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Objectives: The aim of this pilot trial is evaluating the preliminary effectiveness of two in‐hospital interventions in the maintenance of motor performance in children/adolescents undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Secondary objectives investigated the interventions' feasibility, impact on fatigue and to what degree the subjects' maintained their ankle dorsiflexion range of movement (ROM), functional mobility, muscle strength and flexibility. Methods: This trial included 5‐ to 18‐year‐old participants, affected by oncological and non‐oncological diseases during hospitalisation for autologous/allogenic HSCT. The subjects were assigned to an exercise group (EG), or a counselling group based on a cluster model based on inpatient timeframe. The EG subjects performed strengthening, stretching and aerobic exercises for 30 min/5 days a week. Both groups followed rehabilitation counselling indications (RCI), 7 days a week. Results: Forty‐nine participants were enrolled (median age = 12.9 years) (EG n = 36). In both groups the participants maintained their baseline motor performance and ankle ROM, and the children/adolescents and parents reduced their levels of fatigue. However, the interventions were not effective in maintaining strength. Conclusion: In maintaining the subjects' motor performance, the RCI results are significant because they pave the way for the application in clinical practice contexts where there are poor rehabilitation resources. Clinical Trials registration NCT03842735. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate taste disorders in patients receiving chemotherapy and to assess the impact of dysgeusia on patients' health-related quality of life ( HRQOL). A total of 289 patients with a diagnosis of malignant solid or haematological cancer undergoing chemotherapy completed a questionnaire assessing dysgeusia and HRQOL. Sixty-four per cent of patients developed dysgeusia after and during chemotherapy. A statistically significant correlation was found between type of cancer and dysgeusia ( p = .012), moreover a statistically significant association was found between type of chemotherapy and occurrence of dysgeusia ( p = .031). Patients with dysgeusia had a worse overall HRQOL than those who did not have dysgeusia, and the association between HRQOL and dysgeusia was also statistically significant ( p = .003). Patients with dysgeusia had a higher probability of having a worse HRQOL ( p = .002). In line with previous studies, we observed a significant correlation between chemotherapy and dysgeusia. Furthermore, this study found that cancer patients with dysgeusia have a lower quality of life. In particular the domains 'role,' 'social aspect,' 'nausea-vomiting' and 'appetite' are most influenced by dysgeusia. Improving the communication and information to patients considered at higher risk of developing dysgeusia can have a positive impact on patients' quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GARAJOVÁ I., NEPOTI G., PARAGONA M., BRANDI G. & BIASCO G. (2013) European Journal of Cancer Care 22, 125-132 Port-a-Cath-related complications in 252 patients with solid tissue tumours and the first report of heparin-induced delayed hypersensitivity after Port-a-Cath heparinisation The use of the subcutaneous Port-a-Catheters (Port-a-Caths) provides an important mean of venous access for oncological patients. The aim of our retrospective consecutive single-centre study was to investigate Port-a-Cath-related complications in 252 cancer patients. Overall period of Port-a-Caths maintenance was 25 months. The strategy of our centre is to keep Port-a-Caths in situ up to the end of follow-up in adjuvant cancer patients. A total of 22 complications were recorded (8.73%). Interventional complications occurred in four patients. The main complications during Port-a-Cath use included thrombosis (4 patients, 1.58%), infections (4 patients, 1.58%), persistent pain or discomfort (3 patients, 1.19%) and dislocations (2 patients, 0.79%). Median time to the occurrence of any type of complications was 4.5 months. Eleven Port-a-Caths were removed due to complications (4.36%). Similar rate of Port-a-Cath-related thrombosis/infection was seen in adjuvant and advanced cancer patients (no statistical significance). Continuous infusion of anticancer therapy via a Port-a-Cath system is a relatively safe procedure, although major complications might occur. We are first to describe heparin-induced delayed hypersensitivity after heparinisation of Port-a-Cath. This fact should influence the preference to keep the Port-a-Cath after completion of adjuvant anticancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]