Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Prevalence Of Distress And Its Associated Factors Among Caregivers Of People Diagnosed With Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study, Deborah L. Kirk, Istvan Kabdebo, Lisa Whitehead

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims and Objectives: To (i) determine prevalence of distress among caregivers of people living with cancer, (ii) describe caregivers’ most commonly reported problems and (iii) investigate which factors were associated with caregivers’ distress. Background: The psychological distress associated with a cancer diagnosis jointly impacts those living with cancer and their caregivers(s). As the provision of clinical support moves towards a dyadic model, understanding the factors associated with caregivers’ distress is increasingly important. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Distress screening data were analysed for 956 caregivers (family and friends) of cancer patients accessing the Cancer Council Western Australia information and support line …

The Impact Of The 2022 Ukraine/Russian Conflict On Cancer Clinical Trials, Alice Talbot, Sophia G. Connor, Kate Austin, Tara Hannon, Eli Gabbay, Timothy D. Clay

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, clinical trial conduct has become extremely challenging due to damage to the healthcare infrastructure and patient displacement. This current study aimed to estimate the number of cancer clinical trials at risk of impact from the conflict. A descriptive analysis and narrative review were completed using data from cancer clinical trials with sites in Russia or Ukraine using the ‘clinical trials.gov’ online database between February 2022 and May 2022. There were 508 clinical trials involving sites in Ukraine or Russia. Most were multinational studies (470 of 508; 93 %). The majority of studies …

Response To Chen Et. Al, Albert Stuart Reece, Gary Kenneth Hulse

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Whilst our paper was published in three parts to assist with readability it is essentially a single report. Our analysis moves logically from continuous and categorical bivariate studies to inverse probability weighted multivariate (IPWM) and then geospatiotemporal analysis and finally statistical analysis of geospatiotemporal models. Context is important. As stated by Chen and colleagues IPWM models are very powerful and present compelling conclusions and have the effect of transforming ecological into pseudo-randomized studies from which it is entirely proper to draw causal conclusions. That this report follows similar earlier IPWM and geotemporospatial reports on the commonest cancer in adults and …

Epidemiological Patterns Of Cannabis- And Substance- Related Congenital Uronephrological Anomalies In Europe: Geospatiotemporal And Causal Inferential Study, Albert Stuart Reece, Gary Kenneth Hulse

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction:

Recent reports linking prenatal and community cannabis exposure to elevated uronephrological congenital anomaly (UCA) rates (UCAR’s) raise the question of its European epidemiology given recent increases in community cannabinoid penetration there.

Methods:

UCAR data from Eurocat. Drug use data from European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Income from World bank.

Results:

UCAR increased across Spain, Netherlands, Poland and France. UCAR’s and cannabis resin THC increased simultaneously in France, Spain, Netherlands and Bulgaria. At bivariate analysis all UCA’s were related to cannabis herb and resin THC concentrations. All UCAR’s were bivariately related to cannabis metrics ordered by median …

Cannabis- And Substance-Related Epidemiological Patterns Of Chromosomal Congenital Anomalies In Europe: Geospatiotemporal And Causal Inferential Study, Albert Stuart Reece, Gary Kenneth Hulse

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction:

Laboratory data link cannabinoid exposure to chromosomal mis-segregation errors. Recent epidemiological reports confirm this link and raise concern that elevated chromosomal congenital anomaly rates (CCAR) may be occurring in Europe which is experiencing increased cannabis use, daily intensity of use and cannabinoid potency.

Methods:

CCAR data from Eurocat. Drug use data from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Income from World Bank. Bivariate, multivariate, panel and geotemporospatial regressions analyzed. Inverse probability weighting of panel models and E-values used as major quantitative causal inferential methodologies.

Results:

In countries where daily cannabis use was rising the trend for …

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 …

Re-Imagining The Data Collection And Analysis Research Process By Proposing A Rapid Qualitative Data Collection And Analytic Roadmap Applied To The Dynamic Context Of Precision Medicine, James Smith, Jeffrey Braithwaite, Tracey A. O’Brien, Stephanie Smith, Vanessa J. Tyrrell, Emily V. A. Mould, Janet C. Long, Frances Rapport

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Our implementation science study focuses on implementing a new way of practice and offers methodological specificity about how to rapidly investigate an individually tailored precision medicine intervention. A qualitative study advancing a new methodology for speedily identifying barriers and enablers to implementation in the context of childhood cancer. Data were collected through rapid ethnography, coded using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, and analysed by Sentiment Analysis. Thirty-eight data collection events occurred during 14 multidisciplinary tumour board meetings, 14 curation meetings, and 10 informal conversations. Sentiment Analysis distilled Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research codes to reveal key barriers and enablers …

