Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in Asian patients: a multinational, multicenter, prospective registry study in Asia

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are a group of T-cell lymphomas with low incidence. Due to their indolent characteristics, treatment strategies have not yet been established for advanced CTCLs. In this study, relative incidence of CTCLs in Asia was estimated and the therapeutic outcomes presented based on various treatments currently used in clinics for advanced CTCLs. As part of a prospective registry study of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) conducted across Asia, including Korea, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, subgroup analysis was performed for patients with CTCLs. Among 486 patients with PTCL, 37 with CTCL (7.6%) were identified between April 2016 and February 2019. Primary cutaneous ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL, 35.1%) was the most common subtype. With a median follow-up period of 32.1 months, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 53.5 months (95% CI 0.0-122.5), and overall survival was not reached. 14 patients (48.2%) underwent subsequent treatment after the first relapse, but the response rate was 20% with a PFS of 2.2 months (95% CI 0.3-4.0). Six patients received autologous stem cell transplantation (auto-SCT). However, auto-SCT did not result in better outcomes. Additional studies are needed on standard care treatment of advanced or refractory and relapsed CTCLs.

Current Status and Cardinal Features of Patient Autonomy after Enactment of the Life-Sustaining Treatment Decisions Act in Korea

Purpose

The main purpose of the Life-Sustaining Treatment Decisions Act recently enacted in Korea is to respect the patient’s self-determination. We aimed to investigate the current status and features of patient self-determination after implementation of the law.

Materials and Methods

Between February 2018 and January 2019, 54,635 cancer deaths were identified from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database. We analyzed the characteristics of decedents who complied with the law process by self-determination compared with decedents with family determination and with decedents who did not comply with the law process.

Results

In multivariable analysis, patients with self-determination were younger, were less likely to live in rural areas, were less likely to belong to the highest income quintile, were less likely to be treated in general hospitals, and were more likely to show a longer time from cancer diagnosis compared with patients with family determination. Compared with patients who did not comply with the law process, patients with self-determination were younger, lived in Seoul or capital area, were less likely to belong to the highest income quintile, were treated in general hospitals, were less likely to have genitourinary or hematologic malignancies, scored higher on the Charlson comorbidity index, and showed a longer time from cancer diagnosis. Patients with self-determination were more likely to use hospice and less likely to use intensive care units (ICUs) at the end-of-life (EOL).

Conclusion

Decedents with self-determination were more likely to be younger, reside in the Seoul or capital area, show a longer time from cancer diagnosis, and were less likely to belong to the highest income quintile. They utilized hospice more frequently, and received less ICU care at the EOL.

Preparation and Practice of the Necessary Documents in Hospital for the "Act on Decision of Life-Sustaining Treatment for Patients at the End-of-Life"

Purpose

Six forms relating to decisions on life-sustaining treatment (LST) for patients at the end-of-life (EOL) in hospital are required by the “Act on Decision of LST for Patients at the EOL.” We investigated the preparation and creation status of these documents from the database of the National Agency for Management of LST.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed the contents and details of each document necessary for decisions on LST, and the creation status of forms. We defined patients completing form 1 as “self-determined” of LST, and those whose family members had completed form 11/12 as “family decision” of LST. According to the determination subject, we compared the four items of LST on form 13 (the paper of implementation of LST) and the documentation time interval between forms.

Results

The six forms require information about the patient, doctor, specialized doctor, family members, institution, decision for LST, and intention to use hospice services. Of 44,381 who had completed at least one document, 36,693 patients had form 13. Among them, 11,531, 10,976, and 12,551 people completed forms 1, 11, and 12, respectively. The documentation time interval from forms 1, 11, or 12 to form 13 was 8.6±13.6 days, 1.0±9.5 days, and 1.5±9.7 days, respectively.

Conclusion

The self-determination rate of LST was 31% and the mean time interval from self-determination to implementation of LST was 8.6 days. The creation of these forms still takes place when the patients are close to death.

The Situation of Life-Sustaining Treatment One Year After Enforcement of the Act on Decisions on Life-Sustaining Treatment for Patients at the End-of-Life in Korea: Data of National Agency for Management of Life-Sustaining Treatment

Purpose

The “Act on Hospice and Palliative Care and Decisions on Life-Sustaining Treatment for Patients at the End-of-Life” was enacted on February 3, 2016 and went into effect on February 4, 2018 in Korea. This study reviewed the first year of determination to life-sustaining treatment (LST) through data analysis of the National Agency for Management of Life-Sustaining Treatment.

