Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

“Is My Brain Ever Going To Work Fully Again?”: Challenges And Needs Of Cancer Survivors With Persistent Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment, Darren Haywood, Evan Dauer, Frank D. Baughman, Blake J. Lawrence, Susan L. Rossell, Nicolas H. Hart, Moira O’Connor

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Many cancer survivors experience cognitive impairments that impact memory, concentration, speed of information processing, and decision making. These impairments, collectively known as cancer-related cognitive impairments (CRCIs), are a key domain of unmet needs and can significantly impact a cancer survivor’s identity and quality of life. However, there are no purpose-built, multi-domain, needs assessment tools specifically for CRCI. The development of such tools requires an in-depth understanding of cancer survivors’ CRCI-specific challenges and associated needs. This study explored the challenges and associated needs of cancer survivors with persistent CRCI. An in-depth qualitative design using semi-structured interviews with (a) cancer survivors with …

Electric Field Navigated 1-Hz Rtms For Poststroke Motor Recovery: The E-Fit Randomized Controlled Trial, Dylan J. Edwards, Charles Liu, Kari Dunning, Felipe Fregni, Jarmo Laine, Benjamin E. Leiby, Lynn M. Rogers, Richard L. Harvey

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

BACKGROUND: To determine if low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation targeting the primary motor cortex contralateral (M1CL) to the affected corticospinal tract in patients with hemiparetic stroke augments intensive training-related clinical improvement; an extension of the NICHE trial (Navigated Inhibitory rTMS to Contralesional Hemisphere Trial) using an alternative sham coil. METHODS: The present E-FIT trial (Electric Field Navigated 1Hz rTMS for Post-stroke Motor Recovery Trial) included 5 of 12 NICHE trial outpatient US rehabilitation centers. The stimulation protocol remained identical (1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, M1CL, preceding 60-minute therapy, 18 sessions/6 wks; parallel arm randomized clinical trial). The sham coil …

Experiences And Perspectives Of Children And Young People Living With Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus—An Integrative Review, Julie Blamires, Mandie Foster, Sara Napier, Annette Dickinson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) impacts the daily life of children and young people. This study aimed to describe the experiences and perspectives of children and young people living with cSLE. An integrative review guided by Whittemore and Knafl was conducted. Extant empirical research published in peer-reviewed journals from 2000 to 2021 on children’s self-reported experiences living with cSLE was identified from Scopus, CINAHL, Medline via PubMed, and PsycINFO via Ovid databases. Nineteen studies involving over 1400 participants were included. Four themes and fourteen sub-themes were identified: (1) challenging symptoms (disruptions to life and altered self, severity, fatigue, depression, and …

Prevalence And Management Of Sleep Disturbance In Adults With Primary Brain Tumours And Their Caregivers: A Systematic Review, Jason A. Martin, Nicolas H. Hart, Natalie Bradford, Fiona Naumann, Mark B. Pinkham, Elizabeth P. Pinkham, Justin J. Holland

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: The aims of this systematic review were to (1) examine the prevalence, severity, manifestations, and clinical associations/risk factors of sleep disturbance in primary brain tumour (PBT) survivors and their caregivers; and (2) determine whether there are any sleep-focused interventons reported in the literature pertaining to people affected by PBT. Methods: This systematic review was registered with the international register for systematic reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42022299332). PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, PsychINFO, and CINAHL were electronically searched for relevant articles reporting sleep disturbance and/or interventions for managing sleep disturbance published between September 2015 and May 2022. The search strategy included terms focusing on …

Feasibility Of Supervised Telehealth Exercise For Patients With Advanced Melanoma Receiving Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy, Brendan J. Crosby, Robert U. Newton, Daniel A. Galvão, Dennis R. Taaffe, Pedro Lopez Da Cruz, Tarek M. Meniawy, Muhammad A. Khattak, Wei-Sen Lam, Elin S. Gray, Favil Singh

