ESMO expert consensus statements on the screening and management of financial toxicity in patients with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Financial toxicity, defined as both the objective financial burden and subjective financial distress from a cancer diagnosis and its treatment, is a topic of interest in the assessment of the quality of life of patients with cancer and their families. Current evidence implicates financial toxicity in psychosocial, economic and other harms, leading to suboptimal cancer outcomes along the entire trajectory of diagnosis, treatment, supportive care, survivorship and palliation. This paper presents the results of a virtual consensus, based on the evidence base to date, on the screening and management of financial toxicity in patients with and beyond cancer organized by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) in 2022. METHODS: A Delphi panel of 19 experts from 11 countries was convened taking into account multidisciplinarity, diversity in health system contexts and research relevance. The international panel of experts was divided into four working groups (WGs) to address questions relating to distinct thematic areas: patients with cancer at risk of financial toxicity; management of financial toxicity during the initial phase of treatment at the hospital/ambulatory settings; financial toxicity during the continuing phase and at end of life; and financial risk protection for survivors of cancer, and in cancer recurrence. After comprehensively reviewing the literature, statements were developed by the WGs and then presented to the entire panel for further discussion and amendment, and voting. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 25 evidence-informed consensus statements were developed, which answer 13 questions on financial toxicity. They cover evidence summaries, practice recommendations/guiding statements and policy recommendations relevant across health systems. These consensus statements aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of financial toxicity and guide clinicians globally in mitigating its impact, emphasizing the importance of further research, best practices and guidelines.

From pelvic radiation to social isolation: a qualitative study of survivors' experiences of chronic bowel symptoms after pelvic radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: We explored survivors' experiences of chronic bowel symptoms following pelvic radiotherapy, strategies employed in living with these symptoms, effects on daily activities, and roles at home and in the workplace. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 individuals (10 gynaecological, 14 prostate, four anal/rectal cancer survivors) who had completed pelvic radiotherapy at least six months prior to data collection and who had experience of bowel symptoms during this post-treatment period. Reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: We propose four themes describing a process leading from experience of symptoms to withdrawal from activities and roles. These are (1) losing control (the experience of unintended anal leakage or discharge); (2) experiencing embarrassment and fear (the experience of embarrassment or fear of embarrassment as a result of discharge becoming public); (3) managing and reacting (acting to reduce the likelihood of discharge or to prevent this becoming public); and (4) restriction and withdrawal (avoiding specific activities or situations so as to reduce or remove the risk of embarrassment). Returning to the workplace presented additional challenges across these themes. CONCLUSIONS: Impacts of chronic bowel symptoms can be severe. Survivors employ a variety of methods and strategies in living with their symptoms. Some of these support continued role fulfilment but some constitute a withdrawal from pre-treatment roles. Current healthcare provision and statutory protections fail to fully meet needs following pelvic radiotherapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: There is a need to develop and implement evidence-based services and supported self-management programmes for survivors experiencing chronic bowel problems post-radiotherapy.

Impact of Hydrocodone Rescheduling on Dental Prescribing of Opioids.

