Sleep quality and its association with fatigue, symptom burden, and mood in patients with advanced cancer in a clinic for early-phase oncology clinical trials

Palliative Care for Patients With Cancer: ASCO Guideline Update

PURPOSE

To provide evidence-based guidance to oncology clinicians, patients, nonprofessional caregivers, and palliative care clinicians to update the 2016 ASCO guideline on the integration of palliative care into standard oncology for all patients diagnosed with cancer.

METHODS

ASCO convened an Expert Panel of medical, radiation, hematology-oncology, oncology nursing, palliative care, social work, ethics, advocacy, and psycho-oncology experts. The Panel conducted a literature search, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials published from 2015-2023. Outcomes of interest included quality of life (QOL), patient satisfaction, physical and psychological symptoms, survival, and caregiver burden. Expert Panel members used available evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 52 relevant studies to inform the evidence base for this guideline.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Evidence-based recommendations address the integration of palliative care in oncology. Oncology clinicians should refer patients with advanced solid tumors and hematologic malignancies to specialized interdisciplinary palliative care teams that provide outpatient and inpatient care beginning early in the course of the disease, alongside active treatment of their cancer. For patients with cancer with unaddressed physical, psychosocial, or spiritual distress, cancer care programs should provide dedicated specialist palliative care services complementing existing or emerging supportive care interventions. Oncology clinicians from across the interdisciplinary cancer care team may refer the caregivers (eg, family, chosen family, and friends) of patients with cancer to palliative care teams for additional support. The Expert Panel suggests early palliative care involvement, especially for patients with uncontrolled symptoms and QOL concerns. Clinicians caring for patients with solid tumors on phase I cancer trials may also refer them to specialist palliative care.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/supportive-care-guidelines.

Efficacy of acupuncture treatment for breast cancer-related insomnia: study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial

Background

Insomnia is one of the most common symptoms among breast cancer patients, which can be present throughout all stages of breast cancer. As a non-pharmacological alternative treatment, acupuncture has been suggested to improve sleep situations in patients with cancer suffering from insomnia. However, there is a lack of well-designed, high-quality clinical evidence regarding the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of breast cancer-related insomnia. This study is conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment for breast cancer-related insomnia.

Methods

This study was designed as a multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial. A total of 264 eligible patients with breast cancer-related insomnia will be randomized into an acupuncture group and a sham acupuncture group in a 1:1 ratio. In the trial, patients in the acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups will receive 12 sessions over a consecutive 4-week period. The primary outcome will be the treatment response rate of Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) at week 4; secondary outcomes include treatment remission rate of ISI, Sleep Efficiency (SE) obtained by the use of Sleep diary, treatment response rate of ISI at 8th and 16th weeks of follow-up, the mean changes of ISI, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Quality of Life Questionnaire - Core 30 (QLQ-C30), sleep parameters recorded in Actigraphy and weekly usage of remedial drugs. Adverse events will be recorded throughout the study. All analyses will be based on the ITT principle and performed with SAS 9.4 statistical software.

Discussion

This trial will evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture for breast cancer-related insomnia. If proven effective, acupuncture will provide an effective option for patients with breast cancer-related insomnia, which will play a positive role in helping patients reduce their use of sleeping medications.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05510700.

Poor Sleep Quality and Its Influencing Factors Among Iranian Patients with Esophageal and Gastric Cancer

Background

Sleep quality is a notable factor of well-being. It also may play a role in the development and progression of chronic diseases and cancers. Therefore, this study was performed to investigate poor sleep quality and its influencing factors among Iranian patients with esophageal and gastric cancer.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 312 Iranian adult patients who suffered from esophageal and gastric cancers were employed from a gastrointestinal cancer-based cohort study conducted in a referral hospital in Tehran between 2015 and 2018. Persian version of the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to measure poor sleep quality. Univariate and multiple logistic regression models were applied to determine the related factors to poor sleep quality.

Results

Of the participants, 203 (65.06%) were men, and 75.96% had gastric cancer. The mean age was 63.13±12.10 years. The results demonstrated that more than 62% of the patients had poor sleep quality. 148 (62.44%) patients out of 237 patients with gastric cancer had poor-quality sleep. Also, 46 (64.38%) patients out of 237 patients with esophageal cancer had poor-quality sleep. Based on the results of multiple logistic regression models, marital status has a negative association with poor sleep quality (odds ratio [OR]=0.32, P=0.015). In addition, having chronic disease (OR=2.16; P=0.028) and wealth index (OR=3.11, P=0.013; OR=3.81, P=0.003; OR=3.29, P=0.009; OR=3.85, P=0.003 for rich, moderate, poor, and poorest subgroups, respectively) had a positive association with poor sleep quality.

Conclusion

The findings showed that about two-thirds of the patients studied were poor sleepers. Also, it was observed that marital status, chronic disease, and wealth index were important factors associated with poor sleep quality.

Sleep Quality and Associated Factors Among Adult Cancer Patients on Treatments at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital Oncology Unit, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021

BACKGROUND

Patients with cancer frequently reported sleep problems during their treatments which can affect their sleep quality have an impact on patients' quality of life (QOL).

OBJECTIVE

to assess the prevalence of sleep quality and associated factors in adult cancer patients on treatment in the Oncology unit of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021.

METHODS

institutional-based cross-sectional study design was used and data was collected by using face-to-face structured interview questionnaires from March 1 to April 1, 2021. Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) consisted of 19 items, the social support scale (OSS-3) consisted of 3 items, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) consisted of 14 items were applied. Logistic regression including bivariate and multivariate analysis was done to examine the association between dependent and independent variables, and P< 0.05 was considered the level of significance for associations.

RESULTS

A total of 264 sampled adult cancer patients on treatments were included in this study, with a response rate of 93.61%. About 26.5% of the participants' age distribution was between 40 to 49 years, and 68.6% were female. 59.8% of the study participants were married. Concerning education, about 48.9% of participants attended primary and secondary school and 45% of participants were unemployed. Overall, 53.79% of individuals had poor sleep quality. Low income ((AOR=5.36 CI 95% (2.23, 12.90), fatigue (AOR=2.89 CI 95(1.32, 6.33), pain (AOR 3.82 C I95 % (1.84, 7.93), poor of social support (AOR =3.20 CI 95% (1.43, 6.74), anxiety (AOR=3.48 CI 95% (1.44, 8.38) and depression (AOR 2.87 CI 95 % (1.05-7.391) were all associated with poor sleep quality.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed a high prevalence of poor sleep quality, which was significantly associated with factors like low income, fatigue, pain, poor social support, anxiety, and depression among cancer patients on treatments.

Poor Subjective Sleep Quality Among Patients with Cancer and Comorbid Depression: An Opportunity to Inform Screening and Intervention

OBJECTIVE

Sleep disturbances are under-identified and under-treated in oncology settings, especially for underserved populations and those with psychiatric comorbidities. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of poor subjective sleep quality as well as clinical sleep recommendations among a socioeconomically and ethnically diverse population of patients with cancer referred for depression management.

