1. |
- Asad, Danna, et al.
(author)
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A prospective multicenter study of visual response-evaluation by cystoscopy in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy for muscle invasive urinary bladder cancer
- 2022
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In: Scandinavian journal of urology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 2168-1805 .- 2168-1813. ; 56:1, s. 20-26
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose To evaluate a method of transurethral visual response-staging in patients with urothelial muscle-invasive urinary bladder cancer (MIBC), undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and radical cystectomy (RC). Methods A prospective study at four Swedish cystectomy centers, cystoscopy was performed after final NAC-cycle for MIBC. Fifty-six participants underwent cystoscopy for visual staging of the tumor immediately pre-RC. Visual assessments were correlated to pathoanatomical outcomes post-RC. Results Seventeen tumors were classified as complete response (CR), i.e. pT0. Twenty-five patients had residual MIBC and 14 had non-muscle invasive residual tumors (NMIBC). Of the 39 patients with residual tumor, 25 were correctly identified visually (64%). Eleven patients were pN+. The diagnostic accuracy of cystoscopy to correctly identify complete response or remaining tumor was 70% (CI = 56-81%) with a sensitivity of 64% (CI = 47-79%), specificity 82% (CI = 57-96%), PPV 89% (CI = 74-96%) and NPV 50% (CI =38-61%). Twenty-eight cystoscopy evaluations showed signs of residual tumors and 3/28 (11%) were false positive. In 4/14 patients assessed having residual NMIBC the estimates were correct, 8/14 had histopathological MIBC and 2/14 had CR. In 11/14 patients (79%), the suggested visual assessment of MIBC was correct, 2/14 had NMIBC and 1/14 had CR. Twenty-eight cystoscopies had negative findings, 14 were false negatives (50%), when cystoscopy falsely predicted pT0. Among them there were eight patients with pTa, pT1 or pTis and six MIBC-tumors. In 17 patients with histopathological pT0, 14 were correctly identified with cystoscopy (82%). Conclusion Cystoscopy after the final NAC-cycle cannot robustly differentiate between NAC-responders and non-responders. Visually, negative MIBC-status cannot be determined safely.
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2. |
- Fallara, Giuseppe, et al.
(author)
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Prostate cancer diagnosis, staging, and treatment in Sweden during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic
- 2021
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Urology. - : Medical Journals Sweden AB. - 2168-1805 .- 2168-1813. ; 55:3, s. 184-191
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction The first case of COVID-19 in Sweden was diagnosed in late January 2020, the first recommendations against the spread of the virus were released in mid-March, and the peak of the first wave of the pandemic was reached in March-June. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the short-term effects of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis, staging, and treatment. Materials and methods Data in the National Prostate Cancer Register (NPCR) of Sweden on newly diagnosed PCa cases and on the number of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed between 18 March 2020 and 2 June 2020 were compared with those in the corresponding time periods in 2017-2019, as reported until January 31 of the year after each study period. Results During the study period in 2020, 36% fewer PCa cases were registered in NPCR compared with the corresponding time period in previous years: 1458 cases in 2020 vs a mean of 2285 cases in 2017-2019. The decrease in new PCa registrations was more pronounced in men above age 75 years, down 51%, than in men aged 70-75, down 37%, and in men below age 70, down 28%. There was no decrease in the number of radical prostatectomies and number of radical radiotherapy courses increased by 32%. Conclusions During the peak of the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of men diagnosed with PCa in Sweden decreased by one third compared with previous years, whereas there was no decrease in the number of curative treatments.
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3. |
- Holm, Alexander, et al.
(author)
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Patients' perspective on prostatic artery embolization : A qualitative study
- 2021
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In: SAGE Open Medicine. - : SAGE Open. - 2050-3121. ; 9, s. 1-6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: The aim was to describe the patients' experience of undergoing prostatic artery embolization.Methods: A retrospective qualitative interview study was undertaken with 15 patients of mean age 73 years who had undergone prostatic artery embolization with a median duration of 210 min at two medium sized hospitals in Sweden. The reasons for conducting prostatic artery embolization were clean intermittent catheterization (n = 4), lower urinary tract symptoms (n = 10) or haematuria (n = 1). Data were collected through individual, semi-structured telephone interviews 1-12 months after treatment and analysed using qualitative content analysis.Results: Four categories with sub-categories were formulated to describe the results: a diverse experience; ability to control the situation; resumption of everyday activities and range of opinions regarding efficacy of outcomes. Overall, the patients described the procedure as painless, easy and interesting and reported that while the procedure can be stressful, a calm atmosphere contributed to achieving a good experience. Limitations on access to reliable information before, during and after the procedure were highlighted as a major issue. Practical ideas for improving patient comfort during the procedure were suggested. Improved communications between treatment staff and patients were also highlighted. Most patients could resume everyday activities, some felt tired and bruising caused unnecessary worry for a few. Regarding functional outcome, some patients described substantial improvement in urine flow while others were satisfied with regaining undisturbed night sleep. Those with less effect were considering transurethral resection of the prostate as a future option. Self-enrolment to the treatment and long median operation time may have influenced the results.Conclusions: From the patients' perspective, prostatic artery embolization is a well-tolerated method for treating benign prostate hyperplacia.