Materials and Methods

The National Agency for Management of LST provided data between February 4, 2018 and January 31, 2019 anonymously from 33,549 patients. According to the forms patients were defined as either elf-determinants or family-determinants.

Results

The median age of the patient was 73 and the majority was male (59.9%). Cancer patients were 59% and self-determinants were 32.1%. Cancer patients had a higher rate of self-determinants than non-cancer (47.3% vs. 10.1%). Plan for hospice service was high in cancer patients among self-determinants (81.0% vs. 37.5%, p < 0.001). In comparison to family-determinants, self-determinants were younger (median age, 67 years vs. 75 years; p < 0.001) and had more cancer diagnosis (87.1% vs. 45.9%, p < 0.001). Decision of withholding or withdrawing of LSTs in cancer patients was higher than non-cancer patients in four items.

Conclusion

Cancer patients had a higher rate in self-determination and withholding or withdrawing of LSTs than non-cancer patients. Continued revision of the law and education of the public will be able to promote withdrawing or withholding the futile LSTs in patients at end-of-life. Further study following the revision of the law should be evaluated to change of end-of-life care.

Unmet needs related to the quality of life of advanced cancer patients in Korea: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

It has recently been emphasized that the unmet needs of cancer patients should be evaluated more holistically, for example, by exploring caregivers' perspectives and cross cultural differences. This study explored additional domains or items of unmet needs among Korean cancer patients in reference to the Sheffield Profile for Assessment and Referral to Care (SPARC).

METHODS

We conducted four focus group discussions (FGDs) with 15 cancer patients, following a semi-structured format to elicit participants' health perceptions, comments on SPARC, and opinions on the roles of medical professionals to improve the health-related quality of life of cancer patients. We analyzed the verbatim transcripts using a content analysis method.

RESULTS

The following themes were derived: living as a cancer patient, striving to overcome cancer, changing attitudes toward life after the cancer diagnosis, and ways to live a better life as a cancer patient. The participants asserted the significance of providing adequate treatment information that is easily understood by cancer patients during the conversation between patients and medical professionals. Besides the physical symptoms identified by SPARC, the participants struggled with numbness in their hands and feet and hair loss. Korean cancer patients prominently wished to avoid burdening their family or others in their daily life. They considered the improvement of health behaviors, such as diet and exercise, as part of the treatment, which was not limited to drugs. Furthermore, it was essential to evaluate the value of cancer patients' lives, as they desired to be helpful members of their families and society.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified additional domains and items of unmet needs of Korean cancer patients and broadened the understanding of unmet needs among cancer patients.

Abstract PS11-39: Phase II pilot study of trastuzumab biosimilar (herzuma®) plus gedatolisib in patients with HER-2 positive metastatic breast cancer who progressed after 2 or more HER-2 directed chemotherapy [KM-10A/KCSG18-13 interim analysis]

Background: Prognosis of patients with HER-2 positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) has been revolutionized with the development of dual antibodies targeting HER-2 and antibody-drug conjugate, but resistance to anti-HER-2 therapy is inevitable ultimately. PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway aberration is known to be one of the resistance mechanisms. This randomized phase 2 pilot study evaluated safety and efficacy of Herzuma® (trastuzumab biosimilar) plus Gedatolisib (dual PI3K/mTORC inhibitor) in patients with HER-2 positive MBC who progressed after multiple lines of therapy. Methods: Patients with HER-2 positive MBC with known PIK3CA pathologic mutation or amplification whose disease progressed after more than two HER-2 directed therapy were enrolled in the study. They received Herzuma® (8mg/kg IV for 1st cycle loading dose, and then 6mg/kg IV every 3 weeks) plus Gedatolisib (180mg on D1, 8, 15 of every 21 days). We evaluated efficacy of the combination treatment as interim analysis. The data cutoff of this interim analysis was Aug 4, 2020. Results: As a pilot study, 15 patients were enrolled and followed for a median of 2.3 months. At data cutoff, 11 patients were eligible for response assessment. All patients were confirmed to have pathologic PIK3CA aberrations: H1047R, H1047L, E542Q, E542K, E453K, N345K, and PIK3CA amplification. Five patients reached partial response (PR) as their best response, three were stable disease (SD), and three had progressive disease (PD). All patients who have reached PR remain on investigational treatment at the data cutoff point, and the longest one is on treatment for 7.8 months. One of the SD patients ended treatment due to disease progression, and the other two have been undergoing treatment. Overall, response rate was 45.5% and disease control rate was 72.7%. No fatal adverse events related to trial medication were reported. Conclusion: In this phase 2 pilot study, Trastuzumab biosimilar plus Gedatolisib presented 45.5% of response rate with manageable toxicity in patients with HER-2 positive MBC with PIK3CA aberration. Clinical trial information: NCT03698383 Acknowledgement: this research was supported by a grant of the Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), funded by the Ministry of Health &Welfare, Republic of Korea (Grant number: HI17C2206).