INTRODUCTION: In the United States, dentists frequently prescribe hydrocodone. In October 2014, the US Drug Enforcement Administration rescheduled hydrocodone from controlled substance schedule III to II, introducing more restricted prescribing and dispensing regulations, which may have changed dental prescribing of opioids. OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to evaluate the impact of the hydrocodone rescheduling on dental prescribing of opioids in the United States. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of opioids prescribed by dentists between October 2012 and October 2016, using the IQVIA Longitudinal Prescription Dataset. Monthly dentist-based opioid prescribing rate (opioid prescription [Rx]/1,000 dentists) and monthly average opioid dosages per prescription (mean morphine milligram equivalent per day [MME/d]) were measured in the 24 mo before and after hydrocodone rescheduling in October 2014 (index or interruption). An interrupted time-series analysis was conducted using segmented ordinary least square regression models, with Newey-West standard errors to handle autocorrelation. RESULTS: Dentists prescribed 50,412,942 opioid prescriptions across the 49 mo. Hydrocodone was the most commonly prescribed opioid pre- and postindex (74.9% and 63.8%, respectively), followed by codeine (13.8% and 21.6%), oxycodone (8.1% and 9.5%), and tramadol (2.9% and 4.8%). At index, hydrocodone prescribing immediately decreased by -834.8 Rx/1,000 dentists (95% confidence interval [CI], -1,040.2 to -629.4), with increased prescribing of codeine (421.9; 95% CI, 369.7-474.0), oxycodone (85.3; 95% CI, 45.4-125.2), and tramadol (111.8; 95% CI, 101.4-122.3). The mean MME increased at index for all opioids except for hydrocodone, and dosages subsequently decreased during the postindex period. CONCLUSION: Following the rescheduling, dentist prescribing of hydrocodone declined while prescribing of nonhydrocodone opioids increased. Understanding the impact of this regulation informs strategies to ensure appropriate prescribing of opioids for dental pain. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: The study findings can be used by policy makers to make informed decisions in developing future risk mitigation strategies aimed to regulate opioid prescribing behaviors. Furthermore, dentist-specific resources and guidelines are needed subsequent to these policies in order to meet the dental population needs.

The association of stressful life events on weight loss efforts among African American breast cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether stressful life events were associated with weight loss, central adiposity, and health behavior changes of African American breast cancer survivors (AABCS) participating in a weight loss intervention. METHODS: We conducted a secondary-data analyses of Moving Forward, a weight loss efficacy trial for AABCS conducted in 2011-2014. Two-hundred forty-six eligible women were randomized to a 6-month interventionist-guided (IG) or self-guided (SG) weight loss intervention. Data was collected on height, weight, self-reported diet, and self-reported physical activity. Stress (e.g., financial, legal, employment, relationships, safety, prejudice) was measured using an abbreviated version of the Crisis in Family Systems (CRISYS) urban life stress measure. Generalized linear models stratified by group examined the degree to which stress was associated with weight loss or changes in central adiposity, physical activity, and diet during the intervention (Months 1-6) or maintenance (Months 7 to 12) phases. RESULTS: Participants reported a median of 3.0 life stressors (range 0 to 22) mostly relating to relationships, safety concerns, and financial problems. In the IG group during the intervention phase, exposure to life stressors was not associated with weight loss (p = 0.15) or change in central adiposity (p = 0.69), physical activity (p = 0.15), or diet (p = 0.26). We found similar associations for the maintenance phase and in the SG group. CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS: Despite facing stress across a myriad of domains (e.g., relationships, safety, finances), AABCS were successful at initiating and maintaining behaviors to achieve weight loss, reductions in central adiposity, and behavioral changes. Future randomized controlled trials are warranted that include more strategies to address the challenges that AABCS face, to determine whether AABCS in particular might benefit from interventions that address barriers (e.g., stress management) to weight loss. Such strategies are critical for improving quality of life and lowering the risk of cancer recurrence.

Gallbladder disease and pancreatic cancer risk: a multicentric case-control European study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The overall evidence on the association between gallbladder conditions (GBC: gallstones and cholecystectomy) and pancreatic cancer (PC) is inconsistent. To our knowledge, no previous investigations considered the role of tumour characteristics on this association. Thus, we aimed to assess the association between self-reported GBC and PC risk, by focussing on timing to PC diagnosis and tumour features (stage, location, and resection). METHODS: Data derived from a European case-control study conducted between 2009 and 2014 including 1431 PC cases and 1090 controls. We used unconditional logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted for recognized confounders. RESULTS: Overall, 298 (20.8%) cases and 127 (11.6%) controls reported to have had GBC, corresponding to an OR of 1.70 (95% CI 1.33-2.16). The ORs were 4.84 (95% CI 2.96-7.89) for GBC diagnosed <3 years before PC and 1.06 (95% CI 0.79-1.41) for ≥3 years. The risk was slightly higher for stage I/II (OR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.15-2.55) vs. stage III/IV tumours (OR = 1.23, 95% CI 0.87-1.76); for tumours sited in the head of the pancreas (OR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.13-2.24) vs. tumours located at the body/tail (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.62-1.68); and for tumours surgically resected (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.14-2.51) vs. non-resected tumours (OR = 1.25, 95% CI 0.88-1.78). The corresponding ORs for GBC diagnosed ≥3 years prior PC were close to unity. CONCLUSION: Our study supports the association between GBC and PC. Given the time-risk pattern observed, however, this relationship may be non-causal and, partly or largely, due to diagnostic attention and/or reverse causation.

