Extended follow-up of a phase 2 trial of xevinapant plus chemoradiotherapy in high-risk locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: a randomised clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: We report long-term efficacy and overall survival (OS) results from a randomised, double-blind, phase 2 study (NCT02022098) investigating xevinapant plus standard-of-care chemoradiotherapy (CRT) vs. placebo plus CRT in 96 patients with unresected locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LA SCCHN). METHODS: Patients were randomised 1:1 to xevinapant 200 mg/day (days 1-14 of a 21-day cycle for 3 cycles), or matched placebo, plus CRT (cisplatin 100 mg/m2 every 3 weeks for 3 cycles plus conventional fractionated high-dose intensity-modulated radiotherapy [70 Gy/35 F, 2 Gy/F, 5 days/week for 7 weeks]). Locoregional control, progression-free survival, and duration of response after 3 years, long-term safety, and 5-year OS were assessed. RESULTS: The risk of locoregional failure was reduced by 54% for xevinapant plus CRT vs. placebo plus CRT but did not reach statistical significance (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.46; 95% CI, 0.19-1.13; P = .0893). The risk of death or disease progression was reduced by 67% for xevinapant plus CRT (adjusted HR 0.33; 95% CI, 0.17-0.67; P = .0019). The risk of death was approximately halved in the xevinapant arm compared with placebo (adjusted HR 0.47; 95% CI, 0.27-0.84; P = .0101). OS was prolonged with xevinapant plus CRT vs. placebo plus CRT; median OS not reached (95% CI, 40.3-not evaluable) vs. 36.1 months (95% CI, 21.8-46.7). Incidence of late-onset grade ≥3 toxicities was similar across arms. CONCLUSIONS: In this randomised phase 2 study of 96 patients, xevinapant plus CRT demonstrated superior efficacy benefits, including markedly improved 5-year survival in patients with unresected LA SCCHN.

Lung cancer, comorbidities, and medication: the infernal trio.

Most patients with lung cancer are smokers and are of advanced age. They are therefore at high risk of having age- and lifestyle-related comorbidities. These comorbidities are subject to treatment or even polypharmacy. There is growing evidence of a link between lung cancer, comorbidities and medications. The relationships between these entities are complex. The presence of comorbidities and their treatments influence the time of cancer diagnosis, as well as the diagnostic and treatment strategy. On the other hand, cancer treatment may have an impact on the patient's comorbidities such as renal failure, pneumonitis or endocrinopathies. This review highlights how some comorbidities may have an impact on lung cancer presentation and may require treatment adjustments. Reciprocal influences between the treatment of comorbidities and anticancer therapy will also be discussed.

Survival of clinical stage III NSCLC according to therapeutic strategy: Relevance of the tumor board decision in the era of immunotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Stage III NSCLC comprises a heterogeneous population. Different treatment strategies are available, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The PACIFIC trial results represented a significant change and improvement in the therapeutic strategy for these patients. We aimed to compare the different treatment strategies employed in Stage III NSCLC patients within our institution. METHODS: All Stage III NSCLC patients discussed during the weekly thoracic oncology multidisciplinary team meetings at the University hospital Grenoble Alpes (France) between January 2010 and January 2017 were included. Patients' overall survival (OS) according to treatment strategies along with their respective changes were compared. RESULTS: Overall, 476 patients were identified. Among patients initially scheduled to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery (n = 60), only 37 (62%) actually underwent surgery. Median OS of the cohort was 21.3 months [IQR 25%-75%: 9.6-48.3]. Patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery displayed better survival than those treated by CT-RT: 53.2 months [IQR 25%-75%: 16.1-87.3] versus 23.9 [IQR 25%-75%, 13.3-48.1]. Survival was slightly superior for patients treated by upfront CT-RT than for those planned for neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery who eventually converted to CT-RT (concurrent or sequential): 23.9 months [IQR 25%-75%: 13.3-48.1] versus 20.4 [IQR 25%-75%:10.8-36], respectively. CONCLUSION: While patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery displayed a better survival than those treated using CT-RT, switch from surgery to CT-RT actually shortened survival. These results stress the relevance of the tumor board in deciding which is the best therapeutic strategy for Stage III disease patients.

