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Background: The physical challenges faced by adolescents and young adults (AYA) after a cancer diagnosis may be different from those experienced by paediatric and older adult cancer patients. Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) are valuable tools that can be useful in exploring the experiences of AYAs and identifying important issues, recurrent themes and areas to potentially improve quality of life. Objective: We compared patient‐reported physical function outcomes between AYAs diagnosed with cancer and non‐cancer controls. Method: This paper builds on a scoping review published in early 2023 and focuses on PROMs related to physical function. Results: This systematic review includes 16 studies that measured and reported on physical function PROMs in AYA cancer survivors compared with their cancer‐free peers. Of these studies, 14 found that physical function in AYA survivors was significantly worse. This paper also includes a meta‐analysis conducted on 5 studies using the EORTC‐QLQ‐C30 to measure physical function, which found that physical function score was an average of 7.03 (95% CI: −10.21, −3.86) points lower in the AYA cancer group, compared to their cancer free‐peers, a difference that is clinically meaningful. Conclusions: The results overwhelmingly demonstrate that AYAs post a cancer diagnosis have worse health‐related quality of life from a physical function perspective than their cancer‐free peers, providing a compelling argument for the need to address this issue. All but one of the studies were cross‐sectional, which highlights the need for further assessment of this group longitudinally throughout their cancer journey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: It has long been documented that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has positive impacts on improving mental health (MH) and quality of life (QoL) in the general population, but investigations on its effect on cancer survivors remain limited, especially for QoL outcomes. The purpose of this meta‐analysis is to investigate the effects of CBT as compared to control on cancer patients' MH and QoL outcomes. Control is defined in this study as standard therapy, waitlist control, and active/alternative therapy. Methods: In total, 154 clinical trials creating a sample size of 1627 individuals were collected. Analysis focusing on MH and QoL excluded 29 clinical trials resulting in a final analysis of 132 clinical trials (and 1030 effect sizes). R Statistical Software (version 4.2.2) and the robumeta package were utilized to complete analysis, which entailed robust variance estimation (RVE) in intercept‐only meta‐regression, and univariate meta‐regression (for moderator analysis). Results: Across 132 clinical trials and 1030 effect size estimates, we identified that CBT moderately improves MH and QoL in cancer patients d = 0.388, 95% CI 0.294–0.483, p < 0.001. Additionally, age and delivery format can influence the efficacy of CBT in this patient population. Conclusions: CBT statistically improves the MH and QoL psychosocial parameters in cancer patients with greater efficacy in younger patients. Important clinical and intervention‐related factors, that is, age and delivery, should be considered when oncologists consider CBT as a psychotherapeutic intervention for individuals with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of non‐cancer death in cancer survivors, but the risk of CVD varies between cancers. Objectives: To synthesise available evidence on patterns and magnitude of CVD mortality risk. Methods: A systematic search of Medline (OVID), CINAHL and Scopus databases from 01‐January‐2000 to 16‐July‐2023 of studies of people with cancer, reporting CVD mortality in cancer population compared with a reference population (e.g. general population) as standardised mortality ratios (SMR). Meta‐analysis of SMRs across cancer and CVD types were pooled using a random‐effects model to allow for heterogeneity of the true effect size across studies. Results: We identified 136 studies from 16 countries. Sample sizes ranged from 157 to 7,529,481. The majority (n = 98; 72%) were conducted in the United States, followed by Europe (n = 22; 16%). The most common cancers studied were gastrointestinal (n = 34 studies), haematological (n = 31) and breast (n = 29). A total of 876 CVD SMRs were extracted across diverse CVD conditions. Of those, the majority (535; 61%) indicated an increased risk of CVD death (SMR >1), 109 (12%) a lower risk of CVD death (SMR <1) and 232 (27%) an equivalent risk (95% CI of SMR included 1) compared to the general population. The meta‐analysis of all reported SMRs showed an increased risk of CVD death (SMR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.40–1.72) in cancer survivors compared with the general population. The SMR varied between CVD conditions and ranged from 1.36 (95% CI = 1.29–1.44) for heart diseases to 1.56 (95% CI = 1.39–1.76) for cerebrovascular diseases. SMR varied across cancer types, ranging from 1.14 (95% CI = 1.04–1.25) for testicular/germ cell