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2.
ESMO Open ; 7(1): 100374, 2022 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35007996

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the well-being and job performance of oncology professionals globally. The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Resilience Task Force collaboration set out to investigate and monitor well-being since COVID-19 in relation to work, lifestyle and support factors in oncology professionals 1 year on since the start of the pandemic. METHODS: An online, anonymous survey was conducted in February/March 2021 (Survey III). Key outcome variables included risk of poor well-being or distress (expanded Well-Being Index), feeling burnout (single item from expanded Well-Being Index), and job performance since COVID-19. Longitudinal analysis of responses to the series of three surveys since COVID-19 was carried out, and responses to job demands and resources questions were interrogated. SPSS V.26.0/V.27.0 and GraphPad Prism V9.0 were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Responses from 1269 participants from 104 countries were analysed in Survey III: 55% (n = 699/1269) female, 54% (n = 686/1269) >40 years, and 69% (n = 852/1230) of white ethnicity. There continues to be an increased risk of poor well-being or distress (n = 464/1169, 40%) and feeling burnout (n = 660/1169, 57%) compared with Survey I (25% and 38% respectively, P < 0.0001), despite improved job performance. Compared with the initial period of the pandemic, more participants report feeling overwhelmed with workload (45% versus 29%, P < 0.0001). There remain concerns about the negative impact of the pandemic on career development/training (43%), job security (37%). and international fellowship opportunities (76%). Alarmingly, 25% (n = 266/1086) are considering changing their future career with 38% (n = 100/266) contemplating leaving the profession. CONCLUSION: Oncology professionals continue to face increased job demands. There is now significant concern regarding potential attrition in the oncology workforce. National and international stakeholders must act immediately and work closely with oncology professionals to draw up future-proof recovery plans.


Subject(s)
Burnout, Professional , COVID-19 , Health Personnel , Medical Oncology , Burnout, Professional/epidemiology , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/psychology , Europe/epidemiology , Female , Health Personnel/psychology , Humans , Pandemics , Societies, Medical
3.
ESMO Open ; 6(4): 100199, 2021 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34217129

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant changes to professional and personal lives of oncology professionals globally. The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Resilience Task Force collaboration aimed to provide contemporaneous reports on the impact of COVID-19 on the lived experiences and well-being in oncology. METHODS: This online anonymous survey (July-August 2020) is the second of a series of global surveys launched during the course of the pandemic. Longitudinal key outcome measures including well-being/distress (expanded Well-being Index-9 items), burnout (1 item from expanded Well-being Index), and job performance since COVID-19 were tracked. RESULTS: A total of 942 participants from 99 countries were included for final analysis: 58% (n = 544) from Europe, 52% (n = 485) female, 43% (n = 409) ≤40 years old, and 36% (n = 343) of non-white ethnicity. In July/August 2020, 60% (n = 525) continued to report a change in professional duties compared with the pre-COVID-19 era. The proportion of participants at risk of poor well-being (33%, n = 310) and who reported feeling burnout (49%, n = 460) had increased significantly compared with April/May 2020 (25% and 38%, respectively; P < 0.001), despite improved job performance since COVID-19 (34% versus 51%; P < 0.001). Of those who had been tested for COVID-19, 8% (n = 39/484) tested positive; 18% (n = 7/39) felt they had not been given adequate time to recover before return to work. Since the pandemic, 39% (n = 353/908) had expressed concerns that COVID-19 would have a negative impact on their career development or training and 40% (n = 366/917) felt that their job security had been compromised. More than two-thirds (n = 608/879) revealed that COVID-19 has changed their outlook on their work-personal life balance. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the well-being of oncology professionals globally, with significantly more in distress and feeling burnout compared with the first wave. Collective efforts from both national and international communities addressing support and coping strategies will be crucial as we recover from the COVID-19 crisis. In particular, an action plan should also be devised to tackle concerns raised regarding the negative impact of COVID-19 on career development, training, and job security.


