Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Impact Of Covid-19 On Cancer Patients, Their Carers And Oncology Health Professionals: A Qualitative Study, P Butow, P E. Havard, Z Butt, I Juraskova, H Sharpe, H Dhillon, L Beatty, P Beale, M Cigolini, B Kelly, R J. Chan, L Kirsten, Megan Best, J Shaw

IES Papers and Journal Articles

Objective: Cancer patients, carers and oncology health professionals have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in many ways, but their experiences and psychosocial responses to the pandemic are still being explored. This study aimed to document the experience of Australians living with cancer, family carers, and Oncology health professionals (HPs) when COVID-19 first emerged.

Methods: In this qualitative study, participants (cancer patients currently receiving treatment, family carers and HPs) completed a semi-structured interview exploring their experiences of COVID-19 and the impact it had on cancer care. Participants also completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (patients) and the Depression, Anxiety …

Effectively Communicating Comprehensive Tumor Genomic Profiling Results: Mitigating Uncertainty For Advanced Cancer Patients, Nicci Bartley, Megan C. Best, Barbara B. Biesecker, Alana Fisher, David Goldstein, Bettina Meiser, David M. Thomas, Mandy L. Ballinger, Phyllis Butow

IES Papers and Journal Articles

Objective: To understand advanced cancer patients’ experience of uncertainty when receiving comprehensive tumor genomic profiling (CTGP) results, and their perceptions of how healthcare provider (HCP) communication impacts uncertainty.

Methods: Thirty-seven semi-structured interviews with advanced cancer patients were conducted within two weeks of patients receiving CTGP results. Transcripts were thematically analyzed, using an inductive approach.

Results: We identified three themes that illustrate patient experience of uncertainties when receiving CTGP results: 1. Type and degree of uncertainty fluctuates along with changing illness circumstances and the nature of the CTGP results; 2. HCPs’ co-ordination of care and communication shapes uncertainty, with immediate, clearer …

Longitudinal Patterns In Fear Of Cancer Progression In Patients With Rare, Advanced Cancers Undergoing Comprehensive Tumour Genomic Profiling, Phyllis Butow, Fabiola Müller, Christine E. Napier, Nicci Bartley, Mandy L. Ballinger, Barbara Biesecker, Ilona Juraskova, Bettina Meiser, Timothy E. Schlub, David M. Thomas, David Goldstein, Megan C. Best, Members Of The Pigeon Project

IES Papers and Journal Articles

Introduction: Fear of cancer progression (FCP) impacts quality of life and is a prevalent unmet need in patients diagnosed with advanced cancer, particularly as treatment options are reduced. We aimed to identify longitudinal patterns in FCP over 6 months in patients with advanced cancer receiving comprehensive tumour genomic profiling (CTGP) results, and their correlates.

Methods: Patients with pathologically confirmed metastatic disease (∼70% rare cancers) receiving or post their last line of standard therapy completed questionnaires at T0 (prior to CTGP), T1 (immediately post CTGP results) and T2 (2 months later).

Results: High stable (N = 52; 7.3%) and low/moderate …

Effectiveness Of Online Communication Skills Training For Cancer And Palliative Care Health Professionals: A Systematic Review, Melissa N. Berg, Irene Ngune, Penelope Schofield, Lisa Grech, Ilona Juraskova, Michelle Strasser, Zoe Butt, Georgia K.B Halkett

Nursing Papers and Journal Articles

Objective: To determine the reported effect of online communication skills training (CST) on health professional (HP) communication skills and patient care outcomes in cancer and palliative care.

Methods: Primary research published in English between January 2003 and April 2019 was identified in bibliographic databases including Medline, Embase and Proquest (Prospero: CRD42018088681). An integrated mixed-method approach included studies describing a CST intervention and its effect, for cancer or palliative care HPs, delivered online or blended with an online component. Included studies' outcomes were categorised then findings were stratified by an evaluation framework and synthesised in an effect direction plot. Risk of …

The Role Of Depression And Other Psychological Factors In Work Ability Among Breast Cancer Survivors In Australia, Seon-Young Kim, David W. Kissane, Gary Richardson, Jenny Senior, Joanna Morgan, Peter Gregory, Sarah Birks, Corinne Ooi, Lara Lipton, Yoland Antill, Melissa Vereker, Natasha Michael, Irene Bobevski

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Objective: Identifying modifiable factors affecting work ability among cancer survivors is important. The primary aim of the present study was to examine the effects of depression and related psychological factors on work ability among breast cancer survivors in Australia.

