Supportive Care In Cancer[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
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 42265443 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Oral complications are common in palliative care and may directly impair patients' eating habits, comfort, and quality of life. Despite these impacts, dental integration remains suboptimal into supportive oncolo...
PURPOSE: Oral complications are common in palliative care and may directly impair patients' eating habits, comfort, and quality of life. Despite these impacts, dental integration remains suboptimal into supportive oncology and non-cancer palliative care models in many settings. This review synthesized current evidence and proposed a practical framework for proactive preventive dental care. METHODS: A structured narrative review was conducted via the PubMed and Ichushi-Web electronic databases to identify studies indexed between 2000 and 2026. The literature addressing oral symptoms, mastication, nutrition, denture management, and interdisciplinary care in serious illnesses was included. RESULTS: Oral dysfunctions, including xerostomia, mucosal and dental pain, oral infections, and denture instability, are frequently reported in palliative populations and contribute to reduced dietary intake and diminished quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests that maintaining masticatory function may support nutritional stability, treatment tolerance, and patient-reported quality of life. On the basis of the synthesized literature, we propose a proactive preventive dental care (PPDC) framework that emphasizes routine oral assessment, pain management, moisturization, hygiene maintenance, early functional restoration, and interdisciplinary collaboration with nutrition and palliative teams. CONCLUSION: Integrating anticipatory dental strategies into supportive and palliative care may help preserve eating-related quality of life across both cancer and non-cancer illness trajectories. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the clinical impact of the implementation of proactive dental care strategies in multidisciplinary supportive care.
Effect of a nurse-led dyadic symptom management intervention on postoperative esophageal cancer patients and their family caregivers: A quasi-experimental trial with a qualitative process evaluation.
Huang S, Chen Y, Zhong J … +4 more , Yuan J, Zhang S, Kang L, Zhang J
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42265347 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of a dyadic symptom management intervention on health outcomes of postoperative esophageal cancer patients and their caregivers. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted involvin...
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of a dyadic symptom management intervention on health outcomes of postoperative esophageal cancer patients and their caregivers. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted involving 84 esophageal cancer patients and their caregivers at a cancer center in Southern China. Participants in the control group received standard perioperative care, whereas those in the intervention group underwent four structured educational sessions and received symptom management consultations during the first postoperative month. Primary outcomes included patients' symptom burden and difference in symptom assessment between patients and their caregivers. Secondary outcomes included dyadic communication, depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Generalized estimating equation models were applied for data analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for the process evaluation. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed between groups in dyadic symptom severity assessments, patient symptom severity and interference, the 31-day unplanned readmission rate, as well as dyadic anxiety, depression, and the mental component summary. No significant differences were found in dyadic symptom interference assessments, family communication, or the physical component summary of the dyads. Qualitative process evaluation identified three main themes: (1) security and gratitude, (2) adapting together, healing together, and (3) sustainable support and resources. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the nurse-led dyadic symptom management intervention may improve symptom management and psychological outcomes (e.g., anxiety and depression) among postoperative esophageal cancer patients and their family caregivers. REGISTRATION: This study was retrospectively registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 10 June 2025 (ChiCTR2500104063).
Cannabinoids and opioid consumption in cancer pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Creangă-Murariu I, Alexa-Stratulat T, Rusu MI … +4 more , Chiru S, Dascalu C, Dobre CE, Tamba BI
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42262611 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Opioids are the mainstay of cancer-related pain management but are limited by adverse effects and clinical complexity. Cannabinoids have been proposed as adjunctive, opioid-sparing agents, yet their impact on...
BACKGROUND: Opioids are the mainstay of cancer-related pain management but are limited by adverse effects and clinical complexity. Cannabinoids have been proposed as adjunctive, opioid-sparing agents, yet their impact on opioid consumption in cancer patients remains uncertain. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251175971). Randomized and nonrandomized clinical studies involving adult cancer patients receiving opioids for pain and treated with cannabinoids were included. Outcomes comprised total opioid consumption, maintenance/background opioid dose, and breakthrough/rescue opioid use. Placebo-controlled comparisons were analyzed separately from within-group baseline changes. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 and ROBINS-I, and certainty of evidence using GRADE. RESULTS: Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria, with ten eligible for meta-analysis. Placebo-controlled analyses showed no significant differences between cannabinoids and placebo for total, maintenance, or breakthrough opioid use. Baseline-change analyses demonstrated heterogeneous and formulation-dependent effects, with modest reductions in maintenance opioid dose observed primarily in THC-predominant regimens, driven by isolated studies. Overall certainty of evidence was low due to heterogeneity and methodological limitations. CONCLUSIONS: Cannabinoids are not associated with consistent or clinically meaningful opioid-sparing effects in cancer pain under controlled conditions. Observed benefits in uncontrolled analyses are variable and not reliably reproduced. Cannabinoids should not be considered a dependable opioid-sparing strategy in cancer pain management.
