Supportive Care In Cancer[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Pay It Forward: Analysis of a novel peer-to-peer support initiative for individuals receiving treatment for head and neck cancer.
Mason M, Roe J, Paul C … +3 more , White C, Brezmen R, Jeans C
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42151420 · Full text
PURPOSE: 'Pay It Forward' is a voluntary, anonymous peer-to-peer support initiative. During chemoradiotherapy (CRT) treatment for head and neck cancer, participants receive a handwritten card of support from someone who...
PURPOSE: 'Pay It Forward' is a voluntary, anonymous peer-to-peer support initiative. During chemoradiotherapy (CRT) treatment for head and neck cancer, participants receive a handwritten card of support from someone who has completed the same treatment. After recovery, individuals write their own card to assist a future person undergoing CRT. This study examined participants' experience of the initiative and explored potential psychological benefits. METHODS: This single-centre prospective study used convenience sampling and mixed methods. Structured questionnaires were completed after receiving and writing cards. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at 12 weeks following completion of CRT. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Thirteen individuals were recruited (12 male, median age 66 years). Twelve reported it was positive to receive support from another patient. From thirteen interviews (mean 15 min), two main themes encapsulating the core aspects of participants' perspectives were identified. Firstly, the therapeutic benefit and value of the card including subthemes of: instillment of hope and encouragement, personal reflection, and keeping the card safe and rereading it. The second theme described the perception that the card gave a sense of connectivity with subthemes about camaraderie, sharing with family and duty of care to future peers. CONCLUSION: Preliminary analysis indicates that this initiative supports patients when receiving a card during CRT, offering hope and solidarity, and when writing a card after treatment with benefits of reflection and altruism. Further research will evaluate the effectiveness and scalability of Pay It Forward across different clinical settings.
Relationship between spiritual pain, physical pain, and existential wellbeing among cancer patients: a correlational study.
Beygi S, Ramazani T, Tirgari B … +1 more , Forouzi MA
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42149325 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Cancer profoundly affects patients' physical and psychological well-being, yet spiritual pain remains underexplored within supportive oncology care. This study examined relationships between spiritual pain, phys...
PURPOSE: Cancer profoundly affects patients' physical and psychological well-being, yet spiritual pain remains underexplored within supportive oncology care. This study examined relationships between spiritual pain, physical pain, and existential well-being among Iranian cancer patients. METHODS: In a cross-sectional descriptive-correlational design, 147 cancer patients were recruited via convenience sampling from oncology settings in Iran. Participants completed the Groves and Klauser Spiritual Pain Scale, the Ellison and Paloutzian Existential Well-Being Scale, and a physical pain questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analyses in SPSS. RESULTS: Over half of participants reported moderate spiritual pain; the majority had average existential well-being, and 40% reported no physical pain. Spiritual pain correlated negatively with existential well-being (r = -0.58, p < 0.001), while physical pain correlated positively with spiritual pain (r = 0.20, p = 0.01), indicating that higher physical discomfort is associated with greater spiritual distress. CONCLUSIONS: The findings reveal a significant interplay between spiritual pain, physical pain, and existential well-being in cancer patients, underscoring the importance of spiritual distress as part of the symptom burden. Integrating spiritual care into oncology practice may enhance supportive care beyond physical symptom management.
Measuring treatment burden with the treatment burden questionnaire (TBQ): a narrative literature review and implications for geriatric research and clinical practice.
Li-Wang J, Hernandez S, Ramasamy S … +6 more , Qu L, Banks J, Samper-Ternent R, Holmes H, Naik A, Giza D
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42149265 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Treatment burden refers to the demands that healthcare places on a patient's daily life, including managing appointments, medications, and lifestyle adjustments. It is a critical concern for older adults, par...
BACKGROUND: Treatment burden refers to the demands that healthcare places on a patient's daily life, including managing appointments, medications, and lifestyle adjustments. It is a critical concern for older adults, particularly those with multiple chronic conditions. High treatment burden has been associated with poorer treatment adherence, increased disruptions in care, and diminished quality of care. The Treatment Burden Questionnaire (TBQ) is a validated tool that has been successfully used to measure treatment burden in a variety of geographic, clinical, and research settings. METHODS: We conducted a narrative literature review to identify studies that have applied the TBQ in older adult populations and to examine how the instrument has been adapted for clinical and research use. Additionally, we explored considerations for its application in future studies assessing treatment burden in this population. RESULTS: The reviewed studies demonstrate the questionnaire's effectiveness across a wide range of clinical settings and patient populations. Findings indicate that treatment burden evolves over time and that combining the TBQ with other measures (e.g., frailty, symptom severity, medication adherence, and health literacy) yields a more comprehensive understanding of contributing factors. CONCLUSIONS: Strategic implementation of the TBQ, particularly alongside other patient-reported outcome measures and with attention to social determinants of health, can enhance its utility in clinical care and research involving older adults. Future research should prioritize combining TBQ measuring with other aging-specific factors, such as frailty, and incorporate qualitative methods to better capture the nuanced experiences of treatment burden in older adults.
