Search

Aims and background. Cancer incidence variations are influenced by different factors including socioeconomic status, risk factors and use of screening. The purpose of this study was to examine trends in cancer incidence in two urban areas in Europe showing differences in influencing factors but also some common characteristics in the context of data quality of the corresponding cancer registries.Methods. Age-standardized incidence rates (world standard - ASRW) for cases diagnosed in 2000-2009 for Sofia (Bulgaria) and the Canton of Zurich (Switzerland) were calculated using data from the corresponding cancer registries. Average annual percent change (AAPC) was estimated with Joinpoint regression analysis. Data quality was estimated in terms of proportions of microscopically verified (MV%) and death-certificate-only (DCO%) cases. Results. ASRWs for all sites were higher in Zurich for men (311 vs 262 per 100,000) and women (241 vs 231 per 100,000) than in Sofia. Colorectal (both sexes), lung (men), cervical and corpus uteri cancer had a higher incidence in Sofia. Prostate, breast and lung (women) cancer were more often diagnosed in Zurich. A significant increase in female lung cancer incidence was observed in both areas. Overall incidence decreased in Zurich, while it did not significantly change in Sofia. MV% was lower in Sofia than in the Canton of Zurich but increased steadily up to 85% in 2009, whereas in the Canton of Zurich MV% was more or less stable around 95%. The DCO% of Sofia was 19% in 2000 and steadily decreased to 8% in 2009. In the Canton of Zurich, the DCO% decreased from 5% in 2000 but increased again from 2006 onwards, up to 3% in 2009. Conclusions. Cancer incidence rates differ between Sofia and Zurich. Differences concerning socioeconomic status, risk factors, use of cancer screening but also data quality may influence these results.

Purpose: The aim was to study follow-up care attendance in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors to investigate: (1) correlates of the intention to attend follow-up care and (2) whether the intention is associated with the actual attendance, applying the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Methods: We conducted a questionnaire survey in AYA cancer survivors diagnosed 1990–2005 at age 16–25 years, registered in the Cancer Registry Zurich and Zug, Switzerland, who had survived at least 5 years. Structural equation modeling was applied to investigate TPB-related correlates (attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control) of intention to attend follow-up care. Logistic regression analysis was used to study the association between intention and actual attendance. Results: We included 160 AYA cancer survivors in the study (mean age at study: 34.0 years, mean age at diagnosis: 21.6 years, 98 [61.3%] male). Positive attitudes toward follow-up care (coefficient = 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05 to 0.60) and supportive subjective norms (coefficient = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.78) were associated with higher intention to attend follow-up care. Perceived behavioral control was not associated with intention to attend (coefficient = −0.13, 95% CI: −0.36 to 0.10), but with actual attendance (odds ratio [OR] = 4.55, 95% CI: 1.83 to 11.31). Higher intention was associated with actual follow-up care attendance (OR = 14.29, 95% CI: 5.80 to 35.21). Conclusion: Positive attitudes and supportive social norms were associated with higher intention to attend follow-up care, and higher intention was associated with actual follow-up care attendance. Increasing awareness of the importance and benefits of follow-up care not only among survivors but also family, friends and healthcare professionals may help increase follow-up care attendance among AYA cancer survivors, + ID der Publikation: unilu_33633 + Sprache: Englisch + Letzte Aktualisierung: 2018-12-18 10:38:43

Purpose: Today, survival rates for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients exceed 80%. However, cancer and treatment leave many patients suffering from chronic conditions. These late effects may impair their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to (1) compare HRQoL of AYA cancer survivors with the Swiss general population and (2) investigate socio-demographic and cancer-related characteristics associated with poor HRQoL. Methods: AYA cancer survivors (age 16–25 at diagnosis; ≥5 years survival) who had been identified through the Cancer Registry Zurich and Zug, Switzerland, filled out a questionnaire. We assessed HRQoL using the Short-Form 12 (SF-12), producing two scores: Physical Component Summary score (PCS, physical health) and Mental Component Summary score (MCS, mental health). We used multivariable logistic regression analyses to investigate associated characteristics. Results: We compared 155 survivors with 350 controls. Survivors had significantly lower physical health than controls (mean = 52.5 vs. mean = 54.7, p&thinsp