Survivorship Research For People With Metastatic Or Advanced Cancer: A Time For Action, Andrea L. Smith, Nicolas H. Hart, Michael Jefford, Raymond J. Chan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Over recent decades, survival outcomes for people diagnosed with cancer have changed dramatically, with approximately 20% improvement in five-year relative survival rates in high-income countries including the United States and Australia. Regardless of regions, there is a decrease in overall cancer mortality rate of about 1% per year. Likewise, the cancer disease trajectory has changed. The traditional linear cancer trajectory in which a patient moves from cancer diagnosis through to a binary outcome (cure or death)—is no longer applicable and does not adequately describe the complexity of experience for many people. Indeed, the availability of targeted therapies and immunotherapies has …

The Safety And Efficacy Of Using Moxibustion And Or Acupuncture For Cancer-Related Insomnia: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Randomised Controlled Trials, Carol Chunfeng Wang, Ellen Yichun Han, Mark Jenkins, Xuepei Hong, Shuqin Pang, Lisa Whitehead, Deborah L. Kirk, Anne Williams

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction:

This study aimed to synthesise the best available evidence on the safety and efficacy of using moxibustion and/or acupuncture to manage cancer-related insomnia (CRI).

Methods:

The PRISMA framework guided the review. Nine databases were searched from its inception to July 2020, published in English or Chinese. Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of moxibustion and or acupuncture for the treatment of CRI were selected for inclusion. Methodological quality was assessed using the method suggested by the Cochrane collaboration. The Cochrane Review Manager was used to conduct a meta-analysis.

Results:

Fourteen RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Twelve RCTs used the Pittsburgh Sleep …

Implementation Barriers To Integrating Exercise As Medicine In Oncology: An Ecological Scoping Review, Mary A. Kennedy, Sara Bayes, Robert U. Newton, Yvonne Zissiadis, Nigel Spry, Dennis Taaffe, Nicolas H. Hart, Daniel A. Galvao

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Purpose

While calls have been made for exercise to become standard practice in oncology, barriers to implementation in real-world settings are not well described. This systematic scoping review aimed to comprehensively describe barriers impeding integration of exercise into routine oncology care within healthcare systems.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted across six electronic databases (since 2010) to identify barriers to implementing exercise into real-world settings. An ecological framework was used to classify barriers according to their respective level within the healthcare system.

Results

A total of 1,376 results were retrieved; 50 articles describing implementation barriers in real-world exercise oncology …

Detection Of Clinical Progression Through Plasma Ctdna In Metastatic Melanoma Patients: A Comparison To Radiological Progression, Gabriela Marsavela, Ashleigh C. Mcevoy, Michelle R. Pereira, Anna L. Reid, Zeyad Al-Ogaili, Lydia Warburton, Muhammad K. Khattak, Afaf Abed, Tarek M. Meniawy, Michael Millward, Melanie R. Ziman Dr, Leslie Calapre, Elin S. Gray

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background

The validity of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) as an indicator of disease progression compared to medical imaging in patients with metastatic melanoma requires detailed evaluation.

Methods

Here, we carried out a retrospective ctDNA analysis of 108 plasma samples collected at the time of disease progression. We also analysed a validation cohort of 66 metastatic melanoma patients monitored prospectively after response to systemic therapy.

Results

ctDNA was detected in 62% of patients at the time of disease progression. For 67 patients that responded to treatment, the mean ctDNA level at progressive disease was significantly higher than at the time of …

Changes In Body Composition In Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma And The Relationship With Activity Levels And Dietary Intake, Emily Jeffery, Y. C. Gary Lee, Robert U. Newton, Philippa Lyons-Wall, Joanne Mcveigh, Deirdre B. Fitzgerald, Leon Straker, Carolyn J. Peddle-Mcintyre

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background:

Skeletal muscle loss is common in advanced cancer and is associated with negative outcomes. In malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), no study has reported body composition changes or factors associated with these changes. This study aimed to describe changes in body composition over time and its relationship with activity levels, dietary intake and survival.

Methods:

The study was a secondary analysis of data collected from a longitudinal observational study of patients with MPM. Participants completed 3-month assessments for up to 18 months. Participants with two dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were included. Changes in appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and …

Cannabinoid And Substance Relationships Of European Congenital Anomaly Patterns: A Space-Time Panel Regression And Causal Inferential Study, Albert Stuart Reece, Gary Kenneth Hulse

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

With reports from Australia, Canada, USA, Hawaii and Colorado documenting a link between cannabis and congenital anomalies (CAs), this relationship was investigated in Europe. Data on 90 CAs were accessed from Eurocat. Tobacco and alcohol consumption and median household income data were from the World Bank. Amphetamine, cocaine and last month and daily use of cannabis from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Cannabis herb and resin Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol concentrations were from published reports. Data were processed in R. Twelve thousand three hundred sixty CA rates were sourced across 16 nations of Europe. Nations with a higher or …

Exercise Medicine For Cancer Cachexia: Targeted Exercise To Counteract Mechanisms And Treatment Side-Effects, Georgios Mavropalias, Marc Sim, Dennis R. Taaffe, Daniel A. Galvao, Nigel Spry, William Kraemer, Keijo Häkkinen, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Cancer-induced muscle wasting (i.e., cancer cachexia, CC) is a common and devastating syndrome that results in the death of more than 1 in 5 patients. Although primarily a result of elevated inflammation, there are multiple mechanisms that complement and amplify one another. Research on the use of exercise to manage CC is still limited, while exercise for CC management has been recently discouraged. Moreover, there is a lack of understanding that exercise is not a single medicine, but mode, type, dosage, and timing (exercise prescription) have distinct health outcomes. The purpose of this review was to examine the effects …

