Research Article
Unmet Needs of Patients with Prostate Cancer Attending Cancer Centers in Eastern Kenya
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
1-10
Received:
15 September 2025
Accepted:
28 September 2025
Published:
30 January 2026
Abstract: Introduction: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the leading cancer among males globally. Patients with PCa experience a wide range of unmet needs including emotional, psychological, spiritual informational among others. However, resource constrained settings are unable to holistically address these needs. In Kenya, most studies assessing the unmet needs of cancer patients have been general or have focused on those already in palliative care. As a result, there is a gap in specifically addressing the unmet needs of patients with PCa across all stages of their disease and treatment, particularly those undergoing active treatment. Therefore, this study sought to explore the unmet needs of patients with PCa in Eastern Kenya. Methods: This was a qualitative descriptive study which was carried out in two cancer centers. A total of 32 males with histologically confirmed PCa participated in the study. Four focus group discussions (FGDs) were carried out, two per cancer center. Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool (CNAT) was adopted as the interview schedule guide in the FGDs. Data was analyzed thematically. Ethical clearance and research permit were obtained from relevant authorities and the participants signed an informed consent. Results: The mean age of study participants was 71.94 years. Majority were married (81.3%, n=26) and over half were unemployed (53.1%, n=17) with a mean monthly income of about KES 5,078 (39$). All the participants had a medical cover mainly Social Health Authority (SHA) (78.1%, n=25). Most had been diagnosed at stage III (40.6%, n=13) and were on chemotherapy (75%, n=24). Only less than half reported to have comorbidity (31.25%, n=10) and all the participants did not belong to any support group (100%, n=32). Three main themes emerged: Hospital Environment, Psychosocial needs and Holistic distress. Conclusion and recommendation: These findings underscore a critical need for a more holistic approach that addressed these comprehensive needs to truly improve patient well-being. Therefore, healthcare providers should assess the unmet needs as they offer services to patients with PCa. The government should extend the scope of PCa management to include comprehensive support to the patients.
Abstract: Introduction: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the leading cancer among males globally. Patients with PCa experience a wide range of unmet needs including emotional, psychological, spiritual informational among others. However, resource constrained settings are unable to holistically address these needs. In Kenya, most studies assessing the unmet needs of ...
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Research Article
Exploration of a Multidisciplinary Collaborative Management Model in Transarterial Radioembolization with Yttrium-90 Microspheres for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
11-18
Received:
26 January 2026
Accepted:
9 February 2026
Published:
25 February 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajns.20261501.12
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Abstract: This is a single-center retrospective observational study. Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and implementation effect of the multidisciplinary collaborative management model in yttrium-90 microsphere radioembolization (Y90-RE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Based on clinical practice, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) consisting of nuclear medicine, interventional vascular surgery, hepatobiliary surgery, radiology, clinical laboratory, nutrition, psychology and nursing teams was established. The responsibilities of each member were clarified, and a full-process standardized protocol covering preoperative assessment, intraoperative collaboration and postoperative management was formulated. Key measures included patient screening and contraindication evaluation, Tc-99m-labeled macroaggregated albumin simulation surgery, Y90 microsphere dose calculation, radiation protection management, nutritional support and psychological intervention. Results: This model standardized Y90-RE and improved treatment efficiency, ensuring the safety and consistency of the treatment process. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, comprehensive perioperative management of patients was effectively achieved, the risk of complications was reduced, and patients’ treatment compliance and rehabilitation quality were improved. Conclusion: The multidisciplinary collaborative management model is crucial to ensuring the perioperative safety and efficacy of Y90-RE for HCC patients and helps improve the standardized application level of this treatment. In the future, the diagnosis and treatment process will be further optimized through data accumulation, and the model will be extended to out-of-hospital continuous management, which also provides a promotable practical paradigm for the individualized and systematic treatment of complex tumor diseases.
Abstract: This is a single-center retrospective observational study. Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and implementation effect of the multidisciplinary collaborative management model in yttrium-90 microsphere radioembolization (Y90-RE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Based on clinical practice, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) consist...
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,
Catherine Gichunge