Health-related quality of life in women after colposcopy: results from a longitudinal patient survey.

BACKGROUND: Information concerning the health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) consequences of colposcopy is limited, particularly over time. In a longitudinal study, we investigated women's HRQoL at 4, 8 and 12 months post colposcopy and the factors associated with this. METHODS: Women attending colposcopy at two large hospitals affiliated with the national screening programme in Ireland were invited to complete questionnaires at 4, 8 and 12 months post colposcopy. HRQoL was measured using the EQ-5D-3L and compared across a range of socio-demographic, clinical and attitudinal variables. A mixed-effects logistic multivariable model was employed to investigate associations between these variables and low HRQoL. RESULTS: Of 584 women initially recruited, 429, 343 and 303 completed questionnaires at 4, 8 and 12 months, respectively. The mean overall HRQoL score for the sample across all time points was 0.90 (SD 0.16). Approximately 18% of women experienced low HRQoL at each of the three time points. In multivariable testing, over the entire 12-month follow-up period, non-Irish nationals (OR 8.99, 95% CI 2.35-34.43) and women with high-grade referral cytology (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.08-7.13) were at higher odds of low HRQoL. Women who were past (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.07-0.58) or never (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.16-1.12) smokers were at lower odds of low HRQoL than current smokers. As women's satisfaction with their healthcare increased their odds of experiencing low HRQoL fell (OR per unit increase 0.51, 95% CI 0.34-0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Women's HRQoL did not change over the 12 months post colposcopy, but some subgroups of women were at higher risk of experiencing low HRQoL. These subgroups may benefit from additional support.

Barriers and facilitators to discussing HPV with head and neck cancer patients: A qualitative study using the theoretical domains framework.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of human papillomavirus-associated head and neck cancers (HPV-HNC) is increasing worldwide. Research in other clinical contexts has shown that healthcare professionals (HCPs) can find discussing HPV with patients challenging. However, limited research has been conducted in HNC. This study aimed to investigate barriers and facilitators to, discussing HPV among HCPs caring for patients with HNC in Ireland. METHODS: Semi-structured telephone/face-to-face interviews were conducted with HCPs. Barriers and facilitators to discussing HPV with patients were identified using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). RESULTS: 20 HCPs (8 clinicians, 3 nurses, 9 allied healthcare professionals) were interviewed. Barriers to discussing HPV included professionals' lack of HPV knowledge, difficulties in talking about sexual issues with patients and lack of privacy to discuss HPV in busy clinic settings. Facilitators included increasing public and patient awareness of the link between HPV and HNC and professional education and skills development. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first theoretically informed study to identify barriers and facilitators to discussing HPV with HNC patients. HCPs consider HPV discussions to be an essential part of HNC patient care. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Understanding the issues associated with patient-provider HPV communication will help develop effective interventions to support HCPs in their HPV discussions.

Communicating about HPV in the context of head and neck cancer: A systematic review of quantitative studies.