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: To determine the feasibility, safety and preliminary efficacy of a telehealth supervised exercise programme in patients with advanced melanoma receiving checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Methods: A 8-week non-randomised feasibility pilot trial utilising a telehealth delivered multimodal exercise programme undertaken thrice weekly with assessments at baseline and post-intervention. The study was considered feasible if there were no severe or life-threatening adverse events as a result of exercise, and three or more of the following criteria were met: the recruitment rate was > 50%, completion rate was > 80%, median programme attendance was > 75%, median exercise compliance > 75%, and average tolerance was > 70%. Preliminary …

Exploring Demographic, Clinical And Exercise Prescription Moderators Of Resistance Exercise Effects On Objectively Measured And Patient-Reported Outcomes In Men With Prostate Cancer, Pedro Lopez Da Cruz

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Information on specific prognostic factors such as the association of body composition with survival and tailored strategies considering demographic and clinical factors as well as the influence of exercise tolerance and compliance are required to establish targeted exercise prescription in men with prostate cancer. As a result, the purpose of this doctoral research is to: (i) investigate the role of body composition on overall survival in men with prostate cancer; (ii) determine which type of exercise/physical activity and/or dietary intervention is most effective for improving body composition outcomes in this population; (iii) examine the demographic and clinical characteristics of resistance …

Associations Of Physical Activity And Quality Of Life In Parapneumonic Effusion Patients, Pedro Lopez, Deirdre B. Fitzgerald, Joanne A. Mcveigh, Arash Badiei, Sanjeevan Muruganandan, Robert U. Newton, Leon Straker, Yun C. G. Lee, Carolyn J. Peddle-Mcintyre

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction Little is known about activity behaviours and quality of life (QoL) of patients with parapneumonic pleural effusions (PPE) after hospital discharge. This study is a secondary analysis of a randomised trial (dexamethasone versus placebo) for hospitalised patients with PPE. We: 1) described the patients’ activity behaviour patterns and QoL measured at discharge and at 30 days post-discharge; and 2) examined the association between activity behaviours and QoL scores. Methods Activity behaviour (7-day accelerometry; Actigraph GT3X+) and QoL (Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36) were assessed. Repeated measures analysis of covariance controlling for baseline values and a series of linear regression …

Hybrid Delivery Of Cluster-Set Resistance Training For Individuals Previously Treated For Lung Cancer: The Results Of A Single-Arm Feasibility Trial, C. M. Fairman, O. L. Owens, Kristina L. Kendall, J. Steele, A. R. Schumpp, Christopher Latella, M. T. Jones, L. Marcotte, J. M. Dawson, C. M. J. Peddle-Mcintyre, K. K. Mcdonnell

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Individuals with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are burdened by long-lasting symptoms (e.g., dyspnea and fatigue) post-treatment. These symptoms often reduce physical activity levels and increase the risk of functional decline. Though we have previously proposed cluster-set resistance training to mitigate symptom burden in lung cancer, there is currently no data on the feasibility or acceptability of this mode of exercise in cancer. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a hybrid-delivery home-based cluster-set resistance training program in individuals with NSCLC stages I–III (i.e., early stage). Methods: This study aimed to recruit …

Study Protocol: Investigating The Feasibility Of A Hybrid Delivery Of Home-Based Cluster Set Resistance Training For Individuals Previously Treated For Lung Cancer, C. M. Fairman, O. L. Owens, Kristina L. Kendall, J. Steele, Christopher Latella, M. T. Jones, L. Marcotte, Carolyn M. J. Peddle-Mcintyre, K. K. Mcdonnell

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Symptom burden remains a critical concern for individuals with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following the completion of treatment. The most common symptom clusters, dyspnea (shortness of breath) and fatigue, can contribute to physical decline, reductions in quality of life, and a higher risk of comorbidities and mortality. Dyspnea is a primary limiter of exercise capacity in individuals with lung cancer, resulting in exercise avoidance and an accelerated physical decline. As such, designing resistance training with cluster sets to mitigate symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue may result in improved exercise tolerance. Thus, maintaining the exercise stimulus via cluster sets, …