Mapping supportive-care evidence for febrile neutropenia prevention in breast cancer chemotherapy: a bibliometric analysis of long-acting G-CSF prophylaxis.
Li S, Shang Y, Yuan X … +3 more , Cheng Y, Miao YD, Zhang W
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42149261 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and febrile neutropenia (FN) remain consequential toxicities in breast cancer treatment, driving infections, unplanned care, and compromises in planned dose intensity. Long-ac...
BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and febrile neutropenia (FN) remain consequential toxicities in breast cancer treatment, driving infections, unplanned care, and compromises in planned dose intensity. Long-acting granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) enables once-per-cycle prophylaxis and has become central to FN prevention strategies, particularly in dose-dense and high-risk regimens. Beyond efficacy, the supportive care evidence base has rapidly expanded to implementation in routine practice, delivery devices, biosimilars, safety surveillance, and value-based decision-making. However, this heterogeneous and fast-growing literature has not been systematically mapped to support evidence navigation and identify actionable research priorities. We therefore conducted a bibliometric analysis to characterize the knowledge structure, influential contributors, and emerging hotspots of long-acting G-CSF prophylaxis research in breast cancer chemotherapy. METHODS: Publications were retrieved from the Science Citation Index Expanded of the Web of Science Core Collection using a topic strategy combining breast cancer, chemotherapy-induced context, long-acting G-CSF agents, and neutropenia/FN prophylaxis concepts. The search was performed on 24 February 2026 and covered 2002-2025. English-language records were included; document types were limited to articles and reviews, with meeting abstracts, editorial materials, and letters excluded during screening. Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace were applied to evaluate annual production, collaboration networks, keyword co-occurrence, co-citation structure and evolution, burst detection, and thematic mapping. RESULTS: The WoSCC retrieval returned 555 records; after restricting to English (547) and excluding meeting abstracts (n = 39), editorial materials (n = 5), and letters (n = 7), 496 publications were included (412 articles; 84 reviews). Annual production increased and entered a sustained high-output phase in the late 2010s and early 2020s. The USA was the most productive country (218 documents; 10,188 citations), followed by Germany (69) and England (51). Supportive Care in Cancer contributed the most publications (62), while Annals of Oncology had the highest citations among the top journals (1489). Co-citation and keyword analyses indicated an evolution from early trial- and guideline-driven supportive care toward optimization in routine practice, real-world prophylaxis evaluation, biosimilars, safety, and cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence landscape of long-acting G-CSF prophylaxis in breast cancer chemotherapy has evolved from efficacy confirmation toward implementation-oriented supportive care. Current research increasingly emphasizes real-world effectiveness, safety monitoring, biosimilar integration, delivery models, and value-based considerations. By mapping knowledge structures and emerging priorities, this study may provide a structured overview for evidence navigation and may help identify future research priorities, particularly in relation to real-world utilization, affordability, guideline-concordant use, and resource-sensitive febrile neutropenia prevention.
Effectiveness of survivorship programmes to enhance health-related quality of life of colorectal cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Do PNV, Nguyen TK, Qi Y … +6 more , Choi KC, Hoang TXH, Le BP, Lam YT, Tse M, Wong CL
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42149231 · Full text
PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the survivorship programmes by synthesising and analysing the available evidence to enhance health-related quality of life (HRQoL) amongst colorectal cancer (CRC)...
PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the survivorship programmes by synthesising and analysing the available evidence to enhance health-related quality of life (HRQoL) amongst colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. METHODS: Ten English-language databases were searched from inception to June 2025 in this systematic review and meta-analysis. All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Available data were pooled in a meta-analysis using RevMan (version 5.4.0). Two independent reviewers performed the database searches, extracted the data, assessed the methodological quality by using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool (version 2) and evaluated the overall quality of findings by using Cochrane GRADE. RESULTS: A total of 22 RCTs involving 2949 CRC survivors were identified. The meta-analysis results (thirteen studies) indicated a significant improvement in the physical (standardised mean difference [SMD] = 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI, 0.18, 0.86], P = 0.002, I = 88%) and mental domains of HRQoL (SMD = 0.4, 95% CI [0.06, 0.74], P = 0.02, I = 86%). Sensitivity analysis involved reducing the heterogeneity after removing one study. No publication bias was found. The overall quality of findings was from 'low' to 'moderate'. CONCLUSIONS: The detailed components of the survivorship programme can enhance HRQoL in physical and mental domains, indicating its potential as valuable evidence for health providers to support CRC survivors post-treatment. Future research should focus on expanding the delivery of such programme comprehensively by integrating mobile health into a nurse-led approach to optimise geographic diversity and improve social HRQoL.