OBJECTIVE: Rising incidence of HPV-positive head and neck cancers (HPV-HNC) means HPV infection is increasingly relevant to patient-provider consultations. We performed a systematic review to examine, in the context of patient-provider HNC consultations: discussions about HPV, attitudes towards discussing HPV and information needs. METHODS: We searched Embase, PsychINFO, and CINAHL + for studies to August 2018. Eligible studies included: HNC healthcare professionals (HCPs) and/or HNC patients investigated HNC patient-provider communication about HPV. RESULTS: Ten studies were identified: six including HCPs and four including HNC patients. HCPs varied in confidence in HPV discussions, which was related to their HPV knowledge. Both HCPs and patients acknowledged the need for reliable HPV information. Factors which facilitated HPV discussions included accessible HPV information for patients and HCPs and good HPV knowledge among HCPs. Barriers included the perception, among HCPs, that HPV was a challenging topic to discuss with patients. CONCLUSIONS: Information deficits, communication challenges and barriers to discussing HPV were identified in HNC patient-provider consultations. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Appropriate HPV information is needed for HCPs and patients. Professional development initiatives which increase HCPs' HPV knowledge and build their communication skills would be valuable.

Identifying Barriers to Physical Activity Among African American Women with Asthma.

OBJECTIVE: African American Women (AAW) are disproportionately impacted by both physical inactivity and asthma. The aims of this study were to: 1) understand barriers to physical activity among AAW with asthma; 2) obtain feedback from AAW on an evidence-based walking intervention; and 3) modify the intervention using input from AAW with asthma. METHODS: Focus groups and interviews were conducted with sedentary AAW with uncontrolled asthma to identify barriers to walking. Women also suggestions for tailoring an existing walking intervention. Qualitative data were coded using domains from the Behavior Change Wheel and guided modifications of the existing walking intervention to tailor the content for sedentary AAW with asthma. RESULTS: Six focus groups (2-4 /group) and five interviews were completed. Women (n=20) represented an obese (37 kg/m2 ± 11), middle-aged (46 years ± 15) and low-income population. Barriers to physical activity were mapped to 8 theoretical domains: 1) Limited physical capability; 2) Lack of knowledge; 3) Lack of self-monitoring skills; 4) Complex decision making processes; 5) Lack of areas to walk; 6) Lack of social support; 7) Beliefs about consequences; 8) Beliefs about capability. To target these barriers, the existing walking intervention was modified to include an asthma education session, text messages, monthly group meetings, a walking session and informational materials. CONCLUSION: AAW with asthma reported unique barriers to engaging in physical activity. An assessment of the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of a modified intervention that addresses these barriers is warranted to address physical inactivity and poor asthma outcomes among AAW with asthma.

Patient-reported perceptions of care after the introduction of a new advanced cancer nursing role in Sweden.

PURPOSE: Extensive research results show quality improvements associated with advanced cancer nursing roles. Despite this, these roles are not implemented in many countries. The aim of this cross-sectional, population-based study was to compare patients' perception of care, before and after the introduction of a new advanced nursing role, the coordination contact nurse (CCN), in a region in Sweden. METHOD: All patients (with gynaecological, haematological, Head & Neck, upper gastrointestinal cancers) diagnosed in the region the year prior and one-year post introducing the new CCN role were identified from the Swedish Cancer Register. Data were collected using the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer [EORTC] Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30 and QLQ-INFO25) and a study specific questionnaire. RESULT: The results, based on baseline (n = 869) and follow-up data (n = 1003), show statistically significant patient-reported improvements after the introduction of the CCN role, regarding health-related patient information (EORTC QLQ- INFO25 global mean score increased from 41.23 to 44.16, p = 0.0006). We found statistically significant improvements related to availability of supportive care resources, e.g. increased reported access to contact nurse (from 53% to 66%, p ≤ 0.0001) and individual written care plans (from 40% to 54%, p < 0.0001). We also found some improvements related to patient involvement and care coordination, but also room for further developments. CONCLUSION: The implementation of the new advanced cancer nursing role may have contributed to important improvements, but it has also identified areas in need of development. Further research with long-term evaluations of CCN roles in other contexts, are both needed and on-going.

The people living with HIV stigma survey UK 2015: HIV-related sexual rejection and other experiences of stigma and discrimination among gay and heterosexual men.