Palliative Care Early In The Care Continuum Among Patients With Serious Respiratory Illness An Official Ats/Aahpm/Hpna/Swhpn Policy Statement, Donald R. Sullivan, Anand S. Iyer, Susan Enguidanos, Christopher E. Cox, Morag Farquhar, Daisy J. A. Janssen, Kathleen O. Lindell, Richard A. Mularski, Natasha Smallwood, Alison E. Turnbull, Anne M. Wilkinson, Katherine R. Courtright, Matthew Maddocks, Mary Lynn Mcpherson, J. Daryl Thornton, Margaret L. Campbell, Tracy K. Fasolino, Patricia M. Fogelman, Larry Gershon, Thayer Gershon, Christiane Hartog, Judy Luther, Diane E. Meier, Judith E. Nelson, Elliot Rabinowitz, Cynda H. Rushton, Danetta H. Sloan, Erin K. Kross, Lynn F. Reinke

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background:

Patients with serious respiratory illness and their caregivers suffer considerable burdens, and palliative care is a fundamental right for anyone who needs it. However, the overwhelming majority of patients do not receive timely palliative care before the end of life, despite robust evidence for improved outcomes.

Goals:

This policy statement by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and partnering societies advocates for improved integration of high-quality palliative care early in the care continuum for patients with serious respiratory illness and their caregivers and provides clinicians and policymakers with a framework to accomplish this.

Methods:

An international and interprofessional expert committee, …

Evaluation Of An Australian Neurological Nurse-Led Model Of Postdischarge Care, Judith Dianne Pugh, Kathleen Mccoy, Merrilee Needham, Leanne Jiang, Margaret Giles, Elizabeth Mckinnon, Kym Heine

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Neurological disorders are a leading cause of disease burden worldwide, placing a heavy demand on health systems. This study evaluated the impacts and cost savings of a community-based nursing service providing supported discharge for neurological patients deemed high-risk for unplanned emergency department presentations and/or hospital readmissions. It focused on adult patients with stroke, epilepsy, migraine/headache or functional neurological disorders discharged from a Western Australian tertiary hospital. An observational design was used comprising prospective enrolment of patients receiving nurse-led supported discharge and follow-up (Neurocare), 21 August 2018 to 6 December 2019 (N = 81), and hospital administrative data, 1 February …

The Quality Of Life Of Regional And Remote Cancer Caregivers In Australia, Belinda C. Goodwin, Fiona Crawford-Williams, Michael Ireland, Sonja March, Suzanne K. Chambers, Joanne F. Aitken, Jeff Dunn

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: This study compares the well-being of rural caregivers with that of the general population and explores the potential drivers of poorer outcomes. Method: Patient–caregiver dyads (n = 241) residing in regional or remote Queensland, Australia, reported on QoL, chronic illness, caregiver burden, depression, anxiety and stress. Caregiver outcomes were compared with population norms and patient outcomes. Multiple regressions were conducted to identify factors associated with poorer caregiver outcomes. Results: Caregivers reported lower mental health-related QoL (M = 0.436, 95% CI = 0.410–0.462) in comparison with age-matched population norms (M = 0.556, 95% CI = 0.532–0.580). No differences existed between …

The Effects Of Home-Based Exercise Therapy For Breast Cancer-Related Fatigue Induced By Radical Radiotherapy, Georgios Mavropalias, Prue Cormie, Carolyn J. Peddle-Mcintyre, Daniel A. Galvão, Dennis R. Taaffe, Christelle Schofield, Sharon Ray, Yvonne Zissiadis, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Radiotherapy (RT) can lead to cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in breast cancer patients. The purpose of this trial was to examine the feasibility and efficacy of a home-based resistance and aerobic exercise intervention for reducing CRF and improving HRQoL in breast cancer patients during RT. Methods: Women with breast cancer (N = 106) commencing RT were randomized to 12 weeks of home-based resistance and aerobic exercise (EX) or usual care/control (CON). The primary endpoint was CRF, with secondary endpoints of HRQoL, sleep duration and quality, and physical activity. Measurements were undertaken prior to …

