Supportive Care In Cancer[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Acute cancer-related fatigue response following exercise during an outpatient cancer rehabilitation program.
Gomes EL, Marker RJ, Bell C … +3 more , Aichele S, Eagan J, Leach HJ
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42223700 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) affects the majority of cancer survivors and can negatively impact activities of daily living. Exercise training reduces CRF, but little is known about the immediate or "acute"...
INTRODUCTION: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) affects the majority of cancer survivors and can negatively impact activities of daily living. Exercise training reduces CRF, but little is known about the immediate or "acute" association of exercise on CRF. This study examined changes in CRF from before to immediately after and several hours following an exercise session, and explored the relationship of exercise intensity. METHODS: Observational longitudinal cohort study of cancer survivors enrolled in a 12-week outpatient cancer rehabilitation program. CRF was assessed before, immediately after, and 1-, 4-, and 7-h after one exercise session per week, and at the same clock time on one non-exercise day per week using a visual analog scale (0 = no fatigue, 10 = high fatigue). Exercise sessions consisted of aerobic and resistance training, and intensity was self-selected. Sessions were categorized as either light or moderate based on heart rate and rating of perceived exertion. Mixed effects models with random and fixed effects for time and exercise session intensity evaluated changes in CRF from before to after exercise sessions. RESULTS: Participants N = 25 (M = 62 ± 12 years, 84% female, 48% Stage III/IV cancer) completed N = 187 exercise sessions (M = 7.0 ± 3.3). There was no change in CRF from before (3.19 ± 1.61) to immediately after exercise sessions (3.13 ± 1.61) (p = 0.62). CRF significantly increased from the post-exercise to the 7-h time point on both exercise (p = 0.001) and non-exercise days (p < .001). There was an increase in CRF (+ .35) following moderate-to-vigorous exercise sessions compared to a decrease following low-intensity sessions (-.21) (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in CRF from before to immediately after exercise sessions, and CRF was highest at the 7-h time-point on both exercise and non-exercise days. These findings suggest that exercise had a minimal association with CRF, and exercise intensity was not related to this change in CRF.
Meta-integration of qualitative studies on spiritual experience in palliative care for advanced cancer patients.
Deng Y, Wan H, Liu X … +2 more , Zhao Z, Wang X
Support Care Cancer · 2026 Jun · PMID 42223537 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: To conduct a qualitative meta-integration of existing empirical qualitative research on the spiritual experiences and unmet spiritual needs of advanced cancer patients receiving palliative care worldwide, so...
OBJECTIVES: To conduct a qualitative meta-integration of existing empirical qualitative research on the spiritual experiences and unmet spiritual needs of advanced cancer patients receiving palliative care worldwide, so as to systematically synthesize the core spiritual perceptions, triggering factors of spiritual needs and spiritual coping strategies of this population, and provide evidence-based reference for exploring individualized holistic care oriented to the spiritual needs of advanced cancer patients and building a palliative care support system based on spiritual care. METHODS: Qualitative studies on spiritual needs of patients with advanced palliative care for cancer were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, Wanfang database, CNKI and VIP database, and the search time was from the establishment of the database to January 2024. The quality of the literature was evaluated using the Quality Evaluation Criteria of the Center for Qualitative Research in Evidence-based Health Care (Joanna Briggs Institute, Australia) (2016), and the results were integrated by Meta integration method. RESULTS: A total of 17 literatures were included, and 138 main research results were extracted. The similar results were summarized into 13 new categories and integrated into 3 results: (1) Hope, religion and wisdom are the spiritual understanding of patients in palliative care; (2) The physical and mental burden, the challenge of family care and social relationship, and the conflict of self-role are the possible factors that trigger the spiritual needs of cancer patients; (3) Self-awareness, resilience and reconstruction of interpersonal relationships are the spiritual responses to palliative care for cancer patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with advanced cancer in palliative care have heavy physical and mental burden and long for love and support. Attention should be paid to the real inner experience and spiritual needs of cancer patients in palliative care, and individualized holistic care should be provided to promote patients to recover or maintain physical, mental, social and spiritual health.
Cancer patient distress and health service use is linked with carer distress: evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Huynh TNT, DiSipio T, Collins LG … +3 more , Jones L, Neale RE, Beesley VL
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42217108 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Family carers (caregivers) of cancer patients often have poor mental health, which may adversely affect patient wellbeing and health service use. We examined the evidence for this using a systematic review an...