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4. |
- Lundström, Karl-Johan, et al.
(author)
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Short-term ciprofloxacin prophylaxis for prostate biopsy and risk of aortic aneurysm : nationwide, population-based cohort study
- 2021
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In: Scandinavian journal of urology. - : Taylor & Francis Group. - 2168-1805 .- 2168-1813. ; 55:3, s. 221-226
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: The use of quinolones has recently been questioned due to reports on side effects including an increased risk of aortic aneurysm. The aim of the study was to examine the risk of aortic aneurysm (AA) after short-term ciprofloxacin as prophylaxis for prostate biopsy.Materials and Methods: We used the Prostate Cancer data Base Sweden and investigated 192,024 prostate biopsy exposures vs. 554,974 non-exposures for risk of AA. Prostate biopsy was used as a proxy for quinolone use as short-term ciprofloxacin is the recommended and documented prophylaxis in Sweden for this procedure. The outcome was the hazard ratio (HR) of AA in men who underwent a biopsy vs. those that did not.Results: The absolute risk of AA was small, 39/10,000 person years for all AÁs and for ruptured AÁs 3.5/10,000 person years. In multivariate analyses, there were small, non-significant increases in risk of all AA’s (adjusted HR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.91 to 1.39) and ruptured AÁs (adjusted HR = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.52 to 2.15) in men who underwent biopsy. A significantly increased risk of AA was observed in men diagnosed with high-risk prostate cancer on biopsy (HR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.15–2.21). The use of prostate biopsy as a proxy for exposure to ciprofloxacin was a limitation of the study.Conclusions: Short-term ciprofloxacin was not associated with an increased risk of aortic aneurysm and the increased risk in men with high-risk prostate cancer was likely due detection bias caused by imaging more commonly performed in these men.
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5. |
- Schulz Hägersten, Emma, et al.
(author)
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The risk of thromboembolism in patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer before and after cystectomy depending on blood group and neoadjuvant chemotherapy : a multicentre retrospective cohort study
- 2023
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In: Journal of Personalized Medicine. - : MDPI. - 2075-4426. ; 13:9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE: Previous studies have indicated that patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer with non-O blood types have an increased risk of experiencing thromboembolic events (TEEs). This is finding is in relation to neoadjuvant-chemotherapy (NAC)-naïve patients.AIM: to establish the risk of TEEs and any association with blood types among NAC patients as well as NAC-naïve patients.METHODS: Cystectomized patients at four centres treated from 2009 to 2018 (n = 244) were analysed. The quantities of patients corresponding to each blood group were as follows: A-108 (44%); O-99 (41%); B-30 (12%); and AB-7 (3%). NAC patients (n = 167) and NAC-naïve NAC-eligible patients (n = 77) were assessed. In total, 54 women (22%) and 190 men (78%), with a median age of 69 years, were included in the study. The occurrence of any type of TEE from six months pre-cystectomy to 12-24 months after was analysed using logistic regression adjusted for NAC and confounders.RESULTS: Sixty-six TEEs were detected in 21% of the patients (n = 52). Pulmonary embolus (n = 33) and deep venous thrombosis (n = 11) were the most common forms. No significant differences between blood types were found in the analysis, although B blood type had a nearly significant increased crude risk compared with O blood type, for which there was an OR of 2.48 (95% CI 0.98-6.36). Adjustment for NAC and covariates weakened the OR, which plummeted to 1.98 (95% CI 0.71-5.51).CONCLUSIONS: No significant associations were found between blood types and TEE occurrences in this cohort including both NAC and NAC-naïve NAC-eligible patients.
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6. |
- Styrke, Johan, et al.
(author)
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Current routines for antibiotic prophylaxis prior to transrectal prostate biopsy : a national survey to all urology clinics in Sweden.