Subject(s)
Burnout, Professional , COVID-19 , Adult , Burnout, Professional/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Medical Oncology , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2
4.
ESMO Open ; 6(2): 100058, 2021 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33601295

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on well-being has the potential for serious negative consequences on work, home life, and patient care. The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Resilience Task Force collaboration set out to investigate well-being in oncology over time since COVID-19. METHODS: Two online anonymous surveys were conducted (survey I: April/May 2020; survey II: July/August 2020). Statistical analyses were performed to examine group differences, associations, and predictors of key outcomes: (i) well-being/distress [expanded Well-being Index (eWBI; 9 items)]; (ii) burnout (1 item from eWBI); (iii) job performance since COVID-19 (JP-CV; 2 items). RESULTS: Responses from survey I (1520 participants from 101 countries) indicate that COVID-19 is impacting oncology professionals; in particular, 25% of participants indicated being at risk of distress (poor well-being, eWBI ≥ 4), 38% reported feeling burnout, and 66% reported not being able to perform their job compared with the pre-COVID-19 period. Higher JP-CV was associated with better well-being and not feeling burnout (P < 0.01). Differences were seen in well-being and JP-CV between countries (P < 0.001) and were related to country COVID-19 crude mortality rate (P < 0.05). Consistent predictors of well-being, burnout, and JP-CV were psychological resilience and changes to work hours. In survey II, among 272 participants who completed both surveys, while JP-CV improved (38% versus 54%, P < 0.001), eWBI scores ≥4 and burnout rates were significantly higher compared with survey I (22% versus 31%, P = 0.01; and 35% versus 49%, P = 0.001, respectively), suggesting well-being and burnout have worsened over a 3-month period during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: In the first and largest global survey series, COVID-19 is impacting well-being and job performance of oncology professionals. JP-CV has improved but risk of distress and burnout has increased over time. Urgent measures to address well-being and improve resilience are essential.


Subject(s)
Burnout, Professional , COVID-19 , Oncologists/psychology , Resilience, Psychological , Adult , Female , Health Surveys , Hospitals , Humans , Job Satisfaction , Male , Middle Aged , Personal Protective Equipment , Remote Consultation
7.
Ann R Coll Surg Engl ; 102(4): e77-e81, 2020 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31973562

ABSTRACT

Desmoplastic small round-cell tumour is a very rare neoplasm, which usually arises from the abdominal or pelvic peritoneum of adolescents and young adults. Early diagnosis is difficult, because most tumours present with non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms after a long asymptomatic period. It is generally a very aggressive tumour, which grows rapidly with poor prognosis and an overall five-year survival rate of 15% despite multimodal treatment. Despite multiple treatment strategies, the management of desmoplastic small round-cell tumour still remains a clinical challenge and no consensus about a therapeutic protocol has been established. A 35-year-old man presented with mild abdominal pain, constipation and weight gain, and was eventually diagnosed with desmoplastic small round-cell tumour, which was shown to be limited to the abdomen. After incomplete debulking surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, he developed multiple metastatic nodular foci in chest and the pleura and, unfortunately, he died due to disease progression.


Subject(s)
Cytoreduction Surgical Procedures , Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor/diagnosis , Peritoneal Cavity/pathology , Peritoneal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Adult , Chemoradiotherapy, Adjuvant , Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor/pathology , Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor/therapy , Fatal Outcome , Humans , Male , Peritoneal Cavity/diagnostic imaging , Peritoneal Cavity/surgery , Peritoneal Neoplasms/therapy , Tomography, X-Ray Computed
8.
Lung Cancer ; 85(1): 74-80, 2014 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24746176