Theranostic AGuIX nanoparticles as radiosensitizer: A phase I, dose-escalation study in patients with multiple brain metastases (NANO-RAD trial).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Brain metastasis impacts greatly on patients' quality of life and survival. The phase I NANO-RAD trial assessed the safety and maximum tolerated dose of systemic administration of a novel gadolinium-based nanoparticle, AGuIX, in combination with whole brain radiotherapy in patients with multiple brain metastases not suitable for stereotactic radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with measurable brain metastases received escalating doses of AGuIX nanoparticles (15, 30, 50, 75, or 100 mg/kg intravenously) on the day of initiation of WBRT (30 Gy in 10 fractions) in 5 cohorts of 3 patients each. Toxicity was assessed using NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.03. RESULTS: Fifteen patients with 354 metastases were included. No dose-limiting toxic effects were observed up to AGuIX 100 mg/kg. Plasma elimination half-life of AGuIX was similar for all groups (mean 1.3 h; range 0.8-3 h). Efficient targeting of metastases (T1 MRI enhancement, tumor selectivity) and persistence of AGuIX contrast enhancement were observed in metastases from patients with primary melanoma, lung, breast, and colon cancers. The concentration of AGuIX in metastases after administration was proportional to the injected dose. Thirteen of 14 evaluable patients had a clinical benefit, with either stabilization or reduction of tumor volume. MRI analysis showed significant correlation between contrast enhancement and tumor response, thus supporting a radiosensitizing effect. CONCLUSION: Combining AGuIX with radiotherapy for patients with brain metastases is safe and feasible. AGuIX specifically targets brain metastases and is retained within tumors for up to 1 week; ongoing phase II studies will more definitively assess efficacy.

Debio 1143 and high-dose cisplatin chemoradiotherapy in high-risk locoregionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: a double-blind, multicentre, randomised, phase 2 study.

BACKGROUND: Debio 1143 is an orally available antagonist of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins with the potential to enhance the antitumour activity of cisplatin and radiotherapy. The radiosensitising effect of Debio 1143 is mediated through caspase activation and TNF, IFNγ, CD8 T cell-dependent pathways. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of Debio 1143 in combination with standard chemoradiotherapy in patients with high-risk locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. METHODS: This double-blind, multicentre, randomised, phase 2 study by the French Head and Neck Radiotherapy Oncology Group (GORTEC) was run at 19 hospitals in France and Switzerland. Eligible patients were aged 18-75 years with locoregionally advanced, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (characterised as non-metastatic, measurable stage III, IVa, or IVb [limited to T ≥2, N0-3, and M0] disease), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1, a history of heavy tobacco smoking (>10 pack-years) with no previous or current treatment for invasive head and neck cancer, and no previous treatment with inhibitor of apoptosis protein antagonists. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive oral Debio 1143 (200 mg per day on days 1-14 of 21-day cycles, for three cycles) or oral placebo (20 mg/mL, administered at the same dosing schedule) using a stochastic minimisation technique according to node involvement and primary tumour site, and HPV-16 status in patients with an oropharyngeal primary tumour site. All patients received standard high-dose cisplatin chemoradiotherapy. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with locoregional control 18 months after chemoradiotherapy, analysed in the intention-to-treat population (primary analysis), and repeated in the per-protocol population. Responses were assessed according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (version 1.1). This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02022098, and is still active but not recruiting. FINDINGS: Between Jan 25, 2016, and April 24, 2017, 48 patients were randomly assigned to the Debio 1143 group and 48 to the placebo group (one patient in the placebo group did not receive the study drug and was not included in the safety analysis). Median duration of follow-up was 25·0 months (IQR 19·6-29·4) in the Debio 1143 group and 24·2 months (6·6-26·8) in the placebo group. Locoregional control 18 months after chemoradiotherapy was achieved in 26 (54%; 95% CI 39-69) of 48 patients in the Debio 1143 group versus 16 (33%; 20-48) of 48 patients in the placebo group (odds ratio 2·69 [95% CI 1·13-6·42], p=0·026). Grade 3 or worse adverse events were reported in 41 (85%) of 48 patients in the Debio 1143 group and in 41 (87%) of 47 patients in the placebo group. The most common grade 3-4 adverse events were dysphagia (in 24 [50%] patients in the Debio 1143 group vs ten [21%] in the placebo group), mucositis (in 15 [31%] vs ten [21%]), and anaemia (in 17 [35%] vs 11 [23%]). Serious treatment-emergent adverse events were recorded in 30 (63%) of 48 patients in the Debio 1143 group and 28 (60%) of 47 in the placebo group. In the placebo group, two (4%) deaths were due to adverse events (one multiple organ failure and one asphyxia; neither was considered to be related to treatment). No deaths due to adverse events occurred in the Debio 1143 group. INTERPRETATION: To our knowledge, this is the first treatment regimen to achieve superior efficacy in this disease setting against a high-dose cisplatin chemoradiotherapy comparator in a randomised trial. These findings suggest that inhibition of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins is a novel and promising approach in this poor prognostic population and warrant confirmation in a phase 3 study with the aim of expanding the therapeutic options for these patients. FUNDING: Debiopharm.

