A pilot randomized controlled trial of an online intervention for Hodgkin lymphoma survivors to increase knowledge about late effects and recommended screening.

Background: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) survivors who received chest radiotherapy are at risk for breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, but screening adherence is low. We assessed the acceptability/feasibility of a web-based educational intervention and its impact on knowledge of health risks and screening.

Methods: HL survivors were randomized to either an interactive online educational intervention or handouts only.

The Feasibility and Acceptability of a Data Capture Methodology in Pediatric Cancer Patients Treated with Targeted Agents and Immunotherapies.

As childhood cancer treatments have improved to include new and innovative agents, the need for more advanced monitoring of their long-term effects and related research has increased. This has resulted in a need for evidence-based research methodologies for the longitudinal care of childhood cancer patients treated with targeted agents and immunotherapies. The rationale for this pilot study was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a data capture methodology for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancer patients treated with targeted agents and immunotherapy as there is little research to inform this delivery of care.

Utility of apical four-chamber longitudinal strain in the assessment of childhood cancer survivors: A multicenter study.

Background: A previous multicenter study showed that longitudinal changes in standard cardiac functional parameters were associated with the development of cardiomyopathy in childhood cancer survivors (CCS). Evaluation of the relationship between global longitudinal strain (GLS) changes and cardiomyopathy risk was limited, largely due to lack of quality apical 2- and 3-chamber views in addition to 4-chamber view. We sought to determine whether apical 4-chamber longitudinal strain (A4LS) alone can serve as a suitable surrogate for GLS in this population.

Perspectives on Virtual Care for Childhood Cancer Survivors in Non-Metropolitan Areas during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic paved the way for the widespread use of virtual care for childhood cancer survivors (CCSs). CCSs were virtual recipients of diverse care, including long-term follow-up (LTFU), primary care, mental health care, and several others. Virtual care comes with well-documented benefits and challenges.

Usability and Satisfaction Testing of Game-Based Learning Avatar-Navigated Mobile (GLAm), an App for Cervical Cancer Screening: Mixed Methods Study.

Background: Barriers to cervical cancer screening in young adults include a lack of knowledge and negative perceptions of testing. Evidence shows that mobile technology reduces these barriers; thus, we developed a web app, Game-based Learning Avatar-navigated mobile (GLAm), to educate and motivate cervical cancer screening using the Fogg Behavioral Model as a theoretic guide. Users create avatars to navigate the app, answer short quizzes with education about cervical cancer and screening, watch videos of the screening process, and earn digital trophies.

Transition practices for survivors of childhood cancer: a report from the Children's Oncology Group.

Purpose: Pediatric healthcare systems must support childhood cancer survivors to optimize their transition to adult care. This study aimed to assess the state of healthcare transition services provided by Children's Oncology Group (COG) institutions.

Methods: A 190-question online survey was distributed to 209 COG institutions to assess survivor services, including transition practices, barriers, and implementation of services aligned with the six core elements of Health Care Transition 2.

Growth Hormone Deficiency in Childhood Intracranial Germ Cell Tumor Survivors.

Background And Aims: Intracranial germ cell tumor (iGCT) survivors have multiple risk factors for growth hormone (GH) deficiency, a commonly reported late effect in childhood cancer survivors. The objective of this study is to examine the prevalence of GH deficiency among childhood iGCT survivors.

Methods: Participants were previously enrolled in the Germ Cell Tumor Epidemiology Study (GaMETES), a case parent triad study conducted using the Children's Oncology Group registry protocols, including 216 cases with iGCTs.

HPV vaccination coverage for pediatric, adolescent and young adult patients receiving care in a childhood cancer survivor program.

Pediatric, adolescent and young adult patients undergoing cancer treatment and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplant are at increased risk for developing a secondary human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated malignancy. The objective of this study was to determine HPV vaccination coverage among individuals participating in a childhood cancer survivor program (CCSP). A retrospective cohort study was conducted among CCSP patients age 11-26 years attending a CCSP visit between 2014 and 2019.

Late-onset toxicities of monoclonal antibodies in cancer patients.

Cancer therapy duration is variable and may take years, adding a new challenge of maintaining the best life quality for cancer survivors. In cancer patients, late-onset toxicities have been reported with monoclonal antibodies and may involve several body organs or systems. They are defined as an autoimmune illnesses that can happen months to years after treatment discontinuation.

Identifying metrics of success for transitional care practices in childhood cancer survivorship: A qualitative interview study of parents.

