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Maurya BP, Gupta R, Rathore P, Mishra S, Bharati SJ, Kumar V, Gupta N, Garg R, Bhatnagar S. End of Life Care Practices at a Tertiary Cancer Centre in India: An Observational Study. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024:10499091241268585. [PMID: 39069375 DOI: 10.1177/10499091241268585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the End of life care (EOLC ) practices and the magnitude of futile care in a tertiary cancer center. To find out the barriers in provision of good EOLC in cancer patients. METHODS An observational study was done on 129 patients. Patients were enrolled using the palliative prognostic index (PPI) in the end of life stages. Socio-demographic and clinical details were recorded. Detailed counselling done by the palliative physician or the oncologist was recorded. The barriers in provision of care were recorded. RESULTS In this study initial experience of 129 patients were analyzed. PPI score was >6 (survival shorter than 3 weeks) in 85 (65.89%) ; 34 (26.36%) had PPI score between >4 to 6 (survival between 3 to 6 weeks); and 10 (7.75%) patients had PPI score less than equal to 4( survival more than 6 weeks).77 (59.69%) patients preferred home as their place for EOLC while 41(31.78%) preferred hospital, 7 (5.43%) preferred hospice while 4 (3.10%) opted ICU for their EOLC . The most common barrier associated was caregiver related in 34 case, followed by physician related in 14 cases and patients related in 3 cases, because of hope of being cured in hospital, social stigma, fear of worsening of symptoms at home, denial. CONCLUSION EOLC is the least studied part of patient care with various barriers. With proper communication and a good palliative care support, futile treatment can be avoided. With healthy communication we can empower family members and patients for a good EOLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhanu P Maurya
- Department of Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Institute, Jhajjar, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Raghav Gupta
- Department of Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Institute, Jhajjar, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Puneet Rathore
- Department of Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Institute, Jhajjar, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Seema Mishra
- Department of Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Institute, Jhajjar, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Sachidanand J Bharati
- Department of Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Institute, Jhajjar, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Institute, Jhajjar, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Nishkarsh Gupta
- Department of Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Institute, Jhajjar, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Rakesh Garg
- Department of Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Institute, Jhajjar, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Sushma Bhatnagar
- Department of Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Institute, Jhajjar, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
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Bojesson A, Brun E, Eberhard J, Segerlantz M. Quality of life for patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer randomised to early specialised home-based palliative care: the ALLAN trial. Br J Cancer 2024:10.1038/s41416-024-02764-x. [PMID: 38951699 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02764-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The primary aim of specialised palliative care (SPC) is to improve the quality of life (QoL) for patients with a high symptom burden from a life-threatening disease. This randomised study aimed to assess the QoL impact of early integration of SPC alongside tumour-specific palliative treatment in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. METHODS We randomly assigned ambulatory patients with advanced GI cancer to early integration of SPC and palliative tumour-specific treatment or tumour-specific treatment alone. The primary endpoint was QoL assessed at baseline and every sixth week using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 118 patients were randomised. The difference in total FACT-G score between patients assigned to early integration with SPC and controls was 5.2 points (95% CI: -0.1 to 10.5, p = 0.216), 6.7 points (95% CI: 0.2 to 13.3, p = 0.172), and 13 points (95% CI: 5.7 to 20.2, p = 0.004) at weeks 6, 12, and 24, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This prospective randomised trial strengthens the argument for early integration of SPC with tumour-specific treatment in patients with advanced GI cancers. We found an improved QoL for patients with advanced GI cancer 24 weeks after randomisation to early integration of home-based SPC. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (ref: NCT02246725).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Bojesson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Oncology and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Blekinge Hospital, Karlskrona, Sweden.
| | - Eva Brun
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Oncology and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Oncology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Jakob Eberhard
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Oncology and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Oncology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Mikael Segerlantz
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine, Allergology and Palliative Medicine, Institute for Palliative Care, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Palliative Care and Advanced Home Health Care, Primary Health Care Skåne, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden
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Shetty MG, Pai P, Padavu M, Satyamoorthy K, Kampa Sundara B. Synergistic therapeutics: Co-targeting histone deacetylases and ribonucleotide reductase for enhanced cancer treatment. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 269:116324. [PMID: 38520762 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The development of cancer is influenced by several variables, including altered protein expression, and signaling pathways. Cancers are inherently heterogeneous and exhibit genetic and epigenetic aberrations; therefore, developing therapies that act on numerous biological targets is encouraged. To achieve this, two approaches are employed: combination therapy and dual/multiple targeting chemotherapeutics. Two enzymes, histone deacetylases (HDACs) and ribonucleotide reductase (RR), are crucial for several biological functions, including replication and repair of DNA, division of cells, transcription of genes, etc. However, it has been noted that different cancers exhibit abnormal functions of these enzymes. Potent inhibitors for each of these proteins have been extensively researched. Many medications based on these inhibitors have been successfully food and drug administration (FDA) approved, and the majority are undergoing various stages of clinical testing. This review discusses various studies of HDAC and RR inhibitors in combination therapy and dual-targeting chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasa Gangadhar Shetty
- Department of Biophysics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Padmini Pai
- Department of Biophysics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Mythili Padavu
- Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
- Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) University, Manjushree Nagar, Sattur, Dharwad, 580009, India
| | - Babitha Kampa Sundara
- Department of Biophysics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India.
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Choudhary A, Jacob LA, Babu S, K N L, A H R, L K R, Saldanha S, Begum T. Mortality Audit of Cancer Patients in the Department of Medical Oncology at a Tertiary Cancer Care Centre in South India. Cureus 2024; 16:e56296. [PMID: 38629016 PMCID: PMC11018518 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Considerable advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer have made a huge impact on morbidity and mortality from neoplastic diseases. However, cancer remains the leading cause of death across the world. This is a retrospective study carried out at a tertiary cancer care centre (Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore) in South India. Case records of all cancer patients who died while receiving inpatient treatment between January 2022 and December 2022 under the Department of Medical Oncology were reviewed and studied. There was a total of 240 deaths. Out of these, the majority of deaths 147 (61.25%) were patients with haematological malignancies while the remaining 93 (38.75%) were patients with solid tumours. In patients with solid tumours, the majority 49 (52.7%) were in the age group of 40 to 60 years while only 18 (19.35%) patients were less than 40 years. The majority of patients were male sex i.e. 55(59.1%) and undergoing treatment with palliative intent 81 (87%). The most common organ was the lung in 21 patients (22.6%) followed by the breast while the most common system involved was the gastrointestinal tract in 28 (30.1%) patients. The most frequent cause of death was progressive disease in 72 (77.4%) while sepsis (11 patients; 11.8%) was the second most frequent cause of death in solid tumours. In haematological malignancies, also a significant number of 57 (38.8%) patients were in the age group of 40 to 60 years. Fifty-two (35.3%) patients were in the age group of 22 to 40 years. The majority were male sex (79 patients; 53.7%). About the phase of treatment, the majority of deaths 45 (30.6%) were during induction and under evaluation. Those with relapse/refractory disease were 38 (25.9%). A substantial number of patients had acute myeloid leukaemia 47 (32%) and five (3.4%) deaths were acute promyelocytic leukaemia patients. Twenty-three patients (15.6%) had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The most common cause of death was sepsis in 76 patients (51.7%) while intracranial bleeding was in 34 patients (23.1%). In some patients, there were multiple causes leading to death. Mortality audits are important to evaluate the services being provided at any centre. One can appreciate the lacunae in handling a particular disease or flaws in a treatment protocol or the staff delivering the treatment. Sepsis is the leading cause of death in patients with haematological malignancy; even in solid malignancy sepsis accounts for a substantial proportion of deaths and should be handled aggressively to save lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akansha Choudhary
- Medical Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, IND
| | - Linu A Jacob
- Medical Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, IND
| | - Suresh Babu
- Medical Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, IND
| | - Lokesh K N
- Medical Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, IND
| | - Rudresha A H
- Medical Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, IND
| | - Rajeev L K
- Medical Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, IND
| | - Smitha Saldanha
- Medical Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, IND
| | - Tarjina Begum
- Medical Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, IND
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Neves MBM, Neves YCS, Bomonetto JVB, Matos PPC, Giglio AD, Cubero DDIG. Evaluation of factors predicting the benefit from systemic oncological treatment for severely ill hospitalized patients: a retrospective study. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:131. [PMID: 37674155 PMCID: PMC10481478 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01256-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with cancer in the disease's end-stage with poor performance represent a challenging clinical scenario, as they have high chance of a fatal outcome due to clinical conditions, oncological emergencies, and/or metastatic disease. This study examines the factors predicting the potential benefit of "urgent" chemotherapy during hospitalization in this setting, thus addressing a research gap. METHODS This retrospective observational study was conducted in the largest cancer center in the outskirts of São Paulo. It identified factors predicting the benefit from antineoplastic treatment in severe in-hospital patients admitted during 2019-2020, considering post-chemotherapy survival time as the main dependent variable. Data were retrieved from medical records. All patients aged ≥ 18 years, with an ECOG-PS score ≥ 2, and undergoing non-elective systemic cancer treatment were included. RESULTS This study evaluated 204 records, of which 89 were included in the final analysis. A statistically significant association with the worse outcome (death within 30 days of chemotherapy) was found with higher ECOG performance status; chemotherapy dose reduction; lower values of serum albumin, hemoglobin, and creatinine clearance; and higher values of leukocytes, neutrophils, direct bilirubin, urea, and C-reactive protein. In the multivariate analysis, only albumin remained statistically associated with the outcome (hazard ratio = 0.35; confidence interval: 0.14, 0.90; p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS Serum albumin and other clinical and laboratory variables might be associated with early post-treatment deaths in patients with cancer. The study data might help guide the decision to administer systemic treatment in this scenario and manage critically ill patients. This study adds to our knowledge of the factors predicting the objective benefits from "heroic" or "urgent" chemotherapy for hospitalized and severely ill patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Brachmans Mascarenhas Neves
- Centro Universitário Faculdade de Medicina do ABC (FMABC), Santo André, SP, Brazil.
- Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, 212. Vila Mariana, 0412601, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Yuri Costa Sarno Neves
- Instituto de Radiologia (InRad), Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Auro Del Giglio
- Centro Universitário Faculdade de Medicina do ABC (FMABC), Santo André, SP, Brazil
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Diaz MH, Ibañez Ledesma LG, Torres Gomez F, Carretero M, Pasquinelli R, Martínez BJ, Grande Ratti MF. [Chemotherapy at the end of life is compatible with dignified death and palliative care]. REVISTA DE LA FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS MÉDICAS 2023; 80:93-98. [PMID: 37402305 PMCID: PMC10443411 DOI: 10.31053/1853.0605.v80.n2.37489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cancer treatment is increasingly aggressive. The aim was to estimate who died due to cancer, to report use of chemotherapy (CT) in the last 3 months of life, and to describe clinical-epidemiological characteristics of these patients. Methods We included a consecutive sample of deceased during 2017, affiliated to Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Through manual review of medical helath records, they were classified according to the cause of death (cancer or other cause), validating diagnosis and baseline stage, performance status (PS). Prevalences with 95% CI are reported and descriptive statistics were used. Results A total of 2293 adults died, 59% women with a median age of 84 years old. There were a total of 736 deaths from cancer, representing 32% (95%CI 30-34). This last subgroup were 54% women, with a median age of 75 years, and only one patient had advance directives. Regarding the place of death, 80% were hospitalized (65% general ward and 15% intensive care units). The most frequent tumors were: lung, colorectal-gastric, hematological, and breast. A total of 390 patients received CT at the end of life (53%; 95%CI 49-57), 53% being women and with a mean age of 68 years. Regarding the underlying oncological disease: 81% had a solid tumor, 75% advanced stage, and mostly with poor/regular ability to perform daily activities (25% PS3 and 32% PS4, respectively). Conclusion There is a high frequency of CT at the end of life and deaths continue to be mainly in-hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Hernan Diaz
- Servicio de Clínica Médica, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina..
| | | | | | | | | | - Bernardo Julio Martínez
- Servicio de Clínica Médica. Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Central de Emergencias de Adultos. Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina..
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Hamdan F, Cerullo V. Cancer immunotherapies: A hope for the uncurable? FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2023; 3:1140977. [PMID: 39086690 PMCID: PMC11285639 DOI: 10.3389/fmmed.2023.1140977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
The use of cancer immunotherapies is not novel but has been used over the decades in the clinic. Only recently have we found the true potential of stimulating an anti-tumor response after the breakthrough of checkpoint inhibitors. Cancer immunotherapies have become the first line treatment for many malignancies at various stages. Nevertheless, the clinical results in terms of overall survival and progression free survival were not as anticipated. Majority of cancer patients do not respond to immunotherapies and the reasons differ. Hence, further improvements for cancer immunotherapies are crucially needed. In the review, we will discuss various forms of cancer immunotherapies that are being tested or already in the clinic. Moreover, we also highlight future directions to improve such therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firas Hamdan
- Laboratory of Immunovirotherapy, Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- TRIMM, Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Drug Delivery, Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vincenzo Cerullo
- Laboratory of Immunovirotherapy, Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- TRIMM, Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Drug Delivery, Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology and CEINGE, Naples University Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Targeting of the Interleukin-13 Receptor (IL-13R)α2 Expressing Prostate Cancer by a Novel Hybrid Lytic Peptide. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020356. [PMID: 36830725 PMCID: PMC9953383 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The IL-13Rα2 cell surface receptor is highly expressed in tumours such as prostate cancer. In this report, we evaluated the hypothesis that prostate cancer cells with enhanced IL-13Rα2 expression are a suitable target for the hybrid lytic peptide (Pep-1-Phor21) peptide, which is generated by fusing the IL-13Rα2 specific ligand (Pep-1) and a cell membrane disrupting lytic peptide (Phor21). The expression of IL-13Rα2 mRNA and protein in prostate cancer tissues and cell lines was assessed via real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and immunoblotting. The effect of Pep-1-Phor21 on the viability of prostate cancer cells grown in monolayers (2D) and microtissue spheroids (3D) was assessed via CellTox green cytotoxic assay. IL-13Rα2 expression and Pep-1-Phor21-mediated killing were also determined in the cells treated with epigenetic regulators (Trichostatin A (TSA) and 5-aza-2 deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC)). The hybrid lytic peptide cytotoxic activity correlated with the expression of IL-13Rα2 in prostate cancer cell lines cultured as monolayers (2D) or 3D spheroids. In addition, TSA or 5-Aza-dC treatment of prostate cancer cells, particularly those with low expression of IL-13Rα2, enhanced the cells' sensitivity to the lytic peptide by increasing IL-13Rα2 expression. These results demonstrate that the Pep-1-Phor21 hybrid lytic peptide has potent and selective anticancer properties against IL-13Rα2-expressing prostate cancer cells.
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Saif A, Al Shahrani M, Alshehri M, Abohassan M, Alshehri MA, Radhakrishnan S, Rajagopalan P. Computational analysis and in vitro evaluation of TMF 104, for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer efficacies. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2023; 70:148-156. [PMID: 35324037 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Benzylidene chromanones are small molecules, structurally similar to active phytochemicals. Herein, we report one novel benzylidene chromanone, TMF 104, for its bio-efficacies. Its computational docking for Vanin-1, antioxidant, free radical scavenging capacities, antimicrobial effects, and anticancer efficacy were analyzed. TMF 104 predicated strong binging to Vanin-1 protein with a docking energy of -8.1 kcal/mol. The compound dose-dependently exhibited free-radical scavenging and antioxidant activities when tested in vitro. The compound also had remarkable activity against Salmonella typhimurium, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 1.5, 2.0, 12.5, and 13.5 μg/ml, respectively. The compound was also effective against Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa albeit at higher concentrations. TMF 104 dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7, NCI H460, and Caki-1 cells with respective GI50 values of 24.51, 21.95, and 32.95 μg/ml, whereas the compound was toxic to normal Vero cells at much higher concentration of 264.70 μg/ml. The compound also aided in apoptosis and increased the sub G0 /G1 phase of the cell cycle in all three cancer cells tested. Our study identified a novel, potent benzylidene analogue with potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities, which drives further attention for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Saif
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mesfer Al Shahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.,Central Research Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alshehri
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Abohassan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.,Central Research Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A Alshehri
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suresh Radhakrishnan
- Post Graduate and Research Department of Chemistry, Presidency College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Prasanna Rajagopalan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.,Central Research Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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Campbell R, King MT, Stockler MR, Lee YC, Roncolato FT, Friedlander ML. Patient-Reported Outcomes in Ovarian Cancer: Facilitating and Enhancing the Reporting of Symptoms, Adverse Events, and Subjective Benefit of Treatment in Clinical Trials and Clinical Practice. Patient Relat Outcome Meas 2023; 14:111-126. [PMID: 37188148 PMCID: PMC10178904 DOI: 10.2147/prom.s297301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provide a valid, standardized way of assessing symptoms, adverse events and the subjective benefit of treatment from the patient's perspective. Assessment of PROs is critical in ovarian cancer due to the high morbidity of the disease and its treatments. Several well-validated PRO measures are available to assess PROs in ovarian cancer. Their inclusion in clinical trials can provide evidence on the benefits and harms of new treatments based on patients' experiences to guide improvements in clinical practice and health policy. Aggregate PRO data collected in clinical trials can be used to inform patients about likely treatment impacts and assist them to make informed treatment decisions. In clinical practice, PRO assessments can facilitate monitoring of a patient's symptoms throughout treatment and follow-up to guide their clinical management; in this context, an individual patient's responses can facilitate communication with their treating clinician about troublesome symptoms and their impact on their quality of life. This literature review aimed to provide clinicians and researchers with a better understanding of why and how PROs can be incorporated into ovarian cancer clinical trials and routine clinical practice. We discuss the importance of assessing PROs throughout the ovarian cancer disease and treatment trajectory in both clinical trials and clinical practice, and provide examples from existing literature to illustrate the uses of PROs as the goals of treatment change in each setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Campbell
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Correspondence: Rachel Campbell, University of Sydney, Room 325, Brennan-Maccallum Building, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia, Tel +61 2 8627 7631, Email
| | - Madeleine T King
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Martin R Stockler
- University of Sydney, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yeh Chen Lee
- University of Sydney, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Prince of Wales and Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Felicia T Roncolato
- University of Sydney, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- MacArthur Cancer Therapy Centre, Campbelltown Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael L Friedlander
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Prince of Wales and Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Salvadé H, Stiefel F, Bourquin C. "You'll need to settle your affairs": How the subject of death is approached by oncologists and advanced cancer patients in follow-up consultations. Palliat Support Care 2022:1-9. [PMID: 36354030 DOI: 10.1017/s147895152200147x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This qualitative study aimed to investigate communication about death in consultations with patients undergoing chemotherapy with no curative intent. Specifically, we examined (i) how the topic of death was approached, who raised it, in what way, and which responses were elicited, (ii) how the topic unfolded during consultations, and (iii) whether interaction patterns or distinguishing ways of communicating can be identified. METHODS The data consisted of 134 audio-recorded follow-up consultations. A framework of sensitizing concepts was developed, and interaction patterns were looked for when death was discussed. RESULTS The subject of death and dying was most often initiated by patients, and they raised it in various ways. In most consultations, direct talk about death was initiated only once. We identified 4 interaction patterns. The most frequent consists of indirect references to death by patients, followed by a direct mention of the death of a loved one, and a statement of the oncologists aiming to skip the subject. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Patients and oncologists have multiple ways of raising, pursuing, addressing and evacuating the subject of death. Being attentive and recognizing these ways and associated interaction patterns can help oncologists to think and elaborate on this topic and to facilitate discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Salvadé
- Psychiatric Liaison Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Friedrich Stiefel
- Psychiatric Liaison Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Céline Bourquin
- Psychiatric Liaison Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Imam KMSU, Tian Y, Xin F, Xie Y, Wen B. Lactucin, a Bitter Sesquiterpene from Cichorium intybus, Inhibits Cancer Cell Proliferation by Downregulating the MAPK and Central Carbon Metabolism Pathway. Molecules 2022; 27:7358. [PMID: 36364182 PMCID: PMC9657596 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer, especially adenocarcinoma, is the second most occurring and highest fatality-causing cancer worldwide. Many natural anticancer compounds, such as sesquiterpene lactones (SLs), show promising anticancer properties. Herein, we examined Lactucin, an SL from the plant Cichorium intybus, for its cytotoxicity, apoptotic-inducing, cell cycle inhibiting capacity, and associated protein expression. We also constructed a biotinylated Lactucin probe to isolate interacting proteins and identified them. We found that Lactucin stops the proliferation of A549 and H2347 lung adenocarcinoma cell lines while not affecting normal lung cell MRC5. It also significantly inhibits the cell cycle at G0/G1 stage and induces apoptosis. The western blot analysis shows that Lactucin downregulates the MAPK pathway, cyclin, and cyclin-dependent kinases, inhibiting DNA repair while upregulating p53, p21, Bax, PTEN, and downregulation of Bcl-2. An increased p53 in response to DNA damage upregulates p21, Bax, and PTEN. In an activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) analysis of A549 cell's protein lysate using a biotinylated Lactucin probe, we found that Lactucin binds PGM, PKM, and LDHA PDH, four critical enzymes in central carbon metabolism in cancer cells, limiting cancer cells in its growth; thus, Lactucin inhibits cancer cell proliferation by downregulating the MAPK and the Central Carbon Metabolism pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khandaker Md Sharif Uddin Imam
- Laboratory of Biomanufacturing and Food Engineering, Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Fengjiao Xin
- Laboratory of Biomanufacturing and Food Engineering, Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yingying Xie
- Laboratory of Biomanufacturing and Food Engineering, Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Boting Wen
- Laboratory of Biomanufacturing and Food Engineering, Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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Demiral A, İrem Goralı S, Yılmaz H, Verimli N, Çulha M, Sibel Erdem S. Stimuli-Responsive Theranostic System: A Promising Approach for Augmented Multimodal Imaging and Efficient Drug Release. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2022; 177:9-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2022.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Involvement of Phytochemical-Encapsulated Nanoparticles' Interaction with Cellular Signalling in the Amelioration of Benign and Malignant Brain Tumours. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27113561. [PMID: 35684498 PMCID: PMC9182026 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27113561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Brain tumours have unresolved challenges that include delay prognosis and lower patient survival rate. The increased understanding of the molecular pathways underlying cancer progression has aided in developing various anticancer medications. Brain cancer is the most malignant and invasive type of cancer, with several subtypes. According to the WHO, they are classified as ependymal tumours, chordomas, gangliocytomas, medulloblastomas, oligodendroglial tumours, diffuse astrocytomas, and other astrocytic tumours on the basis of their heterogeneity and molecular mechanisms. The present study is based on the most recent research trends, emphasising glioblastoma cells classified as astrocytoma. Brain cancer treatment is hindered by the failure of drugs to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which is highly impregnableto foreign molecule entry. Moreover, currently available medications frequently fail to cross the BBB, whereas chemotherapy and radiotherapy are too expensive to be afforded by an average incomeperson and have many associated side effects. When compared to our current understanding of molecularly targeted chemotherapeutic agents, it appears that investigating the efficacy of specific phytochemicals in cancer treatment may be beneficial. Plants and their derivatives are game changers because they are efficacious, affordable, environmentally friendly, faster, and less toxic for the treatment of benign and malignant tumours. Over the past few years, nanotechnology has made a steady progress in diagnosing and treating cancers, particularly brain tumours. This article discusses the effects of phytochemicals encapsulated in nanoparticles on molecular targets in brain tumours, along with their limitations and potential challenges.
