Supportive Care In Cancer[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Feasibility and preliminary effects of combined exercise and nutritional intervention on muscle mass preservation during chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer: a prospective study.
Shodo R, Ueki Y, Takahashi T … +9 more , Omata J, Yokoyama Y, Ohshima S, Tsuruta M, Sone A, Seino K, Iwasaki M, Kimura S, Horii A
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jul · PMID 42387042 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of combined exercise and nutritional intervention including branched-chain amino acids on the prevention of muscle mass decline and related physical dysfunction during concurrent chemoradi...
PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of combined exercise and nutritional intervention including branched-chain amino acids on the prevention of muscle mass decline and related physical dysfunction during concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). METHODS: This prospective, single-center study included 29 patients with HNC undergoing definitive cisplatin-based CCRT. Exercise intervention comprised resistance and endurance training, 30 min per day, 5 days per week. Nutritional intervention involved a daily liquid oral supplement (250 mL) providing 320 kcal and 4,600 mg of leucine, in addition to regular meals. Adherence to each intervention was recorded; patients were classified into higher (HA) and lower adherence (LA) groups based on the median overall adherence rate. Changes in body composition, muscle strength, and physical function were assessed before and after treatment. RESULTS: Median adherence was 59.2% for nutrition and 83.0% for exercise. Compared with the LA group, the HA group had significantly smaller reductions in soft lean mass (- 4.1% vs. - 7.8%), skeletal muscle mass index (- 5.4% vs. - 9.5%), and bone mineral content (- 1.8% vs. - 6.0%) and greater fat mass reduction (- 18.8% vs. + 8.7%). Quadriceps strength was maintained in the HA group but declined in the LA group. Adverse events and CCRT completion rates did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: Combined exercise and nutritional interventions are feasible during CCRT. Higher adherence may help preserve body composition and physical function, supporting the potential role of rehabilitation nutrition in supportive care for patients with HNC.
The impact of age factors on postoperative limb function recovery in breast cancer.
Feng Z, Bai Y, Xiao B … +4 more , Wang G, Cai J, Li W, He Q
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jul · PMID 42386987 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Understanding the timing and factors related to the complications such as lymphedema and the limiting of upper limb mobility can help in taking timely measures to prevent them and contribute to the functional...
BACKGROUND: Understanding the timing and factors related to the complications such as lymphedema and the limiting of upper limb mobility can help in taking timely measures to prevent them and contribute to the functional recovery of patients after breast cancer surgery. We aimed to observe the relationship between age and postoperative complications of breast cancer and the improvement of limb function after early rehabilitation intervention in patients of different ages. METHODS: Sixty postoperative breast cancer patients were divided into three groups: young, middle-aged, and elderly. Rehabilitation treatment intervention was conducted within 1 week after surgery, and later rehabilitation training guidance was provided. Follow-up was conducted at 3 months postoperatively. The occurrence of lymphedema and shoulder joint restriction was assessed at enrollment and 3 months postoperatively. The comprehensive functional status of patients was evaluated using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Activity and Participation Assessment Scale. RESULTS: At 3 months postoperatively, there was no significant difference in the incidence of lymphedema among the three groups (P > 0.05). However, the incidence of shoulder joint restriction in the young group was significantly lower than that in the middle-aged and elderly groups (P < 0.05). At 3 months postoperatively, the scores of the ICF Activity and Participation Assessment Scale in all three groups were significantly lower than those at enrollment. The scores in the young group were significantly lower than those in the middle-aged and elderly groups (P < 0.05). The improvement in the ICF Activity and Participation Assessment Scale scores at 3 months postoperatively compared to enrollment was higher in the young group than in the middle-aged and elderly groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study found that the incidence of postoperative shoulder restriction and the recovery of limb function are related to age in breast cancer patients. In the future, studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up durations are warranted.
Healthcare professionals' perceived barriers and facilitators of risk-stratified follow-up care in lung cancer: a qualitative study.
Moss NR, Billingy NE, Maassen I … +4 more , Becker-Commissaris A, Broeders M, Hermens R, Walraven I
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jul · PMID 42384220 · Full text
PURPOSE: Routine follow-up of lung cancer patients involves thoracic computed tomography (CT) scans every 3-6 months for 2 years and then annually up to 5 years. With increasing numbers of survivors, risk-stratified foll...
