Supportive Care in Cancer最新文献

{"title":"Enteral versus parenteral nutrition in auto-HCT: a randomized controlled trial on clinical outcomes and gut microbiome dynamics.","authors":"Hannah R Wardill, Lenneke F J van Groningen, Mohsen Dorraki, Eva B D Molendijk, Doris Kalter, Ana Rita Da Silva Ferreira, Alexander Kurilshikov, Feargal J Ryan, Johan W Verjans, Hermie J M Harmsen, Wim J E Tissing, Walter J F M van der Velden, Nicole M A Blijlevens","doi":"10.1007/s00520-025-09882-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00520-025-09882-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Disruption of the gut microbiome is a common consequence of chemotherapy, linked with detrimental treatment outcomes (e.g. sepsis), especially in haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) recipients. Preclinical data suggest that enteral nutrition (EN) is superior to parenteral nutrition (TPN), minimising gut atrophy and promoting eubiosis; yet, TPN continues to be used. Here, we evaluated the clinical effects of EN and TPN in autologous HCT recipients and their influence on gut microbiome dynamics. Despite efforts to optimise delivery, EN was poorly tolerated and ultimately proved unfeasible. As such, we turned our attention to analysing microbial dynamics in our study cohort and confirmed preclinical reports that epithelial apoptosis drives gut microbiome disruption. Machine learning models predicted microbial composition by tracking plasma citrulline trajectories, a biomarker of enterocyte mass. These findings suggest that (i) monitoring citrulline may be able to identify patients at risk of potentially lethal HCT complications associated with gut microbiome disruption, and that (ii) preserving epithelial integrity could support microbial resilience by minimising the production of caspase-dependent metabolites. Dutch Trial Register: NL4069. Data registered: 19-11-2013. www.trialregister.nl.</p>","PeriodicalId":22046,"journal":{"name":"Supportive Care in Cancer","volume":"33 10","pages":"865"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12449397/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145087289","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Return to work, after head and neck cancer: results from the French VICAN study.","authors":"M Humbert, V Bastit, E Micault, B Clin, I Licaj, E Babin, A D Bouhnik, M Perreard","doi":"10.1007/s00520-025-09927-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-025-09927-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Returning to work after cancer is a major concern, particularly in the case of head and neck cancer (HNC). As the head and neck sphere is central to communication and appearance, it can be affected to varying degrees, which can be extremely disabling. Returning to work remains a challenge for this vulnerable population.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses including 153 HNC survivors, we studied how different sociodemographic and clinical factors were associated with non-return to work in the VICAN national epidemiological survey set up in France. Eligible participants were aged between 18 and 60.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After 5 years, 48.4% of survivors had still not returned to work. Factors associated with non-return to work were age over 50 (p < 0.001), cancer recurrence (p = 0.015), lack of high school diploma (p = 0.002), pain preventing return to work (p = 0.002), and lower physical quality of life score (p = 0.031). For those under 50, older age (p < 0.001), single status (p = 0.042), recurrence (p = 0.004), manual occupation (p = 0.043), no high school diploma (p = 0.010), pain (p < 0.001), depression (p = 0.039), and impaired physical score (p = 0.009) were significantly associated with not returning to work.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Almost half of HNC survivors do not return to work following treatment. The return-to-work process is multifactorial and influenced by a wide range of medical, functional, and psychosocial variables. Our findings have identified specific patient-related risk factors, as well as key clinical and psychological determinants, which may facilitate the early identification of at-risk individuals and inform targeted interventions to optimize return-to-work outcomes.</p><p><strong>Implications for survivors: </strong>The organization of a multidisciplinary post-treatment, \"post-habilitation,\" cancer strategy seems increasingly inevitable, in order to plan a return to daily life (work, sociability, married life).</p>","PeriodicalId":22046,"journal":{"name":"Supportive Care in Cancer","volume":"33 10","pages":"864"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145087324","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of intermittent fasting on patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy and/or targeted therapies: a systematic review of the literature.","authors":"Juliette Maes, Valérie Durieux, Margaux Liebmann, Maurine Salmon, Jean-Charles Preiser","doi":"10.1007/s00520-025-09907-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00520-025-09907-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Intermittent fasting holds potential for improving cancer patient outcomes by promoting cancer cell death. Additionally, it depletes hepatic glycogen reserves, facilitating the release of fatty acids and ketones, which may enhance cancer cells sensitivity to chemotherapy and impede their proliferation. However, clinical data on fasting among cancer patients remain scarce. This systematic review intends to provide an overview of the impact of intermittent fasting on the safety, feasibility, tolerability, and metabolic effects of chemotherapy and targeted therapies in cancer patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Articles were retrieved from 1990 to March 2025, employing a defined search equation. Established endpoints included cancer development, treatment efficacy, side effects related to chemotherapy and targeted therapies, quality of life, and fasting tolerance. Risk of bias was assessed, utilizing a validated assessment tool.