Citation Format: Ju Won Kim, Hee Kyung Ahn, Jong Gwon Choi, Yee Soo Chae, Gyeong Won Lee, Keon Uk Park, Eun Mi Lee, Sung Hoon Sim, Jee Hyun Kim, Yeon Hee Park, Mi So Kim, Jin Hyun Park, Jeong Eun Kim, Han Jo Kim, Mi Sun Ahn, So Yeon Oh, Min Hwan Kim, Su-Jin Koh, Kyoung Eun Lee, Myoung Joo Kang, Jae Ho Byun, Joo young Ha, Jung Hye Kwon, Joo Young Jung, Su Ee Lee, In Hae Park, Kyong Hwa Park. Phase II pilot study of trastuzumab biosimilar (herzuma®) plus gedatolisib in patients with HER-2 positive metastatic breast cancer who progressed after 2 or more HER-2 directed chemotherapy [KM-10A/KCSG18-13 interim analysis] [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS11-39.

Prevalence and Predictive Factors for Upfront Dose Reduction of the First Cycle of First-Line Chemotherapy in Older Adults with Metastatic Solid Cancer: Korean Cancer Study Group (KCSG) Multicenter Study

Simple Summary

Arbitrary upfront dose reduction (UDR) of palliative chemotherapy has often been performed according to the judgement of the physician of older adults with metastatic solid cancer in current practice. UDR might decrease treatment efficacy in older adults but may be helpful for palliation, so selecting older adults who benefit from UDR and the identification of predictors of UDR are required. The authors investigated the prevalence and predictors of UDR through variables of geriatric assessment (GA). Chemotherapy compliance between the UDR and standard dose patient groups was also compared. The results of this study demonstrated that approximately 60% of older adults with metastatic solid cancer received UDR. Poor performance status (PS) and living without a spouse were predictive factors of UDR of first-line palliative chemotherapy, and patients with UDR better-tolerated chemotherapy compared with patients with standard doses.

Abstract

Old age alone does not reflect an intolerability to chemotherapy. However, upfront dose reduction (UDR) of the first cycle of first-line palliative chemotherapy has sometimes been chosen by physicians for older adults with metastatic cancer due to concerns regarding adverse events. The development of predictive factors for UDR of palliative chemotherapy would be helpful for treatment planning among older adults. This was a secondary analysis of a study on predicting adverse events of first-line palliative chemotherapy in 296 patients (≥70 years) with solid cancer. We assessed the prevalence of UDR of the first cycle of first-line chemotherapy and the association of UDR with the variables of geriatric assessment (GA) and chemotherapy compliance. Among the 296 patients, 177 (59.8%) patients were treated with UDR. The mean percentage of UDR for the total patient group was 19.2% (range: 4–47%) of the standard dose. In a multivariate analysis, poor performance status (PS) and living without a spouse were independent predictive factors of UDR of first-line palliative chemotherapy in older adults. Patients with UDR showed fewer grade 3–5 adverse events versus the standard dose group. Study completion as planned was significantly higher in the UDR group versus the standard dose group. Older adults with UDR better tolerated chemotherapy than patients with a standard dose.