METHODS

Participants were 140 adults with cancer who screened positive for depression through routine, practice-based assessment with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9 ≥ 8) and were referred to a study of collaborative care for depression. Demographics, clinical characteristics, subjective sleep quality, and sleep recommendations received were self-reported by patients prior to intervention. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), general health status was measured using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global-10, and depressive symptoms were measured using the PHQ-9.

RESULTS

Of 138 patients with complete data, 123 (89.1%) reported poor sleep quality, and 87 (63%) met the threshold for possible insomnia. The strongest correlates of poor subjective sleep were female gender (β = 0.19, p = .02), greater depressive symptom severity (β = 0.28, p = .001), and worse physical health (β = -0.19, p = .04). Of 118 patients reporting problems with sleep since their cancer diagnosis, 95 discussed the issue with a medical provider; medications were recommended most often (37; 38.9%); only 9 (9.5%) received recommendations for cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or other CBT.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with cancer seeking treatment for depression report very high rates of poor subjective sleep quality and insomnia, underscoring the importance of providing and referring to guideline-concordant sleep interventions in oncology supportive care contexts.

Zopiclone versus placebo for short-term treatment of insomnia in patients with advanced cancer-a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled clinical multicenter phase IV trial

PURPOSE

Insomnia is frequent in patients with advanced cancer, and a variety of pharmacological agents is used to treat this condition. Still, few clinical trials have investigated the effectiveness of pharmacological sleep therapies in this patient group. We aimed to study the short-term effectiveness of zopiclone on sleep quality in patients with advanced cancer who report insomnia.

METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter, phase IV clinical trial in adult patients with metastatic malignant disease and insomnia. Patients were treated with zopiclone or placebo for six subsequent nights. Primary end point was patient-reported sleep quality during the final study night (NRS 0-10). Secondary end points were patient-reported sleep onset latency (SOL) and total sleep time (TST).

RESULTS

Forty-one patients were randomized, with 18 being analyzed in the zopiclone group and 21 in the placebo group. Median age was 66, median Karnofsky performance score was 80, and 56% were male. Mean sleep quality at end of study was 2.9 (CI 2.3 to 3.8) in the zopiclone group and 4.5 (CI 3.6 to 5.4) in the placebo group (p = 0.021). At end of study, SOL was significantly different between the treatment groups: zopiclone 29 min (CI 13 to 51) and placebo 62 min (CI 40 to 87) (p = 0.045). TST was not significantly different across groups: zopiclone 449 min (403 to 496) and placebo 411 min (CI 380 to 440) (p = 0.167).

CONCLUSION

Zopiclone improved short-term patient-reported sleep quality in this cohort of patients with advanced cancer.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02807922.

Symptom burden, psychological distress, and symptom management status in hospitalized patients with advanced cancer: a multicenter study in China

BACKGROUND

The management of physical symptoms and psychological distress of cancer patients is an important component of cancer care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the symptom burden, psychological distress, and management status of hospitalized patients with advanced cancer in China and explore the potential influencing factors of undertreatment and non-treatment of symptoms.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 2930 hospitalized patients with advanced cancer (top six types of cancer in China) were recruited from 10 centers all over China. Patient-reported MD Anderson Symptom Inventory, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scales and symptom management-related information were collected and linked with the patient's clinical data. The proportion of patients reporting moderate-to-severe (MS) symptoms and whether they were currently well managed were examined. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to explore the factors correlated to undertreatment and non-treatment of symptoms.

RESULTS

About 27% of patients reported over three MS symptoms, 16% reported over five, and 9% reported over seven. Regarding psychological distress, the prevalence of HADS-anxiety was 29% and that of PHQ-9 depression was 11%. Sixty-one percent of patients have at least one MS symptom without any treatment. Sex [odds ratio (OR) = 2.238, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.502-3.336], Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG; OR = 0.404, 95% CI 0.241-0.676), and whether currently undergoing anticancer treatment (OR = 0.667, 95% CI 0.503-0.886) are the main factors correlated with the undertreatment of symptoms. Age (OR = 1.972, 95% CI 1.263-3.336), sex (OR = 0.626, 95% CI 0.414-0.948), ECOG (OR = 0.266, 95% CI 0.175-0.403), whether currently undergoing anticancer treatment (OR = 0.356, 95% CI 0.249-0.509), and comorbidity (OR = 0.713, 95% CI 0.526-0.966) are the main factors correlated with the non-treatment of symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that hospitalized patients with advanced cancer had a variety of physical and psychological symptoms but lacked adequate management and suggests that a complete symptom screening and management system is needed to deal with this complex problem.

An Update on Prevalence, Assessment, and Risk Factors for Sleep Disturbances in Patients with Advanced Cancer—Implications for Health Care Providers and Clinical Research

Simple Summary

This review focuses on sleep in patients with advanced cancer. Cancer patients experience multiple symptoms and they receive concomitant medications. These are all factors that may affect sleep. In this paper, we present recommendations on sleep assessment in patients with advanced cancer and highlight cancer-related factors that may contribute to insomnia. Sleep is an essential aspect of health-related quality of life; therefore, it is important for health care providers to focus on sleep to improve patient care.

Abstract

Patients with advanced cancer experience multiple symptoms, with fluctuating intensity and severity during the disease. They use several medications, including opioids, which may affect sleep. Sleep disturbance is common in cancer patients, decreases the tolerability of other symptoms, and impairs quality of life. Despite its high prevalence and negative impact, poor sleep quality often remains unrecognized and undertreated. Given that sleep is an essential aspect of health-related quality of life, it is important to extend both the knowledge base and awareness among health care providers in this field to improve patient care. In this narrative review, we provide recommendations on sleep assessment in patients with advanced cancer and highlight cancer-related factors that contribute to insomnia. We also present direct implications for health care providers working in palliative care and for future research.

Nutrition Support & Intervention Preferences of Cancer Survivors

INTRODUCTION

Ascertaining cancer survivors' specific needs and preferences regarding nutrition information delivery is important in developing and designing future health interventions in oncology. This study aimed to explore the nutrition information needs of cancer survivors and their preferences regarding intervention delivery.

METHODS

The present study is a mixed-methods study comprising a cross-sectional survey and focus groups. Participants were eligible for inclusion if they were 18+years, living in Ireland with a cancer diagnosis and had completed treatment at least six months previous. Cancer support centres promoted the online survey on social media. Focus groups were conducted with twenty individuals.

RESULTS

The cohort (n=56) were predominantly female (n=50, 89.3%), breast cancer survivors (n=42, 75%). Seven (12.5%) had received nutrition advice from a dietitian. Most are interested in receiving nutrition advice (n=52, 92.9%), with variability in delivery mode. There was interest in improving sleep quality (n=35, 62.5%), making positive lifestyle changes (n=28, 50%) and accessing cancer-specific physical activity classes (n=27, 48.2%). The best time to deliver information was throughout the cancer journey (n=31, 55.4%). Time and motivation (n=15, 26.8%) were the main barriers. Facilitators were keeping healthy (n=42, 75%), and weight maintenance (n=31, 55.4%). Four themes emerged from thematic analysis; lack of nutrition guidance, an abundance of misinformation, one size does not fit all and dietitians as the preferred source of advice.

