Article
Oncology
Linda Koehler, Lauren Elyse Penz, Florence John, Ashley Stenzel, Patricia Jewett, Deanna Teoh, Anne Blaes, Colleen Rivard, Rachel Vogel
Summary: The aim of this study was to compare the differences in function, quality of life, body image, and distress levels between gynecologic cancer survivors with and without lymphedema symptoms, and determine the number of individuals who received rehabilitation treatment following treatment for gynecological malignancy. The findings showed that participants in the symptomatic group had lower quality of life, lower function scores, and greater cancer-related distress, with higher rates of clinically significant levels of distress. These results remained largely consistent in multivariable models.
GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
I. Vaz-Luis, M. Masiero, G. Cavaletti, A. Cervantes, R. T. Chlebowski, G. Curigliano, E. Felip, A. R. Ferreira, P. A. Ganz, J. Hegarty, J. Jeon, C. Johansen, F. Joly, K. Jordan, B. Koczwara, P. Lagergren, M. Lambertini, D. Lenihan, H. Linardou, C. Loprinzi, A. H. Partridge, S. Rauh, K. Steindorf, W. van der Graaf, L. van de Poll-Franse, G. Pentheroudakis, S. Peters, G. Pravettoni
Summary: Survivorship care consists of five main components and can be delivered through structured care models, focusing on coordinated care and educational programs.
ANNALS OF ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
K. Banning, J. Fucinari, A. Fielder, J. J. Ruterbusch, J. L. Beebe-Dimmer, A. G. Schwartz, J. J. Wallbillich, M. L. Cote
Summary: This study examined the quality of life (QOL) in endometrial cancer (EC) survivors, and found that survivors with high-grade disease had lower QOL, particularly in physical and functional aspects. Interestingly, the EC-specific QOL did not differ by grade. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive assessment and interventions for EC survivors.
Article
Oncology
Elisavet Moschopoulou, Jennifer Deane, Morvwen Duncan, Sharif A. Ismail, Sophie Moriarty, Shah-Jalal Sarker, Peter White, Ania Korszun
Summary: This study aimed to identify the most appropriate measure of quality of life for cancer patients living with and beyond cancer. Measures including FACT-G, EORTC QLQ-C30, IOCv2 (positive and negative subscales) and WEMWBS were completed by 182 patients in Central London, showing significant correlations between different scales. The study concluded that FACT-G, EORTC, and the negative IOC scales can all be used to measure QoL, with the unique aspects of QoL being captured by the two IOCv2 subscales. Participants rated all measures similarly in terms of relevance and ease of use.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Adriaan Penson, Iris Walraven, Ewald Bronkhorst, Heleen Maurice-Stam, Martha A. Grootenhuis, Margriet Van der Heiden-van der Loo, Wim J. E. Tissing, Helena J. H. Van der Pal, Andrica C. H. De Vries, Dorine Bresters, Cecile Ronckers, Marry M. Van den Heuvel, Sebastian J. C. M. M. Neggers, Birgitta A. B. Versluys, Marloes Louwerens, Saskia M. F. Pluijm, Leontien C. M. Kremer, Nicole Blijlevens, Eline Van Dulmen-den Broeder, Hans Knoop, Jacqueline Loonen
Summary: The study found that fatigue in childhood cancer survivors can negatively impact vitality, general health, and role limitations. Therefore, timely treatment of fatigue is crucial for the quality of life of survivors.
Article
Oncology
L. M. E. van Erp, H. Maurice-Stam, L. C. M. Kremer, W. J. E. Tissing, H. J. H. van der Pal, A. C. H. de Vries, M. M. van den Heuvel-Eibrink, B. A. B. Versluys, J. J. Loonen, D. Bresters, M. Louwerens, M. van der Heiden-van der Loo, M. H. van den Berg, C. M. Ronckers, A. L. L. F. van der Kooi, M. van Gorp, E. van Dulmen-den Broeder, M. A. Grootenhuis
Summary: The study found that Dutch adult childhood cancer survivors generally have worse health-related quality of life, especially in vitality and general health perceptions. Low educational attainment and lack of a partner are significant risk factors for impaired physical and mental health.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Chiara Papini, Ameera A. Fayad, Mingjuan Wang, Fiona S. M. Schulte, I-Chan Huang, Yu-Ping Chang, Rebecca M. Howell, Deokumar Srivastava, Wendy M. Leisenring, Gregory T. Armstrong, Todd M. Gibson, Leslie L. Robison, Kevin C. Oeffinger, Kevin R. Krull, Tara M. Brinkman
Summary: Young adult survivors of childhood cancer have an increased risk of loneliness, which can lead to physical and mental health issues in the future.
