Introduction: Gynaecology cancers, including ovarian (OC), endometrial (EC), and cervical (CC), are prevalent with high mortality. Sarcopenia is found in 38.7% of cancer patients, adversely affecting prognosis. Computed tomography (CT) is performed routinely in oncology, yet CT assessments of sarcopenia are not commonly used to measure prognosis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prognostic potential of pretreatment sarcopenia assessments on overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) in gynaecology cancer. Methodology: Four electronic databases were systematically searched from 2000 to May 2020 in English: Ovid Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CINAHL plus. Titles and abstracts were screened, eligible full-texts were reviewed, and data from included studies was extracted. Meta-analyses were conducted on homogenous survival data, heterogenous data were narratively reported. Results: The initial search yielded 767 results; 27 studies were included in the systematic review (n=4286), all published between 2015-2020. Meta-analysis of unadjusted results revealed a negative effect of pre-treatment sarcopenia on OS in
Lifestyle interventions involving exercise training offset the adverse effects of androgen deprivation therapy in men with prostate cancer (PCa). Yet provision of integrated exercise pathways in cancer care is sparse. This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of an embedded supervised exercise training intervention into standard PCa care in a single-arm, multicentre prospective cohort study. Feasibility included recruitment, retention, adherence, fidelity and safety. Acceptability of behaviourally informed healthcare and exercise professional training was assessed qualitatively. Despite the imposition of lockdown for the COVID-19 pandemic, referral rates into and adherence to, the intervention was high. Of the 45 men eligible for participation, 79% received the intervention. Patients completed a mean of 27 minutes of aerobic exercise per session (SD=3.48), at 77% heart rate maximum (92% of target dose), and 3 sets of 10 reps of 3 resistance exercises twice weekly for 12 weeks, without serious adverse event. The intervention was delivered by healthcare and exercise professionals with moderate to high fidelity and the intervention was deemed highly acceptable to patients. The impact of societal changes due to the pandemic on the delivery of this face-to-face intervention remain uncertain but positive impacts of embedding exercise provision into PCa care warrant long-term investigation.
BackgroundTwice-weekly supervised aerobic and resistance exercise for 12 weeks reduces fatigue and improves quality of life in men on Androgen Deprivation Therapy for prostate cancer. Despite the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) proposing this as standard of care, it does not routinely take place in practice. Healthcare professionals are in a prime position to deliver and integrate these recommendations. A change in the behaviour of clinical teams is therefore required.In this paper, we describe the development of a training package for healthcare professionals using theory and evidence to promote delivery of such recommendations as standard care.MethodsThe intervention development process was guided by the Medical Research Council guidance for complex interventions and the Behaviour Change Wheel. Target behaviours were identified from the literature and thirty-five prostate cancer care healthcare professionals were interviewed to understand influences on these behaviours. The Theoretical Domains Framework was used to identify theoretical constructs for change. Behaviour change techniques were selected based on theory and evidence and were translated into intervention content. The intervention was refined with the input of stakeholders including healthcare professionals, patients, and exercise professionals in the form of rehearsal deliveries, focus groups and a workshop.ResultsSeven modifiable healthcare professional target behaviours were identified to support the delivery of the NICE recommendations including identifying eligible patients suitable for exercise, recommending exercise, providing information, exercise referral, providing support and interpret and feedback on progress. Ten domains from the Theoretical Domain’s Framework were identified as necessary for change, including improving knowledge and skills, addressing beliefs about consequences, and targeting social influences. These were targeted through twenty-two behaviour change techniques delivered in a half-day, interactive training package. Based on initial feedback from stakeholders, the intervention was refined in preparation for evaluation.ConclusionsWe designed an intervention based on theory, evidence, and stakeholder feedback to promote and support the delivery of NICE recommendations. Future work will aim to test this training package in a multi-centre randomised trial. If proven effective, the development and training package will provide a template for replication in other clinical populations, where exercise has proven efficacy but is insufficiently implemented.Trial registrationN/A
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