Prehabilitation for cancer surgery: a systematic review of qualitative literature from experienced stakeholders.
Miegel R, Watson DI, Chan RJ … +2 more , Wallen MP, Hunter SC
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42262599 · Full text
PURPOSE: Multimodal prehabilitation for cancer surgery is increasingly being used in cancer care to improve patient outcomes. Despite the benefits of such programs on patient and health service metrics, many services and...
PURPOSE: Multimodal prehabilitation for cancer surgery is increasingly being used in cancer care to improve patient outcomes. Despite the benefits of such programs on patient and health service metrics, many services and research trials report challenges with patient uptake and adherence as well as implementation into existing services. This systematic review sought to better understand the key enablers and barriers to participant uptake and adherence, to inform future service adoption recommendations. METHODS: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus and PsycInfo were systematically searched for qualitative and mixed-methods studies from January 2010 to July 2025. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted and conducted critical appraisal. A customised data extraction tool was developed, and study quality was critically appraised via the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data were thematically synthesised into patient, clinician and system level factors influencing engagement. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies were identified. Patient engagement factors included the importance of relationships (clinician-patient, family and patient peer groups), acknowledging individual circumstances with the need for individualised content, and the belief of the benefit of participation. Implementation factors included workforce capacity and capability, organisational system support, and utilising the preoperative window effectively. Combined factors were the delivery method and clinician awareness and attitudes towards prehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Engagement with prehabilitation is shaped by interconnected patient and system factors. Successful implementation requires addressing both individual patient needs and organisational infrastructure. Future research should expand beyond proving effectiveness to real-world integration. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Survivors benefit from tailored prehabilitation programs that consider personal circumstances and provide strong relational support. Embedding prehabilitation into standard care pathways promotes equitable access and empowers survivors to participate actively.
Diagnosis, care pathways, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use among digestive cancer patients in Benin: a qualitative study.
Merabtine T, Sognigbe MA, Marcellaud E … +7 more , Toniolo J, Tarhini Z, Ganfon H, Kpossou AR, Christou N, Gnonlonfoun DD, Jost J
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42260244 · Full text
PURPOSE: In Benin, patients with digestive cancers face multiple challenges, including diagnostic delays and limited access to care. In this context, the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common. Thi...
PURPOSE: In Benin, patients with digestive cancers face multiple challenges, including diagnostic delays and limited access to care. In this context, the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common. This study aimed to describe the diagnostic and care pathways of patients with digestive cancers in Benin, and their experiences with both complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and conventional treatments. METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted at the University Hospital Center (CNHU-HKM) in Cotonou, Benin, among adult patients diagnosed with primary digestive cancers who reported CAM use. The sample was determined by data saturation and included 11 patients. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and fully transcribed. A thematic analysis was performed followed by investigator triangulation. RESULTS: Patients frequently reported diagnostic delays linked to initial symptom minimization, medical wandering, and low awareness of digestive cancers. Access to care was further constrained by financial difficulties and limited availability of medicines. The use of complementary and alternative medicine was mainly motivated by financial barriers, dissatisfaction with conventional treatments, management of side effects, and the search for well-being. Finally, patients emphasized the need for holistic care, including psychosocial and nutritional support, and physician involvement in CAM supervision. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the complex trajectories of digestive cancer patients in Benin, marked by diagnostic delays, inequities in access to care, and the central role of CAM. The findings call for holistic, patient-centered models of care that promote early detection, enhance access to services, and ensure the safe and culturally sensitive integration of CAM.
Food insecurity, dietary quality, and cardiovascular risk among early childhood cancer survivors.
Aziz-Bose R, Paul MA, Lokko L … +9 more , Jones E, Meng J, Fry C, Kelly CA, Umaretiya PJ, Duhaney L, Kenney LB, Zhang FF, Bona K
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42260192 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) have 7-times higher risk of cardiovascular mortality than the general population, highlighting the importance of addressing modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. In this study,...