Trends in response rate and survival in small-cell lung cancer patients between 1997 and 2017.

INTRODUCTION: Median survival of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients is usually around 1 year. The advent of new drugs may have slightly improved their prognosis. We aimed to assess whether SCLC response to chemotherapy and survival had changed over time. METHODS: Consecutive SCLC patients were included at Grenoble University Hospital, France. We compared the patients' characteristics, response to chemotherapy and survival between 1997-2009 (period 1) and 2010-2017 (period 2). RESULTS: A total of 529 patients were identified, of whom 498 received a first line of chemotherapy and 279 a second line. The majority (n = 290, 58%) had extensive disease. The objective response rate (ORR) to first-line chemotherapy in metastatic patients was 63% in period 1 and 62% in period 2; the ORRs to second-line chemotherapy were 39% and 29%, respectively. Median overall survival from first-line chemotherapy was 13.2 months (interquartile range [IQR] 7.4-24.4) in period 1 and 11.2 months (IQR 7.1-21.2) in period 2. Mortality in these two periods did not differ significantly even after adjustment for prognostic factors (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66-1.00). The factors independently associated with death were cardiovascular comorbidities (HR = 1.28 [95%CI 1.05-1.55]), liver comorbidities (HR = 1.31 [95%CI 1.03-1.65]), poor ECOG performance status (3-4vs. 0-1, HR = 2.45 [95%CI 1.83-3.30]) and extensive disease (HR = 2.69 [95%CI 2.18-3.33]). CONCLUSIONS: Since 1997, there has been no improvement in the survival or response rate to chemotherapy of SCLC patients. There is a desperate need for new approaches in this setting.

Treatment of multiple brain metastases using gadolinium nanoparticles and radiotherapy: NANO-RAD, a phase I study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Occurrence of multiple brain metastases is a critical evolution of many cancers with significant neurological and overall survival consequences, despite new targeted therapy and standard whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). A gadolinium-based nanoparticle, AGuIX, has recently demonstrated its effectiveness as theranostic and radiosensitiser agent in preclinical studies. The favourable toxicity profile in animals and its administration as a simple intravenous injection has motivated its use in patients with this first in human study. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The NANO-RAD study is a phase I, first in human injection, monocentric, open-label, dose-escalation study to investigate the safety, the tolerability and the spectrum of side effects of AGuIX in combination with WBRT (30 Gy, 10 fractions of 3 Gy) for patients with multiple brain metastases. Five dose escalation cohorts are planned: 15, 30, 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg. A total of 15-18 patients will be recruited into this trial. The primary objective is to determine the maximum-tolerated dose of AGuIX nanoparticles combined with WBRT for the treatment of multiple brain metastases. Toxicity will be assessed using the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria V.4.03. Secondary objectives are pharmacokinetic profile, distribution of AGuIX in metastases and surrounding healthy tissue visualised by MRI, intracranial progression-free survival and overall survival. Intracranial response will be determined according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumour Criteria V.1.1 comparing MRI performed prior to treatment and at each follow-up visits. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Approval was obtained from the ethics committee Sud Est V, France (Reference number 15-CHUG-48). The study was approved by the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) (Reference number 151519A-12). The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals or disseminated through national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02820454; Pre-results.