PURPOSE: Routine follow-up of lung cancer patients involves thoracic computed tomography (CT) scans every 3-6 months for 2 years and then annually up to 5 years. With increasing numbers of survivors, risk-stratified follow-up, tailoring surveillance to recurrence risk, may reduce unnecessary scans while maintaining high-quality follow-up. This study explored healthcare professionals' (HCPs) perceived barriers and facilitators to implement risk-stratified follow-up in lung cancer care. METHODS: A qualitative study was performed, involving 14 semi-structured individual interviews with HCPs engaged in lung cancer care. Transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis, with codes subsequently organized according to the Grol and Wensing framework across six different levels: Innovation, Patient, Professional, Social context, Organization, and Economic and Political. RESULTS: Barriers and facilitators were identified across all levels. HCPs generally viewed risk-stratified follow-up as a promising approach to align care with individual patient risk. Facilitators included its personalized nature, potential to reduce unnecessary imaging, and improve follow-up efficiency. However, HCPs emphasized the need for robust evidence demonstrating safety, effectiveness, and resource optimization. Patient-level barriers included varying follow-up preferences and limited health literacy, while tailored communication was seen as a facilitator. Organizational barriers such as staffing shortages and unclear role delineation were frequently mentioned. Integration into care pathways and interprofessional collaboration were identified as facilitators to address these challenges. Concerns about reduced clinical autonomy and patient safety were also expressed. Financial constraints at the economic and political level were reported to potentially hinder implementation. CONCLUSION: HCPs are generally receptive to evidence-based risk-stratified follow-up. Successful implementation requires evidence of effectiveness, integration into care pathways, clear roles, and aligned reimbursement.
Dynamic interplay between depressive symptoms and cognitive function in Chinese middle-aged and older adults: a cross-lagged panel network analysis before and after cancer diagnosis.
Ma H, Wei F, Zhao M … +1 more , Shen X
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jul · PMID 42384119 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Patients diagnosed with cancer are more prone to depressive symptoms and cognitive dysfunction. This study aimed to explore the dynamic relationship between depressive symptoms and cognitive function in middl...
BACKGROUND: Patients diagnosed with cancer are more prone to depressive symptoms and cognitive dysfunction. This study aimed to explore the dynamic relationship between depressive symptoms and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults before and after a cancer diagnosis. METHODS: The data were derived from Waves 1 to 5 of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The cognitive functioning and depressive symptoms were measured using the validated Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-10 (CESD-10), respectively. Cross-sectional network analysis was utilized for constructing the contemporaneous network, and cross-lagged panel network analysis was subsequently employed for longitudinal analysis. RESULTS: In the temporal network, greater "Hope" before cancer diagnosis was associated with improved "Recall" after diagnosis (β = 0.112) between cognitive function and depressive symptoms. "Attention" (predictability = 0.797) exhibited the highest in-prediction values among all nodes. In contrast, "Drawing" (influence = 1.333) exerted the strongest out-prediction on other symptoms in the cross-lagged network. CONCLUSION: This study utilized the CHARLS database and employed cross-lagged network analysis to elucidate the dynamic mechanisms of influence between depressive symptoms and cognitive function before and after a cancer diagnosis. This study identified the strongest predictive edges in the temporal network, providing new targets for clinical interventions regarding depressive symptoms and cognitive function before and after a cancer diagnosis. Furthermore, we identified the node with the strongest out-prediction in the temporal network spanning from pre-diagnosis to post-diagnosis, which is critical for developing targeted intervention strategies.
The impact of hyperglycaemia and/or type 2 diabetes on women with breast cancer undergoing or post-cytotoxic chemotherapy: a systematic literature review.
Crockett A, McCaughey C, Dornan M … +2 more , Donovan M, Aughey E
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42380692 · Full text
PURPOSE: Hyperglycaemia and/or type 2 diabetes (T2D) can have a detrimental effect on women with breast cancer (BC) undergoing or post-cytotoxic chemotherapy. This systematic review aims to evaluate the short and long-te...