BACKGROUND: Family carers (caregivers) of cancer patients often have poor mental health, which may adversely affect patient wellbeing and health service use. We examined the evidence for this using a systematic review and meta-analyses. METHODS: We systematically searched online databases for studies reporting associations between carer psychological health and either: (a) psychological health of patients with cancer they cared for; or (b) health service use in carers or patients. Studies' risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool. We undertook meta-analyses to estimate pooled correlations for the most commonly reported associations between carer and patient psychological health. For associations between carer psychological health and carer and/or patient health service use, we conducted a narrative synthesis. RESULTS: Our search identified 11,911 records, 169 of which were eligible. The majority of studies were of high-to-moderate quality. Carers who were distressed, depressed, anxious, or had poor scores in the mental component of quality of life were significantly more likely to be caring for patients with these same outcomes (pooled effect sizes ranged from 0.28 to 0.42; all p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses by gender, disease stage, and study quality revealed no substantial differences. Carers with poor psychological health used general practice, mental healthcare, and hospital services more frequently than those who were psychologically healthy, and the patients they cared for used more medications and had more frequent emergency presentations. CONCLUSION: The inclusion of carers alongside patients in early psychosocial care may improve family outcomes and reduce health service use.
Bibliometric analysis of oncology communication from 1976 to 2025: a focus on narrative medicine.
Outes IT, Gómez-Carmona D, Galiano-Coronil A
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42213200 · Full text
Clinical communication in oncology has become a central component of supportive cancer care, with direct implications for symptom management, psychosocial distress, decision-making, caregiver support, survivorship, and p...
Clinical communication in oncology has become a central component of supportive cancer care, with direct implications for symptom management, psychosocial distress, decision-making, caregiver support, survivorship, and palliative transitions. This bibliometric analysis examined 949 documents indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection between 1976 and 2025 in order to map the field's intellectual structure, publication profile, and thematic development. The study combined PRISMA-guided corpus construction with bibliometric techniques including co-citation analysis, thematic clustering, and strategic mapping. The results show sustained growth across five decades, but also a distributed publication profile, moderate international collaboration, and only partial integration across citation communities. A major transition occurred between 2005 and 2007, when communication began to be framed less as information transfer and more as a therapeutic and relational component of care. Within this structure, narrative medicine remains visible mainly as a conceptual orientation rather than as a consolidated methodological line. Thematic development is stronger in psychosocial, patient-centered, and palliative communication than in digitally mediated, developmentally specific, participatory, or structurally informed approaches. Overall, the findings position oncology communication as an established but still uneven component of supportive care, with practical implications for multidisciplinary teams in nursing, psycho-oncology, social work, and palliative care.
Developing the multidisciplinary and multispecialty workforce and the systems needed to sustain high-quality care from diagnosis through long-term survivorship.
Choi Y, Balogh EP, Bhatia S … +8 more , Carlson RW, Darien GE, Jones RA, Oyer RA, Schneider SM, Yabroff KR, Shulman LN, Nekhlyudov L
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42213184 · Publisher ↗
With the growing population of individuals living with and beyond cancer-who often have a variety of complex health needs across their lifetimes-coordinated multidisciplinary, multispecialty expert care is needed to ensu...
With the growing population of individuals living with and beyond cancer-who often have a variety of complex health needs across their lifetimes-coordinated multidisciplinary, multispecialty expert care is needed to ensure comprehensive survivorship cancer care beginning at diagnosis. Guided by the July 2023 US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine workshop, we describe the evidence and propose steps to (1) identify and promote clinician competencies through education and training; (2) improve communication and care coordination, including leveraging the electronic health record and digital health innovations; (3) examine health system interventions and financial strategies to facilitate multidisciplinary, multispecialty survivorship care; and (4) identify policy, payment, and advocacy challenges and opportunities to achieve equitable, accessible, high-quality care. Although the recommendations are centered on the United States, their applicability to other countries should also be explored.
Treatment and outcomes of immunotherapy related colitis and hepatitis- a multi-centre cohort study in the United Kingdom by the National Oncology Trainee Collaborative for Healthcare Research (NOTCH).
Swaminathan M, Angelakas A, Baxter M … +18 more , Cotton J, Dobeson C, Feeney L, Gault A, Hughes DJ, Jones C, Lee R, Mughal S, Parikh S, Pritchard DM, Rodgers L, Rowe M, Salawu A, Shotton R, Tinsley N, Tivey A, Zhao S, Olsson-Brown AC
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42213142 · Full text
PURPOSE: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are increasingly used in the treatment of many cancers but are associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including gastrointestinal toxicities such as colitis and...