BACKGROUND A population-based analysis of patients with glioma diagnosed between 1980 and 1994 in the Canton of Zurich in Switzerland confirmed the overall poor prognosis of glioblastoma. To explore changes in outcome, registry data were reevaluated for patients diagnosed between 2005 and 2009. METHODS Patients with glioblastoma who were diagnosed between 2005 and 2009 were identified by the Zurich and Zug Cancer Registry. The prognostic significance of epidemiological and clinical data, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1)(R132H) mutation status, and O6 methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS A total of 264 patients with glioblastoma were identified, for an annual incidence of 3.9 compared with the previous incidence of 3.7. The mean age of the patients at the time of diagnosis was 59.5 years in the current cohort compared with 61.3 years previously. The overall survival (OS) rate was 46.4% at 1 year, 22.5% at 2 years, and 14.4% at 3 years in the current study compared with 17.7% at 1 year, 3.3% at 2 years, and 1.2% at 3 years as reported previously. The median OS for all patients with glioblastoma was 11.5 months compared with 4.9 months in the former patient population. The median OS was 1.9 months for best supportive care, 6.2 months for radiotherapy alone, 6.7 months for temozolomide alone, and 17.0 months for radiotherapy plus temozolomide. Multivariate analysis revealed age, Karnofsky performance score, extent of tumor resection, first-line treatment, year of diagnosis, and MGMT promoter methylation status were associated with survival in patients with IDH1(R132H) -nonmutant glioblastoma. CONCLUSIONS The OS of patients newly diagnosed with glioblastoma in the Canton of Zurich in Switzerland markedly improved from 1980 through 1994 to 2005 through 2009. Cancer 2016;122:2206-15. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Objective: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in whom the response to anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy is inadequate have several therapeutic options, such as switching to an alternative anti-TNF agent or initiating B cell-depleting therapy with rituximab (RTX). Although both therapeutic options have been proven effective in trials, no head-to-head comparisons are available. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of RTX with that of an alternative anti-TNF agent in the management of patients with RA who had an inadequate response to anti-TNF therapy.Methods: This prospective cohort study was nested within the Swiss Clinical Quality Management RA cohort and included all patients who had an inadequate response to at least 1 anti-TNF agent and subsequently received either 1 cycle of RTX or an alternative anti-TNF agent. The primary outcome was the evolution of RA disease activity (as measured on the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints [DAS28]), which was analyzed using multivariate regression models for longitudinal data.Results: One hundred sixteen patients with RA were included; 50 patients received 1 cycle of RTX, and 66 patients were treated with a second or a third alternative anti-TNF agent. At baseline, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in age, sex, disease duration, and disease activity. Evolution of the DAS28 was more favorable in the group that received RTX compared with the group that received an alternative anti-TNF agent (P = 0.01). At 6 months, the mean decrease in the DAS28 was -1.61 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] -1.97, -1.25) among patients receiving RTX and -0.98 (95% CI -1.33, -0.62) among those receiving subsequent anti-TNF therapy.Conclusion: The results of this observational study suggest that treatment with RTX may be more effective than switching to an alternative anti-TNF agent in patients with RA in whom active disease persists despite anti-TNF therapy.

Purpose: As survival rates of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients increase, a growing number of AYA cancer survivors need follow-up care. However, there is little research on their preferences for follow-up care. We aimed to 1) describe AYA cancer survivors' preferences for the organization and content of follow-up care; 2) describe their preferences for different models of follow-up; and 3) investigate clinical and socio-demographic characteristics associated with preferences for the different models. Methods: AYA cancer survivors (diagnosed with cancer at age 16-25 years; ≥5 years after diagnosis) were identified through the Cancer Registry Zurich and Zug. Survivors completed a questionnaire on follow-up attendance, preferences for organizational aspects of follow-up care (what is important during follow-up, what should be included during appointments, what specialists should be involved, location), models of follow-up (telephone/questionnaire, general practitioner (GP), pediatric oncologist, medical oncologist, multi-disciplinary team) and sociodemographic characteristics. Information on tumor and treatment was available through the Cancer Registry Zurich and Zug. Results: Of 389 contacted survivors, 160 (41.1%) participated and 92 (57.5%) reported still attending follow-up. Medical aspects of follow-up care were more important than general aspects (p