PURPOSE: Hyperglycaemia and/or type 2 diabetes (T2D) can have a detrimental effect on women with breast cancer (BC) undergoing or post-cytotoxic chemotherapy. This systematic review aims to evaluate the short and long-term consequences of hyperglycaemia and/or T2D on treatment outcomes in women with breast cancer receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy. METHODS: Studies published between 2018 and 2024 across four electronic databases were identified. The JBI critical appraisal tool was adopted to select high-quality studies. RESULTS: Nine papers met the criteria for review. Thematic analysis identified two themes: 1) short-term consequences of hyperglycaemia and/or T2D, specifically its impact on healthcare utilisation, treatment toxicity, and treatment modification, and 2) long-term consequences of hyperglycaemia and/or T2D, such as effects on pathological response, prognosis, and mortality. CONCLUSION: Proactive identification and rigorous management of hyperglycaemia and/or T2D are essential to reducing complications and improving outcomes in women with BC receiving chemotherapy. Evidence demonstrates that poor glycaemic control clearly impairs treatment response. The current research gap and fragmented care pathways demand strengthened multidisciplinary collaboration and the delivery of personalised care. These measures are necessary to significantly improve the quality of living with and beyond a diagnosis of BC.
Exploring the barriers to optimal survivorship care for people living with Cancer in NSW.
Ouyang Y, Tran H, Gellert B … +4 more , Kennedy E, Mazariego-Jones C, David M, Vardy J
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jul · PMID 42380363 · Full text
PURPOSE: The study aims to understand the perceptions and provision of survivorship care among cancer survivors and identify barriers to optimal care. The findings will also provide insights to help Cancer Council NSW to...
PURPOSE: The study aims to understand the perceptions and provision of survivorship care among cancer survivors and identify barriers to optimal care. The findings will also provide insights to help Cancer Council NSW to develop policy recommendations to ensure survivors receive comprehensive support throughout their post-treatment journey. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among cancer survivors aged 18 and older who had completed active treatment (n = 209). Data on survivorship care experiences, barriers to access, and unmet needs were collected. Firth logistic and ordinal regression models were used to analyse associations between outcomes (ease of accessing care, information about supportive care, care effectiveness, and unmet needs) and demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical predictors. RESULTS: Most patients (64.2%) received information about supportive care services, and 72.2% felt their needs were met, but only 44.8% found access easy. Educational level was significantly associated with the effectiveness of care after treatment; while lacking a survivorship care plan was associated with lower perceived effectiveness of care after treatment (adjusted OR: 12.80, P < 0.001). Women reported significantly greater difficulty accessing supportive care services (adjusted OR: 0.08, P = 0.004) compared to men. Key barriers included high costs and long appointment wait times, particularly for psychological support, exercise physiology and specialist care. CONCLUSION: Addressing barriers to survivorship care in NSW requires targeted policy interventions, including financial support, enhanced access across gender groups, and standardised survivorship care plans. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: The findings assist Cancer Council NSW advocate for policy recommendations to enhance survivorship care services, ensuring equitable access for all cancer survivors.
Associations between inflammatory biomarkers, symptoms, treatment toxicities and quality of life in people with advanced cancer receiving systemic anti-cancer treatments: a systematic review.
Andersen H, Liu WH, Yates P … +2 more , Farley MJ, Alexander KE
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jul · PMID 42380356 · Full text
PURPOSE: Examine the quality of evidence relating to the association of routine inflammatory biomarkers neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) with symptoms...
PURPOSE: Examine the quality of evidence relating to the association of routine inflammatory biomarkers neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) with symptoms, treatment toxicities, and quality of life (QoL) in people with advanced cancer. METHODS: Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and the Cochrane database to identify studies that investigated associations between NLR, PLR and MLR with symptoms, toxicities and QoL in people with advanced cancer. The evidence was graded as good, fair or poor through the application of the National Institute of Health (NIH) quality assessment tool. A narrative approach was used for data synthesis. RESULTS: Of the 38 studies reviewed, NLR was the most frequently investigated biomarker. Thirteen studies found no association between NLR and symptoms or treatment toxicities. Of the 25 that did, five provided good quality evidence linking NLR to immune-related adverse events (irAEs), chemotherapy-related haematological toxicities and insufficient oral intake. However, NLR cut-off values varied across studies. Ten studies reported an association between PLR and symptoms or treatment toxicities whilst six studies found no associations; one study found no association with MLR and symptoms or treatment toxicities. CONCLUSION: Further research is needed to establish specific cut-off values of NLR to increase the utility of this biomarker in clinical practice. PLR and MLR warrant further investigation for association with symptoms, treatment toxicities and QoL.