tumours to 2.82 (95% CI = 2.20–3.63) for brain/central nervous system tumours. Conclusions: Cancer survivors are at increased risk of premature CVD mortality compared to the general population, but the risk varies by cancer type and CVD. Future research should focus on understanding mechanisms behind the increased CVD risk to develop appropriate interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer‐related distress (CRD) is widely experienced by people with cancer and is associated with poor outcomes. CRD screening is a recommended practice; however, CRD remains under‐treated due to limited resources targeting unique sources (problems) contributing to CRD. Understanding which sources of CRD are most commonly reported will allow allocation of resources including equipping healthcare providers for intervention. Methods: We conducted a systematic review to describe the frequency of patient‐reported sources of CRD and to identify relationships with CRD severity, demographics, and clinical characteristics. We included empirical studies that screened adults with cancer using the NCCN or similar problem list. Most and least common sources of CRD were identified using weighted proportions computed across studies. Relationships between sources of CRD and CRD severity, demographics, and clinical characteristics were summarized narratively. Results: Forty‐eight studies were included. The most frequent sources of CRD were worry (55%), fatigue (54%), fears (45%), sadness (44%), pain (41%), and sleep disturbance (40%). Having enough food (0%), substance abuse (3%), childbearing ability (5%), fevers (5%), and spiritual concerns (5%) were infrequently reported. Sources of CRD were related to CRD severity, sex, age, race, marital status, income, education, rurality, treatment type, cancer grade, performance status, and timing of screening. Conclusions: Sources of CRD were most frequently emotional and physical, and resources should be targeted to these sources. Relationships between sources of CRD and demographic and clinical variables may suggest profiles of patient subgroups that share similar sources of CRD. Further investigation is necessary to direct intervention development and testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of the study is to construct meaningful nomogram models according to the independent prognostic factor for metastatic pancreatic cancer receiving chemotherapy. Methods: This study is retrospective and consecutively included 143 patients from January 2013 to June 2021. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with the area under the curve (AUC) is utilized to determine the optimal cut‐off value. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, univariate and multivariable Cox regression analysis are exploited to identify the correlation of inflammatory biomarkers and clinicopathological features with survival. R software are run to construct nomograms based on independent risk factors to visualize survival. Nomogram model is examined using calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: The best cut‐off values of 966.71, 0.257, and 2.54 for the systemic immunological inflammation index (SII), monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were obtained by ROC analysis. Cox proportional‐hazards model revealed that baseline SII, history of drinking and metastasis sites were independent prognostic indices for survival. We established prognostic nomograms for primary endpoints of this study. The nomograms' predictive potential and clinical efficacy have been evaluated by calibration curves and DCA. Conclusion: We constructed nomograms based on independent prognostic factors, these models have promising applications in clinical practice to assist clinicians in personalizing the management of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Distress during SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak affected also cancer patients' well‐being. Aim of this study was to investigate patient' reactions and behavior (flexible‐adaptive vs. inflexible‐maladaptive) during the SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey was designed with a self‐report questionnaire, "the ImpACT questionnaire," developed for the study. Regression analysis was performed on data. Results: Four hundred and forty five cancer patients from 17 Italian regions participated in the study. 79.8% of participants were female (mean age of 58 years). 