We aim to understand the difference in stigma and discrimination, in particular sexual rejection, experienced between gay and heterosexual men living with HIV in the UK. The People Living with HIV StigmaSurvey UK 2015 recruited a convenience sample of persons with HIV through over 120 cross sector community organisations and 46 HIV clinics to complete an online survey. 1162 men completed the survey, 969 (83%) gay men and 193 (17%) heterosexual men, 92% were on antiretroviral therapy. Compared to heterosexual men, gay men were significantly more likely to report worrying about workplace treatment in relation to their HIV (21% vs. 11%), worrying about HIV-related sexual rejection (42% vs 21%), avoiding sex because of their HIV status (37% vs. 23%), and experiencing HIV-related sexual rejection (27% vs. 9%) in the past 12 months. In a multivariate logistic regression controlling for other sociodemographic factors, being gay was a predictor of reporting HIV-related sexual rejection in the past 12 months (aOR 2.17, CI 1.16, 4.02). Both gay and heterosexual men living with HIV experienced stigma and discrimination in the past 12 months, and this was higher for gay men in terms of HIV-related sexual rejection. Due to the high proportion of men reporting sexual rejection, greater awareness and education of the low risk of transmission of HIV among people on effective treatment is needed to reduce stigma and sexual prejudice towards people living with HIV.

An observational feasibility study of a new anaesthesia drug storage tray.

Drug errors in the anaesthetic domain remain a serious cause of iatrogenic harm. To help reduce this issue, we explored the potential safety impact of using a simple colour-coded tray for anaesthetic drug preparation and storage. Over a six-month period, three different trained researchers observed 30 cases at three NHS Trusts. Ten observations involved standard drug trays in 'normal' practice, and 20 observations, involved 'Rainbow trays' before and after their introduction. We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews immediately after completing the Rainbow tray observation with the anaesthetists involved. All discussions and detailed notes taken were transcribed, qualitatively analysed using line-by-line coding and then synthesised into narrative themes. We found that using standard, single compartment trays enabled quick, cheap, and portable drug preparation and storage, but was linked to potential or actual harmful errors, such as syringe swaps. Rainbow trays were perceived to be easy to use and effective at all three sites, aiding drug identification and separation, and hence likely to reduce drug error and increase patient safety. We have demonstrated that it is feasible to introduce a new colour-coded compartmentalised Rainbow drugs tray into clinical practice at three NHS hospitals in England. Further research is needed into their effect on the prevalence of drug error.

Risk of pancreatic cancer associated with family history of cancer and other medical conditions by accounting for smoking among relatives.

Background: Family history (FH) of pancreatic cancer (PC) has been associated with an increased risk of PC, but little is known regarding the role of inherited/environmental factors or that of FH of other comorbidities in PC risk. We aimed to address these issues using multiple methodological approaches. Methods: Case-control study including 1431 PC cases and 1090 controls and a reconstructed-cohort study (N = 16 747) made up of their first-degree relatives (FDR). Logistic regression was used to evaluate PC risk associated with FH of cancer, diabetes, allergies, asthma, cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis by relative type and number of affected relatives, by smoking status and other potential effect modifiers, and by tumour stage and location. Familial aggregation of cancer was assessed within the cohort using Cox proportional hazard regression. Results: FH of PC was associated with an increased PC risk [odds ratio (OR) = 2.68; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.27-4.06] when compared with cancer-free FH, the risk being greater when ≥ 2 FDRs suffered PC (OR = 3.88; 95% CI: 2.96-9.73) and among current smokers (OR = 3.16; 95% CI: 2.56-5.78, interaction FHPC*smoking P-value = 0.04). PC cumulative risk by age 75 was 2.2% among FDRs of cases and 0.7% in those of controls [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.42; 95% CI: 2.16-2.71]. PC risk was significantly associated with FH of cancer (OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.13-1.54) and diabetes (OR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.01-1.52), but not with FH of other diseases. Conclusions: The concordant findings using both approaches strengthen the notion that FH of cancer, PC or diabetes confers a higher PC risk. Smoking notably increases PC risk associated with FH of PC. Further evaluation of these associations should be undertaken to guide PC prevention strategies.