CONCLUSION

There is a desire for evidence-based nutrition advice and for dietitians to be integrated into cancer clinics and cancer survivorship care. This research guides future interventional work on the efficacy of nutrition interventions to improve cancer survivorship outcomes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Sleep During Oncological Treatment - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Associations With Treatment Response, Time to Progression and Survival

Introduction

Disrupted sleep and sleep-wake activity are frequently observed in cancer patients undergoing oncological treatment. These disruptions are often associated with aggravated symptom burden and diminished health-related quality of life that in turn may compromise treatment adherence and, thus, effectiveness. In addition, disrupted sleep has been linked to carcinogenic processes, which ultimately could result in worse prognostic outcomes.

Aims

Our aim was to systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis of studies examining the associations between sleep and sleep-wake activity and prognostic outcomes in cancer patients undergoing oncological treatment.

Methods

A comprehensive systematic search of English language papers was undertaken in June 2020 using PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and CINAHL. Two reviewers independently screened 4,879 abstracts. A total of 26 papers were included in the narrative review. Thirteen papers reporting hazard ratios reflecting associations between a dichotomized predictor variable (sleep) and prognostic outcomes were subjected to meta-analysis.

Results

Nineteen of the 26 eligible studies on a total of 7,092 cancer patients reported associations between poorer sleep and poorer response to treatment, shorter time to progression, and/or reduced overall survival, but were highly heterogeneous with respect to the sleep and outcome parameters investigated. Meta-analysis revealed statistically significant associations between poor self-reported sleep and reduced overall survival (HR = 1.33 [95% CI 1.09-1.62], k = 11), and shorter time to progression (HR = 1.40 [95% CI 1.23-1.59], k = 3) and between poor objectively assessed sleep and reduced overall survival (HR = 1.74 [95% CI 1.05-2.88], k = 4).

Conclusion

The current findings indicate that disturbed sleep during treatment may be a relevant behavioral marker of poor cancer prognosis. The limited number of studies, the common use of single item sleep measures, and potential publication bias highlight the need for further high quality and longitudinal studies.

Assessing cognitive toxicity in early phase trials - What are we missing?

OBJECTIVES

Novel therapies, such as, small protein molecule inhibitors and immunotherapies are first tested clinically in Phase I trials. Moving on to later phase trials and ultimately standard practice. A key aim of these early clinical trials is to define a toxicity profile; however, the emphasis is often on safety. The concern is cognitive toxicity is poorly studied in this context and may be under-reported. The aim of this review is to map evidence of cognitive assessment, toxicity, and confounding factors within reports from Phase I trials and consider putative mechanisms of impairment aligned with mechanisms of novel therapies.

METHODS

A scoping review methodology was applied to the search of databases, including Embase, MEDLINE, Clinicaltrials.gov. A [keyword search was conducted, results screened for duplication then inclusion/exclusion criteria applied. Articles were further screened for relevance; data organised into categories and charted in a tabular format]. Evidence was collated and summarised into a narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

Despite the availability of robust ways to assess cognitive function, these are not routinely included in the conduct of early clinical trials. Reports of cognitive toxicity in early Phase I trials are limited and available evidence on this shows that a proportion of patients experience impaired cognitive function over the course of participating in a Phase I trial. Links are identified between the targeted action of some novel therapies and putative mechanisms of cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSION

The review provides rationale for research investigating cognitive function in this context. A study exploring the cognitive function of patients on Phase I trials and the feasibility of formally assessing this within early clinical trials is currently underway at the Royal Marsden.

Sleep Quality and Cancer-Related Fatigue in Patients with Cancer

Introduction: Sleep problems and fatigue are common symptoms reported by cancer patients. In this study, the researchers used a specialized tool to measure fatigue in cancer patients and its relationship with sleep quality in Yazd, Iran.

Methods: This descriptive correlational study included 149 cancer patients (age range: over 18 years) referred to Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd, Iran. Data were collected by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Cancer-Related Fatigue Questionnaire. A PSQI score of ≥5 indicated a poor sleep. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 13.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), Pearson’s correlation, t test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear regression.

Results: The mean (SD) PSQI score of patients was 13 (4.85) out of 21. About 69.3% of patients had a poor sleep quality. While the mean (SD) of sleep duration was 5.57 (0.54) hours, it was 69.44 (46.58) minutes for sleep latency. Also, with increasing the mean of sleep quality, the mean of fatigue significantly increased (P < 0.001, R=0.63).

Conclusion: According to the results, there was a relationship between the sleep quality and fatigue in cancer patients, so that patients with better sleep quality had less fatigue.

1,25(OH)2 D3 attenuates sleep disturbance in mouse models of Lewis lung cancer, in silico and in vivo

Many clinical studies have reported that patients diagnosed with cancer will suffer from sleep disturbance during their clinical process, especially among lung cancer patients, and this effect will not easily subside. 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin-D3 [1,25(OH)2 D3 ], the activated form of vitamin D, can participate in neuronal differentiation and prevent damage to the nervous system. However, little is known about the potential therapeutic effects of cancer-related psychiatric symptoms. In light of this, we hypothesized that a low circulating level of vitamin D was related to sleep quality in the presence of a tumor, 1,25(OH)2 D3 may be an effective way to ameliorate sleep disturbance and neurochemical alterations along with the cancer progress. Male C57BL/6 mice were implanted with intracranial transmitters to monitor electroencephalogram and were subcutaneously inoculated with Lewis lung cancer cells. The results demonstrated that on Days 19-20, tumor-bearing mice displayed fragmented sleep, shortened wake phase, prolonged sleep in the non-rapid eye movement phase, and the levels of vitamin D-associated genes in the brain had changed a lot compared to control mice. Importantly, 1,25(OH)2 D3 treatment really effectively saved the sleep quality of tumor-bearing mice. We further explored and confirmed that 1,25(OH)2 D3 repressed tumor-induced neuroinflammation (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, and IL-2), enhanced neurotrophic factors (brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], glialcellline-derived neurotrophic factor) and 5-HT system in the hippocampus, hypothalamus or cortex. A molecular docking approah manifested the ability of 1,25(OH)2 D3 to affect the activity of tryptophan hydroxylase 2 and BDNF. Together, our results suggested that 1,25(OH)2 D3 treatment may attenuate sleep disturbance in Lewis lung cancer-bearing mice, and become a promising strategy for treating cancer symptom clusters to ameliorate the quality of life of patients with cancer.

Sleep disturbance in primary brain tumor: prevalence, risk factors, and patient preferences

PURPOSE

Primary brain tumor (PBT) patients report sleep disturbance due to their disease and treatment, yet few studies have utilized validated measures to understand the extent of patients' concerns and preferences for treatment. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of sleep disturbance among PBT patients in our clinic and to evaluate interest in treatment for sleep disturbance.

METHODS

PBT patients completed validated measures of sleep disturbance and health during routine neuro-oncology visits. Patients also reported on sleep-related symptom management and their preferences for pharmacological and/or behavioral treatment.