Intensive nursing intervention: what is the post treatment effect size on anxiety and depression?
Davis MP
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42142299 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Resilience in people with severe mental illness and cancer, a qualitative study.
Charlesworth L, Ashmore R
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42142279 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of people with severe mental illness (SMI) who are also diagnosed with cancer. The research sought to understand the lived experiences of this popul...
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of people with severe mental illness (SMI) who are also diagnosed with cancer. The research sought to understand the lived experiences of this population, focusing on physical and mental health comorbidity. METHODS: This research was underpinned by a relativist ontological stance and a constructivist epistemological position and adopted a constructivist grounded theory methodology. Research was undertaken in England and data were generated through 11 in-depth one-to-one interviews with people with lived experience of SMI and cancer. Grounded theory methods of initial, focused, and theoretical coding were adopted alongside constant comparative methods and memoing. RESULTS: Several interrelated categories describe participants' experiences of coping with SMI and cancer. This paper focuses on one of the four categories-resilience. Resilience was derived as a main category, highlighting that people with a pre-existing SMI draw on existing strategies when diagnosed with cancer. Through this mechanism, participants' previous experiences of living with SMI shaped the way in which resilience was enacted when receiving a cancer diagnosis. Resilience was expressed through four interrelated processes: deploying known strategies, self-advocacy, finding positives, and reimagining future me. Findings resonate with existing evidence on resilience, while also offering new insights in the context of SMI and cancer. CONCLUSIONS: People living with SMI draw on established, prior strategies for resilience to support coping when diagnosed with cancer. These findings suggest that supportive care for people with SMI and cancer may benefit from taking an asset-based, personalised approach to support enactment of their existing strategies for resilience. Recognising and supporting existing strategies for resilience may improve coping and experiences of care in this population.
MASCC score and neutropenic complications: what is the likelihood?
Davis MP
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42142265 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Risk Index is the most widely used tool for stratifying febrile neutropenic cancer patients as low or high risk for serious complications. S...
BACKGROUND: The Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Risk Index is the most widely used tool for stratifying febrile neutropenic cancer patients as low or high risk for serious complications. Studies evaluating its discriminative performance have relied predominantly on sensitivity, specificity, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and c-statistics-metrics that are mathematically elegant but have limited direct utility in clinical decision-making at the bedside. METHODS: Sensitivity and specificity data from Rivest et al. [13], the original Klastersky et al. derivation study [3], and the Zheng et al. meta-analysis [10] were used to calculate positive and negative likelihood ratios. Posttest probabilities were derived using Bayesian updating (pretest odds × LR = posttest odds), with a cohort pretest probability of complications of 35%. Likelihood ratios for procalcitonin (Ahn et al.) were applied sequentially to demonstrate the compounding of independent predictors. RESULTS: Applying Rivest et al. data in the inverted framing (i.e., predicting complication presence), a MASCC score > 21 yields a posttest probability of neutropenic complications of approximately 22%, and MASCC < 21 yields 65%. When procalcitonin ≥ 0.5 ng/mL is added to a high-risk MASCC score, the posttest probability rises to 85%; when procalcitonin is negative in a low-risk patient, it falls to 11%. Likelihood ratios varied meaningfully across Klastersky, Rivest, and Zheng (LR + range: 1.98-4.00; LR - range: 0.29-0.51), reflecting heterogeneity in populations, outcome definitions, and study settings. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike sensitivity/specificity and predictive values, LRs are relatively independent of outcome prevalence, making them more transportable across clinical settings, though they are not immune to population and spectrum effects, stopping at sensitivity, specificity, ROC curves, and mathematical completeness but clinical incompleteness. Clinicians, who are the end-users of these tools, deserve the metric that speaks their language: the updated probability that this patient, in front of them, will experience harm.
Adherence to 24-hour movement guidelines and mortality risks in US cancer survivors: a national cohort study.