92.6% of participants reported feeling vulnerable to COVID‐19 contagion; 75.6% reported helpless, 62.7% sad, 60.4% anxious, and 52.0% anger. Avoidance of thinking about coronavirus is the principal maladaptive behavior that emerged. Participants who reported feeling anxious were more likely to have fear of staff being infected with COVID‐19 (OR = 3.01; 95% CI = 1.49–6.30) and to have disrupted sleep due to worry (OR = 2.42; 95% CI = 1.23–4.83). Younger participants reported more anxiety (OR = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.94–1.00); men reported feeling calm more than women (OR = 2.60; 95% CI = 1.27–5.43). Conclusions: Majority of cancer patients reported serious concerns regarding SARS‐CoV‐2 infection; reliable information and psychological support must be offers to respond to these needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthy behaviors are paramount in preventing long‐term adverse health outcomes in childhood, adolescent, and young adult (CAYA) cancer survivors. We systematically reviewed and synthesized existing literature on barriers, facilitators, and other factors associated with health behaviors in this population. Methods: MEDLINE and PsycInfo were searched for qualitative and quantitative studies including survivors aged 16–50 years at study, a cancer diagnosis ≤25 years and ≥2 years post diagnosis. Health behaviors included physical activity, smoking, diet, alcohol consumption, sun exposure, and a combination of these behaviors (defined as health behaviors in general). Results: Barriers, facilitators, and other factors reported in ≥2 two studies were considered relevant. Out of 4529 studies, 27 were included (n = 31,905 participants). Physical activity was the most frequently examined behavior (n = 12 studies), followed by smoking (n = 7), diet (n = 7), alcohol (n = 4), sun exposure (n = 4), and health behavior in general (n = 4). Relevant barriers to physical activity were fatigue, lack of motivation, time constraints, and current smoking. Relevant facilitators were perceived health benefits and motivation. Influence of the social environment and poor mental health were associated with more smoking, while increased energy was associated with less smoking. No relevant barriers and facilitators were identified for diet, alcohol consumption, and sun exposure. Barriers to healthy behavior in general were unmet information needs and time constraints whereas lifestyle advice, information, and discussions with a healthcare professional facilitated healthy behavior in general. Concerning other factors, women were more likely to be physically inactive, but less likely to drink alcohol and more likely to comply with sun protection recommendations than men. Higher education was associated with more physical activity, and lower education with more smoking. Conclusion: This knowledge can be used as a starting point to develop health behavior interventions, inform lifestyle coaches, and increase awareness among healthcare providers regarding which survivors are most at risk of unhealthy behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Undetermined lung nodules are common in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) and lack precise risk stratification. This study aimed to develop a radiomic‐based score (Rad‐score) to distinguish metastasis and predict overall survival (OS) in patients with LARC and lung nodules. Methods: Retrospective data from two institutions (July 10, 2006—September 24, 2015) was used to develop and validate the Rad‐score for distinguishing lung nodule malignancy. The prognostic value of the Rad‐score was investigated in LARC cohorts, leading to the construction and validation of a clinical and radiomic score (Cli‐Rad‐score) that incorporates both clinical and radiomic information for the purpose of improving personalized clinical prognosis prediction. Descriptive statistics, survival analysis, and model comparison were performed to assess the results. Results: The Rad‐score demonstrated great performance in distinguishing malignancy, with C‐index values of 0.793 [95% CI: 0.729–0.856] in the training set and 0.730 [95% CI: 0.666–0.874] in the validation set. In independent LARC cohorts, Rad‐score validation achieved C‐index values of 0.794 [95% CI: 0.737–0.851] and 0.747 [95% CI: 0.615–0.879]. Regarding prognostic prediction, Rad‐score effectively stratified patients. Cli‐Rad‐score outperformed the clinicopathological information alone in risk stratification, as evidenced by significantly higher C‐index values (0.735 vs. 0.695 in the internal set and 0.618 vs. 0.595 in the external set). Conclusions: CT‐based radiomics could serve as a reliable and powerful tool for lung nodule malignancy distinction and prognostic prediction in LARC patients. Rad‐score predicts prognosis independently. Incorporation of Cli‐Rad‐score significantly enhances the persionalized clinical prognostic capacity in LARC patients with lung nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with metastatic cancer experience high healthcare use and costs, most of which are unplanned. We aimed to assess whether patients with more competent informal caregivers have lower unplanned healthcare use and costs. Methods: This study used data from a prospective cohort of patients with solid metastatic cancer. Patients and their informal family caregivers were surveyed every 3 months until patients' death. Patients' unplanned healthcare use/costs were examined through hospital records. Caregivers responded to the 4‐item Caregiver Competence Scale. First, in a deceased subsample of patients and their caregivers, we used patients' last 2 years of data (226 dyads) to assess the association between caregivers' competency (independent variable) and patients' unplanned healthcare