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OBJECTIVE: to identify the frequency of fatigue and domains affected in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiation therapy, at the beginning, middle and end of treatment. METHOD: longitudinal and prospective study of quasi-experimental design, involving 60 patients with head and neck cancer. It should be highlighted that this article will address only the data of the Control Group. The dependent variables were collected through interview, using the revised Piper Fatigue Scale, which is a multidimensional instrument that assesses global, behavioral, affective and sensory/psychological domains. Data analysis was based on absolute and relative frequencies. RESULTS: there was a predominance of males, age group between 41-60 years, low level of education and in regular use of alcohol and cigarettes. All domains in the fatigue scale had their scores increased, presenting median values of greater magnitude in Time 2 and Time 3, when compared to the Time 1 values, indicating an increase in fatigue levels during radiation therapy. CONCLUSION: fatigue increased in the course of the radiation therapy, having all domains affected. Therefore, its evaluation throughout the treatment is important, as fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom on cancer patients.

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INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the dimensions of the vaginal canal in patients undergoing gynaecological brachytherapy and the effect of the use of vaginal dilators (VD) used in the follow-up of pelvic physiotherapy. METHODS: A total of 88 patients were randomly allocated to the control group (CG) and intervention group (IG). Three evaluations were performed: pre-brachytherapy, post-brachytherapy and follow-up of 3 months. The CG received standard guidance from the health team while the IG was instructed to use VD for 3 months. The dimensions of the vaginal canal (main outcome) were defined by the length of the vagina (centimetres), width (number of full clockwise turns of the opening thread of a gynaecological speculum) and area (defined by the size of the VD). Quality of life and pelvic floor (PF) functionality were also evaluated. RESULTS: There was no effect of the VD on vaginal length, width and area among the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. However, in the analysis stratified by adhesion, the CG had a significant decrease in the vaginal area. PF was predominantly hypoactive throughout the follow-up. Quality of life improved in both groups, but the reduction of constipation, vaginal dryness and stress urinary incontinence manifested only in the IG. CONCLUSION: The use of VD did not alter the dimensions of the vaginal canal within the first 3 months after the end of radiotherapy treatment. However, there was a large sample loss during follow-up so studies with a larger sample number and longer follow-up time need to be conducted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03090217.

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OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine state anxiety following radical treatment for localized prostate cancer (PCa), and the impact of trait anxiety on psychological well-being in affected patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study was a cross-sectional survey of 70 men with localized PCa performed between February 2012 and July 2012. Of those, 21, 24, and 25 patients were treated by radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), permanent prostate brachytherapy (PPB), and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), respectively. State anxiety, trait anxiety, and general health were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and 8 Items Short Form Health Survey (SF-8). RESULTS: The rate of very high and high state anxiety in patients who received RRP was 47.6%, while that in patients who received PPB and EBRT was 40.0% and 37.5%, respectively. In contrast, the rate of very high and high trait anxiety in the RRP group was much lower (23.7%). Trait anxiety showed a high correlation with state anxiety and the mental health component summary of SF-8 (correlation coefficient=0.715, -0.504). CONCLUSIONS: Trait anxiety was associated with the degree of state anxiety regarding treatments for PCa, followed by change in state anxiety, which might have effects on psychological well-being. Information regarding state anxiety as a consequence of treatments and trait anxiety measurement tool are important considerations for treatment decision-making in newly diagnosed PCa patients.