PURPOSE: Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) have 7-times higher risk of cardiovascular mortality than the general population, highlighting the importance of addressing modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. In this study, we aimed to quantify the prevalence of food and nutrition insecurity-known cardiovascular risk factors-among a single-center cohort of early CCS, and explore these factors as drivers of adverse CCS dietary and cardiovascular outcomes. METHODS: Children aged < 18 years and < 1 year off-therapy were enrolled at a quaternary pediatric cancer center. Parents/guardians of participants completed an electronic survey including validated measures of food and nutrition insecurity and dietary quality, measured with the Rapid Prime Dietary Quality Score Screener. Therapeutic (anthracycline or radiation exposure) and clinical cardiovascular risk factors (overweight/obesity, elevated blood pressure, dyslipidemia, or prediabetes/diabetes) were abstracted from the medical record. We descriptively summarized food insecurity prevalence, dietary quality, and cardiovascular risk and examined associations using univariate and multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses. RESULTS: Among 115 enrolled participants with a mean age 8.3 years and mean 5.3 months from end of therapy, 27% (n = 31) lived in food-insecure households and 33% (n = 38) had nutrition insecurity. Mean dietary quality was 27.6/52 (SD 5.3). Participants in food-insecure households experienced significantly lower dietary quality compared to food-secure households on univariate analysis (25.9 vs 28.2, p = 0.04); in multivariable analyses, this difference was not significant. Among the sub-cohort with available medical record abstraction data (n = 97), 84% (n = 81) had ≥ 1 cardiovascular risk factor and 39% had ≥ 2 risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: One in four early CCS lives with food insecurity. These children concurrently experience multiple cardiovascular risk factors and suboptimal dietary quality. Interventions targeting food and nutrition insecurity and other modifiable cardiovascular risk factors have potential to mitigate late effects and advance equity in survivorship outcomes.
Impact of CGA and Surgical Risk Calculator before elective cancer surgery on postoperative delirium in elderly patients.
Foo Cheung A, Ansel-Wallois A, Boucekine M … +7 more , Villani P, Boissier R, Karsenty G, Pénicaud M, Fakhry N, Thomas PA, Couderc AL
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42258005 · Publisher ↗
UNLABELLED: Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is part of preoperative evaluation for frail elderly patients; Surgical Risk Calculator (SRC) from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improveme...
UNLABELLED: Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is part of preoperative evaluation for frail elderly patients; Surgical Risk Calculator (SRC) from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project can enhance this assessment by estimating the risk of postoperative complications (POCs) within 30 days, particularly postoperative delirium (POD). OBJECTIVES: Our primary objective was to identify CGA and/or SRC characteristics associated with POD within 30 days of oncological surgery in elderly patients. Our secondary objective was to determine the rates of 30-day POD, mortality, and readmission. METHOD: A single-centre retrospective observational study was conducted at the Marseille University Hospital between July 2021 and December 2022, involving patients aged 70 years and older who received a favourable geriatric assessment prior to surgery. RESULTS: Of the 161 patients included in the study (mean age of 80.6 years), 10.0% experienced postoperative delirium (POD), 8.1% died, and 14.9% were readmitted within 30 days of surgery. Risk factors for POD identified in multivariate analysis were age between 85 and 89 years and estimated risk of POD by SRC. Estimated risk of POD by SRC had an area under the curve of 0.89 in our sample. CONCLUSION: SRC is a promising tool to add to CGA for assessing the risk of postoperative delirium in older cancer patients. Taking nutritional status into account improves postoperative geriatric care in this population.
Mepilex Lite dressing in the management of radiation dermatitis-a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Wong HCY, Zhang B, Kagan S … +9 more , Yang C, Tse SSW, Tang L, Hircock C, Lee SF, Hijal T, Safavi AH, Karam I, Chow E
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42257988 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Radiation dermatitis is a common side effect of radiation therapy, often affecting patient comfort and may lead to treatment interruption. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effe...
INTRODUCTION: Radiation dermatitis is a common side effect of radiation therapy, often affecting patient comfort and may lead to treatment interruption. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Mepilex Lite dressings compared to standard care in managing radiation dermatitis. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search of Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, Embase, and MEDLINE was conducted up to July 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing Mepilex Lite to standard of care in patients undergoing radiation therapy were included. Primary outcomes included changes in dermatitis severity using validated grading systems. Secondary outcomes were time to wound healing, patient-reported symptoms, and quality of life. Meta-analyses were conducted using Revman, and risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. RESULTS: Three RCTs involving 186 patients were included. Two studies focused on breast cancer and one on nasopharyngeal cancer. Mepilex Lite was applied at the onset of radiation-induced erythema in two studies and after the development of moist desquamation in one study. Meta-analysis of RISRAS scores from two studies showed significant improvement with Mepilex Lite: combined score mean difference -0.98 (95% CI, -1.41 to -0.56, p < 0.01; I = 96%) and researcher-assessed score -0.57 (95% CI, -1.03 to -0.11, p = 0.02; I = 93%). Time to wound healing was reported using different measures across studies, preventing meta-analysis. Zhong et al. reported faster healing with Mepilex Lite (median 16 vs. 23 days, p = 0.009), while Paterson et al. observed reduced severity and duration of moist desquamation. Patient-reported outcomes favored Mepilex Lite for symptom relief, including pain and itchiness. CONCLUSION: Mepilex Lite dressings may help reduce the severity and duration of radiation dermatitis and may improve patient comfort. However, due to significant heterogeneity among studies and variation in outcome reporting, further studies are required to confirm these findings.
