Health-Related Quality of Life Issues Experienced by Thoracic and Breast Sarcoma Patients: A Rare and Understudied Group

Thoracic and breast sarcomas constitute a rare subgroup within the sarcoma population. There is limited knowledge about their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and a valid disease-specific HRQoL instrument is lacking. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the HRQoL issues experienced by a small group of thoracic and breast sarcoma patients. Semi-structured interviews with 19 thoracic and four breast sarcoma patients were conducted and thematically analysed. Physical issues mentioned by both groups were fatigue, sleep disturbances, pain, wound infections, and symptoms related to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Tightness in the back and restrictions in performing tasks above arm hei…

Quality of life before and after total laryngectomy: Results of a multicenter prospective cohort study

Background The purpose of this study was to determine what quality of life (QOL) areas improve and deteriorate during the first year after total laryngectomy and to identify predictors of these changes. Methods One hundred seventy-four patients completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QOL questionnaires before laryngectomy, n = 133 before discharge from hospital, n = 110 at the end of rehabilitation, and n = 86 1 year after laryngectomy. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to estimate the effect of potential predictors on QOL. Results Areas that did not recover to baseline level were physical functioning, role functioning, social functionin…

International validation of the revised European Organisation for Research and treatment of cancer head and neck cancer module, the EORTC QLQ-HN43

Background: We validated the new European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Head and Neck Module (EORTC QLQ-HN43). Methods: We enrolled 812 patients with head and neck cancer from 18 countries. Group 1 completed the questionnaire before therapy, and 3 and 6 months later. In group 2 (survivors), we determined test–retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's Alpha, the scale structure with confirmatory factor analysis, and discriminant validity with known-group comparisons. Results: Cronbach's alpha was >0.70 in 10 of the 12 multi-item scales. All standardized factor loadings exceeded…

Following patient pathways to psycho-oncological treatment: Identification of treatment needs by clinical staff and electronic screening.

OBJECTIVE In this retrospective investigation of patient pathways to psycho-oncological treatment (POT), we compared the number of POT referrals before and after implementation of electronic screening for POT needs and investigated psychosocial predictors for POT wish at a nuclear medicine department. METHODS We extracted medical chart information about number of referrals and extent of follow-up contacts. During standard referral (November 2014 to October 2015), POT needs were identified by clinical staff only. In the screening-assisted referral period (November 2015 to October 2016), identification was supported by electronic screening for POT needs. Psychosocial predictors for POT wish w…

Health status, health-related quality of life, and socioeconomic outcome in childhood brain tumor survivors: a German cohort study

Abstract Background With rising numbers of childhood cancer survivors, somatic and socioeconomic outcome as well as health-related quality of life (QoL) gain increasing relevance. Based on the first nationwide German Survey on Life Situation, State of Health, and Quality of Life of Childhood Cancer Survivors, the VIVE survey, we report the outcome of survivors of childhood brain tumors localized in the posterior fossa. Methods Two hundred seventy participants with a median follow-up period of 21.9 years completed a questionnaire on socioeconomic and somatic late effects as well as a standardized QoL questionnaire (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30). Comparis…

Disability-related-distress in primary school learners with vision impairment due to uncorrected refractive error in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa – a qualitative study

Background Uncorrected refractive error (URE) is a major cause of vision impairment among children that impacts negatively on their lives including distresses. We aim to understand the disability-related distress among vision-impaired children due to URE in rural and semi-rural South Africa using qualitative techniques. Methods Structured focus groups of children (aged 5-12 years old) with normal vision and vision impairment due to URE from four schools in Pinetown, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, were performed (four mixed-gender group discussions and eight single gender group discussions). We recruited the study participants after the children underwent standardised vision screening. Criteri…

Veränderung von Inzidenz und Mortalität von Kopf-Hals-Malignomen in Rheinland-Pfalz, 2000–2009

Hintergrund: Epidemiologische Daten zu Kopf-Hals-Malignomen werden trotz ihrer anatomisch-histologischen Heterogenitat oft aggregiert berichtet. In Deutschland gibt es bisher nur wenige Studien, die Trends von Inzidenz und Mortalitat detailliert nach Tumorentitaten analysiert haben. Weiterhin ist wenig daruber bekannt, ob die Inzidenz von HPV-assoziierten Tumorentitaten der Kopf-Hals-Region zugenommen hat. Methoden: Anhand von Krebsregisterdaten aus Rheinland-Pfalz von 2000–2009 wurden altersstandardisierte Inzidenz- und Mortalitatsraten fur alle Kopf-Hals-Tumorentitaten einzeln und nach Lokalisationsgruppen, die HPV-assoziiert sein konnten, berechnet. Zeitliche Trends wurden mittels Joinpo…

Treatment patterns in elderly patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC): Results from an EORTC led survey

PCN378 - MINIMALLY IMPORTANT DIFFERENCES FOR INTERPRETING EORTC QLQ-C30 SCORES IN MELANOMA, BREAST CANCER AND HEAD AND NECK CANCER PATIENTS ON BEHALF OF THE EORTC BREAST, HEAD AND NECK, MELANOMA AND QUALITY OF LIFE GROUPS

Entwicklung eines ICF-basierten Leitfadens für die Beurteilung funktioneller Aspekte bei Kopf-Hals-Tumoren

Funktionelle Beeintrachtigungen bei Kopf-Hals-Tumoren werden bisher im klinischen Alltag selten standardisiert erhoben. Klinische Studien mit der Zielgrose Funktionserhalt bei KHT verwenden viele verschiedene Instrumente. Die Ergebnisse sind deshalb oft schlecht vergleichbar und lassen zu wenig klinische Schlussfolgerungen zu. Es war daher notwendig und Ziel dieser Studie, die nach bisheriger Evidenz und interdisziplinarem Expertenkonsens am besten geeigneten Instrumente zur Beurteilung von Funktionsfahigkeit bei KHT zu identifizieren und Empfehlungen fur deren Verwendung in einem Leitfaden zusammenzustellen. In Vorstudien wurde unter Verwendung festgelegter Kriterien eine Vorauswahl an Ins…

Outcome comparison of integrated psycho‐oncological care versus unstructured care—Results of a non‐randomised open‐label two‐arm trial

Objective To compare patients' experiences with a systematic, integrated psycho-oncological care (IC) model to experiences with "care as usual" (CAU). Methods To improve patients' knowledge about psychosocial support options and to facilitate use, an IC model was developed by psycho-oncologists and a health insurance company and implemented in one German cancer care facility. Using a parallel, non-randomised design, these patients' experiences were compared to CAU patients. In 2015, both patient groups received questionnaires 6-12 months post-inpatient treatment. Main outcomes were awareness, use and opinion of psycho-oncological care (PC) and anxiety level (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Sca…

