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Quality of life in childhood cancer survivors is largely affected by survivorship care and transition from treatment to long-term follow-up (LTFU). Referring to evidence-based recommendations, we wanted to evaluate LTFU care for survivors through a survey among the Italian Association for Pediatric Hematology-Oncology (AIEOP) centers. The project aimed to evaluate the availability of services in Italy, investigate strengths and weaknesses, analyze improvements of awareness in the field, and identify the gaps that need to be addressed by different centers. METHODS Together with the family representatives, on behalf of AIEOP's Late Effects Working Group, we developed a questionnaire on assisting childhood cancer survivors. All AIEOP centers received one questionnaire including information on local health system organizations; LTFU for childhood cancer survivors; services for adult survivors of childhood cancer; information provided to survivors/caregivers and care plan delivery. RESULTS Forty-eight AIEOP centers were contacted and 42 replied, with a response rate of 87.5%. The majority of respondents confirmed their interest in assisting patients with a survivorship care plan (95.2%), regardless of a clinic or dedicated staff. DISCUSSION This is the first overview of LTFU in Italy, which provides detailed results at national levels, prompting consideration of improvements in the last decade. Although there is a high level of interest in survivorship care, many centers lack resources to implement such programs. The identification of these challenges is useful for planning future strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Terenziani
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Alberto Eugenio Tozzi
- Predictive and Preventive Medicine Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Lazio, Italy
| | - Laura Diaco
- FIAGOP - Federazione Italiana Associazioni Genitori e Guariti Oncoematologia Pediatrica, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Biasin
- Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Regina Margherita Children Hospital, Turin, Piemonte, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cattoni
- Department of Pediatrics, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Fondazione MBBM, Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Ileana Croci
- Predictive and Preventive Medicine Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Lazio, Italy
| | - Donatella Fraschini
- Department of Pediatrics, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Fondazione MBBM, Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Giovanna Giorgiani
- Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Riccardo Haupt
- DOPO Clinic, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Liguria, Italy
| | - Monica Muraca
- DOPO Clinic, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Liguria, Italy
| | - Marta Pillon
- Clinic of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Veneto, Italy
| | - Giovanna Sironi
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Valsecchi
- Bicocca Centre of Bioinformatics, Biostatistics and Bioimaging, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Onco-Hematology, Gene Therapy, Cell Therapies and Hemopoietic Transplant, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Lazio, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zucchetti G, Quarello P, Ferrari A, Silva M, Mercolini F, Sciarra P, Guido A, Peruzzi L, Colavero P, Montanaro M, Taormina R, Micheletti MV, Solari F, Perillo T, Paioli A, Canepa M, Migliozzi C, Zuliani L, Solfa V, Bertolotti M, Fagioli F. How Did Adolescents With Cancer Experience the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Report From Italian Pediatric Hematology Oncology Association Centers. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2023; 45:e683-e688. [PMID: 37314864 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000002689] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study set out to evaluate the psychosocial effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among adolescents with cancer, and whether these effects are significantly different among adolescents who were undergoing therapy or had completed it. MATERIALS AND METHODS The AIEOP Adolescents Working Group and the AIEOP Psychosocial Working Group adapted a questionnaire, which was completed by 214 adolescent cancer patients ( Mage =16.3 y, range: 15 to 19 y old) treated at 16 AIEOP centers in the North (38%), South (31%), and Center (31%) of Italy. RESULTS The results highlighted that fear of the virus is equally distributed among adolescent cancer patients, with patients being particularly concerned about their parents and families. The adolescents reported that had no difficulty in following individual safety measures: they used