BACKGROUND: Psycho-oncological support (POS) and psychopharmacological interventions are effective in treating psychiatric symptoms in patients with breast cancer. However, despite high prevalences of psychiatric disorders in patients with breast cancer, a significant proportion remains untreated.
METHODS: Data from 1062 breast cancer patients who had been diagnosed and treated at a Comprehensive Cancer Center between 2012 and 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. We descriptively evaluated the number of patients with a psychiatric diagnosis, POS and psychiatric medication. Latent class analysis was used to examine the relationship between ICD-10 coded psychiatric diagnoses, POS, psychiatric medication, and, as important prognostic factors, tumor stage and somatic comorbidity.
RESULTS: 31.5% of all patients had a psychiatric diagnosis, 20% received POS and up to 60% received psychiatric medication. Latent class analysis revealed three subgroups: 1) patients with a low cancer stage, low somatic comorbidity, no psychiatric diagnosis, no POS and no psychiatric medication; 2) patients with a low cancer stage, low somatic comorbidity, a psychiatric diagnosis, and a higher probability of POS and psychiatric medication than class 1 and class 3; 3) patients with advanced cancer stage, high somatic comorbidity, a higher probability of a psychiatric diagnosis and POS than class 1, and no psychiatric medication.
CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders among patients with breast cancer and a discrepancy between the number of patients having a psychiatric disorder and those receiving psychiatric medication. The identification of subgroups might contribute to better tailored treatment for those patients whose needs are insufficiently met.

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BACKGROUND: The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is expected to witness a significant increase in the burden of cancer. Contrary to Western literature, the burden of psycho-oncology is yet to be established within the MENA region. This study reviews all available evidence characterizing the psychological burden among patients with cancer across the MENA region.
METHODS: We systematically explored the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane/CENTRAL, and Web of Science (WoS) databases for reports on the psychiatric burden among patients with cancer residing within the MENA region from January 2000 until January 2023. Raw proportion were extracted and analyzed using a random-effects model.
RESULTS: Eighty-three studies comprised of 16 810 participants, representing 14 countries, met our inclusion criteria. Across the MENA region, the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and distress were 44% (95% CI, 39%-50%), 47% (95% CI, 40%-54%), and 43% (95% CI, 30%-56%), respectively. Prevalence of depression was significantly different across countries, with Palestine (73%; 95% CI, 42%-91%) reporting the highest rate while Morocco (23%; 95% CI, 7%-56%) reported the lowest. Similarly, anxiety significantly differed across MENA nations ranging from 64% (95% CI, 3%-99%) in Morocco to 28% (95% CI, 18%-42%) in Tunisia. Rates of depression and anxiety were significantly different across measurement tools but not between Arabic-speaking versus Persian/Farsi-speaking countries. Meta-regression models showed that neither publication year nor age affected the prevalence of both anxiety and depression (P = .374 and .091 for depression and P = .627, and .546 for anxiety, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS: We report an abnormally high rate of psychiatric burden among patients with cancer in the MENA region. Thus, establishing appropriate psycho-oncologic interventions within the MENA region is of utmost importance.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the Advocate-BREAST project are to study and improve the breast cancer (BC) patient experience through education and patient-centered research.
METHODS: In December 2021, an electronic REDCap survey was circulated to 6,918 BC survivors (stage 0-4) enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Breast Disease Registry. The questionnaire asked about satisfaction with BC care delivery, and education and support receive(d) regarding BC linked concerns. Patients also ranked Quality Improvement (QI) proposals.
RESULTS: The survey received 2,437 responses. 18% had Ductal Carcinoma in Situ, 81% had early breast cancer (EBC), i.e. stage 1-3, and 2% had metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Mean age was 64 (SD 11.8), and mean time since diagnosis was 93 months (SD 70.2). 69.3% of patients received all care at Mayo Clinic. The overall experience of care was good (> 90%). The main severe symptoms recalled in year 1 were alopecia, eyebrow/eyelash thinning, hot flashes, sexual dysfunction, and cognitive issues. The main concerns recalled were fear of BC recurrence/spread; loved ones coping; fear of dying, and emotional health. Patients were most dissatisfied with information regarding sexual dysfunction, eyebrow/eyelash thinning, peripheral neuropathy, and on side effects of immunotherapy/targeted therapies. Top ranking QI projects were: i) Lifetime access to concise educational resources; ii) Holistic support programs for MBC and iii) Wellness Programs for EBC and MBC.
CONCLUSIONS: Patients with early and advanced BC desire psychological support, concise educational resources, and holistic care.
CONCLUSIONS: Focused research and QI initiatives in these areas will improve the BC patient experience.

