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Seachrist K, Somers E, Petras L, Didden E, Deci SE, Tomboc P, Kidd KM. Pediatric Palliative Care of a Transgender Adolescent. Pediatrics 2024; 154:e2023064830. [PMID: 38845556 PMCID: PMC11211693 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-064830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
A 15-year-old patient with metastatic synovial sarcoma conveyed to his palliative care physician that his dying wish was to start gender-affirming hormone therapy. His medical team was able to identify resources to support both him and his family as they navigated the immense difficulty of a cancer diagnosis and began to understand their child's gender identity. Literature on the care of gender diverse pediatric patients with terminal illness is minimal, but applications from adult literature, and research on supporting gender diverse adolescents more broadly, provided guidance for palliative care, oncology, and gender-affirming care teams. We believe that honoring and supporting the gender identity of adolescents with terminal illness is an essential aspect of end-of-life care. This case report outlines challenges faced by multidisciplinary pediatric team members who provided gender-affirming care for a minor under hospice care and amplifies the need for future research and guidelines pertinent to this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Seachrist
- West Virginia University School of Medicine, WVU Medicine Children’s, WVU Medicine, Morgantown, West Viriginia
| | - Emma Somers
- West Virginia University School of Medicine, WVU Medicine Children’s, WVU Medicine, Morgantown, West Viriginia
| | - Laura Petras
- West Virginia University School of Medicine, WVU Medicine Children’s, WVU Medicine, Morgantown, West Viriginia
| | - El Didden
- West Virginia University School of Medicine, WVU Medicine Children’s, WVU Medicine, Morgantown, West Viriginia
| | - Stephen E. Deci
- West Virginia University School of Medicine, WVU Medicine Children’s, WVU Medicine, Morgantown, West Viriginia
| | - Patrick Tomboc
- West Virginia University School of Medicine, WVU Medicine Children’s, WVU Medicine, Morgantown, West Viriginia
| | - Kacie M. Kidd
- West Virginia University School of Medicine, WVU Medicine Children’s, WVU Medicine, Morgantown, West Viriginia
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Thompson EC, Owen J, Wolfson JA, Arbuckle JL. Menstrual Suppression in the Myelosuppressed: A Retrospective Cohort Study. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:586-594. [PMID: 37220317 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Adolescent and young adult female patients receiving myelosuppressive cancer treatments are at risk of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). The frequency with which patients with cancer receive menstrual suppression and the agents used have not previously been well-characterized. We studied the rate of menstrual suppression, the effect of suppression on bleeding and blood product utilization, and if there were practice pattern differences between adult and pediatric oncologists. METHODS We established a retrospective cohort of 90 females with a diagnosis of Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 25), AML (n = 46), or sarcoma (n = 19) and treated with chemotherapy between 2008 and 2019 at our institutions (University of Alabama at Birmingham [UAB] adult oncology: UAB hospital; UAB pediatric oncology: Children's of Alabama). Data were abstracted from the medical record including sociodemographics, primary oncologist specialty (pediatric v adult), cancer details (diagnosis and treatment) and gynecologic course (documented gynecologic history, menstrual suppression agents used, reported AUB outcomes, and treatments). RESULTS The majority of patients (77.8%) received menstrual suppression. Compared with nonsuppressed patients, suppressed patients had similar rates of packed red blood cell transfusions but higher number of platelet transfusions. Adult oncologists were more likely to document a gynecologic history, consult gynecology, and list AUB as a problem. Among suppressed patients, there was heterogeneity in the agents used for menstrual suppression, with a predilection toward progesterone-only agents; a low rate of thrombotic events was observed. CONCLUSION Menstrual suppression was common in our cohort with variability in agents used. Pediatric and adult oncologists demonstrated different practice patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Thompson
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - John Owen
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Julie A Wolfson
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Janeen L Arbuckle
- Division of Women's Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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Close A, Burns K, Bjornard K, Webb M, Chavez J, Chow EJ, Meacham L. Fertility preservation in pediatric leukemia and lymphoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30407. [PMID: 37194406 PMCID: PMC10525075 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Certain chemotherapy agents, radiation, and surgery can all negatively impact future fertility. Consults regarding treatment-related risk for infertility and gonadal late effects of these agents should occur at the time of diagnosis as well as during survivorship. Counseling on fertility risk has traditionally varied significantly across providers and institutions. We aim to provide a guide to standardize the assignment of gonadotoxic risk, which can be used in counseling patients both at the time of diagnosis and in survivorship. Gonadotoxic therapies were abstracted from 26 frontline Children's Oncology Group (COG) phase III protocols for leukemia/lymphoma, in use from 2000-2022. A stratification system based on gonadotoxic therapies, sex, and pubertal status was used to assign treatments into minimal, significant, and high level of increased risk for gonadal dysfunction/infertility. Risk levels were assigned to protocols and different treatment arms to aid oncologists and survivor care providers in counseling patients regarding treatment-related gonadotoxicity. Males were most commonly at high risk, with at least one high-risk arm in 14/26 protocols (54%), followed by pubertal females (23% of protocols) and prepubertal females (15% of protocols). All patients who received direct gonadal radiation or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) were considered at high risk. Partnering with patients and their oncology/survivorship team is imperative for effective fertility counseling both prior to and post treatment, and this comprehensive guide can be used as a tool to standardize and improve reproductive health counseling in patients undergoing COG-based leukemia/lymphoma care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Close
- Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Karen Burns
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kari Bjornard
