Caregiver Quality of Life Before and After Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy.

Background: Cytoreductive surgery plus intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (CRS+HIPEC) is a formidable procedure, often affecting the quality of life (QOL) of the caregiver as well as the patient. We explored the impact of quality of life and depressive symptom burdens of CRS+HIPEC caregivers prospectively.

Study Design: Patient and caregiver dyads were both consented per IRB-approved protocol; CRS ± HIPEC was performed.

Health-Related Quality of Life After Cytoreductive Surgery/HIPEC for Mucinous Appendiceal Cancer: Results of a Multicenter Randomized Trial Comparing Oxaliplatin and Mitomycin.

Background: This study evaluated health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using patient-reported outcomes in subjects with mucinous appendiceal neoplasms who underwent cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) as part of a randomized trial comparing mitomycin with oxaliplatin.

Methods: In this prospective multicenter study, 121 mucinous appendiceal cancer patients, with evidence of peritoneal dissemination who underwent CRS, were randomized to receive mitomycin (divided 40 mg) or oxaliplatin (200 mg/m) for HIPEC. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Neurotoxicity (FACT-G/NTX) questionnaire was utilized to assess HRQOL.

Goals and Adverse Effects: Rate of Concordance Between Patients and Providers.

Purpose: Adequate understanding of the goals and adverse effects of cancer treatment has important implications for patients' decision making, expectations, and mood. This study sought to identify the degree to which patients and clinicians agreed upon the goals and adverse effects of treatment (ie, concordance).

Methods: Patients completed a demographic questionnaire, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer, the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Treatment Satisfaction-General questionnaire, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being questionnaire, and a 13-item questionnaire about the goals and adverse effects of treatment.

Effect of Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy on Quality of Life in Patients with Peritoneal Mesothelioma.

Introduction: Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an accepted treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma. In this study, we evaluated QOL after HIPEC for peritoneal mesothelioma.

Methods: This was a prospective study performed after HIPEC for peritoneal mesothelioma between 2002 and 2015.

Quality-of-Life Evaluation After Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy.

Background: Cytoreductive surgery (CS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for peritoneal metastases can alleviate symptoms and prolong survival at the expense of morbidity and quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to monitor QoL and outcomes before and after HIPEC.

Methods: A prospective QoL trial of patients who underwent HIPEC for peritoneal metastases from 2000 to 2015 was conducted.

Measuring meaning and peace with the FACIT-spiritual well-being scale: distinction without a difference?

The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp; Peterman, Fitchett, Brady, Hernandez, & Cella, 2002) has become a widely used measure of spirituality; however, there remain questions about its specific factor structure and the validity of scores from its separate scales. Specifically, it remains unclear whether the Meaning and Peace scales denote distinct factors. The present study addresses previous limitations by examining the extent to which the Meaning and Peace scales relate differentially to a variety of physical and mental health variables across 4 sets of data from adults with a number of chronic health conditions.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant candidate and designated proxy distress levels prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is associated with a high risk of morbidity, making advance care planning (ACP) essential. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare proxy and HCT candidate distress levels (Distress Thermometer) before (T1) and after (T2) ACP question completion. 79 participants (40 HCT candidates, 39 proxies) rated their distress.

The process of advance care planning in HCT candidates and proxies: self-efficacy, locus of control, and anxiety levels.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between hematopoietic cell transplant candidate and proxy advance care planning (ACP) behavior and attitudes. A total of 49 candidates and 44 proxies completed the Advance Directive Attitudes Survey, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, Family Decision Making Self-Efficacy Scale, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. In all, 45% of candidates reported completing an advance directive (AD), while only 26% had ADs on file; 80% of candidates discussed ACP wishes with their loved ones and 15% discussed ACP wishes with their medical team.

Predicting postoperative morbidity following cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CS+HIPEC) with preoperative FACT-C (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy) and patient-rated performance status.

Background: Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CS+HIPEC) is associated with significant perioperative morbidity. One goal of our ongoing patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) program is to describe the prognostic value of HRQoL measures for predicting postoperative morbidity and mortality following CS+HIPEC.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected clinical database for all patients treated for peritoneal carcinomatosis and who participated in our patient-reported HRQoL program from 2001 to 2011 was done.

Patient rated outcomes and survivorship following cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CS + HIPEC).

Background: Cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CS + HIPEC) is a treatment combining cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic chemotherapy directly into the peritoneal cavity. Recipients may gain extended life when compared with best supportive care; yet results often are achieved with substantial morbidity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) deficits. The purpose of this study was to record patient rated outcomes and the HRQOL of long-term survivors.

Quality of life and survival in advanced cervical cancer: a Gynecologic Oncology Group study.

Purpose: To determine associations between pretreatment health-related quality of life subscales with progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in advanced and recurrent cervical cancer.

Patients And Methods: Patients included those participating in Gynecologic Oncology Group advanced or recurrent cervical cancer phase III treatment trials who completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy for patients with cervical cancer (FACT-Cx) and a single-item pain scale at study entry. The FACT-Cx includes five domains: physical (PWB), emotional (EWB), social (SWB), functional well being (FWB), and cervix cancer subscale (CCS).

A phase II trial of thalidomide and procarbazine in adult patients with recurrent or progressive malignant gliomas.

Thalidomide and procarbazine have demonstrated single agent activity against malignant gliomas (MG). We evaluated the combination of thalidomide and procarbazine with a single arm phase II trial in adults with recurrent or progressive MG. Procarbazine was given at a dose of 250 mg/m(2)/d × 5day q 28 days.