Objectives Adolescents and young adults (AYA) are diagnosed with cancer during a critical life period full of psychosocial challenges. They may experience a significant impact of the cancer diagnosis on their psychological health, also in the long term. We aimed to (i) evaluate psychological distress in AYA cancer survivors, compare levels of distress with controls, and (ii) describe socio-demographic and cancer-related characteristics associated with psychological distress. Methods We sent a questionnaire to AYA cancer survivors (aged 16?25 years at diagnosis, survived ≥5 years) registered in the Cancer Registry Zurich and Zug, Switzerland. Psychological distress was measured using the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) assessing anxiety, depression, somatization and a global severity index (GSI) (cut-off score indicating psychological distress: T≥57). Distress levels were compared between survivors and controls. We used logistic regression to determine associations of socio-demographic and cancer-related characteristics with distress. Results Of 160 AYA cancer survivors, 34 (21%) reported being distressed (27% in women, 17% in men, p=0.129). Compared to controls, survivors did not report higher levels of distress (all p-values>0.05). Survivors with migration background and survivors with late effects reported higher levels on GSI, somatization, and anxiety. Higher levels of depression were associated with being female, not being in a partnership and having late effects. Conclusions A substantial subgroup of AYA cancer survivors reported psychological distress. Systematically screening for distress and providing psychological follow-up for survivors at risk may help to provide adequate psychological support.

PURPOSE As survival rates of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients increase, a growing number of AYA cancer survivors need follow-up care. However, there is little research on their preferences for follow-up care. We aimed to (1) describe AYA cancer survivors' preferences for the organization and content of follow-up care, (2) describe their preferences for different models of follow-up, and (3) investigate clinical and sociodemographic characteristics associated with preferences for the different models. METHODS AYA cancer survivors (diagnosed with cancer at age 16-25 years; ≥5 years after diagnosis) were identified through the Cancer Registry Zurich and Zug. Survivors completed a questionnaire on follow-up attendance, preferences for organizational aspects of follow-up care (what is important during follow-up, what should be included during appointments, what specialists should be involved, location), models of follow-up (telephone/questionnaire, general practitioner (GP), pediatric oncologist, medical oncologist, multidisciplinary team), and sociodemographic characteristics. Information on tumor and treatment was available through the Cancer Registry Zurich and Zug. RESULTS Of 389 contacted survivors, 160 (41.1 %) participated and 92 (57.5 %) reported still attending follow-up. Medical aspects of follow-up care were more important than general aspects (p

Background Chimeric read-through RNAs are transcripts originating from two directly adjacent genes (, BMC Genomics, 16, ISSN:1471-2164

Purpose: Today, survival rates for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients exceed 80%. However, cancer and treatment leave many patients suffering from chronic conditions. These late effects may impair their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to (1) compare HRQoL of AYA cancer survivors with the Swiss general population and (2) investigate socio-demographic and cancer-related characteristics associated with poor HRQoL. Methods: AYA cancer survivors (age 16–25 at diagnosis; ≥5 years survival) who had been identified through the Cancer Registry Zurich and Zug, Switzerland, filled out a questionnaire. We assessed HRQoL using the Short-Form 12 (SF-12), producing two scores: Physical Component Summary score (PCS, physical health) and Mental Component Summary score (MCS, mental health). We used multivariable logistic regression analyses to investigate associated characteristics. Results: We compared 155 survivors with 350 controls. Survivors had significantly lower physical health than controls (mean = 52.5 vs. mean = 54.7, p&thinsp

Although persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), particularly men who have sex with men, are at excess risk for anal cancer, it has been difficult to disentangle the influences of anal exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, immunodeficiency, and combined antiretroviral therapy. A case-control study that included 59 anal cancer cases and 295 individually matched controls was nested in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (1988-2011). In a subset of 41 cases and 114 controls, HPV antibodies were tested. A majority of anal cancer cases (73%) were men who have sex with men. Current smoking was significantly associated with anal cancer (odds ratio (OR) = 2.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25, 5.34), as were antibodies against L1 (OR = 4.52, 95% CI: 2.00, 10.20) and E6 (OR = ∞, 95% CI: 4.64, ∞) of HPV16, as well as low CD4+ cell counts, whether measured at nadir (OR per 100-cell/μL decrease = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.18, 2.00) or at cancer diagnosis (OR per 100-cell/μL decrease = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.42). However, the influence of CD4+ cell counts appeared to be strongest 6-7 years prior to anal cancer diagnosis (OR for