Residual Renal Function – How Fast Does The Residual Urine Output Function Decline In The First Year Of Haemodialysis? – A Scoping Review, Ulrich Steinwandel, Homa Kheirkhah, Hugh Davies

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Haemodialysis is the most common treatment method in Australia for individuals requiring renal replacement therapy. Although it is known that the residual renal function in these patients has many advantages for their overall health outcomes and that the residual urine volume production is also declining over time, it is unknown how fast this functional decline occurs when patients are embarking on their first year on haemodialysis. Aim: This scoping review sought to determine if the functional decline in renal residual function in the first year of haemodialysis has been previously investigated, documented or quantified. Method: The scoping review was …

Healing Right Way: Study Protocol For A Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial To Enhance Rehabilitation Services And Improve Quality Of Life In Aboriginal Australians After Brain Injury, Elizabeth Armstrong, Juli Coffin, Deborah J. Hersh, Judith M. Katzenellenbogen, Sandra Thompson, Leon Flicker, Meaghan Mcallister, Dominique A. Cadilhac, Tapan Rai, Erin Godecke, Colleen Hayward, Graeme J. Hankey, Neil M. Drew, Ivan Lin, Deborah Woods, Natalie Ciccone

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Introduction: Despite higher incidence of brain injury among Aboriginal compared with non-Aboriginal Australians, suboptimal engagement exists between rehabilitation services and Aboriginal brain injury survivors. Aboriginal patients often feel culturally insecure in hospital and navigation of services post discharge is complex. Health professionals report feeling ill-equipped working with Aboriginal patients. This study will test the impact of a research-informed culturally secure intervention model for Aboriginal people with brain injury.

Methods and Analysis: Design: Stepped wedge cluster randomised control trial design; intervention sequentially introduced at four pairs of healthcare sites across Western Australia at 26-week intervals.

Recruitment: Aboriginal participants aged ≥18 years …

An Integrated Multicomponent Care Model For Men Affected By Prostate Cancer: A Feasibility Study Of Truenth Australia, Patsy Yates, Rob Carter, Robyn Cockerell, Donna Cowan, Cyril Dixon, Anne Magnus, Robert U. Newton, Nicolas H. Hart, Daniel A. Galvão, Brenton Baguley, Nicholas Denniston, Tina Skinner, Jeremy Couper, Jon Emery, Mark Frydenberg, Wei-Hong Liu

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of implementing an integrated multicomponent survivorship care model for men affected by prostate cancer. Methods: Using a single arm prospective cohort study design, men with prostate cancer were recruited from two regional public hospitals in Australia for a 6-months program that provided information and decision support, exercise and nutrition management, specialised clinical support, and practical support through localised and central care coordination. Carers of the men were also invited to the program. Data were collected from multiple sources to evaluate: (1) recruitment capability and participant characteristics; (2) appropriateness and feasibility of delivering the specific intervention …

Exercise Medicine In The Management Of Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review, Hao Luo, Daniel A. Galvão, Robert U. Newton, Pedro Lopez Da Cruz, Colin Tang, Ciaran M. Fairman, Nigel Spry, Dennis R. Taaffe

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The aim of this study was to examine the health-related effects of exercise in patients with pancreatic cancer (PanCa) through a systematic review of current evidence. Studies were obtained through searching PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL Plus, and Cochrane Library databases with additional hand searches. All intervention-based studies were included if it involved (1) adult patients with PanCa, (2) exercise training, and (3) findings in quality of life, cancer-related fatigue, psychological distress, and physical function. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO: CRD42020154684. Seven trials described in 9 publications were included consisting of 201 patients with early-stage and …