The Attitudes of Physicians and the General Public toward Prognostic Disclosure of Different Serious Illnesses: a Korean Nationwide Study

BACKGROUND

Although international guidelines recommend palliative care approaches for many serious illnesses, the palliative needs of patients with serious illnesses other than cancer are often unmet, mainly due to insufficient prognosis-related discussion. We investigated physicians' and the general public's respective attitudes toward prognostic disclosure for several serious illnesses.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 928 physicians, sourced from 12 hospitals and the Korean Medical Association, and 1,005 members of the general public, sourced from all 17 administrative divisions in Korea.

RESULTS

For most illnesses, most physicians (adjusted proportions - end-organ failure, 99.0%; incurable genetic or neurologic disease, 98.5%; acquired immune deficiency syndrome [AIDS], 98.4%; stroke or Parkinson's disease, 96.0%; and dementia, 89.6%) and members of the general public (end-organ failure, 92.0%; incurable genetic or neurologic disease, 92.5%; AIDS, 91.5%; stroke or Parkinson's disease, 92.1%; and dementia, 86.9%) wanted to be informed if they had a terminal prognosis. For physicians and the general public, the primary factor to consider when disclosing terminal status was "the patient's right to know his/her condition" (31.0%). Yet, the general public was less likely to prefer prognostic disclosure than physicians. Particularly, when their family members were patients, more than 10% of the general public did not want patients to be informed of their terminal prognosis. For the general public, the main reason for not disclosing prognosis was "psychological burden such as anxiety and depression" (35.8%), while for the physicians it was "disclosure would have no beneficial effect" (42.4%).

CONCLUSION

Most Physicians and the general public agreed that disclosure of a terminal prognosis respects patient autonomy for several serious illnesses. The low response rate of physicians might limit the generalizability of the results.

Pilot study for the Psychometric Validation of the Sheffield Profile for Assessment and Referral to Care (SPARC) in Korean Cancer Patients

PURPOSE

This study aimed to validate the Sheffield Profile for Assessment and Referral to Care (SPARC) as an effective tool for screening palliative care needs among Korean cancer patients.

Materials and Methods

The English version of the SPARC was translated by four Korean oncologists and reconciled by a Korean language specialist and a medical oncologist fluent in English. After the first version of the Korean SPARC (K-SPARC) was developed, back-translation into English was performed by a professional translator and bilingual oncologist. The back-translated version was reviewed by the original author (S.H.A.), and modifications were made (ver. 2). The second version of the K-SPARC was tested against other questionnaires, including the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS).

RESULTS

Thirty patients were enrolled in the pilot trial. Fifteen were male, and the median age was 64.5 years. Six patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 or more. All patients except one were receiving chemotherapy. Regarding internal consistency, the Cronbach's α scores for physical symptoms, psychological issues, religious and spiritual issues, independency and activity, family and social issues, and treatment issues were 0.812, 0.804, 0.589, 0.843, 0.754, and 0.822, respectively. The correlation coefficients between the SPARC and FACT-G were 0.479 (p=0.007) for the physical domain and -0.130 (p=0.493) for the social domain.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study indicates that the K-SPARC could be a reliable tool to screen for palliative care needs among Korean cancer patients. A further study to validate our findings is ongoing.

Treatment strategy and outcomes in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a nationwide retrospective cohort study (KCSG HN13-01)

Background

By investigating treatment patterns and outcomes in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC), we aimed at providing valuable insights into the optimal therapeutic strategy for physicians in real-world practice.

Methods

This is a multi-institutional study enrolled the patients with stage III to IVB LA-HNSCC, except for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, from 2004 to 2015 in thirteen referral hospitals capable of multidisciplinary care.

Results

A total of 445 LA-HNSCC patients were analyzed. The median age was 61 years (range, 24–89). The primary tumor location was the oropharynx in 191 (43%), oral cavity in 106 (24%), hypopharynx in 64 (14%), larynx in 57 (13%) and other sites in 27 (6%). The most common stage was T2 in 172 (39%), and N2 in 245 (55%). Based on treatment intents, 229 (52%) of the patients received definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and 187 (42%) underwent surgery. Approximately 158 (36%) of the study population received induction chemotherapy (IC). Taken together, 385 (87%) of the patients underwent combined therapeutic modalities. The regimen for definitive CCRT was weekly cisplatin in 58%, 3-weekly cisplatin in 28% and cetuximab in 3%. The preferred regimen for IC was docetaxel with cisplatin in 49%, and docetaxel, cisplatin plus fluorouracil in 27%. With a median follow-up of 39 months, one-year and two-year survival rates were 89 and 80%, respectively. Overall survival was not significantly different between CCRT and surgery group (p = 0.620).