use/costs (outcomes). Next, in a prospective sample of patient‐caregiver dyads (up to 15 surveys), we assessed whether patients' functional well‐being and psychological distress moderated the association between caregivers' competency and unplanned healthcare use/costs (311 dyads). Results: In the deceased subsample, during last 2 years of patients' life, caregivers' higher competency lowered the odds of patients' unplanned healthcare use [OR (CI) = 0.86 (0.75, 0.98), p = 0.03], and was associated with a significant reduction in unplanned healthcare costs [Coeff (CI) = −0.19 (−0.36, −0.01), p = 0.03]. In the prospective sample, patients' functional well‐being and psychological distress moderated the association between caregivers' competency and patients' unplanned healthcare use/costs. Conclusion: With deterioration in patients' condition and an increase in caregiving demands, improving caregivers' competency can reduce patients' unplanned healthcare use and costs. This should be further tested in future trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Symptoms of cancer‐related fatigue (CRF) can have a significant impact on patients' quality of life and treatment adherence. We aimed to investigate the relationship between CRF and multiple psychosocial and somatic indicators within a large mixed cancer sample. Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, N = 1787 outpatients with cancer were assessed for CRF, pain, anxiety, and depression using validated screening instruments. We further obtained clinical parameters (Hb, CRP, creatinine, leukocytes, ASAT, and ALAT), sociodemographic data (age, gender, income, education level, marital status, parenthood, and living area), and lifestyle factors. Multivariate linear regression models were applied to estimate the impact of each indicator on CRF. Results: Overall, 90.6% of patients experienced some CRF, with 14.8% experiencing severe CRF. No gender difference was found in the prevalence of CRF. Patients with higher levels of pain, depressive symptoms, and lower Hb levels had significantly higher levels of CRF (ps <0.001). Lower levels of CRF were observed in patients who had children (p = 0.03), had less education (p < 0.001), and were physically active for more than 2 h per week before their oncological diagnosis (p = 0.014). The latter was only a significant indicator in the male subsample. Conclusion: The present results demonstrate a high prevalence of CRF and highlight that not only somatic and psychosocial factors, but also lifestyle factors prior to diagnosis appear to be associated with the etiology and persistence of CRF. To effectively treat CRF, a biopsychosocial, personalized approach is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the incidence of double primary cancers (DPCs) involving lung cancer is rising, they have not been studied sufficiently. This study retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological and prognostic characteristics of DPC patients with lung cancer and developed a survival nomogram to predict the individual OS rates. Methods: We included 103 DPC patients with lung cancer from Shengjing Hospital between 2016 and 2021. Based on the 6‐month cancer occurrence interval, the cases were categorized as synchronous DPCs (sDPCs) or metachronous DPCs (mDPCs). Furthermore, the mDPCs were subdivided based on whether the lung cancer occurred first (LCF cohort) or the other cancer occurred first (OCF cohort). Results: Among the patients, 35 (33.98%) and 68 (66.02%) had sDPCs and mDPCs, respectively. In the mDPCs cohort, 18 (26.47%) belonged to the LCF cohort and 50 (73.53%) to the OCF cohort. The most frequent primary cancer sites were the breast (27.18%), colorectum (22.33%), and urinary system (18.45%). Independent risk factors for progression‐free survival were Stage IV lung cancer (p = 0.008) and failure to undergo radical lung cancer surgery (p = 0.028). The risk factors for OS included squamous carcinoma (p = 0.048), Stage IV lung cancer (p = 0.001), single cancer resection plus drug therapy (p < 0.001), drug therapy alone (p = 0.002), failure to undergo radical lung cancer surgery (p = 0.014), and chemotherapy (p = 0.042). The median OS was 37 months, with 3‐ and 5‐year rates of 50.9% and 35.9%, respectively. Conclusion: DPCs involving lung cancer account for 1.11% of cases. The breast, colorectum, and urinary system were the most common extra‐pulmonary sites, and mDPCs were more frequent than sDPCs. Radical lung cancer surgery significantly affects prognosis, and drug therapy alone may be preferable when only one tumor is operable. The developed nomogram can accurately predict individual 3‐year and 5‐year OS rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To date, lung cancer is one of the most lethal diagnoses worldwide. A variety of lung cancer treatments and modalities are available, which are generally presented during the patient and doctor consultation. The implementation of decision tools to facilitate patient's decision‐making and the management of their healthcare process during medical consultation is fundamental. Studies have demonstrated that decision tools are helpful to promote health management and decision‐making of lung cancer patients during consultations. The main aim of the present work within the I3LUNG project is to systematically review the implementation of decision tools to facilitate medical consultation about oncological treatments for lung cancer patients. Methods: In the present study, we conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines. We used an electronic computer‐based search involving three databases, as follows: Embase, PubMed, and Scopus. 