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Objective The aim of the present study was to determine state anxiety following radical treatment for localized prostate cancer (PCa), and the impact of trait anxiety on psychological well-being in affected patients. Material and Methods The present study was a cross-sectional survey of 70 men with localized PCa performed between February 2012 and July 2012. Of those, 21, 25, and 24 patients were treated by radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), permanent prostate brachytherapy (PPB), and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), respectively. State anxiety, trait anxiety, and general health were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and 8 Items Short Form Health Survey (SF-8). Results The rate of very high and high state anxiety in patients who received RRP was 47.6%, while that in patients who received PPB and EBRT was 40.0% and 37.5%, respectively. In contrast, the rate of very high and high trait anxiety in the RRP group was much lower (23.7%). Trait anxiety showed a high correlation with state anxiety and the mental health component summary of SF-8 (correlation coefficient=0.715, -0.504). Conclusions Trait anxiety was associated with the degree of state anxiety regarding treatments for PCa, followed by change in state anxiety, which might have effects on psychological well-being. Information regarding state anxiety as a consequence of treatments and trait anxiety measurement tool are important considerations for treatment decision-making in newly diagnosed PCa patients. .

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Apresentam-se os resultados relativos a padrões de regulação emocional, percepção e satisfação com o suporte social após intervenção cognitivo-comportamental em gestão do stress (IGSCC) em pacientes em radioterapia com fadiga oncológica. Compara-se o grupo de controlo (n=35 radioterapia sem IGSCC) e o grupo experimental (n=35 radioterapia com IGSCC) no início e fim do tratamento tendo em conta variáveis sociodemográficas, Escala de ansiedade, depressão e stress, Escala de perceção e satisfação com o suporte social e o Termómetro da emoção. No grupo experimental, após IGSCC, há descida significativa (p<.001) da ansiedade, depressão e stress e aumento da percepção e satisfação com o suporte social. No grupo de controlo há subida significativa (p<.001) da desregulação emocional (ansiedade, depressão e stress) e subida da insatisfação com o suporte social. Salienta-se a eficácia da IGSCC sobre estados emocionais e percepção e satisfação com o suporte social em pacientes em radioterapia e com fadiga oncológica...

This article presents the results for patterns of emotional regulation, perception and satisfaction with social support after a Cognitive-behavioral stress management intervention (IGSCC) in patients with oncologic fatigue, undergoing radiation therapy. A comparison was established between the control group (n = 35 without radiotherapy, IGSCC) and the experimental group (n = 35 radiotherapy, IGSCC) at the beginning and end of treatment, considering socio-demographic variables; the Anxiety, Depression and Stress Scale; the Perception and Satisfaction with Social Support Scale and the Emotion Thermometer. In the experimental group, after the IGSCC, there was a significant decrease (p< .001) in anxiety, depression and stress and an increase in the perception and satisfaction with social support. In the control group, there is a significant increase (p < .001) in emotional deregulation (anxiety, depression and stress) and dissatisfaction with social support. We highlight the effectiveness of IGSCC on emotional states, perception and satisfaction with social support in patients with oncologic fatigue undergoing radiation therapy...

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Radioterapia é um dos tratamentos instituídos para o combate ao câncer de colo uterino e provoca um forte impacto orgânico e psicológico nos pacientes. Ao destacar a importância do acompanhamento psicológico, realizou-se uma pesquisa com o objetivo de investigar as percepções e estratégias de enfrentamento à radioterapia. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, com sujeitos encontrados a partir do método “Bola de Neve”, aos quais se aplicou uma entrevista aberta, posteriormente realizada sua Análise de Conteúdo. A Análise de Conteúdo compreendeu que a informação e a acolhida são fatores inerentes a melhoria da qualidade de vida do paciente. Percebeu-se que o apoio das redes sociais e equipe de saúde influencia positivamente no enfrentamento da enfermidade e auxilia a elaborar as idéias de finitude e a passividade quanto ao tratamento e o curso da doença. Assim, o estar informado e sentir-se acolhido e apoiado em seu sofrimento são situações que podem auxiliar o paciente no tratamento, reabilitação e convívio social.

Radiotherapy is a treatment instituted to combat uterine cancer and causes a strong physical and psychological impact on patients. Highlighting the importance of monitoring psychological, research was done in order to investigate the perceptions and strategies of confrontation to radiotherapy. It is a qualitative research with individuals found by the method “Snowball”, who participated in an open interview, which had its analysis of content performed before. The analysis of content understood that the information and the reception are inherent factors that improve the patient quality of life. It was realized that the support of social networks and health team have a positive influence in combating the disease and help to develop the ideas of finitude and passivity in relation to the treatment and course of the disease. Thus, to be informed and feel welcome and supported in their grief are situations that can assist the patient in treatment, rehabilitation and social life.

