Psychological impact of lymphoma on adolescents and young adults:Not a matter of black or white

Contains fulltext : 171302.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to examine differences in perceived impact of cancer (IOC) between adolescents and young adults (AYAs; 18-35 years at cancer diagnosis), adults (36-64 years) and elderly (65-84 years) with a history of (non-)Hodgkin lymphoma. Furthermore, to investigate the association of socio-demographic, clinical and psychological characteristics with IOC; and the association between IOC and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among AYAs only. METHODS: This study is part of a population-based PROFILES registry survey among lymphoma patients diagnosed between 1999 and 2009. Patients (n = 1.281) were invited to complete the IOCv1 and EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaires. Response rate was 67 % (n = 861). RESULTS: AYA lymphoma survivors scored higher on the positive IOC summary scale, compared to adult and elderly patients (p < 0.001), while no significant differences were observed for negative IOC. Among AYAs, females, survivors with a partner, and survivors with elevated psychological distress levels scored significantly higher on the negative IOC summary scale. The negative IOC summary scale was negatively associated with all EORTC QLQ-C30 functioning scales (beta ranging from -0.39 to -0.063; p < 0.05). The positive IOC summary scale was negatively associated with the EORTC QLQ-C30 subscale 'Emotional functioning' (beta = -0.24; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: AYA, adult and elderly with a history of (non-)Hodgkin lymphoma experienced different types of IOC in terms of positive and negative aspects. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Although AYAs experience a more positive IOC compared to older survivors, some AYAs experience more negative IOC and may require developmentally appropriate interventions to address their specific concerns

Health-related quality of life of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors before and during the COVID-19 pandemic::Longitudinal improvements on social functioning and fatigue

The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among long-term Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors (AYACS) and an age- and sex-matched normative population was examined. Although the HRQoL of AYACS was worse compared to the normative population before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, the scores of AYACS improved over time in contrast to the normative population. Presumably, AYACS are used to adjusting their lives to stressful life events. Furthermore, the lockdown may have been beneficial for AYACS who face difficulties fully participating in society due to the impact of cancer. AYACS who encounter HRQoL issues could benefit from support interventions to empower them and build resilience

Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with cancer: towards optimising age-specific care

Contains fulltext : 196858.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)Radboud University, 05 november 2018Promotores : Graaf, W.T.A. van der, Prins, J.B. Co-promotor : Husson, O.199 p

Humongous Seminal Vesicles on 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT: A Rare Presentation of a Neuroendocrine Tumor

Contains fulltext : 229607.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access)A 24-year-old man presented with decreased appetite, fatigue, abdominal pain, and acute renal insufficiency. Ultrasound showed bilateral hydronephrosis. CT of the abdomen revealed enlarged seminal vesicles causing bilateral hydronephrosis, mesenteric and peritoneal metastases, liver lesions, and enlarged lymph nodes in the retroperitoneum. A biopsy from a peritoneal lesion demonstrated metastasis of a neuroendocrine tumor grade 2. A Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT scan was performed, which showed enhanced uptake in all lesions including the enlarged seminal vesicles. This case illustrates the very rare presentation of involved seminal vesicles in neuroendocrine tumors

Experiences of Parents and General Practitioners with End-of-Life Care in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer

This study aims to analyze the experiences of Dutch bereaved parents and general practitioners (GPs) with palliative care of AYAs (18-35 years) in the terminal stage. Fifteen parents and nine GPs involved with nine deceased AYAs filled out questionnaires and were interviewed by telephone, respectively. In general, the parents were satisfied with the emotional care they themselves received and the medical care that their child received. The GPs were very satisfied with the cooperation with the palliative team. Gaps are present in the areas of symptom control, communication between hospital professionals and parents, aftercare, and transition between hospital and GP

Post-Traumatic Growth and Resilience in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients: An Overview

The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the literature on post-traumatic growth (PTG) and resilience among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients. A literature search in Embase, PsychInfo, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Cinahl was carried out. Thirteen articles met the pre-defined inclusion criteria. Qualitative interview studies showed that AYA cancer patients report PTG and resilience: PTG is described by AYA cancer patients in terms of benefit finding, including changing view of life and feeling stronger and more confident, whereas resilience is described as a balance of several factors, including stress and coping, goals, optimism, finding meaning, connection, and belonging. Quantitative studies showed that sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were not associated with PTG. Enduring stress was negatively, and social support positively, associated with PTG. Symptom distress and defensive coping were negatively and adaptive cognitive coping was positively associated with resilience. Both PTG and resilience were positively associated with satisfaction with life and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Resilience was found to be a mediator in the relationship between symptom distress and HRQoL. Two interventions aiming to promote resilience, a stress management and a therapeutic music video-intervention, were not successful in significantly increasing overall resilience. Most AYA cancer patients report at least some PTG or resilience. Correlates of PTG and resilience, including symptom distress, stress, coping, social support, and physical activity, provide further insight to improve the effectiveness of interventions aimed at promoting these positive outcomes and potentially buffer negative outcomes