Conclusions

In patients with LA-HNSCC, the majority of patients received combined therapeutic modalities. Definitive CCRT, IC then definitive CCRT, and surgery followed by adjuvant CCRT or radiotherapy are the preferred multidisciplinary strategies in real-world practice.

Randomized phase II study of axitinib versus observation in patients with recurred or metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma

6503

Background: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) does not respond to cytotoxic chemotherapy. Several anti-angiogenic agents were evaluated in single arm phase II trials. However, the role of chemotherapy is still controversial, because of natural stable disease course without chemotherapy and lack of randomized trial. We firstly conducted a randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of axitinib compared to observation. Methods: In this multicenter, prospective phase II trial, we enrolled recurred, metastatic ACC patients who progressed within 9 months. Patients were randomly assigned either axitinib (5mg twice daily) or observation arm with 1:1 ratio. Crossover to the axitinib arm was permitted for patients in the observation arm who had disease progression. The primary endpoint was 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate. The secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), PFS, duration of response and adverse events. Results: A total of 60 patients randomly allocated to axitinib (N=30) and observation arm (N=30) and response evaluation was conducted in 57 patients. With a median follow-up of 25.4 months, the 6-month PFS rate was 73.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 54.8 to 88.1%) in the axitinib arm and 23.2% (95% CI, 9.3 to 41.1%) in the observation arm (hazard ratio, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.45; P < 0.001). Median PFS was 10.8 months in axitinib arm and 2.8 months in observation arm ( P < 0.001). The ORR was 3.3% (95% CI, 0.1 to 17.2%) in the axitinib arm, and 0% (95% CI, 0 to 12.8%) in the observation arm. The disease control rate was 100% (95% CI, 88.4 to 100%) in the axitinib arm and 51.9% (95% CI, 32.0 to 71.3%) in the observation arm. After crossover, ORR of axitinib in the observation arm was 11.1% (95% CI, 2.4 to 29.2%). Median OS was not reached in axitinib arm, 28.5 months in observation arm ( P = 0.688). The most frequently reported adverse events of axitinib were grade 1 or 2 oral mucositis and fatigue. Detailed data of adverse events and mutational profile data will be presented. Conclusions: In this first randomized trial in patients with recurred or metastatic ACC, axitinib significantly increased 6-month PFS rate compared to observation. Clinical trial information: NCT02859012 .

Ramosetron versus Palonosetron in Combination with Aprepitant and Dexamethasone for the Control of Highly-Emetogenic Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare ramosetron (RAM), aprepitant (APR), and dexamethasone (DEX) [RAD] with palonosetron (PAL), APR, and DEX [PAD] in controlling highly-emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC)-induced nausea and vomiting.

Materials and Methods

Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive RAD or PAD:RAM (0.3 mg intravenously) or PAL (0.25 mg intravenously) D1, combined with APR (125 mg orally, D1 and 80 mg orally, D2-3) and DEX (12 mg orally or intravenously, D1 and 8 mg orally, D2-4). Patients were stratified by sex, cisplatin-based chemotherapy, and administration schedule. The primary endpoint was overall complete response (CR), defined as no emesis and no rescue regimen during 5 days of HEC. Secondary endpoints were overall complete protection (CP; CR+nausea score < 25 mm) and total control (TC; CR+nausea score < 5 mm). Quality of life was assessed by Functional Living Index Emesis (FLIE) questionnaire on D0 and D6.

RESULTS

A total of 279 patients receiving RAD (n=137) or PAD (n=142) were evaluated. Overall CR rates in RAD and PAD recipients were 81.8% and 79.6% (risk difference [RD], 2.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -7.1 to 11.4), respectively. Overall CP and TC rates for RAD and PAD were 56.2% and 58.5% (RD, -2.3%; 95% CI, -13.9 to 9.4) and 47.5% vs. 43.7% (RD, 3.8%; 95% CI, -7.9 to 15.5), respectively. FLIE total score ≥ 108 (no impact on daily life) was comparable between RAD and PAD (73.9% vs. 73.4%, respectively). Adverse events were similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

In all aspects of efficacy, safety and QOL, RAD is non-inferior to PAD for the control of CINV in cancer patients receiving HEC.