Feasibility And Efficacy Of A Multicomponent Exercise Medicine Programme In Patients With Pancreatic Cancer Undergoing Neoadjuvant Therapy (The Expan Trial): Study Protocol Of A Dual-Centre, Two-Armed Phase I Randomised Controlled Trial, Hao Luo, Daniel A. Galvao, Robert U. Newton, Colin Tang, Andrew Dean, Kevin Jasas, Mikael Johansson, Ian Yusoff, Nigel Spry, Dennis R. Taaffe

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Introduction Exercise is emerging as a therapy in oncology for its physical and psychosocial benefits and potential effects on chemotherapy tolerability and efficacy. However, evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) supporting exercise in patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer (PanCa) undergoing neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) are lacking. Methods and analysis The EXPAN trial is a dual-centre, two-armed, phase I RCT. Forty patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced PanCa undergoing NAT will be randomised equally to an exercise intervention group (individualised exercise+standard NAT) or a usual care control group (standard NAT). The exercise intervention will be supervised and …

Associations Of Physical Activity And Exercise With Health-Related Outcomes In Patients With Melanoma During And After Treatment: A Systematic Review, Brendan J. Crosby, Pedro Lopez, Daniel A. Galvao, Robert U. Newton, Dennis Taaffe, Tarek M. Meniawy, Lydia Warburton, Muhammad A. Khattak, Elin S. Gray, Favil Singh

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Purpose:

Although exercise medicine is recommended to counter treatment-related side-effects and improve health-related outcomes of patients affected by different cancers, no specific recommendations exist for patients with melanoma. As a result, we systematically examined the current evidence regarding the effects of physical activity and exercise on objectively-measured and patient-reported outcomes among patients with melanoma.

Methods:

Searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases. This review included published data involving physical activity or exercise and objectively-measured or patient-reported outcomes of patients with cutaneous melanoma. The quality of included studies was assessed using …

Navigate: A Study Protocol For A Randomised Controlled Trial Of An Online Treatment Decision Aid For Men With Low-Risk Prostate Cancer And Their Partners, Penelope Schofield, Karla Gough, Amelia Hyatt, Alan White, Mark Frydenberg, Suzanne Chambers, Louisa G. Gordon, Robert Gardiner, Declan G. Murphy, Lawrence Cavdon, Natalie Richards, Barbara Murphy, Stephen Quinn, Ilona Juraskova

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© 2021, The Author(s). Background: Active surveillance (AS) is the disease management option of choice for low-risk prostate cancer. Despite this, men with low-risk prostate cancer (LRPC) find management decisions distressing and confusing. We developed Navigate, an online decision aid to help men and their partners make management decisions consistent with their values. The aims are to evaluate the impact of Navigate on uptake of AS; decision-making preparedness; decisional conflict, regret and satisfaction; quality of illness communication; and prostate cancer-specific quality of life and anxiety. In addition, the healthcare cost impact, cost-effectiveness and patterns of use of Navigate will be …

Psychological Distress And Quality Of Life Following Provision Of Vascular Imaging Results Of The Coronary And Carotid Arteries To Asymptomatic Adults: A Scoping Review Protocol, Reindolf Anokye, Ben Jackson, James Dimmock, Joanne M. Dickson, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Joshua R. Lewis, Mandy Stanley

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: Non-invasive screening for atherosclerosis or asymptomatic cardiovascular disease of the coronary and carotid arteries is commonly undertaken, and research has been focussed on how results from these screenings lead to behaviour change. However, no review has focused on the effects of these results on psychological distress and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This protocol will outline how a scoping review will be conducted to map all available evidence on psychological distress and/or HRQoL outcomes following the provision of vascular imaging results of the coronary and carotid arteries. Methods: Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) framework subsequently enhanced by Levac et al. …

Cochrane Corner Summary Of Review Titled: “Peer Support For People With Schizophrenia Or Other Serious Mental Illness”, Beverley Ewens, Amanda Barnard-Towell, Sheila Mortimer-Jones, Vivien Kemp, Amanda Cole

