Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and pain in pediatric oncology patients: impact of combination therapies.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and associated pain are prevalent adverse effects of pediatric cancer treatment, significantly affecting the patient's quality of life. Their impact and risk factors have yet to be assessed in our country. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and clinical characteristics of CIPN, as well as to explore associations with patient- and treatment-related variables, within a cohort of Argentinean pediatric oncology patients. Sixty-six patients diagnosed with malignant hematopoietic tumors and receiving the neurotoxic agent vincristine were included in this observational study. Variables analyzed included age, gender, anthropometric measurements, tumor type, chemotherapy treatment, development of pain and other symptoms, severity, and analgesic treatment. The study population consisted of 39 boys and 27 girls. Most patients received two or three neurotoxic drugs. Symptoms consistent with CIPN were identified in 15 children, reflecting a prevalence of 23%. The main symptom was pain in the lower limbs, with some patients reporting jaw or generalized body pain. Pain was categorized as moderate or severe in 60% and 27% of cases, respectively. NSAIDs, anticonvulsants, and/or opioids were prescribed. Among the patient- and treatment-related variables analyzed as potential risk factors, the use of vincristine in conjunction with cytarabine and the administration of a higher number of neurotoxic drugs demonstrated significant association with the development of CIPN. CONCLUSIONS: Combination therapy stands out as a risk factor for clinical CIPN. The high prevalence of moderate/severe pain underscores the importance of close vigilance given its potential to compromise the patient's overall well-being. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a frequent adverse effect and dose-limiting factor in pediatric cancer treatment. • Prevalence varies among regions and risk factors are still under study. WHAT IS NEW: • Prevalence of symptomatic CIPN is 23% among pediatric patients undergoing treatment for hematopoietic tumors in a referral hospital in Argentina. Most patients report moderate or severe pain. • Combining vincristine with cytarabine and using a higher number of neurotoxic drugs in combination therapies exhibit significant association with the development of CIPN-related symptoms.

Changing patterns of bacterial profile and antimicrobial resistance in high-risk patients during the COVID-19 pandemic at a tertiary oncology hospital.

The widespread evolution of phenotypic resistance in clinical isolates over the years, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic onset, has exacerbated the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to explore changes in bacterial infection patterns and antimicrobial resistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study involved the periods before and during COVID-19: the pre-pandemic and pandemic eras. The surveillance results of bacterial isolates causing infections in cancer patients at an Egyptian tertiary oncology hospital were retrieved. The Vitek®2 or Phoenix systems were utilized for species identification and susceptibility testing. Statistical analyses were performed comparing microbiological trends before and during the pandemic. Out of 2856 bacterial isolates, Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) predominated (69.7%), and Gram-positive bacteria (GPB) comprised 30.3% of isolates. No significant change was found in GNB prevalence during the pandemic (P = 0.159). Elevated rates of Klebsiella and Pseudomonas species were demonstrated during the pandemic, as was a decrease in E. coli and Acinetobacter species (P < 0.001, 0.018, < 0.001, and 0.046, respectively) in hematological patients. In surgical patients, Enterobacteriaceae significantly increased (P = 0.012), while non-fermenters significantly decreased (P = 0.007). GPB species from either hematological or surgical wards exhibited no notable changes during the pandemic. GNB resistance increased in hematological patients to carbapenems, amikacin, and tigecycline and decreased in surgical patients to amikacin and cefoxitin (P < 0.001, 0.010, < 0.001, < 0.001, and 0.016, respectively). The study highlights notable shifts in the microbial landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the prevalence and resistance patterns of GNB in hematological and surgical wards.

Real-world Experience of Posaconazole Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Oncology Patients: Clinical Implications of Hypoalbuminemia as a Predictor of Subtherapeutic Posaconazole Levels.