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Early stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is potentially curable with surgery. ESMO guidelines recommend cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) for completely resected stage II-III NSCLC. There is limited evidence for the use of adjuvant CT and/or radiotherapy (RT) in incompletely resected (R1) early stage NSCLC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A European survey of thoracic oncologists was conducted to evaluate use of adjuvant CT and RT for R1-resected NSCLC and to identify factors influencing treatment decisions. Demographics and information on clinical stage, regimens, cycles planned, radiotherapy sites, multidisciplinary management and discussion about inconclusive evidence with the patient were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: 768 surveys were collected from 41 European countries. 82.9% of participants were medical oncologists; 49.3% ESMO members; 37.1% based in University Hospitals; 32.6% practicing oncology for over 15 years and 81.4% active in research. 91.4% of participants prescribed adjuvant CT and mostly cisplatin/vinorelbine (81.2%) or cisplatin/gemcitabine (42.9%). 85% discussed limited clinical evidence with the patient. In the univariate analysis, a statistically significant association with CT prescription was found for medical oncology specialty (p<0.001), ESMO membership (p<0.001), activity in clinical research (p=0.002) and increased frequency of ESMO guidelines consultation (p for trend <0.001). 48.3% of participants prescribed adjuvant RT and its prescription were associated with radiation oncology specialty (p<0.001), not being an ESMO member (p<0.001), years practicing specialty (p for trend=0.001), workload of lung cancer patients (p for trend=0.027) and decreased frequency in consulting ESMO guidelines (p<0.001). In the multivariate analysis, medical oncology and radiation oncology were the best discriminator for prescription of adjuvant CT and RT, respectively. CONCLUSION: This survey demonstrates that adjuvant CT and RT are commonly used in clinical practice for R1-resected NSCLC despite limited evidence. Prospective trials are necessary to clarify optimal management in this setting.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/therapy , Lung Neoplasms/therapy , Physicians , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology , Chemotherapy, Adjuvant , Decision Making , Europe , Female , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Male , Medical Oncology , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Practice Patterns, Physicians' , Radiotherapy, Adjuvant , Surveys and Questionnaires
9.
Br J Surg ; 101(2): 89-99, 2014 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24375301

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The clinicopathological factors that influence survival following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for common bile duct (CBD) cancer are not well known. This study aimed to investigate the effect of tumour involvement of the intrapancreatic versus extrapancreatic CBD on margin status, overall (OS) and disease-free (DFS) survival. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent PD for CBD cancer between 2001 and 2009. Pathological examination was performed according to a previously described standardized protocol based on axial slicing. Clinicopathological data and outcome in terms of margin status, DFS and OS were compared between cancers involving exclusively the intrapancreatic CBD (CBDin) and those involving the extrapancreatic CBD, in isolation or combined with invasion of the intrapancreatic part of the duct (CBDex). RESULTS: A total of 66 patients were enrolled. Most CBD cancers were locally advanced (97 per cent pathological (p) T3, 76 per cent pN1). Microscopic margin involvement (R1) was more frequent in CBDex than in CBDin cancers (34 of 39 versus 13 of 27; P = 0.001), more often multifocal (P < 0.001) and more frequently affected the periductal margin (P = 0.005). Venous resection was more often required for CBDex cancers (P = 0.009). CBDex cancers were associated with worse OS (median 21 versus 28 months; P = 0.020) and DFS (14 versus 31 months; P = 0.015), but the rate and site of recurrence did not differ. Metastasis to more than two lymph nodes was an independent predictor of OS and DFS. CONCLUSION: CBDex cancer is associated with a higher rate of R1 resection and venous resection after PD, and has a worse outcome than CBDin cancer.


Subject(s)
Bile Duct Neoplasms/surgery , Bile Ducts, Extrahepatic/surgery , Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic/surgery , Pancreaticoduodenectomy/mortality , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Bile Duct Neoplasms/mortality , Bile Duct Neoplasms/pathology , Bile Ducts, Extrahepatic/pathology , Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic/pathology , Chemotherapy, Adjuvant , Female , Humans , Lymphatic Metastasis , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Invasiveness/pathology , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/mortality , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome
10.
Clin. transl. oncol. (Print) ; 15(11): 903-909, nov. 2013.
Article in English | IBECS | ID: ibc-127673

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Cancer patients usually develop malnutrition which may alter their innate immune system integrity. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical relevance of chemokine response after lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulation in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Blood samples from metastatic NSCLC patients were incubated with LPS before the onset of systemic therapy. Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 levels at baseline and after LPS-stimulation were measured and the fold change compared to baseline levels was evaluated as the stimulation index for each cytokine per patient. Results were correlated with sex, age, smoking status, histologic subtype, performance status (PS), albumin, Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) status and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Totally 103 patients were evaluated. Mean (±SD) stimulation index was 37.6 (±57.8) for IL-6 and 76.7 (±133.4) for IL-8. The disease control rate after first-line chemotherapy was 44/80 (55 %) and the mean (±SD) progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 4.2 (±3.9) and 9.2 (±1.1) months, respectively. MNA, PS, albumin, IL-6 and IL-8 stimulation indices were univariately associated with PFS and OS. IL-8 stimulation index emerged as an independent predictor of both PFS and OS, along with PS, and albumin levels. CONCLUSION: The extent of IL-6 and IL-8 stimulation after ex vivo induction with LPS is an important predictor of clinical outcome in metastatic NSCLC patients (AU)


