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BMC Cancer
Published in: BMC Cancer 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Cancer Fatigue | Study Protocol

Evaluation of a psychoneurological symptom cluster in patients with breast or digestive cancer: a longitudinal observational study

Authors: Charlotte Grégoire, Louise Baussard, Marie Ernst, Anh Diep, Marie-Elisabeth Faymonville, Martine Devos, Guy Jerusalem, Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse

Published in: BMC Cancer | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

A psychoneurological symptom cluster composed of cancer-related fatigue, emotional distress, sleep difficulties, and pain is very common among patients with cancer. Cognitive difficulties are also frequently associated with this cluster. Network analyses allow for an in-depth understanding of the relationships between symptoms in a cluster. This paper details the study protocol of a longitudinal assessment of the psychoneurological symptom cluster in two distinct cohorts: breast cancer and digestive cancer survivors, using network analyses.

Methods

Over two years, the symptoms involved in the psychoneurological symptom cluster, along with other common symptoms (e.g., digestive symptoms, financial difficulties) and variables (i.e., self-compassion, coping strategies) will be assessed in two cohorts: breast cancer survivors (N = 240) and digestive cancer survivors (N = 240). Online questionnaires will be completed at baseline, then 6, 12 and 24 months later. Network analyses will be used to assess the configuration of the symptom cluster at each measurement time and in each cohort. Comparison of networks between two measurement times or between the two cohorts will also be done with network comparison tests.

Discussion

This study will enable a better understanding of the relationships between common symptoms endured by patients with cancer. The results will be employed to develop more cost-effective interventions which, ultimately, will significantly improve the quality of life of patients with breast or digestive cancer.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05867966). Registered on the 27th of April 2023. url: https://​classic.​clinicaltrials.​gov/​ct2/​show/​NCT05867966.
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Metadata
Title
Evaluation of a psychoneurological symptom cluster in patients with breast or digestive cancer: a longitudinal observational study
Authors
Charlotte Grégoire
Louise Baussard
Marie Ernst
Anh Diep
Marie-Elisabeth Faymonville
Martine Devos
Guy Jerusalem
Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Cancer Fatigue
Published in
BMC Cancer / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2407
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-023-11799-x

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