P01.039 Development of signaling questions assessing distress and quality of life in glioma patients - Results of 50 interviews and an expert analysis

BACKGROUND: Due to cognitive or physical limitations, glioma patients might not be able to validly complete self-reporting tools assessing quality of life, distress, and unmet needs. This not only impairs individual patient care and therapy monitoring but also creates bias in studies applying patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). In our study, we searched for signaling questions implementable in patient-doctor consultations in order to optimize the assessment. METHODS: We performed 1) a literature research to find out the most important questions for glioma patients that are also covered by standard questionnaires. 2) After a pretest in n=10 patients, we performed structured interviews…

The Impact of Age on Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy: A Comparative Analysis From the Prospective Multicenter Randomized ADEBAR trial

Elderly breast cancer patients are affected by poorer quality of life (QoL) compared to younger patients. Because QoL has a relevant impact on guideline-adherent treatment, elderly breast cancer patients are often undertreated, especially with regard to adjuvant chemotherapy, and overall survival is decreased. Thus, understanding the impact of chemotherapy on QoL in elderly patients is crucial. This study compared QoL in patients aged 65 years and 65 to 70 years receiving adjuvant chemotherapy as a secondary outcome in the prospective randomized multicenter ADEBAR trial.Patients with lymph node-positive breast cancer were prospectively randomized for either sequential anthracycline-taxane o…

Compliance with patient-reported outcome assessment in glioma patients: predictors for drop out

Abstract Background Patient-reported outcomes are of high importance in clinical neuro-oncology. However, assessment is still suboptimal. We aimed at exploring factors associated with the probability for a) drop out of study and b) death during follow-up. Methods Patients were assessed twice during follow-up visits scheduled within 3 to 5 months of each other by using 3 validated patient-reported outcome measures (t1: first assessment, t2: second assessment). As “death” was seen as a competing risk for drop out, univariate competing risk Cox regression models were applied to explore factors associated with dropping out (age, gender, WHO grade, living situation, recurrent surgery, Karnofsky …

Additional file 5: of Positive family history of colorectal cancer in a general practice setting [FRIDA.Frankfurt]: study protocol of a of a cross-sectional study

Questionnaire 4. (PDF 225Â kb)

Development Of a Disease Specific Quality Of Life Questionnaire For Patients With Aplastic Anemia and/Or Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (QLQ-AA/PNH)

Abstract Introduction Acquired Aplastic Anemia (AA) and Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) are ultra-rare diseases with a yearly incidence 2 to 4 per million (AA) and of 1.3 to 2 per million (PNH. While much is known about pathophysiology and treatment of these interrelated diseases, less is known about patients (pts.) psycho-social issues. Quality of life (QoL) evaluation tools used in all studies for AA and PNH are rather unspecific and were initially designed for cancer patients (e.g. the European Organization of Research and Treatment (EORTC) QLQ-C30). Given the complexity of AA and PNH, the variation in symptoms and different treatment approaches (immunosuppression, bone marrow …

Inanspruchnahme von Selbsthilfegruppen für Laryngektomierte in Mitteldeutschland

Selbsthilfegruppen (SHG) dienen als Informationsquelle, Bewaltigungsressource und zur Vertretung von Patienteninteressen. Unbekannt war bisher, wie haufig diese von Laryn­gektomierten genutzt werden und wodurch sich Inanspruchnehmer von Nichtinanspruchnehmern unterscheiden. In einer multizentrischen Studie wurden 224 laryngektomierte Pa­tienten ein Jahr postoperativ hinsichtlich der Teilnahme an SHG und moglicher Pradiktoren mittels eines halbstrukturierten Interviews und standardisierter Fragebogen befragt. Insgesamt 23% der laryngektomierten Patienten gehen regelmasig in eine SHG. Die Mitgliedschaft ist wahrscheinlicher bei Pa­tienten mit hoherem Bildungsgrad und besserem Einkommen, beim …

Frequency of psycho-oncologic and social service counseling in cancer centers relative to center site and hospital characteristics: Findings from 879 center sites in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy

BACKGROUND There is extensive evidence that patients with cancer and cancer survivors have a strong need for expert support in relation to the psychological and social consequences of the disease. The requirements set out in the German Cancer Society's cancer center certification system include the routine provision of psycho-oncologic care (POC) and social service counseling for every patient. The current study investigated which organizational and structural characteristics in hospitals account for variations in psychosocial care provision in these centers. METHODS Data routinely collected during the certification process regarding the percentages of psychosocial care provision and charac…

Effects of finding the speech-language pathologist likeable on postlaryngectomy speech intelligibility outcomes

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work with patients after total laryngectomy (TL) to regain verbal communication. The influence of the quality of the therapeutic relationship on the success of TL voice rehabilitation in terms of speech intelligibility is not known. Finding each other likeable is an important factor in establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships in everyday life. The fit of therapist and client is relevant to the therapeutic relationship. The purpose of this study therefore was to assess the association between the degree of SLPs’ likeability ratings and postlaryngectomy speech intelligibility. <b><…

Assessing Preferences in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Phase I and II of Questionnaire Development.

Shared-decision making for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is challenged by the difficulty to integrate the patient perception of value within the framework of a multidisciplinary team approach. The aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire to assess the preferences of HNSCC patients with respect to the disease trajectory, expected treatment, and toxicities. In accordance with the standardized EORTC Quality of Life Group&rsquo

Diet, authoritarianism, social dominance orientation, and predisposition to prejudice

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to examine whether reported food habits (vegan, vegetarian, or carnivore diet) are associated with right-wing authoritarianism, prejudices against minorities and acceptance of social dominance. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 1,381 individuals completed validated questionnaires on dietary habits and attitudes. Associations were analysed using analyses of covariance on attitudes, adjusted for age with gender and diet as factors. Findings – Of the respondents, 35 per cent reported eating mixed food (including meat and fish), 31 per cent vegetarian food (excluding meat and fish) and 34 per cent vegan food (excluding animal products entirely). Auth…

Multicenter prospective study on the use and outcome of rehabilitation after total laryngectomy in Germany

Background The purpose of this study was to assess the use and outcome of rehabilitation after total laryngectomy in Germany. Methods We enrolled patients who were scheduled for total laryngectomy, approached them again after surgery, after 3 months and 1 year. Patients completed questionnaires and were interviewed. Results Of 309 participants, 14% had not received any rehabilitation. Reasons for nonuse were primarily ongoing treatment and poor health. Users of rehabilitation had 4 times the odds of attaining any ability to speak compared to nonusers (odds ratio 3.8, P = .02). The main aim of rehabilitation from the perspective of the users was speech rehabilitation, mentioned by 71% before…

Quality of Life in Patients With Hypoparathyroidism After Treatment for Thyroid Cancer.