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/metabolism , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/mortality , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/radiotherapy , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/diagnosis , Smoking/drug therapy
11.
Clin Transl Oncol ; 15(11): 903-9, 2013 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23463594

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Cancer patients usually develop malnutrition which may alter their innate immune system integrity. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical relevance of chemokine response after lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulation in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Blood samples from metastatic NSCLC patients were incubated with LPS before the onset of systemic therapy. Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 levels at baseline and after LPS-stimulation were measured and the fold change compared to baseline levels was evaluated as the stimulation index for each cytokine per patient. Results were correlated with sex, age, smoking status, histologic subtype, performance status (PS), albumin, Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) status and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Totally 103 patients were evaluated. Mean (±SD) stimulation index was 37.6 (±57.8) for IL-6 and 76.7 (±133.4) for IL-8. The disease control rate after first-line chemotherapy was 44/80 (55 %) and the mean (±SD) progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 4.2 (±3.9) and 9.2 (±1.1) months, respectively. MNA, PS, albumin, IL-6 and IL-8 stimulation indices were univariately associated with PFS and OS. IL-8 stimulation index emerged as an independent predictor of both PFS and OS, along with PS, and albumin levels. CONCLUSION: The extent of IL-6 and IL-8 stimulation after ex vivo induction with LPS is an important predictor of clinical outcome in metastatic NSCLC patients.


Subject(s)
Biomarkers, Tumor/blood , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/blood , Interleukin-6/blood , Interleukin-8/blood , Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology , Lung Neoplasms/blood , Adenocarcinoma/blood , Adenocarcinoma/drug therapy , Adenocarcinoma/secondary , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/secondary , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/blood , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/drug therapy , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/secondary , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Infections/blood , Infections/drug therapy , Infections/etiology , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Staging , Nutritional Status , Prognosis , Prospective Studies , Survival Rate
12.
Oncology ; 81(2): 113-8, 2011.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21986483

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients frequently suffer from weight loss and systemic inflammation in the context of advanced disease, which is related to adverse outcome. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I is an anabolic molecule implicated in the maintenance of muscle mass and cancer growth. We investigated potential correlations of IGF-I with an inflammatory and weight loss status and with clinical outcome. METHODS: Baseline IGF-I plasma levels were measured in 77 patients (66 males, median age 65.5 ± 10.6 years), diagnosed with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, and were correlated with serum albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, weight loss history, treatment response and overall survival. RESULTS: IGF-I correlated with age (p = 0.01), histologic subtype (p = 0.019), albumin (p < 0.001) and CRP (p < 0.001). In univariate analysis, gender (p = 0.005), smoking status (p = 0.012), albumin (p = 0.034) and IGF-I (p = 0.017) were related to time to progression, while IGF-I (p = 0.003), gender (p = 0.049) and smoking status (p = 0.003) retained their significance in multivariate analysis. Age (p = 0.005), gender (p = 0.029), weight loss (p = 0.009), performance status (p < 0.001), number of metastatic sites (p = 0.004), albumin (p = 0.008), CRP (p = 0.022) and IGF-I (p = 0.042) were associated with overall survival, although only gender (p = 0.013), weight loss (p = 0.027), performance status (p = 0.015) and number of metastatic sites (p = 0.021) emerged as independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: IGF-I correlates with systemic inflammation and seems to play an independent predictive role in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology , Inflammation/etiology , Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/physiology , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Weight Loss , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/mortality , Female , Humans , Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/analysis , Lung Neoplasms/mortality , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Metastasis , Treatment Outcome
13.
Psychooncology ; 20(3): 294-301, 2011 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20238307

