Outcomes and Toxicities After Treatment for Men Diagnosed With Localized Prostate Cancer in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: Current management for clinically localized prostate cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) includes surgery, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), and brachytherapy either alone or in combination, with plus or minus hormone therapy. The toxicity profiles and oncological outcomes of these treatment modalities vary. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence of treatment-related outcomes and toxicities for men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer in LMICs.

The association of blood pressure, body mass index and carotid intima-media thickness as childhood predictors of cardiovascular disease risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: Blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) are well-known independent predictors of cardiovascular disease especially in adulthood. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the statistical significance of the relationship between childhood CIMT, blood pressure and BMI. This systematic review and meta-analysis was therefore conducted to ascertain the relationship.

Clinical service organisation for adults with atrial fibrillation.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an increasingly prevalent heart rhythm condition in adults. It is considered a common cardiovascular condition with complex clinical management. The increasing prevalence and complexity in management underpin the need to adapt and innovate in the delivery of care for people living with AF.

Prevalence of Preferences for End-of-Life Place of Care and Death Among Patients With Cancer in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: There is limited information on preferences for place of care and death among patients with cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim was to report the prevalence and determinants of preferences for end-of-life place of care and death among patients with cancer in LMICs and identify concordance between the preferred and actual place of death.

Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was conducted.

Relationship between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and cardiac remodeling during pregnancy: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are among the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. The primary objective of this study was to ascertain whether maternal cardiac remodeling is more prevalent in HDP than normotensive pregnancy and if significant change in aortic root size is involved. The secondary objective was to determine the types of cardiac remodeling often associated with HDP.

Mobile-Based Application Interventions to Enhance Cancer Control and Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review.

To identify and appraise mobile-based application (mAPP) interventions that have been used to support cancer control and care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Four electronic databases were systematically searched for studies that reported primary research findings related to mAPP interventions applied in oncology settings in LMICs. A narrative synthesis was performed using the Mhealth Index and Navigation Database as an analytical framework.

Financial toxicity of cancer care in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: The costs associated with cancer diagnosis, treatment and care present enormous financial toxicity. However, evidence of financial toxicity associated with cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is scarce.

Aim: To determine the prevalence, determinants and how financial toxicity has been measured among cancer patients in LMICs.

Novel coronavirus mitigation measures implemented by radiotherapy centres in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review.

Background: The aim of the study was to identify strategies adopted by radiotherapy centres in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to mitigate the effects of COVID-19. Studies summarising COVID-19 mitigation strategies designed and implemented by radiotherapy centres in LMICs to avoid delays, deferrments and interruptions of radiotherapy services are lacking.

Materials And Methods: A systematic review was conducted and reported in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis guideline.

Development of the 'REadiness SElf-assessment (RESEA) guide' to assist low and middle-income countries with establishing safe and sustainable radiotherapy services: a pragmatic sequential mixed qualitative methods project.

Background: Improving access to radiotherapy services in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) is challenging. Many LMICs' radiotherapy initiatives fail because of multi-faceted barriers leading to significant wastage of scarce resources. Supporting LMICs to self-assess their readiness for establishing radiotherapy services will help to improve cancer outcomes by ensuring safe, effective and sustainable evidenced-based cancer care.

Australian specialist palliative care's response to COVID-19: an anonymous online survey of service providers.

Background: The corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has required specialist palliative care (SPC) services to respond by: (I) integrating infection prevention/control measures into care for their usual caseloads and (II) providing consultations and/or care for people dying from a new disease entity. The aim of the current study was to learn about the response of Australian SPC services to COVID-19 and its consequences in order to inform pandemic practice and policy.

Methods: A cross-sectional, anonymous survey was administered online from May to July 2020.

Quality of life among cervical cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Introduction: There has been an increasing rate of the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in Ghana. Cancer and the treatment's side effects have adverse effects on the patients and this affects patient's well-being and lifestyle during and after radiotherapy. The study sought to assess the impact of demographic and clinical characteristics on Quality of Life (QoL) among cervical cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy in Ghana.

Experiences of barriers and facilitators to establishing and sustaining radiotherapy services in low- and middle-income countries: A qualitative study.

Aims: The factors contributing to the establishment of high-quality radiotherapy services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are poorly understood. The aim was to identify and describe barriers and facilitators to establishing and sustaining high-quality and accessible radiotherapy services in LMICs based on the experience of successful and unsuccessful attempts.

Methods: An exploratory-descriptive qualitative study using semistructured telephone interviews was undertaken.

Barriers and facilitators to implementation of cancer treatment and palliative care strategies in low- and middle-income countries: systematic review.

Objectives: To appraise improvement strategies adopted by low- and middle-income countries to increase access to cancer treatments and palliative care; and identify the facilitators and barriers to implementation.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted and reported in accordance with PRISMA statement. MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched.

Characteristics of users and implications for the use of complementary and alternative medicine in Ghanaian cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy: a cross- sectional study.

Background: There is widespread use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Ghana, driven by cultural consideration and paradigm to disease causation. Whether there is concurrent use of conventional medicine and CAM in cancer patients is unknown. This study investigates the prevalence, pattern and predictors of CAM use in cancer patients.