Psychological distress in patients with hematological malignancies during the 2023-2025 war in Israel: a national survey and comparison with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Levy Yurkovski I, Sharf G, Shoam V … +1 more , Tadmor T
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42380344 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Patients with hematological malignancies are vulnerable to psychological distress in times of crisis. We evaluated emotional burden, including demographic and clinical factors associated with war-related fear...
BACKGROUND: Patients with hematological malignancies are vulnerable to psychological distress in times of crisis. We evaluated emotional burden, including demographic and clinical factors associated with war-related fears and depression severity, as well as coping strategies, and care continuity during the 2023-2025 war in Israel and compared findings to a prior COVID-19 survey. METHODS: A national cross-sectional survey was conducted in September 2025 among Hebrew-speaking patients with hematological malignancies. Data included sociodemographic and clinical items, disease management, fears (Likert scales), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and three open-ended questions analyzed thematically. Results were compared with a similar 2021 COVID-19 survey. RESULTS: Of 836 patients approached, 188 responded (22%). War affected many patients: 45% had a relative recruited to the army, and 2% reported evacuation or a family member injured/killed. Treatment disruptions were limited (8% delays, 7% alternative therapy, one deferred CAR-T). Depression was frequent (mean PHQ-9 was 10.4 ± 5.6), with 49% in moderate-to-severe ranges, significantly higher than during COVID-19 (9.2 ± 5.9, p = 0.022). Female sex and the wartime period independently predicted depression severity. Mean fear regarding clinic safety was 1.9 ± 1.4 on a 7-point Likert scale and was higher in women, older and lymphoma patients. Thematic analysis revealed fear/anger about war and government (38%) as the most common difficulty, while family support (23%) was the main coping resource. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2023-2025 war was associated with greater depression severity despite fewer care disruptions. Hematology services should incorporate systematic screening and psychosocial support to safeguard patient well-being during crises.
Relations in young adults with cancer: acknowledging partners and friends as caregivers-a Danish national study.
Christensen ME, Enggaard H, Pappot H … +13 more , Thisted LB, Carstens LIB, Søby AKH, Lykke T, Johansen MLK, Bergmann MB, Hjerming M, Piil K, Jespersen LH, Simonsen AB, Rosted E, Bentsen L, - on behalf of the Network for Adolescents Young Adults Cancer Research in Denmark (NAYAcare DK)
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42380336 · Full text
PURPOSE: This study explored relational experiences among young adults with cancer and their self-chosen caregivers (friends and partners) across the cancer trajectory. METHODS: A national, multicentre qualitative study...
PURPOSE: This study explored relational experiences among young adults with cancer and their self-chosen caregivers (friends and partners) across the cancer trajectory. METHODS: A national, multicentre qualitative study was conducted in oncology and haematology settings at all five Danish University Hospitals. Individual semi-structured interviews were undertaken with young adults with cancer (diagnosed when aged 18-39 years) and their self-chosen friends or partners as caregivers. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and reported in accordance with COREQ. RESULTS: Nine young adults with cancer (aged 23-36 years) and 13 informal caregivers (aged 22-34 years) participated (partners n = 7, friends n = 6). Three themes were identified: (1) Holding on to Normality in a Youth Life on Pause, young adult with cancer and caregiver dyads created "breathing spaces" through everyday routines while navigating disruptions in body, mood, and participation in youth contexts; (2) Navigating Help, Needs, and Boundaries, young adults with cancer and their caregiver balanced requesting and offering support, preferred concrete help, and engaged in mutual protection, with professional support rarely accessed; and (3) Shifting Roles in the Relationship, relationships evolved toward "love and logistics", and support was organised in changing circles of closeness, with friends often occupying an "in-between" position. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer in young adulthood emerges as a relational phenomenon. Acknowledging partners and friends as caregivers, and fostering communication, boundary setting, and role negotiation, may reinforce dyadic coping processes and support the continuity of everyday life.
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in the literature: a cross-sectional analysis by time and emetogenicity.
Chow R, Zhang D, Brahmbhatt S … +2 more , Leigh J, Scotté F
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42377612 · Full text
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) has been studied for decades, yet the overall scope and evolution of this literature have not been quantified. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of primary research art...