Abstract Purpose Surgical complications such as hypoparathyroidism (HPT) or vocal cord palsy are seldom assessed when the quality of life (QOL) in thyroid cancer patients is investigated. The aim of this study was to measure the QOL difference in thyroid cancer survivors with and without HPT. Methods Participants for this analysis were enrolled in 13 countries from a study that pilot-tested a thyroid cancer–specific QOL instrument. They were included if they had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer at least 9 months previously. QOL was measured using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core (EORTC QLQ-C30) and some items on HPT symptoms…

The course of fatigue in patients with gynecologic and breast cancer

Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the course of fatigue in female cancer patients during the first months after treatment. Methods: We examined a sample of 110 patients suffering from gynecological or breast cancer. Fatigue was assessed with two questionnaires, the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) and the fatigue scale of the quality of life questionnaire European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLQ-C30). Participants were tested during their stay in the hospital (t1), two weeks after discharge (t2), and three months after discharge (t3). Results: Fatigue in the patients’ sample was markedly higher than the general population reference val…

The EORTC computer-adaptive tests measuring physical functioning and fatigue exhibited high levels of measurement precision and efficiency

Objectives: The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Group is developing a computer-adaptive test (CAT) version of the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30). We evaluated the measurement properties of the CAT versions of physical functioning (PF) and fatigue (FA) and compared these with the corresponding QLQ-C30 scales. Study Design and Setting: Based on international samples of more than 1,000 cancer patients, we simulated CAT administration of varying numbers of items and compared the resulting scores with those based on all items in the respective item pools. Furthermore, the relative validity (RV) of CATs was compared with that of th…

Course of social support and associations with distress after partial laryngectomy

PURPOSE Social support has been shown to be positively associated with quality of life and adjustment after a cancer diagnosis. The present study investigates the course of social support up to one year after partial laryngectomy and its association with distress. DESIGN Longitudinal questionnaire study. SAMPLE A total of 428 patients after partial laryngectomy (mean age: 64, SD = 11, 91% male). METHODS Patients completed questionnaires before treatment (t1), one week after a partial laryngectomy (t2), 3 months (t3), and one year (t4) thereafter. Social support was evaluated at t2, t3, and t4 using a brief version of the Social Support Questionnaire. Distress was measured at t2, t3, and t4 …

Zum spezifischen Versorgungsbeitrag psychosozialer Krebsberatungsstellen – Sichtweisen der Ratsuchenden und Zuweisenden

Ziel Ziel der Studie ist es, den spezifischen Versorgungsbeitrag von Krebsberatungsstellen (KBS) sowohl aus Sicht der Ratsuchenden wie aus Sicht der Zuweisenden in den Blick zu nehmen. Methodik Qualitatives Design mittels leitfadengestutzter face-to-face-Interviews mit Krebspatient/innen/Angehorigen und telefonischer Einzelinterviews mit Zuweisenden. Ergebnisse Insgesamt wurden 43 Ratsuchende und 30 Zuweisende befragt. In Bezug auf die Beratungsinhalte werden die psychoonkologische Begleitung und Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe in Kombination mit einer sozialrechtlichen Aufklarung uber zusatzliche Unterstutzungsleistungen als zentrale Merkmale wahrgenommen. In der Gruppe der Zuweisenden scheint jedoc…

Quality of Life in NSCLC Survivors - A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

The objective was to assess quality of life (QoL) in lung cancer survivors, compare it to the general population, and identify factors associated with global QoL, physical functioning, emotional functioning, fatigue, pain, and dyspnea.Data from NSCLC patients who had survived 1 year or longer after diagnosis were collected cross-sectionally in a multicenter study. QoL was assessed with the European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ)-C30 and the lung cancer module QLQ-LC13 across different clinical subgroups and compared to age- and sex-standardized general population reference values. Multivariable linear regression analyses wer…

Feasibility of an exercise programme in elderly patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation - a pilot study

It has been demonstrated that physical exercise benefits younger patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). We designed a prospective pilot study investigating whether elderly patients (>60 years) would also be able to participate in such a programme. It consisted of physiotherapist-supervised alternating endurance and resistance workouts on 6 of 7 days a week. Sixteen consecutive patients undergoing allo-HSCT were enrolled into the study. The median age was 64.5 years. Twelve patients participated in the programme until the time of discharge (75%) from the transplant unit. Therefore, the predefined criteria regarding feasibility were met. The reaso…

Quality of life in Parkinson's disease patients with motor fluctuations and dyskinesias in five European countries.

Little is known about the relationship between specific subtypes of treatment-associated motor complications and different domains of health-related Quality of Life (QoL) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Larger studies that investigate these aspects within a cross-cultural setting are scarce.To assess QoL and its association with on-off fluctuations, peak-dose dyskinesias, biphasic dyskinesias, and off-dystonias in PD patients from five European countries.Data from 817 PD patients were collected cross-sectionally in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK. QoL was measured with the generic EuroQoL 5-Dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) and the disease-specific Parkinson's Disease Que…

Berufliche Rehabilitation nach Laryngektomie

Ziel dieser Studie war es herauszufinden, wie viele Patienten nach einer Laryn­gektomie (LE) erfolgreich ins Berufsleben zuruckkehren und welche Faktoren eine berufliche Wiedereingliederung unterstutzen. Laryngektomierte (n=231) im Alter von bis zu 60 Jahren wurden vor der LE (t1), vor der Anschlussheilbehandlung (AHB) (t2), am Ende der AHB (t3), 1 Jahr nach LE (t4), 2 Jahre nach LE (t5) und 3 Jahre nach LE (t6) mithilfe von strukturierten Interviews und Fragebogen befragt. Vor der LE waren n=76 (38%) der Befragten erwerbstatig, 34% erwerbslos, 23% erhielten eine Erwerbsminderungsrente und 3% waren in Vorruhestand. 1 Jahr nach der LE waren 13% erwerbstatig, 2 Jahre nach LE 15% und 3 Jahre n…

Psychische Belastung und Lebensqualität bei Tinnituspatienten

Tinnitus ist eine Erkrankung mit hoher Pravalenz, welche haufig psychische Storungen nach sich zieht. Mit der vorliegenden Studie sollte untersucht werden, in welchen konkreten Dimensionen die gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualitat bei Tinnituspatienten eingeschrankt ist, und wie sich diese Einschrankungen wahrend und nach Therapie, einschlieslich einer hyperbaren Sauerstofftherapie, andern. 120 ambulant oder stationar behandelte Patienten mit Tinnitus wurden zu 3 Zeitpunkten untersucht: am Beginn (t1) und am Ende (t2) der 2-wochigen Therapie sowie 4 Wochen danach (t3). Eingesetzt wurden die Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, das Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory und der Lebensqualitatsfra…