Barriers and facilitators to implementing an online psychological intervention for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors in a community setting.
Irestorm E, Wakefield CE, Houweling R … +5 more , Hetherington K, McGill BC, McDonald FEJ, Cohn RJ, Sansom-Daly UM
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42257914 · Full text
PURPOSE: To respond to the psychological needs of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors, we developed and evaluated a theoretically grounded online intervention to teach adaptive coping skills to promote resi...
PURPOSE: To respond to the psychological needs of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors, we developed and evaluated a theoretically grounded online intervention to teach adaptive coping skills to promote resilience in early survivorship: 'Recapture Life'. This qualitative study aimed to evaluate the process of implementing Recapture Life into community organisations, after having been initially developed in an academic setting. METHODS: The study duration was 2017-2022. Eighteen community staff members were interviewed before the implementation (T0) and nine of them after the implementation (T1). A qualitative data process evaluation using the Proctor model for implementation was completed. Interviews were thematically analysed and mapped to four key domains: acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, and sustainability. RESULTS: Major facilitators included the training provided to staff before implementation, support from the community organisation, and the culture within the organisation, as well as the communication between the university/hospital and the community organisation/s. Major barriers included staff turnover and recruitment of participants. Most, but not all, of the potential barriers and facilitators mentioned at T0 were confirmed at T1. The COVID-19 pandemic was considered both a barrier and a facilitator. Additionally, this category did not fit into the Proctor framework, as it cut across all outcomes. CONCLUSION: We identified several processes critical to supporting the success of an AYA cancer intervention delivery. This study highlights the potential for psychological programs to be delivered online by skilled and well-trained psychosocial staff in community and not-for-profit settings. Trial registration The study was registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN126240013995830) November 26th, 2024 (retrospectively registered).
An explainable predictive machine learning model of oxaliplatin induced peripheral neuropathy based on clinical data: a retrospective single center.
Lv J, Xie F, Wu R … +5 more , Zhang Y, Tang H, Tian W, Ding Y, Hua Y
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42257819 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Oxaliplatin (OXA) is widely used in the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies such as colorectal cancer. However, oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) is a common and distinctive adverse effe...
BACKGROUND: Oxaliplatin (OXA) is widely used in the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies such as colorectal cancer. However, oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) is a common and distinctive adverse effect, with a high incidence rate. Characterized by numbness and paresthesia in the extremities, OIPN is dose-limiting, often irreversible, and significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Current assessment relies primarily on subjective symptoms, and effective predictive models are lacking. METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study included 829 colorectal cancer patients receiving oxaliplatin chemotherapy. Fourteen core features were screened from 104 potential variables using Lasso regression, Boruta algorithm, Recursive Elimination Feature with Cross-Validation (REFCV), and Gradient Boosting Decision Trees (GBDT). Five machine learning models were developed and evaluated. Model optimization was performed using fivefold cross-validation, and performance was assessed via metrics including the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis was employed to interpret the model, and an online risk calculator was developed. RESULTS: The GBDT model demonstrated the best performance, with an AUC of 0.997 (95% CI: 0.994-1.000) in the training set, 0.908 (0.854-0.962) in the validation folds, and 0.892 (0.837-0.947) in the internal test set. High calibration accuracy was observed, and DCA showed significant net benefit. SHAP analysis identified cumulative oxaliplatin dose (Total OXA), body mass index (BMI), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), apolipoprotein A1 (APOA-1), Sex, and cold exposure (ETCO) as the top six core predictors for OIPN, with total OXA exhibiting the most significant and dose-dependent impact. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the GBDT machine learning model effectively predicts OIPN risk in colorectal cancer patients. Combined with SHAP analysis, the model's interpretability is enhanced. The developed online calculator provides a reliable tool for early clinical identification of high-risk patients and personalized intervention strategies.
Associations of formal and informal organizational support with employed cancer survivors' intent to stay.
Dugan AG, Austin HL, Namazi S … +2 more , Bellizzi KM, Cavallari JM
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42257752 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Cancer has broad effects on survivors, including on their employment and work ability, defined as the capacity to carry out job demands. When organizations provide informal social support and formal support poli...