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Conflicting results exist concerning disease knowledge and patients' quality of life (QOL) while there is very limited information concerning the impact of awareness on caregivers' health-related quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of disease awareness on both cancer patients and their caregivers during the period of chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and twelve cancer patient-caregiver dyads completed the QOL SF-36 instrument on the day of chemotherapy. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Physical component parameters were significantly higher in the family members (p<0.001), while their mental component was lower than cancer patients. Younger patients, females, and of higher educational status were more frequently aware of their disease status while patients with gastrointestinal cancer were more likely to be unaware. Disease knowledge seems to exert a negative influence on patients' physical and mental parameters while lack of awareness affects adversely caregivers' vitality, social function, emotional role, and mental health. Multiple regression analysis confirmed disease awareness affected reversely patients' and caregivers' mental QOL while the counter-influence of the dyad was revealed. CONCLUSIONS: A holistic approach to cancer management should be followed. Patient's treatment is the major medical concern, but health system and professionals should be involved in the mental and physical support of caregivers as well. Tailored interventions that focus on the support of the dyad patient-caregiver should be developed.


Subject(s)
Caregivers/psychology , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Health Status , Neoplasms/psychology , Quality of Life/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Cross-Sectional Studies , Family , Female , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasms/diagnosis , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neoplasms/nursing , Psychometrics , Sickness Impact Profile , Social Support , Socioeconomic Factors , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young Adult
14.
Crit Rev Oncol Hematol ; 78(2): 112-26, 2011 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20570171

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Although more than 90% of melanomas have a cutaneous origin, occasionally it is discovered as a secondary deposit without evident primary site. The aim of this study was to systematically review published literature and analyse data on incidence, presentation, therapeutic interventions, survival and prognostic factors. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, (search terms Melanom*, unknown origin, unknown primary, indolent, occult) and the abstracts from major congresses of the last 4 years and perused the references of the retrieved relevant articles. RESULTS: 4348 patients with MUP were reported along with 132,643 patients with Melanoma of Known Primary (MKP). The incidence of MUP was 3.2%. The male to female ratio was 2:1 while the age peak was in the 4th and 5th decades. MUP patients harbouring nodal disease had a median overall survival ranging between 24 and 127 months, 5-year survival rate between 28.6% and 75.6% and 10-year survival rate between 18.8% and 62.9%. MUP patients with visceral disease had median survival times between 3 and 16 months, and 5-year survival rates between 5.9% and 18%. Presence of tumour regression in metastatic sites and low nodal burden were associated with favourable outcome. Potentially curative surgical treatment offered survival advantage in comparison to patients with residual metastatic foci. MUP patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy paradoxically seemed to fare worse compared to patients observed. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first review to bring together the information of 89 years and to analyze all the potential information accumulated. Although a well know entity no consensus is reached in order to describe MUP presentation, management or prognosis.


Subject(s)
Melanoma/pathology , Neoplasm Metastasis/pathology , Humans , Incidence , Melanoma/diagnosis , Melanoma/epidemiology , Melanoma/mortality , Melanoma/therapy , Neoplasm Regression, Spontaneous , Neoplasm Staging , Prognosis , Recurrence
15.
J BUON ; 15(1): 164-73, 2010.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20414946

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Screening is a significant method for cancer control, nevertheless the implementation of non cost-effective screening tests at national level may constitute a major burden to health economics. The purpose of this study was to determine the cancer screening activities of a large sample of the Hellenic population, in a country with opportunistic screening practice. METHODS: A large survey on cancer screening in Greece was organized and conducted by the Panhellenic Association for Continual Medical Research (PACMeR). Screening performance of evidence-based (EB), non-evidence-based (non EB) and of undefined benefit tests was analysed. RESULTS: 7001 individuals were analysed. Eighty-eight percent of males and 93% of females stated that they were interested in cancer screening practices. Gynecological cancer screening was performed in the range of 23-38%. Colorectal cancer screening was rarely performed in both genders (1- 2%), while non-evidence-based tests were regularly performed (urinalysis 50% and chest radiography 15-18%). Full blood count and PSA measurement were widely accepted (over 45% in both genders and 19.5% in males, respectively). Sociodemographic characteristics did not influence the performance of EB tests in males while females' activities were highly influenced by such parameters. CONCLUSION: Opportunistic cancer screening in a primary health care system where national guidelines are missing may cause ambiguous results. Reconsideration of health policy in such cases is mandatory.