Additional file 3: of Positive family history of colorectal cancer in a general practice setting [FRIDA.Frankfurt]: study protocol of a of a cross-sectional study

Questionnaire 2. (PDF 256Â kb)

Additional file 2: of Positive family history of colorectal cancer in a general practice setting [FRIDA.Frankfurt]: study protocol of a of a cross-sectional study

Questionnaire 1. (PDF 286Â kb)

European reference values for the quality of life questionnaire EORTC QLQ-C30: Results of a German investigation and a summarizing analysis of six European general population normative studies

The aims of this study are to present the results of a new general population normative study of the quality of life questionnaire EORTC QLQ-C30 and to give European reference values averaged across six studies.The empirical study was based on a representative sample of the German adult population (N = 2448). The subjects were asked to fill in several questionnaires, one of them being the EORTC QLQ-C30.EORTC QLQ-C30 mean scores of this sample indicated slightly better quality of life (QoL) than in previous European studies. QoL decreased with age, but there were only small gender differences. The mean scores were compared with the age and gender adjusted scores of five other European normat…

Quality of life during the first year after partial laryngectomy: Longitudinal study

This prospective study was conducted to assess changes in quality of life (QOL) of patients who undergo a partial laryngectomy.The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaires Core and Head and Neck (EORTC-QLQ-C30, QLQ-HN35) were used preprocedure (n = 218), 1 week (n = 159), 3 months (n = 122), and 1 year after partial laryngectomy (n = 88). Changes over time were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed rank test and the Holm-Bonferroni method, and interpreted regarding clinical relevance.Most subscales worsened 1 week postprocedure, but many recovered to baseline level after 1 year. Dyspnea and cognitive functioning deteriorated over time, with worst…

Patients with soft tissue sarcoma comprise a higher probability of comorbidities than cancer-free individuals. A secondary data analysis.

Soft tissue sarcoma comprises a heterogeneous group of solid malignant tumours. Comorbidities are important prognostic factors for survival and adversely impact quality of life. We examined the complex relationship between soft tissue sarcoma and comorbidities over time in a large population-based sample. The study uses routine data from the German statutory healthcare system (n = 2,615,865). Case identification of soft tissue sarcoma and comorbid diseases was based on ICD-10 codes and diagnostic modifiers. Uni- and multivariate regression models were used to obtain risk estimates for chronic somatic and mental comorbidities in soft tissue sarcoma patients compared to a cancer-free control …

A non-randomised trial of an art therapy intervention for patients with haematological malignancies to support post-traumatic growth

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of art therapy on post-traumatic growth in patients with haematological malignancies in a non-randomised trial ( n = 36, intervention group; n = 129, control group). Art therapy was administered over a period of 22 weeks in small groups. Post-traumatic growth was measured with the Stress-Related Growth Scale. After controlling for the effect of potential confounders, no difference in post-traumatic growth was observed between the intervention and control groups after 22 weeks. There was no evidence for an effect of weekly group sessions with art therapy on post-traumatic growth in patients with haematological malignancies.

Assessment of functional outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets from the perspective of the multi-professional team: Results of 4 Delphi surveys

Background The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Set for Head and Neck Cancer (ICF-HNC) covers the typical spectrum of problems in functioning in head and neck cancer. This study is part of a multistep process to develop practical guidelines in Germany. The purpose of this study was to identify instruments for the assessment of functioning using the ICF-HNC as reference. Methods Four Delphi surveys with physicians, physiotherapists, psychologists, and social workers were performed to identify which aspects of the ICF-HNC are being treated and which assessment tools are recommended for the assessment of functioning. Results Ninety-seven percent categorie…

Unravelling the heterogeneity of soft tissue and bone sarcoma patients’ health-related quality of life: a systematic literature review with focus on tumour location

Contains fulltext : 229532.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) Patients with sarcoma experience many physical and psychological symptoms, adversely affecting their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). HRQoL assessment is challenging due to the diversity of the disease. This review aims to unravel the heterogeneity of HRQoL of patients with sarcoma with regard to tumour location and to summarise the used measures in research. English-language literature from four databases published between January 2000 and April 2019 was reviewed. Studies that described adult sarcoma HRQoL outcomes were included and classified according to primary sarcoma location. Eighty-seven articles met the incl…

Additional file 1: of Positive family history of colorectal cancer in a general practice setting [FRIDA.Frankfurt]: study protocol of a of a cross-sectional study

Screening list. (PDF 85Â kb)

Practice requirements for psychotherapeutic treatment of cancer patients in the outpatient setting-A survey among certified psychotherapists in Germany.

Objective The aim of this study was to delineate the challenges that psychotherapists encounter when they treat cancer patients and how they organise their practices to be able to treat them. Methods A random sample of certified psychotherapists, licensed by the health authorities, with training in psycho-oncology, was asked to complete a questionnaire covering the following issues: therapists' qualifications, organisation of the practice, dealing with appointment cancellations, financing, and networking. Practices with ≥50% cancer patients in their patient load were defined as “practices specialising in cancer” (PSC) and were compared to practices with a smaller proportion of cancer patien…

The course of psychiatric co-morbidity in patients with breast cancer - results from the prospective multi-centre BRENDA II study

Purpose This study examined the frequency of psychiatric co-morbidity in patients with breast cancer, its changes over time and predictors for these changes. Methods In a prospective study with measurements before surgery (t1, baseline), 1 month (t2) and 8 months thereafter (t3) using the Patient Health Questionnaire, we examined the course of psychiatric co-morbidity in breast cancer patients. The co-morbidity courses were grouped into healthy (no co-morbidity during the study), acute (co-morbidity at t1 and/or t2, but not at t3), emerging (no co-morbidity at t1, but at t3) and chronic (co-morbidity at t1 and t3). Results Of the 598 participants, 19% had acute, 10% emerging and 9% chronic …

Short term quality of life with epirubicin-fluorouracil-cyclophosphamid (FEC) and sequential epirubicin/cyclophosphamid-docetaxel (EC-DOC) chemotherapy in patients with primary breast cancer - Results from the prospective multi-center randomized ADEBAR trial.