Yang M, Chen Y, Fan T … +5 more , Zhu D, Ji M, Ding Y, Ren L, Xu J
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42142261 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: While physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep have individually been linked to long-term outcomes in cancer survivors, few studies have evaluated their synergistic effects across a full 24-h period. Thi...
PURPOSE: While physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep have individually been linked to long-term outcomes in cancer survivors, few studies have evaluated their synergistic effects across a full 24-h period. This study aimed to examine the association between adherence to the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines and mortality risk in a nationally representative sample of US cancer survivors. METHODS: Data from 2551 cancer survivors participating in the 2007-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. Adherence to the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for aerobic physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep was summed to categorize participants into four groups. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause and cancer-specific mortality. RESULTS: The proportions of participants meeting no, one, two, and three guidelines were 14.4%, 38.6%, 34.4%, and 12.6%, respectively. Over a median follow-up of 70 months, 617 deaths occurred, of which 261 were attributed to cancer. Compared to those meeting no guideline, HRs (95% CIs) for those meeting one, two, and all three guidelines were 0.72 (0.55-0.95), 0.59 (0.43-0.81), and 0.55 (0.38-0.81), respectively, for all-cause mortality, and 0.47 (0.29-0.76), 0.53 (0.33-0.85), and 0.22 (0.10-0.49), respectively, for cancer-specific mortality. Subgroup analysis showed that the association between cumulative adherence to the guidelines and all-cause mortality was stronger among individuals with a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m. CONCLUSIONS: Greater integrated adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines was associated with a progressive reduction in mortality risk among US cancer survivors, especially those with obesity.
Body compassion as a mediator between demoralization, fear of cancer recurrence, and body image concerns in women with breast cancer.
Soltanpour M, Khanjani S
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42142258 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Breast cancer, the most common female malignancy, has serious psychological effects such as fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and body image concern (BIC). This study investigated demoralization as a predictor and...
PURPOSE: Breast cancer, the most common female malignancy, has serious psychological effects such as fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and body image concern (BIC). This study investigated demoralization as a predictor and body compassion as a mediator in relation to FCR and body image concerns in women with breast cancer. METHODS: The study was conducted as descriptive-analytical research using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) on 214 women diagnosed with breast cancer. Research instruments included the Demoralization Scale, Fear of Cancer Recurrence Scale, Body Image Concern Inventory, and Body Compassion Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS-24 and LISREL 8.80. RESULTS: Findings revealed that demoralization had a significant positive correlation with fear of cancer recurrence (r = 0.27) and body image concerns (r = 0.33). Body compassion demonstrated significant negative correlations with demoralization (r = -0.28), fear of cancer recurrence (r = -0.37), and body image concerns (r = -0.57). Path analysis demonstrated that body compassion played a significant mediating role in the relationship between demoralization and fear of cancer recurrence (standardized indirect β = 0.09), as well as between demoralization and body image concerns (standardized indirect β = 0.15). CONCLUSION: The findings indicate demoralization as a negative psychological factor that increases fear of cancer recurrence and body image concerns, while body compassion may serve as a protective factor reducing demoralization's negative effects. This study highlights the necessity of body compassion-based psychological interventions to improve mental health and quality of life in women with breast cancer. Future research could examine this model in other patient groups with more comprehensive approaches.
Effects of yoga on depressive symptoms in breast cancer patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Li Y, Wang J, Wang Z … +5 more , Yun J, Yang Y, Yang X, Xiao X, Ren C
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42142147 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: While yoga is known to benefit depression in breast cancer patients, its efficacy as an adjunct to diverse treatment regimens remains unclear. This study evaluated yoga's efficacy in alleviating depression du...
BACKGROUND: While yoga is known to benefit depression in breast cancer patients, its efficacy as an adjunct to diverse treatment regimens remains unclear. This study evaluated yoga's efficacy in alleviating depression during varied breast cancer therapies and supports its clinical integration as a complementary intervention. METHODS: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we systematically searched for RCTs in English and Chinese. Literature quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Data were analyzed with Review Manager 5.4.1, including subgroup analyses by treatment type and assessment scale. RESULTS: Analysis of 21 studies showed yoga significantly reduced depression levels [SMD = -0.58, 95% CI (-0.83, -0.32), P < 0.00001]. Subgroup analyses revealed a significant combined mean difference among the surgery group [SMD: -1.04], the postoperative radiotherapy group [SMD: -2.47], and the postoperative chemotherapy group [SMD: -0.46]. The group receiving postoperative radiotherapy demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in depression. Subgroup analyses of scale-assessed effects confirmed the validity of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). The HADS demonstrated a greater effect size [SMD = -1.19, 95% CI (-2.13, -0.24), P = 0.01]. CONCLUSIONS: The impact varied among those undergoing different treatment regimens. Notably, the degree of improvement in depression appeared to be greater in the postoperative radiotherapy group. HADS is a practical self-assessment scale that has demonstrated considerable improvement and is recommended for use in breast cancer patients with depression.