- 2020
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In: F1000 Research. - : F1000 Research Ltd. - 2046-1402. ; 9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The risk of infection after transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsies is increasing. The aim of the study was to assess the use of antibiotic prophylaxis for prostate biopsy in Sweden. Methods: All public and private urology clinics reporting to the National Prostate Cancer Register of Sweden received a survey on TRUS-biopsy prophylaxis. Results: Of the 84 clinics surveyed, 76 replied (90%). If no risk factors for infection were present, a single dose of ciprofloxacin 750 mg was used by 50 clinics (66%). Multiple doses of ciprofloxacin 500 or 750 mg (n=14; 18%) or a single dose of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 160/800 mg (n=7; 9%) were other common prophylaxes. Most clinics gave the prophylaxes immediately before the biopsy (n=41; 54%). Urine dipstick was used by 30 clinics (39%) and rectal enema by six (8%). In patients with high risk of infection, the survey mirrors a large variety of regiments used. Conclusions: The preference to use a single dose of ciprofloxacin 750 mg is in accordance with the Swedish national guidelines for patients with a low risk of infection. Better compliance to the guideline recommendation to use a urine dipstick would probably increase the number of patients classified as having an increased risk of infection. Being classified as a high-risk patient should lead to an extended duration of antibiotic prophylaxis, however, the variety of regimens used in the high-risk group reflects an inability to treat these patients in a standardized fashion and also highlights a need for more clear-cut guidelines. Pre-biopsy identification of high-risk patients is an important issue to tackle for the urologic clinics in order to reduce the number of infections.
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7. |
- Tenninge, S., et al.
(author)
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Control computerized tomography in neoadjuvant chemotherapy for muscle invasive urinary bladder cancer, has no value for treatment decisions and low correlation with nodal status
- 2021
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In: Scandinavian journal of urology. - : Taylor & Francis. - 2168-1805 .- 2168-1813. ; 55:6, s. 455-460
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Control computerized tomography (cCT) is routinely used in many cystectomy centres before the final treatment cycle in patients with muscle-invasive urinary bladder cancer (MIBC) undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). This is for evaluating response or nonresponse to NAC treatment. In a real-world retrospective cohort, we intended to evaluate the frequency of changed individual treatment strategies following cCT and to investigate any discrepancies between cCT-results on nodal staging and final pN-stages.METHODS: We performed a retrospective data-based, multicenter study of 242 MIBC-patients, staged cT2N0M0-cT4aN0M0, having undergone NAC and radical cystectomy (RC) between 2008 and 2019 at four Swedish cystectomy centres. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS statistics 26.RESULTS: Overall, 139/242 patients were examined with cCT. Six patients were staged as progressive at cCT and 5/139 (3.6%) underwent a change of previously planned treatment strategy. 2/6 patients with suspected progression (33%) did not change strategy and underwent all preplanned NAC-cycles plus RC. Only 1/6 patients assigned as progressive at the cCT, showed progression in the postoperative pathology specimen. In total 133/139 patients were considered being without progress on cCT, yet 28/133 (21%) presented with nodal progression at postoperative pathology examinations. Only 1/29 patients with histopathologically verified nodal dissemination were detected with cCT, thus 28/29 (96.6%) with pN + were undetected. The sensitivity for cCT to predict pTNM was 17% CI [0%-64%] and the specificity was 78% CI [71%-86%].CONCLUSIONS: CCT prior to the final treatment cycle of NAC in MIBC, leads to a low percentage of treatment strategy changes and cCT cannot accurately predict pN-status.
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8. |
- Welén, Karin, 1970, et al.
(author)
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A Phase 2 Trial of the Effect of Antiandrogen Therapy on COVID-19 Outcome : No Evidence of Benefit, Supported by Epidemiology and In Vitro Data
- 2022
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In: European Urology. - : Elsevier. - 0302-2838 .- 1873-7560. ; 81:3, s. 285-293
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Men are more severely affected by COVID-19. Testosterone may influence SARS-CoV-2 infection and the immune response.Objective: To clinically, epidemiologically, and experimentally evaluate the effect of antiandrogens on SARS-CoV-2 infection.Designs, settings, and participants: A randomized phase 2 clinical trial (COVIDENZA) enrolled 42 hospitalized COVID-19 patients before safety evaluation. We also conducted a population-based retrospective study of 7894 SARS-CoV-2–positive prostate cancer patients and an experimental study using an air-liquid interface three-dimensional culture model of primary lung cells.Intervention: In COVIDENZA, patients were randomized 2:1 to 5 d of enzalutamide or standard of care.Outcome measurements: The primary outcomes in COVIDENZA were the time to mechanical ventilation or discharge from hospital. The population-based study investigated risk of hospitalization, intensive care, and death from COVID-19 after androgen inhibition.Results and limitations: Enzalutamide-treated patients required longer hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR] for discharge from hospital 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20–0.93) and the trial was terminated early. In the epidemiological study, no preventive effects were observed. The frail population of patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in combination with abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide had a higher risk of dying from COVID-19 (HR 2.51, 95% CI 1.52–4.16). In vitro data showed no effect of enzalutamide on virus replication. The epidemiological study has limitations that include residual confounders.Conclusions: The results do not support a therapeutic effect of enzalutamide or preventive effects of bicalutamide or ADT in COVID-19. Thus, these antiandrogens should not be used for hospitalized COVID-19 patients or as prevention for COVID-19. Further research on these therapeutics in this setting are not warranted.Patient summary: We studied whether inhibition of testosterone could diminish COVID-19 symptoms. We found no evidence of an effect in a clinical study or in epidemiological or experimental investigations. We conclude that androgen inhibition should not be used for prevention or treatment of COVID-19.