Erratum: Correction of the Text in the Article "Table": Discordance between Physician and the General Public Perceptions of Prognostic Disclosure to Children with Serious Illness: a Korean Nationwide Study

This corrects the article on e327 in vol. 33, PMID: 30505258.

The Impacts of Prognostic Awareness on Mood and Quality of Life Among Patients With Advanced Cancer

BACKGROUND

Accurate awareness of the prognosis is an important factor in the treatment decision of patients with advanced cancer; however, prognostic disclosure is still subject to debate because it can reduce patient's satisfaction and increase depression.

AIM

The purpose of this study is to assess whether patients' prognostic awareness is associated with decreased quality of life (QoL) or increased depressive mood in patients with advanced cancer.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

In this cohort study, 386 patients with advanced cancer were recruited across 3 periods from December 2016 to August 2018. The outcome of this study was a change in QoL and depression according to the patients' prognostic awareness at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.

RESULTS

This study found significant differences in changes of QoL based on patients' prognostic awareness. From baseline to 3 months, emotional functioning (P = .039), pain (P = .042), existential well-being (P = .025), and social support (P = .038) subscale scores improved significantly more in those with lack of prognostic awareness. Over 6 months, the group without prognostic awareness improved significantly in terms of physical functioning (P = .037), emotional functioning (P = .002), nausea/vomiting (P = .048), and constipation (P = .039) subscale scores and existential well-being scores (P = .025). No significant difference between the groups was found in terms of depression.

CONCLUSION

Accurate prognostic awareness may pose harm and may provide no additional benefits in terms of QoL and mood among patients with advanced cancer for a short period of time.

Polypharmacy, Inappropriate Medication Use, and Drug Interactions in Older Korean Patients with Cancer Receiving First-Line Palliative Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Polypharmacy is an important issue in the care of older patients with cancer, as it increases the risk of unfavorable outcomes. We estimated the prevalence of polypharmacy, potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use, and drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in older patients with cancer in Korea and their associations with clinical outcomes.

SUBJECTS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of a prospective observational study of geriatric patients with cancer undergoing first-line palliative chemotherapy. Eligible patients were older adults (≥70 years) with histologically diagnosed solid cancer who were candidates for first-line palliative chemotherapy. All patients enrolled in this study received a geriatric assessment (GA) at baseline. We reviewed the daily medications taken by patients at the time of GA before starting chemotherapy. PIMs were assessed according to the 2015 Beers criteria, and DDIs were assessed by a clinical pharmacist using Lexi-comp Drug Interactions. We evaluated the association between polypharmacy and clinical outcomes including treatment-related toxicity, and hospitalization using logistic regression and Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

In total, 301 patients (median age 75 years; range, 70-93) were enrolled; the most common cancer types were colorectal cancer (28.9%) and lung cancer (24.6%). Mean number of daily medications was 4.7 (±3.1; range, 0-14). The prevalence of polypharmacy (≥5 medications) was 45.2% and that of excessive polypharmacy (≥10 medications) was 8.6%. PIM use was detected in 137 (45.5%) patients. Clinically significant DDIs were detected in 92 (30.6%) patients. Polypharmacy was significantly associated with hospitalization or emergency room (ER) visits (odds ratio: 1.73 [1.18-2.55], p < .01). Neither polypharmacy nor PIM use showed association with treatment-related toxicity.

CONCLUSION

Polypharmacy, PIM use, and potential major DDIs were prevalent in Korean geriatric patients with cancer. Polypharmacy was associated with a higher risk of hospitalization or ER visits during the chemotherapy period.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This study, which included 301 older Korean patients with cancer, highlights the increased prevalence of polypharmacy in this population planning to receive palliative chemotherapy. The prevalence of polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy was 45.2% and 8.6%, respectively. The prescription of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) was detected in 45.5% and clinically significant drug-drug interaction in 30.6% of patients. Given the association of polypharmacy with increased hospitalization or emergency room visits, this study points to the need for increased awareness and intervention to minimize polypharmacy in the geriatric cancer population undergoing chemotherapy. Moreover, specific criteria for establishing PIMs should be adopted for the treatment of older adults with cancer.