Abstract Background The recommendation for adjuvant dose-dense chemotherapy in high risk primary breast cancer is heterogeneous among guidelines. Understanding the impact on QoL is thereby a crucial factor, especially if the benefit is potentially low. This study aims to assess QoL as a secondary outcome in the prospective randomized multi-center ADEBAR trial. Methods QoL was assessed at baseline (t1), before cycle 4 FEC and cycle 5 EC-DOC (t2), 4 weeks after chemotherapy (t3) and 6 weeks after radiation (t4) using the European Organization for Research and Treatment for Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and the Breast Cancer-Specific Module (QLQ-BR23). Results 130…

What is the best time for psychosocial counselling from the perspective of cancer patients and their relatives? : A multi-centre qualitative study

Treatment patterns in older patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess patterns of care delivered to older patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC), and to analyze the use of geriatric assessment (GA) and assessment of quality of life (QoL).MATERIALS AND METHODS: Members of the head and neck cancer group and the older task force of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), members the European Head and Neck Society and members of national groups in Europe were asked to complete a questionnaire about treatment delivered, use of GA, and QoL assessment in older patients with LA-HNSCC.RESULTS: Investigators from 111 centers replied, including 90 (81.1%) academic cen…

Patients with adenoid cystic carcinomas of the salivary glands treated with lenvatinib: Activity and quality of life

The treatment of patients with recurrent and/or metastatic (R/M) salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) remains an unmet need.Patients with R/M disease with a history of clinical or symptomatic disease progression within 6 months and a maximum of 1 previous line of chemotherapy or a multiple kinase inhibitor received oral lenvatinib at a dose of 24 mg/day. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate; secondary endpoints included quality of life (QOL) (according to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 Items [EORTC QLQ-C30] and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Question…

Impact of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and epoetin (EPO) on hematologic toxicities and quality of life in patients during adjuvant chemotherapy in early breast cancer: results from the multi-center randomized ADEBAR trial

Hematologic toxicities are one of the greatest challenges in adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. This analysis of the ADEBAR trial aims to evaluate application and effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and epoetin alfa (EPO) on hematologic parameters and fatigue in patients with breast cancer during chemotherapy.In the ADEBAR trial, 1493 patients with node-positive primary breast cancer were randomized to either 6 × 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FEC120) or 4 × epirubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by 4 × docetaxel (EC-DOC). Co-medication with G-CSF or EPO was applied to treat chemotherapy-induced leukopenia or anemia. Fatigue was assessed at bas…

Soziale Integration und deren Bedeutung für die Lebensqualität nach Laryngektomie

Soziale Netzwerke und gesellschaftliche Teilhabe wirken sich im Allgemeinen positiv auf das psychische Befinden aus. Inwiefern Patienten nach einer Kehlkopfentfernung wieder in die Gesellschaft eingebunden werden, ist jedoch wenig untersucht. Ziel der Studie war es, zu prufen, inwieweit Patienten nach einer Laryngektomie sozial integriert sind und ob die soziale Integration mit bestimmten Bereichen der Lebensqualitat zusammenhangt. In einer multizentrischen Studie wurden 161 Patienten ein Jahr nach Laryngektomie befragt. Die soziale Integration wurde anhand eines Index erhoben. Dieser setzt sich aus Fragen zur sozialen Unterstutzung und dem Fragenkomplex zur Einbindung in die Gesellschaft, …

„Wir wussten, dass es schwierig wird, doch damit haben wir nicht gerechnet!“ Erfahrungen beim Studieneinschluss von Krebspatient*innen mit Migrationshintergrund und Angehörigen im Bereich der Psychoonkologie

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Der Prozess des Studieneinschlusses von Teilnehmenden ist ein wichtiger Bestandteil und oftmals aufwendiger Arbeitsschritt in wissenschaftlichen Forschungsprojekten. Aufgrund unterschiedlicher finanzieller, organisatorischer und ethischer Rahmenbedingungen stellt die fristgerechte Gewinnung von Teilnehmenden haufig eine Herausforderung dar. In diesem Beitrag berichten wir uber unsere Erfahrungen hinsichtlich des Studieneinschlusses, die wir im Projekt „Psychoonkologische Versorgung von Krebspatienten mit Migrationshintergrund – eine Mixed-Methods-Studie“ (POM) gemacht haben. Methode Die Gewinnung von Teilnehmenden erfolgte uber ambulante hamato-onkologische Schwe…

Vaccination against HPV-Associated Neoplasias

Neoplasias associated with anogenital human papilloma viruses (HPV) are characterised by high patient morbidity and mortality and by appreciable limitations in the patientʼs quality of life. Each year 530,000 women worldwide and 4800 women in Germany develop cervical cancer 1, 2. Biomolecular and epidemiological studies carried out in the past 25 years have demonstrated causal link between persisting infections with HPV 16 and HPV 18 and at least 11 other so-called high-risk HPVs (HR-HPVs) and the development of cervical cancer and its precursor lesions (so-called dysplasias or, respectively, cervical intraepithelial neoplasias – CIN). HPV 16, HPV 18 and other HR-HPVs are also the causes of…

European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Head and Neck Module, updated version: Preliminary psychometric data from Serbian laryngectomized patients

Background We provided preliminary psychometric data for the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire–Head and Neck Module, updated version (QLQ-H&N43) from a group of Serbian laryngectomized patients. Methods The study included 170 subjects. The QLQ-H&N43 is a 43-item questionnaire, with 12 multi-item scales and 7 single-item symptom scales. All subjects also completed the Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30-questions (QLQ-C30). Results Good internal consistency (Cronbach's α of above 0.7) was found for 5 of the 7 scales. All QLQ-H&N43 scales correlated negatively as predicted with all QLQ-C30 functioning scales. The correlations wi…

Psycho-oncological care in certified cancer centres-a nationwide analysis in Germany

Background Over the last few years, a nationwide voluntary certification system for cancer centres has been established in Germany. To qualify for certification, cancer centres must provide psycho-oncological care to every patient who needs it. The aim of this study was to find out how many patients have been treated by a psycho-oncologist in the certified centres. Methods All cancer centres in Germany that were re-certified in 2010 provided data documenting how many patients with primary cancer received at least 30 min of psycho-oncological consultation in 2009. Results Data from n = 456 certified cancer centres were available. In the centres, a total of 36 165 patients were seen by a psyc…

Effects of stepped psychooncological care on referral to psychosocial services and emotional well-being in cancer patients: A cluster-randomized phase III trial

Objective Emotional distress in cancer patients often goes unnoticed in daily routine; therefore, distress screening is now recommended in many national guidelines. However, screening alone does not necessarily translate into better well-being. We examined whether stepped psychooncological care improves referral to consultation-liaison (CL) services and improves well-being. Methods In a cluster-randomized trial, wards were randomly allocated to stepped versus standard care. Stepped care comprised screening for distress, consultation between doctor and patient about the patient's need for CL services, and provision of CL service. Primary outcomes were referral to psychosocial services and em…

Incidence of lip malignancies in Germany-data from nine population-based cancer registries.

