Are married couples happier in their relationships than cohabiting couples? Intimacy and relationship factors

This study was designed to examine the relationship between dyadic adjustment and intimacy, and to determine how this varies for different types of relationships between males and females, and for relationships of different duration. Eighty-seven heterosexual couples (10 dating, 21 living together, 56 married) participated in the study. The results demonstrated that there was a strong interrelationship between intimacy and dyadic adjustment for both males and females. Those in relationships of longer duration and married couples experienced higher levels of intimacy and relationship satisfaction than other couples. There was a general trend for married couples and those who were living together to have a higher level of agreement on their levels of intimacy and relationship adjustment than couples who were dating. The implication of these findings for obtaining a better understanding of the lifecycle of relationships is discussed.

Relationships, sexuality and adjustment among people with physical disability.

The current study investigated the association between relationship status and the psychological adjustment, sexual esteem and sexual behaviour of people with and without physical disability. A total of 1196 participants completed the study, 748 participants (367 men, 381 women) had a physical disability and 448 participants (171 men, 277 women) were able-bodied. The age range of participants was 18 to 69 years, with a mean age of 36.39 years (SD=10.41). The results demonstrated that physical disability and its severity were related to an increased likelihood of being single. Men with physical disabilities were more likely than women to be single. In terms of psychological adjustment, single people with physical disabilities were more depressed than those who had a partner they did not live with. However, they were not significantly disadvantaged in this area when compared to married people and those in de facto relationships. Relationship status was strongly related to sexual wellbeing in people with and without physical disability, with single people reporting lower levels of sexual satisfaction and sexual esteem as well as less frequent mutual sexual activity. However, married people with physical disabilities reported lower levels of sexual wellbeing than the people who had partners they did not live with. This suggests that among couples where a partner has a physical disability, marriage and live-in relationships may add burdens that do not exist in more casual relationships.

The impact of stigma on couples managing a sexually transmitted infection

Recent research has indicated that the stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) creates a psychological and emotional burden for individuals with these conditions. It would be expected that the stigma of having a STI would also alter the dynamics of an intimate relationship. This paper reviews the literature on the impact of STIs on intimate relationships, and considers the relevance of this research to both clinicians and researchers. In particular, the types of relationships in which the presence of a STI may have a varying degree of impact are examined. Since disclosure of a STI would also be expected to impact on a relationship, an overview of the factors involved in the disclosure of a STI to a partner is also considered. Finally, the implications of this research for both clinicians and researchers are discussed.

CD44 variant 6 is associated with prostate cancer metastasis and chemo-/radioresistance.

Prostate cancer (CaP) is the second leading malignancy in older men in Western countries. The role of CD44 variant 6 (CD44v6) in CaP progression and therapeutic resistance is still uncertain. Here, we investigated the roles of CD44v6 in CaP metastasis and chemo/radioresistance. Expression of CD44v6 in metastatic CaP cell lines, human primary CaP tissues and lymph node metastases was assessed using immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry, respectively.

Anxiety in the management of localised prostate cancer by active surveillance

To describe a range of anxieties in men on active surveillance (AS) for prostate cancer and determine which of these anxieties predicted health-related quality of life (HRQL).

Development, feasibility and usability of an online psychological intervention for men with prostate cancer: my road ahead

Men with prostate cancer are not routinely offered psychosocial support despite strong evidence that being diagnosed with prostate cancer poses significant quality of life concerns and places the patient at elevated risk of developing a range of mental health disorders. The objective of this study was to develop an online psychological intervention for men with prostate cancer and to pilot test the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Development of the intervention involved a multidisciplinary collaboration, adapting face-to-face and group intervention strategies for an online format. The full online intervention and moderated forum were pilot tested with 64 participants who were recruited from urology practices in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. After consenting to participate and creating a personal account in the online programme, participants completed baseline demographic questionnaires. Participants were provided access to the programme for 6-12. weeks. After completing the programme participants completed an online survey to assess intervention and forum utilisation and satisfaction, as well as suggest intervention refinements following their use of the intervention. Patient satisfaction was calculated using mean responses to the satisfaction questionnaire. The intervention was received positively with 47.82% of participants highly satisfied with the programme, and 78.26% said they would recommend it to a friend. Participants' qualitative feedback indicated good acceptability of the online intervention. A number of technical and participant engagement issues were identified and changes recommended as a result of the feasibility testing.

Activity of cabazitaxel in castration-resistant prostate cancer progressing after docetaxel and next-generation endocrine agents

Background Cabazitaxel, abiraterone, and enzalutamide are survival-prolonging treatments in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) progressing following docetaxel chemotherapy. The sequential activity of these agents has not been studied and treatment sequencing remains a key dilemma for clinicians. Objective To describe the antitumour activity of cabazitaxel after docetaxel and next-generation endocrine agents. Design, setting, and participants We report on a cohort of 59 men with progressing CRPC treated with cabazitaxel, 37 of whom had received prior abiraterone and 9 of whom had received prior enzalutamide. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Changes in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level were used to determine activity on abiraterone, enzalutamide, and cabazitaxel treatment. Radiologic tumour regressions according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) and symptomatic benefit were evaluated for cabazitaxel therapy. Results and limitations The post-endocrine-therapy patients received abiraterone (n = 32), sequential abiraterone and enzalutamide (n = 5) or enzalutamide (n = 4). These patients received a median of 7 mo of abiraterone and 11 mo of enzalutamide. A median of six cabazitaxel cycles (range: 1-10 cycles) were delivered, with ≥50% PSA declines in 16 of 41 (39%) patients, soft tissue radiologic responses in 3 of 22 (14%) evaluable patients, and symptomatic benefit in 9 of 37 evaluable patients (24%). Median overall survival and progression-free survival were 15.8 and 4.6 mo, respectively. Antitumor activity on cabazitaxel was less favourable in the abiraterone- and enzalutamide-naïve cohort (n = 18), likely reflecting biologic differences in this cohort. These data were obtained from a retrospective analysis. Conclusions This is the first report of cabazitaxel activity in CRPC progressing after treatment with docetaxel and abiraterone or enzalutamide. We demonstrate significant cabazitaxel activity in this setting. Patient summary We looked at the antitumour activity of the chemotherapy drug cabazitaxel in men previously treated with docetaxel chemotherapy and the hormonal drugs abiraterone and enzalutamide. Cabazitaxel appeared active when given after abiraterone and enzalutamide. We can reassure men that cabazitaxel can be used after these novel endocrine treatments. © 2013 European Association of Urology.