Correction to: Priorities of a "good death" according to cancer patients, their family caregivers, physicians, and the general population: a nationwide survey

While recently extending that research, however, we discovered that 236 members of the general population were mistakenly duplicated by the investigating agency (Word Research) and 1241 were reported rather than 1005. Here, we present corrections and discuss the relevant data.

The Glasgow Prognostic Score is a significant predictor of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) treated with CHOP-based chemotherapy and comparable with PTCL prognostic scores

The Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) serves a prognostic role in several lymphomas. The objectives of the present study were to determine whether GPS predicts clinical outcomes and to compare the utility of four prognostic scores, including GPS, in patients diagnosed with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). We selected for this retrospective study 96 patients consecutively diagnosed with PTCL according to the World Health Organization classification from January 2002 to February 2013 and followed up in five different institutions. Low GPS was a good prognostic biomarker of progression-free survival (PFS, P = 0.030) and overall survival (OS, P = 0.013). Estimated 3-year OS rates (low-risk vs. intermediate- or high-risk) by the International Prognostic Index (IPI), the Prognostic Index for T-cell lymphoma (PIT), the International Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma Project (IPTCLP) score, and GPS were 83% vs. 44% (P < 0.001), 68% vs. 37% (P = 0.004), 71% vs. 26% (P < 0.001) and 68% vs. 51% (P = 0.031), respectively. These results indicate that GPS has prognostic value for PTCL. In addition, all four prognostic scores demonstrate their usefulness in assessing PTCL outcomes.

Behaviors and Attitudes toward the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Korean Cancer Patients

Purpose

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to explore the current awareness and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), as well as attitudes toward CAM, in patients with cancer and their family members in South Korea.

Materials and Methods

Between September 21 and October 31, 2017, a 25-item questionnaire regarding CAM experiences among cancer patients and their family members was conducted in 10 oncology clinics in South Korea after institutional review board approval at each institution.

Results

In total, 283/310 patients were analyzed. The median age was 60 years, and 60% were male. Most of the patients were actively receiving anticancer treatment at the time of the survey. A total of 106 patients (37%) had experienced a median of two types (interquartile range, 1 to 3) of CAM. Belief in CAM (odds ratio [OR], 3.015; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.611 to 5.640) and duration of disease (OR, 1.012; 95% CI, 1.004 to 1.020) were independent factors for using CAM in multivariable analysis. Belief in CAM was significantly associated with current use of CAM (OR, 3.633; 95% CI, 1.567 to 8.424). Lay referral was the most common reason for deciding to use CAM, and only 25% of patients (72/283) discussed CAM with their physicians.

Conclusion

Patient attitudes toward and confidence in CAM modalities were strongly associated with their CAM experiences, and only a small number of patients had an open discussion about CAM with their physicians. A patient education program for CAM is needed.

Surrogate decision making of chemotherapy consent: do we really provide informed consent of chemotherapy for patients?

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Despite increased demand for cancer patient's to make their own decisions based on an adequate understanding of what is involved in chemotherapy, the primary signing agent and the reasons for surrogate signing have not been appropriately evaluated.

METHODS

The ethics committee of the palliative medicine subgroup of the Korean Cancer Study Group designed this study and solid cancer patients to whom chemotherapy was offered, from seven institutions, were evaluated. The details relating to surrogate's signing of chemotherapy consent were evaluated. Then, we analyzed the factors associated with surrogate's signing according to patient's demographics and characteristics related to chemotherapy consent.

RESULTS

Surrogate's signing was noted for 20.7% (84/405) of patient and over half of surrogate signings were performed by the patients' son or daughter (60.7%). Two main reasons for surrogate signing were patient's incapacity (34.5%) and taking over authorization from patients (33.3%). The factors associated with more frequent surrogate's signing were absence of spouse, lower education level, outpatient, and when residents played a role as a principle provider of chemotherapy consent.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests the lack of patients' own decision making for chemotherapy in some situations. This ethical dilemma must be considered for adequately informed decision making for chemotherapy while ensuring the patients' autonomy is maintained.

Attitudes of the General Public, Cancer Patients, Family Caregivers, and Physicians Toward Advance Care Planning: A Nationwide Survey Before the Enforcement of the Life-Sustaining Treatment Decision-Making Act

CONTEXT

To respect a patient's wish for end-of-life care, "the Act on Decisions on Life-Sustaining Treatment for Patients at the End-of-Life" was enacted in South Korea in 2016. Current understanding of people who would be involved in advance care planning (ACP) is crucial to disseminate it systematically.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to investigate awareness and attitudes toward ACP in South Korea.

