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The number of people diagnosed with cancer in Australia continues to rise, with more than 1 in 22 Australians now living with a history of cancer. This increase is occurring in parallel with a growing body of evidence about the psychological problems faced by patients with cancer, and the beneficial effects of interventions specifically designed to address these needs. Despite this evidence, research suggests that many psychologists feel underequipped for the unique issues encountered in cancer settings. In light of the profound effects of the COVID−19 pandemic on people living with cancer, it is timely to reflect on the complex needs related to cancer, with the aim of ensuring that psychologists are equipped to enhance the wellbeing of patients. In this commentary we provide an overview of: (a) the key issues that can arise across the cancer continuum, and (b) the existing evidence-based resources and tools for the screening and management of these presenting concerns. This commentary concludes with a discussion of the emotional impact for psychologists working with cancer patients, and consideration of how access to professional training in this area might be enhanced. What is already known about the topic: Cancer is highly prevalent and rates of distress associated with cancer are high. People with cancer have clear psychological needs, but psychologists often report feeling underequipped and lacking in confidence to work with this population. Equipping psychologists to address these issues could improve quality of life and clinical outcomes for cancer patients and reduce health-system burden. What this topic adds: We outline some of the most commonly experienced issues, as reported by people with cancer. We summarise the evidence-based interventions that address the unique issues faced by this population. We describe how psychologists can manage their own emotional wellbeing in working with people with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Haematological cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to the effects of COVID‐19. In addition to being immunocompromised, pandemic‐related travel restrictions have impacted access to treatments and overseas stem cell donations for patients requiring transplantation. Given this vulnerability, people with haematological cancers are at risk of experiencing heightened distress during the pandemic. This study aimed to explore haematological cancer patients' experiences and needs. Methods: Twenty‐four Australian haematological cancer patients completed semi‐structured interviews exploring their concerns and worries during the pandemic, impact of pandemic on management of disease, access to information and support, lifestyle changes, and attitudes towards emerging models of healthcare during the pandemic. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed. Results: Four themes reflecting the experiences of haematological cancer patients during the pandemic were identified: 'Fears about contracting COVID‐19' (behaviour changes to protect health, impact on daily routine and habits, annoyance at dismissive attitude of others toward COVID‐19); 'Reduced sense of connection and support' (reduced social support and access to external support services); 'New challenges' (increased financial hardship, worsened health), and; 'Underlying system and communication issues' (access to trusted information, satisfaction/dissatisfaction with care, navigating telehealth). Participants expressed a need for improved access to support services and trusted information. Conclusions: The findings emphasise the additional challenges experienced by haematological cancer patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic and their impact on daily life. Results point to the importance of validation of increased distress during periods of uncertainty; reinforcing recommendations about high‐quality sources of information; and facilitating access to support services when face‐to‐face care is limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For blood cancer patients, haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) donated by a relative can be lifesaving. However, related donors can face significant physical and psychosocial challenges. As the demand for adult‐related HSC donors is increasing, it is important to review our understanding of adult‐related HSC donors' need for and availability of information and psychosocial support with a view to identifying gaps in the literature. A systematic review of relevant studies (2000–2017) was conducted using five databases with supplementary hand searching. Sixteen studies involving 1,024 related HSC donors met the following criteria: English or Dutch language, peer‐reviewed, sampled first‐time‐related HSC donors, ≥18 years, haematological malignancies, assessed psychosocial aspects, retrospective or prospective and with or without comparison group. Data were abstracted, and study quality was assessed using the PRISMA criteria. Studies contained limited information on the provision of information and psychosocial support. Most studies addressed pre‐donation information, and none reported providing information or support to donors post‐donation. Additionally, few studies formally assessed unmet needs. Recommendations include improved transparency of reporting for the availability, sources and timing of information and psychosocial support, and the identification of unmet needs to enable the development of educational and psychosocial interventions for this invaluable donor population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IL-6 mediates broad physiological and pathological effects through its receptor signal transducing unit gp130. Due to the reportedly wide cellular expression of gp130, IL-6 is thought to signal ubiquitously via gp130 complex formation with membrane-bound IL-6Rα or soluble IL-6Rα. gp130 signaling primarily induces p-STAT3 and p-STAT1. In contrast to the previous dogma, we show in this article that circulating mouse and human granulocytes are unable to induce p-STAT3 or p-STAT1 after stimulation with IL-6 or an IL-6/soluble IL-6R complex. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this is due to a lack of gp130 expression on mouse and human granulocytes, despite their expression of membrane-bound IL-6R. Importantly, the absence of gp130 is not only a feature of mature granulocytes in healthy individuals, it is also observed after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Moreover, granulocyte gp130 expression is lost during maturation, because granulocyte-monocyte progenitor cells express gp130 and respond to IL-6. Given that granulocytes constitute 50-70% of circulating leukocytes, this indicates a significantly smaller scope of IL-6 signaling than previously anticipated and has important implications for therapeutic IL-6 inhibition and the mechanisms of action thereof. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many patients with advanced cancer identify home as being their preferred place of death. A critical component in achieving a home death is the support of family members, who often take on responsibilities for which they feel insufficiently prepared with subsequent impacts upon their health and well-being., Objectives: This study sought to review existing qualitative literature on family carers' experiences in providing end-of-life care at home for patients with advanced cancer, with an emphasis on exploring factors that influence how prepared they feel for their role., Methods: A narrative review was chosen to provide an overview and analysis of qualitative findings. MEDLINE, PubMed, PsychINFO, and EMBASE databases were searched with the following search terms: "Cancer," "Caregiver," "End of Life Care," "Home," and "Qualitative." Inclusion criteria were as follows: English language, empirical studies, adult carers, and articles published between 2011 and 2021. Data were abstracted, and study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative research., Results: Fourteen relevant articles were included. Three overarching themes reflecting the factors influencing family preparedness for their role were identified: "motivations for providing care," "interactions with health-care professionals," and "changes during the caring process.", Significance of Results: Inadequate preparation of family carers is apparent with regard to their role in providing end-of-life care at home for patients with advanced cancer. There is a need for health-care workers to more effectively identify the information and support needs of families, and utilize evidence-based strategies that have emerged to address these needs.