Objectives Adolescents and young adults (AYA) are diagnosed with cancer during a critical life period full of psychosocial challenges. They may experience a significant impact of the cancer diagnosis on their psychological health, also in the long term. We aimed to (i) evaluate psychological distress in AYA cancer survivors, compare levels of distress with controls, and (ii) describe socio-demographic and cancer-related characteristics associated with psychological distress. Methods We sent a questionnaire to AYA cancer survivors (aged 16?25 years at diagnosis, survived ≥5 years) registered in the Cancer Registry Zurich and Zug, Switzerland. Psychological distress was measured using the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) assessing anxiety, depression, somatization and a global severity index (GSI) (cut-off score indicating psychological distress: T≥57). Distress levels were compared between survivors and controls. We used logistic regression to determine associations of socio-demographic and cancer-related characteristics with distress. Results Of 160 AYA cancer survivors, 34 (21%) reported being distressed (27% in women, 17% in men, p=0.129). Compared to controls, survivors did not report higher levels of distress (all p-values>0.05). Survivors with migration background and survivors with late effects reported higher levels on GSI, somatization, and anxiety. Higher levels of depression were associated with being female, not being in a partnership and having late effects. Conclusions A substantial subgroup of AYA cancer survivors reported psychological distress. Systematically screening for distress and providing psychological follow-up for survivors at risk may help to provide adequate psychological support., + ID der Publikation: unilu_38415 + Sprache: Englisch + Letzte Aktualisierung: 2019-01-28 12:06:10

Knowledge on former diagnosis, treatment and survivorship is important for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYACS) to make informed healthcare decisions. We aimed to (a) describe the information AYACS reported to have received, (b) identify current information needs and survivors' preferred format of communication, and (c) examine associations between information needs and cancer-related/socio-demographic characteristics, psychological distress and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We identified AYACS (16-25 years at diagnosis; ≥5 years since diagnosis) through the Cancer Registry Zurich and Zug. Survivors received a questionnaire on information received and current information needs, socio-demographic information, psychological distress (Brief Symptom Inventory-18) and HRQoL (SF-12). Clinical characteristics were available from the cancer registry. We used descriptive statistics and univariable regression models. Of 160 responders, most reported to have received information on disease (96.3%), treatment (96.3%) and follow-up (89.4%), fewer on late effects (63.1%). Survivors reported information needs on late effects (78.7%), follow-up (71.3%), disease (58.1%) and treatment (55.6%). Information needs were associated with experiencing psychological distress and lower mental HRQoL. Most Swiss AYACS have information needs, especially on follow-up and late effects. Therefore, AYACS should be personally, continuously and proactively informed about their disease, treatment, follow-up care and late effects.

Knowledge on former diagnosis, treatment and survivorship is important for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYACS) to make informed health care decisions. We aimed to 1) describe the information AYACS reported to have received, 2) identify current information needs and survivors' preferred format of communication, and 3) examine associations between information needs and cancer-related/socio-demographic characteristics, psychological distress and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We identified AYACS (16-25 years at diagnosis; ≥5 years since diagnosis) through the Cancer Registry Zurich and Zug. Survivors received a questionnaire on information received and current IN, socio-demographic information, psychological distress (Brief Symptom Inventory-18) and HRQoL (SF-12). Clinical characteristics were available from the cancer registry. We used descriptive statistics and univariable regression models. Of 160 responders, most reported to have received information on disease (96.3%), treatment (96.3%), and follow-up (89.4%), fewer on late effects (63.1%). Survivors reported information needs on late effects (78.7%), follow-up (71.3%), disease (58.1%) and treatment (55.6%). Information needs were associated with experiencing psychological distress and lower mental HRQoL. Most Swiss AYACS have information needs, especially on follow-up and late effects. Therefore, AYACS should be personally, continuously and proactively informed about their disease, treatment, follow-up care and late effects.