Background: Posaconazole maintains broad antifungal activity and is employed for prevention and treatment of invasive fungal infections in oncology patients. Older formulations required therapeutic drug monitoring, and specific plasma drug levels have been recommended. This study evaluated factors associated with subtherapeutic concentrations with the newer delayed-release tablet formulation. Methods: In this retrospective, single-center cohort study at a national comprehensive cancer center, all oncology patients receiving delayed-release posaconazole at standard dosing of 300 mg orally per day from 06/2021 to 07/2023 with plasma drug concentration evaluation were identified. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were evaluated to identify risk factors associated with subtherapeutic drug levels at targets of ≥1.25 µg/mL and ≥1.8 µg/mL. Results: Of 110 patients identified, 98 met criteria for inclusion in the study. The median time from initiation of posaconazole to drug level assessment was 13 days, and the median concentration was 1.29 µg/mL. Of the 22 patients receiving posaconazole for prophylaxis, 5 (22.7%) failed to achieve concentrations ≥0.7 µg/mL, and of 76 patients receiving posaconazole for treatment, 38 (50%) failed to achieve concentrations of ≥1.25 µg/mL. In multivariable analysis, albumin of ≤3 g/dL and ideal body weight ≥60 kg were found to be associated with subtherapeutic levels. For a higher target of ≥1.8 µg/mL, only albumin ≤3 g/dL was associated with subtherapeutic levels for the variables evaluated. Conclusions: A higher initial dosing strategy and therapeutic drug monitoring for oncology patients with albumin ≤3 g/dL receiving posaconazole, particularly for the treatment of invasive fungal infection, could be considered.

Factors Influencing Anxiety Levels in Oncology Patients: A Study on the Impact of Earthquakes.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the multifaceted factors influencing anxiety levels in oncology patients, with a specific focus on the impact of earthquakes in the context of Turkey. Our objective is to identify and understand sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle determinants associated with anxiety in cancer patients, examining how traumatic events, such as earthquakes, contribute to heightened anxiety levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 149 oncology patients undergoing treatment at two prominent oncology centers in Turkey. The study collected comprehensive sociodemographic information and assessed anxiety levels using the Beck Anxiety Scale. The dataset was analyzed using SPSS 20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), employing a range of statistical methods including descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: The findings underscore several factors significantly linked to anxiety levels in oncology patients. Notably, women, younger patients (age <65), and individuals with specific cancer types exhibited higher anxiety levels. Elevated anxiety was also associated with compromised physical functioning, experiences of earthquakes, irregular sleep patterns, dietary habits, fatigue, and the use of antidepressants. CONCLUSION: This study provides insights into the intricate interplay of factors influencing anxiety levels in oncology patients. Understanding these determinants is paramount for tailoring effective psychosocial support and interventions. The results underscore the need for holistic approaches to enhance the overall quality of life for cancer patients. Gender, age, cancer type, physical well-being, lifestyle choices, and exposure to trauma all play pivotal roles in influencing anxiety levels. These findings hold practical implications for the development and implementation of targeted psychosocial interventions aimed at improving anxiety management and overall well-being for oncology patients.

Chemosensory changes during chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Chemosensory changes that occur during chemotherapy can significantly impact food enjoyment, quality of life and recovery. AIM: To investigate chemosensory changes reported by oncology patients during chemotherapy. METHODS: A mixed-method cross-sectional study design was used to explore 100 cancer patients' experiences of chemosensory changes during chemotherapy. All patients completed a questionnaire assessing their taste and smell preferences. A purposive sample of 30 patients underwent a semi-structured interview to elicit their thoughts on their experienced chemosensory changes. Descriptive statistics and themes were examined. FINDINGS: The mean age of the sample was 50.56 years, and the majority of participants were female. The most stated taste alteration was bitter, while altered food preferences were also commonly experienced. Furthermore, most patients experienced unpleasant odours around food, while some experienced these odours even when food was not present. Overall, five themes were identified: changes in taste, changes in smell, changes in social life, altered comfort and food preferences. CONCLUSION: Chemosensory changes related to cancer and its treatment impact a person's nutrient intake, food-related behaviours, quality of life and treatment response. Patients who experience chemotherapy-associated chemosensory changes require specialised nutritional therapy to increase their eating-related pleasure. As part of the nutritional assessment, chemosensory alterations should be evaluated regularly.

Neutropenic Enterocolitis in a Metastatic Seminoma Patient With Streptococcus gallolyticus Bacteremia.