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Radioterapia é um dos tratamentos instituídos para o combate ao câncer de colo uterino e provoca um forte impacto orgânico e psicológico nos pacientes. Ao destacar a importância do acompanhamento psicológico, realizou-se uma pesquisa com o objetivo de investigar as percepções e estratégias de enfrentamento à radioterapia. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, com sujeitos encontrados a partir do método “Bola de Neve”, aos quais se aplicou uma entrevista aberta, posteriormente realizada sua Análise de Conteúdo. A Análise de Conteúdo compreendeu que a informação e a acolhida são fatores inerentes a melhoria da qualidade de vida do paciente. Percebeu-se que o apoio das redes sociais e equipe de saúde influencia positivamente no enfrentamento da enfermidade e auxilia a elaborar as idéias de finitude e a passividade quanto ao tratamento e o curso da doença. Assim, o estar informado e sentir-se acolhido e apoiado em seu sofrimento são situações que podem auxiliar o paciente no tratamento, reabilitação e convívio social.(AU)

Radiotherapy is a treatment instituted to combat uterine cancer and causes a strong physical and psychological impact on patients. Highlighting the importance of monitoring psychological, research was done in order to investigate the perceptions and strategies of confrontation to radiotherapy. It is a qualitative research with individuals found by the method “Snowball”, who participated in an open interview, which had its analysis of content performed before. The analysis of content understood that the information and the reception are inherent factors that improve the patient quality of life. It was realized that the support of social networks and health team have a positive influence in combating the disease and help to develop the ideas of finitude and passivity in relation to the treatment and course of the disease. Thus, to be informed and feel welcome and supported in their grief are situations that can assist the patient in treatment, rehabilitation and social life.(AU)

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CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Guaraná (Paullinia cupana) has been used medicinally for centuries. The aim of this study is evaluate the effectiveness of guaraná in the treatment of postradiation depression and fatigue. DESIGN AND SETTING: This study had a double-blind randomized design with crossover between experimental arms, at Faculdade de Medicina da Fundação do ABC. METHODS: We conducted a randomized double-blind crossover trial with 36 patients with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant radiation therapy. We randomized patients to either guaraná 75 mg daily p.o. or to placebo. Patients were switched to the other experimental arm at the middle of the radiation treatment, which consisted of 28 daily fractions of 180 cGy. Evaluations were conducted at the beginning, at the middle, and at the end of radiation therapy. RESULTS: We were unable to show any statistically significant differences between the guaraná and the placebo-treated group with any of the measured scores. Also, within the same group, we did not see any statistically significant associations during either the guaraná- or placebo-treated periods with any of the aforementioned measures. CONCLUSIONS: We were unable to show that patients with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy derive any advantage with guaraná over placebo for both fatigue and depressive symptoms.

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The surgical treatment of tongue cancer, with or without reconstruction and/or radiotherapy, leads to different levels of voice, speech, and deglutition disorders. Evaluating the quality of life related to these swallowing alterations is important to further our knowledge about the impact of such alterations from the patient's point of view. Our objective was to describe the quality of life related to swallowing in patients treated for tongue cancer, using specific questionnaires. Twenty-nine patients participated in the study for a minimum of one year after oncologic treatment. Patients with advanced disease who underwent radiotherapy had significantly worse scores in most domains. The aspects related to how to deal with deglutition problems, time taken for meal consumption, pleasure in eating, chewing problems, food sticking in throat and mouth, choking, and the knowledge of feeding restrictions, which were evaluated by different domains of SWAL-QOL, were factors that contributed to a negative impact for patients with advanced-stage tumors who underwent radiotherapy.

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