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 1,725 articles, nine met our inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was low to moderate. These studies included patients predominantly with breast cancer (n = 258/354). Even though the safety and feasibility of intermittent fasting were confirmed, no impact on treatment outcomes and chemotherapy-related toxicities was demonstrated. However, a consistent trend emerged in reduced insulin and IGF-1 levels, along with increased erythrocyte levels among fasting patients. Three studies reported no significant difference in body weight and BMI.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Current evidence indicates that intermittent fasting is both safe and feasible. However, due to the lack of robust evidence, a definitive conclusion regarding the impact of intermittent fasting on treatment effectiveness and side effects related to chemotherapy and targeted therapies in cancer patients cannot be drawn. Larger randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate intermittent fasting as an adjunctive therapeutic approach.</p>","PeriodicalId":22046,"journal":{"name":"Supportive Care in Cancer","volume":"33 10","pages":"863"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145087335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of a clinic-referred telemedical intervention to improve exercise uptake during chemotherapy.","authors":"Eunjung Kim, Christian Helfrich, Hyesang Yoon, Ben Chue, Easter Ho, Toshiko Aramaki, Catherine Duggan","doi":"10.1007/s00520-025-09896-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-025-09896-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>We successfully implemented the American College of Sports Medicine's (ACSM's) Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) initiative in a community oncology clinic. This study evaluated the impact of the evidence-based exercise intervention, adhering to ACSM guidelines on patient outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using a quasi-experimental research design, An experienced ACSM-certified cancer exercise trainer delivered a 12-week biweekly, online group exercise intervention to 19 patients undergoing chemotherapy. Fifteen (78.8%) completed pre/post-self-report surveys on the program's acceptability and impact, change in physical activity vital signs (PAVS), and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We also assessed exercise uptake and PAVS at each clinic visit. Data were analyzed using t-tests and content analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>On average, participants were 60 years, female (94%), non-Latino/White (60%), had stage IV cancer (92.3%), And had been receiving chemotherapy for An average of 10 months. The intervention was acceptable (86.4% enrollment) and had excellent retention (89.5%), with moderate adherence (68%). No adverse events were reported. Reasons for lack of adherence were medical reasons and treatment side effects. Compared to baseline, participants reported non-statistically significant increased aerobic exercise and improvements in HRQOL post-intervention. Participants rated the intervention as satisfactory, acceptable, and suitable (all > 4 out of 5 on a Likert scale). In open-text comments, six (40%) of the participants appreciated being asked about PAVS at the clinic, while three (20%) did not.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Patients undergoing chemotherapy, the majority of whom had stage IV cancer, could safely participate in an online group exercise program. Larger studies among different patient populations are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":22046,"journal":{"name":"Supportive Care in Cancer","volume":"33 10","pages":"861"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145087311","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The weight of time: experience of time toxicity among advanced cancer patients and their family caregivers-a qualitative study.","authors":"Jie Jing, Mohan Li, Yehao Rui, Danruo Wang, Qiuchen Zhu, Ling Yuan","doi":"10.1007/s00520-025-09904-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-025-09904-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Substantial time investments are required from patients and caregivers due to cancer management and treatment demands. These cumulative time burdens can lead to the disruption of daily life order, aggravation of psychological distress, and economic burden. However, time toxicity is often overlooked in the current healthcare environment. Therefore, this study examined perceptions of time toxicity from advanced cancer patients and their family caregivers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews was conducted among 12 advanced cancer patients and 6 family caregivers at oncology departments in tertiary hospitals and a community hospital. The interviews were analyzed according to thematic analysis. The reporting of this qualitative research conformed to the COREQ consolidated criteria.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings of this study have revealed four key themes: (1) The experience of time toxicity stems from multi-dimensional contributing factors; (2) time toxicity has multiple negative impacts on patients and caregivers; (3) strategies for coping with time toxicity in cancer patients and caregivers; (4) clinical needs and expectations of cancer patients and caregivers regarding time burden.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Healthcare professionals should receive training to identify time toxicity manifestations and their cascading effects on patient distress; systematic time burden assessments must be initiated at cancer diagnosis, coupled with implementation of time-saving care pathways and continuous evaluation of temporal resource adequacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":22046,"journal":{"name":"Supportive Care in Cancer","volume":"33 10","pages":"862"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145087278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Symptom prevalence in gastrointestinal cancer: a secondary analysis of IPOS data.","authors":"Elaine G Boland, Assem Khamis, Khek Tjian Tay, Kathyrn Chater, Paul Taylor, Alison Landon, Joy Ross, Fliss E M Murtagh","doi":"10.1007/s00520-025-09919-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00520-025-09919-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Patients with gastro-intestinal (GI) cancer have a high symptom burden; however, comparative data to other cancers is lacking. The aim is to determine symptom prevalence for people with GI cancer receiving specialist palliative care in the community.