RESULTS

Sleep disturbance was common, with 61.5% of PBT patients (N = 119; M_age = 52.60 years; 50% male) reporting poor sleep quality and 21.5% endorsing symptoms of insomnia. Insomnia could be explained by increased fatigue and corticosteroid use; sleep quality could be explained by fatigue. Patients in our clinic with higher grade tumors, significant sleep disturbance, of minority racial/ethnic status, and those not already taking sleep medications were more likely to report their symptoms and were not well-addressed by their medical team. Patients indicated a similar interest in pharmacological and behavioral treatment, warranting the availability of both in our clinic.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicate a high prevalence of sleep disturbance in PBT patients, highlighting the need for increased screening, monitoring, and treatment in our neuro-oncology clinic. Future research would benefit from assessing the efficacy of behavioral treatments for sleep disturbance in this population.

The effects of mindfulness-based intervention on sleep disturbance and benzodiazepine hypnotics use in patients hospitalized with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Previous studies have reported discrepant outcomes for mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) to improve sleep quality or reduce the benzodiazepines (BZDs) use in cancer patients; therefore, a meta-analysis was required to examine the relationships. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials et al. were searched by independent reviewers from date of inception to January 2020 to examine the associations between MBI and sleep disturbance or BZDs use among cancer patients. Randomized controlled studies that reported the effect of MBI on sleep disturbance or BZDs use in cancer patients aged over 18 years were included. Standardized mean differences with 95% CIs were calculated to estimate effect size. If P ≥ 0.1, I² < 50%, the fixed effect model was used for meta-analysis, while if P < 0.1, I² ≥ 50%, the random effects model was used. Fourteen studies of 1659 participant were identified in the meta-analysis. Overall, sleep disturbance was significantly relieved in MBI group (SMD = 0.37, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.55, P < 0.001), and the effect could sustain to follow up duration (SMD = 0.35, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.69, P < 0.001). Only three studies reported that MBI could decrease the BZDs use in hospitalized cancer patients. Our findings indicate that MBI were effective in alleviating sleep disturbance in a short time, and may be associated with therapeutic benefits for BZDs use. Further randomized controlled studies are needed to examine the effectiveness of MBI for BZDs use in cancer patients.

Factors Affecting Sleep Quality of Breast Cancer Patients with Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND: Poor sleep quality becomes the effect of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. AIM: This study aimed to examine the factors that influence breast cancer patients’ sleep quality undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: This research used an observational method with cross-sectional design. There were 26 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at Djojonegoro Regional Hospital in Temanggung, Central Java. The characteristics of the respondent are recorded, including the demographic characteristics, respondents’ sleep quality, and the physiological status data of the respondent. The researchers use the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to measure sleep quality. Data were analyzed using Kendall’s Tau and Spearman’s rank correlation test and the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation test. RESULTS: The result showed that breast cancer patients’ sleep quality is classified as poor with PSQI score of 10.96 ± 3.13. The average age of the respondent was 50.08 ± 7.31 years. The major characteristic of the respondent were 80.77% had married, 42.30% had elementary education, 61.54% did not work, and 61.54% had Rp 0, - income. Based on breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, the respondents lived in rice field environment (42.30%), diagnosed with breast cancer <1 year (69.23%), had <1 year chemotherapy (96.15%), had under mastectomy on the left breast (80.76%), and underwent chemotherapy as much as 7.23 ± 4.80 times. Based on sleep quality, the respondents lived with nuclear family (61.54%), had no comorbidities (76.92%), did not consume other drugs (100%), did not consume sleeping pills (80.76%), and used lights during sleep (65.38%). There is a correlation between sleep quality and age and with whom the respondent lives in the same house. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy had poor sleep quality, and the factors related to sleep quality were age and with whom the respondent lived in the same house.

The use of acupuncture for advanced cancer care: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To assess the up-to-date evidence of acupuncture for the management of cancer-related and cancer treatment-related outcomes among people with advanced cancer.

DESIGN

Systematic review with meta-analyses involving multidimensional outcomes.

METHODS

The protocol of this systematic review has been registered in PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42020212982. Six databases (including Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, SinoMed, ClinicalTrials.gov and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry) will be searched from inception through November 2020 to identify relevant interventional trials examining acupuncture management on multidimensional outcomes in patients with advanced cancer. Main outcomes will include cancer and treatment-related symptoms, quality of life, sleep quality and adverse events. DerSimonian & Laird random-effects meta-analysis will be applied to calculate pooled relative risks for binary data and pooled weighted mean differences (WMDs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) for continuous data. Trial quality ratings and risk of bias will be evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

DISCUSSION

The efficacy of acupuncture on advanced cancer care and outcomes has not yet been determined. Palliative care for patients with advanced cancer may involve multiple challenges that include physical and mental health care. This systematic review will offer updated and comprehensive evidence of acupuncture on specific outcomes induced by advanced cancer and cancer-related treatment, which can give high level clinical recommendations to improve patient care and clinical outcomes.

Attitudes About Coping With Fatigue in Patients With Gastric Cancer: A Q-Methodology Study

Cancer-related fatigue is the most common symptom in patients with cancer. Coping methods for cancer-related fatigue differ from those of patients without cancer, as the situations faced by patients with cancer are unique. This study aimed to identify subjectivity concerning coping with fatigue in Korean patients with gastric cancer. Q-methodology was used to examine subjective perceptions regarding coping with fatigue among Korean patients with gastric cancer. A convenience sample of 33 participants, who had been hospitalized in 2 university hospitals in South Korea, was recruited to participate in the study and 37 selected Q-samples were classified into a normal forced distribution using a 9-point bipolar grid. The obtained data were analyzed by using PC-QUANL for Windows. Three factors representing distinct attitudes about coping with fatigue emerged among Korean patients with gastric cancer: an optimistic mind, dependency on medicine, and exercise preference. The 3 factors explained 39.4% of the total variance (23.7%, 7.9%, and 7.8%, respectively). Based on the study findings, it is important to develop customized nursing interventions that consider the characteristics of each patient group with gastric cancer. Health professionals should assess the attitudes of patients with gastric cancer about coping with fatigue, explore their situation, and consider their lifestyle.

Reduction of fatigue and anger-hostility by the oral administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid phosphate: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study

Although large populations feel fatigue, the standardized medicinal therapy is currently absent. In this study, we determined whether 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) supplementation alleviates the feeling of fatigue in healthy subjects who feel chronic physical tiredness. Males and females between ages of 20 and 64 who felt physical fatigue on a daily basis, with a visual analogue scale (VAS) for fatigue ≥ 40 mm, a T-score of Fatigue-Inertia in the Profile of Mood States—Second Edition—Adult (POMS2-A) ≥ 50, and a T-score of Vigor-Activity in POMS2-A ≤ 60 were recruited. Seventy eligible participants were randomly assigned to either a 5-ALA or a placebo group. During the 8 weeks of consumption, the subjects completed VAS questionnaires for fatigue and POMS2-A at 4-week intervals. The VAS values for overall feeling of fatigue and feeling of work-related fatigue, and the Anger-Hostility subscale of POMS2-A were decreased by 5-ALA with significant time × group interaction effects (p = 0.040, 0.020, and 0.045, respectively). Besides, the 5-ALA group showed significant differences in Fatigue-Inertia, Depression-Dejection and Total Mood Disturbance scores, when compared between pre- and post-intervention, while the placebo group did not. In conclusion, the oral administration of 5-ALA improves fatigue and negative mood in subjects who constantly feel physical fatigue.