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) has been studied for decades, yet the overall scope and evolution of this literature have not been quantified. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of primary research articles on CINV published from database inception through January 2026, categorizing studies by chemotherapy emetogenicity. Nearly 3000 studies were identified, with publication output peaking in the 2010s and focusing predominantly on highly emetogenic regimens. These trends reflect historical clinical priorities and advances in antiemetic therapy.
Application of a cancer pain belief modification program for patients with oral cancer in China: a mixed methods study.
Zheng Y, Wang RN, Huang XY … +3 more , Zheng XY, Gao J, Chen SQ
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42377596 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: To explore the feasibility and mechanism of CPBMP among patients with oral cancer in China. METHODS: We conducted a mixed methods study that included a single-center, randomized controlled trial to determine the...
PURPOSE: To explore the feasibility and mechanism of CPBMP among patients with oral cancer in China. METHODS: We conducted a mixed methods study that included a single-center, randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of CPBMP on pain in patients with oral cancer and a semistructured interview to explore the mechanism of action of CPBMP and factors influencing its implementation. A total of 76 individuals participated in the RCT. Patients were randomized to receive a standard recovery protocol (control group) or the CPBMP (intervention group). The outcomes included pain, pain catastrophizing, fear of pain, self-efficacy, and quality of life. Saliva samples of cortisol were collected from 12 randomly selected participants in each group. From the intervention arm, 10 participants were randomly selected for interviews in this study. The semistructured questions were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in pain intensity, fear of pain, pain catastrophizing, pain self-efficacy, and quality of life (all p < 0.001) between the intervention and control groups. There was a significant difference over time in pain intensity, fear of pain, pain catastrophizing, pain self-efficacy, and quality of life (all p < 0.05). The interaction effects were significant for pain intensity, fear of pain, pain catastrophizing, pain self-efficacy, and quality of life (all p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the morning (p = 0.028) and at 17:00 (p = 0.036) salivary cortisol level between the experimental group and the control group within 24 h before the beginning of radiotherapy. There was no significant difference in salivary cortisol slopes between the intervention and control groups (p > 0.05). The interview results included two parts: "psychological mechanism of CPBMP" and "implementation of CPBMP, situational factors, and feedback." The former extracted four themes: "effects of emotion regulation on pain," "changes in pain cognition," "impact of self-efficacy on pain," and "improvement of pain coping skills," and five subthemes. The latter extracted three themes: "implementation of CPBMP (acceptability)," "situational factors," and "feedback and improvement," and eight subthemes. CONCLUSION: The CPBMP showed a positive effect on promoting patients' pain intensity, fear of pain, pain catastrophizing, pain self-efficacy, and quality of life, which effect is affected by individual characteristics. And CPBMP improves pain-related outcomes through psychological adjustment and regulation of HPA axis activity.
Correction: Prevention and management of cardiovascular disease in adults with cancer: an International Cardio‑Oncology Society (IC‑OS) and Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) clinical practice statement.
Dent S, Nadler MB, Blaes A … +17 more , Iqbal A, Ayettey HNG, Alvarez-Cardona J, Chan A, Koh ES, Cordoba Mascunano R, George M, Aryeetey NA, Howden EJ, Kazuhiro S, Latif N, Ozaki AF, Semple CJ, Ramalingam S, Iyenger NM, Rugo HS, Koczwara B
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42377594 · Full text
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The application of continuous enteral nutrition during sequential chemoradiotherapy and immunotherapy in patients with esophageal cancer: a retrospective study.
Qi Y, Li D, Yue J … +6 more , Qin L, Qian D, Wei Y, Jiang H, Geng Q, Wang G
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42377553 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Patients with esophageal cancer primarily face nutritional challenges due to swallowing difficulties and gastrointestinal side effects from treatment. This study aimed to evaluate whether, on the basis of sequen...