PURPOSE: Cancer has broad effects on survivors, including on their employment and work ability, defined as the capacity to carry out job demands. When organizations provide informal social support and formal support policies, survivors' work ability and intent to remain with their employer may be enhanced. We hypothesized positive associations between two forms of support (formal, informal) and survivors' intent to stay, with work ability as a potential mediator of this pathway. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was administered between May 2017 and October 2018 to working breast cancer survivors who completed primary treatment within 36 months. We conducted ordinary least square regressions path analysis to test hypothesized associations. Percentile bootstrap estimation approach was used with 10,000 samples to test indirect effects. RESULTS: Respondents (n = 157) had a mean age of 51 and were mostly female (98%), White and Non-Hispanic (85%), married or partnered (74%), and college educated (78%). Hypothesis testing showed statistically significant direct effects between both informal and formal support and intent to stay, as well as indirect effects whereby work ability partially mediated the relationship between both types of support and intent to stay. CONCLUSIONS: In a sample of breast cancer survivors, we showed a novel association between organizational support and intent to stay through work ability. Employer initiatives and structures that provide increased informal and formal support may enhance employment sustainability among cancer survivors by helping them to meet job demands and perform effectively. RELEVANCE STATEMENT: We provide evidence that both formal and informal organizational support are associated with cancer survivors' work ability and intent to remain employed, offering insights that may inform future workplace research, policies, and support programs aimed at improving employment sustainability after cancer.
The effect of oncology-specific suicide prevention program on oncology nurses' levels of suicide literacy, suicide stigma, and efficacy perception for suicide risk management: a randomized controlled study.
Öztürk S, Hiçdurmaz D
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42257751 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: Cancer patients have a higher suicide risk than the general population. Oncology nurses play a critical role in assessing and managing this risk. However, they often lack the necessary awareness, knowledge, an...
OBJECTIVE: Cancer patients have a higher suicide risk than the general population. Oncology nurses play a critical role in assessing and managing this risk. However, they often lack the necessary awareness, knowledge, and skills. This study developed an Oncology-Specific Suicide Prevention Program (OSP) for oncology nurses. It aims to assess how the OSP affects nurses' suicide literacy, suicide stigma, and efficacy in suicide risk management. METHOD: Researchers developed the OSP based on findings from cancer-related suicide studies. The intervention included three structured online sessions for the experimental group, each session addressing specific aspects of suicide prevention strategies in oncology care. Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial with 86 nurses from two oncology hospitals in Ankara. Nurses were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 43) or a control group (n = 43) after stratifying by years of work experience. The control group received usual in-service training. Researchers collected data using the descriptive information form, the literacy of suicide scale, the stigma of suicide scale, and the efficacy perception scale for suicide risk management for oncology nurses. RESULTS: The experimental group showed a significant increase in suicide literacy (p < 0.001) and efficacy perception for suicide risk management (p < 0.001). They also showed a decrease in suicide stigma (p = 0.013) compared to the control group. These effects were measured at the end of the program and 3 months later. CONCLUSION: Integrating the OSP into in-service training for oncology units and national and international suicide prevention strategies is suggested.
Moral dilemma of family caregivers of urostomy patients: a qualitative study.
Han X, Tian H, Xu H … +11 more , Gao K, Liu X, Li S, Liu X, Yu Y, Wang Y, Zhou T, Fan W, Li Y, Shang L, Wang Q
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42250123 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The most prevalent malignant tumor of the urinary system, bladder cancer, exhibits a rising global incidence rate. However, recent diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, such as ostomy surgery, can effectivel...
BACKGROUND: The most prevalent malignant tumor of the urinary system, bladder cancer, exhibits a rising global incidence rate. However, recent diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, such as ostomy surgery, can effectively prolong patient survival. The majority of patients require support from family carers, presenting considerable challenges to these caregivers. Although existing research has primarily focused on patients' physiological adaptation, quality of life, and the burden on family carers, the moral dilemmas faced by these caregivers have not been explored yet. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the psychological and moral dilemmas of family caregivers in a specific care situation. METHODS: Using a descriptive research design, we conducted one-on-one qualitative interviews with 23 patients who had undergone urostomy. The interview time for each patient lasted over 60 min. All the interviewees emphasized that urostomy had significantly influenced their sexual experience. Moreover, we used thematic analysis to analyze the data. RESULT: All the interviewees emphasized that a urostomy had significantly influenced their sexual experience. Our analysis yielded three primary themes: (1) the tearing of care responsibility and self-life, (2) reconstruction of family roles and relationships, and (3) the contradiction between the best care and practical limitations, and eight subthemes: guilt of giving up, social alienation, sacrifice of physical and mental health, the challenge of intimacy, balance of multiple responsibilities, great economic pressure, limited knowledge and skills, and emotional collapse. CONCLUSION: This study reveals that family carers of Chinese urostomy patients perceive caregiving as a moral obligation rather than a mere action, viewing self-sacrifice as evidence of virtue within a Confucian ethical framework. Hence, providers must develop culturally sensitive assessment tools, redesign supportive interventions respecting diverse moral perspectives, and establish ethical support systems to bridge understanding between differing moral contexts. This might foster a healthcare system that genuinely honors the carers' moral dignity.