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Martine Webb
- University of California, Los Angeles, Division of Internal Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Josuah Chavez
- Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Eric J. Chow
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lillian Meacham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Emory University Atlanta, GA USA
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Kirkpatrick L, Harrison E, Khalil S, Miller E, Patterson C, Sogawa Y, Van Cott AC, Kazmerski TM. A survey of child neurologists about reproductive healthcare for adolescent women with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 120:108001. [PMID: 33964536 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate child neurologists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care for adolescent and young adult women with epilepsy (WWE). METHODS Child neurologists (including attending physicians, residents, fellows, and advanced practitioners) completed an online survey distributed through subspecialty listservs. We analyzed results using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and logistic regression. RESULTS Two hundred eight child neurologists completed the survey. Most believed that child neurologists should counsel young WWE on: teratogenesis (99%, n = 206/207), contraception-antiseizure medication interactions (96%, n = 194/202), pregnancy (95%, n = 198/206), contraception (89%, n = 184/206) and folic acid supplementation (70%, n = 144/205). Fewer respondents felt confident with such counseling (teratogenesis: 90%, n = 188/208, drug interactions: 65%, n = 133/208, pregnancy 75%, n = 156/208, contraception: 47-64%, n = 96-134/208, p < 0.05). Ninety-five percent (n = 172/181) reported ever discussing SRH with typically developing young WWE, compared to 78% (n = 141/181) for young WWE with mild intellectual disability (p < 0.01). One third (n = 56/170) who ever discussed SRH did not do so routinely. Respondents correctly answered 87% ± 5% of knowledge questions about SRH for WWE, 80% ± 4% of questions about teratogenic antiseizure medications, and 61% ± 7% of questions about contraception-antiseizure drug interactions. The greatest barrier to SRH care was time constraints (80%, n = 149/186). The majority (64%, n = 119/186) identified solutions including longer appointment times and co-managing SRH care with other specialties. CONCLUSIONS Findings reveal gaps in SRH care by child neurologists for adolescent and young adult WWE, especially those with mild intellectual disability. Provider-identified barriers and solutions may serve as targets to improve SRH care for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kirkpatrick
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Division of Child Neurology, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, United States.
| | - Elizabeth Harrison
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Division of Child Neurology, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, United States
| | - Suad Khalil
- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Department of Neurology, 965 Fee Road A110, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Elizabeth Miller
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, United States
| | - Christina Patterson
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Division of Child Neurology, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, United States
| | - Yoshimi Sogawa
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Division of Child Neurology, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, United States
| | - Anne C Van Cott
- UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Department of Neurology, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Department of Neurology, 4100 Allequippa Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, United States
| | - Traci M Kazmerski
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, United States; Center for Women's Health Research and Innovation, University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States
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Brancati S, Gozzo L, Longo L, Vitale DC, Russo G, Drago F. Fertility Preservation in Female Pediatric Patients With Cancer: A Clinical and Regulatory Issue. Front Oncol 2021; 11:641450. [PMID: 33796467 PMCID: PMC8008167 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.641450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility preservation represents one important goal of cancer patients’ management due to the high impact on health and quality of life of survivors. The available preventive measures cannot be performed in all patients and are not feasible in all health-care facilities. Therefore, the pharmacological treatment with GnRHa has become a valuable non-invasive and well-tolerated alternative, especially in those who cannot access to cryopreservation options due to clinical and/or logistic issues. Supporting data demonstrate a significant advantage for the survivors who received GnRHa in the long-term maintenance of ovarian function and preservation of fertility. The prevention of the risk of ovarian failure with GnRHa is a typical off-label use, defined as the administration of a medicinal product not in accordance with the authorized product information. Italy has officially recognized the off-label use of GnRHa in adult women at risk of premature and permanent menopause following chemotherapy. However, fertility preservation still represents an unmet medical need in adolescents who cannot access to other treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Brancati
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit/Regional Pharmacovigilance Centre, University Hospital of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Lucia Gozzo
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit/Regional Pharmacovigilance Centre, University Hospital of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Laura Longo
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit/Regional Pharmacovigilance Centre, University Hospital of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniela Cristina Vitale
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit/Regional Pharmacovigilance Centre, University Hospital of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanna Russo
- Pediatric Onco-Hematology, University Hospital of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit/Regional Pharmacovigilance Centre, University Hospital of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Centre for Research and Consultancy in HTA and drug Regulatory Affairs (CERD), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Yasmin E, Mitchell R, Lane S. Preservation of fertility in teenagers and young adults treated for haematological malignancies. LANCET HAEMATOLOGY 2021; 8:e149-e160. [PMID: 33513374 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(20)30324-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
