PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of psychosocial interventions on pain in cancer patients. METHODS: Eight studies published between 1980 and 2012 in Korean and ten studies published between 2002 and 2012 in English met the inclusion criteria with a total of 1539 participants. Methodological quality assessed by Cochrane's Risk of Bias for randomized studies and Risk of Bias Assessment tool for non randomized studies. The data were analyzed by the RevMan 5.2 program of Cochrane library. RESULTS: Overall, study quality was moderate to high. Effect sizes were heterogeneous and subgroup analysis was done. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) were effective for pain (ES= -0.35; 95% CI= -0.56, -0.13). Pain education studies measured with NRS and VAS were effective for pain (ES= -0.77; 95% CI= -1.01, -0.52). Publication bias was not detected. CONCLUSION: This study support the use of psychosocial interventions administered to cancer patients for their pain management. However, more well-designed studies are needed.
Clinical Trials as Topic ; Cognitive Therapy ; Databases, Factual ; Humans ; Neoplasms/*complications/*psychology ; Pain/*etiology ; *Pain Management ; Questionnaires

PURPOSE: There is no established treatment of choice for low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). To evaluate the efficacy of biofeedback therapy for objective improvement of pelvic function in LARS, we performed the present study. METHODS: The primary endpoint was the change of Wexner score. Consenting patients between 20 and 80 years old with major LARS at least 2 months after sphincter preserving proctectomy for rectal cancer were enrolled. After recommendation of biofeedback therapy, patients who accept it were enrolled in the biofeedback group and patients who refuse were enrolled in the control group. Initial and follow-up evaluations were performed and analyzed. RESULTS: Fifteen and sixteen patients were evaluated in the control group and the biofeedback group, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference of LARS score between both groups. Decrease in Wexner score and increase in rectal capacity were significantly higher in the biofeedback group (odds ratio [OR], 5.386; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.194–24.287; P = 0.028 and OR, 1.061; 95% CI, 1.002–1.123; P = 0.042). CONCLUSION: Biofeedback therapy was superior for objective improvement of pelvic function to observation in LARS. It can be considered to induce more rapid improvement of major LARS.
Biofeedback, Psychology ; Fecal Incontinence ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Manometry ; Postoperative Complications ; Rectal Neoplasms ; Rehabilitation

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the emotional state and related factors in patients with lymphedema. METHODS: The subjects of this study consisted of 95 patients with lymphedema at 8 hospitals in Busan and Seoul. Data was collected by a self-administered questionnaire between March 2001 to December 2001. Data was analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression using SPSS Win 12.0. RESULTS: The mean score of the emotional state of the subjects was 3.06; of their physical symptoms, 1.84; of their Activities of Daily Living(ADLs), 2.30; and of their social activities, 3.67. The emotional states of lymphedema patients correlated with their physical symptoms, their ADLs, and their social activities. The Factor influencing the emotional state of the subjects was social activities. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that a negative emotional state is very common in patients with lymphedema, to which appropriate attention should be given. Rehabilitation programs must be implemented to improve lymphedema patients' emotional state, physical symptoms, ADLs, and social activities.
Activities of Daily Living ; Affective Symptoms ; Aged ; Breast Neoplasms/complications/diagnosis/psychology ; *Emotions ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphedema/diagnosis/etiology/*psychology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Questionnaires ; Sickness Impact Profile ; Social Behavior ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/complications/diagnosis/psychology

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to develop and test an explanatory model for sleep disorders in people with cancer. A hypothetical model was constructed on the basis of a review of previous studies, literature, and sleep models, and 10 latent variables were used to construct a hypothetical model. METHODS: Data were collected from April 19 to June 25, 2010, using self-report questionnaires. The sample was 291 outpatients with cancer who visited the oncology cancer center at a university hospital. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS Win 15.0 program for descriptive statistics and correlation analysis and AMOS 7.0 program for covariance structural analysis. RESULTS: It appeared that overall fit index was good as chi2/df=1.162, GFI=.969, AGFI=.944, SRMR=.052, NFI=.881, NNFI=.969, CFI=.980, RMSEA=.024, CN=337 in the modified model. The explanatory power of this model for sleep disorders in people with cancer was 62%. Further, sleep disorders were influenced directly by cancer symptom experience, dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep, and past sleep pattern. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that nurses should assess past sleep pattern and consider the development of a comprehensive nursing intervention program to minimize the cancer symptom experience, dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep, and thus, reduce sleep disorders in people with cancer.
Anxiety ; Depression ; Female ; Hospitals, University ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Models, Theoretical ; Neoplasms/*complications/*diagnosis/psychology ; Questionnaires ; Self Concept ; Sleep Disorders/epidemiology/*etiology/*psychology ; Social Support