Methods: In this cross‐sectional electronic and postal survey, Australian breast cancer survivors were investigated. Work status and conditions before and after cancer treatment were analysed. Work ability was measured using the Work Limitation Questionnaire©‐Short Form (WLQ‐SF) with its four domains (time management, physical tasks, mental‐interpersonal tasks, and output tasks). Three psychological factors were investigated: depression, fear of cancer recurrence, and demoralisation. …

Advanced Cancer Patient Preferences For Receiving Molecular Profiling Results, Megan Best, Phyllis Butow, Chris Jacobs, Ilona Juraskova, Jacqueline Savard, Bettina Meiser, David Goldstein, Mandy Ballinger, Nicci Bartley, Christine Napier, Grace Davies, David Thomas, Kathy Tucker, Timothy Schlub, Ainsley J. Newson

IES Papers and Journal Articles

Objective: This study aimed to discern preferences for receiving somatic molecular profiling (MP) results in cancer patients who have given consent to undergo testing.

Methods: We conducted a mixed‐methods study to explore patients’ views on which MP results they would like to receive and why. Advanced cancer patients (n=1299) completed questionnaires after giving consent to participate in a parent genomics study and undergoing MP. A subset of patients (n=20) participated in qualitative interviews.

Results: Almost all (96%) participants were interested in receiving results which would direct cancer treatment (i.e. were actionable). A smaller majority wanted to access results which were …

The Potential Therapeutic Effects Of Creatine Supplementation On Body Composition And Muscle Function In Cancer, C M. Fairman, K L. Kendall, Nicolas H. Hart, D R. Taaffe, D A. Galvao, R U. Newton

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Low muscle mass in individuals with cancer has a profound impact on quality of life and independence and is associated with greater treatment toxicity and poorer prognosis. Exercise interventions are regularly being investigated as a means to ameliorate treatment-related adverse effects, and nutritional/supplementation strategies to augment adaptations to exercise are highly valuable. Creatine (Cr) is a naturally-occurring substance in the human body that plays a critical role in energy provision during muscle contraction. Given the beneficial effects of Cr supplementation on lean body mass, strength, and physical function in a variety of clinical populations, there is therapeutic potential in individuals …

Adrenal Insufficiency Due To Bilateral Adrenal Metastases - A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Philippa H. Tallis, R Louise Rushworth, David J. Torpy, Henrik Falhammar

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Objective: Bilateral adrenal metastases may cause adrenal insufficiency (AI) but it is unclear if screening for AI in patients with bilateral adrenal metastases is justified, despite the potential for adrenal crises.

Method: A search using PubMed/Medline, ScienceDirect and Cochrane Reviews was performed to collect all original research articles and all case reports from the past 50 years that describe AI in bilateral adrenal metastases.

Results: Twenty studies were included with 6 original research articles, 13 case reports and one case series. The quality was generally poor. The prevalence of AI was 3–8%. Of all cases of AI (n ¼ 25) …

Metastatic Breast Cancer Incidence, Site And Survival In Australia, 2001-2016: A Population-Based Health Record Linkage Study Protocol, Sarah J. Lord, Belinda E. Kiely, Sally-Anne Pearson, Benjamin Daniels, Dianne L. O'Connell, Jane Beith, Max Bulsara, Nehmat Houssami

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Introduction: Advances in systemic therapy for early and metastatic breast cancer (BC) over the last two decades have improved patients’ survival, but their impact on metastatic disease outcomes at a population level is not well described. The aim of this study is to investigate changes in the incidence, site and survival of metastatic disease for women with a first diagnosis of BC in 2001– 2002 vs 2006–2007.

Methods and analysis: Population-based retrospective cohort study of women with first primary invasive BC registered in the New South Wales (NSW) Cancer Registry in 2001–2002 and 2006–2007. We will use linked records from …

Presumed Choroidal Metastasis From Soft Tissue Myoepithelial Carcinoma, Michelle M. Hui, Rohan Merani, Fiona Bonar, Angela M. Hong, Adrian T. Fung

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Purpose: To report a case of presumed choroidal metastasis from soft tissue myoepithelial carcinoma and highlight challenges in its diagnosis.

Observations: A 52-year-old man was referred with a two-week history of photopsia in his left eye. His background medical history included known soft tissue myoepithelial carcinoma metastatic to his bone, lung, liver and chest wall. A large, raised, yellow choroidal lesion was identified nasal to and abutting the optic disc. This lesion demonstrated growth 1 month after presentation. The patient died with widespread metastatic disease 5 months after initial presentation.