Neutropenic enterocolitis (NEC), also referred to as typhlitis, is a condition associated with a high mortality risk and primarily manifests in immunocompromised patients. It is characterized by ulceration, edema, and hemorrhage affecting the bowel wall. The underlying cause of NEC is postulated as an immunocompromised condition that facilitates bacterial infiltration through compromised bowel mucosa. The high mortality rate is attributable to bowel necrosis, culminating in perforation and sepsis. This report describes a case involving a patient with metastatic seminoma who exhibited seizure-like activity, fever, Streptococcus gallolyticus bacteremia, and NEC. The patient underwent treatment involving broad-spectrum antibiotics and filgrastim. The patient's neutropenia resolved leading to discharge on oral antibiotics. The case reported is unique, as it links NEC to Streptococcus gallolyticus and seminoma. Streptococcus gallolyticus has not been previously associated with NEC.

Reducing the Risk of Fall among Oncology Patients using Failure Modes and Effects Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This project aimed to mitigate the risk of falls among oncology patients using Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) in the outpatient setting.



Methods: The project was conducted within outpatient settings, specifically encompassing outpatient clinics, daycare, radiology and radiotherapy, and rehabilitation at the SQCCCRC. The project employed an observational analytical design to assess the fall risk assessment procedure in outpatient settings. The project integrated a 7-step procedure for conducting an FMEA methodology, including defining the system or process, identifying potential failure mode, evaluating the effects of each failure mode, Assigning severity, likelihood, and detection of occurrence ratings, and identifying and implement corrective actions. In addition, Risk Priority Numbers (RPNs) were used to identify the impact of the interventions in reducing the risk of patient fall assessment and management.



Result: In the patient fall screening process, interventions yielded substantial reductions in RPNs for failure modes like "Wrong assessment" (57% decrease) and "Complex risk assessment scale" (63% decrease), addressing knowledge gaps and simplifying risk assessment. Similarly, the "Missed fall assessment" failure mode saw an impressive 80% reduction in RPN, rectifying unclear processes and knowledge gaps. In the Fall risk precaution measures process, interventions led to noteworthy RPN reductions, such as 80% for "Unclear fall precaution measures-responsibilities" and 57% for "Missed bracelets for high risk," demonstrating successful risk mitigation. Moreover, interventions in the Patient Education process achieved significant RPN reductions (57% and 55%) for "No/improper education" and "Unuse of educational material and resources," enhancing staff education and patient awareness. The total reduction in RPNs was 62% in all failure modes in the fall assessment and management process.



Conclusion: Overall, FMEA is a valuable strategy for reducing fall risks among oncology patients, but its success depends on addressing these limitations and ensuring the thorough execution and maintenance of the identified corrective actions.

Abordaje del acceso vascular por equipo de terapia infusional: seguridad y calidad asistencial / Approach to vascular access by infusion therapy team: safety and quality of care

Objetivo: describir la evolución del modelo de atención del acceso vascular por un equipo de terapia infusional enfermero referente (ETI) y sus resultados en la seguridad vinculados al acceso vascular central de inserción periférica (PICC) en pacientes oncohematológicos. Métodos: estudio observacional en una cohorte retrospectiva de 3.423 pacientes oncohematológicos a los cuales se les indicó un PICC ambulatoriamente durante 2012-2021. Variables: modelo de atención, motivo de la indicación, método de comprobación de la colocación del acceso, complicaciones del acceso vascular. Recogida de información mediante datos primarios del registro de acceso vascular y registro clínico de la historia informatizada ESPOQ2©. Análisis descriptivo paquete estadístico IBM SPSS® V.23.0 . Resultados: la creación de un equipo referente de terapia infusional incrementó la capacidad de colocación de catéteres, pasando de 98 (2013) a 768 (2021). La indicación del PICC pasó del 45,80% por instauración de quimioterapia mediante bomba de infusión domiciliaria (2016) al 93,70% por indicación por fármaco irritante o vesicante (2021) (p< 0,001). La introducción de la técnica ecoguiada y método electro-intracavitario de control de punta disminuyeron las complicaciones por flebitis mecánicas y la radiación por comprobación de catéter (p< 0,001). Conclusiones: los modelos de atención con equipos de terapia infusional referentes consolidados incrementan la seguridad del paciente oncológico portador de acceso vascular PICC.(AU)