Informal caregiving in head and neck cancer: caregiving activities and psychological well-being.

The purpose of this study was to quantify the general cancer support activities that long-term carers of head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors engage in; and the relationships between these care activities and psychological well-being. Respondents answered a survey detailing their caring activities, the amount of time that they spent on those activities and how comfortable they felt engaging in them. Psychological well-being was assessed by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21. A total of 197 carers took part in the study. The majority (76%) were women, mean age 57.4. Mean time since diagnosis was 6.2 years. In the past month, 45% of carers did not spend any extra time per week helping their relative/friend with general caring activities such as cleaning the house; 31% spent 1-19 hr/week and 23% spent 20 or more hours/week doing so. Most carers were comfortable assisting their relative/friend, though more carers felt uncomfortable assisting with HNC-specific support tasks (31% uncomfortable helping with medication) compared with general support tasks (7% uncomfortable helping with appointments). Feeling uncomfortable with head and neck-specific care tasks was a significant predictor of experiencing depression and anxiety.

Understanding burden in caregivers of colorectal cancer survivors: what role do patient and caregiver factors play?

This study investigated how both caregiver and patient factors predict different aspects of burden in colorectal cancer caregivers. One hundred and fifty-three caregiver-survivor dyads separately provided information on patient disease and treatment-related factors, and perceived global health status (EORTC QLQ30), along with caregiver socio-demographic factors, health and care-related activities. Four multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess the influence of caregiver characteristics, patient characteristics and care-related activities on four dimensions of burden from the Caregiver Reaction Assessment scale. Caregiver characteristics significantly predicted health and financial burden (11%-13% of explained variance) with comorbidity and younger age increasing this risk. Patient health, in particular global health status and the presence of a stoma, predicted all burden scores, explaining 14%-22% of variance. Care-related activities was also a significant predictor of all burden scores, explaining an additional 5%-11% of variance, with time involved in caring the most consistent predictor. Results highlight that a combination of factors influence caregiver burden. These results may be used to identify those most at risk, allowing practitioners to deliver tailored effective support. In particular, efforts to alleviate the burden of caring on caregiver schedule may be merited, given that this was the domain in which the burden was greatest.

Factors associated with current and severe physical side-effects after prostate cancer treatment: What men report.

We identified patient and disease characteristics associated with (1) "current" physical side-effects of any severity; and (2) "severe" physical side-effects "ever" experienced by 3,348 (54%) prostate cancer (PCa) survivors in Ireland diagnosed 2-18 years previously. Postal questionnaires collected symptoms at diagnosis, post-biopsy complications, comorbidities, primary treatments and physical side-effects post-treatment (urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, libido loss, bowel problems, breast changes, hot flushes, and fatigue, "ever" and "current" at time of questionnaire completion). Men were grouped by "early" (localised) and "late" (locally advanced/advanced) disease at diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified patient and disease-related factors associated with post-treatment side-effects. Complications post-biopsy were associated with higher risk of "current" libido loss and impotence. Radical prostatectomy was associated with higher risk of "current" and "severe" incontinence, libido loss and impotence in both early and late disease. In early disease, brachytherapy was associated with lower risk of "current" fatigue and "severe" impotence. Comorbidities were associated with higher risk of "current" experience of four side-effects (incontinence, libido loss, bowel problems, fatigue). Men on active surveillance/watchful-waiting reported lower risk of sexual dysfunction. These findings could inform development of tailored information on side-effects, which, in turn, could inform treatment decision-making and post-treatment monitoring.

Cancer and its impact on work among the self-employed: A need to bridge the knowledge gap.

