ABSTRACT
<p>This study aimed to investigate the changes in physical function, fatigue, and psychiatric symptoms in patients with hematological malignancy undergoing chemotherapy and low-intensity exercise training. Sixty-two hospitalized patients with hematological malignancy undergoing chemotherapy and low-intensity exercise were recruited. At the time of exercise initiation and hospital discharge, grip strength, knee extension muscle strength, maximum walking speed, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, a measure of functional independence, cancer fatigue pain, and hospital anxiety and depression were evaluated. When longitudinal data were analyzed in each group, changes in grip strength and knee extension muscle strength were unevenly distributed: some patients showed a decrease in knee extension strength. On the other hand, maximum walking speed, the measure of functional independence, and ECOG performance status were maintained or improved in more than 90% of the patients. Results of fatigue, anxiety, and depression tended to show an improvement in female patients, but not in male patients. In conclusion, physical function was maintained in nearly all patients with hematological malignancy undergoing chemotherapy and low-intensity exercise training. Sex differences were found in changes of fatigue, anxiety, and depression.</p>
ABSTRACT
<b>Purpose</b>: This study was to identify the concerns of cancer patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy and perceived positive aspects of their treatment. <b>Methods</b>: We conducted self-administered questionnaire based on Cancer-chemotherapy Concerns Rating Scale (CCRS) among 62 cancer patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy, and who have agreed to participate in the study. <b>Results</b>: The CCRS score was significantly higher among those unemployed or on leave of absence, compared to those with job, and. also significantly higher among those with such adverse effects as fatigue, anorexia and hair loss. More than 90% of the participants answered that they have become more concerned about their health than they were prior to developing their disease, and have felt preciousness of their friends and families. <b>Conclusion</b>: Our results suggested to the necessity in attending to the adverse effects of the treatment, and utilizing social resources in order to address the various concerns of the cancer patients.