Exercise for survivorship: outcomes associated with a community-based group exercise program for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors.
Munsie C, Collins J, Ebert J … +1 more , Plaster M
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42250119 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors experience persistent physical and psychosocial effects after treatment. Despite evidence supporting exercise in adult cohorts, research specific to AYAs rema...
BACKGROUND: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors experience persistent physical and psychosocial effects after treatment. Despite evidence supporting exercise in adult cohorts, research specific to AYAs remains limited. This study examined physical and psychosocial outcomes associated with participation in a community-based, group exercise program. METHODS: A pragmatic, single-arm, pre-post study design was used. AYAs aged 15-27 years within 2 years post-treatment completed a 12-week group exercise program in a community setting. Biweekly, individualized sessions incorporated aerobic, resistance, and flexibility training under an accredited exercise physiologist's supervision. The primary outcome was predicted VO₂peak, with secondary outcomes including one-repetition maximum (1RM) strength, physical function, body composition, and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30, SF-36). Pre-post changes were analyzed using mixed-effects models adjusted for diagnosis. RESULTS: Of 127 participants (mean age 21.4 ± 3.0 years; 51% male), 93 (73%) completed the program and final assessments. A significant improvement was observed in predicted VO₂peak (3.1 mL·kg⁻·min⁻, p < 0.001), all 1RM strength measures (leg press p < 0.001; chest press p < 0.001; seated row p < 0.001), physical function (push ups p < 0.001; sit ups p < 0.001; 5-rep sit-to-stand p < 0.001; grip strength p = 0.028), lean mass (p < 0.001), and quality of life across physical, role, and social domains (p < 0.001). Fat mass percentage (p = 0.002) and fatigue (p < 0.001) decreased. No adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: Community-based, group exercise was safe and was associated with improvements in fitness, strength, and quality of life among AYA cancer survivors. Findings are consistent with a beneficial association between scalable, real-world exercise models and long-term survivorship outcomes. This trial was retrospectively registered (ACTRN12620000664943) on 10th June 2020.
The effect of gender role stress on psychological distress in women with breast cancer after mastectomy.
Yılmaz S, Açıkgöz S, Erdem OÇ
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42249976 · Full text
PURPOSE: Breast cancer is also the most common cancer in women in Turkey. The breast is closely linked to female identity and the feminine gender role. It plays an important role in a woman's body image, self-perception,...
PURPOSE: Breast cancer is also the most common cancer in women in Turkey. The breast is closely linked to female identity and the feminine gender role. It plays an important role in a woman's body image, self-perception, and consequently, her psychological well-being. One of the variables that is not sufficiently recognized in breast cancer treatments, especially after mastectomy, is gender roles and the stress stemming from these roles. This study examined the impact of gender role stress on psychological distress in women. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 264 women with breast cancer who attended the surgical oncology outpatient clinic of a state hospital in Türkiye. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Female Gender Role Stress Scale, and Kessler's Psychological Distress Scale. One-way Analysis of Variance, Kruskal-Wallis H Test, Independent sample t-test, and Pearson correlation coefficient were used in data analysis. RESULTS: Women with breast cancer were found to experience high levels of gender role stress and psychological distress. Women who held bachelor's degrees, had a nuclear family structure, and whose spouses held bachelor's degrees experienced high levels of gender role stress and psychological distress. Gender role stress experienced by women with breast cancer was not significantly associated with psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal the importance of evaluating gender role stress alongside psychological health in women with breast cancer after mastectomy. Nurses should consider psychological challenges and coping strategies alongside gender roles when evaluating women with post-mastectomy breast cancer holistically in terms of health.
Oral manifestations and dental management in patients undergoing CAR-T cell therapy: a retrospective observational study.
de Paula Eduardo F, Menti LD, Ferreira MH … +6 more , de Carvalho DLC, de Paula Novaes C, da Silva Martins BH, Kerbauy LN, Hamerschlak N, Bezinelli LM
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42249956 · Full text
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has emerged as a highly effective treatment for refractory and relapsed hematologic malignancies. Despite its clinical benefits, CAR-T therapy is associated with a unique...