PURPOSE: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are increasingly used in the treatment of many cancers but are associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including gastrointestinal toxicities such as colitis and hepatitis. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of GI-irAEs, identify risk factors for their development, and assess the relationship between GI-irAEs, immunosuppressive treatment, and overall survival (OS) in a large real-world cohort. METHODS: A multi-centre retrospective study was conducted across 12 National Health Service centres in the United Kingdom between June 2016 and 2018. Consecutive adult patients receiving ICIs for malignant melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, or renal cell carcinoma were included. Clinically significant (≥ grade 2) GI-irAEs were recorded. Logistic regression was used to identify predictive factors for GI-irAEs and immunosuppressant (IS) use. OS was assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank testing. RESULTS: A total of 2,049 patients were included, of whom 1,649 were included in the GI-irAE subgroup analysis. Colitis occurred in 191 (9.3%) patients and hepatitis in 142 (6.9%). The majority of patients were treated with steroids alone; 22.3% of colitis cases and 15.8% of hepatitis cases required second line IS. Colitis and hepatitis were both associated with improved OS compared to patients without irAEs (p < 0.0001). Pre-existing autoimmune disease and combination immunotherapy predicted IS use in colitis, while grade 2-3 hepatitis predicted IS use. IS did not significantly affect OS in colitis but was associated with improved OS in hepatitis. CONCLUSION: Colitis and hepatitis are common GI-irAEs following ICI therapy and are associated with improved OS. The use of IS does not negatively impact survival, supporting their continued use in the management of steroid-refractory GI-irAEs and informing supportive care strategies for risk stratification and optimisation of toxicity management in patients receiving immunotherapy.
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, Mascunano RC, 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 May · PMID 42209784 · Full text
PURPOSE: Cardiovascular (CV) toxicity is prevalent in cancer survivors due to shared risk factors, direct CV injury from cancer therapy (CT), and development/exacerbation of CV risk factors during treatment. Succinct gui...
PURPOSE: Cardiovascular (CV) toxicity is prevalent in cancer survivors due to shared risk factors, direct CV injury from cancer therapy (CT), and development/exacerbation of CV risk factors during treatment. Succinct guidance on the minimum standard of CV care required of cancer care providers (CCPs) can improve outcomes for survivors. This clinical practice statement (CPS) is aimed at CCPs focused on identification, prevention, and management of CVD in individuals with cancer. METHODS: The International Cardio-Oncology Society and Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer identified members with expertise across oncology, cardiology, and cancer survivorship. Key questions/areas of practice recommendations related to CV risk and CVD were identified across the cancer trajectory.Working groups performed targeted literature reviews and consensus was reached for all recommendations. RESULTS: 5 over-arching clinical practice recommendations for CCPs were identified: (1) perform a CV risk assessment prior to starting CT (2) identify and facilitate CV-related care during CT; (3) ensure measures are taken to mitigate the risk of cancer therapy related CV toxicity (CTR-CVT) prior to and during CT; (4) monitor CV status and risk factors during therapy and refer to the appropriate health care provider if CV risk factors are uncontrolled or new signs/symptoms develop; and (5) re-assess CV risk following completion of CT (periodically for those with advanced disease on life long treatment) and develop a CV surveillance plan. CONCLUSIONS: CCPs play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing CTR-CVT. This CPS provides specific, succinct, and actionable behaviours that can be readily implemented in cancer care globally.
Exploring the use of a youth specific screening tool in hematological cancer care: perspectives from young adult patients and healthcare professionals.
Nielsen IH, Nørskov KH, Bentsen L … +2 more , Pappot H, Toft N
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42207327 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer experience substantial psychological distress and unmet supportive care needs. Routine screening with age-specific tools may improve the identification and addr...
BACKGROUND: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer experience substantial psychological distress and unmet supportive care needs. Routine screening with age-specific tools may improve the identification and addressing of concerns. The Adolescent and Young Adult Psycho-Oncology Screening Tool (AYA-POST) is a validated instrument, yet little is known about how AYAs and healthcare professionals (HCPs) experience its use in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To explore how the AYA-POST supports AYAs in identifying, prioritizing, and communicating the health concerns most important to them and to examine HCP perspectives on patient engagement, communication, and decision-making. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study combining semi-structured individual interviews with AYAs (18-39 years) in a treatment trajectory for acute leukemia or malignant lymphoma and focus group interviews with physicians and nurses. Patients completed the AYA-POST prior to two consultations; interviews followed the second visit. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Patients experienced that the AYA-POST facilitated self-reflection, preparation, and prioritization of concerns, enhancing communication with HCPs. The tool uncovered often-overlooked physical, psychological, and sensitive issues, including sexual health and emotional well-being, and promoted patient empowerment. HCPs reported that it expanded consultations beyond biomedical symptoms and encouraged patient-centered dialogue. Challenges included time constraints, variability in patient readiness, staff training needs, and practical issues with paper-based forms. Both groups highlighted the importance of flexible timing, multidisciplinary collaboration, and integration into routine workflows. CONCLUSIONS: The AYA-POST can strengthen patient-centered communication and empowerment in hematological AYA care. Successful implementation requires integration into clinical workflows, staff training, flexible timing, and systematic follow-up.