Self-employment-the so-called flexible layer of the economy-has gained importance following the 2007-2008 global economic and financial crisis. In Europe, the self-employed now comprise on average 15% of workers [Eurostat, Labour market and Labour force survey (LFS) statistics, 2016]. Around one-third of self-employed people also provide jobs for others [European Commission, Fact Sheet. 2015 Employment and Social Developments in Europe Review: frequently asked questions, 2016]. Moreover, this group of workers adapts quickly to changing circumstances. In the UK, for instance, recent growth in self-employment is considered to have made an important contribution to labour market recovery [Hatfield, Self-employment in Europe. London, Institute of Public Policy Research, 2015]. Across the European Union self-employment is viewed as a key enabler of sustainable economic growth and, reflecting this, the Europe 2020 strategy encourages member states both to promote self-employment and to remove measures that discourage it [Library of the European Parliament, Self-employment and social security. Effects on innovation and economic growth, 2013].

Health-related quality of life as measured by the EQ-5D in the prevention, screening and management of cervical disease: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) of screening can be highly sensitive to the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) effects of screen tests and subsequent treatment. Accordingly, accurate assessment of HRQoL is essential. We reviewed the literature regarding HRQoL in cervical prevention and management in order to appraise the current evidence regarding this important input to CEA. METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE, Scopus and EconLit databases for studies that estimated HRQoL in cervical cancer prevention and management published January 1995-December 2015. The primary inclusion criterion was for studies that assess HRQoL using the EQ-5D. Data were abstracted from eligible studies on setting, elicitation group, sample size, elicitation instruments, health state valuations, study design and follow-up. We assessed the quality and comparability of the studies with a particular focus on the HRQoL reported across states and groups. RESULTS: Fifteen papers met the inclusion criteria. Most used patient elicitation groups (n = 11), 2 used the general public and 2 used a mix of both. Eight studies were cross-sectional and seven were longitudinal. Six studies used both the EQ-5D-3L and the EQ-VAS together with other measures of overall HRQoL or condition-specific instruments. Extensive heterogeneity was observed across study characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal the challenges of sourcing reliable estimates of HRQoL for use in CEAs of cervical cancer prevention and treatment. The EQ-5D appears insufficiently sensitive for some health states. A more general problem is the paucity of HRQoL estimates for many health states and their change over time.

A systems approach identifies time-dependent associations of multimorbidities with pancreatic cancer risk.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is usually diagnosed in late adulthood; therefore, many patients suffer or have suffered from other diseases. Identifying disease patterns associated with PDAC risk may enable a better characterization of high-risk patients. METHODS: Multimorbidity patterns (MPs) were assessed from 17 self-reported conditions using hierarchical clustering, principal component, and factor analyses in 1705 PDAC cases and 1084 controls from a European population. Their association with PDAC was evaluated using adjusted logistic regression models. Time since diagnosis of morbidities to PDAC diagnosis/recruitment was stratified into recent (<3 years) and long term (≥3 years). The MPs and PDAC genetic networks were explored with DisGeNET bioinformatics-tool which focuses on gene-diseases associations available in curated databases. RESULTS: Three MPs were observed: gastric (heartburn, acid regurgitation, Helicobacter pylori infection, and ulcer), metabolic syndrome (obesity, type-2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension), and atopic (nasal allergies, skin allergies, and asthma). Strong associations with PDAC were observed for ≥2 recently diagnosed gastric conditions [odds ratio (OR), 6.13; 95% confidence interval CI 3.01-12.5)] and for ≥3 recently diagnosed metabolic syndrome conditions (OR, 1.61; 95% CI 1.11-2.35). Atopic conditions were negatively associated with PDAC (high adherence score OR for tertile III, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.36-0.55). Combining type-2 diabetes with gastric MP resulted in higher PDAC risk for recent (OR, 7.89; 95% CI 3.9-16.1) and long-term diagnosed conditions (OR, 1.86; 95% CI 1.29-2.67). A common genetic basis between MPs and PDAC was observed in the bioinformatics analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Specific multimorbidities aggregate and associate with PDAC in a time-dependent manner. A better characterization of a high-risk population for PDAC may help in the early diagnosis of this cancer. The common genetic basis between MP and PDAC points to a mechanistic link between these conditions.