Acta Oncologica最新文献

{"title":"Pembrolizumab as first-line treatment for recurrent and metastatic head and neck cancer - real-world single-centre data.","authors":"Bogdana Patachi, Kristian H Jensen, Anita Gothelf, Mogens Bernsdorf, Jeppe Friborg, Claus A Kristensen","doi":"10.2340/1651-226X.2025.42128","DOIUrl":"10.2340/1651-226X.2025.42128","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>The randomised clinical trial KEYNOTE-048 has demonstrated a significant increase in survival for patients with head and neck cancer treated with pembrolizumab with or without chemotherapy. The purpose of the present retrospective study was to investigate whether survival in a group of consecutive patients treated at our department was comparable to the results from KEYNOTE-048.</p><p><strong>Patients/material and methods: </strong>Seventy-six patients initiated treatment with pembrolizumab ± platinum/5-FU between July 2020 and May 2022. Baseline characteristics were collected, response rates and survival times were calculated and compared to those published from KEYNOTE-048.</p><p><strong>Results and interpretation: </strong>Fifty-one percent of patients had locoregional recurrence and 47% had distant metastases. Median progression-free survival was 5.5 months, and median overall survival (OS) was 12.3 months in the total cohort. OS was significantly higher for patients with combined positive score (CPS) ≥20 (14.6 months) than for patients with CPS 1-19 (7.3 months) (p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in survival times between patients ± 65 years of age or between patients with locoregional disease versus distant metastases. In conclusion, the results from KEYNOTE-048 were corroborated in a consecutive cohort of patients treated at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.</p>","PeriodicalId":7110,"journal":{"name":"Acta Oncologica","volume":"64 ","pages":"143-146"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11794996/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143057646","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":"Germline BRCA testing in Denmark following invasive breast cancer: Progress since 2000.","authors":"Aleksandar M Kostov, Maj-Britt Jensen, Bent Ejlertsen, Mads Thomassen, Caroline Maria Rossing, Inge S Pedersen, Annabeth H Petersen, Lise Lotte Christensen, Karin A W Wadt, Anne-Vibeke Lænkholm","doi":"10.2340/1651-226X.2025.42418","DOIUrl":"10.2340/1651-226X.2025.42418","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>Despite advancements in genetic testing and expanded eligibility criteria, underutilisation of germline testing for pathogenic variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA) remains evident among breast cancer (BC) patients. This observational cohort study presents real-world data on BRCA testing within the context of clinical practice challenges, including incomplete family history and under-referral.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>From the Danish Breast Cancer Group (DBCG) clinical database, we included 65,117 females with unilateral stage I-III BC diagnosed in 2000-2017, of whom 9,125 (14%) were BRCA tested. Test results spanned from 1999 to 2021. We evaluated test rates overall and in three diagnosis periods. In logistic regression models, we examined the correlation between a BRCA test and patients' age, residency region, receptor status, and diagnosis period.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Test rates rose most significantly among patients aged under 40 years, increasing from 47% (2000-2005) to 88% (2012-2017), albeit with regional discrepancies. Test timing shifted in recent years, with most results within 6 months of BC diagnosis, primarily among the youngest patients. BRCA test rates were higher for oestrogen receptor-negative/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative BC (25% in 2000-2005 vs. 38% in 2012-2017), and these findings were confirmed in multivariate regression models.</p><p><strong>Interpretation: </strong>Our results indicate a critical need for an intensified focus on BRCA testing among BC patients older than 40, where a mainstreamed testing approach might overcome delayed or missed testing. Current DBCG guidelines recommend BRCA testing of all BC patients younger than 50 years, while a general recommendation for older patients is still missing.</p>","PeriodicalId":7110,"journal":{"name":"Acta Oncologica","volume":"64 ","pages":"147-155"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11808818/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143057629","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":"Knowledge and understanding of information after taking decision to participate or not in a randomized trial of surgery vs radiotherapy among patients with locally advanced prostate cancer - an observational study.","authors":"Yvonne Brandberg, Olof Akre, Mia Bergenmar","doi":"10.2340/1651-226X.2025.42218","DOIUrl":"10.2340/1651-226X.2025.42218","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>Informed consent from trial participants is mandatory. In a randomized clinical trial, we investigated (1) differences in knowledge and understanding of trial information between patients who participated and those who refrained, (2) differences in perceptions of information, and (3) differences in satisfaction with the information.</p><p><strong>Patients: </strong>After the decision about participation in the randomized study, 'Surgery versus radiotherapy for locally advanced prostate cancer' (SPCG-15), patients were sent questionnaires ('Quality of Informed Consent', EORTC QLQ-INFO25). Patients were categorized in 'Non-participants' or 'Participants'.</p><p><strong>Results and interpretation: </strong>A total of 80 patients (80%) responded, 68% of non-participants and 95% of participants. Between-group differences in knowledge were found for duration of the trial, insurances in the trial, and if the trial intervention had been proven to be superior. Patients had high levels of knowledge (> 80%) regarding the trial aim, that participation implied research, the right to decline, that future patients benefit from research and, of the randomization procedure. Less than 50% responded correctly concerning risks associated with the trial, the unproven nature of the trial and issues about insurances. Non-participants scored lower concerning duration of trial participation, confidentiality of medical records, treatments and procedures in the trial, and experimental nature of treatments. There were no differences regarding satisfaction with information. Non-participants and participants did not differ in satisfaction, or in knowledge and understanding of most aspects of the information. Knowledge levels were low in some areas, and thus, it seems to be room for improvement to fulfill the requirements of informed consent.