The brain tumor not-for-profit and charity experience of COVID-19: reacting and adjusting to an unprecedented global pandemic in the 21st century.

Background: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected individuals as well as disease-specific brain tumor organizations. These organizations around the world exist to address unmet needs for patients and caregivers they serve. The direct impact of the pandemic on these organizations constitutes significant collateral damage.

Analysis of Internet-Based Search Patterns Utilized by Glioma Patients as Information Source.

The aim of this study is to assess the Internet usage pattern amongst glioma patients and to characterize its impact in their decision-making and clinical interactions. Glioma patients attending a tertiary cancer center between June and December 2019 were invited to participate in this study. A 26-item survey consisting of closed and open-ended questions was distributed with a unique identifier.

Brain tumors and COVID-19: the patient and caregiver experience.

Background: Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, thousands of medical procedures and appointments have been canceled or delayed. The long-term effects of these drastic measures on brain tumor patients and caregivers are unknown. The purpose of this study is to better understand how COVID-19 has affected this vulnerable population on a global scale.

Prospective analysis of patient reported symptoms and quality of life in patients with incurable lung cancer treated in a rapid access clinic.

Introduction: The Vancouver Rapid Access (VARA) clinic was designed to provide palliative radiotherapy and holistic care to patients with incurable lung cancer. Analysis of the pilot phase demonstrated improved radiotherapy wait-times and access to supportive services compared to standard practice. This study aims to prospectively assess the impact of the clinic on patient reported symptoms and quality of life.

A Self-Administered Sleep Intervention for Patients With Cancer Experiencing Insomnia.

Background: Sleep-wake disturbances are experienced by as many as 75% of patients with cancer and are associated with poor symptom management, lower functionality, and decreased quality of life. Although promising sleep interventions exist, they require extensive resources and time.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to develop a brief, self-administered sleep intervention and to evaluate the feasibility and potential efficacy of its implementation with adult patients with cancer who were about to receive, were receiving, or had received radiation therapy in an ambulatory cancer care setting.

A mixed method study of a peer support intervention for newly diagnosed primary brain tumour patients.

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the impact of an intervention designed to enhance quality of life in newly diagnosed primary brain tumour (PBT) patients. The intervention involved a structured, one time meeting between newly diagnosed PBT patients and trained volunteer "veteran" PBT patients.

Methods: Two volunteers met for a single, one-on-one meeting with a total of 10 newly diagnosed PBT patients.

Greater inflammatory activity and blunted glucocorticoid signaling in monocytes of chronically stressed caregivers.

Chronic stress is associated with morbidity and mortality from numerous conditions, many of whose pathogenesis involves persistent inflammation. Here, we examine how chronic stress influences signaling pathways that regulate inflammation in monocytes. The sample consisted of 33 adults caring for a family member with glioblastoma and 47 controls whose lives were free of major stressors.

"I can't sleep!": gathering the evidence for an innovative intervention for insomnia in cancer patients.

Sleep-wake disturbances, in particular insomnia, are experienced by 30%-75% of oncology patients, yet no effective interventions have been designed to address this distressing symptom in the ambulatory setting. In response to an identified gap in care, I share the development and evaluation of an innovative sleep intervention designed specifically for the ambulatory setting. Preliminary findings, as well as an informative blueprint for conducting point-of-care research, are described.

The Vancouver rapid access clinic for palliative lung radiation, providing more than just rapid access.

Purpose: The Vancouver Rapid Access (VARA) clinic aimed to deliver urgent palliative radiotherapy (RT) and holistic care to patients with newly diagnosed incurable lung cancer. The purpose of this paper is to describe the 9-month pilot phase of the clinic and to compare its efficacy to standard practice.

Methods: A multidisciplinary team performed the initial consult, and if appropriate, the patient received RT the same day and was connected with supportive services as required.

Temozolomide rechallenge in recurrent malignant glioma by using a continuous temozolomide schedule: the "rescue" approach.

Background: Despite advances in first-line therapy, there are few data on treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) at recurrence. Temozolomide (TMZ) is well tolerated and may have activity despite prior TMZ exposure if novel dose schedules are used.

Methods: The authors reviewed their experience with a continuous TMZ schedule (50 mg/m(2) daily), given at progression after conventional 5-day TMZ.

Evaluation of an educational program for the caregivers of persons diagnosed with a malignant glioma.

Background: Caring for a loved one with a malignant glioma can be a formidable responsibility. The guarded prognosis, side effects of treatments, and changes in brain function, personality and behaviour pose unique challenges in care provision by family members. It is rare that institutions provide educational programs for caregivers.