Shifting Culture: A New CNO Leading to Nursing Excellence.

A new chief nursing officer describes the transformational leadership strategies she and her team used to turn their hospital, once below the national mean on National Database of Nurse Sensitive Indicators and patient/RN satisfaction scores, into a highly engaged and effective organization achieving top-performing outcomes.

Operation and Chemotherapy: Prognostic Factors for Lung Cancer With One Synchronous Metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is considered incurable; however, some patients with only few metastases may benefit from treatment with a curative intent. We aimed to identify the prognostic factors for stage IV NSCLC with synchronous solitary M1. METHODS: A database constructed from our weekly multidisciplinary thoracic oncology meetings was retrospectively screened from 1993 to 2012. Consecutive patients with NSCLC stages I to IV were included. RESULTS: Of the 6,760 patients found, 4,832 patients were studied. Among the 1,592 patients (33%) with stage IV NSCLC, 109 (7%) had a synchronous solitary M1. Metastasis involved the brain in 64% of patients. Median overall survival was significantly longer in synchronous solitary M1 than in other stage IV (18.9 months, interquartile range [IQR]: 9.9 to 34.6 months versus 6.1 months, IQR: 2.3 to 13.7 months], respectively, p < 10-4). Among patients with synchronous solitary M1, 90 (83%) received a local treatment with curative intent at the primary and metastatic sites. Factors independently associated with survival were age older than 63 years (hazard ratio [HR] 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01 to 2.63), Performance status of 3 or 4 (HR 7.91, 95% CI: 2.23 to 28.03), use of chemotherapy (HR 0.38, 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.64), and operation conducted at both sites (HR 0.35, 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.65). CONCLUSIONS: Synchronous solitary M1 treated with chemotherapy and operation at both sites resulted in better survival. Survival of NSCLC with synchronous solitary M1 was more similar to stage III than other stage IV NSCLCs. The eighth TNM classification takes this into account by distinguishing between stages M1b and M1c.

Comparison of access to services in rural emergency departments in Quebec and British Columbia.

INTRODUCTION: Although emergency departments (EDs) in Canada's rural areas serve approximately 20% of the population, a serious problem in access to health care services has emerged. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this project was to compare access to support services in rural EDs between British Columbia and Quebec. METHODS: Rural EDs were identified through the Canadian Healthcare Association's Guide to Canadian Healthcare Facilities. We selected hospitals with 24/7 ED physician coverage and hospitalization beds that were located in rural communities (using the rural and small town definition from Statistics Canada). Data were collected from ministries of health, local health authorities, and ED statistics. A telephone interview was administered to collect denominative user data statistics and determine the status of services. RESULTS: British Columbia has more rural EDs (n  =  34) than Quebec (n  =  26). EDs in Quebec have higher volumes (19,310 versus 7,793 annual visits). With respect to support services, 81% of Quebec rural EDs have a 24/7 on-call general surgeon compared to 12% for British Columbia. Nearly 75% of Quebec rural EDs have 24/7 access to computed tomography versus only 3% for British Columbia. Rural EDs in Quebec are also supported by a greater proportion of intensive care units (88% versus 15%); however, British Columbia appears to have more medevac aircraft/helicopters than Quebec. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that major differences exist in access to support services in rural EDs in British Columbia and Quebec. A nationwide study is justified to address this issue of variability in rural and remote health service delivery and its impact on interfacility transfers and patient outcomes.

A descriptive study of access to services in a random sample of Canadian rural emergency departments.