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9. |
- Welen, Karin, et al.
(author)
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COVIDENZA - A prospective, multicenter, randomized PHASE II clinical trial of enzalutamide treatment to decrease the morbidity in patients with Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a structured summary of a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
- 2021
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In: Trials. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1745-6215. ; 22:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The main goal of the COVIDENZA trial is to evaluate if inhibition of testosterone signalling by enzalutamide can improve the outcome of patients hospitalised for COVID-19. The hypothesis is based on the observation that the majority of patients in need of intensive care are male, and the connection between androgen receptor signalling and expression of TMPRSS2, an enzyme important for SARS-CoV-2 host cell internalization.Hospitalised COVID-19 patients will be randomised (2:1) to enzalutamide plus standard of care vs. standard of care designed to identify superiority.Included participants, men or women above 50 years of age, must be hospitalised for PCR confirmed COVID-19 symptoms and not in need of immediate mechanical ventilation. Major exclusion criteria are breast-feeding or pregnant women, hormonal treatment for prostate or breast cancer, treatment with immunosuppressive drugs, current symptomatic unstable cardiovascular disease (see Additional file 1 for further details). The trial is registered at Umeå University Hospital, Region Västerbotten, Sweden and 8 hospitals are approved for inclusion in Sweden.Patients randomised to the treatment arm will be treated orally with 160 mg (4x40 mg) enzalutamide (Xtandi®) daily, for five consecutive days. The study is not placebo controlled. The comparator is standard of care treatment for patients hospitalised with COVID-19.The primary endpoints of the study are (time to) need of mechanical ventilation or discharge from hospital as assessed by a clinical 7-point ordinal scale (up to 30 days after inclusion).Randomisation was stratified by center and sex. Each strata was randomized separately with block size six with a 2:1 allocation ratio (enzalutamide + "standard of care": "standard of care"). The randomisation list, with consecutive subject numbers, was generated by an independent statistician using the PROC PLAN procedure of SAS version 9.4 software (SAS Institute, Inc, Cary, North Carolina) BLINDING (MASKING): This is an open-label trial.The trial is designed to have three phases. The first, an exploration phase of 45 participants (30 treatment and 15 control) will focus on safety and includes a more extensive laboratory assessment as well as more frequent safety evaluation. The second prolongation phase, includes the first 100 participants followed by an interim analysis to define the power of the study. The third phase is the continuation of the study up to maximum 600 participants included in total.The current protocol version is COVIDENZA v2.0 as of September 10, 2020. Recruitment started July 29, 2020 and is presently in safety pause after the first exploration phase. Recruitment is anticipated to be complete by 31 December 2021.Eudract number 2020-002027-10 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04475601 , registered June 8, 2020 FULL PROTOCOL: The full protocol is attached as an additional file, accessible from the Trials website (Additional file 1). In the interest in expediting dissemination of this material, the familiar formatting has been eliminated; this Letter serves as a summary of the key elements of the full protocol.
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10. |
- Backman Lönn, Beatrice, et al.
(author)
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Clarifying the role of clinical research nurses working in Sweden, using the clinical trial nursing questionnaire : swedish version
- 2022
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In: Nursing Open. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2054-1058. ; 9:5, s. 2434-2443
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim: To explore the role of CRNs in Sweden and differences in competences and tasks, using the Clinical Trial Nursing Questionnaire - Swedish version (CTNQ-SWE).Design: A cross-sectional survey.Methods: Participants were identified through strategic sampling. Data were analysed by descriptive and comparative statistics.Results: The respondents were experienced nurses who felt proficient in their role, they felt more acceptance by the principal investigators than by nursing colleagues. A majority of CRNs are involved in all procedures specified in the CTNQ-SWE. The most often performed tasks, also rated as the most important by the CRNs, concerned informed consent and management of investigational products. The education was often informal: with a lack of job descriptions and professional development plans. Need of formal specialist education was expressed.Conclusions: Knowledge about the role description can be used by clinical research enterprise internationally and healthcare organizations aiming to support CRNs in their role.
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11. |
- Backman Lönn, Beatrice, 1974-, et al.