</p>","PeriodicalId":7110,"journal":{"name":"Acta Oncologica","volume":"64 ","pages":"167-172"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11808810/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143057632","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 effectiveness of exercise-based interventions on muscle mass, muscle strength, functional performance, aerobic capacity, and health-related quality of life in adults with malignant lymphoma undergoing chemotherapy: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.","authors":"Charlotte Groenset, Magnus N Bech, Mary Jarden, Nina Høgdal, Martin Hutchings, Charlotte Suetta, Jan Christensen","doi":"10.2340/1651-226X.2025.42056","DOIUrl":"10.2340/1651-226X.2025.42056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aims to identify and summarize evidence on the effectiveness of exercise-based interventions on muscle mass, muscle strength, functional performance, aerobic capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), feasibility of the interventions, in patients with malignant lymphoma undergoing chemotherapy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search was conducted in six electronic databases and trials registers on November 15, 2023. Peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing exercise intervention with controls/usual care in adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma undergoing chemotherapy were considered for inclusion. All study authors were contacted to obtain unpublished subgroup data. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data and assessed the quality of evidence using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Six RCTs published between 2009 and 2021, with 838 participants, were included. Due to clinical heterogeneity, a meta-analysis was not feasible, therefore the results were synthesized narratively. Exercise interventions during treatment were found to be feasible with few adverse events reported. The included studies indicate positive effects of exercise during chemotherapy on muscle mass, muscle strength, functional performance, aerobic capacity, and HRQoL compared to usual care.</p><p><strong>Interpretation: </strong>Despite extensive search criteria, a limited number of heterogenous studies were eligible, which may explain the very low certainty of evidence for all outcomes. Nonetheless, exercise-based interventions conducted during treatment were feasible, safe and potentially effective. Further studies are needed to guide future exercise recommendations for these patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":7110,"journal":{"name":"Acta Oncologica","volume":"64 ","pages":"129-142"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11808812/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143057652","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 impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on time to treatment in head and neck cancer management: a systematic review.","authors":"Malte Grumstrup Simonsen, Amanda-Louise Fenger Carlander, Kathrine Kronberg Jakobsen, Christian Grønhøj, Christian Von Buchwald","doi":"10.2340/1651-226X.2025.41366","DOIUrl":"10.2340/1651-226X.2025.41366","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused a need for reorganization in the healthcare systems. First, we aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on time to treatment in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Second, we aimed to determine the impact of COVID-19 on tumor stage and changes in treatment regimens used.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A systematic search in PubMed and Embase was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Inclusion criteria were: (1) Studies including patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas; (2) Studies containing a comparison of time to treatment; (3) Studies containing a well-defined time interval with restrictions on health care due to COVID-19 and a well-defined time interval without restrictions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 19 studies were included comprising 24,898 patients treated for HNC cancer. Six studies (10.1% of the patients) reported an increase in waiting time within at least one interval, while seven studies reported a decrease (83.2% of the patients), and six studies found no significant effect. No changes in treatment modalities were observed. Seven of 15 studies (12.7% of the patients) observed an increase in either overall stage, size, or tumor node and metastasis classification during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these, two studies reported increased waiting times as well.</p><p><strong>Interpretation: </strong>The impact of the COIVD-19 pandemic on time to treatment was heterogenous and subject to considerable intercountry and interregional variations. A tendency toward a higher T-classification was observed. In conclusion, otorhinolaryngology departments demonstrated resilience, as the pandemic led to only slight alterations in time to treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":7110,"journal":{"name":"Acta Oncologica","volume":"64 ","pages":"156-166"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11808816/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143057655","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":"Considerable decline in prostate cancer mortality in Nordic countries after 2000.","authors":"Rune Kvåle, Giske Ursin, Christian Ekanger, Bjørn Møller","doi":"10.2340/1651-226X.2025.41334","DOIUrl":"10.2340/1651-226X.2025.41334","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>In the late 1990s, the Nordic countries, with Norway at the top, were among the countries with the highest prostate cancer mortality in the world. We present updated mortality rates from the Nordic countries and discuss possible interpretations of changes in trends.