personal protective equipment and they were attentive to their own health and adhering to the rules imposed by doctors and the wider community. There are very few, limited differences between adolescents undergoing treatment (active group) and those who have completed treatment (follow-up group). The reminder of their own therapy experience triggered by the use of personal protective equipment, and the more common refusal to follow some restrictions were the only 2 behaviors by which the follow-up group differed significantly from the adolescents in the active group. CONCLUSIONS Adolescents with cancer seem to have coped well with the pandemic: although they were very afraid of the virus for themselves and their families, and had to limit their social contact, they did comply with the restrictions. Their experience of cancer probably also had a positive effect in cultivating adolescents who are more responsible and resilient in emergency situations such as the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Zucchetti
- Paediatric Oncology Division, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, A.O.U. City of Health and Science of Turin
- Department of Public Health and Paediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin
| | - Paola Quarello
- Paediatric Oncology Division, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, A.O.U. City of Health and Science of Turin
- Department of Public Health and Paediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin
| | - Andrea Ferrari
- Paediatric Oncology Unit, National Cancer Institute of Milan
| | - Matteo Silva
- Paediatric Oncology Unit, National Cancer Institute of Milan
| | - Federico Mercolini
- Paediatric Oncology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital of Bolzano, Bolzano
| | - Pierpaolo Sciarra
- Paediatric Haemato-Oncology Unit, Hematology Department, General Hospital of Pescara, Pescara
| | | | - Laura Peruzzi
- Paediatric Oncology Unit, A. Gemelli University Polyclinic
| | | | | | - Rino Taormina
- Paediatric Hematology and Oncology Department, ARNAS Civico, G. Di Cristina and Benfratelli Hospitals, Palermo
| | - Maria V Micheletti
- Paediatric Hematology Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplant, A.O.U of Pisa, Pisa
| | - Federica Solari
- Department of Paediatrics, University-Hospital of Parma, Parma
| | - Teresa Perillo
- Department of Pediatrics, Paediatric Hematology-Oncology Division, University of Bari, Bari
| | - Anna Paioli
- Department of Osteoncology, Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas and Innovative Therapies, IRCCS Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, Bologna
| | - Monica Canepa
- Department of Paediatric Hematology/Oncology-Bone Marrow Transplant Unit-Infectious Diseases, G. Gaslini Children's Research Institute, Genova
| | | | | | - Valentina Solfa
- Paediatric Hematology Oncology Unit, Department of Mother and Child, Verona, Italy
| | - Marina Bertolotti
- Paediatric Oncology Division, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, A.O.U. City of Health and Science of Turin
- Department of Public Health and Paediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin
| | - Franca Fagioli
- Paediatric Oncology Division, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, A.O.U. City of Health and Science of Turin
- Department of Public Health and Paediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mastronuzzi A, Basso A, Del Baldo G, Carai A, De Salvo A, Bonanni A, Ciaralli I, Secco DE, Cornaglia Ferraris P. Full Sails against Cancer. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:16609. [PMID: 36554488 PMCID: PMC9778763 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416609] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is very disruptive in adolescence and hospitalizations interfere with this development stage in becoming independent, developing social relationships, and making plans for the future. A major challenge in the care of adolescents with cancer is being able to enhance their quality of life. The aim of this project is to increase our understanding of how adventure therapy influenced quality of life for adolescents with cancer. METHODS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, in collaboration with the Tender to Nave Italia Foundation (TTNI), has been conducting a unique project, located on a beautiful brigantine of the Italian Navy. Adventure therapy is a form of experiential therapy that consists of various types of adventure, in particular outdoor and sailing activities. Ninety teenagers have been the protagonists of this project to date and filled out two questionnaires about quality of life and self-esteem, before and after the sailing experience. RESULTS The adventure provides the opportunity for the participants to build interpersonal relationships and develop life skills that they can benefit from in the future experiences. All participants report a significant improvement in their quality of life and self-esteem at the end of this experience. CONCLUSION This collaborative adventure project is a great way to learn and practice new behaviors, improve interpersonal skills, heal painful emotions, overcome personal obstacles and challenges, and help the teenagers to resume their developmental path after an onco-hematological diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Basso
