A pilot study examining the effects of low-volume high-intensity interval training and continuous low to moderate intensity training on quality of life, functional capacity and cardiovascular risk factors in cancer survivors.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low-volume high-intensity interval training and continuous low to moderate intensity training on quality of life, functional capacity and cardiovascular disease risk factors in cancer survivors.

Methods: Cancer survivors within 24 months post-diagnosis were randomly assigned into the low-volume high-intensity interval training group ( = 8) or the continuous low to moderate intensity training group ( = 8) group for 36 sessions (12 weeks) of supervised exercise. The low-volume high-intensity interval training (LVHIIT) group performed 7 × 30 s intervals (≥85% maximal heart rate) and the continuous low to moderate intensity training (CLMIT) group performed continuous aerobic training for 20 min (≤55% maximal heart rate) on a stationary bike or treadmill.

Administration of chemotherapy in patients on dialysis.

The prevalence of patients on dialysis has increased and these patients present a challenge for chemotherapy administration when diagnosed with cancer. A consensus on the dosage and timing of different chemotherapeutic agents in relation to dialysis has not been established. We describe the pattern of care and treatment outcome for cancer patients on dialysis in our institution.

Variation in the management of early breast cancer in rural and metropolitan centres: implications for the organisation of rural cancer services.

The study examines the management and outcomes of women with early invasive breast cancer treated in rural and metropolitan centres over a nine-year observation period. A prospective audit of the treatment and outcomes of 2081 women with early breast cancer who underwent potentially curative surgery between 1997 and 2006 in metropolitan Canberra or in the surrounding rural region was completed. Overall, there was good agreement between published guidelines and the treatment received by the women in the study.

Fluctuating awareness of treatment goals among patients and their caregivers: a longitudinal study of a dynamic process.

Background: Because increasing numbers of people now survive for months or years with advanced cancer, communication between patients, service providers, and family caregivers often continues over long periods. Hence, understanding of the goals of medical treatment may develop and change as time elapses and disease progresses. This understanding is closely related to the "awareness of dying," which has been studied in both qualitative and quantitative research.

Patients with advanced cancer and family caregivers' knowledge of health and community services: a longitudinal study.

The present study examines the knowledge of health and community services reported by patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers, and compares patient-stated use with their knowledge of availability. A longitudinal study of the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer was conducted out of the cancer services of The Canberra Hospital, a teaching service, in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. Some 317 subjects were recruited sequentially, comprising patients (n = 181) and their nominated family caregivers (n = 136).

Does emotional support influence survival? Findings from a longitudinal study of patients with advanced cancer.

A total of 163 patients with advanced cancer at an Australian teaching hospital were interviewed to investigate whether emotional support was predictive of survival duration. Survival was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier product-limit estimate, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression, from entry to the study in 1996 to date of death, or 31 March 2003, whichever came first. The number of confidants with whom feelings were being shared at the time of study entry was predictive of survival duration.

PC-3 cells with enhanced androgen receptor signaling: a model for clonal selection in prostate cancer.

Background: Two sublines of the human prostate cancer cell line, PC-3, which is widely used as a model of prostate cancer progression, have been reported: PC-3(AR-) that do not express androgen receptor (AR), and PC-3AR+ that have measurable AR RNA but little protein.

Methods: We assayed the geneotype, karyotype, AR expression, and physical characteristics of the two PC-3 sublines, and compared their ability to elicit a transactivation response from ectopic AR in the presence and absence of specific AR coregulators.

Results: PC-3(AR-) and PC-3AR+ cells are genotypically and karyotypically similar, but exhibit salient differences in their morphology, growth rate, and expression of AR RNA.

Family caregiver knowledge of treatment intent in a longitudinal study of patients with advanced cancer.

Goals Of Work: Caregivers have become part of a triad of care and frequently attend patient consultations in the ambulatory cancer setting. Effective caregiving and decision making require that they understand the course of the disease and the changing treatment goals. This study sought to evaluate caregiver perception of treatment intent.