This clinical trial was registered with University hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) as UMIN000031528 on 2/3/2018.

The short-term impact of methylprednisolone on patient-reported sleep in patients with advanced cancer in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial

Purpose

Although corticosteroids are frequently used in patients with advanced cancer, few studies have examined the impact of these drugs on patient-reported sleep. We aimed to examine the short-term impact of methylprednisolone on patient-reported sleep in patients with advanced cancer.

Methods

Patient-reported sleep was a predefined secondary outcome in a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial that evaluated the analgesic efficacy of corticosteroids in advanced cancer patients (18+), using opioids, and having pain ≥ 4 past 24 h (NRS 0–10). Patients were randomized to the methylprednisolone group with methylprednisolone 16 mg × 2/day or placebo for 7 days. The EORTC QLQ-C30 (0–100) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire (PSQI) (0–21) were used to assess the impact of corticosteroids on sleep at baseline and at day 7.

Results

Fifty patients were randomized of which 25 were analyzed in the intervention group and 22 in the control group. Mean age was 64 years, mean Karnofsky performance status was 67 (SD 13.3), 51% were female, and the mean oral daily morphine equivalent dose was 223 mg (SD 222.77). Mean QLQ-C30 sleep score at baseline was 29.0 (SD 36.7) in the methylprednisolone group and 24.2 (SD 27.6) in the placebo group. At day 7, there was no difference between the groups on QLQ-C30 sleep score (methylprednisolone 20.3 (SD 32.9); placebo 28.8 (SD 33.0), p = 0.173). PSQI showed similar results.

Conclusions

Methylprednisolone 16 mg twice daily for 7 days had no impact on patient-reported sleep in this cohort of patients with advanced cancer.

Trial registration

Clinical trial information NCT00676936 (13.05.2008)

Advanced psychometric testing on a clinical screening tool to evaluate insomnia: sleep condition indicator in patients with advanced cancer

Purpose

To examine the psychometric properties of the Sleep Condition Indicator (SCI) using different psychometric approaches [including classical test theory, Rasch models, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve] among patients with advanced cancer.

Methods

Through convenience sampling, patients with cancer at stage III or IV (n = 859; 511 males; mean ± SD age = 67.4 ± 7.5 years) were recruited from several oncology units of university hospitals in Iran. All the participants completed the SCI, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS). In addition, 491 participants wore an actigraph device to capture objective sleep.

Results

Classical test theory [factor loadings from confirmatory factor analysis = 0.76–0.89; test–retest reliability = 0.80–0.93] and Rasch analysis [infit mean square (MnSq) = 0.63–1.31; outfit MnSq = 0.61–1.23] both support the construct validity of the SCI. The SCI had significant associations with ISI, PSQI, ESS, HADS, GHQ, and ESAS. In addition, the SCI has satisfactory area under ROC curve (0.92) when comparing a gold standard of insomnia diagnosis. Significant differences in the actigraphy measure were found between insomniacs and non-insomniacs based on the SCI score defined by ROC.

Conclusion

With the promising psychometric properties shown in the SCI, healthcare providers can use this simple assessment tool to target the patients with advanced cancer who are at risk of insomnia and subsequently provide personalized care efficiently.

The day after: correlates of patient-reported outcomes with actigraphy-assessed sleep in cancer patients at home (inCASA project)

Subjective sleep assessment in cancer patients poorly correlates with actigraphy parameters that usually encompass multiple nights. We aimed to determine the objective actigraphy measures that best correlated with subjective sleep ratings on a night-by-night basis in cancer patients. Thirty-one cancer patients daily self-rated sleep disturbances using the single dedicated item of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (0-10 scale) with 18 other items, and continuously wore a wrist actigraph for 30 days. Objective sleep parameters were computed from the actigraphy nighttime series, and correlated with subjective sleep disturbances reported on the following day, using repeated measures correlations. Multilevel Poisson regression analysis was performed to identify the objective and subjective parameters that affected subjective sleep rating. Poor subjective sleep score was correlated with poor sleep efficiency (rrm = -0.13, p = 0.002) and large number of wake episodes (rrm = 0.12, p = 0.005) on the rated night. Multilevel analysis demonstrated that the expected sleep disturbance score was affected by the joint contribution of the wake episodes (exp(β) = 1.01, 95% confidence interval = 1.00 to 1.02, p = 0.016), fatigue (exp(β) = 1.35, 95% confidence interval = 1.15 to 1.55, p < 0.001) and drowsiness (exp(β) = 1.70, 95% confidence interval = 1.19 to 2.62, p = 0.018), self-rated the following evening, and sleep disturbance experienced one night before (exp(β) = 1.77, 95% confidence interval = 1.41 to 2.22, p < 0.001). The night-by-night approach within a multidimensional home tele-monitoring framework mainly identified the objective number of wake episodes computed from actigraphy records as the main determinant of the severity of sleep complaint in cancer patients on chemotherapy. This quantitative information remotely obtained in real time from cancer patients provides a novel framework for streamlining and evaluating interventions toward sleep improvement in cancer patients.

A thorough psychometric comparison between Athens Insomnia Scale and Insomnia Severity Index among patients with advanced cancer

For patients with cancer, sleep disturbance is commonplace. Using classical test theory and Rasch analyses, the present study compared two commonly used psychometric instruments for insomnia - Athens Insomnia Scale and Insomnia Severity Index - among patients with advanced cancer. Through convenience sampling, patients with cancer at stage III or IV (n = 573; 326 males; mean age = 61.3 years; SD = 10.7) from eight oncology units of university hospitals in Iran participated in the study. All the participants completed the Athens Insomnia Scale, Insomnia Severity Index, Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, General Health Questionnaire-12, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Additionally, 433 participants wore an Actigraph device for two continuous weekdays. Classical test theory and Rasch analysis both supported the construct validity for Athens Insomnia Scale (factor loadings from confirmatory factor analysis = 0.61-0.87; test-retest reliability = 0.72-0.82; infit mean square = 0.81-1.17; outfit MnSq = 0.79-1.14) and for Insomnia Severity Index (factor loadings from confirmatory factor analysis = 0.61-0.81; test-retest reliability = 0.72-0.82; infit mean square = 0.72-1.14; outfit mean square = 0.76-1.11). Both Athens Insomnia Scale and Insomnia Severity Index had significant associations with Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, General Health Questionnaire-12, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, as well as having good sensitivity and specificity. Significant differences in the actigraphy measure were found between insomniacs and non-insomniacs based on Athens Insomnia Scale or Insomnia Severity Index score. With promising results, healthcare providers can use either Athens Insomnia Scale or Insomnia Severity Index to understand the insomnia of patients with advanced cancer.

Well-Being of Child and Family Participants in Phase 1 Pediatric Oncology Clinical Trials

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

Pediatric oncology phase 1 clinical trials (P1Ts) are essential to developing new anticancer therapies; however, they raise complex ethical concerns about balancing the need for this research with the well-being of participating children. The purpose of this integrative review was to synthesize and appraise the evidence of how P1T participation, which begins with consent and ends with the transition off the P1T, can affect the well-being (either positively or negatively) of children with cancer. The Resilience in Individuals and Families Affected by Cancer Framework, which has an outcome of well-being, was used to synthesize findings.