10 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included. They explicitly refer to decision tools in the oncological context, with lung cancer patients. Results: The discussion highlights the most encouraging results about the positive role of decision aids during medical consultations about oncological treatments, especially regarding anxiety, decision‐making, and patient knowledge. However, no one main decision aid tool emerged as essential. Opting for a more recent timeframe to select eligible articles might shed light on the current array of decision aid tools available. Conclusion: Future review efforts could utilize alternative search strategies to explore other lung cancer‐specific outcomes during medical consultations for treatment decisions and the implementation of decision aid tools. Engaging with experts in the fields of oncology, patient decision‐making, or health communication could provide valuable insights and recommendations for relevant literature or research directions that may not be readily accessible through traditional search methods. The development of guidelines for future research were provided with the aim to promote decision aids focused on patients' needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the effect of Self‐designed Metabolic Equivalent Exercises (SMEE) on cancer‐related fatigue in patients with gastric cancer. Methods: 130 patients with gastric cancer admitted to Department of Oncology of a tertiary hospital in Shanghai were enrolled and assessed for eligibility. After excluding 1 patient who declined to participate, 129 eligible patients were randomly assigned into SMEE (n = 65) and control (n = 64) groups. The Revised Piper Fatigue Scale (RPFS) and EORTC QLQ‐C30 Quality of Life Scale were used to measure cancer‐caused fatigue and quality of life, respectively, in both groups at the first admission and after 3 months. Results: After excluding patients who did not receive allocated intervention due to medical (n = 3) and personal (n = 2) reasons, those who were lost to follow‐up (n = 3), and those who had discontinued intervention (n = 2), 119 patients (64 in the SMEE group and 55 in the control group) were included for analysis. There were no statistically significant differences in the RPFS or QLQ‐C30 score between the two groups at baseline. After 3 months, the total RPFS score of the SMEE group was significantly lower than that of the control group (2.86 ± 1.75 vs. 4.65 ± 1.29, p = 0.009), with significant improvements in affective meaning (0.83 ± 0.92 vs. 1.13 ± 0.77, p = 0.044) and sensory (0.70 ± 0.71 vs. 1.00 ± 0.54, p < 0.001) subscales; in the SMEE group, QLQ‐C30 scores in somatic (2.00 ± 0.27 vs. 1.31 ± 0.26, p < 0.001), emotional (2.67 ± 0.58 vs. 2.07 ± 0.48, p < 0.001), and social (3.23 ± 0.58 vs. 1.64 ± 0.51, p < 0.001) functioning were significantly higher than those in the control group, with significant improvements in fatigue (p < 0.001), nausea/vomiting (p = 0.014), shortness of breath (p < 0.001), constipation (p < 0.001), and diarrhea (p = 0.001) dimensions. Conclusion: The self‐programmed metabolic equivalent manipulation as an exercise intervention could effectively reduce the degree of cancer‐caused fatigue and improve quality of life in patients with gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Changes in the local population are intricately linked to healthcare infrastructure, which subsequently impacts the healthcare sector. A decreasing local population can result in lagging health infrastructure, potentially leading to adverse health outcomes as patients may be at risk of not receiving optimal care and treatment. While some studies have explored the relationship between chronic diseases and local population decline, evidence regarding cancer is insufficient. In this study, we focused on how deteriorating management of chronic diseases such as dyslipidemia could influence the risk of cancer. We investigated the relationship between changes in the local population and cancer incidence among patients with dyslipidemia. Methods: This cohort study was conducted using claims data. Data from adult patients with dyslipidemia from the National Health Insurance Service–National Sample Cohort conducted between 2002 and 2015 were included. Population changes in each region were obtained from the Korean Statistical Information Service and were used to link each individual's regional code. Cancer risk was the dependent variable, and Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the target associations. Results: Data from 