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15
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Formoso G, Marino M, Guberti M, Grilli RG. End-of-life care in cancer patients: how much drug therapy and how much palliative care? Record linkage study in Northern Italy. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057437. [PMID: 35523497 PMCID: PMC9083387 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Investigating end-of-life use of anticancer drugs and of palliative care services. DESIGN Population based cohort linked to mortality registry and administrative databases. SETTING Emilia-Romagna Region (Northern Italy). PARTICIPANTS 55 625 residents who died of cancer between 2017 and 2020. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Multivariate analyses were carried out to assess the relationship between cancer drug therapy and palliative care services, and their association with factors related to tumour severity. RESULTS In the last month of life, 15.3% of study population received anticancer drugs (from 12.5% to 16.9% across the eight Local Health Authorities-LHA) and 40.2% received palliative care services (from 36.2% to 43.7%). Drug therapy was inversely associated with receiving palliative care services within the last 30 days (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.97), surgery within the last 6 months (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.67), aggressive tumours (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.93) and increasing age (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.95). Drug therapy was more likely among those with haematologic tumours (OR 2.15, 95% CI 2.00 to 2.30) and in case of hospital admissions within the last 6 months (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.55 to 1.72). Palliative care was less likely among those with haematologic compared with other tumours (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.56), in case of surgery (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.49) or hospital admissions (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.72) within the last 6 months, if receiving anticancer drugs during the last 30 days (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.94) and for each year of increasing age (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.99 to 0.99). Palliative care was more likely in the presence of aggressive tumours (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.16). CONCLUSION Use of anticancer drugs and palliative care in the last month of life were inversely associated, showing variability across different LHAs. While administrative data have limits, our findings are in line with conclusions of other studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Formoso
- Clinical Governance Unit, Reggio Emilia Local Agency-IRCCS Advanced Technologies and Care Models in Oncology, Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Marino
- Clinical Governance Unit, Reggio Emilia Local Agency-IRCCS Advanced Technologies and Care Models in Oncology, Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - Monica Guberti
- Department of Health Professions, Reggio Emilia Local Agency-IRCCS Advanced Technologies and Care Models in Oncology, Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - Roberto Giuseppe Grilli
- Clinical Governance Unit, Reggio Emilia Local Agency-IRCCS Advanced Technologies and Care Models in Oncology, Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
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16
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Sundriyal D, Nath UK, Kumar P, Gupta S, Joseph D, Vaniyath S, Chetia R, Bakliwal A, Chattopadhyay D, Dhingra G, Sehrawat A. Audit of In-Hospital Mortality from a Medical Oncology and Hemato-Oncology Center with the Emphasis on Best Supportive Care. South Asian J Cancer 2022; 11:156-159. [PMID: 36466983 PMCID: PMC9718601 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1739042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Deepak SundriyalBackground and Objectives The newly established medical oncology and hemato-oncology center at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India, provided us an opportunity to audit in-hospital mortalities with a vision that the audit will serve as a standard for ceaseless improvement. Aim of the study was to initiate a vigorous process for the evaluation of all-cause mortality in patients suffering from cancer. Methods An audit of all in-hospital deaths that occurred during the year 2019 was performed, and comprehensive scrutiny of various parameters (demographic, clinico-pathological, therapeutic, causes of death) was done. Reviews from two independent observers sharpened the infallibility of the audit. The lacunae in the existing practices and the scope for further improvement were noted. Results Forty-five in-hospital deaths were registered during the study period (January-December 2019). The majority of the deaths occurred in patients with advanced stage of malignancy ([ n = 31] 68.8%). Most common causes of death were progressive disease, neutropenic, and non-neutropenic sepsis. Chemotherapeutic agents, growth factors, blood components, and antibiotics were found to be used judiciously as per institutional policy. The reviewers emphasized on the use of comorbidity indexes in the treatment planning and avoiding intensive care unit referrals for patients receiving best supportive care (BSC). Emphasis was put on providing only BSC to the patients with a very limited life expectancy. Emphasis was also laid down on record of out of the hospital deaths. Interpretation and Conclusion The audit disclosed areas of care which require further improvement. The mortality audit exercise should become a regular part of evaluation and training for the ongoing and future quality commitment. This should impact the clinical decision making in an oncology center providing quality care to the terminally ill patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Sundriyal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hematology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
- Address for correspondence Deepak Sundriyal, DNB Department of Medical Oncology, Hematology, All India Institute of Medical SciencesRishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249203India
| | - Uttam Kumar Nath
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hematology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Parmod Kumar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hematology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sweety Gupta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Deepa Joseph
- Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sudeep Vaniyath
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hematology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Rituparna Chetia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hematology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Anamika Bakliwal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hematology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Debranjini Chattopadhyay
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hematology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Gaurav Dhingra
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hematology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Amit Sehrawat
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hematology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
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17
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A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Patient Survival and Disease Recurrence Following Percutaneous Ablation of Pulmonary Metastasis. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2022; 45:1102-1113. [PMID: 35355094 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-022-03116-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary metastasectomy has been widely adopted in the treatment of metastatic disease. In recent years image guided ablation has seen increased use in the treatment of thoracic malignancies. The objective of this study was to evaluate oncological outcomes following percutaneous ablation (PA) of pulmonary metastasis. METHODS A comprehensive search of the PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from January 2000 to August 2021 was performed to identify studies evaluating patient survival following ablation of lung metastasis. Pooled outcomes have been presented with a random effects model to assess primary outcomes of overall survival, progression free survival and 1-year local control. Secondary outcomes included procedural mortality, major complications, and the incidence of pneumothorax. RESULTS A total of 24 studies were identified. The pooled median overall survival was 5.13 [95% confidence interval (CI): 4.37-6.84] years, and the 1-, 3-, 5-year progression free survival rates were 53%, 26% and 20% respectively. The 1-year local control rate was 91% (95%CI: 86-95%). Periprocedural mortality was rare (0%; 95%CI: 0-1%), as were major complications excluding pneumothorax (1%; 95%CI: 1-2%). Pneumothorax developed in 44% of ablation sessions, although only half of these required chest tube placement. Most patients were able to be discharged day one post-procedurally. CONCLUSION PA demonstrates high overall, progression free and local tumour survival in patients with lung metastasis. Complications and mortality are also rare. Consideration of its use should be made in a tumour board meeting in conjunction with surgical and radiotherapy perspectives for targeted local control of metastases.
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18
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Bittlinger M, Bicer S, Peppercorn J, Kimmelman J. Ethical Considerations for Phase I Trials in Oncology. J Clin Oncol 2022; 40:3474-3488. [PMID: 35275736 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.02125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Phase I trials often represent the first occasion where new cancer strategies are tested in patients. Various developments in cancer biology, methodology, regulation, and medical ethics have altered the ethical landscape of such trials. We provide a narrative review of contemporary ethical challenges in design, conduct, and reporting of phase I cancer trials and outline recommendations for addressing each. We organized our review around four topics, supplementing the first three with scoping reviews: (1) benefit/risk, (2) research biopsies, (3) therapeutic misconception and misestimation, and (4) reporting. The main ethical challenges of conducting phase I trials stem from three issues. First, phase I trials often involve higher research burden and scientific uncertainty compared with other cancer trials. Second, many patients arrive at phase I trials at a transitional point in their illness trajectory where they have exhausted standard survival-extending options. Third, phase I trial results play a major role in informing downstream drug development and regulatory decisions. Together, these issues create distinct pressures for study design, ethical review, informed consent, and reporting. Developments in methodology, regulation, cancer biology, and ethical awareness have helped mitigate some of these challenges, while introducing others. We conclude our review with a series of recommendations regarding trial design, ethical review, consent, and reporting. We also outline several unresolved questions that, if addressed, would strengthen the ethical foundation of phase I cancer trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merlin Bittlinger
- Studies of Translation, Ethics and Medicine (STREAM), Department of Equity, Ethics and Policy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Selin Bicer
- Studies of Translation, Ethics and Medicine (STREAM), Department of Equity, Ethics and Policy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Jonathan Kimmelman
- Studies of Translation, Ethics and Medicine (STREAM), Department of Equity, Ethics and Policy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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19
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Beaudet MÉ, Lacasse Y, Labbé C. Palliative Systemic Therapy Given near the End of Life for Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:1316-1325. [PMID: 35323312 PMCID: PMC8947187 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29030112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The use of chemotherapy near end of life (EOL) for various cancers is increasing and has been shown to be associated with delayed access to palliative care (PC) and increased aggressiveness in EOL care, without any benefit on survival. Methods: This retrospective study included 90 patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received at least one line of palliative systemic anticancer therapy (SACT) and died between 1 November 2014, and 31 October 2016, at Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ). Our primary objective was to evaluate the proportion of patients with NSCLC receiving SACT within 30 days of death. Secondary outcomes were to determine the mean and median delays between the administration of the last treatment and death, and to evaluate if there were differences in characteristics and outcomes (including overall survival (OS)) between patients treated or not within 30 days of death. Results: In our cohort, 22% of patients received SACT within 30 days of death. For the entire cohort, the mean delay between the last treatment and death was 94 days, and the median was 57 days. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of baseline characteristics. Use of SACT near EOL was associated with decreased access to PC, higher rates of in hospital death, decreased use of medical aid in dying (MAiD), and a shorter median OS (4.0 vs. 9.0 months). Conclusions: In this retrospective cohort of patients with metastatic NSCLC, 22% of patients received SACT within 30 days of death, with a negative impact on access to PC, higher rates of in hospital death, decreased use of MAiD and palliative sedation, and a shorter median OS.