LITERATURE SEARCH

Articles on the experiences of child (n = 21) and adult (n = 31) P1T participants were identified through systematic searches.

DATA EVALUATION

Articles were evaluated on rigor and relevance to P1T participant experiences as high, medium, or low.

SYNTHESIS

Minimal empirical evidence was found regarding the effect of P1T participation on the well-being of children with cancer. Adult P1T participant experiences provide insights that could also be important to children's P1T experiences.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

To achieve a balanced approach in P1T consent discussions, nurses and healthcare providers who work with children considering participation in a P1T should share the potential effect of participation on participants' well-being.

Personalized goal for insomnia and clinical response in advanced cancer patients

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the Personalized Insomnia Intensity Goal (PIIG), the achievement of Personalized Goal Response (PGR), and Patient Global Impression (PGI) after a comprehensive symptom management.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Advanced cancer patients admitted to palliative care units rated pain and symptoms intensity and their PIIG by using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Score (ESAS) (T0). In patients with significant levels of insomnia, the achievement of target expected (PIIG) was measured (patient goal response, PIGR), as well the patient global impression (PGI), by the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), after a comprehensive symptom management (T7).

RESULTS

Three hundred ninety-seven patients with a level of insomnia of ≥ 3 on ESAS were analyzed in this study. The mean values of PIIG at T0 and T7 were 1.2 (SD 1.5) and 0.9 (SD 1.4), respectively. Most patients (n = 406, 89.8%) indicated a PIIG of ≤ 3 as a target at T0. Such target was significantly lower at T7 (p = < 0.0005). PGI, expressed as MCID, was perceived with a mean decrease in insomnia intensity of - 2.3. In a minority of patients (n = 26; 5.8%) insomnia worsened, with a MCID of 0.50 (SD 2.8). Higher insomnia intensity at T0 and lower insomnia intensity at T7 were independently related to PGI. PIGR was achieved in 87.9% of patients. PIGR was associated with PIIG at T0, and inversely associated to insomnia intensity at T0 and T7, and PIIG at T7.

CONCLUSION

PGIR and PGI seem to be relevant for evaluating the effects of a comprehensive management of insomnia, suggesting therapeutic decisions according to PIIG. Some factors influencing the individual target and clinical response have been detected.

Validation and Application of the Chinese Version of the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory Gastrointestinal Cancer Module (MDASI-GI-C)

OBJECTIVES

To validate and use the Chinese Version of the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory Gastrointestinal Cancer Module (MDASI-GI-C) to assess the symptom burden of Chinese-speaking patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

METHODS

In total, 527 patients with postoperative or advanced digestive tract tumors were enrolled in the trial, who had definitive diagnoses and different treatments in our cancer center. MDASI-GI-C was administered to these patients between February and December 2017. The item-scale correlations and internal consistency were evaluated. Construct validity was established by factor analysis. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Cronbach's alpha of the symptom severity and interference subscales was 0.842 and 0.859, respectively. Construct validity revealed a four-factor structure. Known-group validity was established by comparing the MDASI-GI-C scores between patients having different Karnofsky Performance Status scores (≤70 or >70), which were observed to have significant differences. The overall mean subscale scores for the core and interference subscales were 1.63 ± 2.02 and 2.17 ± 2.34, respectively. Fatigue, disturbed sleep, and lack of appetite had the highest scores for most serious symptoms. No significant differences in age, working status, and educational level were found.

CONCLUSIONS

MDASI-GI-C is a reliable and valid tool for assessing cancer-related symptoms in Chinese-speaking patients with digestive tract tumors, facilitates the understanding of the common symptoms of patients with digestive tract tumors, and enables timely management of these symptoms. Cognitive debriefing demonstrated that the patients found MDASI-GI-C to be an easy-to-use and understandable instrument.

Impact of physical activity and sleep quality on quality of life of rural residents with and without a history of cancer: findings of the Day and Night Study

BACKGROUND

Lifestyle behaviors may impact quality of life (QoL). The relative impact of physical activity and sleep quality on QoL of individuals with and without a history of cancer living in underserved rural communities requires further study to inform health care and public health initiatives.

METHODS

Individuals with and without a history of cancer were recruited from rural Virginia. We collected information on physical activity level (PAL), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and QoL (Short Form-36). Additional dimensions of physical activity and sleep were measured including ambient light exposure and sleep duration via Actiwatch2, and serum vitamin D and urine melatonin, which are markers of outdoor activity and sleep.

RESULTS

A total of 124 cancer survivors and 48 cancer-free individuals were enrolled in the study. Mean age was 59 years, with the majority being women (89%) and Caucasian (76%). Breast cancer was the most common cancer (72%), and mean time from diagnosis to the survey was 8.1 years. Survivors were significantly less active, more likely to be inactive, and had significantly worse sleep quality and physical and mental health relative to cancer-free individuals (P<0.05). Quality of sleep and average sleep time were associated with physical (r=-0.371, P<0.001; r=-0.327, P<0.000) and mental health (r=-0.442, P=<0.001; r=-0.265, P<0.004), as was PAL (r=0.181, P=0.019; r=0.288, P=0.003). Self-reported outdoor activity was associated with mental health (r=0.233, P=0.003) and vitamin D3 (r=0.193, P=0.015). No association was found between melatonin, sleep quality, and QoL. Sleep quality, cancer status, body mass index, and sleep time were predictive of physical health, while sleep quality, sleep time, and outdoor activity were predictive of mental health.

CONCLUSION

Quality of sleep is a significant predictor of mental and physical health, and important for cancer survivors who experience poorer QoL. Outdoor activity should be encouraged to improve mental health and vitamin D status, and interventions to improve sleep for those with poor sleep quality should be considered in cancer survivorship planning.

Correlates of disrupted sleep-wake variables in patients with advanced cancer

OBJECTIVES

High rates of sleep difficulties have been found in patients with advanced cancer. However, not much is known about factors that are associated with sleep impairments in this population and that could constitute their potential risk factors or consequences. This study conducted in patients with cancer receiving palliative care aimed to evaluate the relationships of subjective (sleep diary; Insomnia Severity Index, ISI) and objective (actigraphy) sleep-wake variables with several physical and psychological symptoms, maladaptive sleep behaviours, erroneous beliefs about sleep, quality of life, time to death and environmental factors.

METHODS

The sample was composed of 57 community-dwelling patients with cancer receiving palliative care and with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Scale score of 2 or 3. Actigraphic, light and sound recording and a daily sleep and pain diary were completed for seven consecutive days. A battery of self-report scales was also administered.

RESULTS

Greater disruptions of subjective and objective sleep-wake variables were more consistently associated with worse physical symptoms than with psychological variables. Disrupted objective sleep-wake parameters were also associated with a greater frequency of maladaptive sleep behaviours. Finally, a greater nocturnal noise in the bedroom was correlated with more impairments in subjective and objective sleep-wake variables while a lower 24-hour light exposure was associated with more disruption of subjectively assessed sleep only.

CONCLUSIONS

Although longitudinal studies are needed to establish the etiology of sleep-wake difficulties in patients with advanced cancer, our findings suggest that physical symptoms, maladaptive sleep behaviours and environmental factors can contribute to their development or their persistence and need to be adequately addressed.