Exercise In Advanced Prostate Cancer Elevates Myokine Levels And Suppresses In-Vitro Cell Growth, Jin Soo Kim, Dennis R. Taaffe, Daniel A. Galvão, Nicolas H. Hart, Elin Gray, Charles J. Ryan, Stacey A. Kenfield, Fred Saad, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background:

Altering the systemic milieu through exercise has been proposed as a potential mechanism underlying exercise-driven tumour suppression. It is not yet known whether men with advanced prostate cancer can elicit such adaptations following a program of exercise. The purpose is to examine myokine levels of serum acquired from metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients recruited to the INTERVAL-GAP4 trial before and after 6 months of exercise and its tumour-suppressive effect.

Methods:

Twenty-five men with mCRPC (age = 74.7 ± 7.1 yrs) were randomised to supervised multimodal (aerobic and resistance) exercise (EX) or self-directed exercise control group (CON). Body composition …

Congenital Anomaly Epidemiological Correlates Of Δ8thc Across Usa 2003–16: Panel Regression And Causal Inferential Study, Albert Stuart Reece, Gary Kenneth Hulse

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8THC) is marketed in many US states as ‘legal weed’. Concerns exist relating to class-wide genotoxic cannabinoid effects. We conducted an epidemiological investigation of Δ8THC-related genotoxicity expressed as 57 congenital anomaly (CA) rates (CARs) in the USA. CARs were taken from the Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia. Drug exposure data were taken from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health, with a response rate of 74.1%. Ethnicity and income data were taken from the US Census Bureau. National cannabinoid exposure was taken from Drug Enforcement Agency publications and multiplied by state cannabis use data to derive state-based …

European Epidemiological Patterns Of Cannabis- And Substance-Related Congenital Cardiovascular Anomalies: Geospatiotemporal And Causal Inferential Study, Albert Stuart Reece, Gary Kenneth Hulse

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

As prenatal and community cannabis exposures have recently been linked with congenital heart disease (CHD), it was of interest to explore these associations in Europe in a causal framework and space-time context. Congenital anomaly data from Eurocat, drug-use data from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, and income from the World Bank. Countries with rising daily cannabis use had in general higher congenital anomaly rates over time than those without (time: status interaction: β-Est. = 0.0267, P = 0.0059). At inverse probability-weighted panel regression, cannabis terms were positive and significant for CHD, severe CHD, atrial septal defect, …

Epidemiology Of ∆8thc-Related Carcinogenesis In Usa: A Panel Regression And Causal Inferential Study, Albert Stuart Reece, Gary Kenneth Hulse

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The use of ∆8THC is increasing at present across the USA in association with widespread cannabis legalization and the common notion that it is “legal weed”. As genotoxic actions have been described for many cannabinoids, we studied the cancer epidemiology of ∆8THC. Data on 34 cancer types was from the Centers for Disease Control Atlanta Georgia, substance abuse data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, ethnicity and income data from the U.S. Census Bureau, and cannabinoid concentration data from the Drug Enforcement Agency, were combined and processed in R. Eight cancers (corpus uteri, liver, gastric cardia, breast …

Effects Of Cannabis On Congenital Limb Anomalies In 14 European Nations: A Geospatiotemporal And Causal Inferential Study, Albert Stuart Reece, Gary Kenneth Hulse

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Cannabinoid exposure is increasing in some European nations. Europe therefore provides an interesting test environment for the recently reported link between cannabis exposure and congenital limb anomaly (CLA) rates (CLARs). Exponential genotoxic dose–response relationships make this investigation both intriguing and imperative. Annual CLAR in 14 nations were from Epidemiological Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies. Drug use rates were from European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Dependency. Median household income was from the World Bank. E-values provide a quantitative measure of robustness of results to confounding by extraneous covariates. Inverse probability weighting is an important technique for equalizing exposures across countries …

Building The Plane While It’S Flying: Implementation Lessons From Integrating A Co-Located Exercise Clinic Into Oncology Care, Mary A. Kennedy, Sara Bayes, Robert U. Newton, Yvonne Zissiadis, Nigel A. Spry, Dennis R. Taaffe, Nicolas H. Hart, Daniel A. Galvão

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background:

Despite its therapeutic role during cancer treatment, exercise is not routinely integrated into care and implementation efforts are largely absent from the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate a strategy to integrate the workflow of a co-located exercise clinic into routine care within a private oncology setting in two clinics in the metropolitan region of Western Australia.

Methods:

This prospective evaluation utilised a mixed methods approach to summarise lessons learned during the implementation of an integrated exercise workflow and supporting implementation plan. Data collection was informed by the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework. Reports …