OBJECTIVE: To examine 24/7 access to services and consultants in a sample of Canadian rural emergency departments (EDs). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study-mixed methods (structured interview, survey and government data bases) with random sampling of hospitals. SETTING: Canadian rural EDs (rural small town (RST) definition-Statistics Canada). PARTICIPANTS: 28% (95/336) of Canadian rural EDs providing 24/7 physician coverage located in hospitals with acute care hospitalisation beds. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: General characteristics of the rural EDs, information about 24/7 access to consultants, equipment and services, and the proportion of rural hospitals more than 300 km from levels 1 and 2 trauma centres. RESULTS: Of the 336 rural EDs identified, 122 (36%) were randomly selected and contacted. Overall, 95 EDs participated in the study (participation rate, 78%). Hospitals had, on an average, 23 acute care beds, 7 ED stretchers and 13 500 annual ED visits. The proportion of rural hospitals with local access to the following 24/7 services was paediatrician, 5%; obstetrician, 10%; psychiatrist, 11%; internist, 12%; intensive care unit, 17%; CT scanner, 20%; surgeon, 26%; ultrasound, 28%; basic X-ray, 97% and laboratory services, 99%. Forty-four per cent and 54% of the RST EDs were more than 300 km from a level 1 and level 2 trauma centre, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study describing the services available in Canadian rural EDs. Apart from basic laboratory and X-ray services, most rural EDs have limited access to consultants, advanced imaging and critical care services. A detailed study is needed to evaluate the impact of these limited services on patient outcomes, costs and interfacility transport demands.

Catholic orders' influence on nursing: 1900-1920.

Doing God's work through vocation and caring for the less fortunate has been a long-time focus of the Catholic faith. In the early 20th century Catholic orders of nuns made major contributions to nursing education and clinical practice. This historical research article illustrates the sisters' vast influence on nursing as they introduced spirituality into quality patient care.

Natural course of insomnia comorbid with cancer: an 18-month longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and natural course (incidence, persistence, remission, and relapse) of insomnia comorbid with cancer during an 18-month period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients scheduled to receive a curative surgery for a first diagnosis of nonmetastatic cancer were approached on the day of their preoperative visit to participate in the study. A total of 962 patients with cancer (mixed sites) completed an insomnia diagnostic interview at the perioperative phase (T1), as well as at 2 (T2), 6 (T3) 10 (T4), 14 (T5), and 18 (T6) months after surgery. RESULTS: Findings revealed high rates of insomnia at baseline (59%), including 28% with an insomnia syndrome. The prevalence of insomnia generally declined over time but remained pervasive even at the end of the 18-month period (36%). Rates were greater in patients with breast (42% to 69%) and gynecologic (33% to 68%) cancer and lower in men with prostate cancer (25% to 39%) throughout the study. Nearly 15% of patients had a first incidence of insomnia during the study, and 19.5% experienced relapse. The evolution of symptoms varied according to sleep status. Remissions (patients becoming good sleepers) were much less likely for patients with an insomnia syndrome (10.8% to 14.9%) than for those with insomnia symptoms (42.0% to 51.3%). Most frequently (37.6%), patients with an insomnia syndrome at baseline kept that status throughout the 18-month period. CONCLUSION: Insomnia is a frequent and enduring problem in patients with cancer, particularly at the syndrome level. Early intervention strategies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, could prevent the problem from becoming more severe and chronic.

Feasibility of a self-help treatment for insomnia comorbid with cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Professionally administered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is efficacious for treating insomnia in breast cancer survivors. However, given the limited accessibility to CBT for insomnia in cancer clinics, there is a need to develop other delivery formats for this intervention. This feasibility study examined patients' satisfaction with a self-help CBT for insomnia comorbid with cancer and gathered some preliminary data on its effect on sleep and associated features. METHODS: Eleven breast cancer patients reporting insomnia symptoms received a 6-week intervention composed of a 60-min video using an animated cartoon format and 6 short booklets developed in French. Patients completed a semi-structured interview at post-treatment, a battery of self-report scales and a daily sleep diary (14 days) at pre- and post-treatment and at a 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: At post-treatment interview, comments about the treatment material were uniformly positive. On a questionnaire, patients also reported to be satisfied with the treatment overall, with the video and the booklets' content, as well as with their sleep improvement at post-treatment (scores from 2.7 to 3.1; scale from 0 to 4). From pre- to post-treatment, moderate-to-large effect sizes and statistically and clinically significant differences were found on most sleep variables, as well as overall quality of life. These therapeutic gains were well sustained at a 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Patients were satisfied with the treatment received. Although it is too early to draw any firm conclusion, treatment outcomes suggest a potential for integration into routine cancer care as a first-line sleep management intervention. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