- Department of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Giada Del Baldo
- Department of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Carai
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea De Salvo
- Department of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bonanni
- Department of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Italo Ciaralli
- Department of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Domitilla Elena Secco
- Department of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00165 Rome, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Blom JMC, Barisone E, Bertolotti M, Caprino D, Cellini M, Clerici CA, Colliva C, Favara-Scacco C, Di Giuseppe S, Jankovic M, Pancaldi A, Pani L, Poggi G, Rivi V, Tascedda F, Torta R, Scarponi D. The Use of Psychotropic Medication in Pediatric Oncology for Acute Psychological and Psychiatric Problems: Balancing Risks and Benefits. Children (Basel) 2022; 9. [PMID: 36553324 DOI: 10.3390/children9121878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute behavioral and emotional problems represent one of the most serious treatment-related adverse effects for children and adolescents who have cancer. The critical and severe nature of these symptoms often makes necessary the use of psychotropic drugs. A working group composed of experts in multiple disciplines had the task of creating an agreement regarding a management plan for severe acute behavioral and emotional problems (SABEPs) in children and adolescents treated for cancer. To obtain global information on the use of psychotropic drugs in pediatric oncology, the working group first developed and mailed a 15-item questionnaire to many Italian pediatric oncology centers. Overall, an evident lack of knowledge and education regarding the use of psychotropic medications for the treatment of SABEPs was found. Thus, by referring to an adapted version of the Delphi method of consensus and standard methods for the elaboration of clinical questions (PICOs), the working group elaborated evidence-based recommendations for psychotropic drugs in the pediatric oncology setting. Furthermore, based on a thorough multivariate analysis of needs and difficulties, a comprehensive management flow was developed to optimize therapeutic interventions, which allows more accurate and efficient matching of the acute needs of patients while guiding treatment options.
Collapse
|
9
|
Bomben F, Mascarin M, Milano GM, Quarello P, Spinelli M, Tornesello A, Clerici CA, Mercolini F, Secco DE, Annunziata MA, Ferrari A, Bertolotti M. A Textual Analysis for Understanding the Relations and the Identity Construction in Adolescent Oncology Patients: Retrospective Personal Views in Order to Educate Health Professionals. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:120. [PMID: 35621417 PMCID: PMC9138117 DOI: 10.3390/bs12050120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Patient input is critical for all aspects of value-based healthcare design. This contribution describes the following: the specifics of communications with doctors regarding the disease in adolescents and young adults with cancer; the patients’ thoughts, emotions and changes in self-perception; “other meanings” taking shape along the treatment pathway; and reacting modes to the disease and treatments. Thirty-five Italian AYA patients in follow-up (age 18–24) were involved in a plenary interview on the cited aspects of their oncological experience. The answers were analyzed by MADIT (Analysis Methodology of Computerized Textual Data) with the software SPAD. MADIT allowed us to perform text analysis, describe the graphical outcomes and discuss the results. Respondents took a first-person perspective and their personal narrative recall had objective and unequivocal connotations. Experience was narrated mainly by maintenance repertoires that fix the reality of disease, its treatments and personal identity. The account focused on the tumor and on an agreed approach to it. The time “after” was described as a distressing space that defines them. Making sense of the events was considered a significant help. Professionals need to focus on the discursive repertoires of communication with which the inner and outer reality are built. Lastly, these patients required a two-way dialogue throughout the entire caring process.
