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Hofstetter K, Taugner J, Käsmann L, Mansoorian S, Flörsch B, Eze C, Tufman A, Reinmuth N, Duell T, Belka C, Manapov F. First-site-metastasis pattern in patients with inoperable stage III NSCLC treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy with or without immune check-point inhibition: a retrospective analysis. Strahlenther Onkol 2024; 200:614-623. [PMID: 37975883 PMCID: PMC11186867 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-023-02175-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate a first-site-metastasis pattern (FSMP) in unresectable stage III NSCLC after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (cCRT) with or without immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI). METHODS We defined three patient subgroups according to the year of initial multimodal treatment: A (2011-2014), B (2015-2017) and C (2018-2020). Different treatment-related parameters were analyzed. Observed outcome parameters were brain metastasis-free survival (BMFS), extracranial distant metastasis-free survival (ecDMFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). RESULTS 136 patients treated between 2011 and 2020 were included with ≥ 60.0 Gy total dose and concurrent chemotherapy (cCRT); thirty-six (26%) received ICI. Median follow-up was 49.7 (range:0.7-126.1), median OS 31.2 (95% CI:16.4-30.3) months (23.4 for non-ICI vs not reached for ICI patients, p = 0.001). Median BMFS/ecDMFS/DMFS in subgroups A, B and C was 14.9/16.3/14.7 months, 20.6/12.9/12.7 months and not reached (NR)/NR/36.4 months (p = 0.004/0.001/0.016). For cCRT+ICI median BMFS was 53.1 vs. 19.1 months for cCRT alone (p = 0.005). Median ecDMFS achieved 55.2 vs. 17.9 (p = 0.003) and median DMFS 29.5 (95% CI: 1.4-57.6) vs 14.93 (95% CI:10.8-19.0) months (p = 0.031), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that age over 65 (HR:1.629; p = 0.036), GTV ≥ 78 cc (HR: 2.100; p = 0.002) and V20 ≥ 30 (HR: 2.400; p = 0.002) were negative prognosticators for BMFS and GTV ≥ 78 cc for ecDMFS (HR: 1.739; p = 0.027). After onset of brain metastasis (BM), patients survived 13.3 (95% CI: 6.4-20.2) months and 8.6 months (95% CI: 1.6-15.5) after extracranial-distant-metastasis (ecDM). Patients with ecDM as FSMP reached significantly worse overall survival of 22.1 (range:14.4-29.8) vs. 40.1 (range:18.7-61.3) months (p = 0.034) in the rest of cohort. In contrast, BM as FSMP had no impact on OS. CONCLUSION This retrospective analysis of inoperable stage III NSCLC patients revealed that age over 65, V20 ≥ 30 and GTV ≥ 78 cc were prognosticators for BMFS and GTV ≥ 78 cc for ecDMFS. ICI treatment led to a significant improvement of BMFS, ecDMFS and DMFS. ecDM as FSMP was associated with significant deterioration of OS, whereas BM as FSMP was not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Hofstetter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julian Taugner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Lukas Käsmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sina Mansoorian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Flörsch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Chukwuka Eze
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Amanda Tufman
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Thoracic Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine V, Thoracic Oncology Centre Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Niels Reinmuth
- Asklepios Kliniken GmbH, Asklepios Fachkliniken Muenchen, Gauting, Germany
| | - Thomas Duell
- Asklepios Kliniken GmbH, Asklepios Fachkliniken Muenchen, Gauting, Germany
| | - Claus Belka
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Farkhad Manapov
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
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Luetke Lanfer H, Reifegerste D, Berg A, Memenga P, Baumann E, Weber W, Geulen J, Müller A, Hahne A, Weg-Remers S. Understanding Trust Determinants in a Live Chat Service on Familial Cancer: Qualitative Triangulation Study With Focus Groups and Interviews in Germany. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e44707. [PMID: 37610815 PMCID: PMC10483292 DOI: 10.2196/44707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In dealing with familial cancer risk, seeking web-based health information can be a coping strategy for different stakeholder groups (ie, patients, relatives, and those suspecting an elevated familial cancer risk). In the vast digital landscape marked by a varied quality of web-based information and evolving technologies, trust emerges as a pivotal factor, guiding the process of health information seeking and interacting with digital health services. This trust formation in health information can be conceptualized as context dependent and multidimensional, involving 3 key dimensions: information seeker (trustor), information provider (trustee), and medium or platform (application). Owing to the rapid changes in the digital context, it is critical to understand how seekers form trust in new services, given the interplay among these different dimensions. An example of such a new service is a live chat operated by physicians for the general public with personalized cancer-related information and a focus on familial cancer risk. OBJECTIVE To gain a comprehensive picture of trust formation in a cancer-related live chat service, this study investigates the 3 dimensions of trust-trustor, trustee, and application-and their respective relevant characteristics based on a model of trust in web-based health information. In addition, the study aims to compare these characteristics across the 3 different stakeholder groups, with the goal to enhance the service's trustworthiness for each group. METHODS This qualitative study triangulated the different perspectives of medical cancer advisers, advisers from cancer support groups, and members of the public in interviews and focus group discussions to explore the 3 dimensions of trust-trustor, trustee, and application-and their determinants for a new live chat service for familial cancer risk to be implemented at the German Cancer Information Service. RESULTS The results indicate that experience with familial cancer risk is the key trustor characteristic to using, and trusting information provided by, the live chat service. The live chat might also be particularly valuable for people from minority groups who have unmet needs from physician-patient interactions. Participants highlighted trustee characteristics such as ability, benevolence, integrity, and humanness (ie, not a chatbot) as pivotal in a trustworthy cancer live chat service. Application-related characteristics, including the reputation of the institution, user-centric design, modern technology, and visual appeal, were also deemed essential. Despite the different backgrounds and sociodemographics of the 3 stakeholder groups, many overlaps were found among the 3 trust dimensions and their respective characteristics. CONCLUSIONS Trust in a live chat for cancer information is formed by different dimensions and characteristics of trust. This study underscores the importance of understanding trust formation in digital health services and suggests potential enhancements for effective, trustworthy interactions in live chat services (eg, by providing biographies of the human medical experts to differentiate them from artificial intelligence chatbots).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Annika Berg