EORTC radiation proctitis-specific quality of life module - pretesting in four European countries.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Radiation proctitis is a side effect which can occur after pelvic radiation therapy. Currently available questionnaires do not comprehensively assess the range of problems, nor impact on quality of life associated with proctitis. This article reports on the cultural testing phase of an EORTC module (QLQ-PRT21) developed to assess radiation proctitis specific issues and designed to be used in conjunction with the EORTC core quality of life questionnaire (QLQ-C30). METHODS: The previously developed 21-item module, pre-tested in Australia, was translated into Norwegian, German, French and Italian. Patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and module questionnaires towards the end of their radical pelvic radiation treatment to target acute side effects. Patients experiencing chronic proctitis were also surveyed. Patients also participated in structured interviews to determine issues of comprehensibility, coverage and relevance. Results were compared with Australian data. RESULTS: Questionnaires were completed by 64 European patients. The module was found to be relevant and culturally acceptable to participants. Feedback has led to minor translation modifications and the inclusion of two additional questions. CONCLUSION: This module is ready for Phase IV testing which will consist of large scale field testing with the aim to perform psychometric analysis and finalize a module that will be suitable in the assessment of radiation induced proctitis.

Prevalence, natural course, and risk factors of insomnia comorbid with cancer over a 2-month period.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, natural course, and risk factors of insomnia comorbid with cancer over a 2-month period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients scheduled to receive a curative surgery for a first diagnosis of nonmetastatic cancer were approached to participate in the study on the day of their preoperative visit. As part of a larger population-based longitudinal study, 991 cancer patients completed various self-report scales and an insomnia diagnostic interview at the perioperative phase (T1) and 2 months later (T2). RESULTS: At T1, 28.5% of the patients met the diagnostic criteria for an insomnia syndrome, and 31.0% had insomnia symptoms; these rates decreased to 26.2% and 22.2%, respectively, at T2. The highest rates of insomnia were found in breast cancer patients, whereas the lowest rates were obtained in prostate cancer patients. Findings indicated an incidence rate of 18.6%, a persistence rate of 68.0%, and a remission rate of 32.0%. Female sex and the presence of an arousability trait (predisposing factors), a diagnosis of head and neck cancer, the administration of surgery, and an increase in anxiety symptoms between T1 and T2 (precipitating factors), and higher baseline levels and increases between T1 and T2 in dysfunctional beliefs about sleep, sleep monitoring, and maladaptive sleep behaviors (maintenance factors) were all associated with an increased risk for insomnia incidence. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the high prevalence of insomnia comorbid with cancer during the 2 months after the perioperative visit and identifies several factors that might be involved in its development.

Tattoos can harm perceptions: a study and suggestions.

OBJECTIVE: Health researchers have claimed that perceptions toward a person with a tattoo are more negative than are perceptions toward nontattooed persons. However, support for this has been obtained almost completely by nonexperimental research. PARTICIPANTS: In 2 experiments with 158 community college student participants, the authors found that tattoos harmed perceptions. METHODS: Students viewed a photograph of a female model with and without a visible tattoo, and rated her on 13 personal characteristics. RESULTS: In Experiment 1, ratings of a model with a dragon tattoo were significantly more negative (p < .05) on 5 of the 13 personal characteristics than were ratings of the same model shown without the tattoo. In Experiment 2, which included different participants, a different model, and a different tattoo, the authors found that a dolphin tattoo led to more negative ratings on 2 of the 13 characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: The authors discuss possible impacts of tattoos on person perception as well as implications of the results for college student healthcare providers.