PURPOSE: Patients with esophageal cancer primarily face nutritional challenges due to swallowing difficulties and gastrointestinal side effects from treatment. This study aimed to evaluate whether, on the basis of sequential chemoradiotherapy combined with immunotherapy (sandwich regimen), proactive continuous nutrition management can improve patients' nutritional status, help maintain host immune homeostasis, reduce treatment-related severe toxicities, and enhance patients' treatment tolerance. METHODS: We performed a single-center retrospective study including 60 esophageal cancer patients treated with sandwich regimen at The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from June 2021 to May 2023. Patients were divided into the proactive continuous nutritional management (PCNM) group and the reactive nutritional intervention (RNI) group by different nutritional support strategies during sandwich regimen, and compared pre-post nutritional intervention BMI changes, nutritional risk improvement, immune function, and physical performance status indicators, as well as evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of the treatment. RESULTS: After intervention, the PCNM group showed significant improvements in BMI and nutritional risk status compared with the RNI group. Meanwhile, the PCNM group exhibited higher CD4+/CD8+ ratio, serum IgG and IgA levels, as well as a lower incidence of malnutrition and radiation esophagitis. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses further confirmed that PCNM was an independent protective factor for ameliorating nutritional risk and elevating ΔBMI. No significant intergroup difference was observed in objective tumor treatment efficacy. CONCLUSION: Proactive continuous nutritional management improves patients' nutritional status and immune-related laboratory parameters during sequential sandwich therapy.
A multi‑country evaluation of healthcare professionals' experiences with the PanCareFollowUp training package to implement person-centred care in childhood cancer survivorship care: A PanCareFollowUp study.
Loonen JJ, Bouwman E, Penson A … +19 more , Follin C, Uyttebroeck A, Breij D, Kepakova K, Prikken S, Hjorth L, Winther JF, van der Pal HJH, Schneider C, Kienesberger A, Gsell H, Michel G, Pluijm SMF, Skinner R, Kremer LCM, Muraca M, Kepak T, Hermens RPMG, PanCareFollowUp Consortium
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42373775 · Full text
PURPOSE: Survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult (CAYA) cancer face lifelong risks of treatment-related late effects, emphasizing the need for innovative, person-centred survivorship care. The PanCareFollowUp...
PURPOSE: Survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult (CAYA) cancer face lifelong risks of treatment-related late effects, emphasizing the need for innovative, person-centred survivorship care. The PanCareFollowUp (PCFU) Care intervention, based on person-centred care (PCC), prioritizes survivors' values and needs. This paper describes the evaluation of experiences of healthcare professionals' (HCPs) and supporting staff's experiences with the training package that was developed for implementation of PCC in the PCFU Care. METHODS: To support PCC delivery, a training package, including a training presentation with voice-over and a workshop, was developed. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) and supporting staff from four European survivorship clinics evaluated the training package through questionnaires measuring readiness to apply PCC, knowledge, confidence, perceived utility, and tool-related experiences. RESULTS: Eighteen HCPs evaluated the training presentation. Readiness to apply PCC increased from 68% pre-training to 89% post-training, while confidence declined from 78% to 68%. Most participants reported improved knowledge, with 94% indicating at least some increase. Frameworks such as Ekman's pillars, the seven steps for a PCC consultation, and shared decision-making questions were rated highly useful. Twenty-eight HCPs evaluated the workshop; 82% found it useful and 82% reported an overall favourable impression. Participants valued open discussion, multidisciplinary perspectives, and survivor involvement. The workshop's short duration and more broadly, limited time, staff shortages, and digital infrastructure were identified as barriers to PCC implementation. CONCLUSION: This multi-country evaluation shows that even brief PCC training can enhance HCPs' readiness to deliver person-centred survivorship care. The findings highlight both the potential of concise educational interventions and the importance of delivery format and organizational context for the sustainable implementation of PCC across survivorship care settings.
Correction to: Proactive preventive dental care to maintain eating function in palliative care: a narrative review.
Mitate E, Nakada A, Okitsu K … +9 more , Tsukiyama N, Toukai F, Sawai Y, Demura T, Yamauchi Y, Hasumoto M, Wada S, Yasumoto K, Nakano H
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42371196 · Publisher ↗
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Reduced-dose dexamethasone premedication for weekly paclitaxel: a retrospective cohort study of early hypersensitivity reactions and steroid-related toxicity.
Lee J, An Y, Kim IW … +2 more , Ko M, Oh JM
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42371187 · Full text
PURPOSE: Taxane-induced hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) are highly prevalent, necessitating premedication with dexamethasone; however, prolonged or high-dose exposure to dexamethasone increases the risk of adverse effe...