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Serious mental illnesses affect how people feel, think, and behave, and frequently contribute to disability in psychosocial and occupational functioning and quality of life (American Psychiatric Association 2015; Harvey & Strassnig, 2012; Mohamed et al., 2008). Psychosocial interventions designed to support people with schizophrenia and their families have shown to improve the person’s rehabilitation, reintegration into the community, and recovery (The National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, 2009; Pharoah et al., 2012). Peer workers are defined as individuals with lived experience of mental illness (Aguey-Zinsou et al., 2018), with peer support principles based on shared responsibility and mutual respect (Mead …

Somatic Acupoint Stimulation For Cancer-Related Sleep Disturbance: A Systematic Review Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Xian-Liang Liu, Hui Lin Cheng, Simon Moss, Carol Chunfeng Wang, Catherine Turner, Jing-Yu Tan

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Aim. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze and synthesize available evidence for the effects of somatic acupoint stimulation (SAS) on cancer-related sleep disturbance in adults with cancer. Methods. Nine databases and four clinical trial registries were searched from their inception to July 2019 to identify potential articles and registered trials. Two authors independently extracted data and appraised the methodological quality of the included studies. The included studies could not be subjected to meta-analysis due to the significant variations in SAS intervention protocols and outcome measurement instruments. This systematic review therefore reported the results of the …

Prostate Cancer Survivorship Essentials Framework: Guidelines For Practitioners, Jeff Dunn, Anna Green, Nicholas Ralph, Robert U. Newton, Andrew Kneebone, Mark Frydenberg, Suzanne K. Chambers

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© 2020 The Authors BJU International © 2020 BJU International Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd Objective: To develop contemporary and inclusive prostate cancer survivorship guidelines for the Australian setting. Participants and Methods: A four-round iterative policy Delphi was used, with a 47-member expert panel that included leaders from key Australian and New Zealand clinical and community groups and consumers from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQIA people and those from regional, rural and urban settings. The first three rounds were undertaken using an online survey (94–96% response) followed by a fourth final face-to-face panel meeting. Descriptors for men’s current prostate …

Mental Distress And Quality Of Life Following Provision Of Vascular Imaging Results Of The Coronary And Carotid Arteries To Asymptomatic Adults: A Scoping Review Protocol, Reindolf Anokye, Ben Jackson, James Dimmock, Joanne M. Dickson, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Joshua Lewis, Mandy Stanley

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: Non-invasive screening for atherosclerosis or asymptomatic cardiovascular disease of the coronary and carotid arteries is commonly undertaken, and research has been focussed on how results from these screenings lead to behaviour change. However, no review has focused on the effects of these results on mental distress and quality of life. This protocol will outline how a scoping review will be conducted to map all available evidence on mental distress or quality of life outcomes following the provision of vascular imaging results of the coronary and carotid arteries.

Methods: Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) framework will guide the scoping review. Databases …

Randomised Placebo-Controlled Cross-Over Study Examining The Role Of Anamorelin In Mesothelioma (The Anthem Study): Rationale And Protocol, Siao Nge Hoon, Katrina Fyfe, Carolyn J. Peddle-Mcintyre, Samantha Bowyer, Felicity Hawkins, Emily Jeffery, Hui Jun Chih, Jenette Creaney, Anna Nowak, Fraser Brims

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Introduction Cachexia is common in malignant mesothelioma (MM); half of patients have malnutrition and low skeletal muscle mass. Malnourished patients have worse quality of life (QoL). Weight loss is strongly associated with poor survival. Anamorelin is an oral ghrelin receptor agonist that improves appetite, body weight and QoL in advanced cancer. The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of anamorelin in improving appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and patient-reported outcomes in patients with MM with cachexia. Methods and analysis A single-centre, phase II, randomised, placebo-controlled cross-over pilot study with 28-day treatment periods and 3-day washout. Forty patients …