Objective: to describe the evolution of the vascular access care model led by a nurse infusion therapy (ETI) team and its safety results associated with peripherally inserted central vascular access (PICC) in oncohematology patients. Methods: descriptive observational study in a retrospective cohort in 3,423 oncohaematological patients who were indicated for a PICC on an outpatient basis during 2012 to 2021. Variables: Care model, reason for the indication, access placement verification method, vascular access complications. Data collection using primary data from the vascular access registry and clinical registry of the ESPOQ2© computerized history. Descriptive analysis using IBM® SPSS® Statistics V.23.0. Results: infusional teams' reference increased the capacity to place catheters, going from 98 (2013) to 768 (2021). The indication for the PICC went from 45.80% due to initiation of chemotherapy home infusion (2016) to 93.70% due to an indication for an irritant or vesicant drug (2021) (p< 0.001). The introduction of the ultrasound-guided technique and electro-intracavitary method of tip control decreased complications due to mechanical phlebitis and radiation due to catheter verification (p< 0.001). Conclusions: care models with consolidated reference infusion therapy teams increase the safety of cancer patients with PICC vascular access.(AU)

Trend towards reduction of transfusion reactions using prestorage leukocyte-reduced and pooled whole blood-derived platelets and cost savings compared with poststorage whole blood-derived random platelets as evidenced by real-time hemovigilance.

BACKGROUND: Due to chemotherapy-induced neutropenia or hematologic malignancies, immunocompromised cancer patients may have higher incidence of febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions compared with the general population and frequently require platelet transfusions. This quality improvement project compared the safety of transfusion using prestorage leukocyte-reduced and pooled whole blood-derived platelets (Acrodose/WBD) with conventionally produced poststorage WBD platelets (RDP) using an active hemovigilance system. METHODS: Every patient receiving a blood product at the hospital was virtually monitored in real time by trained nurses from a remote hemovigilance unit. These nurses monitor a digital dashboard, which populates a watch list of patients from the time blood product administration is initiated until 12 hours posttransfusion. Over the course of 6 months, 371 patients receiving 792 RDP transfusions and 423 patients receiving 780 Acrodose/WBD platelets transfusions were monitored for transfusion reactions. RESULTS: We identified 26 transfusion reactions in RDP but only 12 transfusion reactions in the Acrodose/WBD platelet group. CONCLUSION: Acrodose platelet transfusion was associated with fewer transfusion reactions, which resulted in significant cost savings.

Representações sociais do cuidador familiar sobre cuidados paliativos em paciente terminal / Social representations of the family caregiver about palliative care in terminal patient / Representaciones sociales del cuidador familiar sobre cuidados paliativos en pacientes terminales

Objetivo: analisar as representações sociais dos cuidadores familiares sobre os cuidados paliativos em paciente terminal. Método: estudo descritivo com abordagem qualitativa. Para a interpretação dos resultados foi empregado como aporte teórico a Teoria das Representações Sociais. A pesquisa foi realizada com 30 cuidadores familiares de pacientes com câncer em estágio final. Resultado: observou-se a dimensão do cuidador familiar e o meio inserido das representações sociais. O cuidador não é um mero familiar, mas sim alguém que sofre junto com o doente, principalmente, os que estão com câncer em fase terminal, e por isso também precisa de orientações para seus cuidados físico e emocional. Discussão: A teoria das representações sociais, vinculada a área da saúde do cuidador familiar. Considerações finais: As representações sociais do cuidador familiar possibilitaram identificar a verdadeira extensão das questões diárias no cotidiano profissional

Objective: to analyze the social representations of family caregivers about palliative care in terminally ill patients. Method: descriptive study with a qualitative approach. For the interpretation of the results, the Theory of Social Representations was used as a theoretical contribution. The research was conducted with 30 family caregivers of end-stage cancer patients. Result: the dimension of the family caregiver and the inserted environment of the social representations were observed. The caregiver is not a mere family member, but someone who suffers together with the patient, especially those with terminal cancer, and therefore also needs guidance for their physical and emotional care. Discussion: the theory of social representations, linked to the area of family caregiver health. Final considerations:The social representations of the family caregiver made it possible to identify the true extent of daily issues in the professional routine

Objetivos: analizar las representaciones sociales de los cuidadores familiares sobre los cuidados paliativos en pacientes terminales. Método: estudio descriptivo con enfoque cualitativo. Para la interpretación de los resultados se utilizó como aporte teórico la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales. La investigación se llevó a cabo con 30 cuidadores familiares de pacientes con cáncer en etapa terminal. Resultado: se observó la dimensión del cuidador familiar y el ambiente inserto de las representaciones sociales. El cuidador no es un simple miembro de la familia, sino alguien que sufre junto con el paciente, especialmente aquellos con cáncer terminal, y por lo tanto también necesita orientación para su cuidado físico y emocional. Discusión: La teoría de las representaciones sociales, vinculada al área de la salud del cuidador familiar. Consideraciones finales: las representaciones sociales del cuidador familiar permitieron identificar la verdadera extensión de las cuestiones cotidianas en el cotidiano profesional

ABO blood group discrepancies in blood donor and patient samples at a tertiary care oncology centre: analysis and serological resolution.