PURPOSE: Taxane-induced hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) are highly prevalent, necessitating premedication with dexamethasone; however, prolonged or high-dose exposure to dexamethasone increases the risk of adverse effects. This study evaluated whether a reduced-dose dexamethasone regimen effectively prevents HSRs while minimizing steroid-related toxicity during weekly paclitaxel chemotherapy. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study utilized electronic health records to evaluate patients receiving weekly paclitaxel. We compared a low-dose (LD) dexamethasone regimen (10 mg at the first infusion, followed by 4 mg weekly) with a conventional high-dose (HD) regimen (10 mg weekly). The primary outcome was the incidence of HSRs during the second paclitaxel infusion, analyzed using non-inferiority testing with a predefined margin of 2%. Propensity score-based inverse probability of treatment weighting was employed to control confounding, with missing data addressed via multiple imputation. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of steroid-related adverse events (AEs) such as hyperglycemia, insomnia, and serious bacterial infections, evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for relevant clinical factors. RESULTS: The LD regimen was non-inferior to the HD regimen for preventing HSRs (weighted incidence, 0.72% vs. 1.18%; risk difference -0.46%; 95% CI -1.26% to 0.53%). The HD group had a significantly higher risk of hyperglycemia (adjusted HR [aHR] 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15 to 2.07). While insomnia (aHR 1.53, 95% CI 0.93 to 2.51) and serious bacterial infections (aHR 1.19, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.44) occurred more frequently in the HD group, these trends did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: A low-dose dexamethasone premedication regimen was non-inferior to the conventional regimen in preventing HSRs and was associated with a lower risk of corticosteroid-associated hyperglycemia.
Impact of weight loss on adverse events during chemoradiotherapy in patients with small cell lung cancer: a retrospective study.
Saito Y, Kawarade M, Makihara RA … +10 more , Sakiyama N, Maeda M, Tateishi A, Shinno Y, Okuma Y, Yoshida T, Horinouchi H, Yamamoto N, Goto Y, Hashimoto H
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42364037 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Radiation oesophagitis, a common adverse event of radiation therapy for limited-disease small cell lung cancer (LD-SCLC), results in significant weight loss. This study retrospectively evaluated the association...
PURPOSE: Radiation oesophagitis, a common adverse event of radiation therapy for limited-disease small cell lung cancer (LD-SCLC), results in significant weight loss. This study retrospectively evaluated the association between weight loss and treatment outcomes in patients with LD-SCLC undergoing chemoradiotherapy and explored the associated factors. METHODS: Patients with LD-SCLC treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy between 2010 and 2023 were included. We compared the characteristics of patients with and without radiation oesophagitis or ≥ 5% weight loss during treatment. RESULTS: Of 99 patients included, radiation oesophagitis occurred in 71. The incidence of febrile neutropenia (FN) was significantly higher in the grade 2-3 oesophagitis group than in the grade 0-1 group (72.7% vs. 45.5%; P = 0.030). In patients with FN, creatinine clearance significantly decreased after treatment (84.2 ± 21.4 mL/min to 76.5 ± 20.4 mL/min; P < 0.001). Twenty-five patients (25.3%) had ≥ 5% weight loss by the end of radiotherapy. Patients with ≥ 5% weight loss had a significantly higher incidence of FN than those with < 5% weight loss (80.0% vs. 43.2%; P = 0.002). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, FN was significantly associated with weight loss ≥ 5% (OR 4.49, 95% CI 1.47-13.80; P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that weight loss of ≥ 5% during chemoradiotherapy is associated with an increased incidence of FN among patients with LD-SCLC. These preliminary findings suggest that the clinical utility of close monitoring and early supportive care for patients at risk of weight loss warrants further prospective investigation.
Post-radiotherapy xerostomia and quality of life in head and neck cancer patients.
Hoene G, Waldzus LC, Schminke B … +4 more , Gruber LJ, Dröge L, Schliephake H, Wolfer S
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42362923 · Full text
PURPOSE: Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer frequently results in radiation-induced xerostomia, a chronic symptom that can persist long-term and compromise oral function and survivorship. METHODS: A cross-sectional, n...