- School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Paula Memenga
- Department of Journalism and Communication Research, Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eva Baumann
- Department of Journalism and Communication Research, Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Winja Weber
- Krebsinformationsdienst, Heidelberg, Germany
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Ihrig A, Richter J, Bugaj TJ, Friederich HC, Maatouk I. Between hope and reality: How oncology physicians and information providers of a cancer information service manage patients' expectations for and experiences with immunotherapies. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 109:107622. [PMID: 36641334 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Immune checkpoint inhibitors have established themselves as a further therapeutic pillar in the treatment of various types of cancer. This can create challenges and possible misunderstandings for patients. The aim of this study was to assess the experiences of physicians and information providers in their interactions with patients about immunotherapy. METHODS The study design was exploratory with qualitative research methodology. We performed focus groups with 8 oncology physicians and 9 information providers of a cancer information service. RESULTS In the coding process, five focal points could be identified: (1) image of immunotherapy, (2) presentation of immunotherapy in the media, (3) hope, (4) creation of an information base, and (5) lessons learned and future directions. Physicians and information providers report that immunotherapy has a very positive image among patients. This seems to be due to the presentation of immunotherapy in the media and the positive associations of people with terms such as the immune system and the body's own defense. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to chemotherapy, patients are at risk of underestimating the early symptoms of serious side effects of immunotherapy. From the point of view of physicians, the exaggerated expectations of patients regarding the possibilities of immunotherapy are often not met. The challenge for practitioners is to consider patients' expectations to provide balanced information and recommendations. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Communication skills training and up-to-date information tools should improve physician-patient communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Ihrig
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Jenniffer Richter
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Till Johannes Bugaj
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Christoph Friederich
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Imad Maatouk
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Section of Psychosomatic Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psychooncology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
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Reifegerste D, Rosset M, Czerwinski F, Baumann E, Gaisser A, Kludt E, Weg-Remers S. Understanding the Pathway of Cancer Information Seeking: Cancer Information Services as a Supplement to Information from Other Sources. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2023; 38:175-184. [PMID: 34783995 PMCID: PMC9852194 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-021-02095-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cancer information services (CISs) can play an important role within the pathway of cancer information seeking, but so far, this role is not well understood. Callers (n = 6,255) who contacted the largest provider of cancer information in Germany participated in a survey in which they reported their information sources, information level, and needs leading to the call. Persons with prior information from a physician (n = 1,507) were compared to people with prior online information (n = 901) and people with prior information from both sources (n = 2,776). Nearly all callers (96.7%) stated prior sources, while physicians and the Internet were the most frequently reported sources. People, who only talked to a doctor before, are more likely to be a patient and in the disease stages during/after the first treatment or with recurrence than prior Internet users. The two groups do not differ in their prior information level but did differ in their information needs. CISs are an important supplement to other sources, while the information repertoire depends on patients' stages during the cancer journey. Specific characteristics and needs of callers with different prior information sources help to individualize the service of CISs and similar providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doreen Reifegerste
- School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Magdalena Rosset
- Department of Journalism and Communication Research, Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, Expo Plaza 12, 30539, Hannover, Germany
| | - Fabian Czerwinski
- Department of Journalism and Communication Research, Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, Expo Plaza 12, 30539, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eva Baumann
- Department of Journalism and Communication Research, Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, Expo Plaza 12, 30539, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andrea Gaisser
- Cancer Information Service, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Evelyn Kludt
- Cancer Information Service, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Weg-Remers