Barriers and facilitators of physical activity in patients with oral cancer during surgical hospitalization: insights from a qualitative study.
Van Lint L, Nulens A, Christiaens L … +6 more , Bor P, Willaert R, de Bree R, Dieleman FJ, Speksnijder CM, Van Dessel J
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42207318 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Adherence to physical activity (PA) during hospitalization remains low in patients with oral cancer, despite the benefits of early mobilization emphasized in oncological rehabilitation protocols. Insight into ho...
PURPOSE: Adherence to physical activity (PA) during hospitalization remains low in patients with oral cancer, despite the benefits of early mobilization emphasized in oncological rehabilitation protocols. Insight into how patients perceive PA in the immediate postoperative period is crucial for designing effective, patient-centered interventions. This qualitative study explored patients' experiences of PA during hospitalization following oral cancer surgery. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted using semistructured interviews guided by the behavior change wheel (BCW) framework. Dutch-speaking patients treated for oral cancer at the oral and maxillofacial department of University Hospitals Leuven (Belgium) and head and neck surgical oncology department of University Medical Center Utrecht (The Netherlands) were purposively sampled. Interviews were conducted at discharge, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed in NVivo (QSR International, version 12, Burlington, MA, USA). RESULTS: Fifteen patients were included until saturation occurred. Seven overarching themes were identified: (A) barriers to PA, (B) activities of daily living (ADL), (C) support, (D) emotional state, (E) perceptions of PA, (F) PA patterns, and (G) recovery expectations. Walking was the most common activity, but participation was restricted by fatigue, medical devices, and a predominantly passive hospital culture. PA was strongly linked to regaining autonomy, coping with confinement, and preparing for discharge. CONCLUSION: Despite substantial barriers, patients with oral cancer demonstrate intrinsic motivation to remain active. However, this motivation often remains unmet due to insufficient personalized support and limited integration of PA into routine care. Perioperative physiotherapeutic interventions may help to overcome barriers and promote sustainable engagement in recovery-oriented activity.
Cancer patients' experiences of "time toxicity": a qualitative meta-synthesis.
Li Z, Liu Y, Zhang J … +5 more , Duan J, Xiu W, Zhang W, Zhang L, Yang H
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42207306 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and synthesize qualitative studies on cancer patients' experiences of time toxicity, providing evidence to inform policy making. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane L...
OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and synthesize qualitative studies on cancer patients' experiences of time toxicity, providing evidence to inform policy making. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, and other databases for qualitative studies on cancer patients' experiences of time toxicity, from database inception to November 2025. Included studies were appraised using the 2016 edition of the JBI quality appraisal criteria for qualitative research from the Joanna Briggs Institute (Australia). Results were synthesized using an aggregation approach for meta-synthesis. RESULTS: Ten studies were included. Forty-one themes were extracted, which were grouped into 11 categories and further consolidated into 4 synthesized findings: (1) multidimensional sources of time toxicity; (2) negative impacts of time toxicity; (3) coping strategies adopted to address time toxicity; and (4) positive experiences from investing time in treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Time toxicity has multidimensional effects on cancer patients' daily rhythms, psychological states, and social roles, and requires coordinated attention from healthcare professionals, society, and policy makers. Future efforts should build systemic support through integrating healthcare resources, optimizing service processes, and strengthening social support to reduce patients' time toxicity.
Relationship between salivary inflammatory mediators and oral dryness during chemotherapy in patients with cancer: a cohort study.
Kiyomi A, Yoshida K, Okamoto N … +6 more , Kurokawa A, Saito C, Kanemaru H, Tomihara K, Ohuchi A, Sugiura M
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42207190 · Full text
PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between salivary inflammatory mediators and oral dryness during oral mucositis development in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: This prospective cohort study (tim...
PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between salivary inflammatory mediators and oral dryness during oral mucositis development in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: This prospective cohort study (time-stratified sampling) enrolled adult patients undergoing chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy at Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital (November 2021-August 2023). Sample size was determined a priori from a pilot study. Oral mucosal status was graded using the World Health Organization oral toxicity scale, and oral moisture was measured (dryness < 28). Unstimulated whole saliva was analyzed for interleukins (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), prostaglandin E2, and vascular endothelial growth factor via cytometric bead array and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Clinical data included demographics, treatment, and days post-chemotherapy (0-7, 8-14, ≥ 15). TNF and IL-10 were independently associated with oral dryness; cutoffs were median levels in patients with grade 0 mucositis. RESULTS: Among 162 patients, 56 (34.6%) had oral dryness. Dryness was associated with higher neutrophil counts (median: 3.23 vs. 3.00 × 10/µL; p = 0.04). C-reactive protein levels increased, and neutrophil counts decreased 8-14 days post-chemotherapy. Multivariate analysis showed that TNF > 4.7 pg/mL was inversely associated (OR = 0.27; 95% CI = 0.11-0.69; p = 0.0058), whereas IL-10 > 2.8 pg/mL was positively associated (OR = 3.17; 95% CI = 1.30-7.75; p = 0.011) with dryness. Sampling at 8-14 days post-chemotherapy predicted dryness (OR = 5.16; 95% CI = 1.32-20.09; p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Salivary TNF and IL-10 levels and sampling timing after CT were associated with oral dryness, suggesting temporal changes in salivary inflammatory mediators.
Structured pelvic floor physiotherapy rehabilitation for low anterior resection syndrome in colorectal cancer: An Australian feasibility study.
Chan KYC, Suen M, Collett G … +3 more , Coulson S, Warusavitarne J, Vardy JL
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42201593 · Full text
PURPOSE: Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) is a common and debilitating outcome of sphincter-preserving surgery for colorectal cancer, severely affecting quality of life. While pelvic floor rehabilitation (PFR) is r...
PURPOSE: Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) is a common and debilitating outcome of sphincter-preserving surgery for colorectal cancer, severely affecting quality of life. While pelvic floor rehabilitation (PFR) is recommended as a conservative treatment, access to structured care is limited. This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a structured, physiotherapist-led PFR programme in an Australian outpatient setting, and explored the within-person changes in bowel function and quality of life. METHODS: A non-randomised, single-arm prospective study was conducted at Concord Repatriation General Hospital (Sydney, Australia) from September 2020 to April 2024. Colorectal cancer survivors with LARS (score > 20) and bowel continuity restored > 6 months previously were enrolled. The 10-week PFR programme included education, pelvic floor muscle training, rectal balloon biofeedback, and home exercises, with adaptations for telehealth due to COVID-19. Primary outcome was programme adherence. Secondary outcomes included bowel, bladder, and sexual function, quality of life, and anorectal physiology; measured at baseline, post-intervention (3 months) and follow-up (9 months). RESULTS: Fourteen participants (median age sixty-three; seven female) completed the programme (one dropout with non-clinical reason), with 100% attendance and high home exercise adherence (median completion 100%). Bowel function improved significantly (median LARS score reduction -13.0; p = 0.004), with 71.4% achieving meaningful change post-intervention and 63.6% at follow-up. Quality of life significantly improved on validated measures. Anorectal physiology showed increased anal pressures, sensory thresholds, and better defaecatory coordination. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: A structured, physiotherapist-led PFR programme is feasible and acceptable for colorectal cancer survivors with LARS. While improvements in bowel function and quality of life were observed over time, these findings should be interpreted as exploratory. The hypothesis-generating findings support further evaluation of PFR in a controlled trial to evaluate effectiveness and inform integration into multidisciplinary survivorship care.
Structured yoga program as supportive care to enhance quality of life in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy: a prospective matched controlled study.
Kakati K, Lahan T, Barua C … +1 more , Bhattacharyya M
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42201419 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing radiotherapy often experience significant deterioration in quality of life (QoL) due to physical and psychological challenges. This study evaluates the effect of a...
PURPOSE: Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing radiotherapy often experience significant deterioration in quality of life (QoL) due to physical and psychological challenges. This study evaluates the effect of a structured yoga program-including physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation-on QoL among these patients. METHODS: A prospective matched controlled nonrandomized study was conducted at a Tertiary Care Centre in North East India. Then, 140 patients undergoing definitive or adjuvant radiotherapy were equally divided into experimental (yoga intervention) and control groups. QoL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire at baseline, end of treatment, and two months posttreatment. The yoga intervention consisted of thrice-weekly sessions for two months. All primary statistical analysis was done using nonparametric methods. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement was seen in the experimental group in global health status/QoL (p-value < 0.001), pain (< 0.001), financial difficulties (< 0.001), emotional functioning (0.001), and fatigue aspect (0.024). CONCLUSION: A structured yoga program significantly improved key QoL domains in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Yoga can be considered an effective supportive therapy in this population.
Psychological distress in cancer survivors: a population-based analysis and machine learning-based risk stratification.
Jang JY, Jeong D, Koh HK … +3 more , Bang K, Kim G, Hong S
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42192026 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: As the number of cancer survivors increases, psychological distress has become an important issue. Using nationally representative data, we evaluated mental health outcomes among Korean cancer survivors compared...