OBJECTIVE: Cancer is a life threatening disease with negative impact on quality of life and psychological well-being. In international studies, one-to-one peer support and counseling have been shown to improve the psychological well-being of cancer patients. In the study presented, we developed and evaluated an innovative program of peer-coaching. In this program at the University Hospital of Freiburg, cancer survivors were trained to support peers by sharing experience.
METHODS: In the project, N = 25 cancer survivors were trained to conduct supportive one-to-one conversations with acute patients or patients in aftercare. Based on a prospective observational study, patients were interviewed using questionnaires before and after the conversations. We assessed expectations and experiences with the peer-coaching as well as psychosocial parameters (PHQ9, GAD7, SSUK, NCCN-distress thermometer).
RESULTS: A total of 52 patients had at least one contact with a peer-coach. Most of the patients attended 1-3 sessions. In total, 85 contacts pairing peer-coaches with patients were conducted. Patients showed on average a high level of distress but a low rate of psychiatric comorbidity. The supportive conversations met the patients` needs. Sharing experiences and empowerment were the most relevant benefits for the patients. Both patients and trained peers showed high satisfaction levels with the program.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the feasibility and utility of a peer-coaching program in which trained cancer survivors, acting as peer-coaches, support other patients during or after their oncological treatment. In a further study, the efficacy of peer-coaching should be investigated based on a randomized-controlled trial.
BACKGROUND: The trial was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (No. DRKS DRKS00017500) on 12.12.2019.

People with a substance use disorder (SUD) have shortened lifespans due to complications from their substance use and challenges engaging with traditional health care settings and institutions. This impact on life expectancy is especially prominent in patients with co-occurring SUDs and cancer, and often has a much worse prognosis from the cancer than a similar patient without a SUD. Palliative care teams are experts in serious illness communication and symptom management and have become increasingly embedded in the routine care of patients with cancer. We argue that the skill set of palliative care teams is uniquely suited for addressing the needs of this oft marginalized group. We provide a comprehensive review of tools for addressing these needs, including medications that can both treat pain and opioid use disorder (OUD), and highlight psychosocial approaches to treating patients with OUD and cancer in a way that is respectful and effective. Using a trauma informed framework, we focus on the application of harm reduction principles from addiction medicine and the principles of clear communication, accompaniment, and emotional presence from palliative care to maximize support. We also focus on ways to reduce stigma in the delivery of care, by providing language that reduces barriers and increases patient engagement. Finally, we describe a clinic embedded within our institution\'s cancer center which aims to serve patients with cancer and SUDs, built on the framework of harm reduction, accompaniment and trauma informed care (TIC). Overall, we aim to provide context for addressing the common challenges that arise with patients with cancer and OUD, including the direct impact of psychosocial stress on substance use and cancer treatment, delays in disease directed treatment that can potentially impact further treatment options and outcomes, challenging pain management due to greater opioid debt, and potential loss of primary coping mechanism through substance use in the face of potential terminal diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients, aged between 15 to 39 years old, suffer from long-term psychological distress, confronting low self-efficacy and various psychological problems. This study constructs a group online-based peer support intervention combined with offline activities to explore its impact on the psychological distress of AYA cancer patients.
METHODS: A randomized, two-arm clinical trial was conducted in which 90 AYA cancer patients were recruited. The control group (N = 45) received conventional psychological care and treatment, and the experimental group (N = 45) received 8 weeks of an online peer support intervention. Outcome measures included psychological distress (Distress Thermometer, DT), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS), perceived peer support (Cancer Peer Support Scales, CaPSS), and readiness for return to work (Readiness to Return-To-Work Scale, RRTW).
RESULTS: Eight-week peer support intervention was effective in improving psychological distress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in the experimental group with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Time affected psychological distress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in AYA cancer patients (P < 0.05), and there was an interaction with intervention factors (P < 0.05). The intervention has a positive effect on relieving the psychological status of AYA cancer patients. For readiness for return to work, the experimental group was in the preparation for the action-behavioral stage immediately, 1 month and 3 months after the end of the intervention (P < 0.01), supporting AYA cancer patients who have not returned to work to maintain optimal return-to-work readiness.
CONCLUSIONS: The group online-based peer support intervention is popular and has good scientificity, effectiveness, and practical significance for AYA cancer patients.
BACKGROUND: This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov. (ChiCTR2100053091, registered on 10 November 2021).

