Holding back moderates the association between health symptoms and social well-being in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Context: Holding back, or withholding discussion of disease-related thoughts and emotions, is associated with negative outcomes including lower quality of life, diminished well-being, and relational distress. For patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the degree to which one holds back from discussing illness-related concerns may be an important determinant of social well-being and health; however, this has not been systematically assessed in this population.

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to assess the moderating effects of holding back discussion of disease-related concerns on the relationship between health-related symptoms and social well-being in adult patients undergoing HSCT.

Use of an electronic patient-reported outcome measurement system to improve distress management in oncology.

Objective: Management of patient distress is a critical task in cancer nursing and cancer practice. Here we describe two examples of how an electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) measurement system implemented into routine oncology care can practically aid clinical and research tasks related to distress management.

Methods: Tablet personal computers were used to routinely complete a standardized ePRO review of systems surveys at point of care during every encounter in the Duke Oncology outpatient clinics.

Longitudinal patterns of chemotherapy use in metastatic colorectal cancer.

Multiple agents and combination therapies available to patients with advanced colorectal cancer have significantly improved survival and provided an opportunity for individualization of care, allowing clinicians and patients to prioritize risks and benefits of comparable regimens.

A prospective randomized, placebo-controlled skin care study in women diagnosed with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy.

Purpose/objectives: To compare the effectiveness of three different skin care products versus a placebo in reducing the incidence of radiation therapy-induced skin reactions prophylactically.

Design: Prospective randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

Setting: A radiation oncology department at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the southeastern United States.

Validation of the Patient Care Monitor (Version 2.0): a review of system assessment instrument for cancer patients.

Context: The Patient Care Monitor (PCM) is a review of systems survey delivered by means of an electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) data capture system that uses wireless tablet computers. Although the PCM 1.0 is validated, the updated PCM 2.

Treatment-related toxicity and supportive care in metastatic colorectal cancer.

As survival of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) increases, patients have more exposure to chemotherapy and related toxicity. The objective is to determine how toxicity patterns affect care. Via a population-based strategy, mCRC cases diagnosed between June 2003 and June 2006 were identified from one academic and nine community oncology practices in the southeastern United States.

Phase 2 pilot study of Pathfinders: a psychosocial intervention for cancer patients.

Purpose: Pathfinders is a multi-faceted psychosocial care program for cancer patients; it was developed in community oncology and adapted to the academic oncology setting. This prospective, single-arm, phase 2 pilot study examined the acceptability and feasibility of Pathfinders for women with metastatic breast cancer.

Methods: Over 3 months, participants completed patient-reported surveys including the Patient Care Monitor (PCM, review of systems), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Breast Cancer (FACT-B), Self Efficacy, and a single-item survey asking patients whether the program was helpful to them.

Poor documentation prevents adequate assessment of quality metrics in colorectal cancer.

To standardize oncology clinical practice and improve patient outcomes, multiple organizations have developed cancer-specific metrics on the basis of a systematic background review, expert guidance, and fundamental elements of cancer care-staging and treatment.

Quality management of potential chemotherapy-induced neutropenic complications: evaluation of practice in an academic medical center.

Goals: Management of the risk of potential chemotherapy-induced neutropenic complications such as febrile neutropenia (FN) and severe neutropenia (SN) is a quality of care priority. How frequently does care at our institution conform to established guidelines?

Materials And Methods: This retrospective chart review study included a random sample of 305 cancer patients receiving care at a single US academic medical center. Abstracted data included demographics, risk factors, and outcome variables (e.

Comorbidity, age, race and stage at diagnosis in colorectal cancer: a retrospective, parallel analysis of two health systems.

Background: Stage at diagnosis plays a significant role in colorectal cancer (CRC) survival. Understanding which factors contribute to a more advanced stage at diagnosis is vital to improving overall survival. Comorbidity, race, and age are known to impact receipt of cancer therapy and survival, but the relationship of these factors to stage at diagnosis of CRC is less clear.