PURPOSE: As the number of cancer survivors increases, psychological distress has become an important issue. Using nationally representative data, we evaluated mental health outcomes among Korean cancer survivors compared with cancer-free controls and developed models to identify individuals at risk of psychological distress. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2007 to 2021. Psychological outcomes were assessed using standardized questionnaires, and a composite distress outcome was constructed. Risk stratification models were developed among cancer survivors using logistic regression and machine learning algorithms, including random forest, XGBoost, LightGBM, support vector machines, k-nearest neighbors, and naïve Bayes. RESULTS: A total of 88,061 participants were included, comprising 3733 cancer survivors and 84,328 cancer-free controls. Compared with cancer-free controls, cancer survivors had higher odds of depressed mood (OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.18-1.51), suicidal ideation (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.00-1.31), suicide planning (OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.37-2.65), and mental health counseling (OR 1.36; 95% CI 1.08-1.71). Among cancer survivors, multiple models were evaluated, with logistic regression showing the highest performance (AUROC 0.689), followed by XGBoost (0.686). In logistic regression, longer working hours, depression history, activity limitation, female sex, smoking, employment, low income, and distorted body image were independently associated with distress. SHAP analysis identified activity limitation, sex, and depression history as key factors. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer survivors experience increased psychological distress across multiple outcomes. Machine learning-based models may help identify individuals at higher risk of psychological distress, supporting risk-based assessment in survivorship care.
Effectiveness of eHealth interventions in long-term follow-up care for breast and gynecological cancer survivors: a systematic review.
Kuhn NBL, Maukel LM, Tibubos AN
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42191951 · Full text
PURPOSE: As survival rates for breast and gynecological cancers improve, many survivors experience persistent long-term challenges, including fatigue, psychological distress, and reduced health-related quality of life (H...
PURPOSE: As survival rates for breast and gynecological cancers improve, many survivors experience persistent long-term challenges, including fatigue, psychological distress, and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). eHealth interventions may offer a scalable and accessible approach to support survivorship care. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of eHealth interventions in long-term follow-up care for breast and gynecological cancer survivors. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted across six databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, MedRxiv, and PsyArXiv) for studies published between January 2010 and February 2026. Eligible studies included adult breast or gynecological cancer survivors and evaluated eHealth interventions in follow-up care compared with usual care. Outcomes included outcomes such as burden of treatment, HRQoL, self-management, hospital readmissions, complications, infections, fatigue, or malnutrition. Data were extracted, synthesized narratively, and methodological quality was assessed using established risk-of-bias tools. RESULTS: A total of 41 studies were included, predominantly involving breast cancer survivors, with very limited representation of gynecological cancer populations. Overall, methodological quality ranged from low to moderate, with higher risk of bias observed in nonrandomized studies. eHealth interventions were associated with small to moderate improvements in fatigue, anxiety, depression, HRQoL, and treatment adherence, particularly among breast cancer survivors. However, effect sizes were generally smaller in studies with lower risk of bias. Evidence for gynecological cancer survivors was scarce and inconclusive, with only one study exclusively focusing on this population. Long-term outcomes were rarely assessed, and no studies evaluated the defined outcomes infections, malnutrition and unplanned hospital admissions. CONCLUSIONS: eHealth interventions show potential to support long-term survivorship care, particularly in improving psychological outcomes and quality of life among breast cancer survivors. However, the overall evidence base is limited by methodological heterogeneity, short follow-up periods, and the underrepresentation of gynecological cancer populations. Further high-quality, long-term, and cancer-specific research is needed to better establish the effectiveness and generalizability of these interventions in survivorship care. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: As survivorship care needs continue to increase, eHealth interventions may contribute to more accessible, scalable, and patient-centered models of follow-up care. However, their long-term effectiveness and applicability across diverse cancer populations remain unclear. More rigorous, long-term, and cancer-specific research is required to better define their role in survivorship care.
Cardiac monitoring in adolescent and young adult cancer patients treated with anthracyclines: a longitudinal descriptive study.
Gao J, Fukasawa T, Yamada S … +4 more , Takeuchi M, Yamaguchi F, Fan D, Kawakami K
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42189326 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: We quantified the real-world prevalence of echocardiographic monitoring and identified factors associated with baseline echocardiography among adolescent and young adult (AYA; 15-39 years) cancer patients treate...