PURPOSE: Our study aimed to examine the relationship between intelligence and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children (6-13 years old) diagnosed as having a brain tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We administered a Korean version of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, version 4.0 (PedsQL), the Korean version of the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form, and the Korean Version of the Parenting Sense of Competence (K-PSOC) scale before or after initial radiotherapy (T1) and after treatment termination (T2). In total, 13 patients completed both the T1 and T2 interviews. RESULTS: Scores significantly declined between T1 and T2 on the full-scale intelligence quotients (FIQ), verbal intelligence quotients (VIQ), performance intelligence quotients (PIQ), similarity and coding tests, as well as the K-PSOC, which measures parental anxiety. FIQ scores at T1 were correlated with the self-reported PedsQL total scores (r=0.739) and the parent proxy-report PedsQL scores for school functioning (r=0.706) at T2. Also, the FIQ scores at T2 were correlated with the self-reported PedsQL total scores (r=0.748) and scores for physical health (r=0.728) at T2. CONCLUSION: The cognitive ability and intelligence level of the patients significantly declined between on and off treatment periods, and higher intelligence functioning at both on and off treatment was correlated with long-term higher HRQOL. Further investigations that monitor intelligence, HRQOL and parenting stress over a longer period, using a greater number of participants, are needed.
Adolescent ; Anxiety ; Brain Neoplasms/complications/physiopathology/*psychology ; Child ; *Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; Parenting ; Parents/psychology ; Prospective Studies ; *Quality of Life ; Stress, Psychological/*diagnosis ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between the cancer related fatigue and social support in breast cancer patients after chemotherapy. METHODS: According to the uniform inclusive and exclusive criteria, 396 breast cancer patients after chemotherapy were sampled randomly from 4 hospitals in Changsha and investigated on the spot by cancer fatigue scale and social support scale. RESULTS: The levels of social support, subjective support, Objective support, and utilization of support of the breast cancer patients after chemotherapy were 36.63±7.80, 21.05±4.67, 8.45±3.06, and 7.13±2.10, respectively, which were lower than the normal level, with significant difference(P<0.001). There was a negative correlation between each fatigue dimension and social support, subjective support, Objective support, and utilization of support (P<0.05 or P<0.001). CONCLUSION The social support system in patients with breast cancer after chemotherapy is poor. There is a negative correlation between the social support system and cancer related fatigue.
Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Breast Neoplasms ; complications ; drug therapy ; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast ; drug therapy ; psychology ; China ; Fatigue ; etiology ; psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Social Support

OBJECTIVETo investigate the factors related to sexual dysfunction among breast cancer patients so as to improve the prevention and treatment of the disorder as well as the life quality of the patients.

METHODSSixty-five breast cancer patients during the rehabilitation period were interviewed by questionnaire on the sexual function before and after treatment.

RESULTSAge and perception of sex were two important factors for the significant difference in the rate of sexual dysfunction among the patients. In the groups of 45-55 and 56-65 years, the rates of sexual dysfunction were 66.7% and 73.9%, respectively. Compared with the < 45-year group (33.3%), the findings were statistically significant (P < 0.01), and the difference was statistically significant between the incorrect perception group (70.3%) and the correct one (47.6%) (P < 0.05). Of all the factors analyzed in the research, the stage of cancer, treatment methods, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, dyspareunia and sex perception had significant correlation with newly developed sexual dysfunction (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe stage of cancer, treatment methods, sex perception, vaginal dryness et al had significant correlation with sexual dysfunction of breast cancer patients after treatment. To treat and prevent sexual dysfunction among breast cancer patients, oncology professionals should initiate communication about sexual difficulties, perform comprehensive assessments, and educate and counsel patients about the management of these difficulties.

Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Breast Neoplasms ; complications ; psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Middle Aged ; Quality of Life ; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological ; epidemiology ; etiology

OBJECTIVETo study the analgesic effect of shentong zhuyu decoction (SZD) and its effect on the expression of the spinal cord glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP).

METHODSOne hundred C3H/HeNCrlVr male mice were randomly divided into the normal group (n=8), the sham operation group (n=30), the model group (n=30), the Chinese medicine (CM) group 1 (n=8), the CM group 2 (n=8), the CM group 3 (n=8), and the vehicle group (n=8). 0.1 g crude drug of SZD/0.4 mL, 0.3 g crude drug of SZD/0.4 mL, 0.9 g crude drug of SZD/0.4 mL, and 0.4 mL normal saline were respectively given by gastrogavage to mice in CM 1, 2, 3 groups and the vehicle group, once daily for seven days starting from Day 14. The paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL), as the behavior indicator, was assessed in mice using radiant thermal stimulator. The lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord was taken after the behavioral test on Day 21. GFAP mRNA and protein expressions were detected using real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the normal group (Day 0) (PWTL: 15.91 +/- 1.65 s) and the sham operation group (PWTL: Day 4: 13.33 +/- 1.44 s; Day 7: 11.28 +/- 0.61 s; Day 10: 15.47 +/- 2.46 s; Day 14: 15.69 +/- 1.98 s; Day 21: 15.69 +/- 1.68 s), the PWTL value in the model group (Day 4: 13.24 +/- 1.02 s; Day 7: 11.30 +/- 1.09 s; Day 10: 9.12 +/- 0.54 s; Day 14: 7.79 +/- 0.77 s; Day 21: 6.36 +/- 0.59 s) progressively decreased (P < 0.05) as time went by, while the spinal cord GFAP mRNA and protein expressions gradually increased. Compared with the normal group (Day 0) and the sham operation group (Day 14), the PWTL value in the CM groups and the vehicle group obviously decreased on Day 14 (P < 0.05). The PWTL value was not significantly different among the model group, CM groups, and the vehicle group on Day 14 (P > 0.05). On Day 21 the PWTL value of CM group 2 and 3 increased and the spinal cord GFAP mRNA and protein expression levels decreased when compared with the model group and the vehicle group (P < 0.05). But no significant difference in the PWTL value or GFAP expression levels was shown among the CM 1 group, the vehicle group, and the model group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSZD had analgesic effect. Inhibition of the proliferation and activation of the spinal cord astrocytes might be one of its mechanisms.