INTRODUCTION: In serological testing, determination of ABO grouping requires both antigen typing for A and B antigens and screening of serum or plasma for A and B antibodies. Lack of corroboration between the results of the cell and serum groupings identifies a discrepancy. Analysis of ABO blood group discrepancies was performed to determine the incidence of these discrepancies among healthy blood donors and oncology patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ABO discrepancies found during testing of blood samples from blood donors and patients in an oncology centre in the period from January 2015 to December 2018 were analysed. ABO blood grouping was performed using the column agglutination test. Detailed serological workups were carried out to resolve discrepancies. RESULTS: During the study period, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on a large dataset comprising 76,604 blood donor samples and 134,964 patient samples. Of these samples, 117 ABO discrepancies were identified with 13 occurring in blood donor samples and 104 in patient samples. The results demonstrated discrepancies caused by weakened/missing antibodies, weakened/missing antigens, panagglutination and miscellaneous factors in the blood donor samples, with percentages of 0%, 38%, 8%, and 31%, respectively. In patient samples, the percentages were 24%, 27%, 26%, and 15%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Weakened/missing antigen discrepancies were the prevalent type in both blood donor and patient samples. For accurate blood group reporting and management of transfusion needs of patients, a complete serological workup is vital to resolve any blood group discrepancies.

Spiritual Care in Action for Oncology Patients in the uMgungundlovu and eThekwini Health Districts, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: A Qualitative Study.

Introduction: Globally the inclusion of spiritual activities has been well adopted into nursing care. Empirical work related to the inclusion of spiritual activities in nursing within the South African context particularly within the oncology setting is sparse. Being diagnosed with cancer can be unsettling because of the severity and vigorous treatment that one has to endure. Spiritual activities could be used as one of the coping strategies for cancer patients in times of spiritual distress. Strengthening spiritual care by including spiritual activities into daily nursing care could be beneficial to the patient and the institution. Objective: This study aimed to explore spiritual activities that could strengthen spiritual care in oncology nursing practice. Methods: The research study followed a phenomenological qualitative descriptive design. The study population consisted of professional nurses working in the oncology units for more than 6 months. Four health care institutions were purposively selected. Data was collected through individual in-depth interviews and field notes. Ten professional nurses were recruited at the point of data saturation. Data analysis followed inductively using content analysis enrolling steps from Elo and Kyngas. Results: The findings revealed the nurse's willingness to embrace spiritual care in action into their daily nursing care. Three subthemes: holding patient's hands, hospital policy for patient visits, and music therapy outline how patients are comforted by nurses. Conclusion: Nurses are integral in the provision of spiritual care for cancer patients from diagnosis up until the end of life. The essence of spiritual activities gives patients a distraction and an escape from their pain and predicament thus improving their quality of life. The findings provide policy makers with an indication that patients do not only need medical and physical care but spiritual care in their nursing care plan.

Qualitative Study on the Factors Influencing the Utilisation of Products Labelled "Food for Special Medicinal Use" (FSMP).

This study aimed to investigate Romanian physicians' awareness, recommendation practices, and opinions regarding the use of Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMPs) products. A total of ten physicians were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, and their responses were analysed using thematic content analysis. The study found that physicians were aware of FSMPs and recommended them to their patients based on nutritional deficits, weight loss, or deglutition impairments. In addition, disease stage, treatment scheme, taste, affordability, and availability were identified as factors influencing the recommendation and use of FSMPs. While physicians generally did not consult clinical trials, clinical experience was deemed essential for recommending FSMPs to patients. Patients' feedback regarding the usage and sourcing of FSMPs was generally positive, with some expressing concerns about the availability of different flavours and the costs of purchasing the products. This study concluded that physicians play a vital role in recommending FSMPs to patients and ensuring they have the necessary nutritional support during treatment. However, it may be imperative to consider the provision of additional patient education materials and fostering collaborative efforts with nutritionists in order to optimise the prospects of positive outcomes in oncology treatment, while simultaneously alleviating the financial burdens faced by patients.