(author)
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Clinical research nurses perceive their role as being like the hub of a wheel without real power : Empirical qualitative research
- 2024
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In: Nursing Open. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2054-1058. ; 11:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim: This study aimed to explore the experiences of being a clinical research nurse (CRN), in Sweden.Design: A qualitative study analysing individual interview data.Methods: Interviews with 10 participants were conducted in April 2017 and repeated with five participants in May 2022. A semi-structured interview guide was used to cover topics such as experiences of working in a new role and professional challenges related to the role. The transcribed interviews were analysed inductively using qualitative content analysis.Results: The main theme revealed that the CRNs experienced their work role as being like a hub in a wheel, using an ethical compass, but without real power. The six themes identified showed that CRNs worked independently and relied on clinical experiences as nurses but needed more education. They not only had a sense of duty but also too large responsibilities. Furthermore, they viewed their work as valuable and important. However, they needed an accentuated ethical compass and were also affected by power relations that negatively impacted work.Conclusion: Working as a CRN means being in a central position and working independently, which requires diverse skills and competencies. CRNs, however, face and manage complex ethical and practical challenges without real power. They experience huge responsibilities but need education and acknowledgement, indicating a need for improvement. This is an important message to stakeholders and managers about the necessity of taking adequate action to support CRNs who are crucial resources in clinical research.Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution.
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12. |
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13. |
- Backman Lönn, Beatrice, 1974-
(author)
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The registered nurse as a clinical research nurse
- 2023
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Background: Clinical research studies are important for the developmentof new treatments in healthcare. The quality of clinical research relies on the competence, skills, and knowledge of the research team. Clinical research nurses (CRNs) are important members of clinical research teams as they are responsible for various tasks specified in study procedures. Internationally, nurses have been engaged as CRNs in in many areas of medicine, such as oncological research, for several decades. However, there is a lack of consensus concerning their professional role and a clear work description is lacking. In Sweden, nurses are becoming increasingly involved in research as CRNs, yet the CRN role is undefined as there is no Swedish national competence description that could guide CRNs’ work tasks, requirements for education, and management of ethical issues. Furthermore, the processof becoming a CRN is not understood. Increasing international research into the CRN role has shown that the role differs between countries.There is a lack of Swedish studies, including studies of the process of transitioning from being a registered nurse (RN) to a CRN. Since consensus is lacking concerning the CRN role in Sweden, we need to explore it further and examine how nursing perspectives are influencing it. The overall aim of this thesis was therefore to explore the professional role of CRNs in Sweden and the transition of RNs to being CRNs.Methods: Both quantitative (studies I and II) and qualitative (studies III and IV) methods were used. The analyses are based on data from questionnaires and individual interviews of CRNs in Sweden. In study I, descriptive statistics and test–retest analyses were used to analyze the validity and reliability of the translated CTNQ-SWE. In study II, descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze reported work tasks, perceptions, and differences between groups of CRNs. In studies III and IV, qualitative content analysis according to Graneheimet al., (2004) was used to analyze the transition, i.e., becoming and being a CRN.Results: CRNs perform new and diverse work tasks and are often involved throughout the study process, with the greatest activity in data management and the actual conducting and evaluation of clinical studies (e.g., scheduling and performing procedures and tests according to the research protocols). There is seldom any work description or competence framework to guide nurses through the transition to the CRN role, placing them in an uncertain position where they must struggle to adaptiv to their new role and work tasks. To perform these new work activities, CRNs need more support as well as education in research procedures, regulations, and ethics. During the transition, CRNs improve their knowledge of research, regulations, and ethics and increase their experience of clinical research practice and collaboration in networks. They also learn and develop from dealing with challenging situations, such as the informed consent process. Furthermore, problem solving, study requirements, and ethical reasoning are emphasized as challenging. When passing through the different phases of transition to the CRN role, the nurses achieve expanded competence, change didentity, and growing confidence as informal leaders. CRNs also advocate for patient rights and mentor others involved in research, but they simultaneously lack acknowledgement and a formal leadership role.Conclusions and clinical implications: This thesis provides important insights into the CRN role in Sweden. It highlights the transition of RNs to becoming CRNs as well as their experiences of working as and becoming CRNs. The thesis reports that CRNs, overall, seem to be satisfied with their work, but some of their experiences highlight that skills, education, and organizational structures require improvement; forexample, appropriate introduction and support are required during the transition to the CRN role. Ethical challenges call for ongoing discussion in research teams. One conclusion is that CRNs’ competences and tasks need to be clarified. Developing clear competence pathways for nurses to become CRNs, including mentorship and support, could be one way of acknowledging CRNs’ important work, thereby creating a better outlook for high-quality clinical research procedures. Making the CRN professional title more homogeneous nationally and internationally would make comparisons easier. This would clarify CRNs’ work tasks and role in Sweden and extend the nursing perspective on ethics. This thesis adds to a slowly growing body of literature on the CRN role and is relevant to both practitioners and policymakers. Additionally, it illustrates a need to develop both educational and mentoring support aswell as career pathways for RNs to become CRNs, which could improve the quality of clinical research in Sweden.