PURPOSE: We quantified the real-world prevalence of echocardiographic monitoring and identified factors associated with baseline echocardiography among adolescent and young adult (AYA; 15-39 years) cancer patients treated with anthracyclines in Japan. METHODS: We performed a descriptive study using a Japanese health insurance claims database in patients initiating anthracycline chemotherapy between April 2012 and July 2020. We calculated the proportion undergoing echocardiography within 180 days before therapy (baseline); before the second, fourth, and sixth cycles; at any time during therapy; and within 1 year after completion. Risk ratios for receipt of baseline echocardiography by patient and institutional characteristics were estimated using univariable modified Poisson regression. RESULTS: Among 1459 AYA patients (mean age, 31.7 years; 65.1% female), 60.4% underwent baseline echocardiography. Utilization declined to 8.2%, 11.4%, and 20.9% before the second, fourth, and sixth cycles, respectively; was 13.7% at any time during therapy; and 41.0% within 1-year post-therapy. Baseline echocardiography was more common for age 15-19 and 20-29 years (vs. ≥ 30-39 years) and males; lymphoma, leukemia, bone sarcoma, and pre-existing heart failure; and chemotherapy at a designated cancer hospital. Likelihood was lower for breast cancer; clinic (vs. university hospital); and epirubicin, idarubicin, or pirarubicin (vs. doxorubicin). CONCLUSION: Echocardiographic monitoring before, during, and after anthracycline therapy in Japanese AYA patients is suboptimal, with marked disparities by age, sex, cancer type, anthracycline agent, and treatment setting. Targeted quality-improvement initiatives and harmonized risk-stratified monitoring pathways are needed to prevent unrecognized anthracycline-related cardiomyopathy in this vulnerable population.
Comparing clinical practice guidelines on the prevention and management of chemotherapy-induced hand-foot syndrome.
Sferrazza D, Wang N, Lustberg M … +15 more , Jefford M, Scotte F, Wolf JR, van den Hurk C, Chan DCW, Ng TL, Jerzak KJ, Chan RJ, Chan A, Alkhaifi M, Lee SF, Chan AW, Lim HJ, Chow E, Wong HCY
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42189295 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is a common side effect of chemotherapy drugs such as 5-fluorouracil and capecitabine, impairing daily function and quality of life. This study aimed to compare internati...
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is a common side effect of chemotherapy drugs such as 5-fluorouracil and capecitabine, impairing daily function and quality of life. This study aimed to compare international clinical guidelines regarding assessment and management of HFS to identify areas of consensus and divergence and evidence gaps. METHODS: Guidelines were identified through PubMed (from inception to February 2025), with a supplementary search on Google. Only the most recent versions of English guidelines were included. Data extraction focused on the guideline methodology and recommendations on the prevention, assessment, and management of HFS. Each guideline was critically appraised using the AGREE II checklist. RESULTS: Six guidelines were identified authored by the following cancer agencies: British Columbia Cancer (BCC), European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO), Cancer Institute NSW (eviQ), Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), United Kingdom Oncology Nursing Society and Acute Oncology (UKONS AO), and United Kingdom North Cancer Alliance (UKNCA). Regarding prevention, five of six guidelines (83%) advised avoiding chemical and physical stressors to the hands and feet and using alcohol-free moisturizer. Only ESMO, BCC, and eviQ recommended oral celecoxib to prevent capecitabine-induced HFS. ESMO and ONS recommended cooling procedures to prevent taxane-induced HFS. Likewise, BCC and eviQ recommend cooling procedures for all agents. All guidelines except ONS recommended dose suspension with grade 2 or 3 HFS and continuation when resolved or improved. ESMO and BCC recommended topical corticosteroids for grade 1 HFS, ESMO for grade 2 or 3, and eviQ for prophylactic use. Finally, BCC and ESMO suggested to consider oral dexamethasone for PEGylated doxorubicin-induced HFS. CONCLUSION: While general skin care and dose modification guideline recommendations were consistent, pharmacological recommendations varied. Guidelines are key for healthcare professionals in supporting patients with HFS. Therefore, regular updates with emerging evidence for interventions such as topical diclofenac are needed to ensure the quality of care.
Financial hardship and pain among cancer survivors: a French nationwide cross-sectional analysis.
Girardon L, Ragusa C, Laporte F … +2 more , Pereira B, Balayssac D
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42184033 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: The relationship between financial hardship and pain in cancer survivors remains poorly understood, with limited evidence linking financial hardship to pain outcomes. METHODS: This nationwide web-based cross-sec...