Subject(s)
Government Regulation , Health Policy , Health Priorities , Mass Screening/methods , Neoplasms/diagnosis , Practice Patterns, Physicians' , Primary Health Care , Unnecessary Procedures , Aged , Chi-Square Distribution , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Greece , Health Care Costs , Health Policy/economics , Health Priorities/economics , Health Priorities/legislation & jurisprudence , Health Services Research , Humans , Male , Mass Screening/economics , Mass Screening/legislation & jurisprudence , Middle Aged , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/economics , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/legislation & jurisprudence , Predictive Value of Tests , Primary Health Care/economics , Primary Health Care/legislation & jurisprudence , Surveys and Questionnaires , Unnecessary Procedures/economics
16.
Clin. transl. oncol. (Print) ; 11(4): 228-236, abr. 2009. tab
Article in English | IBECS | ID: ibc-123607

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To estimate cancer screening coverage among a large sample of Greek individuals. METHODS: 7012 adults from 30 Hellenic areas were surveyed. Tests included: faecal occult blood test, sigmoidoscopy,chest X-ray, urine test, testicular examination,trans-rectal ultrasound, full blood count, skin examination,digital rectal examination, PSA, Pap test, mammography,clinical breast examination (CBE), self breast examination and breast ultrasound. RESULTS: Eighty-eight percent of males and 93% of females declared being interested in cancer screening; 37.8% of men and 37.9% of women had had a medical consultation for screening purpose in the previous 2 years. Less than 2%reported having received screening for colorectal cancer or skin malignancies. Screening for cervical cancer, mammography and CBE was reported by 39.6%, 22.8% and 27.9% of females respectively. Twenty percent of males reported screening for prostate cancer. CONCLUSION: The actual opportunistic screening approach presents important deficiencies with displaced priorities in test performance and a low proportion of individuals undergoing recommended tests (AU)


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Aged , Multicenter Studies as Topic/methods , Health Priorities , Neoplasms/prevention & control , Uterine Neoplasms/diagnosis , Mass Screening/methods , Mass Screening , Attitude to Health , Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis , Greece/epidemiology , Mammography/statistics & numerical data , Mammography , Patient Participation/methods , Patient Participation , Physical Examination/statistics & numerical data , Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnosis
17.
Exp Oncol ; 31(1): 60-1, 2009 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19300420

ABSTRACT

AIM: To describe potential beneficial effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitor in the treatment of unresectable/metastatic fibrous histiocytoma. METHODS: We report a case of advanced stage fibrous histiocytoma with locally recurrent disease plus lung and bone metastatic deposits. Patient was treated with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib. RESULTS: Treatment with Sunitinib resulted in disease stabilization in the regional lesion and in good partial response for metastatic foci (reduction in number and size). After 13 months of treatment the patient is doing well with no tumor progression. CONCLUSIONS: This case appears to be one of the first documentations of beneficial effect and potential long-term benefit of TKIs in the treatment of fibrous histiocytoma.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Bone Neoplasms/secondary , Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous/secondary , Indoles/therapeutic use , Kidney Neoplasms/pathology , Lung Neoplasms/secondary , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Pyrroles/therapeutic use , Bone Neoplasms/drug therapy , Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous/drug therapy , Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous/pathology , Humans , Kidney Neoplasms/drug therapy , Lung/drug effects , Lung/pathology , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Sunitinib
18.
Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) ; 18(3): 255-63, 2009 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19175670