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has emerged as a highly effective treatment for refractory and relapsed hematologic malignancies. Despite its clinical benefits, CAR-T therapy is associated with a unique toxicity profile, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS), immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), and prolonged immunosuppression. Oral complications in this population remain underreported. This retrospective case series was aimed at describing oral manifestations and dental management in patients undergoing CAR-T therapy at a tertiary referral center. Medical and dental records of ten patients treated with CAR-T therapy between 2024 and 2025 were reviewed. Demographic data, underlying hematologic diagnoses, CAR-T-related toxicities, and oral findings were analyzed descriptively. The main oral manifestations observed were xerostomia, opportunistic infections, dental pain, and dysgeusia. Oral care focused on symptom control, prevention of secondary infections, and supportive oral management during periods of severe immunosuppression. These findings suggest that early dental involvement may contribute to supportive care strategies, particularly for the detection and management of opportunistic infections and dental infectious foci in neutropenic patients. Standardized oral assessment protocols and preventive dental measures may contribute to supportive clinical management and symptom monitoring in this patient population.
Longitudinal effects of inpatient music therapy dosage on pain intensity and opioid utilization among patients with hematologic or oncologic conditions: a retrospective cohort study.
Rodgers-Melnick SN, Gunzler D, Love TE … +6 more , Koroukian SM, Beno M, Rao S, Razzak R, Dusek JA, Rose J
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42249214 · Full text
PURPOSE: Several studies support the benefits of music therapy (MT) for improving symptoms within a single session among patients with hematologic/oncologic conditions, but none have examined real-world longitudinal impa...
PURPOSE: Several studies support the benefits of music therapy (MT) for improving symptoms within a single session among patients with hematologic/oncologic conditions, but none have examined real-world longitudinal impacts. This study evaluated whether there was a dose-response relationship between MT intervention exposure and longitudinal changes in pain intensity and opioid utilization. METHODS: A retrospective electronic health record review was conducted of 283 hospital admissions among adult patients with hematologic/oncologic conditions who received MT and either reported pain ≥ 4/10 on the numeric rating scale (NRS) or received opioids in the first 48 h of admission. Longitudinal changes in pain intensity on the 0-10 NRS and log-transformed morphine milligram equivalents were modeled using linear mixed-effects models with natural splines for time since first MT intervention interacting with MT exposure group (1, 2, or ≥ 3 MT interventions). Models were adjusted for baseline values and length of stay. RESULTS: Of 283 hospital admissions, 122 (43.1%) included 1, 89 (31.4%) included 2, and 72 (25.4%) included ≥ 3 MT interventions. No meaningful MT exposure-by-time effects were found for pain intensity (p = .131) or opioid utilization per day (p = .118). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients admitted with hematologic/oncologic conditions, greater MT exposure does not appear to reduce pain intensity or opioid exposure over time relative to receiving 1 MT intervention. Future evaluations of inpatient programs should consider collecting more robust data on outcomes that may be more sensitive to intervention (e.g., stress, anxiety) and increasing the MT dose to have a greater impact on outcomes over time.
The relationship between mobile health app use, eHealth literacy, and psychological well-being in women with gynecological cancer: a descriptive correlational study.
Muslu A, Erciyas ŞK, Karaca İ
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42249208 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Cancer remains a significant global public health problem. Gynecological cancers account for approximately 20% of cancers diagnosed in women and are associated with considerable physical, psychosocial, and psych...
PURPOSE: Cancer remains a significant global public health problem. Gynecological cancers account for approximately 20% of cancers diagnosed in women and are associated with considerable physical, psychosocial, and psychological burden. Digital health tools, including mobile health applications, are increasingly used in cancer care to support self-management, communication, and continuity of care. eHealth literacy, the ability to seek, find, evaluate, and apply health information from electronic sources, is a key determinant of effective engagement with these tools. However, the relationship between mobile health app use, eHealth literacy, and psychological well-being in women with gynecological cancer has not been sufficiently explored. METHODS: This descriptive correlational study was conducted with 200 women diagnosed with gynecological cancer at a training and research hospital between November 2025 and January 2026. Data were collected using an Individual Information Form, the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. Descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square tests, and Spearman correlation analysis were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 48.34 ± 10.31 years. Two-thirds (67%) of participants reported using at least one mobile health application, and e-Nabız was the most frequently used platform (39.5%). The mean eHEALS score was 23.10 ± 3.13, and the mean Psychological Well-Being Scale score was 54.23 ± 5.30. A positive, statistically significant, moderate correlation was found between eHealth literacy and psychological well-being (ρ = 0.52; 95% CI [0.40, 0.62], p < 0.001). Significant associations were observed between mobile app use and perceived psychological benefit across all use purposes, although effect sizes varied considerably across purposes. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that eHealth literacy is positively associated with psychological well-being in women with gynecological cancer. Mobile health applications were perceived by participants as psychologically beneficial, suggesting that digital health tools may be associated with psychosocial adjustment in cancer care; however, because of the cross-sectional design, causality and the direction of these associations cannot be determined. Routine assessment of eHealth literacy and structured training on effective use of digital health resources are recommended. Nurses should guide patients toward appropriate mobile health applications, with particular attention to women with lower educational attainment.