Feasibility study of the Four-Session Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy-based Psychological Intervention Program for women with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.
Szekeres T, Balázs MÁ, Madarász B … +4 more , Póti Z, Urbán R, Dank M, Vizin G
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42141145 · Full text
PURPOSE: Although targeted therapies have prolonged survival in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer, the resulting chronic disease trajectory is frequently accompanied by sub...
PURPOSE: Although targeted therapies have prolonged survival in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer, the resulting chronic disease trajectory is frequently accompanied by substantial psychological burden. This study aimed to conduct a preliminary investigation into the feasibility and psychological outcomes of a low-intensity, group-based cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention (CBT-OP-4) among women receiving palliative care. METHODS: A prospective feasibility study without a control group was undertaken involving 13 female participants (mean age = 63 years, SD = 8.05), all diagnosed with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. The four-session CBT-based group intervention targeted key psychological domains. Self-reported measures of distress, depression, anxiety, perceived stigma, self-compassion, and locus of control were administered pre- and post-intervention. Feasibility and acceptability were further examined via semi-structured qualitative interviews and standardized patient satisfaction instruments. RESULTS: Following the intervention, pre-post improvements were observed in psychological distress, depressive symptoms, and perceived stigma. In parallel, participants demonstrated an increase in self-compassion. Overall, the program was rated as highly acceptable, with participants emphasizing the relevance and applicability of the intervention content within their illness context. CONCLUSION: Findings from this preliminary study suggest that the CBT-OP-4 program is a feasible and acceptable psycho-oncological intervention for women with advanced-stage HER2-positive breast cancer receiving palliative care. The results offer initial empirical support for the incorporation of structured, evidence-based psychological interventions into the routine psychosocial management of this patient population.
Effects of activity pacing-related interventions on cancer-related fatigue and classification of behavior change techniques: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Shimizu Y, Tsuji K, Hanai A … +1 more , Hosokawa M
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42141128 · Full text
PURPOSE: Although physical activity is recommended for managing cancer-related fatigue (CRF), activity pacing (AP) and energy conservation are also implemented to balance activity and rest. This systematic review assesse...
PURPOSE: Although physical activity is recommended for managing cancer-related fatigue (CRF), activity pacing (AP) and energy conservation are also implemented to balance activity and rest. This systematic review assessed the effectiveness of AP-related interventions and behavior change techniques (BCTs) employed in AP-related interventions for CRF management. METHODS: We searched PubMed, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Ichu-shi databases for articles published up to February 28, 2026. After assessing the risk of bias, we performed meta-analyses for quantitative synthesis. We also identified and classified BCTs using data from the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy version 1. RESULTS: Among the 1257 identified studies, 10 (7 randomized controlled trials [RCTs] and 3 non-RCTs) met the inclusion criteria. The effect size was small but not significant (standardized mean differences [SMD] = - 0.36; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: - 0.73 to 0.00; 5 studies; 617 participants), with substantial heterogeneity (I = 66%). Compared with controls, the intervention showed a moderate, statistically significant effect in the subgroup of patients undergoing chemotherapy (SMD = - 0.58; 95% CI: - 0.87 to - 0.29; three studies; 197 participants with breast cancer). The primary BCTs used in AP-related interventions were "goal setting," "social support," and "graded tasks." CONCLUSION: AP-related interventions may provide some benefit in improving CRF, particularly during chemotherapy. However, the certainty of the current evidence is extremely low. Although these interventions represent useful approaches, further RCTs are needed, and digitization of AP-related intervention programs incorporating effective BCTs may be beneficial.
Effectiveness of comprehensive interventions including exercise and exercise-only interventions on postoperative ileus and recovery of intestinal function in patients with colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Yanagisawa T, Furuya N, Tatematsu N … +1 more , Hayashi K
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42133134 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of postoperative or preoperative comprehensive interventions including exercise and exercise-only interventions on postoperative ileus...
PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of postoperative or preoperative comprehensive interventions including exercise and exercise-only interventions on postoperative ileus (POI) incidence and the recovery of intestinal function in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: Electronic searches were conducted in 6 databases. Cohort and randomized-controlled trial (RCT) studies investigating the effects of postoperative or preoperative comprehensive interventions including exercise or exercise-only interventions on POI and the recovery of intestinal function in patients with CRC were included. RESULTS: Thirty-eight studies involving 13,124 patients were included. Postoperative comprehensive interventions including exercise significantly shortened the time to first flatus (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.87 to -0.89) and time to first defecation (SMD = -1.56, 95% CI: -2.20 to -0.92), but did not reduce POI incidence (odds ratio [OR] = 1.38, 95% CI: 0.43 to 4.47). While, postoperative exercise-only interventions showed no significant effect on intestinal recovery (SMD = -0.31, 95% CI: -1.21 to 0.58). Preoperative comprehensive interventions including exercise shortened the time to first flatus (SMD = -0.41, 95% CI: -0.66 to -0.17). Also, preoperative exercise-only interventions significantly reduced the incidence of POI (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.46 to 0.67). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative comprehensive interventions effectively promote intestinal recovery; however, postoperative exercise-only interventions may not promote the recovery of intestinal function. On the other hand, preoperative comprehensive interventions or exercise-only interventions may promote the recovery of intestinal function and prevent POI onset; however, the limited number of included studies prevented definitive conclusions.
Comparative neurologic toxicity profiles of chemotherapy versus immune checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma: a propensity score-matched analysis.
Abualrob MA, Alshehab S, Awad Y … +5 more , Toma R, Azzam T, Abdellatif R, Al-Salahat A, Hamid S
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42133101 · Full text
PURPOSE: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed melanoma treatment, yet comparative real-world data characterizing ICI-associated neurologic adverse events against the well-established neurotoxicity profile...
PURPOSE: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed melanoma treatment, yet comparative real-world data characterizing ICI-associated neurologic adverse events against the well-established neurotoxicity profile of conventional chemotherapy remain limited. We sought to contextualize the neurologic risk landscape of ICIs relative to chemotherapy as a historical comparator, to inform treatment-specific supportive care and surveillance strategies. METHODS: We performed a propensity score-matched analysis using the TriNetX Global Collaborative Network, encompassing 162 healthcare organizations. Adult patients with melanoma receiving chemotherapy (dacarbazine, paclitaxel, carboplatin, or temozolomide; n = 9787) or ICI therapy (pembrolizumab, nivolumab, or ipilimumab; n = 14,627) from January 2014 through November 2025 were identified. After 1:1 nearest-neighbor matching on 52 baseline covariates, 6887 pairs were analyzed over 1-1095 days post-index therapy. Primary outcomes were peripheral neuropathy, encephalopathy, and laboratory-anchored myositis (ICD-10 myositis codes with creatine kinase ≥ 500 U/L). Fractures served as a negative control. A pre-specified conservative sensitivity analysis excluded bidirectional treatment switching, restricted the ICI cohort to anti-PD-1 predominant exposure, tightened outcome definitions, and extended follow-up to 5 years. RESULTS: Among 13,774 matched patients (mean age 67.1 years; 48.5% male), peripheral neuropathy occurred in 7.2% of chemotherapy-treated versus 3.2% of ICI-treated patients (HR 2.47; 95% CI 2.10-2.92). Encephalopathy occurred in 1.0% versus 1.4% (HR 0.70; 95% CI 0.51-0.96). Laboratory-confirmed myositis occurred in 1.0% versus 2.1% (HR 0.47; 95% CI 0.35-0.64). No cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome or CNS vasculitis were detected. The negative control showed no significant difference (P = .20). In the conservative sensitivity analysis (6640 matched pairs; 5-year follow-up), the peripheral neuropathy association was substantially strengthened (HR 5.45; 95% CI 4.16-7.15) and the laboratory-anchored myositis association was essentially unchanged (HR 0.46; 95% CI 0.33-0.64), while the encephalopathy association attenuated to null (HR 1.03; 95% CI 0.79-1.34). CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy carries a substantially higher peripheral neuropathy risk, while ICI therapy confers elevated laboratory-confirmed myositis risk. These robust findings support treatment-specific neurologic surveillance and supportive care strategies in melanoma management, particularly neuropathy monitoring during chemotherapy and neuromuscular/CK surveillance during ICI therapy.
Management of myiasis in advanced head and neck cancers: a comprehensive review.
Gupta AK
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42133099 · Publisher ↗
Accidental myiasis, defined as the infestation of living or necrotic tissue by Diptera larvae, represents a neglected but profoundly distressing complication in patients afflicted with advanced malignancies, particularly...
