P-medicine
Within the framework of the European project “P-medicine”, our research team is working together with the medical oncologists to develop a set of tools designed to improve
the doctor-patient interaction via a personalized approach to treatment. Such an approach aims to identify the profile of the individual patient so that the doctor can use a personalized interaction mechanism that will increase the empowerment of patients, enabling them to feel more involved in the process of care and in treatment decisions.
Effects of adjuvant endocrine therapy on cognitive performance in patients with breast cancer: a longitudinal study
Cancer patients often report memory and concentration difficulties. Several studies have indeed shown the presence of cognitive deficits in these patients, particularly in tasks
of working memory, verbal and long-term. It is not entirely known what causes these deficits, but the most likely cause seems to be the chemotherapy treatment, and the endocrine dysfunction and alterations in the metabolism of stress hormones resulting both from the treatment and from the high emotional distress characterizing these patients. Cognitive deficits in patients with breast cancer have been found, unexpectedly, even before the administration of chemotherapy or hormonal treatments, thereby lending support to the hypothesis that psychological distress generated by the diagnosis contributes towards inducing a cognitive malfunction (Berndt et al., 2009). Based on these findings, the present study aims to analyze the possible presence of cognitive deficits, with an emphasis on executive function in a sample of women receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy.
Advantages of using tobacco-free devices in heavy smokers participating in a screening program for lung cancer: a randomized study
The aim of the experimental protocol is to analyze the role that electronic cigarettes can play in helping smokers to increase their well-being, reducing the harmful effects of
traditional cigarette. Smoking cigarettes with tobacco, in fact, not only increases the risk of developing lung cancer, but also has negative effects on the health of the lungs, increasing the presence of cough, phlegm and other respiratory problems. Furthermore, the smoke is correlated with a wide range of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and other cancers. Consequently, helping heavy smokers reduce the number of smoked cigarettes is an important goal that allows both the reduction of risk of serious diseases, and the enhancement of a general improvement in the quality of life.
Impact of the intervention system and adherence to long-term care of the patient
Even in a major disease such as cancer, in which suspending treatment puts lives at risk, some individuals decide to cease treatment or screening checks. A study on the evaluation of adherence to hormonal treatment with aromatase inhibitors has shown for example that, one year after the beginning of treatment, 23% of patients are no longer adhering to treatment. In order to improve the understanding and management of patient adherence a research protocol has been developed, whereby we can highlight what features of personality, cognitive, decision-making and beliefs induce patients with breast cancer not to adhere to the prescriptions, whether pharmacological or follow-up. A better understanding of the phenomenon will allow strategies of patient empowerment to be developed, which in the final analysis will translate into an increase in positive outcomes.
Breast reconstruction. Preferences and needs of patients and satisfaction of long-term choices
Mastectomy has consequences not only on the physical domain, but also on the psychological, social and relational domain, with a negative impact on the quality of life of women, both personally and socially. Breast reconstruction may offer the possibility to recover a good quality of life. But while there are few women who choose not to do the reconstruction, those who opt for reconstruction are faced with the decision-making dilemma “what kind of reconstruction”. The choice now is between two possible
types: a permanent prosthesis, or implants with the woman’s own muscle tissue and/or skin. In this decision-making context, she must examine the benefits and potential risks in the short and long term, including changes in lifestyle (smokers, for example, have a higher risk of complications). The right choice depends not only on the clinical need but also on the needs and expectations of the patient. Within this research protocol, we investigate the factors that influence the perception of the variables involved and the decision-making style of each patient, in order to effectively support in understanding the information provided, the process of managing emotions, the perceived risk and the choice.