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14. |
- Backman Lönn, Beatrice, et al.
(author)
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Transitioning to the clinical research nurse role : a qualitative descriptive study
- 2022
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In: Journal of Advanced Nursing. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0309-2402 .- 1365-2648. ; 78:11, s. 3817-3829
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Studies have reported on the important role of the clinical research nurse in clinical studies. Yet, there is no international consensus about the role's competencies and tasks. Furthermore, the literature offers a little description of the career pathway from a ward-based registered nurse to a clinical research nurse. More knowledge about this specific role could benefit the nursing profession as well as increase the quality of clinical research.Aim: The aim of the study was to explore Swedish registered nurses' experiences transitioning into the clinical research nurse role.Design: The study had a qualitative design. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews. Inductive qualitative content analysis was employed.Methods: Ten participants (i.e., clinical research nurses) were interviewed in the spring of 2017. A semi-structured interview guide was used to address the transition into the clinical research nurse role, experience working in a new role, experience of ethical dilemmas and experience of organizational and professional issues related to the role. The interviews were analysed inductively using qualitative content analysis.Results: The registered nurses described experiencing reality shock when they became clinical research nurses; that is, it was a challenging and transforming experience. The main theme, a challenging transition, was developed from the four subthemes highlighting that it defied their previous nursing role. They experienced an unclear professional identity, extended professional mandate, increased professional status and growing ethical consciousness in their new role.Conclusion: The results highlight that registered nurses who became clinical research nurses had needs that were both distinct from and overlapped with those of their former professional role as registered nurses. To avoid reality shocks, the development of clear competence pathways for nurses to become clinical research nurses, including introduction, mentorship and continued support, is necessary. Making their professional title more homogeneous, nationally and internationally, would facilitate role identification and comparisons in research.
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15. |
- Cazzaniga, W., et al.
(author)
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Mini Review on the Use of Clinical Cancer Registers for Prostate Cancer: The National Prostate Cancer Register (NPCR) of Sweden
- 2019
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In: Frontiers in Medicine. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2296-858X. ; 6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Given the increasing prevalence of cancer, it is vital to systematically collect data in order to monitor disease trends and quality of cancer care. For this purpose, clinical cancer registries have been developed in some countries. These registers are intended to be used as a basis for quality assurance and quality improvement, but they also constitute a rich resource of real world data for research. The aim of thismini-review was to describe the structure and the organization of the National Prostate Cancer Register (NPCR) with some examples on how data in NPCR have affected prostate cancer care in Sweden.
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16. |
- Célind, Jimmy, et al.
(author)
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Timing of the pubertal growth spurt and prostate cancer
- 2021
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In: Cancers. - : MDPI. - 2072-6694. ; 13:24
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Previous studies of pubertal timing and the risk of prostate cancer have used self-reported markers of pubertal development, recalled in mid-life, and the results have been inconclusive. Our aim was to evaluate the age at the pubertal growth spurt, an objective marker of pubertal timing, and the risk of prostate cancer and high-risk prostate cancer. This population-based cohort study included 31,971 men with sufficient height measurements to calculate age at peak height velocity (PHV). Outcomes were accessed through national registers. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated by Cox regressions with follow up starting at 20 years of age. In total, 1759 cases of prostate cancer including 449 high-risk were diagnosed during follow up. Mean follow up was 42 years (standard deviation 10.0). Compared to quintiles 2–4 (Q2–4), men in the highest age at PHV quintile (Q5) had lower risk of prostate cancer (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.73–0.94), and of high-risk prostate cancer (0.73; 0.56–0.94). In an exploratory analysis with follow up starting at age at PHV, late pubertal timing was no longer associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer. Later pubertal timing was associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer and especially high-risk prostate cancer. We propose that the risk of prostate cancer might be influenced by the number of years with exposure to adult levels of sex steroids.
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17. |
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18. |
- Fallara, Giuseppe, et al.