Background The objective of this study was to analyse the incidence of lip malignancies in Germany. Methods Data from population-based cancer registries covering a population of 39 million inhabitants from 14 federal states were pooled. Lip malignancies were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Age-standardised incidence rates and annual percentage changes in the incidence trends of lip cancer (C00), melanoma of the lip (C43.0), and non-melanoma skin cancer of the lip (C44.0) were calculated. Results Lip cancer (C00) incidence rate was 0.57/0.15 per 100 000 (men/women) in 2003 and 0.52/0.18 in 2012. In women, the change was statistically significant…

Quality-of-Life Priorities in Patients with Thyroid Cancer : a Multinational European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Phase I Study

Item does not contain fulltext BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to determine quality of life (QoL) issues that are relevant to thyroid cancer patients cross-culturally, and to identify those with highest relevance to them in addition to the more general issues covered by the core European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). METHODS: A systematic literature search provided a list of potentially relevant QoL issues to supplement the core questionnaire EORTC QLQ-C30, which is widely used in research and in care and addresses QoL issues relevant to all groups of cancer patients. A panel of experts revised this list, and thyroid cance…

Health-related quality of life in Colombia: reference values of the EORTC QLQ-C30

There are normative data of the quality of life (QoL) questionnaire EORTC QLQ-C30 (the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire) for several European countries and Korea, but not for Latin America. The aim of this study was to provide these normative values for the general population in Colombia and to assess differences in terms of age and sex. For that reason, a sample of 1500 representatively selected individuals of the Colombian population completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 form. Results showed that mean scores of the Colombian population are similar to those obtained in European countries; whereas the mean values from a Korean study were lower (…

Probability of major depression diagnostic classification based on the SCID, CIDI and MINI diagnostic interviews controlling for Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale – Depression subscale scores:An individual participant data meta-analysis of 73 primary studies

Objective Two previous individual participant data meta-analyses (IPDMAs) found that different diagnostic interviews classify different proportions of people as having major depression overall or by symptom levels. We compared the odds of major depression classification across diagnostic interviews among studies that administered the Depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D). Methods Data accrued for an IPDMA on HADS-D diagnostic accuracy were analysed. We fit binomial generalized linear mixed models to compare odds of major depression classification for the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM (SCID), Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), and…

Which patient- and physician-related factors influence guideline adherence in adjuvant endocrine therapy?: Results of the prospective multi-center cohort study BRENDA II.

e11544 Background: This study examined the question, which factors influence patients’ and physicians’ decisions associated with guideline adherent adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET). Methods: In a pr...

Positive family history of colorectal cancer in a general practice setting [FRIDA.Frankfurt]: study protocol of a of a cross-sectional study.

Background Although the risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) is 2-4 times higher in case of a positive family history, risk-adapted screening programs for family members related to CRC- patients do not exist in the German health care system. CRC screening recommendations for persons under 55 years of age that have a family predisposition have been published in several guidelines. The primary aim of this study is to determine the frequency of positive family history of CRC (1st degree relatives with CRC) among 40–54 year old persons in a general practitioner (GP) setting in Germany. Secondary aims are to detect the frequency of occurrence of colorectal neoplasms (CRC and advanced adeno…

Patient participation in the medical decision-making process in haemato-oncology - a qualitative study

Cancer patients are showing increased interest in shared decision-making. Patients with haematological illnesses, however, express considerably less desire for shared decision-making as compared with other oncological patient groups. The goal of the current project was to identify the reasons for the lower desire for shared decision-making among patients with haematological illness. We conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 11 haematological patients (39-70 years old) after the beginning of therapy concerning the course and evaluation of medical shared decision-making. The patients were often overwhelmed by the complexity of the illness and the therapy and did not want to as…

Association between cognitive impairment and guideline adherence for application of chemotherapy in older patients with breast cancer: Results from the prospective multicenter BRENDA II study

Background This study examined the association between cognitive impairment and guideline adherence for application of chemotherapy in older patients with breast cancer. Patients and methods In the prospective multicenter cohort study BRENDA II, patients aged ≥65 years with primary breast cancer were sampled over a period of 4 years (2009-2012). A multiprofessional team (tumor board) discussed recommendation for adjuvant chemotherapy according to the German S3 guideline. Cognitive impairment was screened by the clock-drawing test (CDT) prior to adjuvant treatment. Results Two hundred and sixty-three patients were included in the study and CDT data were available for 193 patients. Thirty-one…

Utilisation of psychosocial and informational services in immigrant and non-immigrant German cancer survivors

Objective We examined psychosocial and informational services used by long-term survivors of breast, colon and prostate cancer in immigrants versus non-immigrants. Methods Patients were sampled from population-based cancer registries in Germany. They completed a questionnaire assessing immigration biography, service use and socio-demographic characteristics. Results Data of 6143 cancer survivors were collected of whom 383 (6%) were immigrants. There was no evidence of an association between immigration status and service use. However, immigration biography played a role when patients' and their parents' birthplace were taken into account. When parents were born outside Europe, survivors les…

Breast Cancer Patients' Fear of Treatment: Results from the Multicenter Longitudinal Study BRENDA II.

Background: Fear of cancer treatment can become overwhelming. It is important to understand what patients are mainly afraid of and what factors are correlated with intense fear of treatment. Methods: Patients with primary breast cancer (n = 761) completed questionnaires about fear of treatment before surgery (t1), and before (t2) and after (t3) adjuvant treatment. Psychological co-morbidity was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire. Logistic regression identified predictors of intense fear of treatment. Results: Patients were most afraid of chemotherapy (mean score 3.5), and fear remained high throughout follow-up; fear of radiotherapy and of surgery was lower and decreased over t…

Vorstellung des Screeningsystems (OncoFunction) für Funktionsstörungen im Kopf-Hals-Tumor-Follow-up

Einleitung: Die Nachsorge von Kopf-Hals-Tumoren (KHT) fokussiert bisher auf die Therapiekontrolle. Daneben ist die Langzeitfunktionalitat sehr wichtig. Diese wird beobachtet, aber nicht standardisiert erfasst. Zusatzlich bestehen bei den Patienten oft psychoonkologische Komorbiditaten, die die objektive Bewertung erschweren. Aus diesem Grunde wurde von Tschiesner et al. ein auf dem „ICF Core Set for Head and Neck Cancer“ basierender Leitfaden zur Erfassung von funktionellen Beeintrachtigungen bei Patienten mit KHT entwickelt und ein Screening-Tool vorgestellt. Mit den positiven Erfahrungen bei anderen Tumorentitaten wurde eine elektronische Version des Tools entwickelt (OncoFunction). Metho…

Impfprävention HPV-assoziierter Neoplasien : Empfehlungen aus der aktuellen S3-Leitlinie des HPV-Management-Forums der Paul-Ehrlich-Gesellschaft für Chemotherapie e. V. – AWMF Leitlinien-Register Nr. 082-002 (Kurzfassung), gültig bis 31.12.2018