Oncology-related emergencies discharged from the emergency department.

Introduction: Cancer patients attending emergency departments (EDs) often present with acute symptoms and are frequently admitted. This study aimed to characterise the profile of oncology patients who were discharged from the ED. Methods: This was a retrospective audit of patients with cancer-related diagnoses who presented to the ED at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) over a 6-month period from 1 October 2018 to 31 March 2019 and were directly discharged from the ED. Data was extracted from the hospital's electronic medical record system. Results: Of the 492 participants included in the study, the majority were triaged as Priority 2 (61.4%), while 30.7% were triaged as Priority 3, 6.9% as Priority 1 and 1.0% as Priority 4. There was no statistical difference between the National Early Warning scores across the different triage categories in these patients. The most common complaint was (44.3%), followed by genitourinary symptoms (19.5%) and those related to devices, catheters or stomas (17.3%). More investigations of all types were done for patients being managed in Priority 1 (57.6%) than in the other triage categories (40.1% for Priority 2, 23.2% for Priority 3 and 12.0% for Priority 4). Treatment procedures carried out were mainly symptomatic (analgesics, antiemetics, proton pump inhibitors) for 79.8% of the patients. There were no significant differences in the proportion of patients requiring various treatment modalities among the triage categories. Conclusion: Selected oncological patients may potentially be managed in an ambulatory setting.

Integrating Tobacco Use Assessment and Treatment in the Oncology Setting: Quality Improvement Results from the Georgetown Lombardi Smoking Treatment and Recovery Program.

As part of the NCI's Cancer Center Cessation (C3i) initiative, we initiated, expanded, and maintained an evidence-based tobacco treatment program at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. We present a quality improvement (QI) assessment of the implementation process and patient-level outcomes. At two hematology/oncology outpatient clinical sites, five oncology-based teams (clinical administrators, clinical staff, pharmacy, information technology, and tobacco treatment staff) developed implementation strategies for opt-out patient assessment and enrollment, centralized tobacco treatment, audit, feedback, and staff training. Among eligible patients (tobacco use in ≤30 days), we assessed demographic, clinical, and tobacco-related characteristics to examine predictors of enrollment (baseline completed), treatment engagement (≥one sessions completed), and self-reported 7-day abstinence (6 months post-enrollment). Across both sites, medical assistants screened 19,344 (82.4%) patients for tobacco use, which identified 1345 (7.0%) current tobacco users, in addition to 213 clinician referrals. Of the 687/1256 (54.7%) eligible patients reached, 301 (43.8%) enrolled, and 199 (29.0%) engaged in treatment, of whom 74.5% were African American and 68% were female. At the larger site, significant multivariate predictors of enrollment included African American race (vs. white/other) and clinician referral (vs. MA assessment). Treatment engagement was predicted by greater nicotine dependence, and abstinence (27.4%) was predicted by greater treatment engagement. In summary, the systematic utilization of multiple oncology-based teams and implementation strategies resulted in the development and maintenance of a high-quality, population-based approach to tobacco treatment. Importantly, these strategies addressed inequities in tobacco treatment, as the program reached and engaged a majority-African-American patient population. Finally, the opt-out patient assessment strategy has been implemented in multiple oncology settings at MedStar Health through the Commission on Cancer's Just Ask program.

DuoStim protocol- a novel fertility preservation strategy for female oncology patients.

Fertility loss is one of the primary concerns among female oncology patients of childbearing age about to undergo gonadotoxic therapy. Currently, controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) followed by oocyte or embryo cryopreservation is the only technique of fertility preservation (FP) endorsed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology. This retrospective cohort study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified 'DuoStim' COS protocol in 36 female oncology patients at an FP clinic at St Mary's Hospital Reproductive Medicine Unit (Manchester, UK). Patients underwent two consecutive cycles of COS and outcomes assessed included total oocyte yield, mature oocytes of metaphase stage II, side effects of ovarian stimulation such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and delays to planned cancer therapy. Details of patient outcomes were determined by the review of patient medical records. Results of the study showed that this novel protocol increased oocyte yield by two-fold without delaying oncology treatment. Medical records confirmed that none of the 36 patients developed OHSS or experienced any delays in their cancer therapy. We conclude that the results of this study are encouraging and support DuoStim protocol as an effective strategy for FP in female FP patients.