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20
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Rohilla KK, Kalyani CV, Gupta S, Gupta A, Gupta M. Quality of Life of People with Cancer in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic in India: A Systematic Review. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2021; 17:280-286. [PMID: 35444705 PMCID: PMC8985464 DOI: 10.2174/1745017902117010280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background:
The recent pandemic of COVID-19 caused havoc on the health system globally and raised a lot of questions and issues. Treatment for cancer is an emergency that cannot be taken back, particularly in an era of global pandemics. Cancer treatment mainly includes chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and palliative care, and because of the pandemic, all of these treatments are affected. The COVID-19 pandemic also had a potential effect on the quality of life and mental health of patients as well as health workers.
Objective:
This systematic review was intended to discuss the quality of life of people with cancer in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic in India in the light of the best available facts.
Methods:
An extensive literature search was done on PubMed, Medline, Embase, Clinical Key and Google Scholar databases till 3rd Feb 2021. Out of 1455 research articles, 06 research articles were included in this systematic review.
Results:
The results showed that cancer treatment delivery was as per standard safety protocol and the best treatment decisions were made by scheduling and setting priority. Till data, no direct research was conducted on the Indian continent to assess the quality of life of cancer patients in the COVID-19 era. The effect on the quality of life of cancer patients is very large and needs to be explored more by further research. Issues to be discussed with health care administrators and policy makers further. The tele-oncology method of cancer care delivery to patients is another rational option which is applicable as well.
Conclusion:
This systematic review demonstrated up-to-date evidence regarding the quality of life of cancer patients in the COVID-19 era in India. No research has been done to assess the quality of life of cancer patients. Still, the area is unrevealed, but evidence from other global studies indicates an altered quality of life for cancer patients. To maintain quality of life, cancer physicians should make evidence-based decisions and incorporate multidisciplinary management into decision making.
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21
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Mukhopadhyay D, Sano C, AlSawaftah N, El-Awady R, Husseini GA, Paul V. Ultrasound-Mediated Cancer Therapeutics Delivery using Micelles and Liposomes: A Review. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2021; 16:498-520. [PMID: 34911412 DOI: 10.2174/1574892816666210706155110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing cancer treatment methods have many undesirable side effects that greatly reduce the quality of life of cancer patients. OBJECTIVE This review will focus on the use of ultrasound-responsive liposomes and polymeric micelles in cancer therapy. METHODS This review presents a survey of the literature regarding ultrasound-triggered micelles and liposomes using articles recently published in various journals, as well as some new patents in this field. RESULTS Nanoparticles have proven promising as cancer theranostic tools. Nanoparticles are selective in nature, have reduced toxicity, and controllable drug release patterns making them ideal carriers for anticancer drugs. Numerous nanocarriers have been designed to combat malignancies, including liposomes, micelles, dendrimers, solid nanoparticles, quantum dots, gold nanoparticles, and, more recently, metal-organic frameworks. The temporal and spatial release of therapeutic agents from these nanostructures can be controlled using internal and external triggers, including pH, enzymes, redox, temperature, magnetic and electromagnetic waves, and ultrasound. Ultrasound is an attractive modality because it is non-invasive, can be focused on the diseased site, and has a synergistic effect with anticancer drugs. CONCLUSION The functionalization of micellar and liposomal surfaces with targeting moieties and the use of ultrasound as a triggering mechanism can help improve the selectivity and enable the spatiotemporal control of drug release from nanocarriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debasmita Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Chemical Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Catherine Sano
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Nour AlSawaftah
- Department of Chemical Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Raafat El-Awady
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ghaleb A Husseini
- Department of Chemical Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vinod Paul
- Department of Chemical Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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22
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Ekström A, Brun E, Eberhard J, Segerlantz M. Second-line palliative chemotherapy, survival, and prognostic factors in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Acta Oncol 2021; 60:1580-1588. [PMID: 34486921 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2021.1973680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal disease with a close association between incidence and mortality. First-line (FL) palliative chemotherapy prolongs survival and alleviates cancer-related symptoms. However, the survival benefit of second-line (SL) treatment is uncertain, as studies fail to consistently show prolonged survival for any given SL treatment, and in the absence of prognostic factors patients will receive a futile treatment. The aim of this study was to examine prognostic factors and survival in patients with pancreatic cancer, with special reference to SL therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective study included all patients with histopathologically verified pancreatic adenocarcinoma who received palliative chemotherapy at Skåne University Hospital and died between 1 Feb 2015 and 31 Dec 2017. RESULTS During the study period, a total of 170 patients with pancreatic cancer died after receiving palliative chemotherapy. Of these, 72 had received SL treatment after progression on FL treatment. Median overall survival (OS) from the start of SL treatment was 5.0 months (95% CI: 4.0-6.1). Median OS was 2.9 months for patients with performance status 2 at start of SL treatment compared to 5.3 months for patients with performance status 0-1 (p = .03), and 3.5 months (95% CI: 3.0-5.4) in patients with hypoalbuminemia (<36 g/L) at the start of SL therapy compared to 8.0 months (95% CI: 5.3-11.1) for patients with normal albumin levels (p = .009). Weight loss during FL therapy, a doubling of CA 19-9 after FL therapy, and length of progression-free survival during FL treatment were not associated with survival following SL therapy. CONCLUSION Poor performance status and hypoalbuminemia are negative prognostic factors for survival on SL palliative treatment in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Possible gain in survival should be carefully considered before initiating SL chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Ekström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Oncology and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Oncology, Blekinge Hospital, Karlskrona, Sweden
| | - Eva Brun
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Oncology and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Oncology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jakob Eberhard
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Oncology and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Oncology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mikael Segerlantz
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Oncology and Pathology, Institute for Palliative Care, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Palliative Care and Advanced Home Health Care, Primary Health Care Skåne, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden
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Seol A, Yim GW, Chung JY, Kim SI, Lee M, Kim HS, Chung HH, Kim JW, Park NH, Song YS. Identification of Patients with Recurrent Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Who Will Benefit from More Than Three Lines of Chemotherapy. Cancer Res Treat 2021; 54:1219-1229. [PMID: 34793667 PMCID: PMC9582485 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2021.1010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to identify patients who would benefit from third and subsequent lines of chemotherapy in recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Materials and Methods Recurrent EOC patients who received third, fourth, or fifth-line palliative chemotherapy were retrospectively analyzed. Patients’ survival outcomes were assessed according to chemotherapy lines. Based on the best objective response, patients were divided into good-response (stable disease or better) and poor response (progressive disease or those who died before response assessment) groups. Survival outcomes were compared between the two groups, and factors associated with chemotherapy responses were investigated. Results A total of 189 patients were evaluated. Ninety-four and 95 patients were identified as good and poor response group respectively, during the study period of 2008 to 2021. The poor response group showed significantly worse progression-free survival (median, 2.1 months vs. 9.7 months; p < 0.001) and overall survival (median, 5.0 months vs. 22.9 months; p < 0.001) compared with the good response group. In multivariate analysis adjusting for clinicopathologic factors, short treatment-free interval (TFI) (hazard ratio [HR], 5.557; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.403 to 12.850), platinum-resistant EOC (HR, 2.367; 95% CI, 1.017 to 5.510), and non-serous/endometrioid histologic type (HR, 5.045; 95% CI, 1.152 to 22.088) were identified as independent risk factors for poor response. There was no difference in serious adverse events between good and poor response groups (p=0.167). Conclusion Third and subsequent lines of chemotherapy could be carefully considered for palliative purposes in recurrent EOC patients with serous or endometrioid histology, initial platinum sensitivity, and long TFIs from the previous chemotherapy regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aeran Seol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea
| | - Ga Won Yim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea
| | - Joo Yeon Chung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea
| | - Se Ik Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Maria Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Seung Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Hoon Chung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Weon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Noh Hyun Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Sang Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Moncho MEI, Palomar-Abril V, Soria-Comes T. Palliative Care Unit at Home: Impact on Quality of Life in Cancer Patients at the End of Life in a Rural Environment. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2021; 39:523-529. [PMID: 34427124 DOI: 10.1177/10499091211038303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advanced cancer is accompanied by a substantial burden of symptoms, and palliative care (PC) plays an essential role, especially at the end of life (EOL). In fact, a comprehensive PC through Home Palliative Care Units (HPCU) has been associated with reducing potentially aggressive care at the EOL. We aim to study the impact of HPCU on the quality of assistance of cancer patients at Alcoy Health Department. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted including patients diagnosed with terminal cancer at the Medical Department of Hospital Virgen de los Lirios who died between January 2017 and December 2018. The Multivariate Cox regression model was used to assess the impact of HPCU assistance on the quality of life indicators. RESULTS 388 patients were included. The median age was 71 years; 65% patients were male, and 68% presented with a 0-2 score on the ECOG scale. On the multivariate analysis, a lack of assistance by HPCU was associated with a higher risk of consulting in the emergency department (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.02-1.67), of hospital admissions (OR = 4.72, 95% CI: 2.45-9.09), a higher probability of continuing active treatment (OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.44-4.67), and a greater probability of dying in hospital (OR = 6.52, 95% CI: 3.78-11.27). CONCLUSIONS Patients receiving HPCU assistance have a lower number of emergency room visits and hospital admissions, and are more likely to die at home. Taken together, these results support the relevance of HPCU providing a high quality attention of cancer patients.
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25
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Caponero R. Palliative Care in Colorectal Cancer. COLORECTAL CANCER 2021. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.93513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 25% of patients present with liver metastases at the time of the first diagnosis and up to 50% will further develop recurrence in the liver during their disease course. Traditionally approached surgically, by resection of the primitive tumor or stoma, the management to incurable stage IV colorectal cancer patients has significantly changed over the last three decades and is nowadays multidisciplinary, with a pivotal role played by chemotherapy. Most patients with stage IV colorectal cancer have a poor prognosis, but numerous palliative modalities are available today. When a cure is no longer possible, treatment is directed toward providing symptomatic relief. Good symptom management in oncology is associated with improved patient and family quality of life, greater treatment compliance, and may even offer survival advantages.