Factors associated with non-participation and dropout among cancer patients in a cluster-randomised controlled trial

We investigated the impact of demographic and disease related factors on non-participation and dropout in a cluster-randomised behavioural trial in cancer patients with measurements taken between hospitalisation and 6 months thereafter. The percentages of non-participation and dropout were documented at each time point. Factors considered to be potentially related with non-participation and dropout were as follows: age, sex, marital status, education, income, employment status, tumour site and stage of disease. Of 1,338 eligible patients, 24% declined participation at baseline. Non-participation was higher in older patients (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.1, CI: 0.6-0.9) and those with advanced disease …

Employment pathways and work-related issues in head and neck cancer survivors

Background In this exploratory study, employment and psychological factors were investigated in head and neck cancer survivors with survivorship of ≥2 years. Methods Fifty-five head and neck cancer survivors ≤60 years old completed a survey including subscales from the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) instrument, the Miller Behavioral Style Scale, the General Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Hornheider–Fragebogen short version (HFB) measuring the need for psychological interventions. Exploratory analyses of associations to the employment status were performed. Results The rate of employed patients dropped from three-fourths of …

Quality of life in long-term breast cancer survivors - a 10-year longitudinal population-based study.

Breast cancer survivors may experience adverse effects of cancer and/or treatment years after completion of therapy, which can considerably decrease quality of life (QoL). Little is known about the time course of QoL in breast cancer survivors beyond the fifth year post-diagnosis, when routine follow-up care has usually terminated. We therefore explored in detail whether and to what extent restrictions in breast cancer survivors persist and whether changes or aggravations in QoL occurred over time.QoL was assessed 1, 3, 5, and 10 years post-diagnosis in a population-based cohort of initially 387 female breast cancer patients from Saarland (Germany), using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23. Tim…

Results of the Thyroid Cancer Alliance international patient/survivor survey: Psychosocial/informational support needs, treatment side effects and international differences in care.

To comprehensively assess the experience of a large, diverse cohort and identify potential care improvements, the Thyroid Cancer Alliance, an international patient/survivor group coalition, surveyed thyroid cancer patients/survivors worldwide.English, German, French or Spanish versions of a self-developed 43-item questionnaire were completed, predominantly online, by 2398 respondents from the US (37.9%), Germany (21.3%), the UK (11.5%), Canada (11.4%), France (9%), and 35 other countries. Females and differentiated thyroid carcinoma patients each comprised ~87% of respondents. Diagnosis occurred at age 30-59 years in 71.8%, within1 (1-5) year(s) before survey completion in 16.4% (55%).At di…

Tobacco and alcohol consumption after total laryngectomy and survival: A German multicenter prospective cohort study

Background We examined the relation of tobacco and alcohol consumption after total laryngectomy with overall survival (OS). Methods Tobacco and alcohol consumption was assessed at 5 time points after total laryngectomy. Patients were followed up for survival until December 31, 2014. A multivariate Cox regression was fitted to test for differences in OS. Results Three hundred fifty-nine patients were included in this study. Compared to former smokers, never smokers had hazard ratios (HRs) of 0.88 (95% confidence intervals [CIs] = 0.50–1.59), and continuous smokers 1.31 (95% CI = 0.87–1.96). Constantly high alcohol consumption after total laryngectomy had an HR of 2.19 (95% CI = 1.30–3.67). D…

Ionising radiation and lens opacities in interventional physicians: results of a German pilot study

We assessed the feasibility of an epidemiological study on the risk of radiation-related lens opacities among interventional physicians in Germany. In a regional multi-centre pilot study associated with a European project, we tested the recruitment strategy, a European questionnaire on work history for the latter dosimetry calculation and the endpoint assessment. 263 interventional physicians and 129 non-exposed colleagues were invited. Questionnaires assessed eligibility criteria, risk factors for cataract, and work history relating to occupational exposure to ionising radiation, including details on type and amount of procedures performed, radiation sources, and use of protective equipmen…

Impact of socio-economic position on cancer stage at presentation: Findings from a large hospital-based study in Germany

We explored the relationship between socio-economic characteristics and cancer stage at presentation. Patients admitted to a university hospital for diagnosis and treatment of cancer provided data on their education, vocational training, income, employment, job, health insurance and postcode. Tumor stage was classified according to the Union International Contre le Cancer (UICC). To analyze disparities in the likelihood of late-stage (UICC III/IV vs. I/II) diagnoses, logistic regression models adjusting for age and gender were used. Out of 1,012 patients, 572 (59%) had late-stage cancer. Separately tested, increased odds of advanced disease were associated with post-compulsory education com…

Measuring quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer: Update of the EORTC QLQ-H&N Module, Phase III

Background The objective of this study was to pilot test an updated version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Head and Neck Module (EORTC QLQ-H&N60). Methods Patients with head and neck cancer were asked to complete a list of 60 head and neck cancer-specific items comprising the updated EORTC head and neck module and the core questionnaire EORTC QLQ-C30. Debriefing interviews were conducted to identify any irrelevant items and confusing or upsetting wording. Results Interviews were performed with 330 patients from 17 countries, representing different head and neck cancer sites and treatments. Forty-one of the 60 items were retain…

The EORTC module for quality of life in patients with thyroid cancer: phase III

The purpose of the study was to pilot-test a questionnaire measuring health-related quality of life (QoL) in thyroid cancer patients to be used with the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core questionnaire EORTC QLQ-C30. A provisional questionnaire with 47 items was administered to patients treated for thyroid cancer within the last 2 years. Patients were interviewed about time and help needed to complete the questionnaire, and whether they found the items understandable, confusing or annoying. Items were kept in the questionnaire if they fulfilled pre-defined criteria: relevant to the patients, easy to understand, not confusing, few missing values, neither …

Additional file 4: of Positive family history of colorectal cancer in a general practice setting [FRIDA.Frankfurt]: study protocol of a of a cross-sectional study

Questionnaire 3. (PDF 244Â kb)

P-81 phase I-II of the update of the EORTC quality of life gastric module QLQ-STO22

An art therapy intervention for cancer patients in the ambulant aftercare - results from a non-randomised controlled study

An art therapy intervention for cancer patients in the ambulant aftercare – results from a non-randomised controlled study Art therapy in psycho-oncology is gaining increasing importance, but systematic evaluations of its effects are rare. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of an art therapy intervention for cancer patients in ambulant aftercare on psychological distress and coping. The intervention consisted of 22 sessions. At three points of measurement (t1: before intervention, t2: following intervention, t3: 6 months after t2), participants responded to questionnaires (Freiburg Questionnaire on Coping with Illness, Perceived Adjustment to Chronic Illness Scale, Hospital…

Depression prevalence using the HADS-D compared to SCID major depression classification: An individual participant data meta-analysis.