Article
Oncology
Jahyun Choi, Sanghee Kim, Mona Choi, Woo Jin Hyung
Summary: This study investigated the factors affecting the quality of life of gastric cancer survivors and provided basic data for effective interventions. The results showed that gastric cancer-specific symptoms, spiritual well-being, self-efficacy, and functional status are important factors influencing the quality of life.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Maureen Rigney, Eleni Rapsomaniki, Lisa Carter-Harris, Jennifer C. King
Summary: This study found that awareness of lung cancer has increased among the general public in 2018 compared to 2008, but there has been no shift in the perception of whether patients should be blamed for their illness. Furthermore, lung cancer patients reported a higher level of stigma associated with the disease in 2018, indicating that stigma continues to be a significant issue.
JOURNAL OF THORACIC ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
J. L. Vardy, A. Liew, J. Turner, K. Kerin-Ayres, Sue Butler, C. Deguchi, S. Khatri, C. Wildbore, C. Mo, M. Hamayun, H. M. Dhillon, A. Malalasekera, S. Y. Tan
Summary: The study found that survivors attending SCSC increased their exercise levels after 3 months of treatment, and sustained the increase at 1 year. Most overweight or obese survivors were able to avoid further weight gain. Survivors had relatively good quality of life at 1 year, with improvements in many symptoms and lifestyle factors.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Anthony J. Cannon, Mehmet E. Dokucu, Fausto R. Loberiza
Summary: This study found that spirituality has a positive impact on the physical and mental quality of life of cancer survivors, while religiosity may have some influence on physical quality of life. Clinicians incorporating spirituality into cancer treatment can help improve patients' quality of life during the often challenging and uncertain treatment process.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Martina E. Schmidt, Siri Goldschmidt, Silke Hermann, Karen Steindorf
Summary: Significant efforts have been made in cancer treatment, leading to improved survival rates. However, research and care for long-term problems and late effects in cancer survivors are inadequate. This study found that while cancer survivors' overall health-related quality of life and physical function were comparable or better than the general population, emotional and cognitive function were worse, particularly among women. Commonly reported problems with moderate burden included loss of physical performance, fatigue, sexual problems, sleep problems, and anxiety. Survivors often rated the support they received as poor, especially for non-threatening medical issues or issues without effective medication or treatment. Factors such as older age, female gender, history of chemotherapy, and overweight/obesity were associated with higher burdens. These findings highlight the need for increased awareness and targeted care for the long-term and late effects experienced by cancer survivors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Martina E. Schmidt, Marvin Chong, Oliver Klassen, Joachim Wiskemann, Karen Steindorf
Summary: Cancer-related fatigue is still not well understood, leading to undifferentiated treatment. This study investigated the potential use of bioelectrical phase angle (PhA) as a marker to identify specific fatigue subtypes. PhA was measured in breast cancer patients, and its association with fatigue severity and response to strength training was analyzed. The results showed that a decrease in PhA was significantly associated with increased physical and emotional fatigue. The association was stronger in patients with normal BMI and low pre-diagnosis exercise level. Furthermore, PhA was related to chemotherapy and strength training. These findings indicate that PhA may be a useful marker in classifying fatigue subtypes and tailoring treatments accordingly.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Michael J. Leach, Georgina Barber, Stephanie Monacella, Philip Jamieson, Thi Trinh, Ngan Vo, Ulla Schmidt, Anny Byrne, Eli Ristevski
Summary: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical activity (PA), obesity, and quality of life (QoL) among rural Australian cancer survivors. The study found that sufficient PA was associated with better QoL and more energy, while obesity was associated with worse QoL and more pain. The interaction between PA and obesity on QoL was not significant.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Shaila M. Strayhorn, Marquita W. Lewis-Thames, Leslie R. Carnahan, Vida A. Henderson, Karriem S. Watson, Carol E. Ferrans, Yamile Molina
Summary: The study found that high patient-provider communication quality (PPCQ) was associated with greater social and functional well-being, but less associated with physical well-being. Rural cancer survivors showed differential associations in different quality of life domains, suggesting a need for further exploration of potential mechanisms in future research.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Shana D. Stites, Kristin Harkins, Jonathan D. Rubright, Jason Karlawish
ALZHEIMER DISEASE & ASSOCIATED DISORDERS
(2018)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Shana D. Stites, R. Scott Turner, Jeanine Gill, Anna Gurian, Jason Karlawish, Joshua D. Grill
Summary: High baseline scores on the Research Attitudes Questionnaire were associated with increased likelihood of trial completion and study medication compliance. This brief instrument can help identify participants at risk for behaviors that cause missing data.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Shana D. Stites, Hannah Cao, Kristin Harkins, Jason D. Flatt
Summary: This study investigated the methods for measuring sex/gender in aging and Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD) cohort studies, identifying gaps in current approaches and suggesting opportunities for improvement.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES B-PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Gerontology
Shana D. Stites, Sharnita Midgett, Dawn Mechanic-Hamilton, Megan Zuelsdorff, Crystal M. Glover, David X. Marquez, Joyce E. Balls-Berry, Marissa L. Streitz, Ganesh Babulal, Jean-Francois Trani, J. Neil Henderson, Lisa L. Barnes, Jason Karlawish, Dave A. Wolk
Summary: Structural and social determinants of health (SSDoH) have a significant impact on individual health outcomes, particularly in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research. However, there is a lack of data collection on SSDoH in existing research institutions. This study proposes a feasible framework for gathering and modeling SSDoH data across different research institutions.