Conclusion and importance: Soft tissue myoepithelial carcinoma can rarely metastasise …

Wearable Activity Technology And Action-Planning (Wataap) To Promote Physical Activity In Cancer Survivors: Randomised Controlled Trial Protocol, Chloe Maxwell-Smith, Paul A. Cohen, Cameron Platell, Patrick Tan, Michael Levitt, Paul Salama, Gregory B. Makin, Jason Tan, Stuart Salfinger, Ganendra Raj Kader Ali Mohan, Robert T. Kane, Dana A. Hince, Ruth Jimenez-Castuera, Sarah J. Hardcastle

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Background/Objective: Colorectal and gynecologic cancer survivors are at cardiovascular risk due to comorbidities and sedentary behaviour, warranting a feasible intervention to increase physical activity. The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) is a promising theoretical frame-work for health behaviour change, and wearable physical activity trackers offer a novel means of self-monitoring physical activity for cancer survivors.

Method: Sixty-eight survivors of colorectal and gynecologic cancer will be randomised into 12- week intervention and control groups. Intervention group participants will receive: a Fitbit AltaTM to monitor physical activity, HAPA-based group sessions, booklet, and support phone-call. Participants in the control group will only receive …

Adherence To Prescribing Restrictions For Her2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer In Australia: A National Population-Based Observational Study (2001-2016), Benjamin Daniels, Federico Girosi, Hanna Tervonen, Belinda E. Kiely, Sarah J. Lord, Nehmat Houssami, Sally-Anne Pearson

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Background: Targeted cancer therapy is often complex, involving multiple agents and chemotherapeutic partners. In Australia, prescribing restrictions are put in place to reflect existing evidence of cost-effectiveness of these medicines. As therapeutic options continue to expand, these restrictions may not be perceived to align with best practice and it is not known if their use in the real-world clinic adheres to these restrictions. We examined the treatment of women receiving trastuzumab for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (HER2+MBC) to determine the extent to which treatment adhered to national prescribing restrictions.

Patients and methods: Our population-based, retrospective cohort study used dispensing records …

Inferior Vena Cava Filters (Ivcfs): A Review Of Uses And Application To International Guidelines At A Single Australian Center; Implications Of Venous Thromboembolism Associated With Malignancy, Philip Craven, Ciara Daly, Randall Oates, Nisha Sikotra, Tim Clay, Eli Gabbay

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a potentially lethal event. Anticoagulation is the cornerstone of treatment. Inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) may be used in circumstances when anticoagulation is contraindicated or as an adjunct to anticoagulation. IVCF use is not without controversy due to concerns over their safety profile, differences in guidelines from international societies, and a limited randomized control trial evidence. We retrospectively undertook a review of IVCF use over a three-year period (2014–2016) at our center, which has a large oncology service but no trauma unit. There were 44 patients with successful IVCF insertion and one patient with an unsuccessful …

Breast And Prostate Cancer Survivor Responses To Group Exercise And Supportive Group Psychotherapy, Eric Martin, Caroline Bulsara, Claudio Battaglini, Beth Hands, Fiona L. Naumann

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

This study qualitatively examined an 8 week group exercise and counseling intervention for breast and prostate cancer survivors. Groups exercised 3 days per week, 50 minutes per session, performing moderate intensity aerobic and resistance training. Groups also underwent 90 minute supportive group psychotherapy sessions once per week. Survivors discussed their experiences in focus groups post intervention. Transcripts were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Survivors described how exercise facilitated counseling by creating mutual aid and trust, and counseling helped participants with self-identity, sexuality, and returning to normalcy. When possible, counselors and fitness professionals should create partnerships to optimally support cancer survivors.

Improving Muscular Endurance With The Mve Fitness Chairtm In Breast Cancer, Eric Martin, Claudio Battaglini, Dianne Groff, Fiona Naumann

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Objectives

To assess the feasibility and efficacy of delivering Pilates exercises for resistance training to breast cancer survivors using the MVe Fitness Chair™.

Design

Pilot randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Twenty-six female breast cancer survivors were randomized to use the MVe Fitness Chair™ (n = 8), traditional resistance training (n = 8), or a control group (no exercise) (CO) (n = 10). The MVe Fitness Chair™ and traditional resistance training groups completed 8 weeks of exercise. Muscular endurance was assessed pre and post-test for comparisons within and between groups using push ups, curl ups, and the Dynamic Muscular …