ABSTRACT

Although data from literature suggest that diabetic women are frequently under screened for gynaecological cancers little is known about screening implementation for other cancers for both genders. This study investigates comprehensive cancer screening practices of diabetics as compared with non-diabetics; analyses screening patterns both by gender and level of evidence and reveals target subgroups that should be paid more attention for screening implementation. 675 diabetics vs. 5772 non-diabetic Greek individuals entered the PACMeR 02 cancer screening study. Diabetic women reported significantly lower performance for the sex-specific evidence-based cancer screening tests and digital rectal examination (DRE) as compared with non-diabetics (P < 0.05). Diabetic women older than 60 years old, of elementary education, housewives and farmers showed the lowest performance rates (P < 0.01). Prostate cancer screening was higher among diabetic men with ultrasound and DRE reaching statistical significance (P < 0.05). Subgroups analysis did not reveal a hidden relationship. Both genders of diabetics reported never performing skin examination at higher rates (P < 0.001), although screening intent is extremely low in both diabetics and non-diabetics (<1%). Evidence-based screening coverage was inconsistent in both genders independently by the diabetic status. Primary care efforts should be provided to implement presymptomatic cancer control.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Complications/diagnosis , Early Detection of Cancer , Mass Screening , Neoplasms/diagnosis , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Case-Control Studies , Female , Greece , Health Services Accessibility , Humans , Male , Mass Screening/statistics & numerical data , Middle Aged , Risk Factors , Sex Factors , Socioeconomic Factors , Young Adult
19.
Cancer Treat Rev ; 34(7): 603-13, 2008 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18657909

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer of women worldwide and one of the leading cause of death in relative young women. This review gives an outline of chemotherapy of advanced, persistent or recurrent cervical cancer. METHODS: We performed a literature search in the PubMed of almost all relevant articles concerning chemotherapy of advanced, persistent or recurrent cervical cancer. RESULTS: The available data from the literature is mainly composed of most recent reviews, phase II and randomized phase III clinical trials. CONCLUSION: Single-agent cisplatin remains the current standard therapy for advanced, persistent or recurrent cervical cancer. Several single-agents have been tested, but none has been found to be superior compared to cisplatin. Both topotecan and paclitaxel in combination with cisplatin, have yielded superior response rates and progression-free survival without diminishing patient quality of life. However, only the combination of cisplatin and topotecan has improved overall survival. It is important to identify clinical and tumor-related factors predictive of response to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Future trials are necessary, not only to compare combinations of existing agents, but to incorporate biological agents (monoclonal antibodies or small molecules) to chemotherapy in order to improve the treatment results of advanced, persistent or recurrent cervix cancer.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/administration & dosage , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/drug therapy , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/mortality , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/drug therapy , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/mortality , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects , Cisplatin/administration & dosage , Cisplatin/adverse effects , Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic , Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic , Disease-Free Survival , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Drug Administration Schedule , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm , Female , Humans , Maximum Tolerated Dose , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology , Neoplasm Staging , Paclitaxel/administration & dosage , Paclitaxel/adverse effects , Prognosis , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Risk Assessment , Survival Analysis , Topotecan/administration & dosage , Topotecan/adverse effects , Treatment Outcome , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/pathology
20.
Clin. transl. oncol. (Print) ; 10(4): 231-234, abr. 2008. tab
Article in English | IBECS | ID: ibc-123439

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in European countries. Differences in screening implementation may explain USA vs. European survival differences. The proportion of European primary care physicians advising colorectal screening has been reported to be inconsistent. We therefore hypothesised the presence of a belief-related bias among European physicians regarding who is responsible for cancer screening delivery. OBJECTIVES: To index beliefs in cancer screening implementation among a wide sample of Greek physicians. Study design Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: Three hundred and sixty-six physicians involved in primary care activities in 15 provinces answered a questionnaire about responsibility in cancer screening delivery. Results 22.4% and 7.6% of physicians declared that the health system and the patients, respectively, have the main responsibility for cancer screening implementation, while 70 % advocated patient-health system co-responsibility. Beliefs were statistically correlated to age (p=0.039) and specialisation category (p=0.002). Patients' will was mainly indicated by internists, trainee internists and physicians older than 30, while GPs, trainee GPs and house officers were mainly health system-oriented. Worryingly, when physicians were asked about which specialty should inform the population, 81% indicated family doctor (for-fee-service) while the involvement of free-from-fee specialities was inconsistent. CONCLUSION: A considerable disorientation about responsibilities in cancer screening delivery was observed in our study sample. Continual medical education and clear redefinition of primary care physicians' activities are required (AU)


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Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Colorectal Neoplasms/epidemiology , Colorectal Neoplasms/prevention & control , Physicians/statistics & numerical data , Mass Screening , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/standards , Practice Patterns, Physicians' , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Greece/epidemiology , Data Collection/methods , Data Collection
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