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Evidence on the economic value of end-of-life and palliative care interventions: a narrative review of reviews. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:89. [PMID: 34162377 PMCID: PMC8223342 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-021-00782-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the demand for palliative care increases, more information is needed on how efficient different types of palliative care models are for providing care to dying patients and their caregivers. Evidence on the economic value of treatments and interventions is key to informing resource allocation and ultimately improving the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery. We assessed the available evidence on the economic value of palliative and end-of-life care interventions across various settings. METHODS Reviews published between 2000 and 2019 were included. We included reviews that focused on cost-effectiveness, intervention costs and/or healthcare resource use. Two reviewers extracted data independently and in duplicate from the included studies. Data on the key characteristics of the studies were extracted, including the aim of the study, design, population, type of intervention and comparator, (cost-) effectiveness resource use, main findings and conclusions. RESULTS A total of 43 reviews were included in the analysis. Overall, most evidence on cost-effectiveness relates to home-based interventions and suggests that they offer substantial savings to the health system, including a decrease in total healthcare costs, resource use and improvement in patient and caregivers' outcomes. The evidence of interventions delivered across other settings was generally inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS Some palliative care models may contribute to dual improvement in quality of care via lower rates of aggressive medicalization in the last phase of life accompanied by a reduction in costs. Hospital-based palliative care interventions may improve patient outcomes, healthcare utilization and costs. There is a need for greater consistency in reporting outcome measures, the informal costs of caring, and costs associated with hospice.
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Abstract
Snails can provide a considerable variety of bioactive compounds for cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, useful for the development of new formulations with less toxicity and post effects compared to regular compounds used for the purpose. Compounds from crude extract, mucus, slime consist of glycans, polypeptides, proteins, etc., and can be used for curing diseases like viral lesions, warts, and different dermal problems. Some particular uses of snails involve treating post-traumatic stress. Micro RNA of Lymnaea stagnalis, was known to be responsible for the development of long-term memory and treatment of Alzheimer's and Dementia like diseases. This review explores the application of various bioactive compounds from snails with its potential as new translational medicinal and cosmetic applications. Snail bioactive compounds like ω-MVIIA, μ-SIIIA, μO-MrVIB, Xen2174, δ-EVIA, α-Vc1.1, σ-GVIIA, Conantokin-G, and Contulakin-G, conopeptides can be used for the development of anti-cancer drugs. These compounds target the innate immunity and improve the defense system of humans and provide protection against these life-threatening health concerns.AbbreviationsFDA: Food and Drug Administration; UTI: urinal tract infection; nAChRs: nicotinic acetylcholine receptors; NMDA: N-methyl-D-aspartate; CNS: central nervous system; CAR T: chimeric antigen receptors therapy; Micro RNA: micro ribonucleic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Dhiman
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, DharamshalaDharamshala, India
| | - Deepak Pant
- School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Haryana, Mahendragarh, Haryana, India
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28
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Mangin MA, Boespflug A, Maucort Boulch D, Vacheron CH, Carpentier I, Thomas L, Dalle S. Decreased survival in patients treated by chemotherapy after targeted therapy compared to immunotherapy in metastatic melanoma. Cancer Med 2021; 10:3155-3164. [PMID: 33932099 PMCID: PMC8124115 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cytotoxic chemotherapy (CC) is currently used in metastatic melanoma after patients have developed resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and/or Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinase inhibitors (MAPKi). We sought to evaluate if a previous treatment by ICI or MAPKi influences clinical outcomes in patients treated by CC in metastatic melanoma. Methods Eighty‐eight patients with a metastatic melanoma, treated by CC after a previous treatment by ICI or MAPKi between January 2009 and October 2019, were retrospectively analyzed. Progression‐Free‐Survival (PFS), Overall Survival (OS), Overall Response Rate (ORR), and Disease Control Rate (DCR) were evaluated in patients treated by CC according to their prior treatment by ICI or MAPKi. Results Patients treated by CC after ICI tended to have a better median PFS (2.81 months (2.39–5.30) versus 2.40 months (0.91–2.75), p = 0.023), median OS (6.03 months (3.54–11.54) versus 4.44 months (1.54–8.59), p = 0.27), DCR (26.0% vs. 10.5%, p = 0.121) and ORR (22.0% vs. 7.9% p = 0.134) than those previously treated by MAPKi. Conclusions A prior treatment by an MAPKi may be associated with a worse response to CC than ICI, and further investigations should be performed to confirm if there is a clinical benefit to propose CC in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Alix Mangin
- Dermatology Unit, Lyon Sud University Hospital, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Amélie Boespflug
- Dermatology Unit, Lyon Sud University Hospital, Pierre Bénite, France.,Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon-1 University, INSERM1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Leon Berard, Lyon, France
| | - Delphine Maucort Boulch
- Biostatistics-Bioinformatics Department, Public Health Pole, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Evolutive biology and biometry laboratory, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5558, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Charles-Hervé Vacheron
- Biostatistics-Bioinformatics Department, Public Health Pole, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Evolutive biology and biometry laboratory, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5558, Villeurbanne, France.,Department of Anesthesia and Resuscitation, Lyon Sud University Hospital, Pierre Bénite, France
| | | | - Luc Thomas
- Dermatology Unit, Lyon Sud University Hospital, Pierre Bénite, France.,Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon-1 University, INSERM1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Leon Berard, Lyon, France
| | - Stéphane Dalle
- Dermatology Unit, Lyon Sud University Hospital, Pierre Bénite, France.,Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon-1 University, INSERM1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Leon Berard, Lyon, France
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Stormoen DR, Baeksted C, Taarnhøj GA, Johansen C, Pappot H. Patient reported outcomes interfering with daily activities in prostate cancer patients receiving antineoplastic treatment. Acta Oncol 2021; 60:419-425. [PMID: 33641578 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2021.1881818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient-reported outcome (PRO) can give information to caregivers and doctors about adverse effects and give real-world data on symptom burden for patients during treatment. We here report PROs from patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) receiving oncological treatment. Our findings are compared with adverse events from published findings in relevant registration studies and we discuss possible applications by looking at the level of interference with usual or daily activities. MATERIAL AND METHODS An electronic PRO-Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (ePRO-CTCAE) questionnaire, with 41 items corresponding to 22 symptoms/adverse events associated with the treatment regimens commonly used for mCRPC, were collected from 54 patients with mCRPC receiving medical oncological treatment. Eleven symptoms attributing interference with usual or daily living were selected and stratified by antineoplastic treatment administered. The responses were pooled and compared with data from relevant registration studies for docetaxel, cabazitaxel, radium-223 and abiraterone. RESULTS 168 questionnaires were completed, and among responses from patients receiving docetaxel, 89% of responses shows that fatigue interfered with their usual or daily activities to some degree and 22% to a high or very high degree. In the registration study for docetaxel fatigue is reported with 53% for all grades and 5% for grade 3 or above. For cabazitaxel, radium-223 and abiraterone the percentage of responses with interference of daily activities from fatigue range from 58% to 82%. Between four and six of the eleven chosen PRO-CTCAE symptoms are not reported in the registration studies as common side effects. CONCLUSION PRO may help inform caregivers about symptoms not previously reported, interfering with usual or daily activities but also point to the use of this information to inform new patients. This may help clinicians and patients decide a treatment plan with an acceptable benefit-to-harm ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dag Rune Stormoen
- Department of Oncology, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Gry Assam Taarnhøj
- Department of Oncology, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christoffer Johansen
- Department of Oncology, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Helle Pappot
- Department of Oncology, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
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30
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Rashid F, Saeed A, Iqbal J. In Vitro Anticancer Effects of Stilbene Derivatives: Mechanistic Studies on HeLa and MCF-7 Cells. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 21:793-802. [PMID: 32781966 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200811123230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The growing prevalence of cancer and the resulting chemoresistance exert a huge burden on healthcare systems and impose a great challenge to public health around the world. In efforts to develop new chemotherapeutic agents for cancer treatment, a class of heterocyclic compounds i.e. triazine-based molecules were investigated as anticancer agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS New triazine hybrids of stilbene were synthesized and evaluated as anticancer agents for cervical (HeLa) and breast (MCF-7) carcinoma cells. The compound (7e), sodium (E)-6,6'-(ethene-1,2- diyl)bis(3-((4-chloro-6-((3-luorophenyl)amino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)benzenesulfonate) was found to be most potent among synthesized derivatives and was explored further for detailed mechanistic studies. RESULTS In a set comprised of twelve derivatives, compound 7e, sodium (E)-6,6'-(ethene-1,2-diyl)bis(3-((4- chloro-6-((3-luorophenyl)amino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)benzenesulfonate) was found most potent inhibitor for HeLa and MCF-7 cells. DISCUSSION The present study has revealed that compound 7e may activate mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis in HeLa and MCF-7 cells which was assessed by DNA binding studies, estimation of the release of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), fluorescence imaging, production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in cancer cells, analysis of cell cycle by flow cytometry, change in Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (MMP) and activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. CONCLUSION Compound 7e may serve as a lead in designing new anticancer compounds based on stilbene scaffold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Rashid
- Centre for Advanced Drug Research, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad-22060, Pakistan
| | - Aamer Saeed
- Department of Chemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Jamshed Iqbal
- Centre for Advanced Drug Research, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad-22060, Pakistan
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Kamal NAMA, Abdulmalek E, Fakurazi S, Cordova KE, Abdul Rahman MB. Surface peptide functionalization of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 for autonomous homing and enhanced delivery of chemotherapeutic agent to lung tumor cells. Dalton Trans 2021; 50:2375-2386. [PMID: 33555001 DOI: 10.1039/d1dt00116g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic agents used in treating certain cancer types operate in a non-selective manner tending to accumulate in normal, healthy tissue when high doses are used. To mitigate the toxicity effect resulting from this, there is an urgent need to develop active nano delivery systems capable of regulating optimal doses specifically to cancer cells without harming adjacent normal cells. Herein, we report a versatile nanoparticle - zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (nZIF-8) - that is loaded with a chemotherapeutic agent (gemcitabine; GEM) and surface-functionalized with an autonomous homing system (Arg-Gly-Asp peptide ligand; RGD) via a straightforward, one-pot solvothermal reaction. Successful functionalization of the surface of nZIF-8 loaded GEM (GEM⊂nZIF-8) with RGD was proven by spectroscopic and electron microscopy techniques. This surface-functionalized nanoparticle (GEM⊂RGD@nZIF-8) exhibited enhanced uptake in human lung cancer cells (A549), compared with non-functionalized GEM⊂nZIF-8. The GEM⊂RGD@nZIF-8, experienced not only efficient uptake within A549, but also induced obvious cytotoxicity (75% at a concentration of 10 μg mL-1) and apoptosis (62%) after 48 h treatment when compared to the nanoparticle absent of the RGD homing system (GEM⊂nZIF-8). Most importantly, this surface-functionalized nanoparticle was more selective towards lung cancer cells (A549) than normal human lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5) with a selectivity index (SI) of 3.98. This work demonstrates a new one-pot strategy for realizing a surface-functionalized zeolitic imidazolate framework that actively targets cancer cells via an autonomous homing peptide system to deliver a chemotherapeutic payload effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Akmarina Mohd Abdul Kamal
- Integrated Chemical BioPhysics Research, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia. and UPM-MAKNA Cancer Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, UPM, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia and Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), Pekan 26600, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Emilia Abdulmalek
- Integrated Chemical BioPhysics Research, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Sharida Fakurazi
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UPM, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kyle E Cordova
- Materials Discovery Research Unit, Advanced Research Centre, Royal Scientific Society, Amman 11941, Jordan.