- Cancer Information Service, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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Grabbe P, Gschwendtner KM, Gaisser A, Kludt E, Wild B, Eich W, Weg-Remers S, Bieber C. Preferred and perceived participation roles of oncological patients in medical decision-making: Results of a survey among users of the German Cancer Information Service. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR EVIDENZ, FORTBILDUNG UND QUALITAT IM GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2022; 172:40-48. [PMID: 35753947 DOI: 10.1016/j.zefq.2022.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer patients are facing a variety of treatment and other disease-related decisions. This study aims to provide insights into preferred and perceived participation roles in decision-making among patients with diverse tumors using the German Cancer Information Service (CIS). METHODS Patients' decision-making preferences and experiences were assessed as a part of a cross-sectional survey among CIS users. An adapted version of the Control Preferences Scale (CPS) was used to assess preferred and perceived participation roles in eight different areas of medical decision-making (e.g., choice of medication, termination of treatment). Logistic regression analyses were applied to explore preference matching and to analyze associations between participation roles and sociodemographic variables. Moreover, we examined preferences and perceptions of participation roles across different decision situations. RESULTS In the final sample (N = 1566, 64.9% female, mean age = 61.6), almost half of the patients (47.1%) preferred to take a collaborative role in decisions on treatment methods, whereas 36.3% preferred an active role and 15.9% a passive role. Collaborative role preferences frequently (40.7%) coincided with experiencing a passive role and predicted a reduced chance of a match between preferences and experiences (OR = 0.57, p = .001). A higher level of education was associated with a lower chance of preferring and perceiving a passive role (OR = 0.85, p < .01). Compared with men, women had increased odds of preferring (OR = 1.45, p < .05) and of actually taking (OR = 2.04, p < .001) a passive role in medical encounters. Preferred participation roles regarding treatment methods were highly correlated with preferences in all other decision areas (r > .50, p < .001) except decisions about family involvement. CONCLUSIONS The study reveals well-known deficits in the fulfilment of patients' collaborative role preferences across different areas of medical decision-making in a sample of CIS users characterized by high information-seeking behavior. Participation roles were not only influenced by the patients' level of education but also by their gender. The gender effect may be more pronounced than previous studies suggest. These effects should be considered in the development of interventions to promote shared decision-making. Additionally, study results indicate that preferences for participation in decisions about treatment methods, as assessed by the CPS, can be generalized to other areas of medical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Grabbe
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Kathrin M Gschwendtner
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrea Gaisser
- German Cancer Research Center, Cancer Information Service, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Evelyn Kludt
- German Cancer Research Center, Cancer Information Service, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beate Wild
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Eich
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Weg-Remers
- German Cancer Research Center, Cancer Information Service, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christiane Bieber
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Eckford RD, Gaisser A, Arndt V, Baumann M, Kludt E, Mehlis K, Ubels J, Winkler EC, Weg-Remers S, Schlander M. The COVID-19 Pandemic and Cancer Patients in Germany: Impact on Treatment, Follow-Up Care and Psychological Burden. Front Public Health 2022; 9:788598. [PMID: 35223757 PMCID: PMC8865576 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.788598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, governments imposed various measures to decrease the rate of disease spread, and health care policy makers prioritized resource allocation to accommodate COVID-19 patients. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey in Germany (July 2020-June 2021) to assess the frequency of changes to cancer care among cancer patients and to explore the psychological impact of the pandemic writ large. Cancer patients who contacted the Cancer Information Service (Krebsinformationsdienst, KID) of the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) via email were invited to complete an online questionnaire, capturing demographics, cancer specifics (e.g., type, disease phase, primary place of treatment, etc.), and any changes to their medical, follow-up, psycho-oncological or nursing care. General level of psychological distress was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) along with face-validated items regarding worries and social isolation specific to the pandemic. In total, 13% of 621 patients reported a change to their treatment or care plan. Of those patients with changes, the majority of changes were made to follow-up care after treatment (56%), to monitoring during treatment (29%) and to psychological counseling (20%). Of the overall sample, more than half of patients (55%) reported symptoms of anxiety and 39% reported symptoms of depression. Patients with a change in cancer care were more likely to report symptoms of depression than those with no change (AOR: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.26-3.76). Concern about the pandemic affecting the quality of health care was a predictor of both anxiety (AOR: 2.76; 95% CI: 1.75-4.35) and depression (AOR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.43-3.23). Results showed that the majority of cancer patients in our study did not experience a change in their cancer care. However, the level of anxiety and psycho-social burden of cancer patients during the pandemic was high throughout the study period. Our findings underscore the need for health care services and policy makers to assess and to attend cancer patients' medical needs, with added emphasis on patients' psychological and social well-being. This applies particularly in situations where the healthcare system is strained and prioritization is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel D Eckford
- Division of Health Economics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrea Gaisser
- German Cancer Information Service, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Volker Arndt
- Unit of Cancer Survivorship, Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Epidemiological Cancer Registry Baden-Württemberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Evelyn Kludt
- German Cancer Information Service, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katja Mehlis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Section of Translational Medical Ethics, National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jasper Ubels
- Division of Health Economics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Eva C Winkler
- Department of Medical Oncology, Section of Translational Medical Ethics, National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Weg-Remers
- German Cancer Information Service, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Schlander
- Division of Health Economics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.,Alfred Weber Institute, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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