1
|
Späth C, Neumann T, Schmidt CA, Heidel FH, Krüger WH. Patients receiving allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation and clinical outcomes after early access to palliative care. Lancet Haematol 2023; 10:e777-e784. [PMID: 37506724 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(23)00114-x] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation is a potential curative therapy for otherwise fatal haematological diseases. This treatment modality is complex, burdensome, and can involve considerable or life-threatening adverse events requiring high-quality symptom control. In contrast to patients with solid tumours, the transition to end-of-life care can be abrupt if the underlying disease relapses or other severe transplantation-related complications occur. This Viewpoint elucidates the relationships between transplantation and palliative care teams and discusses why patients who have undergone transplantation might benefit considerably from early admittance to palliative care, even when the treatment goal is clearly curative. Close and early collaboration between transplantation teams and palliative care teams is clearly endorsed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Späth
- University Medical Centre Greifswald, Clinic for Internal Medicine C-Haematology and Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Palliative Care, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Thomas Neumann
- University Medical Centre Greifswald, Clinic for Internal Medicine C-Haematology and Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Palliative Care, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christian Andreas Schmidt
- University Medical Centre Greifswald, Clinic for Internal Medicine C-Haematology and Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Palliative Care, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Florian Heinrich Heidel
- University Medical Centre Greifswald, Clinic for Internal Medicine C-Haematology and Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Palliative Care, Greifswald, Germany
| | - William Hermann Krüger
- University Medical Centre Greifswald, Clinic for Internal Medicine C-Haematology and Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Palliative Care, Greifswald, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pralong A, Herling M, Holtick U, Scheid C, Hellmich M, Hallek M, Pauli B, Reimer A, Schepers C, Simon ST. Developing a supportive and palliative care intervention for patients with allogeneic stem cell transplantation: protocol of a multicentre mixed-methods study (allo-PaS). BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066948. [PMID: 37652589 PMCID: PMC10476131 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066948] [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: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is a curative treatment for many haematological malignancies, it is often associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Yet, little is known about the needs for supportive and palliative care among allo-SCT recipients. Moreover, targeted interventions that reduce symptom burden and suffering are still lacking. The present study aims to inform a supportive-palliative care intervention for patients with allo-SCT and their informal carers by exploring their experience and assessing their needs, especially their existential concerns, regarding four research topics: symptom burden and quality of life; coexistence of a chance for cure and a relevant risk of dying; change in goals of care; dying phase. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a descriptive mixed-methods study in progress with a convergent parallel design. Data on the four research topics will be collected and analysed separately in three steps: (1) qualitative semi-structured interviews among 20 patients, 20 informal carers and 12 healthcare providers (HCPs) and focus groups among 12-24 HCPs; (2) a quantitative cross-sectional survey with validated questionnaires and self-developed questions among 100 patients, 100 informal carers and 50 HCPs; (3) a retrospective case analysis of all deceased patients who underwent an allo-SCT between 2010 and 2019, with collection of quantitative and qualitative data. The qualitative and quantitative data sets will be finally merged for comparison and interpretation. Results will serve to develop a supportive-palliative care intervention. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The Ethics Commission of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Cologne approved this study (20-1370_2). The study results will be published in peer-review journals, be presented at congresses and will be translated into clinical practice through the development of the palliative-supportive care intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER DRKS00027290 (German Clinical Trials Register).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Pralong
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marco Herling
- Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Cellular Therapy, and Hemostaseology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Sachsen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Udo Holtick
- Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christoph Scheid
- Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Hellmich
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology (IMSB), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Hallek
- Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Berenike Pauli
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alinda Reimer
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Carolin Schepers
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Steffen T Simon
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
What is known about palliative care in adult patients with allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT)? Ann Hematol 2021; 100:1377-1389. [PMID: 33954817 PMCID: PMC8116288 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-021-04538-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) are given a real chance of cure, but at the same time are confronted with a considerable risk of mortality and of severe long-term impediments. This narrative, non-systematic literature review aims to describe the supportive and palliative care needs of allo-SCT recipients, including long-term survivors or those relapsing or dying after transplantation. It also evaluates the feasibility and effectivity of integrating palliative care early in transplant procedures. In this appraisal of available literature, the main findings relate to symptoms like fatigue and psychological distress, which appear to be very common in the whole allo-SCT trajectory and might even persist many years post-transplantation. Chronic GvHD has a major negative impact on quality of life. Overall, there is a paucity of research on further issues in the context of allo-SCT, like the distress related to the frequently unpredictable post-transplant trajectory and prognosis, as well as the end-of-life phase. First randomized controlled results support the effectiveness of early integration of specialized palliative care expertise into transplant algorithms. Barriers to this implementation are discussed.