336,883 patients with dyslipidemia were analyzed. Individuals who resided in areas with a decreasing population had a higher risk of cancer than those living in areas with an increasing population (decrease: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.03–1.10; normal: HR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02–1.09). Participants living in regions with a low number of hospitals had a higher risk of cancer than those in regions with a higher number of hospitals (HR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.12–1.29). Conclusion: Patients in regions where the population has declined are at a higher risk of cancer, highlighting the importance of managing medical problems caused by regional extinction. This could provide evidence for and useful insights into official policies on population decline and cancer risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have been increasingly used in the treatment of ovarian cancer, with BRCA positivity and homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) being common biomarkers used for predicting their efficacy. However, given the limitations of these biomarkers, new ones need to be explored. Methods: This retrospective study included 181 ovarian cancer patients who received olaparib or niraparib at two independent hospitals in Japan between May 2018 and December 2022. Clinical information and blood sampling data were collected. Patient characteristics, treatment history, and predictability of treatment duration based on blood data before treatment initiation were examined. Results: High‐grade serous carcinoma, BRCA positivity, HRD, and maintenance therapy after recurrence treatment were observed more frequently in the olaparib group than in the niraparib group. The most common reasons for treatment interruption were anemia, fatigue, and nausea in the olaparib group and thrombocytopenia in the niraparib group. Regarding response to olaparib treatment, complete response to the most recent treatment, maintenance therapy after the first chemotherapy, high‐grade serous carcinoma, and germline BRCA positivity were observed significantly more frequently among responders than among non‐responders. Furthermore, neutrophil counts were significantly higher among responders than among non‐responders. Conclusions: Inflammation‐related blood data, such as neutrophil count, obtained at the initial pre‐treatment visit might serve as potential predictors for prolonged olaparib treatment. While this study offers valuable insights into potential indicators for prolonged olaparib treatment, it underscores the need for more expansive research to strengthen our understanding of PARP inhibitors and optimize treatment strategies in ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Co‐creation, characterised by artists and patients creating a joint work of art, may support patients with the integration of life events, such as living with cancer, into their life story. In the process of co‐creation, resonance relationships between patients, artists and material may evolve that support such integration. Using the framework of resonance theory, we aim to investigate if and how patients move through the three phases of resonance during a process of co‐creation and explore the role of uncontrollability in this process. Methods: Ten patients who received cancer treatment with palliative intent completed co‐creation processes, which were audio recorded. These recordings were imported in Atlas‐Ti and analysed by applying content analysis. We searched for the three phases of resonance, Being affected, touched and moved; Self‐efficacy and responding; Adaptive transformation. We additionally searched for signs of uncontrollability. Results: Patients used 4–8 sessions (median 5 sessions) with a duration 90–240 min per session (median duration 120 min). We found that patients move through the three phases of resonance during co‐creation processes. Uncontrollability both presents a challenge and an invitation to integrate experiences of contingency into one's life narrative. Patients express self‐recognition and the experience of contingency in their work of art. Conclusions: Integration of experiences of contingency into a life narrative can be supported by the process of co‐creation of art, which invites patients to relate to their illness, their environment and themselves. The phases of resonance in combination with uncontrollability as a continuously present factor, provide a means to both study and support the integration of experiences of contingency into the life narrative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Veneto Institute of Oncology has activated a simultaneous care outpatient clinic (SCOC) in which cancer patients with advanced‐stage cancer are evaluated by oncologist and palliative care specialists. This cross‐sectional study investigated patients' perceptions of the quality of this service. Materials and Methods: An ad‐hoc self‐administered questionnaire, developed by SCOC team, was used to assess the satisfaction of patients admitted at SCOC consultation. The questionnaire, in