| | - Mohd Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman
- Integrated Chemical BioPhysics Research, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia. and UPM-MAKNA Cancer Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, UPM, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
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Sridharan K, Paul E, Stirling RG, Li C. Impacts of multidisciplinary meeting case discussion on palliative care referral and end-of-life care in lung cancer: a retrospective observational study. Intern Med J 2021; 51:1450-1456. [PMID: 33463032 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multidisciplinary meeting (MDM) discussion and early palliative care are recommended in lung cancer management. The literature is unclear whether MDM discussion leads to early palliative care and improved end-of-life care. AIMS To evaluate impacts of discussion at an Australian lung MDM on palliative care referral, and MDM and early palliative care on aggressive end-of-life care. METHODS A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted of 352 patients diagnosed with primary lung cancer from 2017 to 2019 at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne. The primary question was whether MDM discussion influenced palliative care referrals. Secondary questions were whether MDM discussion and early palliative care reduced aggressive treatment (chemotherapy, hospitalisation, emergency department visits, intensive care admission and in-hospital death) during the last 30 days of life. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine independent association between MDM discussion and palliative care referral. RESULTS MDM discussion did not independently impact palliative care referral. There was reduced likelihood of MDM presentation in patients with metastatic disease (P < 0.0001) and poorer performance status (P = 0.025), and higher likelihood of palliative care referral in these patients (both P < 0.001). MDM discussion reduced end-of-life intensive care unit (ICU) admission in patients with metastatic disease (P = 0.04). A palliative care referral-to-death interval of ≥30 days was associated with reduced hospitalisation at the end of life (P < 0.0001) and hospital deaths (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Discussion at lung MDM did not increase palliative care referral, but did reduce ICU admission among metastatic patients at the end of life. Longer palliative care referral-to-death interval was associated with reduced aggressive end-of-life care. Further research is needed in these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krita Sridharan
- Department of Palliative Care, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eldho Paul
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robert G Stirling
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chi Li
- Department of Palliative Care, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Finch A, Solomou G, Wykes V, Pohl U, Bardella C, Watts C. Advances in Research of Adult Gliomas. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020924. [PMID: 33477674 PMCID: PMC7831916 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse gliomas are the most frequent brain tumours, representing 75% of all primary malignant brain tumours in adults. Because of their locally aggressive behaviour and the fact that they cannot be cured by current therapies, they represent one of the most devastating cancers. The present review summarises recent advances in our understanding of glioma development and progression by use of various in vitro and in vivo models, as well as more complex techniques including cultures of 3D organoids and organotypic slices. We discuss the progress that has been made in understanding glioma heterogeneity, alteration in gene expression and DNA methylation, as well as advances in various in silico models. Lastly current treatment options and future clinical trials, which aim to improve early diagnosis and disease monitoring, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Finch
- Institute of Cancer Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (A.F.); (G.S.); (V.W.)
| | - Georgios Solomou
- Institute of Cancer Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (A.F.); (G.S.); (V.W.)
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5NL, UK
| | - Victoria Wykes
- Institute of Cancer Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (A.F.); (G.S.); (V.W.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2WB, UK
| | - Ute Pohl
- Department of Cellular Pathology, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2WB, UK;
| | - Chiara Bardella
- Institute of Cancer Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (A.F.); (G.S.); (V.W.)
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (C.W.)
| | - Colin Watts
- Institute of Cancer Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (A.F.); (G.S.); (V.W.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2WB, UK
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (C.W.)
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Merchant SJ, Kong W, Gyawali B, Hanna TP, Chung W, Nanji S, Patel SV, Booth CM. First-Line Palliative Chemotherapy for Esophageal and Gastric Cancer: Practice Patterns and Outcomes in the General Population. JCO Oncol Pract 2021; 17:e1537-e1550. [PMID: 33449833 DOI: 10.1200/op.20.00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Clinical trials have shown that palliative chemotherapy (PC) improves survival in patients with incurable esophageal and gastric cancer; however, outcomes achieved in routine practice are unknown. We describe treatment patterns and outcomes among patients treated in the general population of Ontario, Canada. METHODS The Ontario Cancer Registry was used to identify patients with esophageal or gastric cancer from 2007 to 2016, and data were linked to other health administrative databases. Patients who received curative-intent surgery or radiotherapy were excluded. Factors associated with the receipt of PC were determined using logistic regression. First-line PC regimens were categorized, and trends over time were reported. Survival was determined using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS The cohort included 9,848 patients; 22% (2,207 of 9,848) received PC. Patients receiving PC were younger (mean age, 63 v 74 years; P < .0001) and more likely male (71% v 65%; P < .0001). Thirty-seven percent of non-PC patients saw a medical oncologist in consultation. Over the study period, utilization of PC increased (from 11% in 2007 to 19% in 2016; P < .0001), whereas the proportion of patients receiving triplet regimens decreased (65% in 2007 to 56% in 2016; P = .04). In the PC group, the median overall and cancer-specific survival from treatment initiation was 7.2 months. CONCLUSION One fifth of patients with incurable esophageal and gastric cancer in the general population receive PC. Median survival of patients treated in routine practice is inferior to that in clinical trials. Only one third of patients not treated with PC had consultation with a medical oncologist. Further work is necessary to understand low utilization of PC and medical oncology consultation in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaila J Merchant
- Department of Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Weidong Kong
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bishal Gyawali
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Timothy P Hanna
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wiley Chung
- Department of Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sulaiman Nanji
- Department of Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sunil V Patel
- Department of Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher M Booth
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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The Effects of Curcumin on the Side Effects of Anticancer Drugs in Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1328:255-273. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-73234-9_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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36
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Mehlis K, Bierwirth E, Laryionava K, Mumm F, Heussner P, Winkler EC. Late decisions about treatment limitation in patients with cancer: empirical analysis of end-of-life practices in a haematology and oncology unit at a German university hospital. ESMO Open 2020; 5:e000950. [PMID: 33109628 PMCID: PMC7592262 DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2020-000950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Decisions to limit treatment (DLTs) are important to protect patients from overtreatment but constitute one of the most ethically challenging situations in oncology practice. In the Ethics Policy for Advance Care Planning and Limiting Treatment study (EPAL), we examined how often DLT preceded a patient’s death and how early they were determined before (T1) and after (T2) the implementation of an intrainstitutional ethics policy on DLT. Methods This prospective quantitative study recruited 1.134 patients with haematological/oncological neoplasia in a period of 2×6 months at the University Hospital of Munich, Germany. Information on admissions, discharges, diagnosis, age, DLT, date and place of death, and time span between the initial determination of a DLT and the death of a patient was recorded using a standardised form. Results Overall, for 21% (n=236) of the 1.134 patients, a DLT was made. After implementation of the policy, the proportion decreased (26% T1/16% T2). However, the decisions were more comprehensive, including more often the combination of ‘Do not resuscitate’ and ‘no intense care unit’ (44% T1/64% T2). The median time between the determination of a DLT and the patient’s death was similarly short with 6 days at a regular ward (each T1/T2) and 10.5/9 (T1/T2) days at a palliative care unit. For patients with solid tumours, the DLTs were made earlier at both regular and palliative care units than for the deceased with haematological neoplasia. Conclusion Our results show that an ethics policy on DLT could sensitise for treatment limitations in terms of frequency and extension but had no significant impact on timing of DLT. Since patients with haematological malignancies tend to undergo intensive therapy more often during their last days than patients with solid tumours, special attention needs to be paid to this group. To support timely discussions, we recommend the concept of advance care planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Mehlis
- Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Elena Bierwirth
- Institut für physikalische und rehabilitative Medizin, Klinikum Ingolstadt GmbH, Ingolstadt, Germany
| | - Katsiaryna Laryionava
- Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Friederike Mumm
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Pia Heussner
- Zentrum Innere Medizin, Klinikum Garmisch-Partenkirchen GmbH, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
| | - Eva C Winkler
- Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Hauge AM. One last round of chemo? Insights from conversations between oncologists and lung cancer patients about prognosis and treatment decisions. Soc Sci Med 2020; 266:113413. [PMID: 33096509 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
One more chemo or one too many? The increasing use of expensive cancer treatments close to the patient's death is often explained by oncologists' failure to communicate to patients how close to dying they are, implying that patients are often both ill-prepared and over-treated when they die. This article aims at interrogating the politically charged task of prognosticating. Drawing on an ethnographic study of conversations between oncologists and patients with metastatic lung cancer in a Danish oncology clinic, I show that oncologists utilize, rather than avoid, prognostication in their negotiations with patients about treatment withdrawal. The study informs the emerging sociology of prognosis in three ways: First, prognostication is not only about foreseeing and foretelling, but also about shaping the patient's process of dying. Second, oncologists prognosticate differently depending on the level of certainty about the patient's trajectory. To unfold these differences, the article provides a terminology that distinguishes between four 'modes of prognostication', namely hinting, informing, calibrating and organizing. Third, prognosticating can unfold over time through multiple consultations, emphasizing the relevance of adopting methodologies enabling the study of prognosticating over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalie M Hauge
- VIVE - the Danish Center for Social Science Research, Herluf Trollesgade 11, 1052, København K, Denmark.
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38
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Akhlaghi E, Lehto RH, Torabikhah M, Sharif Nia H, Taheri A, Zaboli E, Yaghoobzadeh A. Chemotherapy use and quality of life in cancer patients at the end of life: an integrative review. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2020; 18:332. [PMID: 33028381 PMCID: PMC7540433 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-020-01580-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background When curative treatments are no longer available for cancer patients, the aim of treatment is palliative. The emphasis of palliative care is on optimizing quality of life and provided support for patients nearing end of life. However, chemotherapy is often offered as a palliative therapy for patients with advanced cancer nearing death. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the state of the science relative to use of palliative chemotherapy and maintenance of quality of life in patients with advanced cancer who were at end of life.
Materials and methods Published research from January 2010 to December 2019 was reviewed using PRISMA guidelines using PubMed, Proquest, ISI web of science, Science Direct, and Scopus databases. MeSH keywords including quality of life, health related quality of life, cancer chemotherapy, drug therapy, end of life care, palliative care, palliative therapy, and palliative treatment.