Feasibility of a Cognitive-Behavioral and Environmental Intervention for Sleep-Wake Difficulties in Community-Dwelling Cancer Patients Receiving Palliative Care

BACKGROUND

High rates of sleep-wake difficulties have been found in patients with cancer receiving palliative care. Pharmacotherapy is the most frequently used treatment option to manage these difficulties despite numerous adverse effects and the absence of empirical evidence of its efficacy and innocuity in palliative care.

OBJECTIVE

This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a cognitive-behavioral and environmental intervention (CBT-E) to improve insomnia and hypersomnolence in patients with a poor functioning level and to collect preliminary data on its effects.

METHODS

Six patients with cancer receiving palliative care (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score 2-3), who had insomnia and/or hypersomnolence, received 1 CBT-E individual session at home. They applied the strategies for 3 weeks. Patients completed the Insomnia Severity Index, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, a daily sleep diary, and a 24-hour actigraphic recording (7 days) at pretreatment and posttreatment, in addition to a semistructured interview (posttreatment).

RESULTS

Participants found strategies easy to apply most of the time, and none was rated as impossible to use because of their health condition. However, their adherence and satisfaction toward CBT-E were highly variable. Results on the effects of CBT-E were heterogeneous, but improvements were observed in patients with a persistent insomnia disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

The CBT-E protocol tested among this highly selected sample was fairly well received and suggested positive outcomes in some patients, particularly those with an insomnia complaint alone.

IMPLICATIONS

Efforts should be pursued to adapt CBT-E and develop other nonpharmacological interventions, in order to provide an alternative to pharmacotherapy for sleep-wake difficulties in this population.

Development and validation of a clinically applicable score to classify cachexia stages in advanced cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome that is highly prevalent in advanced cancer patients and leads to progressive functional impairments. The classification of cachexia stages is essential for diagnosing and treating cachexia. However, there is a lack of simple tools with good discrimination for classifying cachexia stages. Therefore, our study aimed to develop a clinically applicable cachexia staging score (CSS) and validate its discrimination of clinical outcomes for different cachexia stages.

METHODS

Advanced cancer patients were enrolled in our study. A CSS comprising the following five components was developed: weight loss, a simple questionnaire of sarcopenia (SARC-F), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, appetite loss, and abnormal biochemistry. According to the CSS, patients were classified into non-cachexia, pre-cachexia, cachexia, and refractory cachexia stages, and clinical outcomes were compared among the four groups.

RESULTS

Of the 297 participating patients, data from 259 patients were ultimately included. Based on the CSS, patients were classified into non-cachexia (n = 69), pre-cachexia (n = 68), cachexia (n = 103), and refractory cachexia (n = 19) stages. Patients with more severe cachexia stages had lower skeletal muscle indexes (P = 0.002 and P = 0.004 in male and female patients, respectively), higher prevalence of sarcopenia (P = 0.017 and P = 0.027 in male and female patients, respectively), more severe symptom burden (P < 0.001), poorer quality of life (P < 0.001 for all subscales except social well-being), and shorter survival times (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The CSS is a simple and clinically applicable tool with excellent discrimination for classifying cachexia stages. This score is extremely useful for the clinical treatment and prognosis of cachexia and for designing clinical trials.

Study of the sleep quality and psychological state of patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis

AIM

We aimed to investigate sleep quality, mild hepatic encephalopathy, anxiety, and depression in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis by using a variety of scales and questionnaires.

METHOD

A cohort of 341 patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis were categorized by Child-Pugh grading (A, B, and C) in this cross-sectional study. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Number Connection Test-A (NCT-A), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) evaluated the questionnaires and statistically analyzed the intrinsic correlation. The control group included 50 healthy individuals. Of 341 patients, 213 had a PSQI index >5 points.

RESULTS

The PSQI, NCT-A, anxiety scale (HAD [a]), and depression scale (HAD [d]) of the patients were significantly different. The NCT-A-positive patients revealed 214 cases of possible minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) during a preliminary screening of patients. The PSQI score of NCT-A-positive patients was significantly elevated compared to NCT-A-negative patients (P < 0.001). HAD (a) and HAD (d) were significantly different between the NCT-A-positive and NCT-A-negative groups (P = 0.002 and P = 0.006, respectively). Univariate Pearson's correlation analysis found that NCT-A and HAD (a) were positively correlated with PSQI (P < 0.001 and P = 0.045, respectively); however, Child-Pugh score and HAD (d) were not correlated with PSQI (P = 0.061 and P = 0.059, respectively).

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis have a disturbed sleep, which might be an MHE symptom, further causing considerable anxiety. Thus, the evaluation of sleep quality and psychological state of patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis necessitates further investigation to guide positive intervention.

Symptoms as Patient-Reported Outcomes in Cancer Patients Undergoing Immunotherapies

Cancer therapies are toxic. Newer oncological treatments such as immunotherapy produce unconventional adverse events that are collectively referred to as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). These irAEs are clinician-rated and typically reported via tabulation of adverse events from the National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). However, the symptomatic effects of treatment and the severity of disease are best reported by the patient themselves. Although many pivotal trials for immunotherapeutic agents include health-related quality-of-life measures, symptom-focused assessments are more proximal to the effects of treatment and disease burden. This chapter discusses how best to measure symptoms, describes the desirable properties of a psychometrically valid symptom assessment tool, reviews available symptom assessment tools, provides methods to assist in the interpretation of PRO data, elucidates the feasibility and benefit of incorporating PRO in several cancer cohorts, describes the current use of PROs in immunotherapy, and identifies areas where further research are needed to enhance the use of PROs in cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.

Disruptions in sleep-wake cycles in community-dwelling cancer patients receiving palliative care and their correlates

Significant disruptions in sleep-wake cycles have been found in advanced cancer patients in prior research. However, much remains to be known about specific sleep-wake cycle variables that are impaired in patients with a significantly altered performance status. More studies are also needed to explore the extent to which disrupted sleep-wake cycles are related to physical and psychological symptoms, time to death, maladaptive sleep behaviors, quality of life and 24-h light exposure. This study conducted in palliative cancer patients was aimed at characterizing patients' sleep-wake cycles using various circadian parameters (i.e. amplitude, acrophase, mesor, up-mesor, down-mesor, rhythmicity coefficient). It also aimed to compare rest-activity rhythm variables of participants with a performance status of 2 vs. 3 on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scale (ECOG) and to evaluate the relationships of sleep-wake cycle parameters with several possible correlates. The sample was composed of 55 community-dwelling cancer patients receiving palliative care with an ECOG of 2 or 3. Circadian parameters were assessed using an actigraphic device for seven consecutive 24-h periods. A light recording and a daily pain diary were completed for the same period. A battery of self-report scales was also administered. A dampened circadian rhythm, a low mean activity level, an early mean time of peak activity during the day, a late starting time of activity during the morning and an early time of decline of activity during the evening were observed. In addition, a less rhythmic sleep-wake cycle was associated with a shorter time to death (from the first home visit) and with a lower 24-h light exposure. Sleep-wake cycles are markedly disrupted in palliative cancer patients, especially, near the end of life. Effective non-pharmacological interventions are needed to improve patients' circadian rhythms, including perhaps bright light therapy.