addition to the socio‐demographic questions, contains eight questions with the Likert scale: time dedicated, feel listened to, feel understood, feel free to speak openly and to express doubts and concerns, feeling about information and indication received, level of empathy of health care and quality of the relationship, level of professional/quality of performance and utility of consultation, and one open‐ended question. The questionnaire has been proposed to all 174 consecutively admitted patients at SCOC. Results: One hundred and sixty‐two patients filled in the questionnaire: 66.7% were male, median age was 71 years, 88.3% had metastatic disease. The timededicatedto SCOC consultation was judged more than adequate (55%) or adequate (35%) by 90% of subjects. Patients completely satisfied about being listened to were 92.5%, with 80.9% being completely satisfied with understanding of their issues and 92% with the freedom to speak and express doubts. Usefulness ofthe SCOC was rated as excellent by 40% and good by 54.4% of patients. No statistically significant differences were observed in the responses to the questions by gender, age (< or ≥70 years old) and type of tumor. Conclusion: Our study shows high levels of satisfactions after SCOC consultation in advanced cancer subjects. Patients' feedback confirmed that SCOC model was effective in helping them during their treatment journey and decision at the end of life. This study encouraged us to enhance our practice of SCOC consultation. Implications for Practice: A joint evaluation of patients living with cancer by oncologist and palliative care team (SCOC‐embedded model), has shown to enhance patients' experience/satisfaction with care‐such as listening, understanding, receiving information, symptom control, and decision about future, independently of age, gender, and kind of tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review describes the barriers and challenges faced by older adults of color with cancer and highlights methods to improve their overall care. In the next decade, cancer incidence rates are expected to increase in the United States for people aged ≥65 years. A large proportion will be older adults of color who often have worse outcomes than older White patients. Many issues contribute to racial disparities in older adults, including biological factors and social determinants of health (SDOH) related to healthcare access, socioeconomic concerns, systemic racism, mistrust, and the neighborhood where a person lives. These disparities are exacerbated by age‐related challenges often experienced by older adults, such as decreased functional status, impaired cognition, high rates of comorbidities and polypharmacy, poor nutrition, and limited social support. Additionally, underrepresentation of both patients of color and older adults in cancer clinical research results in a lack of adequate data to guide the management of these patients. Use of geriatric assessments (GA) can aid providers in uncovering age‐related concerns and personalizing interventions for older patients. Research demonstrates the ability of GA‐directed care to result in fewer treatment‐related toxicities and improved quality of life, thus supporting the routine incorporation of validated GA into these patients' care. GA can be enhanced by including evaluation of SDOH, which can help healthcare providers understand and address the needs of older adults of color with cancer who face disparities related to their age and race. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to paclitaxel and carboplatin has the risk of developing hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs), which could necessitate using less effective treatments to avoid anaphylaxis. Desensitization to platinum and taxane HSRs can be used to complete chemotherapy according to the standard regimen; therefore, this study investigated rates and benefits of successful desensitization in patients with gynecologic cancers (GC). Methods: We collected data from 241 patients with GC who had at least one cycle of platinum or taxane chemotherapy. The rate of HSRs and successful desensitization were evaluated, and an outcome analysis was conducted. Results: The rate of HSRs to platinum and taxane was 6.39% and 13.07%, respectively. We observed a 100% success rate of desensitization in our cohort. Patients with HSR were significantly younger (57.1 vs. 64.9 years, p=0.030) in the taxane cohort. Importantly, the overall survival (OS) of patients with platinum and taxane HSRs who underwent desensitization was comparable to that of patients with no HSRs (platinum vs. controls; median OS 60.36 vs. 60.39months, p=0.31; taxane vs. controls; OS 80.29 vs. 60.00months, p=0.59). Conclusion: Thus, we show that desensitization for platinum and taxane HSRs is safe and effective, resulting in an outcome that is well comparable to patients without HSR. Based on these observations, desensitization procedures might be considered as standard of care before switching to less effective treatment for patients with GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]