Effects of using WeChat/WhatsApp on physical and psychosocial health outcomes among oncology patients: A systematic review.

The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the potential effects of the WeChat and WhatsApp mobile applications in cancer management. This systematic review was written in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. CINAHL, PubMed, ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health Database, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, and ERIC were utilized for the literature search. Articles were included if they evaluated the outcomes of using WeChat/WhatsApp for cancer management, and excluded if they were qualitative studies, not published in peer-reviewed journals, protocols for a future study, or conference abstracts. 20 studies were included in this systematic review, with a total sample of 3110 participants. Interventions were utilized to share educational information with participants, follow-up after surgical operations, and in clinical communication. Outcomes, including pain, medication adherence, self-efficacy, quality of life, and depression, were statistically significantly improved in the WeChat/WhatsApp intervention groups in comparison to the control groups or to baseline measurements of the study participants. Outcomes of sleep and rehospitalization rate were improved without reaching statistical significance. Outcomes of anxiety, fatigue, and adverse drug reactions were found to be conflictive among included studies. This systematic review suggested that use of WeChat/WhatsApp on cancer management might improve various physical and psychosocial health outcomes among oncological patients. Limitations of the study include solely reviewing English language articles published in academic journals and most of the studies being from one country. Future research should be conducted in various countries among diverse communities, including rural areas, to ascertain the effects of WeChat/WhatsApp in different populations.

Live music in hospital oncology settings: environmental, interpersonal, and personal outcomes for staff, patients, and carers.

BACKGROUND: This paper explores the environmental, interpersonal, and personal outcomes of music performance in a hospital oncology setting. An original, qualitative research study examined the impact of live music for staff, patients, and carers. METHODS: Data were collected using a multi-method approach of observations and semi-structured interviews and were analysed using inductive and theory-driven theming that was shaped by a determinants of health framework. RESULTS: The research found that live music promoted stronger relationships and calmer environments, among other environmental, social and individual outcomes. Improved communication between staff through the creation of a more supportive environment was a pertinent finding of the research. No negative effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: We discuss research findings in the context of relevant literature and suggest recommendations for future hospital-based live music programs. Results of this study indicate that live music interventions impacted individual, interpersonal, social and environment factors that led to health and wellbeing outcomes for participants.

Early removal of a permanent catheter during the acute management of the unstable pediatric hemato-oncology patient with suspected catheter-related bloodstream infection: a multi-disciplinary survey and review of the literature.

There are no guidelines for the optimal manner and timing of permanent central catheter removal in the hemodynamically unstable pediatric hemato-oncology patient with suspected catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI). Our goals were to examine current practices of permanent central catheter management and choice of removal in the hemodynamically unstable pediatric patient with suspected CRBSI among practitioners in diverse subspecialties. We performed a literature review on the subject, and conducted a multi-disciplinary survey included pediatric oncologists, pediatric emergency medicine physicians, and pediatric intensive care physicians whom we queried about their choice of permanent central catheter management and removal while treating the hemodynamically unstable pediatric patient with suspected CRBSI. Most of the 78 responders (n = 47, 59%) preferred to utilize the existing permanent central catheter for initial intravenous access rather than an alternative access. There were no significant differences between physician subspecialties (p = 0.29) or training levels (p = 0.14). Significantly more pediatric emergency medicine physicians preferred not to remove the permanent central catheter at any time point compared to the pediatric hemato-oncologists, who preferred to remove it at some point during the acute presentation (44.4% vs. 9.4%, respectively, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Our study findings reflect the need for uniform guidelines on permanent central catheter use and indications for its removal in the hemodynamically unstable pediatric patient. We suggest that permanent central catheter removal should be urgently considered in a deteriorating patient who failed to be stabilized with medical treatment. WHAT IS KNOWN: • There are no guidelines for the optimal choice and timing of permanent central catheter removal in the hemodynamically unstable pediatric hemato-oncology patient with suspected catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). WHAT IS NEW: • We found variations in practices among pediatricians from diverse subspecialties and conflicting data in the literature. • There is a need for prospective studies to provide uniform guidelines for optimal management of suspected CRBSI in the hemodynamically unstable pediatric patient.