Posttraumatic growth and illness perception in survivors of adolescent and young adult cancer.

Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are diagnosed with cancer during a challenging period of life. We aimed to (1) describe positive changes (posttraumatic growth; PTG) and illness perception, and (2) determine associations between PTG and illness perception, sociodemographic, and cancer-related characteristics in Swiss AYA cancer survivors.

Methods: We conducted a population-based survey among AYA cancer survivors diagnosed 1990-2005 at age 16-25 years, who had survived ≥ 5 years.

High throughput screening of novel AAV capsids identifies variants for transduction of adult NSCs within the subventricular zone.

The adult mammalian brain entails a reservoir of neural stem cells (NSCs) generating glial cells and neurons. However, NSCs become increasingly quiescent with age, which hampers their regenerative capacity. New means are therefore required to genetically modify adult NSCs for re-enabling endogenous brain repair.

Are there sex differences among colorectal cancer patients in treatment and survival? A Swiss cohort study.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the three most common incident cancers and causes of cancer death in Switzerland for both men and women. To promote aspects of gender medicine, we examined differences in treatment decision and survival by sex in CRC patients diagnosed 2000 and 2001 in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland.

Methods: Characteristics assessed of 1076 CRC patients were sex, tumor subsite, age at diagnosis, tumor stage, primary treatment option and comorbidity rated by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).

Management of hepatitis C in opioid agonist therapy patients of the Swiss canton Aargau within and outside the cohort study.

With regard to HCV elimination in opioid agonist therapy patients by 2030, case finding and regular screening for new and re-infections remain a challenge, especially for non-cohort patients in a decentralised setting. Documentation of the HCV sero- and RNA status of each opioid agonist therapy  patient by the cantonal physician and a yearly HCV screening reminder sent to the opioid agonist therapy prescriber combined with capillary HCV antibody and HCV RNA testing might facilitate the implementation of the FOPH guidelines. Prescription of direct-acting antivirals directly by the opioid agonist therapy prescriber could increase awareness and improve linkage to care.

The long-term impact of cancer: Evaluating psychological distress in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors in Switzerland.

Objectives: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are diagnosed with cancer during a critical life period full of psychosocial challenges. They may experience a significant impact of the cancer diagnosis on their psychological health, also in the long term. We aimed to (a) evaluate psychological distress in AYA cancer survivors and compare levels of distress with controls and (b) describe socio-demographic and cancer-related characteristics associated with psychological distress.