PURPOSE: Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer frequently results in radiation-induced xerostomia, a chronic symptom that can persist long-term and compromise oral function and survivorship. METHODS: A cross-sectional, non-interventional survey was conducted using a mixed recruitment approach (department-based and nationwide online dissemination). Xerostomia prevalence, symptom characteristics, coping strategies, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) were assessed using a study-specific xerostomia questionnaire and the validated OHIP-G14 instrument. Overall, 253 questionnaires were returned (202 complete and 51 partial), including 163 completed online via LimeSurvey and 39 completed on paper during routine follow-up visits at the tumour clinic of the department. RESULTS: Xerostomia was reported by 90% of respondents; 53.1% described the daily burden as strong/very strong. Patients with xerostomia had significantly worse OHRQoL than those without (mean OHIP-G14 26.7 vs. 17.3; p < 0.001), corresponding to a clinically relevant mean difference of 9.4 points. In multivariable linear regression, xerostomia remained independently associated with worse OHRQoL (B = 8.86, p < 0.001). Functional impairment and oral pain were more pronounced than psychosocial or aesthetic domains, and perceived xerostomia severity correlated with OHIP scores. Commonly used coping strategies included frequent water intake (81%), sugar-free gum/lozenges (46%), saliva substitutes (43%), and home remedies (e.g., oil or tea) (33%); prescription sialogogues were infrequently used (15%) and perceived as less effective. CONCLUSION: Post-radiotherapy xerostomia is highly prevalent and independently associated with clinically meaningful OHRQoL impairment, underscoring the need for optimized counselling and structured supportive care. Management was dominated by low-threshold behavioural strategies, while prescription sialogogues were used by only a minority of respondents and were rated less effective in terms of perceived benefit.
The effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions on sleep quality in lung cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis (2015-2025).
Jinsuo Z, Yufeng Y, Siwei S … +4 more , Jing S, Tingxuan Z, Pan W, Yuhan C
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42362784 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Sleep disorders are highly prevalent among lung cancer patients and seriously affect their quality of life and mental health. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of non-pharmacol...
PURPOSE: Sleep disorders are highly prevalent among lung cancer patients and seriously affect their quality of life and mental health. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of non-pharmacological interventions on sleep quality, quality of life, and anxiety in lung cancer patients. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP databases for studies published between 2015 and February 2025. The primary outcome was sleep quality, with quality of life and anxiety levels as secondary outcomes. We assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane tool and synthesized data using meta-analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies involving 2604 patients were included. Non-pharmacological interventions were compared with usual care, placebo, or standard oncology care. After excluding studies with inappropriate content and methods, 20 studies evaluated sleep quality, and 12 studies evaluated quality of life and anxiety levels, respectively. The quality of the evidence was low to moderate; the promotion results should be interpreted with caution, but they may have a positive effect on the sleep quality, quality of life, and anxiety levels of lung cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS: Diverse non-pharmacological interventions can improve sleep quality, quality of life, and anxiety in lung cancer patients. However, high-quality, rigorously designed randomized controlled trials are still needed to confirm these findings. Future research should focus on personalized interventions tailored to lung cancer patients' characteristics and integrate digital health interventions to better support clinical decision-making.
The healing promise of narrative medicine in cancer care.
Mercadante S
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42360522 · Publisher ↗
In an era of extraordinary technological advancement and evidence-based dominance, there is a vital need to restore the doctor-patient relationship by valuing the patient's narrative on par with clinical signs and sympto...
In an era of extraordinary technological advancement and evidence-based dominance, there is a vital need to restore the doctor-patient relationship by valuing the patient's narrative on par with clinical signs and symptoms. Narrative medicine emerges as an innovative approach that places storytelling at the center of the medical context, utilizing specific communicative competencies to integrate the diverse perspectives of patients and healthcare professionals. The aim of this editorial is to provide a conceptual and implementation-oriented framework, illustrating how narrative medicine can be integrated into routine oncology and supportive care. Within modern oncology, these practices serve as a humane complement to technical expertise, sustaining identity, hope, and resilience while revealing what matters most to the individual: quality of life and meaning. Evidence suggests that narrative approaches do not replace evidence-based care but rather enrich it, leading to reduced anxiety, improved trust, and ethically aligned care plans. By integrating practical tools such as patient journals and reflective clinician notes, narrative practice functions not as a retreat from science, but as a disciplined extension of it into the human experience. Ultimately, embracing narrative medicine aligns with a commitment to equitable, sustainable, and person-centered cancer care.
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