PURPOSE: The relationship between financial hardship and pain in cancer survivors remains poorly understood, with limited evidence linking financial hardship to pain outcomes. METHODS: This nationwide web-based cross-sectional study examined the relationship between pain and financial hardship in French cancer survivors. Data were collected between January 27 and March 20, 2023, through 12 cancer associations and 12 Facebook groups. Primary outcomes were financial hardship (QLQ-C30) and pain status (BPI-SF). Secondary measures included pain characteristics, socio-professional categories and clinical factors, specific items of social precariousness, anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life. RESULTS: The sample included 1,012 survivors (82.6% female; mean age 55.2 ± 11.1 years), with breast cancer the most frequent (61.6%), and 50.4% undergoing anticancer treatment. Financial hardship was more prevalent among those with pain (OR: 2.7, 95% CI [2.1-3.6]), and financial hardship scores correlated with pain scores (Spearman's rho: 0.28, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed associations between financial hardship and pain severity (mild pain: OR: 1.57, 95% CI [1.08-2.29]; moderate pain: OR: 2.12, 95% CI [1.43-3.13]; severe pain: OR: 2.87, 95% CI [1.59-5.16]), particularly among individuals who had completed anticancer treatment, as well as with younger age, living alone, anxiety, depression, and socio-professional categories such as entrepreneurs, employees, and unemployed individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Financial hardship is associated with pain severity. Younger survivors, those living alone, those with psychological distress, and those post-treatment seem more vulnerable. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions and research to reduce financial and psychosocial disparities in cancer survivorship.
Uncovering the realities of suicidal ideation in older patients following lung cancer diagnosis: an interpretive phenomenological qualitative study.
Sunzi K, Yin L, Zhou X … +3 more , Luo H, Li Y, Lei C
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42178413 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Lung cancer predominantly affects older adults, and the median age at diagnosis is about 71 years. It carries the highest suicide burden among all malignancies, with roughly a 4.2 times increase in suicide mo...
BACKGROUND: Lung cancer predominantly affects older adults, and the median age at diagnosis is about 71 years. It carries the highest suicide burden among all malignancies, with roughly a 4.2 times increase in suicide mortality compared with the general population. Qualitative evidence on how these patients experience suicidal thoughts after diagnosis is scarce. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to uncover the realities and lived experiences of suicidal ideation in older patients following a lung cancer diagnosis, thereby providing insights for targeted psychosocial support. STUDY DESIGN: An interpretive phenomenological qualitative study. METHODS: Eleven participants were recruited through convenience sampling at a tertiary hospital in China. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews, with each session lasting 20 to 40 min. Transcripts were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis to identify recurring themes and subthemes. RESULTS: Two predominant themes were identified: (1) intrapersonal dynamics of suffering and (2) interpersonal and existential dilemmas. Findings revealed that older patients experienced intense emotional distress and debilitating physical pain, which often led to feelings of being "imprisoned" by their condition. Social isolation and a perceived lack of deep emotional understanding from support networks significantly fueled a sense of despair and loss of control. However, many participants eventually navigated a transformative "meaning-making" process, redefining hope through small daily joys and a renewed focus on meaningful life reflections. CONCLUSIONS: The elevated risk of suicide in older patients with lung cancer is a critical clinical concern requiring urgent attention. Targeted suicide prevention interventions must be implemented to address the complex interplay of physical, psychological, and social challenges. Such holistic support is essential for enhancing psychological resilience and the overall quality of life for this vulnerable population.
Impact of health insurance coverage on dentition status prior to hematopoietic cell transplant: A 10-year single-institution observational study.
Chung K, Singh A, White C … +7 more , Riedel ER, Dee EC, Onyiuke F, Bergenfeld DM, Yom SK, Huryn JM, Estilo CL
Support Care Cancer · 2026 May · PMID 42178408 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The impact of health insurance on dentition status in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is poorly understood, despite evidence that social determinants influence cancer care di...
BACKGROUND: The impact of health insurance on dentition status in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is poorly understood, despite evidence that social determinants influence cancer care disparities. The primary objective of this study is to examine the association between health insurance coverage and pre-HCT dentition status at our institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 2045 adults who underwent pre-HCT dental evaluation at the Dental Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York between 2013 and 2023. Demographic data, health insurance type (commercial, Medicare, Medicaid) and medical comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension were retrieved from their medical records. Dentition status including decayed (D), missing (M), filled (F) teeth and combined DMFT scores were collected from their dental charts. Associations between health insurance type and dentition and comorbidities were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis, Pearson's Chi-squared, and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Majority patients were male (58%), of White race (77%) and non-Hispanic ethnicity (89%), with a median age of 57 years (range, 18-81). Commercial insurance was the most common (66%), followed by Medicare (24%) and Medicaid (10%). Patients with Medicaid had the highest number of D and lowest number of F teeth (p < 0.001). Patients with Medicare had the highest DMFT scores (β = 4.4, 95% CI: 3.7-5.2; p < 0.001), adjusting for clinically relevant covariates. CONCLUSION: Health insurance type was significantly associated with dentition status in HCT patients, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve dental care access and reduce disparities in this population.
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