Accidental myiasis, defined as the infestation of living or necrotic tissue by Diptera larvae, represents a neglected but profoundly distressing complication in patients afflicted with advanced malignancies, particularly head and neck cancers (HNC). HNC constitutes a major global health burden, with an exceptionally high incidence in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), such as India, where delayed presentation often culminates in large, ulcerative malignant fungating wounds (MFWs). These MFWs, coupled with environmental factors, socioeconomic disadvantage, poor hygiene, and patient debility, create a fertile environment for obligatory parasitic fly species, notably Chrysomyia bezziana and Cochliomyia hominivorax, whose larvae aggressively destroy host tissues. The resulting infestation leads to severe pain, relentless odor, rapid tissue erosion, and profound psychological distress, demanding urgent and definitive intervention. Given the paucity of standardized protocols, this review synthesizes the current global and Indian evidence (2000-2025) on the pathophysiology, clinical burden, and management of malignant wound myiasis. The evidence strongly supports an integrated approach centered on systemic antiparasitic administration. Specifically, the "Triple Therapy" regimen-Oral ivermectin, albendazole, and clindamycin-is highlighted for its promising efficacy reported in a single-center prospective cohort in achieving rapid clearance (> 90% reduction in larval burden by Day 3) and significantly improving associated palliative metrics, including pain and odor control. Practical guidelines emphasizing patient safety, ethical use of topical agents, and the essential role of comprehensive psychosocial and caregiver support are provided to establish a high-value, patient-centered standard of care.
Variability in anthracycline dose conversions and cardiotoxicity monitoring: insights from hospital pharmacists on institutional protocols in oncology practice.
Ditta SA, Jongbloed F, Manintveld OC … +5 more , Brugma JD, Wlazlo N, Bos MEMM, van der Kuy HM, Mathijssen RHJ
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42133079 · Full text
PURPOSE: Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is dose-dependent, yet guidelines provide inconsistent cumulative dose thresholds and few standards for converting doses when multiple agents are used. Moreover, no formal gu...
PURPOSE: Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is dose-dependent, yet guidelines provide inconsistent cumulative dose thresholds and few standards for converting doses when multiple agents are used. Moreover, no formal guideline exists to unify these practices and responsibilities. Therefore, we evaluated anthracycline dosing and cardiotoxicity monitoring across Dutch hospitals to identify variability. METHODS: A national cross-sectional survey was conducted among hospital pharmacists in the first quarter of 2024 in the Netherlands. Hospitals completed a 16‑item questionnaire assessing cumulative dose thresholds, equivalence factors for converting to doxorubicin‑equivalent doses, cardiac monitoring protocols and circumstances under which thresholds are exceeded. RESULTS: Responses were received from 43 of 69 hospitals (62%). Reported cumulative dose thresholds varied widely for idarubicin (150-450 mg/m) and mitoxantrone (80-250 mg/m); equivalence factors differed more than ten‑fold between institutions. Nearly half of respondents reported exceeding recommended cumulative dose thresholds in specific clinical contexts. Cardiac monitoring was inconsistent, with 65% of hospitals not routinely measuring left ventricular ejection fraction. Moreover, multigated acquisition scans were used more often than echocardiography despite guideline preference for the latter. CONCLUSION: Our results reveal substantial heterogeneity in anthracycline dosing and cardiotoxicity monitoring across hospitals. Variability in equivalence factors, particularly for mitoxantrone and idarubicin, may lead to misestimation of cumulative cardiotoxic risk. These findings support the need for standardized approaches to dose conversion and improved adherence to cardiac monitoring recommendations to enhance patient safety.
Factors associated with health-related quality of life in survivors of childhood-onset and adult-onset cancer compared to controls.
Rhodes M, Signorelli C, Donoghoe MW … +8 more , McLoone JK, Wakefield CE, Anazodo A, Sansom-Daly UM, Darlington AS, Sodergren SC, Cohn RJ, Fardell JE
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42132998 · Full text
PURPOSE: This cross-sectional survey study explored health-related quality of life (HRQoL) across adult survivors of childhood- or adult-onset cancer in Australia, compared to controls with no history of cancer, and asse...