Practical management of adverse events associated with cabozantinib treatment in patients with renal-cell carcinoma

Cabozantinib is an oral tyrosine-kinase inhibitor whose targets include VEGFR, MET, and AXL. Cabozantinib is approved for the treatment of patients with advanced clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received prior antiangiogenic therapy. In the pivotal Phase III trial of second-line RCC, cabozantinib was associated with a significant improvement in overall survival, progression-free survival, and antitumor response compared with everolimus. Adverse events (AEs) were common for patients receiving cabozantinib, but were effectively managed with supportive care and dose modifications, as discontinuations of cabozantinib due to an AE were infrequent. This article reviews the management of the more common AEs associated with cabozantinib based on findings from the pivotal study, clinical practice guidelines, and the authors' real-world clinical experience, with support from published literature. We focus on hypertension, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, fatigue, and stomatitis. Effective management of these AEs involves a multimodal strategy that includes patient education, prophylactic and supportive care, and dose modifications. Effective AE management can allow patients to maintain antitumor activity with cabozantinib while mitigating the impact on quality of life.

Sleep-wake difficulties in community-dwelling cancer patients receiving palliative care: subjective and objective assessment

OBJECTIVE

Prevalence rates of sleep difficulties in advanced cancer patients have varied widely across studies (12 to 96%), and none of these employed a diagnostic interview to distinguish different types of sleep-wake disorders. Moreover, very limited information is available on subjective and objective sleep parameters in this population. Our study was conducted in palliative cancer patients and aimed to assess rates of sleep-wake disorders and subsyndromal symptoms and to document subjective and objective sleep-wake parameters across various types of sleep-wake difficulties.

METHOD

The sample was composed of 51 community-dwelling cancer patients receiving palliative care and having an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score of 2 or 3. Relevant sections of the Duke Interview for Sleep Disorders were administered over the phone. An actigraphic recording and a daily sleep diary were completed for 7 consecutive days.

RESULTS

Overall, 68.6% of the sample had at least one type of sleep-wake difficulty (disorder or symptoms): 31.4% had insomnia and 29.4% had hypersomnolence as their main sleep-wake problem. Participants with insomnia as their main sleep difficulty had greater disruptions of subjective sleep parameters, while objectively-assessed sleep was more disrupted in patients with hypersomnolence comorbid with another sleep-wake difficulty.Significance of the Results:The high rates of sleep-wake difficulties found in this study indicate a need to screen more systematically for sleep-wake disorders, including insomnia and hypersomnolence, in both palliative care research and clinical practice, and to develop effective nonpharmacological interventions specifically adapted to this population.

Characteristics of Participants Enrolled onto a Randomized Controlled Trial of Palliative Care for Patients on Phase I Studies

INTRODUCTION

Advanced cancer patients participating in phase 1 clinical trials experience considerable symptom burden. Palliative care (PC) may benefit these individuals by providing supportive care during clinical research participation. This study investigates integration of a PC intervention among phase 1 trial participants with advanced cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This study is a multisite randomized clinical trial testing a concurrent PC intervention among phase 1 trial participants. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics and descriptive baseline assessment findings were examined for all participants to date. Self-report assessments included quality of life (QOL) using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General, spirituality using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spirituality, and overall distress using the Distress Thermometer. Clinical trial retention and healthcare utilization were assessed through chart audit at study completion.

RESULTS

The study has enrolled 178 participants to date. The average age is 60.3 years, the majority was Caucasian (57.9%), and participants had an average of 1.7 comorbidities. Overall QOL was 77.6 (±15.1). Responses were most favorable for social/family well-being (22.6 ± 4.6), lowest for emotional well-being (14.9 ± 5.1), and average overall distress was 3.6 (±2.7). Healthcare utilization at study completion (n = 134) identified low rates of supportive care referrals, with approximately half of participants referred to social work (50.8%), and fewer referred for pain (43%), resource centers (44%), and physical therapy (18%).

CONCLUSION

Phase 1 clinical trial participants experience unmet QOL needs at baseline and levels of distress that merit clinical intervention. Although this study is in progress, initial findings support the potential benefits of PC among this population.

Hair Coloring, Stress, and Smoking Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer: A Case-Control Study

PURPOSE

Epidemiologic characteristics of breast cancer in Iran are significantly different from those in the West and even other regional countries, but little is known about the related factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A hospital-based case-control study was conducted on 1052 women (526 new cases and 526 controls). Logistic regression was performed to investigate associations of study factors with breast cancer risk.

RESULTS

This study introduced occupation (odds ratio [OR]_{employed/household}, 1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-2.69), marital age (OR_{24-30 y/< 18 y}, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.03-4.40), age at first delivery (OR_{≥ 30 y/< 18 y}, 3.53; 95% CI, 1.73-7.18), parity (OR_{1-2/Nulliparous or never married}, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.13-6.02), birth interval (OR_{30-50 mos/< 18 mos}, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.45-3.89), lifetime breastfeeding (OR_{≥ 42 mos/< 6 mos}, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.18-0.77), and menarche age (year) (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.79-0.96) as significant associates of breast cancer. In addition, body mass index (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.11) and some health-related behaviors including hair coloring on a regular basis (OR_yes/no, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.41-2.62), smoking (OR_yes/no, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.22-3.34), oral contraceptive usage (OR_ever/never. 1.46; 95% CI, 1.05-2.04), physical inactivity (OR_{inactive/regular activity}, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.39-1.75), past life stress (OR_{often stressful/often calm}, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.62-3.56), and regular bedtime (OR_{often regular/no}, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.19-0.54) were related to a higher risk of breast cancer.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed a significant number of factors that seem to contribute to the risk of breast cancer even more than the other previously introduced factors.

Differences in Symptom Burden Among Cancer Patients With Different Stages of Cachexia

CONTEXT

Cancer patients with cachexia may suffer from significant burden of symptoms and it can severely impair patients' quality of life. However, only few studies have targeted the symptom burden in cancer cachexia patients, and whether the symptom burden differed in different cachexia stages is still unclear.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to evaluate the symptom burden in cancer cachexia patients and to compare the severity and occurrence rates of symptoms among cancer patients with non-cachexia, pre-cachexia, cachexia, and refractory cachexia.

METHODS

Advanced cancer patients (n = 306) were included in this cross-sectional study. Patients were divided into four groups, based on the cachexia stages of the international consensus. The M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory added with eight more cachexia-specific symptoms were evaluated in our patients. Differences in symptom severity and occurrence rates among the four groups were compared using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test analyses.

RESULTS

Lack of appetite, disturbed sleep, fatigue, lack of energy, and distress were the symptoms with highest occurrence rates and severity scores in all four groups and were exacerbated by the severity of cachexia stages. After confounders were adjusted for, significant differences were seen in symptoms of pain, fatigue, disturbed sleep, remembering problems, lack of appetite, dry mouth, vomiting, numbness, feeling dizzy, early satiety, lack of energy, tastes/smell changes, and diarrhea.

CONCLUSION

This study identified higher symptom burden in cancer patients with cachexia and it increased with the stages of cachexia, which emphasized the importance of screening in multiple co-occurring symptoms for cachexia patients.