Background: Survivor-focused care for adolescent and young adult (AYA) childhood cancer survivors (CCS) often involves their parents. Recognizing the importance of parents in the ongoing care of CCS, our study sought to identify key aspects of a successful transition for CCS from pediatric- to adult-centered care from the parent perspective.

Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews with 26 parents of CCS who were receiving care in the long-term follow-up (LTFU) clinic at a single institution.

Challenges associated with retrospective analysis of left ventricular function using clinical echocardiograms from a multicenter research study.

Background: Retrospective multicenter research using echocardiograms obtained for routine clinical care can be hampered by issues of individual center quality. We sought to evaluate imaging and patient characteristics associated with poorer quality of archived echocardiograms from a cohort of childhood cancer survivors.

Methods: A single blinded reviewer at a central core laboratory graded quality of clinical echocardiograms from five centers focusing on images to derive 2D and M-mode fractional shortening (FS), biplane Simpson's ejection fraction (EF), myocardial performance index (MPI), tissue Doppler imaging (TDI)-derived velocities, and global longitudinal strain (GLS).

Cancer survivors exercise at higher intensity in outdoor settings: The GECCOS trial.

Purpose: This randomized cross-over group pilot trial assessed feasibility of recruiting survivors from a long-term follow-up clinic to an exercise group and measured whether outdoor or indoor exercise sessions better supported exercise motivation and behaviors in survivors of cancer.

Methods: Sixteen adolescent and young adult survivors of any cancer completed indoor and outdoor exercise sessions in this randomized cross-over pilot trial. Measures of physical activity, motivation, and fatigue were taken 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after indoor sessions and 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after outdoor sessions.

Molecular mechanisms and cardiovascular implications of cancer therapy-induced senescence.

Cancer treatment has been associated with accelerated aging that can lead to early-onset health complications typically experienced by older populations. In particular, cancer survivors have an increased risk of developing premature cardiovascular complications. In the last two decades, cellular senescence has been proposed as an important mechanism of premature cardiovascular diseases.

Identifying metrics of success for transitional care practices in childhood cancer survivorship: a qualitative interview study of survivors.

Background: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) childhood cancer survivors (CCS) should be empowered to continue their survivor-focused care as they transition into adult medicine. However, the majority of AYA-aged survivors become lost to follow up around the age of typical transition to adulthood. The purpose of this study was to identify, from the patient's perspective, key factors that facilitate successful transitions to adult-centered survivorship care.

Longitudinal Changes in Echocardiographic Parameters of Cardiac Function in Pediatric Cancer Survivors.

Background: Childhood cancer survivors undergo serial echocardiograms to screen for cardiotoxicity. It is not clear whether small longitudinal changes in functional or structural parameters over time have clinical significance.

Objectives: To assess the timing of changes in serial echocardiographic parameters in pediatric age childhood cancer survivors and to evaluate their associations with cardiomyopathy development.

Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Presenting in Association With Neuroblastoma: A Case Report.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a common systemic vasculitis affecting children. It is managed in the outpatient setting and rarely associated with malignancy. We present a case of neuroblastoma in a 7-year-old boy diagnosed after suspected HSP.

Transitional care practices, services, and delivery in childhood cancer survivor programs: A survey study of U.S. survivorship providers.

Purpose: There are limited reports describing transition of young adult childhood cancer survivors (CCS) from pediatric to adult-focused survivorship care. The purpose of this study was to characterize current transitional care practices in the United States.

Project Description: An online survey was sent to one preselected respondent at 163 Children's Oncology Group member institutions in the United States.

A Narrative Literature Review and Environmental Scan of Self-management Education Programs for Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer.

Self-management education programs (SMEPs) have demonstrated a measurable benefit in enhancing self-efficacy, increasing health knowledge, and improving both health behaviors and physical symptoms associated with underlying conditions in multiple chronic disease populations. Adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of childhood cancer, defined as individuals ages 15 to 39 years, are at a high risk for adverse health outcomes due to late complications from previous cancer treatments, knowledge deficits of their risks, and complex socioeconomic challenges associated with transitional periods in their lives. We performed a literature review and environmental scan to systematically survey and interpret relevant SMEPs to identify opportunities for their development specific to the AYA population.

Increased theta band EEG power in sickle cell disease patients.

Objective: Pain is a major issue in the care of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). The mechanisms behind pain and the best way to treat it are not well understood. We studied how electroencephalography (EEG) is altered in SCD patients.