Nutrition, Body Composition And Physical Activity In Malignant Pleural Disease: Associations With Patient Outcomes And Response To An Exercise Intervention, Emily Jeffery

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Background: Patients with malignant pleural disease (MPD) have advanced cancer and high symptom burden. Goals of patient care are to optimise health-related quality-of-life (HR-QoL) and participation in daily physical activities. Supportive care interventions such as nutrition and exercise could offer benefit to patients. However, there is a lack of information on the prevalence of low muscle mass (i.e., pre-sarcopenia), malnutrition, inactivity and poor physical functioning in patients with MPD. Additionally, little is known about the factors associated with development of pre-sarcopenia and malnutrition or their associations with patient outcomes.

Purpose: The objectives were to: 1) characterise physical activity levels and …

Peer Support For The Maintenance Of Physical Activity And Health In Cancer Survivors: The Peer Trial - A Study Protocol Of A Randomised Controlled Trial, Kirsten N. Adlard, David G. Jenkins, Chloe E. Salisbury, Kate A. Bolam, Sjaan R. Gomersall, Joanne F. Aitken, Suzanne K. Chambers, Jeff C. Dunn, Kerry S. Courneya, Tina L. Skinner

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

BACKGROUND: Despite an overwhelming body of evidence showing the benefits of physical activity (PA) and exercise for cancer survivors, few survivors meet the exercise oncology guidelines. Moreover, initiating, let alone maintaining exercise programs with cancer survivors continues to have limited success. The aim of this trial is to evaluate the influence of peer support on moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and various markers of health 12 months following a brief supervised exercise intervention in cancer survivors.

METHODS: Men and women previously diagnosed with histologically-confirmed breast, colorectal or prostate cancer (n = 226), who are >1-month post-treatment, will be invited to participate in …

Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab Versus Chemotherapy As First-Line Treatment In Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer With High Tumour Mutational Burden: Patient-Reported Outcomes Results From The Randomised, Open-Label, Phase Iii Checkmate 227 Trial, Martin Reck, Michael Schenker, Ki Hyeong Lee, Mariano Provencio, Makoto Nishio, Krzysztof Lesniewski-Kmak, Randeep Sangha, Samreen Ahmed, Judith Raimbourg, Kynan Feeney, Romain Corre, Fabio Andre Franke, Eduardo Richardet, John R. Penrod, Yong Yuan, Faith E. Nathan, Prabhu Bhagavatheeswaran, Michael Derosa, Fiona Taylor, Rachael Lawrance, Julie Brahmer

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

BACKGROUND: In the phase III CheckMate 227 study, first-line nivolumab + ipilimumab significantly prolonged progression-free survival (co-primary end-point) versus chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and high tumour mutational burden (TMB; ≥10 mutations/megabase).

AIM: To evaluate patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in this population.

METHODS: Disease-related symptoms and general health status were assessed using the validated PRO questionnaires Lung Cancer Symptom Scale (LCSS) and EQ-5D, respectively. LCSS average symptom burden index (ASBI) and three-item global index (3-IGI) and EQ-5D visual analogue scale (VAS) and utility index (UI) scores and changes from baseline were analysed descriptively. Longitudinal changes were assessed …

Quality Of Life And Psychological Distress In Cancer Survivors: The Role Of Psycho-Social Resources For Resilience, Craig A. Harms, Lynne Cohen, Julie Ann Pooley, Suzanne K. Chambers, Daniel A. Galvao, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between scores on the Protective Factors for Resilience Scale (PFRS) (as a measure of a person's psycho-social resources for resilience) and quality of life as well as symptoms of psychological distress for adult cancer survivors.

METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 295 cancer survivors (59% female) provided background demographic information and completed the PFRS as well as measures of quality of life and psychological distress previously validated with cancer survivors. Most of the survivors were diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer.

RESULTS: Analysis of the data confirmed the factor structure for the PFRS …