Collapse
|
10
|
Ferrari A, Quarello P, Mascarin M, Luigi Banna G, Toss A, Sironi G, Zecca M, Cinieri S, Alessandro Peccatori F. Italian pediatric and adult oncology communities join forces for a national project dedicated to adolescents and young adults with cancer. Tumori 2021; 108:104-110. [PMID: 34841968 DOI: 10.1177/03008916211058790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Adolescents and young adults with cancer have substantially different clinical and psychological needs compared to those of pediatric patients and of older adult patients. We describe the development of an Italian national project dedicated to adolescents and young adults with cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ferrari
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Quarello
- Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Division, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mascarin
- AYA and Pediatric Radiotherapy Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Luigi Banna
- Interdisciplinary Group for Translational Research and Clinical Trials, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Angela Toss
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanna Sironi
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Zecca
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Saverio Cinieri
- Medical Oncology Unit and Breast Unit, Ospedale Perrino ASL Brindisi, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nigro O, Sironi G, Bergamaschi L, Gattuso G, Puma N, Livellara V, Chiaravalli S, Ferrari A, Massimino M. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for adolescents and young adult patients treated at a specialist pediatric oncology unit. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29240. [PMID: 34264546 PMCID: PMC8441810 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This brief report describes the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination program at our pediatric oncology unit. Adopting Italian regulations, patients treated for cancer within the previous 6 months were offered vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine if aged ≥16 years, and with the Pfizer-BioNtech or Moderna vaccine if aged ≥18 years. From March 24 to April 28, 2021, 80/89 adolescent and young adult patients enrolled were vaccinated, while nine refused the vaccine due to fear of side effects, disbelief regarding the pandemic, or lack of trust in the scientific community. The refusal rate in our cohort was lower than in the Italian general population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Nigro
- Pediatric Oncology UnitFondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei TumoriMilanItaly
| | - Giovanna Sironi
- Pediatric Oncology UnitFondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei TumoriMilanItaly
| | - Luca Bergamaschi
- Pediatric Oncology UnitFondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei TumoriMilanItaly
| | - Giovanna Gattuso
- Pediatric Oncology UnitFondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei TumoriMilanItaly
| | - Nadia Puma
- Pediatric Oncology UnitFondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei TumoriMilanItaly
| | - Virginia Livellara
- Pediatric Oncology UnitFondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei TumoriMilanItaly
| | - Stefano Chiaravalli
- Pediatric Oncology UnitFondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei TumoriMilanItaly
| | - Andrea Ferrari
- Pediatric Oncology UnitFondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei TumoriMilanItaly
| | - Maura Massimino
- Pediatric Oncology UnitFondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei TumoriMilanItaly
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sottili V, Signoroni S, Barretta F, Azzollini J, Manoukian S, Luksch R, Terenziani M, Casanova M, Spreafico F, Meazza C, Podda M, Biassoni V, Schiavello E, Chiaravalli S, Massimino M, Gasparini P, Ferrari A. Correlation between oncological family history and clinical outcome in a large monocentric cohort of pediatric patients with rhabdomyosarcoma. Int J Clin Oncol 2021; 26:1561-1568. [PMID: 34075482 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-021-01934-8] [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: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma of the skeletal muscle generally affecting children and adolescents, shows extensive heterogeneity in histology, site and age of onset, clinical course, and prognosis. Tumorigenesis of RMS is multifactorial and genetic predisposition together with the family history of cancer may provide critical information to enhance the current knowledge and foster genetic counseling and testing. METHODS In our study, we evaluated the possible correlation of oncological family history with clinical outcomes in a cohort of RMS 512 patients and treated at the Pediatric Oncology Unit of our Institute. Family history was retrospectively collected from the specific ad hoc form available in medical records and filled in through an interview with the patients' parents at the time of RMS diagnosis. RESULTS While our series did not show a specific association between oncological family history and clinical variables, we observed an association with survival probabilities: among patients with a history of cancer-affected first-degree relatives at the time of the diagnosis, all children with alveolar RMS (ARMS) died of disease. CONCLUSION Our study not only reports an interesting and not previously described association between a poor clinical outcome and ARMS in patients with young cancer-affected relatives, but also stimulates the discussion on oncological family history in RMS, to improve the clinical management of these young patients and their families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Sottili
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Signoroni
- Unit of Hereditary Digestive Tract Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Barretta
- Clinical Epidemiology and Trial Organization Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Jacopo Azzollini
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Siranoush Manoukian
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Luksch
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Terenziani
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Casanova
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo Spreafico
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Meazza
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Podda
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Biassoni
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Schiavello
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Chiaravalli
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Maura Massimino
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Gasparini
- Tumor Genomics Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Andrea Ferrari
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|