To determine whether dynamic-task rehabilitation, compared with bedside-only or no rehabilitation, is associated with longer time to loss of toilet ambulation among patients with advanced cancer in a palliative care unit (PCU). This retrospective study included patients with cancer admitted to a PCU who died during hospitalization (January 2020–March 2024). Eligible patients had walked to an in-room fixed toilet and stayed ≥ 14 days. Patients were classified as dynamic-task rehabilitation (Ex; ≥ 2 sessions), bedside rehabilitation (BS; ≤ 1 dynamic-task session), or no rehabilitation (NI). The primary outcome was time from PCU admission to loss of toilet ambulation. Kaplan–Meier and multivariable Cox analyses were used; Fine–Gray analyses treated death as a competing event. A total of 205 patients were analyzed (Ex, n = 78; BS, n = 65; NI, n = 62). Median time to loss of toilet ambulation was 27 days in Ex, 20 days in BS, and 14 days in NI. In adjusted Cox models (NI reference), Ex was associated with a lower hazard of ambulation loss (HR, 0.462; 95
Opioid-induced nausea and vomiting (OINV) is a common, distressing complication when starting opioids in cancer patients, yet evidence for prophylaxis is limited, and no randomised trial has evaluated dexamethasone in this setting. We assessed whether prophylactic dexamethasone reduces nausea and vomiting following initiation of oral morphine in opioid-naïve cancer patients. In this open-label, randomised controlled trial at a tertiary cancer centre, opioid-naïve adults initiating oral morphine were randomised 1:1 to prophylactic oral dexamethasone or no prophylaxis. Rescue antiemetics were given in both arms. The primary outcome was nausea severity on an 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS) at Days 1, 3 and 5. Secondary outcomes were vomiting episodes and rescue antiemetic use. Analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle, with multivariable logistic regression adjusting for clinical covariates. Of 180 patients screened, 150 were randomised (dexamethasone n = 74; control n = 76). Mean nausea severity was lower with dexamethasone at all timepoints (Day 1: 1.36 vs 2.93; Day 5: 0.74 vs 1.53; both p ≤ 0.01), with a number needed to treat of 5 on Day 1 to prevent one episode of clinically meaningful nausea (NRS ≥ 4). The benefit persisted after adjustment (Day 1 aOR 0.38, 95
The global confluence of population aging and the growing chronicity of cancer underscores the urgent need for integrated care models worldwide. As home to the world’s largest elderly population, China faces a particular challenge: older patients with cancer must navigate a critical gap between specialized cancer treatment and long-term elderly care. Although Integrated Medical and Elderly Care (IMEC) has emerged as a promising solution, the key factors associated with this group’s acceptance of and preference for specific IMEC models remain unclear, thereby hindering effective policy development. Informed by the Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, this study aimed to explore the factors associated with the willingness of older patients with cancer to adopt IMEC and their preferences among four service models (home-based, institution-based, community-based, and internet-based), in order to inform the design of targeted policies for optimizing integrated care delivery. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 924 older patients with cancer (aged ≥ 60 years) in hospitals in Anhui Province, China. Informed by the Andersen Behavioral Model, data were collected via a structured questionnaire covering three categories of factors: predisposing, enabling, and personal need factors. The outcome variables included IMEC participation willingness (categorized as “no,” “depends,” or “yes”) and IMEC model preference (with internet-based IMEC as the reference group). Descriptive analysis, univariable ordered logistic regression, and multivariable stepwise ordered logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with participation willingness. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were applied to analyze model preference determinants. Among the 924 patients, 389 (42.1
Music-based interventions have been increasingly investigated as complementary approaches for managing anxiety and depression among adults with cancer. However, the growing number of systematic reviews has resulted in heterogeneous conclusions, and the methodological robustness and characteristics of the existing evidence synthesis landscape remain uncertain. This umbrella review aimed to critically appraise the evidence landscape and methodological quality of systematic reviews evaluating music-based interventions for anxiety and depression in adults with cancer. An appraisal-focused umbrella review was conducted. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, Scopus, Wiley Online Library, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ProQuest, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, and VIP Database from inception to January 6, 2026. Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials evaluating music-based interventions for anxiety and/or depression in adults with cancer were eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and methodological appraisal. Methodological quality was assessed using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2), risk of bias was evaluated using the Risk Of Bias In Systematic Reviews tool (ROBIS), and overlap among primary studies was quantified using the corrected covered area (CCA). Narrative synthesis was conducted without new meta-analysis or quantitative reanalysis. Twenty systematic reviews published between 2015 and 2025 were included. All included systematic reviews incorporated quantitative synthesis, including one network meta-analysis. Among the 19 reviews assessed using AMSTAR 2, 17 (89.47
Colorectal cancer patients frequently report unmet information across physical, psychological, and social domains. Technology offers a promising solution for delivering tailored support. This qualitative study aims to identify and explore the information needs of colorectal cancer patients from diagnosis through surveillance and to understand their preferred digital delivery methods for clinical and supportive content. It represents the initial phase of a broader project to co-design a digital platform to support colorectal cancer patients. A qualitative research design with purposive sample of newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients and colorectal cancer survivors attending outpatient review between May and August 2024. Open-ended interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. The study was reported following the COREQ checklist. 21 participants were initially recruited with one participant withdrawing prior to the interview. Participants (n = 20) identified as predominantly female (n = 11) compared to male (n = 9) with a mean age of 62 years (range 36–82). Most participants were in surveillance stage (n = 16). Participants identified their level of digital literacy as competent (n = 14). However, 12 cited inadequate proficiency with digital technology requiring additional assistance. Two key themes reflected the procedural information needs throughout the cancer journey and factors that either eased or complicated the experience and were identified: Information and Digital Platform, each with corresponding subthemes. Findings emphasise a hybrid system of information is advocated by CRC patients. The ability to access information varies and is dependent on personal preferences and stages of the cancer journey and via different information platforms. Whilst written and verbal information were preferred pathways, digital platforms offered others autonomy and accessibility to information when required.