(author)
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Observational study on time on treatment with abiraterone and enzalutamide
- 2020
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In: Plos One. - SAN FRANCISCO USA : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 15:12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction The aim of this study was to assess time on treatment with abiraterone and enzalutamide, two androgen receptor targeted (ART) drugs, the impact on time on treatment of time interval without drug supply between prescription fillings, and adherence to treatment. Material and methods By use of data from The National Prostate Cancer Register, The Prescribed Drug Registry and the Patient Registry, time on treatment with the abiraterone and enzalutamide was analyzed in all men with castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in Sweden 2015-2019. Three time intervals between consecutive fillings, i.e. time without drug supply, were assessed. Adherence to the treatment was evaluated by use of the Medication Possession Ratio. Kaplan Meier analysis and multivariable Cox regression model were used to assess factors affecting time on treatment. Results Between January 2015 and October 2019, 1803 men filled a prescription for abiraterone and 4 534 men filled a prescription for enzalutamide. With a time interval of 30 days or less between two fillings, median time on treatment was 4.9 months (IQR 2.6-11.7) for abiraterone and 8.0 months (IQR 3.6-16.4) for enzalutamide. In sensitivity analyses, allowing for no more than 14 days without drug supply between fillings, median time on treatment was 3.9 months (IQR 2.1-9.0) for abiraterone and 5.9 months (IQR 2.8-12.1) for enzalutamide. Allowing for any time period without drug between fillings, median time on treatment was 5.7 months (IQR 2.7-14.0) for abiraterone and 9.8 months (IQR 4.4-21.0) for enzalutamide. Adherence to treatment was above 90% for both drugs. Conclusion Time on treatment with abiraterone and enzalutamide was shorter in clinical practice than in randomized controlled trials and varied almost two-fold with time interval without drug. Adherence to treatment was high. The main limitation of our study was the lack of data on use of chemotherapy.
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- Gedeborg, Rolf, et al.
(author)
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Androgen deprivation therapy and excess mortality in men with prostate cancer during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2021
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In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 16:10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Men have a higher risk of death from COVID-19 than women and androgens facilitate entrance of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into respiratory epithelial cells. Thus, androgen deprivation therapy may reduce infection rates and improve outcomes for COVID-19. In the spring of 2020, Sweden was highly affected by COVID-19. The aim was to estimate the impact of androgen deprivation therapy on mortality from COVID-19 in men with prevalent prostate cancer by comparing all-cause mortality in the spring of 2020 to that in previous years.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using the Prostate Cancer data Base Sweden all men with prostate cancer on March 1 each year in 2015-2020 were followed until June 30 the same year. Exposure to androgen deprivation therapy was ascertained from filled prescriptions for bicalutamide monotherapy, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH), or bilateral orchidectomy.RESULTS: A total of 9,822 men died in March-June in the years 2015-2020, of whom 5,034 men were on androgen deprivation therapy. There was an excess mortality in 2020 vs previous years in all men. The crude relative mortality rate ratio for 2020 vs 2015-2019 was 0.93 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83 to 1.04) in men on GnRH, and 0.90 (95% CI 0.78 to 1.05) in men on bicalutamide monotherapy. After multivariable adjustment these ratios were attenuated to 1.00 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.12) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.84 to 1.12), respectively. When restricting the analysis to the regions with the highest incidence of COVID-19 or to the time period between 2 April to 10 June when mortality in 2020 was increased >30% compared to previous years, the results were similar to the main analysis.CONCLUSIONS: In this large national population-based cohort of men with prevalent prostate cancer, there was no clear evidence in support for an effect of androgen deprivation therapy on COVID-19 mortality.
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- Gedeborg, Rolf, et al.
(author)
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Androgen deprivation therapy, comorbidity, cancer stage and mortality from COVID-19 in men with prostate cancer
- 2022
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In: Scandinavian journal of urology. - : Taylor & Francis. - 2168-1805 .- 2168-1813. ; 56:2, s. 104-111
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Androgens facilitate entrance of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 into respiratory epithelial cells, and male sex is associated with a higher risk of death from corona virus disease (COVID-19). Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) could possibly improve COVID-19 outcomes.METHODS: In a case-control study nested in the Prostate Cancer data Base Sweden (PCBaSe) RAPID 2019, we evaluated the association between ADT and COVID-19 as registered cause of death in men with prostate cancer. Each case was matched to 50 controls by region. We used conditional logistic regression to adjust for confounders and also evaluated potential impact of residual confounding.RESULTS: We identified 474 men who died from COVID-19 in March-December 2020. In crude analyses, ADT exposure was associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 death (odds ratio [OR] 5.05, 95% CI: 4.18-6.10); however, the OR was substantially attenuated after adjustment for age, comorbidity, prostate cancer characteristics at diagnosis, recent healthcare use, and indicators of advanced cancer (adjusted OR 1.25, 95% CI: 0.95-1.65). If adjustment has accounted for at least 85% of confounding, then the true effect could be no more than a 5% reduction of the odds for COVID-19 death.CONCLUSIONS: The increased mortality from COVID-19 in men with prostate cancer treated with ADT was mainly related to high age, comorbidity, and more advanced prostate cancer. There was no evidence to support the hypothesis that ADT is associated with improved COVID-19 outcomes.
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22. |
- Gedeborg, Rolf, et al.