Findings 13 studies were evaluated based on inclusion criteria. Most of these studies identified that reduced quality of life was associated with receipt of palliative chemotherapy in patients with advanced cancer at the end of life. Conclusion Studies have primarily been conducted in European and American countries. Cultural background of patients may impact quality of life at end of life. More research is needed in developing countries including Mideastern and Asian countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Akhlaghi
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Rebecca H Lehto
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Mohsen Torabikhah
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamid Sharif Nia
- Department of Nursing, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Taheri
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ehsan Zaboli
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, 48166-33131, Sari, Iran
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Nelson A, Longo M, Byrne A, Sivell S, Noble S, Lester J, Radley L, Jones D, Sampson C, Anagnostou D. Chemotherapy decision-making in advanced lung cancer: a prospective qualitative study. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2020:bmjspcare-2020-002395. [PMID: 32826262 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study how treatment decisions are made alongside the lung cancer clinical pathway. METHODS A prospective, multicentre, multimethods, five-stage, qualitative study. Mediated discourse, thematic, framework and narrative analysis were used to analyse the transcripts. RESULTS 51 health professionals, 15 patients with advanced lung cancer, 15 family members and 18 expert stakeholders were recruited from three UK NHS trusts. Multidisciplinary team (MDT) members constructed treatment recommendations around patient performance status, pathology, clinical information and imaging. Information around patients' social context, needs and preferences were limited. The provisional nature of MDTs treatment recommendations was not always linked to future discussions with the patient along the pathway, that is, patients' interpretation of their prognosis, treatment discussions occurring prior to seeing the oncologist. This together with the rapid disease trajectory placed additional stress on the oncologist, who had to introduce a different treatment option from that recommended by the MDT or patient's expectations. Palliative treatment was not referred to explicitly as such, due to its potential for confusion. Patients were unaware of the purpose of each consultation and did not fully understand the non-curative intent of treatment pathways. Patients' priorities were framed around social and family needs, such as being able to attend a family event. CONCLUSION Missed opportunities for information giving, affect both clinicians and patients; the pathway for patients with non-small cell lung cancer focuses on clinical management at the expense of patient-centred care. Treatment decisions are a complex process and patients draw conclusions from healthcare interactions prior to the oncology clinic, which prioritises aggressive treatment and influences decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annmarie Nelson
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Centre, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, UK
| | - Mirella Longo
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Centre, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, UK
| | - Anthony Byrne
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Centre, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, UK
| | - Stephanie Sivell
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Centre, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, UK
| | - Simon Noble
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Centre, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, UK
| | | | | | - David Jones
- Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, UK
| | - Catherine Sampson
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Centre, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, UK
| | - Despina Anagnostou
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Centre, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, UK
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Jonnalagadda B, Arockiasamy S, Krishnamoorthy S. Cellular growth factors as prospective therapeutic targets for combination therapy in androgen independent prostate cancer (AIPC). Life Sci 2020; 259:118208. [PMID: 32763294 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with prostate cancer, the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among men. Prostate cancer develops in the peripheral zone of the prostate gland, and the initial progression largely depends on androgens, the male reproductive hormone that regulates the growth and development of the prostate gland and testis. The currently available treatments for androgen dependent prostate cancer are, however, effective for a limited period, where the patients show disease relapse, and develop androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC). Studies have shown various intricate cellular processes such as, deregulation in multiple biochemical and signaling pathways, intra-tumoral androgen synthesis; AR over-expression and mutations and AR activation via alternative growth pathways are involved in progression of AIPC. The currently approved treatment strategies target a single cellular protein or pathway, where the cells slowly develop resistance and adapt to proliferate via other cellular pathways over a period of time. Therefore, an increased research aims to understand the efficacy of combination therapy, which targets multiple interlinked pathways responsible for acquisition of resistance and survival. The combination therapy is also shown to enhance efficacy as well as reduce toxicity of the drugs. Thus, the present review focuses on the signaling pathways involved in the progression of AIPC, comprising a heterogeneous population of cells and the advantages of combination therapy. Several clinical and pre-clinical studies on a variety of combination treatments have shown beneficial outcomes, yet further research is needed to understand the potential of combination therapy and its diverse strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavana Jonnalagadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Sumathy Arockiasamy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India.
| | - Sriram Krishnamoorthy
- Department of Urology, Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
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How adverse events and permanent medication stoppages affect changes in patients' beliefs about oral antineoplastic agents. Support Care Cancer 2020; 28:2589-2596. [PMID: 31529159 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-019-05073-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with advanced cancer often experience adverse events related to oral antineoplastic agents (OAAs) and permanent OAA medication stoppages, yet it is unknown how these factors impact medication beliefs. Such beliefs about OAA therapy may lend insight into decisions about continued cancer treatment near the end of life. PURPOSE To explore relationships that adverse events and permanent OAA stoppages have on medication beliefs during the first 12 weeks following new OAA initiation. DESIGN A secondary data analysis from a National Cancer Institute-funded randomized controlled trial testing an intervention to promote symptom management and OAA adherence. SETTING/SUBJECTS Patients ≥ 21 years of age initiating a new course of OAA medication were recruited from six United States Comprehensive Cancer Centers. This analysis was based on a subset of patients with advanced disease (N = 60). MEASUREMENTS Beliefs about Medicine Questionnaire, Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, and medical records of permanent OAA stoppages. RESULTS Significant decline in beliefs regarding the necessity of OAA medications existed between patients experiencing three or more adverse events and those experiencing a permanent OAA stoppage. CONCLUSIONS Beliefs about the necessity of OAA medication change when physicians stop OAA medication or the patient experiences three or more adverse events. Concern regarding OAA medication did not change in response to medication stoppage or adverse events for this sample. Perhaps, patients with advanced cancers may be more accepting of adverse events that occur along the treatment trajectory and are not concerned about OAA medication once it is stopped. Findings suggest the importance of physicians' discussions of adverse events and decisions to permanently stop OAA medication as a means of transitioning to a new phase of cancer care that may include palliative or hospice considerations, given that beliefs about medication necessity are changing during these threats to cancer treatment.
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de Man Y, Groenewoud S, Oosterveld-Vlug MG, Brom L, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD, Westert GP, Atsma F. Regional variation in hospital care at the end-of-life of Dutch patients with lung cancer exists and is not correlated with primary and long-term care. Int J Qual Health Care 2020; 32:190-195. [PMID: 32186705 PMCID: PMC7238674 DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzaa004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the regional variation in hospital care utilization in the last 6 months of life of Dutch patients with lung cancer and to test whether higher degrees of hospital utilization coincide with less general practitioner (GP) and long-term care use. DESIGN Cross-sectional claims data study. SETTING The Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS Patients deceased in 2013-2015 with lung cancer (N = 25 553). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We calculated regional medical practice variation scores, adjusted for age, gender and socioeconomic status, for radiotherapy, chemotherapy, CT-scans, emergency room contacts and hospital admission days during the last 6 months of life; Spearman Rank correlation coefficients measured the association between the adjusted regional medical practice variation scores for hospital admissions and ER contacts and GP and long-term care utilization. RESULTS The utilization of hospital services in high-using regions is 2.3-3.6 times higher than in low-using regions. The variation was highest in 2015 and lowest in 2013. For all 3 years, hospital care was not significantly correlated with out-of-hospital care at a regional level. CONCLUSIONS Hospital care utilization during the last 6 months of life of patients with lung cancer shows regional medical practice variation over the course of multiple years and seems to increase. Higher healthcare utilization in hospitals does not seem to be associated with less intensive GP and long-term care. In-depth research is needed to explore the causes of the variation and its relation to quality of care provided at the level of daily practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne de Man
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ Healthcare, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Stef Groenewoud
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ Healthcare, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mariska G Oosterveld-Vlug
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Expertise Center for Palliative Care, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and
| | - Linda Brom
- IKNL, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization, Godebaldkwartier 419, 3511 DT Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Bregje D Onwuteaka-Philipsen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Expertise Center for Palliative Care, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and
| | - Gert P Westert
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ Healthcare, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Femke Atsma
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ Healthcare, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Sánchez-Cuervo M, García-Basas L, Gómez de Salazar-López de Silanes E, Pueyo-López C, Bermejo-Vicedo T. Chemotherapy Near the End of Life in Onco-Hematological Adult Patients. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2020; 37:641-647. [PMID: 31968989 DOI: 10.1177/1049909119901133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The use of chemotherapy near the end of life is not advisable. There are scarce data in Europe but shows signs of aggressiveness. We designed this study to analyze the proportion of onco-hematological patients receiving chemotherapy within their last 2 weeks of life as well as starting a new chemotherapy regimen in the 30 days prior to death. METHODS A retrospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary hospital. Adults who died of an onco-hematological neoplasia while hospitalized between April 2017 and March 2018 were included. We assessed the use of chemotherapy over the course of the last 14 days of life, defined as the administration of at least one dose of chemotherapy. We also examined the proportion of patients starting a new chemotherapy regimen in the last 30 days of life. RESULTS A total of 298 inpatients died in the Hematology and Oncology units. During the last 14 days, 28.2% (n = 11) of hematological and 26.3% (n = 68) of oncological patients received chemotherapy; the overall rate was 26.5% (n = 79). Furthermore, the proportion of patients starting a new chemotherapy regimen in the last 30 days of life was high (20.5% and 20.8%, respectively). Female gender (odds ratio [OR] = 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18-3.35) and age <45 (OR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.05-6.88) were associated with higher rates of chemotherapy. CONCLUSION The proportion of patients receiving chemotherapy in the last 14 days of life was high, as well as the proportion of patients starting a new regimen in their last 30 days. This was indicative of excessive aggressiveness at the end-of-life care.
