Feasibility,Acceptability, and Behavioral Outcomes from a Technology-enhanced Behavioral Change Intervention (Prostate 8): A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial in Men with Prostate Cancer

BackgroundIncreasing evidence suggests that lifestyle factors may decrease the risk of prostate cancer progression. Lifestyle guidelines and tools may support lifestyle modification after diagnosis.ObjectiveTo determine the feasibility and acceptability of a digital lifestyle intervention among men with prostate cancer.Design, setting, and participantsA 12-wk pilot randomized controlled trial among 76 men with clinical stage T1–T3a prostate cancer. Eligibility included Internet access, no contraindications to aerobic exercise, and engaging in four or fewer of eight targeted behaviors at baseline.InterventionWebsite, Fitbit One, and text messaging to facilitate adoption of eight behaviors: vigorous activity, smoking cessation, and six diet improvements.Outcome measurements and statistical analysisOur primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability based on recruitment and user data, and surveys, respectively. Secondarily, we evaluated the change in eight lifestyle behaviors, and also objective physical activity. Each factor was assigned one point, for an overall “P8 score” (range 0–8). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted. Exploratory outcomes included quality of life, anthropometrics, and circulating biomarkers after 12 wk, and behaviors after 1 yr.Results and limitationsAt baseline, men in both arms met a median of three targeted behaviors. Sixty-four men (n = 32 per arm) completed the study; 88% completed 12-wk assessments (intervention, 94%; control, 82%). Intervention participants wore their Fitbits a median of 82 d (interquartile range [IQR]: 72–83), replied to a median of 71% of text messages (IQR: 57–89%), and visited the website a median of 3 d (IQR: 2–5) over 12 wk. Median (IQR) absolute changes in the P8 score from baseline to 12 wk were 2 (1, 3) for the intervention and 0 (?1, 1) for the control arm. The estimated mean score of the intervention arm was 1.5 (95% confidence interval: 0.7, 2.3) higher than that of the control arm at 12 wk (ANCOVA p < 0.001). Changes were driven by diet rather than exercise. Limitations include self-reported diet and exercise data.ConclusionsOverall, in this novel pilot trial, the intervention was feasible and acceptable to men with prostate cancer. Next steps include improving the intervention to better meet individuals’ needs and focusing on increasing physical activity in men not meeting nationally recommended physical activity levels.Patient summaryTailored print materials combined with technology integration, including the use of a website, text messaging, and physical activity trackers, helped men with prostate cancer adopt healthy lifestyle habits, in particular recommended dietary changes, in the Prostate 8 pilot trial.     

Long-term patient reported outcomes and hematologic toxicity among patients who received Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factors during chemotherapy for early breast cancer

We assessed long-term associations of Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factors (G-CSF) use with patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and hematologic toxicity among chemotherapy-treated, early-stage breast cancer patients in CANTO (NCT01993498).Among 2920 patients longitudinally followed-up until year-4 after diagnosis, 49% used G-CSF. In multivariable-adjusted mixed-models, EORTC QLQ-C30 pain and summary score were not substantially different between groups (overall adjusted mean difference, use vs no-use [95%CI]: +1.27 [-0.33 to +2.87] and −1.01 [-1.98 to −0.04], respectively). PROs were slightly worse at year-4 among patients receiving G-CSF, although differences were of trivial clinical significance. No major differences were observed in leukocyte or platelet count over time.     

Obstetric complications at time of delivery amongst breast cancer survivors: A population-based cohort study

PurposeOur aim was to determine whether breast cancer survivors are at increased risk of obstetric and maternal complications at time of delivery.MethodsThe USA ‘National Inpatient Sample’ database was queried for hospitalizations associated with deliveries, between 2015 and 2018. The incidence of maternal and fetal complications was compared between women with, and without, a personal history of breast cancer.ResultsOf the 2,103,216 birth related admissions, 617 (0.03%) of the women were breast cancer survivors, with the proportion increasing over time (from 0.02% in 2015 to 0.04% in 2018). Breast cancer survivors had a higher socioeconomic status (p < 0.001) and were significantly older compared to other mothers (34 vs. 28 years, p < 0.001). Additionally, they were more likely to suffer from preexisting chronic diseases including cardiopulmonary disease and diabetes mellitus, and had a higher incidence of multiple gestation (4.4% vs. 1.6%) [OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.9–4.0, p < 0.001]. The incidence of acute adverse events at time of delivery including fetal distress, preterm labor, cesarean section and maternal infection was higher amongst the breast cancer survivors. On multivariate analysis age, ethnic group, comorbidities, multiple gestations, and a previous breast cancer diagnosis, but not cancer treatment, were associated with an increased risk of an obstetric adverse event.ConclusionBreast cancer survivors have more comorbidities and are at increased risk of acute obstetrical complications at time of delivery. Further studies are required to validate these findings, and evaluate the ability of interventions to improve obstetrical outcomes amongst breast cancer survivors.     

The effect of being informed on receiving immediate breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients

Introduction

In previous research from the NABON breast cancer audit, observed hospital variation in immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) rates in the Netherlands could not be fully explained by tumour, patient, and hospital factors. The process of information provision and decision-making may also contribute to the observed variation; the objective of the current study was to give insight in the underlying decision-making process for IBR and to determine the effect of being informed about IBR on receiving IBR.

Changing Trends for Suicidal Death in Patients With Bladder Cancer: A 40+ Year Population-level Analysis

Background

Previous studies suggest that patients with bladder cancer (BCa) are at increased risk of suicide compared with the general population. The objective of this study is to improve our understanding of patients at high risk for suicidal death and to better characterize patients at risk of delayed suicide years after diagnosis.

“Cast Adrift”

Abstract

A clear percentage of women with early breast cancer cope with the active period of treatment and then struggle to adjust as medical support becomes less intensive. This study highlights issues that can arise in a phase of illness relatively neglected previously. Recognition of the needs of women at completion of adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy necessitates a new approach to delivery of care with a targeted intervention that specifically addresses their adjustment to potential survivorship.