(author)
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Susceptibility to SARS-Cov-2 infection and risk for severe COVID-19 in patients with prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy
- 2022
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In: International Journal of Cancer. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0020-7136 .- 1097-0215. ; 151:11, s. 1925-1934
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been hypothesized to protect against COVID-19, but previous observational studies of men with prostate cancer on ADT have been inconsistent regarding mortality risk from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Using data from the Prostate Cancer data Base Sweden (PCBaSe), we identified a cohort of 114 547 men with prevalent prostate cancer on the start of follow-up in February 2020, and followed them until 16 December 2020 to evaluate the association between ADT and time to test positive for COVID-19. Among men testing positive for COVID-19, we used regression analyses to estimate the association between ADT and risk of COVID-19-related hospital admission/death from any cause within 30 days of the positive test. In total, 1695 men with prostate cancer tested positive for COVID-19. In crude analyses, exposure to ADT was associated with a 3-fold increased risk of both testing positive for COVID-19 infection and subsequent hospital admission/death. Adjustment for age, comorbidity and prostate cancer risk category substantially attenuated the associations: HR 1.3 (95% CI: 1.1-1.5) for testing positive for COVID-19, and OR 1.4 (95% CI: 1.0-1.9) for risk of subsequent hospital admission/death. In conclusion, although these results suggest increased risks of a positive COVID-19 test, and COVID-19-related hospital admission/death in men on ADT, these findings are likely explained by confounding by old age, cancer-associated morbidity and other comorbidities being more prevalent in men on ADT, rather than a direct effect of the therapy.
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- Gedeborg, Rolf, et al.
(author)
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Uptake of doublet therapy for de novo metastatic castration sensitive prostate cancer : a population-based drug utilisation study in Sweden
- 2023
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In: Scandinavian journal of urology. - : Medical Journals Sweden. - 2168-1805 .- 2168-1813. ; 58, s. 93-100
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Randomised controlled trials have demonstrated prolonged survival with new upfront treatments in addition to standard androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with de novo metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer. We describe patient characteristics, time trends and regional differences in uptake of these new treatment strategies in clinical practice.Material and methods: This descriptive study consisted of men registered in the National Prostate Cancer Register of Sweden from 1 January 2018 to 31 March 2022 with de novo metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer defined by the presence of metastases on imaging at the time of diagnosis. Life expectancy was calculated based on age, Charlson Comorbidity Index and a Drug Comorbidity Index.Results: Within 6 months from diagnosis, 57% (1,677/2,959) of men with de novo metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer and more than 3 years of life expectancy had received docetaxel, abiraterone, enzalutamide, apalutamide and/or radiotherapy. Over time, there was a 2-fold increase in uptake of any added treatment, mainly driven by a 6-fold increase in use of abiraterone, enzalutamide or apalutamide, with little change in use of other treatments.Conclusions: Slightly more than half of men diagnosed with de novo metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer and a life expectancy of at least 3 years received additions to standard ADT as recommended by national guidelines in 2019-2022 in Sweden. There was a 2-fold increase in use of these treatments during the study period; however, efforts to further increase adherence to guidelines are warranted.
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25. |
- George, Gincy, et al.
(author)
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Risk of cardiovascular events in men on abiraterone or enzalutamide combined with GnRH agonists : nation-wide, population-based cohort study in Sweden
- 2021
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In: Acta Oncologica. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0284-186X .- 1651-226X. ; 60:4, s. 459-465
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundMen with prostate cancer (PCa) on gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to men with PCa not on GnRH as well as compared with PCa-free men. Whether the addition of androgen receptor targeted (ART) drugs to GnRH further increases CVD risk, remains to be fully elucidated.Material and methodsWe investigated risk of CVD for men with castration resistant PCa (CRPC) on GnRH plus ART; abiraterone or enzalutamide vs 5,127 and 12,079 respective matched comparator men on GnRH in Prostate Cancer data Base Sweden (PCBaSeTraject) 4.1 between 1 June 2015 and 31 December 2018. PCBaSeTraject links National Prostate Cancer Register of Sweden to other healthcare registries and demographic databases. We conducted multivariable Cox proportional hazard models adjusting for PCa risk category, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), insulin or statin use, civil status, level of education, history of CVD events and number of CVD drugs, with any incident or fatal CVD as the outcome.Results and conclusion1,310 men were treated with abiraterone and 3,579 with enzalutamide. In multivariable analysis, CVD risk was increased in men on abiraterone (hazard ratio (HR): 1.19; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–1.38) and in men on enzalutamide (HR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01–1.20). Men with a recent CVD (<12 months) including both men on ART as well as comparators had a much higher probability of a new CVD vs men with no prior CVD. CVD risk was mildly increased in men with PCa on GnRH plus abiraterone or enzalutamide vs comparator men on GnRH. Residual confounding and detection bias may at least partly explain this association.
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