As survival rates in teenagers and young adults diagnosed with haematological malignancies now exceed 70%, it is important that long-term quality of life, including measures to protect future fertility, are considered and discussed with patients and their families. Although discussion on the effect of planned cancer treatment on fertility is standard of care, knowledge of potential fertility treatment options and when they should be offered in haematological malignancies is not always so clear. In each case, the advice on the appropriate preservation of fertility depends upon a complex interplay of factors, weighing out the risk of future infertility against the risk of fertility preservation treatment, and recommendations must be made on a case-by-case basis. The aim of this Review is to evaluate the gonadotoxicity of treatments of prevalent haematological malignancies in teenagers and young adults, and provide an evidence-based framework to help with fertility discussion and management at the time of diagnosis, relapse or resistant disease, and in long-term follow-up settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ephia Yasmin
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Rod Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sheila Lane
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
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Sexual and reproductive healthcare for adolescent and young adult women with epilepsy: A qualitative study of pediatric neurologists and epileptologists. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 104:106911. [PMID: 31986439 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.106911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to explore the attitudes and practices of pediatric neurologists and epileptologists regarding sexual and reproductive healthcare for adolescent and young adult women with epilepsy (WWE). BACKGROUND Adolescent and young adult WWE have unique sexual and reproductive healthcare needs, including counseling on teratogenesis, folic acid, and interactions between contraception and antiseizure medications. There are no prior studies regarding sexual and reproductive healthcare practices of pediatric neurologists or epileptologists. DESIGN/METHODS Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with pediatric neurologists and epileptologists regarding their attitudes, practices, and experiences with sexual and reproductive healthcare for adolescent and young adult WWE. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative analysis was conducted using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS Six child neurologists and 10 epileptologists (44% male) participated. Major themes included the following: (1) Sexual and reproductive healthcare is important for adolescent WWE, and neurologists have a key role in providing this care. (2) Sexual and reproductive healthcare should be comanaged with a primary care provider or women's health provider although neurologists have significant concerns regarding comanagement. (3) There is wide variability in sexual and reproductive healthcare practice among pediatric neurologists and epileptologists. Important subthemes included parent education and differences in sexual and reproductive healthcare practices for women with intellectual disabilities. (4) Many systemic and interpersonal barriers exist to delivering sexual and reproductive healthcare to adolescent and young adult WWE. Important barriers included limited time; provider, patient, or family discomfort; and lack of necessary knowledge or expertise. (5) Providers desire standardization of sexual and reproductive healthcare for adolescent WWE along with patient and provider education. CONCLUSION This is the first study to assess attitudes and practices of pediatric neurologists and epileptologists regarding sexual and reproductive healthcare for adolescent and young adult WWE. Our findings suggest that there is a need for development of improved systems for sexual and reproductive healthcare delivery and comanagement for adolescent and young adult WWE. Providers identified many barriers and facilitators that might serve as the basis for interventions to improve care.
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Close AG, Ghuman A, Friehling E, Hamm M, Frederick NN, Miller E, Kazmerski TM. Experiences with Menses and Menstrual Suppression of Young Women with a History of Cancer. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2019; 9:23-29. [PMID: 31592736 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2019.0077] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) women undergoing multiagent chemotherapy are at risk for heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). There is a paucity of data on the experiences with menses of AYA women with cancer, their risk for HMB, and how they perceive menstrual suppression. Objective: This study aimed to (1) describe the attitudes and experiences of AYA women with a history of cancer regarding their menses and menstrual suppression and to (2) investigate facilitators and barriers to improve this aspect of oncologic care. Design/Methods: AYA women with a history of cancer completed individual semistructured interviews regarding their experiences, attitudes, and preferences around menstrual health. Two independent reviewers conducted a thematic analysis of transcribed interviews to elicit major themes. Results: We interviewed 20 young women with a history of cancer (mean age 19.9 years) who were treated with chemotherapy within the past 5 years. Themes included the following: (1) negative feelings and worry about menstrual bleeding; (2) positive attitudes toward menstrual suppression; (3) misconceptions about menstrual health; and (4) desire for tailored discussions about menstrual suppression. Conclusions: AYA women with a cancer history elucidate clear opinions regarding menstruation during chemotherapy, and many hold misconceptions regarding menses and menstrual suppression. Enhanced patient-provider communication and patient educational resources around menstrual health and menstrual suppression are needed to improve comprehensive oncologic care during chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison G Close
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Amita Ghuman
- Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Erika Friehling
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Megan Hamm
- Director of Qualitative, Evaluation, and Stakeholder Engagement Research Services, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Natasha N Frederick
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, Connecticut
| | - Elizabeth Miller
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Center for Women's Health Research and Innovation (CWHRI), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Traci M Kazmerski
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Center for Women's Health Research and Innovation (CWHRI), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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