PURPOSE: This cross-sectional survey study explored health-related quality of life (HRQoL) across adult survivors of childhood- or adult-onset cancer in Australia, compared to controls with no history of cancer, and assessed factors associated with HRQoL among cancer survivors. METHODS: Participants completed a survey including clinical and demographic factors and HRQoL (assessed using EQ-5D-5L). RESULTS: Childhood cancer survivors (< 16 years at diagnosis, n = 403) and adult-onset cancer survivors (> 16 years at diagnosis, n = 656) participated, alongside 901 controls. Overall HRQoL was comparable between childhood cancer survivors and controls, whilst adult cancer survivors reported better HRQoL than controls. Over 50% of child and adult cancer survivors reported meaningful reductions in overall HRQoL compared to perfect health (i.e. EQ-5D-5L index < 0.92). Childhood survivors reported more mobility and activity limitations on the EQ-5D-5L domains compared to controls, whilst adult survivors reported fewer self-care issues. Childhood survivors' poorer HRQoL was significantly associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment, greater health issues, lower resilience, and smoking history. Adult survivors' poorer HRQoL was associated with older age, lower education, fewer health issues, lower resilience, and less physical activity. CONCLUSION: This study provides a comprehensive examination of HRQoL among Australian cancer survivors, shedding light on age-specific differences and the multifaceted nature of associated factors. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Factors associated with HRQoL highlight modifiable opportunities for targeted survivorship care interventions that may improve survivors' long-term coping and adaptation, as well as broader physical health after cancer.
Providing information to prepare breast cancer patients for their surgical consultation: barriers and recommendations (an analysis from Alliance A231701CD).
Saucke MC, Jacobson N, Chow S … +2 more , McKinney G, Neuman HB
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42128956 · Full text
PURPOSE: We conducted Alliance clinical trial A231701CD that provided breast cancer patients a decision aid (DA) before their surgical consultation with the goal of improving engagement in decision-making. We report a mi...
PURPOSE: We conducted Alliance clinical trial A231701CD that provided breast cancer patients a decision aid (DA) before their surgical consultation with the goal of improving engagement in decision-making. We report a mixed-methods analysis from patients who received the DA to understand patients' experiences in preparing for their consultation. METHODS: Patients were included in this analysis if they were randomized to the DA arm (n = 331) and agreed to receive the DA (n = 195). Data collection included surveys before and after the consultation that assessed whether patients reviewed the DA and found it helpful, and reasons for non-review. We interviewed a subset of patients who had low engagement and experienced a preparatory barrier. We used descriptive statistics to summarize survey responses and content analysis to analyze interview data. RESULTS: Seventy-three percent (n = 143) reviewed the DA before the consultation. The majority (93%) said they would recommend receiving information via email. The most common reasons for non-review were logistical. Additional barriers included wanting to hear information directly from the surgeon, feeling they were already informed, wanting to stay in denial about their cancer, and perceiving information would be scary. Interviewees shared suggestions for clinics to optimize patients' review of information, such as explaining how preparing benefits patients and acknowledging emotion around cancer diagnoses. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights that breast cancer patients want information prior to the consultation, but patient-centered challenges can lead to non-review. When sharing pre-consult information, clinics should communicate how reviewing information can help patients feel less overwhelmed and improve their discussion with the surgeon. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03766009 (12/4/2018).
The role of digital rehabilitation therapy in enhancing upper limb function recovery following surgery in breast cancer patients.
Huang W, Yang C, Shen H … +7 more , Han B, Xiao N, Liu Y, Lu S, Yu G, Jiang F, Zhuang M
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42126662 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: The presence of upper limb dysfunction is a common complication following surgical interventions for breast cancer patients. This study aims to investigate the impact of digital rehabilitation therapy on the r...
OBJECTIVE: The presence of upper limb dysfunction is a common complication following surgical interventions for breast cancer patients. This study aims to investigate the impact of digital rehabilitation therapy on the recovery of upper limb function in breast cancer patients after surgery. METHODS: This research enrolled 52 breast cancer patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy at the Affiliated Xinhua Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine between September 2022 and October 2023. A comparative analysis was conducted between the control group and the experimental group regarding their upper limb movements (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction), as well as their quality of life indicators. RESULTS: Following rehabilitation training, the extent of improvement in flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction of the affected upper limbs in the experimental group was significantly higher than that observed in the control group (p < 0.05). Notably, after the same 6-week period, the range of motion in flexion and abduction of the affected limbs in the experimental group did not significantly differ from that of their contralateral limbs (p > 0.05). According to scores on the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30, the experimental group also showed significant improvements in role functioning, emotional functioning, and social functioning compared to the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The application of digital rehabilitation therapy in the recovery process of upper limb function among breast cancer patients post-surgery has proven efficacious in enhancing objective recovery of shoulder range of motion and improving several domains of quality of life, although no significant between-group differences were observed in patient-reported functional outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), ChiCTR2500107529, registered on August 13, 2025.
About
- Frequency
- Sun
- Papers found
- 200
- RSS feed
- Subscribe