HIV-infected women are at increased risk of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) and invasive cervical cancer (ICC), but it has been difficult to disentangle the influences of heavy exposure to HPV infection, inadequate screening, and immunodeficiency. A case-control study including 364 CIN2/3 and 20 ICC cases matched to 1,147 controls was nested in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (1985-2013). CIN2/3 risk was significantly associated with low CD4+ cell counts, whether measured as nadir (odds ratio (OR) per 100-cell/μL decrease=1.15, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.22), or at CIN2/3 diagnosis (1.10, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.16). An association was evident even for nadir CD4+ 200-349 versus ≥350 cells/μL (OR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.25). After adjustment for nadir CD4+, a protective effect of >2-year cART use was seen against CIN2/3 (OR versus never cART use=0.64, 95% CI: 0.42, 0.98). Despite low study power, similar associations were seen for ICC, notably with nadir CD4+ (OR for 50 versus >350 cells/μL= 11.10, 95% CI: 1.24, 100). HPV16-L1 antibodies were significantly associated with CIN2/3, but HPV16-E6 antibodies were nearly exclusively detected in ICC. In conclusion, worsening immunodeficiency, even at only moderately decreased CD4+ cell counts (200-349 CD4+ cells/μL), is a significant risk factor for CIN2/3 and cervical cancer. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Knowledge on former diagnosis, treatment and survivorship is important for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYACS) to make informed health care decisions. We aimed to 1) describe the information AYACS reported to have received, 2) identify current information needs and survivors' preferred format of communication, and 3) examine associations between information needs and cancer-related/socio-demographic characteristics, psychological distress and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We identified AYACS (16-25 years at diagnosis; ≥5 years since diagnosis) through the Cancer Registry Zurich and Zug. Survivors received a questionnaire on information received and current IN, socio-demographic information, psychological distress (Brief Symptom Inventory-18) and HRQoL (SF-12). Clinical characteristics were available from the cancer registry. We used descriptive statistics and univariable regression models. Of 160 responders, most reported to have received information on disease (96.3%), treatment (96.3%), and follow-up (89.4%), fewer on late effects (63.1%). Survivors reported information needs on late effects (78.7%), follow-up (71.3%), disease (58.1%) and treatment (55.6%). Information needs were associated with experiencing psychological distress and lower mental HRQoL. Most Swiss AYACS have information needs, especially on follow-up and late effects. Therefore, AYACS should be personally, continuously and proactively informed about their disease, treatment, follow-up care and late effects., + ID der Publikation: unilu_33732 + Sprache: Englisch + Bemerkungen: Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors; information needs; information provision; cancer registry; Europe; questionnaire survey + Letzte Aktualisierung: 2018-12-18 11:37:13

OBJECTIVES Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are diagnosed with cancer during a critical life period full of psychosocial challenges. They may experience a significant impact of the cancer diagnosis on their psychological health, also in the long term. We aimed to (a) evaluate psychological distress in AYA cancer survivors and compare levels of distress with controls and (b) describe socio-demographic and cancer-related characteristics associated with psychological distress. METHODS We sent a questionnaire to AYA cancer survivors (aged 16-25 y at diagnosis, survived ≥5 y) registered in the Cancer Registry Zurich and Zug, Switzerland. Psychological distress was measured using the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) assessing anxiety, depression, and somatization and a global severity index (GSI) (cutoff score indicating psychological distress: T ≥ 57). Distress levels were compared between survivors and controls. We used logistic regression to determine associations of socio-demographic and cancer-related characteristics with distress. RESULTS Of 160 AYA cancer survivors, 34 (21%) reported being distressed (27% in women, 17% in men; P = 0.129). Compared with controls, survivors did not report higher levels of distress (all P values > 0.05). Survivors with migration background and survivors with late effects reported higher levels on GSI, somatization, and anxiety. Higher levels of depression were associated with being female, not being in a partnership, and having late effects. CONCLUSIONS A substantial subgroup of AYA cancer survivors reported psychological distress. Systematically screening for distress and providing psychological follow-up for survivors at risk may help to provide adequate psychological support.

Purpose: As survival rates of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients increase, a growing number of AYA cancer survivors need follow-up care. However, there is little research on their preferences for follow-up care. We aimed to 1) describe AYA cancer survivors' preferences for the organization and content of follow-up care; 2) describe their preferences for different models of follow-up; and 3) investigate clinical and socio-demographic characteristics associated with preferences for the different models. Methods: AYA cancer survivors (diagnosed with cancer at age 16-25 years; ≥5 years after diagnosis) were identified through the Cancer Registry Zurich and Zug. Survivors completed a questionnaire on follow-up attendance, preferences for organizational aspects of follow-up care (what is important during follow-up, what should be included during appointments, what specialists should be involved, location), models of follow-up (telephone/questionnaire, general practitioner (GP), pediatric oncologist, medical oncologist, multi-disciplinary team) and sociodemographic characteristics. Information on tumor and treatment was available through the Cancer Registry Zurich and Zug. Results: Of 389 contacted survivors, 160 (41.1%) participated and 92 (57.5%) reported still attending follow-up. Medical aspects of follow-up care were more important than general aspects (p, + ID der Publikation: unilu_11265 + Sprache: Deutsch + Letzte Aktualisierung: 2018-12-18 11:20:59