Objectives Higher physical activity (PA) levels are associated with better quality of life in people with head and neck cancer (HNC). Despite this positive association, most individuals with these cancer types have a sedentary or low-activity lifestyle. Limited knowledge exists regarding the factors that influence PA in this group. Therefore, we reviewed and mapped the available literature on factors that may influence PA in people with HNC. Design We conducted a scoping review based on the framework of Arksey and O'Malley and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline extension for scoping reviews. Data sources CINHAL, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PsycINFO, MEDLINE and Scopus were searched from inception to July 2023. Eligibility criteria We included qualitative and quantitative studies that stated factors such as barriers, facilitators, beliefs, perceptions and views influencing PA in individuals with HNC. Furthermore, views and recommendations of healthcare professionals involved in the care of people affected by HNC and researchers in this domain were eligible for data extraction. Data extraction and synthesis Data were extracted and synthesised by one reviewer according to the predefined items including characteristics, barriers, facilitators, beliefs, perceptions and views of people being affected and views and recommendations of experts. Quantitative data were charted descriptively, and qualitative data were analysed and summarised using a basic content analysis approach. Results Of the 1351 publications, we included 19 in our review. Publications mainly focused on barriers to PA, with some studies reporting facilitators and collecting data on patients’ and healthcare professionals’ views on PA. Most research teams made recommendations for promoting PA in people with HNC. Characteristics associated with activity levels included age, cancer type and stage, morbidity level and attitude towards being active. Prevalent barriers consisted of health-related factors, including fatigue, pain and nutritional issues, alongside personal and environmental impediments such as time constraints, lack of interest or motivation. Facilitating factors for PA included perceived or experienced mental and health-related benefits. Consensus among patients, healthcare professionals and researchers highlighted the necessity for enhanced information and education, emphasising individualised approaches to promote PA throughout the cancer continuum. Conclusions Numerous factors affect PA in individuals with HNC. Future research should concentrate on screening and addressing risk factors for sedentary behaviour and activity barriers and on optimal design and delivery of interventions to incorporate PA promotion into the care pathway.

A digital diary in the form of a mobile messenger service offers a novel method for data collection in cancer research. Little is known about the things to consider when using this data collection method in clinical research for patients with cancer. In this Viewpoint paper, we discuss the lessons we learned from using a qualitative digital diary method via a mobile messenger service for data collection in oncology care. The lessons learned focus on three main topics: (1) data quality, (2) practical aspects, and (3) data protection. We hope to provide useful information to other researchers who consider this method for their research with patients. First, in this paper, we argue that the interactive nature of a digital diary via a messenger service is very well suited for the phenomenological approach and produces high-quality data. Second, we discuss practical issues of data collection with a mobile messenger service, including participant and researcher interaction. Third, we highlight corresponding aspects around technicalities, particularly those regarding data security. Our views on data privacy and information security are summarized in a comprehensive checklist to inform fellow researchers on the selection of a suitable messenger service for different scenarios. In our opinion, a digital diary via a mobile messenger service can provide high-quality data almost in real time and from participants’ daily lives. However, some considerations must be made to ensure that patient data are sufficiently protected. The lessons we learned can guide future qualitative research using this relatively novel method for data collection in cancer research.

Background: Nausea and vomiting negatively impact patients’ quality of life and may influence systemic antitumour therapy (CHT). While delayed CHT-associated nausea (dCIN) is most commonly linked to moderate or highly emetogenic regimens, evidence suggests that it may also occur with low (LEC) and minimally emetogenic CHT (MinEC). This study aims to assess the occurrence and characteristics of dCIN in real-world clinical settings, with an emphasis on patients receiving LEC and MinEC. Methods: In a prospective multicentre international cross-sectional study, adult oncology outpatients receiving systemic antitumour therapy rated the intensity of dCIN daily on a 0–100 visual analogue scale (VAS) for five consecutive days. The primary endpoint was dCIN occurrence in LEC and MinEC. Secondary endpoints included known risk factors and the relationship between dCIN and patient characteristics. Results: Among 172 patients, 65 (38%) received LEC and 31 (18%) MinEC. Most patients received antiemetic therapy in accordance with MASCC/ESMO and ASCO guidelines. dCIN occurred in 18.5% (n = 12; 95% CI [10.5, 29.1]) of LEC and 3% (n = 1; 95% CI [0.04, 14.1]) of MinEC patients. Only 3 patients (1.7%) reported vomiting. Younger age and gastrointestinal tumours were independent risk factors for dCIN. Emetogenicity of therapy, fear, and prior CHT-associated vomiting did not remain significant in the model. Conclusions: A considerable proportion of patients receiving LEC still experience dCIN in real-world clinical settings. These findings highlight the need for improved symptom management and tailored interventions beyond traditional emetogenic risk classification. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov NCT04342780 (Date of registration: 03/25/2020).

Physical activity (PA) is a key factor in reducing treatment side effects and improving well-being in patients with lung cancer. However, PA levels during systemic antitumor therapy remain low. Nurses, who play a central role in oncology day clinic care, are well positioned to support patients in becoming physically active during cancer treatment. This project aimed to develop an evidence-based prototype of a nurse-led PA support programme for people with lung cancer in the oncology day clinic. A consensus panel of 15 members participated in a three-round modified Delphi consensus process (10/22-04/23). The process combined focus group discussions for the development of the programme, an anonymous online voting round to establish consensus on PA exercises identified through a scoping review, and a final consensus meeting to refine and confirm the programme. The panel concluded that a list of exercises alone was insufficient to support sustainable PA promotion. This consensus process resulted in the development of OnkoMoveNurse, a nurse-led PA programme prototype comprising three core components: a PA toolkit, a safety protocol, and a communication guide. These components are underpinned by two overarching principles: interprofessional teamwork and person-centred care. OnkoMoveNurse represents a prototype of a nurse-led PA programme designed to facilitate PA promotion within routine oncology day clinic care. While nurses coordinate the intervention, its implementation relies on collaboration across the interprofessional team. Future implementation studies are required to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and potential effects of OnkoMoveNurse and to explore its adaptation to other oncology populations.

UNSTRUCTURED A digital diary in the form of a mobile messenger service offers a novel method for data collection in cancer research. Little is known about the things to consider when using this data collection method in clinical research for patients with cancer. In this Viewpoint paper, we discuss the lessons we learned from using a qualitative digital diary method via a mobile messenger service for data collection in oncology care. The lessons learned focus on three main topics: (1) data quality, (2) practical aspects, and (3) data protection. We hope to provide useful information to other researchers who consider this method for their research with patients. First, in this paper, we argue that the interactive nature of a digital diary via a messenger service is very well suited for the phenomenological approach and produces high-quality data. Second, we discuss practical issues of data collection with a mobile messenger service, including participant and researcher interaction. Third, we highlight corresponding aspects around technicalities, particularly those regarding data security. Our views on data privacy and information security are summarized in a comprehensive checklist to inform fellow researchers on the selection of a suitable messenger service for different scenarios. In our opinion, a digital diary via a mobile messenger service can provide high-quality data almost in real time and from participants’ daily lives. However, some considerations must be made to ensure that patient data are sufficiently protected. The lessons we learned can guide future qualitative research using this relatively novel method for data collection in cancer research.