METHODS

A multicenter, nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted, a survey regarding ACP among four groups that would have different positions and experiences: 1001 cancer patients, 1006 family caregivers, 928 physicians, and 1241 members of the general public.

RESULTS

A total of 15% of the general population, 33% of the patients and caregivers, and 61% of the physicians had knowledge of advance directives. More than 64% of the general population, above 72% of the patients and caregivers, and 97% of the physicians were willing to do so when the disease status was aggravated or terminal. The possibility for changing the plan, uncertainty as to whether directives would actually be followed, and psychological discomfort were common reasons for not wanting to engage in ACP. Routine recommendations for a specific medical condition, heightened accessibility, and health insurance support were common factors that could help facilitate ACP.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that strategies for promoting ACP should reflect different perspectives among the general public, patients, family caregivers, and physicians. Public advocacy, resources for approaching and integrating ACP into routine health care, as well as systematic support provisions are needed.

Sedation for terminally ill cancer patients: A multicenter retrospective cohort study in South Korea

Sedation therapy is a potential solution to providing relief from refractory symptoms at end of life. The aim of this study was to investigate actual sedation practice and physician characteristics associated with the use of sedation for terminally ill cancer patients in South Korea.A retrospective review was conducted on consecutive patients who had died from cancer at seven tertiary medical centers between January 2010 and October 2015. The use of sedation was defined as the administration of sedative agents to relieve intolerable symptoms within the last 2 weeks preceding death. Patients and physician characteristics and information on the use of sedation were collected.A total of 8309 patients were included in the study. Sedatives were administered in 1334 patients (16.1%) for the following indications: delirium in 39.3%, intractable pain in 23.1%, and dyspnea in 21.9%. Median duration of sedation from initiation to death was 3 days. The use of sedation depended on physician specialty and experience. Family physicians used sedation most often (57.6%), followed by medical oncologists (13.9%), other internists (10.7%), and surgical oncologists (9.4%). The use of sedation was highest for physicians with >5 to 10 years practice experience (22.1%) and lowest for those in practice for 5 years or less (10.2%). The proportion of patients receiving sedation also varied markedly across participating institutions (range, 7.0%-49.7%).This large cohort study provides insight into sedation practice for terminally ill cancer patients in South Korea. Our study shows that the use of sedation depends on physician background and institution. A nation-wide guidelines and continued education on end-of-life sedation are required in South Korea.

Erratum: Correction of Ethics Statement: Discordance between Physician and the General Public Perceptions of Prognostic Disclosure to Children with Serious Illness: a Korean Nationwide Study

[This corrects the article e327 in vol. 33, PMID: 30505258.].

Prospective Validation of The Korean Cancer Study Group Geriatric Score (KG)-7, a Novel Geriatric Screening Tool, in Older Patients with Advanced Cancer Undergoing First-line Palliative Chemotherapy

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to prospectively validate the Korean Cancer Study Group Geriatric Score (KG)-7, a novel geriatric screening tool, in older patients with advanced cancer planned to undergo first-line palliative chemotherapy.

Materials and Methods

Participants answered the KG-7 questionnaire before undergoing geriatric assessment (GA) and first-line palliative chemotherapy. The performance of KG-7 was evaluated by calculating the sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV), balanced accuracy (BA), and area under the curve (AUC).

Results

The baseline GA and KG-7 results were collected from 301 patients. The median age was 75 years (range, 70 to 93 years). Abnormal GA was documented in 222 patients (73.8%). Based on the ≤ 5 cut-off value of KG-7 for abnormal GA, abnormal KG-7 score was shown in 200 patients (66.4%). KG-7 showed SE, SP, PPV, NPV, and BA of 75.7%, 59.7%, 84.4%, 46.0%, and 67.7%, respectively; AUC was 0.745 (95% confidence interval, 0.687 to 0.803). Furthermore, patients with higher KG-7 scores showed significantly longer survival (p=0.006).

Conclusion

KG-7 appears to be adequate in identifying patients with abnormal GA prospectively. Hence, KG-7 can be a useful screening tool for Asian countries with limited resources and high patient volume.