Animals ; Astrocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Bone Neoplasms ; complications ; psychology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein ; metabolism ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C3H ; Osteosarcoma ; complications ; psychology ; Pain ; etiology ; metabolism ; Spinal Cord ; cytology ; metabolism

One of the annoying complications of radical prostatectomy is urinary incontinence. Post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) causes a significant impact on the patient's health-related quality of life. Although PPI is stress urinary incontinence caused by intrinsic sphincter deficiency in most cases, bladder dysfunction and vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis can induce urine leakage also. Exact clinical assessments, such as a voiding diary, incontinence questionnaire, pad test, urodynamic study, and urethrocystoscopy, are necessary to determine adequate treatment. The initial management of PPI is conservative treatment including lifestyle interventions, pelvic floor muscle training with or without biofeedback, and bladder training. An early start of conservative treatment is recommended during the first year. If the conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment is recommended. Surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy can be divided into minimally invasive and invasive treatments. Minimally invasive treatment includes injection of urethral bulking agents, male suburethral sling, and adjustable continence balloons. Invasive treatment includes artificial urinary sphincter implantation, which is still the gold standard and the most effective treatment of PPI. However, the demand for minimally invasive treatment is increasing, and many urologists consider male suburethral slings to be an acceptable treatment for PPI. The male sling is usually recommended for patients with persistent mild or moderate incontinence. It is necessary to improve our understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of PPI and to compare different procedures for the development of new and potentially better treatment options.
Biofeedback, Psychology ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Humans ; Life Style ; Male ; Muscles ; Pelvic Floor ; Postoperative Complications ; Prostatectomy ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; Quality of Life ; Suburethral Slings ; Urinary Bladder ; Urinary Incontinence ; Urinary Sphincter, Artificial ; Urodynamics

PURPOSE: Since the approval of Siewert's classification during the 2nd International Gastric Cancer Congress in 1997, there has been no report on gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) cancer using this new classification in Korea. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical usefulness of the new classification by applying it to the Eastern experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred forty-six patients with an adenocarcinoma of the GEJ who underwent surgery from January 1990 to December 1998 were retrospectively classified according to the Siewert's classification. RESULTS: There were 2 patients (1.4%) with type I, 37 patients (25.3%) with type II, and 107 patients (73.3%) with type III. The proportion of the GEJ cancer among all gastric cancer patients who underwent operation was found to be 6.6%. The average age was 46 years in type I, 53 years in type II, and 55 years in type III. All types of GEJ cancers predominantly affected men. No significant differences in the pathologic variables including gross appearance, tumor size, and histologic findings were found between type II and type III. A curative resection (R0) was achieved in 118 cases (80.8%) without difference among tumor types. Type I tumors were treated with a gastrectomy with distal esophagectomy. Most of the type II tumors were treated with a total gastrectomy, and in some patients, a transhiatal partial esophagectomy was added. Type III tumors were treated with a total gastrectomy. Among resected cases with curative intent, microscopic tumor involvement of the proximal resection margin was noted in two patients (6.3%) with type II tumors. Lymph node metastasis was found in 2 patients (100%) with type I, 24 patients (64.9%) with type II, and 66 patients (61.7%) with type III. Lymph nodes along the lesser curvature were the most common site of metastasis, followed by pericardial nodes. The main lymphatic drainage directed the lymph nodes along the left gastric artery among the group 2 nodes. There was no difference in patterns of lymph node metastasis between type II and type III. Postoperative complications occurred in 29 patients, and operative mortality was 2.7%. Five-year survival rates were 0% for type I, 54.3% for type II, and 51.8% for type III. CONCLUSION: The distribution of subtypes of adenocarcinomas of GEJ was markedly different in this study compared with reported Western data. Therefore, Siewert's classification is useful for discussing GEJ cancer in an international setting as it clearly specifies the subtype of GEJ cancer. However, discrimination of type II and type III may have little clinical benefit since there were no significant differences in clinicopathologic characteristics or in the recommended types of surgery.
Adenocarcinoma* ; Arteries ; Classification* ; Discrimination (Psychology) ; Drainage ; Esophagectomy ; Gastrectomy ; Humans ; Korea ; Lymph Nodes ; Male ; Mortality ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms ; Survival Rate