Evaluating laser photobiomodulation for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a randomised phase II trial.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of laser photobiomodulation (PBM) for treatment of established chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in cancer survivors.

Methods: We conducted a randomised phase II, non-comparative, sham-controlled, single-blinded clinical trial in 44 cancer survivors reporting CIPN symptoms at least 3 months following completion of neurotoxic chemotherapy. Participants were randomised 2:1 to either PBM laser or sham control delivered twice weekly for 12 sessions.

Patterns of Patient-Reported Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Colorectal Cancer Survivors.

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) can be a debilitating toxicity of oxaliplatin used for treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to assess CIPN symptoms and associations in our colorectal survivorship population and review the impact of neurotoxicity on dose delivery of oxaliplatin.

Patients And Methods: Patients attending their first visit to the Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre following completion of adjuvant treatment for CRC completed comprehensive patient-reported outcome measures, including symptoms, quality of life (QoL), alcohol intake, and exercise habits.

Exploring assessment of balance using virtual reality in patients at risk of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common dose-limiting toxicity for people treated for cancer. Impaired balance and falls are functional consequences of CIPN. Virtual reality (VR) technology may be able to assess balance and identify patients at risk of falls.

Systematic review of long-term chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) following adjuvant oxaliplatin for colorectal cancer.

Purpose: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is the most common dose-limiting side effect of oxaliplatin. It often persists and can adversely affect quality of life of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. This systematic review explored the proportions of patients with persistent CIPN and the reporting methods used.

Ibudilast for prevention of oxaliplatin-induced acute neurotoxicity: a pilot study assessing preliminary efficacy, tolerability and pharmacokinetic interactions in patients with metastatic gastrointestinal cancer.

Purpose: This prospective, open-label, sequential 'before vs. after' pilot study was conducted to provide preliminary efficacy and tolerability data for ibudilast in the prevention of oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity in patients with metastatic upper gastrointestinal or colorectal cancer. Any potential impact of ibudilast on oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil pharmacokinetics was also explored.

Why do delays to diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer occur? A mixed methods study of insights from Australian clinicians.

Aims: Delays in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can impact survival. We explored reasons for delays experienced by patients with lung cancer to identify themes and strategies for improvement.

Methods: We used national timeframe recommendations and standardized definitions to identify General Practitioners and specialists caring for 34 patients who experienced delays in our previous Medicare data linkage study.

Times to Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer in New South Wales, Australia: A Multicenter, Medicare Data Linkage Study.

Introduction: Earlier access to lung cancer specialist (LCS) care improves survival. We examined times to diagnosis and treatment of patients with lung cancer in rural and metropolitan New South Wales (NSW) Australia, benchmarked against recent timeframe recommendations.

Materials And Methods: Semistructured interviews of recently diagnosed patients with lung cancer from five NSW cancer centers were used to determine standardized time intervals to diagnosis and treatment, triangulated with Medicare data linkage and medical records.

How long is too long? A scoping review of health system delays in lung cancer.

Earlier access to lung cancer specialist (LCS) care improves survival, highlighting the need for streamlined patient referral. International guidelines recommend 14-day maximum time intervals from general practitioner (GP) referral to first LCS appointment ("GP-LCS interval"), and diagnosis to treatment ("treatment interval"). We compared time intervals in lung cancer care against timeframe benchmarks, and explored barriers and facilitators to timely care.

Delays to diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer in Australia: healthcare professional perceptions of actual versus acceptable timeframes.

Background: Streamlined referral to specialist care impacts lung cancer outcomes.

Aim: To examine Australian healthcare professionals' (HCP) perceptions of the timeliness of pathways to diagnosis and treatment for people with lung cancer, compared against timeframe guidelines.

Methods: A 21-item survey of HCP evaluating patient waiting times to diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer was distributed through two Australian conferences, a national Multidisciplinary Team directory and email.

The shortage of medical oncologists: the Australian Medical Oncologist Workforce Study.

Objective: To determine current and projected supply, demand and shortfall of medical oncologists (MOs) and the Australian chemotherapy utilisation rate.

Design, Setting And Participants: A 2009 cross-sectional observational study of Australian adult medical oncology practice work patterns.

Instrument: Electronic or paper self-administered questionnaire.

Workforce shortages in medical oncology: a looming threat to quality cancer care.

Supply must meet demand to maintain our high standards of cancer care.