Observations of benefit finding in head and neck cancer patients

Cavell, Sandra; Broadbent, Elizabeth; Donkin, Liesje; Gear, Kim; Morton, Randall P.

doi:10.1007/s00405-015-3527-7

Cited by 14 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 51 publications

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“…However, the data presented here is based on a pilot study and the long-term benefit of these interactions should be investigated in additional trials that include larger cohorts and a longer intervention period. Such studies may benefit from investigating the effect of S. salivarius M18 on salivary pH and the incidence of dental caries, and could gain valuable insight into how probiotic intervention impacts quality of life by evaluating physical and psychological measures specific to this cohort of patients 33 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral probiotic Streptococcus salivarius M18 on head and neck cancer patients post-radiotherapy: a pilot study

Vesty

Gear

Boutell

et al. 2020

Sci Rep

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Xerostomia detrimentally affects the oral health of many head and neck cancer patients who undergo radiotherapy. Its sequelae become an ongoing burden for patients that often manifest as periodontal disease and dental decay. Bacteria play a major role in the pathogenesis of these conditions and here we explore the use of an oral probiotic to beneficially modulate the oral bacterial community postradiotherapy. In this pilot study, a four-week intervention with oral probiotic lozenges containing Streptococcus salivarius M18 was trialled in seven patients. Post-intervention changes in oral health and in the composition of the plaque and saliva bacterial communities were compared with six patients in a placebo group. An improvement in periodontal screening and plaque index scores was observed in both groups after the intervention period. The oral probiotic lozenges did not significantly impact bacterial community composition or diversity, nor did the probiotic lozenges increase the relative sequence abundance of ZOTU_1 (the probiotic-associated sequence assigned to S. salivarius) detected in the samples. Network analyses suggest negative interactions occurred between ZOTU_1 and species from the periopathogenic genera Campylobacter, Fretibacterium, Selenomonas and Treponema but further investigation is required to more fully understand the beneficial properties of this oral probiotic. Head and neck cancer describes a group of malignant tumours that often require radiotherapy as part of the treatment approach. Due to the close proximity of the salivary glands to the radiation portal, many head and neck cancer patients sustain permanent radiation-induced damage to the salivary glands during radiotherapy 1,2. Subsequently, salivary gland function is reduced, resulting in chronic hyposalivation and xerostomia (dry mouth) that causes considerable discomfort, compromises mastication and speech, increases the risk of oral health complications and decreases the quality of life for many patients 1,3,4. Hyposalivation and loss of salivary buffering capacity lead to a decrease in the pH of saliva and a shift to acidogenic and cariogenic bacteria, including an increase the in abundance of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. 5-7. These effects, combined with a decrease in the mechanical flushing mechanism of saliva to reduce plaque build-up, leave patients prone to post-radiotherapy gingivitis, periodontal disease and rampant dental decay 2,3,8. Oral probiotics, primarily those containing lactobacilli, have been successfully shown to decrease the abundance of periopathogens in sub-and supra-gingival plaque, significantly improve plaque index and periodontal

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral probiotic Streptococcus salivarius M18 on head and neck cancer patients post-radiotherapy: a pilot study

Vesty

Gear

Boutell

et al. 2020

Sci Rep

Self Cite

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“…Benefit finding has been studied in other cancers, [33][34][35][36] where high levels may be associated with coping better and decreased levels of psychosocial stress; however, studies are not conclusive. 37 Interestingly, unlike the overall QUALMS, or the QUALMS-P, the QUALMS-BF did not show strong correlations with the other QOL scales studied, arguing that this is a new dimension of MDS-related QOL that has not been previously captured.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prospective international validation of the Quality of Life in Myelodysplasia Scale (QUALMS)

et al. 2016

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“…Folkman (2008) defines benefit finding as growth in wisdom, patience, and competence; greater appreciation for life; greater clarity about what matters; strengthened faith or spirituality; and improved quality of social relationships. In clinical populations, benefit finding is associated with decreased depression and increased long-term psychosocial well-being (Cavell, Broadbent, Donkin, Gear, & Morton, 2015; Helgeson et al, 2006; Parry & Chesler, 2005). Additionally, the positive beliefs associated with benefit finding, such as optimism, are correlated with increased and lasting psychological adjustment (Aspinwall & MacNamara, 2005).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%