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Secondary analysis of anonymised routinely collected symptom registry data from those receiving community-based specialist palliative care, between 2020 and 2023.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>One thousand seven hundred thirty-three patients with GI cancer received 2,332 episodes of specialist palliative care. Common symptoms were: - pain (77% prevalence in GI cancer vs 73% other cancers); with 49% reporting being moderately/severely/overwhelmingly affected in GI vs 46% in other cancers. - nausea (34% in GI cancer vs 25% other cancers); with 16% moderately/severely/overwhelmingly affected in GI vs 11% in other cancers. - vomiting (17% in GI cancer vs 11% other cancers); with 8% moderately/severely/overwhelmingly affected in GI vs 5% in other cancers. - poor appetite (77% in GI cancer vs 68% other cancers); with 56% moderately/severely/overwhelmingly affected in GI vs 46% in other cancers. poor mobility (79% in GI cancer vs 84% other cancer); with 53% moderately/severely/overwhelmingly affected in GI vs 62% in other cancers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This novel study provides comparative evidence about the nature of the high symptom burden for those with GI cancer and shows that poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, and worse mobility are more prevalent compared to other cancers, while pain and weakness are of similar prevalence. The underlying reasons may relate to illness trajectory, referral timing, or other causes and need further exploration.</p>","PeriodicalId":22046,"journal":{"name":"Supportive Care in Cancer","volume":"33 10","pages":"860"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12443883/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145081614","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors associated with fatigue in women with breast cancer before starting treatment: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Nathalia Bordinhon Soares, Rejane Medeiros Costa, Erica Alves Nogueira Fabro, Beatriz Ribeiro Fernanda Apóstolo, Daniele Medeiros Torres, Simone Abrantes Saraiva, Anke Bergmann","doi":"10.1007/s00520-025-09935-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-025-09935-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Breast cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms reported. Knowledge of its prevalence and associated factors may lead to the development of strategies to reduce its impact. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with fatigue and the functional profile of women diagnosed with breast cancer.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Cross-sectional study with women aged ≥ 18 years, with breast cancer, recently admitted to the institution, who had their first consultation in the physiotherapy service between January and August 2023, before starting oncological treatment. Data were collected, as well as dynamometry, calf circumference, Timed Up and Go test and questionnaire the fatigue. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with the development of severe fatigue, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>292 women were included in the study, with a mean age of 57.62 (± 11.70) years. The factors associated with severe fatigue, patients who did not practice physical exercise (OR = 6.36, 95% IC 2.09-19.32; p = 0.001), with high body mass index (OR = 1.05; 95% IC 1.00-1.11; p = 0.036), the presence of pulmonary comorbidities (OR = 1.19; 95% IC 1.19-14.23; p = 0.025), pain (OR = 3.33; 95% IC 1.83-6.04; p < 0.001) and the report of subjective lymphedema in the upper limb (OR = 3.29; 95% IC 1.09-9.92; p = 0.034) increased the chance of presenting severe fatigue.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Patients who did not practice physical exercise, with high body mass index, pulmonary comorbidities, pain and subjective sensation of lymphedema in the upper limb had a greater chance of severe fatigue.</p>","PeriodicalId":22046,"journal":{"name":"Supportive Care in Cancer","volume":"33 10","pages":"859"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145081638","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Systematic nurse-led consultations based on electronic patient-reported outcomes for women with endometrial or ovarian cancer during chemotherapy-a feasibility study.","authors":"Mille Guldager Christiansen, Helle Pappot, Mary Jarden, Anders Tolver, Hjalte Søberg Mikkelsen, Mansoor Raza Mirza, Karin Piil","doi":"10.1007/s00520-025-09875-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00520-025-09875-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of nurse-led consultations based on ePRO for women with endometrial or ovarian cancer receiving chemotherapy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a prospective single-cohort feasibility study. The patients responded to weekly ePRO using the Elekta Kaiku platform, which was adapted to Danish. At selected time points during chemotherapy, nurses conducted nurse-led consultations replacing physicians. The primary outcome was the patient completion rate of ePRO reporting in the Elekta Kaiku platform. Secondary outcomes included assessing safety, acceptability, practicability, usability, patient satisfaction with ePRO, and patient symptom burden.