Long-term functional and nutritional outcomes in patients with retropharyngeal lymph node-positive hypopharyngeal cancer treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy.
Kono M, Sakaue S, Kumai T … +9 more , Hangai M, Hashimoto R, Hata K, Hachiyanagi S, Wakisaka R, Yamaki H, Ohara K, Kishibe K, Takahara M
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42249198 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) metastasis is considered a poor prognostic factor in hypopharyngeal cancer because of its anatomical inaccessibility and association with distant failure. RPLN involvement of...
BACKGROUND: Retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) metastasis is considered a poor prognostic factor in hypopharyngeal cancer because of its anatomical inaccessibility and association with distant failure. RPLN involvement often necessitates expanded radiation fields encompassing critical swallowing and breathing-related structures such as the pharyngeal constrictors, raising concerns that organ-preserving chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) might compromise long-term functional and nutritional outcomes. However, the long-term functional and nutritional impact of RPLN irradiation in the era of contemporary definitive concurrent IMRT-based CCRT has not been well characterized. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 62 consecutive patients with previously untreated Hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) who underwent definitive CCRT between 2015 and 2024 at our institution. Fourteen patients (22.6%) had radiologically diagnosed RPLN metastasis. Clinicopathological factors, survival outcomes (OS, DSS, PFS, DMFS), recurrence patterns, late adverse events, and laryngo-esophageal dysfunction-free survival (LEDFS) were compared according to RPLN status. Longitudinal change in nutritional indices and functional outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: RPLN metastasis was significantly associated with posterior pharyngeal wall tumors and bilateral cervical lymph node involvement. Five-year OS, DSS, PFS, and DMFS did not differ significantly between RPLN + and RPLN- patients. Although the cumulative incidence of distant metastasis was higher in the RPLN + group, this did not translate into inferior survival. Importantly, functional outcomes including late dysphagia, feeding tube dependence, aspiration events, nutritional deterioration, and LEDFS were not significantly different between groups, suggesting no clear signal of excess long-term functional or nutritional deterioration in the RPLN + group. CONCLUSION: In this exploratory retrospective cohort, no statistically significant worsening of long-term functional or nutritional outcomes was observed in RPLN + patients with HPSCC treated with definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Given the limited sample size and number of events, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and considered hypothesis-generating.
Telehealth service use in people with cancer compared to people without cancer: analysis of Patient Experience Surveys in Australia.
Ng HS, Walsan R, Harrison R … +1 more , Koczwara B
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42247164 · Full text
PURPOSE: To compare the prevalence and characteristics associated with telehealth use in people with and without cancer. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using data from the Australia's Patient Experience Surveys (2022-202...
PURPOSE: To compare the prevalence and characteristics associated with telehealth use in people with and without cancer. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using data from the Australia's Patient Experience Surveys (2022-2023 and 2023-2024) of all participants aged ≥ 25 years. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine characteristics associated with telehealth use between cancer and non-cancer groups and to compare self-assessed health status, emergency department (ED) presentation and hospitalisations by telehealth use and cancer status. RESULTS: Telehealth was used by over one-third of respondents with cancer (n = 797/2109, 38%) and one-quarter of respondents without cancer (n = 11,984/45,438; 26%). In both cancer and non-cancer groups, mental health conditions and other long-term health conditions were associated with higher odds of telehealth use, whereas being unmarried, uninsured, having a lower education level and a more recent survey were associated with lower odds of telehealth use. The odds of poor health status (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.29; 95% CI = 3.59-5.12), ED presentation (aOR = 2.69; 95% CI = 2.30-3.14) and hospital admission (aOR = 3.97; 95% CI = 3.41-4.61) were highest in people with cancer and telehealth use, followed by people with cancer who did not use telehealth and people without cancer who use telehealth, when compared to people without cancer and telehealth usage. Over 90% of people who used telehealth showed positive perceptions of the service regardless of cancer status. CONCLUSIONS: While over one-third of respondents with cancer utilised a telehealth service, the majority did not. Further research should investigate the barriers to accessing telehealth services to inform the development of health policy and strategies targeting people with greatest needs.
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