UNASSIGNED: Breast cancer often leads to cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), which includes both objective and subjective cognitive deficits. While psychosocial interventions benefit quality of life and distress reduction, their impact on cognitive deficits is uncertain. This study evaluates the integration of a cognitive module into a digital psychosocial intervention for breast cancer patients.
UNASSIGNED: In this randomized controlled trial (RCT), 88 recently diagnosed breast cancer (BC) patients will receive the ICOnnecta\'t program (control group) - a digital stepped intervention addressing a variety of psychosocial needs. The experimental group (n = 88) will receive ICOnnecta\'t plus a cognitive module. Assessments at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months will measure the interventions\' impact on cognition, emotional distress, medication adherence, quality of life, post-traumatic stress, work functioning and healthcare experience. Feasibility and cost-utility analyses will also be conducted.
UNASSIGNED: The cognitive module includes three levels. The first level contains a cognitive screening using FACT-Cog Perceived Cognitive Impairment (PCI). Patients with PCI <54 progress to a cognitive psychoeducational campus (Level 2) with content on cognitive education, behavioural strategies and mindfulness. Patients with persistent or worsened PCI (≥6) after 3 months move to Level 3, an online cognitive training through CogniFit software delivered twice a week over 12 weeks.
UNASSIGNED: This study assesses whether integrating a cognitive module into a digital psychosocial intervention improves objective and subjective cognition in breast cancer patients. Secondary outcomes explore cognitive improvement\'s impact on psychosocial variables. The research will contribute to testing efficacious approaches for detecting and addressing cognitive dysfunction in breast cancer patients.
UNASSIGNED: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06103318. Registered 26 October 2023, https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06103318?term=serra-blasco&draw=2&rank=4.

BACKGROUND: Psychological disorders are prevalent in cancer patients and their psychological condition can change during cancer chemotherapy and influence their quality of life and adherence to treatment.
METHODS: This prospective observational study enrolled cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The enrolled patients were assessed at the start of chemotherapy, after the first course of chemotherapy, and more than 2 months later by themselves and by medical staff using four different items. The cancer patients assessed themselves using the Numerical Rating Scale for Anxiety (NRS-A), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale subscale for anxiety (HADS-A) and subscale for depression (HADS-D), and patient-reported outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE). A pharmacist or nurse assessed them using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0.
RESULTS: This study enrolled 109 patients. The anxiety and depression scores were highest at the start of chemotherapy and declined thereafter. Patients with history of psychiatric disorders or taking psychotropic drugs had higher scores than those without such disorders or treatments (P < 0.05), and tended to maintain these high scores at the second and third HADS-A and -D assessments. The scores assessed by the patients themselves were higher than those assessed by the medical staff.
CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatric distress scores were highest when commencing chemotherapy and declined thereafter. The patients with history of psychiatric disorders or taking psychotropic drugs kept higher scores of HADS-A and -D during whole chemotherapy courses.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic affected neuro-oncological patients and their caregivers regarding tumor care and emotional functioning, including Quality of Life (QoL). This study aimed to understand how COVID-19 affected their psychological state and the relations between patients and health personnel in neuro-oncology.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on neuro-oncological patients and their caregivers.
RESULTS: A total of 162 patients and 66 caregivers completed the questionnaire. Altogether, 37.5% of patients perceived a greater risk of contracting COVID-19 compared to the general population. On a 0-10 scale, the patients\' tumor-related anxiety score was 5.8, and their COVID-19-related score was 4.6. The caregivers reported 7.7 and 5.5, respectively. QoL was described as at least good in 75% of both patients and caregivers; the caregivers\' care burden increased in 22.7% of cases during the pandemic, with no correlation with QoL. Future perception often changed, both in patients and caregivers. In 18% of cases, the cancer treatment schedule was changed, either by patient decision or by medical decision. However, 93.5% of patients were satisfied with their overall care.
CONCLUSIONS: A considerable proportion of patients and caregivers still perceived the tumor disease as more burdensome than the pandemic, and their future as more uncertain. Such data suggest the need to build a productive alliance between patients and health professionals.