Survival and quality of life following cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis of colonic origin.

Background: Peritoneal carcinomatosis of colonic origin (PCC) is a life-threatening diagnosis. Cytoreductive surgery (CS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) offers patients the prospect of long-term survival with alleviation of symptoms.

Methods: Patients underwent HIPEC for PCC and completed questionnaires preoperatively (T1) and after surgery at 3 (T2), 6 (T3), and 12 (T4) months.

Other paradigms: health-related quality of life as a measure in cancer treatment: its importance and relevance.

During the past 2 decades, there have been advances in the definition, measurement, and application in clinical trials and practice of health-related quality of life (HRQOL). In addition, the importance of bringing the patient's voice to medical decision making has been increasing. However, there remains some question as to the importance of the HRQOL construct in cancer treatment.

Quality of life and nutritional assessment in peritoneal surface malignancy (PSM): recommendations for care.

Quality of life (QOL) and nutritional status of patients treated for peritoneal surface malignancy are important areas for ongoing assessment. A working group of clinicians including a dietitian, physicians, and quality of life researchers was formed as part of the Fifth International Workshop on Peritoneal Surface Malignancy. The purpose of the group was to form a consensus statement on both quality of life and nutritional assessment in PSM.

Restorative yoga for women with ovarian or breast cancer: findings from a pilot study.

Yoga has demonstrated benefit in healthy individuals and those with various health conditions. There are, however, few systematic studies to support the development of yoga interventions for cancer patients. Restorative yoga (RY) is a gentle type of yoga that has been described as "active relaxation.

Survival and health outcomes after cytoreductive surgery with intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy for disseminated peritoneal cancer of appendiceal origin.

Background: Cytoreductive surgery with intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis of appendiceal origin can alleviate symptoms and prolong survival. This aggressive therapy may impair patient quality of life (QOL). The purpose of this study was to monitor health outcomes before and after treatment.

A phase III, double-blind, placebo-controlled prospective randomized clinical trial of d-threo-methylphenidate HCl in brain tumor patients receiving radiation therapy.

Purpose: The quality of life (QOL) and neurocognitive function of patients with brain tumors are negatively affected by the symptoms of their disease and brain radiation therapy (RT). We assessed the effect of prophylactic d-threo-methylphenidate HCl (d-MPH), a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant on QOL and cognitive function in patients undergoing RT.

Methods And Materials: Sixty-eight patients with primary or metastatic brain tumors were randomly assigned to receive d-MPH or placebo.

Social support, optimism, and self-efficacy predict physical and emotional well-being after bone marrow transplantation.

This study examined whether three psychosocial variables (social support, self-efficacy, and optimism) assessed prior to bone marrow transplantation (BMT) predicted physical and emotional wellbeing one year post-BMT. Data were gathered on 87 participants enrolled in a multicenter, randomized trial examining the impact of ex-vivo T-cell depletion on disease-free survival in leukemia patients receiving allogeneic BMT. Social support, optimism, and self-efficacy significantly predicted emotional and physical well-being one year post-BMT, controlling for age, gender, maximum grade of acute GVHD, and treatment arm.

Monitoring health outcomes following cytoreductive surgery plus intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Background: Cytoreductive surgery with intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomitosis (PC) is an aggressive treatment designed to alleviate symptoms and prolong life. It is associated with physical and psychological morbidity. The purpose of this study was to monitor health outcomes related to treatment.

Music or guided imagery for women undergoing colposcopy: a randomized controlled study of effects on anxiety, perceived pain, and patient satisfaction.

Objective: It was hypothesized that music or guided imagery versus usual care would result in less anxiety and perceived pain for colposcopy patients.

Materials And Methods: Patients were randomized to music, guided imagery, or usual care after completing a baseline questionnaire. All patients completed a postprocedure questionnaire.

The effect of unrelated donor marrow transplantation on health-related quality of life: a report of the unrelated donor marrow transplantation trial (T-cell depletion trial).

The primary objective of this study was to compare health-related quality of life (HRQL) in adult patients undergoing either ex vivo T cell-depleted bone marrow transplantation or conventional marrow transplantation. Data on patients' HRQL were gathered as part of a multicenter randomized trial comparing the effect of ex vivo T-cell depletion versus methotrexate and cyclosporine immunosuppression on disease-free survival. HRQL assessments were conducted at baseline, day +100, 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years.

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study of sertraline (Zoloft) for the treatment of hot flashes in women with early stage breast cancer taking tamoxifen.

We observed the relief of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors taking tamoxifen and treated with sertraline for depression. Our objective was to assess the effect of sertraline on the frequency and severity of hot flashes, mood status, and health-related quality of life. We used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study using 6 weeks of sertraline (50 mg each morning) versus placebo.

Quality of life (QOL) outcomes from a randomized trial of cisplatin versus cisplatin plus paclitaxel in advanced cervical cancer: a Gynecologic Oncology Group study.

Objective: Chemotherapy can profoundly affect patients' quality of life (QOL), yet few clinical trials in advanced cervical cancer have included QOL outcomes. Our purpose was to assess the impact of cisplatin (C) versus cisplatin plus paclitaxel (CP) on overall QOL and pain in cervical cancer patients.

Methods: QOL was assessed using FACT-Cx, consisting of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-G) plus a cervix cancer-specific subscale, the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF), and a neurotoxicity subscale.