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Age-standardized rates for prostate-specific mortality in 1985-2022, estimated lifetime risk of death (0-84 years) and annual changes in mortality were obtained from the NORDCAN database. Joinpoint regression was used to evaluate trend changes for the period 1985-2022. For comparison, rates from other European countries from 2022 were retrieved from the GLOBOCAN database.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Between 1995-99 and 2018-22, mortality in men aged 40-84 years decreased from 38% in Denmark to 59% in Norway. By 2022 Norway had the second lowest mortality among the Nordic countries overall, and the lowest under 85 years. The life-time risk of dying from prostate cancer declined from 5.6-7.1% in 1995-99 to 3.1-4.2% in the last 5-year period. During the last years mortality has decreased most rapidly in Sweden (4.5% annually from 2016) and Norway (4.3% annually from 2014). The Nordic countries are no longer among the countries with the highest mortality in Europe.</p><p><strong>Interpretation: </strong>Mortality from prostate cancer has decreased significantly in the Nordic countries over the last decades. Possible explanatory factors are likely to include improvements in prostate cancer management strategies and treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":7110,"journal":{"name":"Acta Oncologica","volume":"64 ","pages":"114-119"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11794998/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143051292","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":"Organ preservation, for rectal cancer: general overview of the latest data from phase III randomized trials.","authors":"Syrine Ben Dhia, Damien Chauviere, Diana Mitrea, Renaud Schiappa, Tanguy Pace Loscos, Emmanuel Chamorey, David Baron","doi":"10.2340/1651-226X.2025.41057","DOIUrl":"10.2340/1651-226X.2025.41057","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Organ preservation (OP) strategies are gaining interest in improving the quality of life in the management of rectal cancer, particularly for tumors located in the distal or middle rectum. The optimal OP protocol is still not standardized and relies on randomized trials. This review summarizes past and ongoing studies on OP protocols for adenocarcinoma of the distal and middle rectum.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We searched for articles and abstracts on randomized clinical trials investigating OP approaches for rectal cancer, including data presented at the LUCARRE Congress held in Nice on November 25, 2023, covering ongoing and recently published trials on rectal preservation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our review's findings are presented in four tables: the first evaluates key trials with overall survival (OS) as the primary endpoint; the second provides an overview of past Phase III trials; the third reviews Phase II/III trials that specifically focus on local excisions (LE); and finally, the fourth summarizes ongoing trials. Each table is accompanied by detailed comments elucidating the significance and implications of the presented data, alongside a review of current guidelines.</p><p><strong>Interpretation: </strong>We highlight the growing interest in OP strategies for rectal cancer management to enhance patients' quality of life. Despite the lack of international consensus on the optimal OP protocol, past and ongoing randomized trials provide valuable findings into the evolving management strategies of rectal cancer treatment. The presented data supports the role of randomized phase III trials to provide evidence for a change in clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":7110,"journal":{"name":"Acta Oncologica","volume":"64 ","pages":"120-128"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11794997/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143051345","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":"Are breast cancer patients with low distress at diagnosis at risk of psychological symptoms later in their disease trajectory? Considerations for when to screen for distress.","authors":"Rikke Langballe, Birgitte Mertz, Niels Kroman, Thomas Maltesen, Susanne Rosthøj, Pernille Envold Bidstrup","doi":"10.2340/1651-226X.2025.42367","DOIUrl":"10.2340/1651-226X.2025.42367","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>To target psychological support to cancer patients most in need of support, screening for psychological distress has been advocated and, in some settings, also implemented. Still, no prior studies have examined the appropriate 'dosage' and whether screening for distress before cancer treatment may be sufficient or if further screenings during treatment are necessary. We examined the development in symptom trajectories for breast cancer patients with low distress before surgery and explored potential risk factors for developing burdensome symptoms at a later point in time.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In total, 299 patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer who scored < 7 on the distress thermometer were included between August 2017 and October 2019 at the Department of Breast Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen. Patients were followed through electronic questionnaires at baseline before surgery and after 6, 12, and 18 months. We used latent class mixed models to identify sub-groups of patients with similar development in distress, anxiety, depression, breast cancer-specific health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, and fear of recurrence over time. Logistic and multinomial regression analyses were applied to examine clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with specific symptom trajectories.