Editorial Material
Health Care Sciences & Services
Kira L. Ryskina, Jessica Anderson, Shana D. Stites, Rebecca T. Brown
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Gerontology
Shana D. Stites, Emily A. Largent, Jeanine Gill, Anna Gurian, Kristin Harkins, Jason Karlawish
Summary: This study explores the factors that determine the role of study partners (SP) in Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease related dementias (AD/ADRD) research, as well as whether the SP's relationship to the participant affects reports of disease severity. The results show that adult children are more likely to serve as SPs compared to spouses, and they rate the severity of cognitive impairments in participants as less severe.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Tina E. Brinkley, Shana D. Stites, Holly C. Hunsberger, Carrie A. Karvonen-Gutierrez, Mengting Li, C. Elizabeth Shaaban, Roland J. Thorpe, Stephen B. Kritchevsky
Summary: The impact of sex and gender on the aging process is not well understood, and the concepts are often conflated. A conference on sex and gender differences in aging was organized to better understand their relevance in research and to address current gaps in the field. The proceedings of the workshop highlighted the need for a more systematic approach and provided recommendations for future research.
INNOVATION IN AGING
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Shana D. Stites, Jonathan D. Rubright, Kristin Harkins, Jason Karlawish
Summary: This observational study investigated how awareness of diagnosis predicted changes in cognition and quality of life 1 year later in older adults. The study found that patients unaware of their diagnosis experienced declines in satisfaction with daily life and physical functioning. In contrast, patients aware of their diagnosis showed no significant changes in most domains of quality of life.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Shana D. Stites, Norma B. Coe
Summary: Research on Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease related dementias (AD/ADRD) has developed gene and biomarker technologies to identify individuals at risk for dementia. However, the lack of racial diversity in research cohorts limits the relevance of these technologies, as most biomarker cutoffs are determined by predominantly White cohorts despite the higher burden of AD/ADRD in Black populations. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has called for increased racial diversity in AD/ADRD research.
JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Shana D. Stites, Anna Gurian, Cameron Coykendall, Emily A. Largent, Kristin Harkins, Jason Karlawish, Norma B. Coe
Summary: Studies have shown that reports of cognition and function from study partners (SPs) may differ depending on the relationship between the SP and the participant, especially for spouse or adult child relationships. Adult children SPs are usually female. Therefore, these differences could be attributed to gender and help explain variability in measurement.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES B-PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Brianna Morgan, Shana D. Stites, Felicia Green, Lauren Fisher, Megan Kalafsky, Nancy Hodgson, Lauren Massimo
Summary: This study evaluated the experience of a virtual intergenerational respite care program for all participants and identified the outcomes, suggesting that respite care programs have lasting mutual benefits for all participants.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Isabel Yannatos, Shana Stites, Rebecca Brown, Corey McMillan
Summary: Racial disparities in aging-related health outcomes among older Americans, known as weathering, are influenced by individual socioeconomic status, neighborhood social environment, and air pollution exposures. Black individuals have significantly accelerated DNA methylation (DNAm) aging compared to White individuals. Socioeconomic status and neighborhood deprivation contribute to the disparity in DNAm aging, while fine particulate matter exposure may also play a role for Black individuals. DNAm aging may contribute to age-related health disparities between older Black and White Americans.
Review
Clinical Neurology
Shana D. Stites, Hannah Cao, Richard James, Kristin Harkins, Cameron Coykendall, Jason D. Flatt
Summary: This systematic review summarizes measures of gender and biological sex in the biomedical literature, aiming to provide useful tools for researchers studying Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Twenty-nine measures assessing gender-related constructs and four measures assessing biological factors were identified. Recommendations are offered to guide the measurement of gender in AD/ADRD research, and the need for new measures addressing generational differences in gender factors is emphasized.
ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA: DIAGNOSIS, ASSESSMENT & DISEASE MONITORING
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Shana D. Stites, Emily A. Largent, Rebecca Johnson, Kristin Harkins, Jason Karlawish
Summary: The study found that individuals who identified themselves as Alzheimer's disease caregivers were more likely to perceive public stigma towards dementia compared to non-caregivers. This perception was attenuated by caregivers' knowledge about AD and their gender being female. Therefore, interventions to reduce AD stigma should take into account caregivers' knowledge levels and gender.
JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Ethics
S. D. Stites, S. Rodriguez, C. Dudley, A. Fiester