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Feng C, Wu J, Li J, Deng HY, Liu J, Zhao S. Advance directives of lung cancer patients and caregivers in China: A cross sectional survey. Thorac Cancer 2019; 11:253-263. [PMID: 31851775 PMCID: PMC6996976 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.13237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to investigate lung cancer patients and attitudes of their caregivers toward advance directives (ADs) in China. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Oncology outpatient clinic in West China Hospital, Sichuan University. A questionnaire was used to survey the attitudes of lung cancer patients and caregivers toward ADs. Results A total of 148 lung cancer patients and 149 caregivers were enrolled into the study. Of these, 94.6% and 89.9% of patients and caregivers had not heard of AD and none of those in the study had ever signed an AD. A total of 79.7% patients and 75.2% caregivers were willing to sign ADs after they were provided with information. Patients who preferred the end of life period to sign ADs were 5.4 times more likely to have ADs than patients who chose to sign ADs when their disease was diagnosed (P < 0.05, 95%CI [1.27–22.93]). Caregivers who were reluctant to undergo chemotherapy when diagnosed with cancer were 2.16 times more likely to sign ADs than those willing to receive chemotherapy (P < 0.05, 95%CI [1.20–3.90]). Conclusions In China, lung cancer patients and their caregivers showed lack of knowledge about ADs, and the completion rate of ADs was extremely low. However, participants were positive about ADs and public education on ADs may help to increase the completion rate of ADs in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Feng
- Department of Outpatient, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Wu
- Department of Outpatient, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junying Li
- Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Han Yu Deng
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiewei Liu
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuzhen Zhao
- Department of Outpatient, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Baumstarck K, Boyer L, Pauly V, Orleans V, Marin A, Fond G, Morin L, Auquier P, Salas S. Use of artificial nutrition near the end of life: Results from a French national population-based study of hospitalized cancer patients. Cancer Med 2019; 9:530-540. [PMID: 31773922 PMCID: PMC6970047 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The use of artificial nutrition, defined as a medical treatment that allows a non‐oral mechanical feeding, for cancer patients with limited life expectancy is deemed nonbeneficial. High‐quality evidence about the use of artificial nutrition near the end of life is lacking. This study aimed (a) to quantify the use of artificial nutrition near the end‐of‐life, and (b) to identify the factors associated with the use of artificial nutrition. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of decedents based on data from the French national hospital database. The study population included adult cancer patients who died in hospitals in France between 2013 and 2016 and defined to be in a palliative condition. Use of artificial nutrition during the last 7 days before death was the primary endpoint. Results A total of 398 822 patients were included. The median duration of the last hospital stay was 10 (interquartile range, 4‐21) days. The artificial nutrition was used for 11 723 (2.9%) during the last 7 days before death. Being a man, younger, having digestive cancers, metastasis, comorbidities, malnutrition, absence of dementia, and palliative care use were the main factors associated to the use of artificial nutrition. Conclusion This study indicates that the use of artificial nutrition near the end of life is in keeping with current clinical guidelines. The identification of factors associated with the use of artificial nutrition, such as cancer localization, presence of comorbidities or specific symptoms, may help to better manage its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Baumstarck
- CEReSS-Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Aix-Marseille Univ., Marseille, France.,Department of Epidemiology and Health Economics, APHM, Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Boyer
- CEReSS-Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Aix-Marseille Univ., Marseille, France.,Department of Medical Information, APHM, Marseille, France
| | - Vanessa Pauly
- CEReSS-Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Aix-Marseille Univ., Marseille, France.,Department of Medical Information, APHM, Marseille, France
| | | | - Anthony Marin
- Department of Adult Oncology, APHM, Marseille, France
| | - Guillaume Fond
- CEReSS-Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Aix-Marseille Univ., Marseille, France.,Department of Medical Information, APHM, Marseille, France
| | - Lucas Morin
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Inserm CIC 1431, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Pascal Auquier
- CEReSS-Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Aix-Marseille Univ., Marseille, France.,Department of Epidemiology and Health Economics, APHM, Marseille, France
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Lee MS, 'Azmiyaty Amar Ma' Ruf C, Nadhirah Izhar DP, Nafisah Ishak S, Wan Jamaluddin WS, Ya'acob SNM, Kamaluddin MN. Awareness on breast cancer screening in Malaysia: a cross sectional study. Biomedicine (Taipei) 2019; 9:18. [PMID: 31453799 PMCID: PMC6711317 DOI: 10.1051/bmdcn/2019090318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The increasing rate of breast cancer (BC) incidence in Malaysia hints a lack of awareness among Malaysians. One (1) woman out of nineteen (19) is at risk with BC and almost up to fifty percent (50%) of women diagnosed with BC were reported to be under the age of fifty (50). Our main concern is to study the level of awareness among the women on risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, preventions and treatments. METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted exclusively among women in the public with total sample of three hundred and forty six (346), questionnaires were distributed using a simple random technique. Data was collected and analyzed by student T test in SPPS version 20. RESULTS Our study reveals insufficient awareness on BC. Overall, awareness on risk factors is inadequate, but good knowledge on the importance of family history and diet as risk factors are discovered. Awareness on the cause and clinical manifestations of BC is required for improvement. As for treatment, alternatives especially surgery and chemotherapy are unclear to public, public is remotely unwitting on cessation of smoking to prevent BC at the early stage. CONCLUSION Malaysian has spaces for improvement on awareness of BC in terms of risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Early detection can be achieved with good awareness because it leads to better prognosis and lower mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mun-Seng Lee
- Quest International University Perak Ipoh, Perak Malaysia
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Beh CY, Rasedee A, Selvarajah GT, Yazan LS, Omar AR, Foong JN, How CW, Foo JB. Enhanced anti-mammary gland cancer activities of tamoxifen-loaded erythropoietin-coated drug delivery system. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219285. [PMID: 31291309 PMCID: PMC6619690 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanomedicine is an emerging area in the medical field, particularly in the treatment of cancers. Nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) was shown to be a good nanoparticulated carrier for the delivery of tamoxifen (TAM). In this study, the tamoxifen-loaded erythropoietin-coated nanostructured lipid carriers (EPO-TAMNLC) were developed to enhance the anti-cancer properties and targetability of TAM, using EPO as the homing ligand for EPO receptors (EpoRs) on breast cancer tissue cells. Tamoxifen-loaded NLC (TAMNLC) was used for comparison. The LA7 cells and LA7 cell-induced rat mammary gland tumor were used as models in the study. Immunocytochemistry staining showed that LA7 cells express estrogen receptors (ERs) and EpoRs. EPO-TAMNLC and TAMNLC significantly (p<0.05) inhibited proliferation of LA7 in dose- and time-dependent manner. EPO-TAMNLC induced apoptosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest of LA7 cells. Both drug delivery systems showed anti-mammary gland tumor properties. At an intravenous dose of 5 mg kg-1 body weight, EPO-TAMNLC and TAMNLC were not toxic to rats, suggesting that both are safe therapeutic compounds. In conclusion, EPO-TAMNLC is not only a unique drug delivery system because of the dual drug-loading feature, but also potentially highly specific in the targeting of breast cancer tissues positive for ERs and EpoRs. The incorporation of TAM into NLC with and without EPO coat had significantly (p<0.05) improved specificity and safety of the drug carriers in the treatment of mammary gland tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaw Yee Beh
- Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- * E-mail: , (AR); (CYB)
| | - Abdullah Rasedee
- Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- * E-mail: , (AR); (CYB)
| | | | | | - Abdul Rahman Omar
- Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Jia Ning Foong
- Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee Wun How
- Centre for Pre-University Studies, Faculty of Pharmacy, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Kuala Langat, Selangor, Malaysia
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Jhi Biau Foo
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
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Neck of femur fracture: Previous history of malignancy is not an indication to send femoral head for routine histology. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AND TRAUMATOLOGY 2019; 29:1231-1234. [PMID: 31041542 DOI: 10.1007/s00590-019-02440-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neck of femur fractures is the most common fractures associated with low-velocity injury in the elderly. Some patients may require further histological examination of the femoral head due clinical suspicion of malignance as a cause of fracture. OBJECTIVES To review whether standard screening question(s) could be used to identify patients that require histological examinations following neck of femur fracture. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Femoral heads sent for histological examination over a period of 5 years were identified from hospital database. All patients presenting acutely with neck of femur fracture above the age of 70 were included, and their case notes were retrospectively reviewed. Reason for histopathological examination were categorised into three screening questions: (Q1) clinical suspicion based on history alone, i.e. neck of femur fracture with no clear history of fall or trauma or preceding hip pain, (Q2) radiological evidence of suspicious abnormality on admission radiographs, (Q3) previous history of malignancy or concurrent malignancy or (Q4) combination of above. RESULTS In total, 119 samples of femoral head were sent and 18 patients had a positive histology. The sensitivity and specificity of these questions individually showed very poor correlation to positive histology with lowest for (Q3) previous history of malignancy (0.39 and 0.51, respectively). However, combining Q1 and Q2 the sensitivity is improved to 1.0 (95% CI 1.0-1.0) and specificity to 0.35 (95% CI 0.25-0.44) with a positive predictive value of 0.21 (95% CI 0.13-0.30) and negative predictive value of 1.00 (95% CI 1.00-1.00). CONCLUSION History of previous malignancy poorly correlates with positive histology. Routine request based on these screening criteria is not cost-effective in patient management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic level III.
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AlFayyad IN, Al-Tannir MA, AlEssa WA, Heena HM, Abu-Shaheen AK. Physicians and nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards advance directives for cancer patients in Saudi Arabia. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213938. [PMID: 30978182 PMCID: PMC6461283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate physicians' and nurses' knowledge and attitudes toward advance directives (ADs) for cancer patients, which empower patients to take decisions on end-of-life needs if they lose their capacity to make medical decisions. A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling. The outcomes were responses to the knowledge and attitude questions, and the main outcome variables were the total scores for knowledge and attitudes toward ADs. This study included 281 physicians and nurses (60.5%). Most physicians were men (95, 80.5%), whereas most nurses were women (147, 86.5%). The mean (standard deviation; SD) total knowledge score was 6.8 (4.0) for physicians and 9.1 (3.0) for nurses (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the total knowledge score between nurses and physicians, with an adjusted mean difference of 1.54 (95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.08-2.97). Other significant independent predictors of knowledge of ADs were female sex (1.60, 95% CI; 0.27-3.13) and education level (master's versus bachelor's: 1.26, 95% CI; 0.30-2.33 and Ph.D. versus bachelor's: 2.22, 95% CI; 0.16-4.52). Nurses' attitudes appeared to be significantly more positive than those of physicians, and the mean total attitude score (SD) was 19.5 for nurses (6.2) and 15.1 (8.1) for physicians (p < 0.001). The adjusted mean difference (95% CI) for nurses versus physicians was 3.71 (0.57-6.98). All participants showed a high level of knowledge of ADs; however, nurses showed considerably more positive attitudes than physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Waleed A. AlEssa
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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ParK EJ, Lim YJ, Kim JJ, Oh SB, Oh SY, Park K. Feasibility of Early Application of an Advance Directive at the Time of First-Line Palliative Chemotherapy in Patients With Incurable Cancer: A Prospective Study. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2019; 36:893-899. [PMID: 30913904 DOI: 10.1177/1049909119839355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an advance directive (AD) at the time of starting first-line palliative chemotherapy. We investigated changes in emotional distress, quality of life (QoL), and attitudes toward anticancer treatments between before and after AD. METHODS Patients with advanced cancer who had just started palliative chemotherapy were prospectively enrolled. We assessed attitudes toward chemotherapy, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ) before conducting the AD and subsequently performed the AD after the first cycle of chemotherapy. Follow-up evaluations using same parameters were performed in the next cycle visit. RESULTS During the study period, 104 patients started palliative chemotherapy. Among them, 41 patients (11 with cognitive impairment at baseline, 14 with clinical deteriorations after the first cycle of chemotherapy, 6 with follow-up loss, 7 without proxy, 3 with protocol violations) were excluded, and the AD were recommended in the remaining 64 patients (proportion of AD recommendation: 62%). Among the 64 patients, 44 agreed to conduct the AD (proportion of AD consent: 69%). There were no significant changes before and after AD in terms of HADS and EORTC-QLQ. Attitudes regarding chemotherapy were also unchanged (P = .773). A total of 36 (82%) patients followed physician's recommendations, with the exception of 8 patients who terminated chemotherapy due to refusal or loss to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Considering our results showing no significant changes in depression and anxiety scores, QoL, and attitudes toward anticancer treatments after the AD, early integration of the AD at initiation of first-line palliative chemotherapy might be feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ju ParK
- 1 Department of Family Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Yeon Jae Lim
- 2 Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Hanil General Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Joon Kim
- 3 Department of Internal medicine, Medical Oncology and Hematology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Sang-Bo Oh
- 3 Department of Internal medicine, Medical Oncology and Hematology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - So Yeon Oh
- 3 Department of Internal medicine, Medical Oncology and Hematology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Kwonoh Park
- 2 Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Hanil General Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,3 Department of Internal medicine, Medical Oncology and Hematology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
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