Menopausal symptoms in epithelial ovarian cancer survivors: a GINECO VIVROVAIRE2 study

Objective - We have previously shown that epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and its treatments have negative effects on long-term quality of life (QoL) and fatigue. The present multicenter study investigated the main menopausal symptoms and gynecological management of EOC survivors (EOCS). Methods - 166 patients with relapse-free ≥3 years after the end of treatment attended a consultation with a gynecologist, including a questionnaire related to vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and sexuality, a clinical examination, a blood sample and an osteodensitometry. QoL, fatigue, insomnia and mood disorders were measured with validated questionnaires and correlated to VMS. VMS and QoL were assessed according to natural menopause (NM) or surgical menopause (SM). Results - Mean age at the survey was 62 [21–83] years and stage III/IV (48%). Mean delay since the end of treatment was 6 years. Fifty-nine patients (36%) had SM. Half of patients reported VMS. Seventy-two percent of EOCS with SM had VMS compared to 41% with NM (P Conclusions - VMS and sexual disorders are frequently reported by EOCS, particularly among patients with SM. Most EOCS with menopausal symptoms could benefit from HRT to improve these symptoms

Cancer-related cognitive impairment in non-CNS cancer patients: Targeted review and future action plans in Europe

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) has increasingly been identified over the last two decades in non-CNS system cancer patients. Across Europe, researchers have contributed to this effort by developing preclinical models, exploring underlying mechanisms and assessing cognitive and quality of life changes. The ultimate goal is to develop interventions to treat patients experiencing CRCI. To do so, new challenges need to be addressed requiring the implementation of multidisciplinary research groups. In this consensus paper, we summarize the state of the art in the field of CRCI combined with the future challenges and action plans in Europe. These challenges include data sharing/pooling, standardization of assessments as well as assessing additional biomarkers and neuroimaging investigations, notably through translational studies. We conclude this position paper with specific actions for Europe based on shared scientific expert opinion and stakeholders involved in the Innovative Partnership for Action Against Cancer, with a particular focus on cognitive intervention programs

Long-term fatigue and quality of life among epithelial ovarian cancer survivors: a GINECO case/control VIVROVAIRE I study

International audienc

Health-related quality of life and pelvic floor dysfunction in advanced-stage ovarian cancer survivors: associations with objective activity behaviors and physiological characteristics

Purpose: Little is known about the relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQoL), pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), and modifiable lifestyle and physiological factors for ovarian cancer survivors (OCS). The primary aim of the study was to compare post-treatment advanced-stage OCS with age-matched controls on measures of HRQoL and PFD. The secondary aim was to examine associations between HRQoL, PFD, objective activity behaviors, physical function, and body composition in OCS. Methods: Twenty advanced-stage OCS and 20 controls completed questionnaires assessing HRQoL (SF-36) and PFD (Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire), and underwent objective assessments of activity behavior (7-day accelerometry), physical function (400-m walk, repeated chair rise, 6-m usual-pace walk, one-repetition maximum chest press, and single-leg extension), and body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry). Results: Compared to controls, OCS had worse physical HRQoL (− 4.3 median difference, p = 0.013), but equivalent self-reported PFD, indicated by combined bladder, bowel, and pelvic organ prolapse symptoms (0.89 mean difference, p = 0.277). In OCS, physical HRQoL was significantly negatively associated with PFD (r = 0.468, p = 0.043). Decreased physical HRQoL and increased PFD were significantly associated with less moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in ≥ 10-min bouts (ρ = 0.627, p = 0.003; ρ = − 0.457, p = 0.049), more sedentary time (r = − 0.449, p = 0.047; r = 0.479, p = 0.038), and slower 400-m walk time (ρ = − 0.565, p = 0.022; ρ = 0.504, p = 0.028). Conclusions: Post-treatment advanced-stage OCS have decreased physical HRQoL, which is associated with modifiable factors such as worse PFD, less moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, more sedentary time, and decreased objective physical function. This highlights the need for ongoing supportive care and multidisciplinary interventions after first-line ovarian cancer treatment