Objectives Validated diagnostic interviews are required to classify depression status and estimate prevalence of disorder, but screening tools are often used instead. We used individual participant data meta-analysis to compare prevalence based on standard Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale – depression subscale (HADS-D) cutoffs of ≥8 and ≥11 versus Structured Clinical Interview for DSM (SCID) major depression and determined if an alternative HADS-D cutoff could more accurately estimate prevalence. Methods We searched Medline, Medline In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations via Ovid, PsycINFO, and Web of Science (inception-July 11, 2016) for studies comparing HADS-D scores to SCID major…

What is considered to be emotional suffering by psychotherapy patients and their therapists in Eastern versus Western Germany? : A mixed-methods study

Long-term quality of life in inoperable non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with conventionally fractionated compared to hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy – Results of the randomized CHARTWEL trial

Abstract Background and purpose To evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer treated with conventionally fractionated radiotherapy (CF) vs. continuous hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy weekend-less (CHARTWEL). Material and methods The largest monocentric subgroup of the phase III CHARTWEL trial was analyzed up to three years after randomization. QoL was assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Core Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and lung cancer module (QLQ-LC13) and compared using linear mixed models. QoL interrelations with recurrence, metastasis, and death were explored by multi-state modeling. Resul…

Psychological distress in lung cancer survivors at least 1 year after diagnosis-Results of a German multicenter cross-sectional study.

Co-morbid mental health conditions in cancer patients at working age - prevalence, risk profiles, and care uptake

Summary Objective This study examined the prevalence of mental health conditions in cancer patients, the role of socioeconomic position in relation to that, and the use of professional mental health care. Methods Prospective cohort with measurements at the beginning of inpatient treatment (baseline) and 3, 9, and 15 months after baseline using structured clinical interviews based on DSM-IV, questionnaires, and medical records. Results At baseline, 149 out of 502 cancer patients (30%) were diagnosed with a mental health condition. Prevalence was associated with unemployment (odds ratio [OR] 2.0), fatigue (OR 1.9), and pain (OR 1.7). Of those with mental health conditions, 9% saw a psychother…

Psychometric Properties of the Fatigue Questionnaire EORTC QLQ-FA12 in a Sample of Female Cancer Patients.

Abstract Context Cancer patients frequently suffer from fatigue. Recently, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life group developed a new 12-item fatigue assessment instrument. Objectives The aim of this study was to psychometrically test this questionnaire in comparison with the three-item fatigue scale of the EORTC QLQ-C30. Methods A sample of 354 patients who were being treated for breast cancer or gynecologic cancer were examined using the new fatigue questionnaire EORTC QLQ-FA12 and the EORTC QLQ-C30 during their hospital stay (t1) and three months after hospital discharge (t2). Confirmatory factorial analyses, item analyses, test-retest re…

Assessing psychological and supportive care needs in glioma patients - feasibility study on the use of the Supportive Care Needs Survey Short Form (SCNS-SF34-G) and the Supportive Care Needs Survey Screening Tool (SCNS-ST9) in clinical practice

Neuro-oncological patients experience high symptom and psychosocial burden. The aim was to test feasibility and practicability of the Supportive Care Needs Survey Short Form (SCNS-SF34-G) and the SCNS-Screening Tool (SCNS-ST9) to assess supportive care needs of neuro-oncological patients in clinical routine. A total of 173 patients, most with a primary diagnosis of high-grade glioma (81%), were assessed first using SCNS-SF34-G in comparison to two well-established patient-reported outcome measures, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQC30 + QLQ-BN20) and Distress Thermometer (DT). In a follow-up assessment, SCNS-ST9 was used …

Speech rehabilitation during the first year after total laryngectomy

Background Gaining a new voice is one of the major aims after total laryngectomy. The objective of this study was to describe the process and results of speech rehabilitation during the first year after surgery. Methods Speech intelligibility was measured 6 months (n = 273) and 1 year (n = 225) after total laryngectomy. Results Objective (23.4 to 47.5 points, p < .0001) and subjective (51.6 to 64.7 points, p < .0001) speech intelligibility improved between 6 months and 1 year after total laryngectomy. Patients who used tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) had the best results in speech intelligibility 6 months and 1 year after total laryngectomy. In all, 12% of the patients who used TEP initial…

Age- and sex-standardised prevalence rates of fatigue in a large hospital-based sample of cancer patients

Background: The aim of this longitudinal study was to determine age- and sex-standardised prevalence rates of cancer-related fatigue in different groups of patients. Methods: This was a prospective study in a cohort of N=1494 cancer patients investigating fatigue at three time points t1–t3 (t1: admission to hospital, t2: discharge, t3: half a year after t1). Fatigue was measured with the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory. Age- and sex-adjusted norms were derived from a representative community sample of N=2037, using a cutoff at the 75th percentile. Results: At admission to the hospital, 32% of the patients were classified as fatigued. At discharge, the overall prevalence rate was 40%, and…

Psychoonkologische Versorgung von Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund und ihren Angehörigen – Ergebnisse aus leitfadengestützten Einzelinterviews mit Ärztinnen und Ärzten

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund stellen eine heterogene Bevölkerungsgruppe dar mit einer Vielfalt an Ethnien, kulturellen und religiösen Ansichten und Erfahrungen. Die Diagnose und anschließende Behandlung einer Krebserkrankung gehen mit vielfältigen psychosozialen Belastungen einher. Daher war es Ziel dieser Studie, die aktuelle Perspektive von Ärzt/innen bezüglich Barrieren bei der psychoonkologischen Versorgung von MMH zu untersuchen sowie benötigte Hilfestellungen zu analysieren. Methode Es wurden bundesweit acht niedergelassene Ärzt/innen aus der hämatologisch-onkologischen Versorgung in qualitativen Einzelinterviews befragt. Die Interviews wurden digital…

Mundgesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität bei Krebspatienten

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Bis dato existieren wenige Studien über die mundgesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität (MLQ) bei Patienten mit Krebserkrankungen. Die European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) hat kürzlich einen Fragebogen zur Erfassung der MLQ erstellt, den Quality of Life Questionnaire – Oral Health Module 15 (EORTC QLQ-OH15). Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Identifizierung möglicher Einschränkungen von MLQ bei Krebspatienten im klinischen Alltag. Patienten und Methoden Die MLQ wurde zu einem nicht näher definierten Zeitpunkt während der Akutbehandlung (t1), 2 Wochen (t2) und 3 Monate (t3) nach dem ersten Befragungszeitpunkt mit dem EORTC QLQ-OH15 gemessen. Als …