A longitudinal analysis of chronic arm morbidity following breast cancer surgery.

Arm morbidity (AM) arising from breast cancer (BC) treatment can detrimentally impact quality of life; often limiting a survivor's ability to participate in valued activities. The present study explored (a) the developmental time course of AM [restricted range of motion (ROM), pain, and arm volume changes], negative affect, and perceived disability in the immediate years post-surgery, and (b) the mediating role of perceived disability on the relationship between AM and negative affect over time. In this 5-year longitudinal study, BC survivors from four Canadian oncology clinics (n = 431) completed five annual clinical assessments, where differences in ROM (shoulder abduction, external rotation) and arm volume between the affected and non-affected arm were measured.

Predictors of arm morbidity following breast cancer surgery.

Objective: Arm morbidity post-breast cancer surgery is increasingly being recognized as a chronic problem for some women following breast cancer surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine demographic, disease, and treatment-related predictors of a comprehensive array of chronic arm morbidity (pain, lymphedema, functional disability, and range of motion) post-breast cancer surgery.

Methods: Women (n=316) with a non-metastatic primary diagnosis of breast cancer were accrued from cancer centers in four Canadian cities.

What is the optimal duration of androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer patients presenting with prostate-specific antigen levels > 20 ng/ml?

Purpose: To evaluate the optimal duration of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients with prostate cancer treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), who present with PSA levels > 20 ng/mL.

Methods And Materials: A total of 307 patients presenting with a PSA > 20 ng/ml were treated with EBRT and ADT. The cohort was divided into four groups according to the duration of ADT: Group 1 received < 6 months (n = 71), group 2 received 6-12 months (n = 80), group 3 received 12-24 months (n = 72), and group 4 received > 24 months (n = 84) of ADT.