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty patients were included, with a mean age of 59 years. A total of 320 ePRO reports were received, equivalent to an ePRO response of 18 times per patient during six cycles of chemotherapy. The results showed a high weekly completion rate (87%), high patient satisfaction with ePRO, and a continuous high symptom burden. Nurse-led consultations achieved a success rate of 55% in adhering to scheduled appointments. The primary contributing factors to this issue were the inadequate internal workflows and the complex symptom burden experienced by the patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study indicates that weekly ePRO reporting in conjunction with nurse-led consultations may be feasible in this population. The use of ePRO revealed a high level of symptoms reported by patients throughout the treatment cycles. The results emphasize the importance of clinicians in proactively and systematically intervening at an early stage to prevent symptom escalation. However, the small sample size limits the generalizability of this study.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>This study was registered at the Capital Region of Denmark (P-2021-179) and approved the 10/03/2021. ClinicalTtrials.gov ID: NTCC04945187.</p>","PeriodicalId":22046,"journal":{"name":"Supportive Care in Cancer","volume":"33 10","pages":"858"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12443879/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145081599","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The mediating effect of hope between perceived social support and spiritual well-being in patients with early-stage lung cancer: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Peiwen Huang, Huimin Hu, Juan Wang, Jingwei Xu, Yang Li, Yuliang Huang, Xueyu He, Weidong Hu","doi":"10.1007/s00520-025-09903-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-025-09903-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to examine the relationship between perceived social support, hope, and spiritual well-being in patients with early-stage lung cancer, as well as to explore the mediating role of hope in the association between perceived social support and spiritual well-being.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study surveyed 418 patients diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer. Each patient completed the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being, the Perceived Social Support Scale, and the Herth Hope Index. The data were analyzed using SPSS and Process macros.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The final regression model, which included religion, annual household disposable income, perceived social support, and hope, explained 47.5% of the variance in spiritual well-being. Both perceived social support and hope were positively associated with spiritual well-being. The mediation analysis showed that hope partially mediated the link between perceived social support and spiritual well-being, with perceived social support exerting a significant direct and indirect impact on spiritual well-being (P < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Research shows that perceived social support directly and indirectly influences the spiritual well-being of early-stage lung cancer patients, with hope serving as a mediating factor that enhances their spiritual well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":22046,"journal":{"name":"Supportive Care in Cancer","volume":"33 10","pages":"857"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145076104","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association between geriatric 8 (G8) scores and self-care decline in elderly patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma undergoing radiotherapy.","authors":"Tsuyoshi Katsuta, Ikuno Nishibuchi, Miki Fujioka, Megumi Nomura, Miho Kondo, Takao Hamamoto, Tsutomu Ueda, Hiroki Ochi, Hiroshi Sakauchi, Shigeyuki Tani, Nobuki Imano, Yuji Murakami","doi":"10.1007/s00520-025-09936-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00520-025-09936-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Self-care during radiotherapy (RT) is crucial for managing mucositis and dermatitis in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). However, elderly patients often struggle with self-care. This study examined the relationship between self-care decline and the Geriatric 8 (G8) score.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective analysis was conducted on 66 patients (≥ 65 years) with HNSCC who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and received definitive RT between December 2018 and February 2023. Self-care activities-medication adherence, oral care, grooming, skin ointment application, and gauze dressing-were assessed during definitive RT on a 0-5 scale. Patients were first grouped by initial self-care independence, and their G8 scores were compared. Among initially independent patients, those with self-care score changes were further analyzed based on their G8 scores. A threshold value was also determined to differentiate between the groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The initially independent group exhibited significantly higher G8 scores than non-independent group (median G8 score: 14 vs. 9.75, P = 0.0067). Among the initially independent patients, 15 (24.2%) experienced self-care decline, and lower baseline G8 scores significantly predicted this deterioration (median　G8 score: 12 vs. 15; P = 0.011). Multivariate analysis identified G8 scores as a significant predictor of self-care decline (odds ratio = 6.53, P = 0.0074). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis determined a G8 cutoff of 12 (area under the curve = 0.72) with 53.3% sensitivity and 85.1% specificity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings indicate a possible coherence between the absence of frailty and maintenance of self-care in elderly patients undergoing RT. Further, prospectively designed research is needed to confirm these findings in a larger cohort.</p>","PeriodicalId":22046,"journal":{"name":"Supportive Care in Cancer","volume":"33 10","pages":"855"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12441079/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145076085","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}