Collapse
|
4
|
Krüger W, Buchhold B, Nonnenberg D, Neumann T, Schneidewind L, Schmidt CA. Implementation of Palliative Care in Clinical Practice in German Units for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Nationwide Survey. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2021; 38:1212-1217. [PMID: 33433238 DOI: 10.1177/1049909120986963] [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: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is a curative therapy for otherwise fatal diseases, however it is associated with a considerable morbidity and mortality. In consequence, it can be assumed that a considerable percentage of patients would benefit from high-quality palliative care (PC) during their course of disease. To assess the standard of PC in German transplant centers, a questionnaire was sent out to all German centers recognized from the EBMT membership list and the annually ZKRD report (n = 52). The response rate was not as high as expected with n = 27 (51,9%), even after reminding by phone calls or by e-mails. In brief, palliative care after allogeneic stem cell transplantation shows a wide variation in Germany. This is true for structures, processes and measures. A national standard for SCT-patients has not been established so far and there are no pre-conditions concerning palliative care after alloSCT for a certification by the EBMT according the JACIE standards. There is a considerable need for a crosslinking of alloSCT with PC. Clear standards should be established by the scientific societies concerning personnel, structure and processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William Krüger
- Clinic for Internal Medicine C - Haematology, Oncology, Stem Cell transplantation and Palliative Care, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Britta Buchhold
- Institute of Medical Psychology, 60634University-Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Dennis Nonnenberg
- Clinic for Internal Medicine C - Haematology, Oncology, Stem Cell transplantation and Palliative Care, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Thomas Neumann
- Clinic for Internal Medicine C - Haematology, Oncology, Stem Cell transplantation and Palliative Care, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Laila Schneidewind
- Clinic for Internal Medicine C - Haematology, Oncology, Stem Cell transplantation and Palliative Care, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christian A Schmidt
- Clinic for Internal Medicine C - Haematology, Oncology, Stem Cell transplantation and Palliative Care, Greifswald, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
End-of-life care for older AML patients relapsing after allogeneic stem cell transplant at a dedicated cancer center. Bone Marrow Transplant 2018; 54:700-706. [PMID: 30135464 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-018-0311-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Older patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) are at increased risk for mortality and morbidity. While allogeneic stem cell transplantation may provide cure in some patients, many still relapse after transplant and are then left with limited therapeutic options and poor survival. Moreover, the quality of the end-of-life care for these patients has not been previously reported. We describe here the end-of-life experience of a cohort of 72 older patients with AML who relapsed after first allogeneic stem cell transplant at our dedicated cancer center. Despite a median overall survival of only 4 months, we find a high level of primary palliative care delivered by transplant/leukemia physicians through goals of care discussions and/or advanced care planning and provide evidence for high-quality end-of-life care outcomes, often with concurrent disease-directed therapy. Our results compare favorably with end-of-life care outcomes reported for older AML patients, including those who did not undergo transplant. Given the poor prognosis and unique underlying vulnerabilities in this high-risk patient population, incorporating timely advanced care planning and palliative care delivery while exploring available salvage options may further improve end-of-life care outcomes.
Collapse
|
7
|
Mitchell SA. Palliative care during and following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2018; 12:58-64. [PMID: 29303840 PMCID: PMC5803752 DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to synthesize recent literature regarding the provision of palliative care to patients during and following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), highlighting factors which mediate impairments in health-related quality of life in this patient population, and the intervention approaches and models of care delivery that clinicians can consider to address unmet needs for palliative care and to strengthen patient and family resiliency. RECENT FINDINGS Provision of palliative care simultaneous with the delivery of treatment directed at the underlying malignancy has emerged as a recommended practice for patients with advanced cancer and high-symptom burden, and a recent randomized trial demonstrates the effectiveness of early palliative care in reducing some of the symptom burden and mood disturbances associated with HSCT. Although more research is needed, there is an expanding body of research-tested interventions to ameliorate the physical and psychological morbidity of HSCT across the transplant trajectory. SUMMARY Palliative care interventions delivered by an interdisciplinary team that includes transplant clinicians and palliative care across the HSCT trajectory can alleviate physical and psychological morbidity, thereby improving the patient and family experience of HSCT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra A Mitchell
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Outcomes Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|