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We did not identify any sub-groups of women with low distress at diagnosis who developed disabling psychological symptoms up to 18 months after diagnosis. However, we did identify a sub-group of 52% of the women who experienced persistent mild anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder [GAD]-7 score 5-9). Adjusted for baseline treatment modalities and sociodemographic characteristics, women having low social support (odds ratio [OR]: 2.90; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-7.87) or living with a partner (OR: 3.18; 95% CI: 1.38-7.34) were more likely to experience persistent mild anxiety.</p><p><strong>Interpretation: </strong>The results show that the majority of women with low distress at breast cancer diagnosis do not experience an increase in psychological symptoms over time. Screening for distress at cancer diagnosis may be an essential step to identify most breast cancer patients in need of professional support for psychological symptoms.</p>","PeriodicalId":7110,"journal":{"name":"Acta Oncologica","volume":"64 ","pages":"105-113"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11788679/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143035615","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":"Exploring how attachment insecurities mediate the link between sexual and partnership satisfaction in adolescents and young adults with cancer.","authors":"Svenja Heyne, Hannah Brock, Diana Richter, Annekathrin Sender, Jenny Rosendahl, Michael Friedrich, Kristina Geue, Anja Mehnert-Theuerkauf","doi":"10.2340/1651-226X.2025.42110","DOIUrl":"10.2340/1651-226X.2025.42110","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>Comprehensive data on factors affecting partnership satisfaction among adolescents and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors are limited. Our study examines partnership satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and attachment insecurities, exploring how attachment-related anxiety and avoidance influence the relationship between sexual and partnership satisfaction across major tumor entities in this population.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>We utilized data from two measurement time points (t1 and t6) of the AYA-LE study, a prospective longitudinal investigation examining the temporal course and associated factors of life satisfaction and psychological distress among AYA cancer survivors. We examined the mediating effect of attachment insecurities (ECR-RD) on the relationship between sexual satisfaction (FLZ-Sex) and partnership satisfaction (PFB), while controlling for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, in a sample of N = 275 participants.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Higher sexual satisfaction was correlated with lower attachment-related anxiety (r = -0.51, p < 0.001) and lower attachment-related avoidance (r = -0.49, p < 0.001). Both lower attachment-related anxiety and attachment-related avoidance were correlated with higher partnership satisfaction (r = -0.64, p < 0.001 and r = -0.72, p < 0.001, respectively). Sexual satisfaction partially predicted partnership satisfaction of AYA cancer survivors through attachment-related anxiety and attachment-related avoidance while the mediating effect accounted for 75% of the total effect.</p><p><strong>Interpretation: </strong>The associations between sexual satisfaction, partnership satisfaction, and attachment highlight the need to address emotional and relational aspects in supportive care for AYA cancer survivors. There is a clear need for more targeted studies on attachment patterns, sexual satisfaction, and partnership satisfaction in this specific population to further refine and validate these approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":7110,"journal":{"name":"Acta Oncologica","volume":"64 ","pages":"96-104"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11776256/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142998119","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":"Prevalence of lymphedema symptoms across cancer diagnoses and association with depression, pain interference and health-related quality of life.","authors":"Gitte Sone Larsen, Christoffer Johansen, Annika Von Heymann, Bolette Skjødt Rafn","doi":"10.2340/1651-226X.2025.42203","DOIUrl":"10.2340/1651-226X.2025.42203","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>Lymphedema is a debilitating late effect of cancer treatments, yet its prevalence beyond breast cancer remains understudied. This study examined the prevalence of lymphedema symptoms across cancer diagnoses and their association with depression, pain interference, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).</p><p><strong>Patients/material and methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, from February to April 2021, as part of a broader investigation into cancer-related late effects. Here, we present data from patients in follow-up who received online lymphedema symptom assesments (swelling, heaviness, or tightness). Utilized questionnaires were the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Major Depression Inventory, and the Brief Pain Inventory. Associations between lymphedema symptoms and depression, pain interference, and HRQoL were examined via multiple linear regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 1,901 patients in follow-up who received the lymphedema symptom items, 1,296 responded. Most participants had breast cancer (48%), followed by testicular (17%), gynecological (16%), and head/neck cancer (11%). One-third (n = 397) reported lymphedema symptoms, with 38% (n = 152) reporting moderate/severe symptoms. The highest symptom prevalence was seen in gynecological cancer (59%), followed by head/neck (41%), breast (21%), and testicular cancer (19%). Participants with moderate/severe lymphedema symptoms were significantly more likely to report higher depression and pain interference scores and lower HRQoL scores compared to those with no/mild symptoms.</p><p><strong>Interpretation: </strong>Lymphedema symptoms are highly prevalent among patients who have completed treatment for diverse cancers and associated with higher scores for depression and pain interference, and lower HRQoL.</p>","PeriodicalId":7110,"journal":{"name":"Acta Oncologica","volume":"64 ","pages":"87-95"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11776255/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142998335","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}