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Hui D, Yennurajalingam S. The role of corticosteroids in the palliation of dyspnea in cancer patients: an evidence-based review. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2023; 17:270-276. [PMID: 37773042 DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide an evidence-based review on the use of corticosteroids for dyspnea in cancer patients. RECENT FINDINGS Corticosteroids are commonly used for palliation of dyspnea; however, there is wide variation in how they are prescribed due to the paucity of high-quality evidence. Some clinicians would offer corticosteroids routinely regardless of the causes of dyspnea, while others would only prescribe corticosteroids selectively for specific indications, such as lymphangitic carcinomatosis, upper airway obstruction, superior vena cava obstruction, and cancer treatment-induced pneumonitis. Few mechanistic studies have been conducted to support the use of corticosteroids in cancer patients. Two double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trials have examined the routine use of high-dose dexamethasone for dyspnea in cancer patients. A pilot study suggested some benefits, but the larger confirmatory trial revealed no improvement compared to the placebo and significantly more adverse events. The selective use of corticosteroids use is only based on observational studies such as case series. SUMMARY The unfavorable risk:benefit ratio of high-dose dexamethasone suggests that it should not be routinely prescribed for dyspnea in cancer patients. More research is needed to assess the selective use of corticosteroids and identify patients most likely be benefit from corticosteroid use.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hui
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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2
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Mori M, Miwa S, Ikari T, Kako J, Hasegawa T, Matsunuma R, Suzuki K, Matsuda Y, Watanabe H, Morita T, Yamaguchi T. Current Management Options for Dyspnea in Cancer Patients. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023; 24:565-579. [PMID: 37037975 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-023-01081-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Dyspnea is one of the most frequent and distressing symptoms in patients with advanced cancer. As dyspnea deteriorates patients' quality of life markedly and tends to worsen as the disease progresses, comprehensive assessment and timely treatment of the underlying etiologies are essential. International guidelines recommend various non-pharmacological and pharmacological management options. However, there is a scarcity of confirmatory clinical trials on cancer dyspnea, and the overall level of evidence is weak. Recently, observational and survey studies indicated a wide range of practice patterns of palliative care specialists, providing important insight into the real-world management of dyspnea. In this paper, we summarize current management options for dyspnea in cancer patients, highlight major controversies in the literature, and propose future research directions toward quality care for patients with dyspnea and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Mori
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, 3453 Mikatahara-cho, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu, 433-8558, Japan.
| | - Satoru Miwa
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tomoo Ikari
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Jun Kako
- College of Nursing Art and Science, University of Hyogo, Akashi, Japan
| | - Takaaki Hasegawa
- Center for Psycho-oncology and Palliative Care, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ryo Matsunuma
- Division of Palliative Care, Konan Medical Center, Konan, Japan
| | - Kozue Suzuki
- Department of Palliative Care, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Disease Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Matsuda
- Department of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine, National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai, Japan
| | | | - Tatsuya Morita
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, 3453 Mikatahara-cho, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu, 433-8558, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamaguchi
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
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3
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Shin J, Kober K, Wong ML, Yates P, Miaskowski C. Systematic review of the literature on the occurrence and characteristics of dyspnea in oncology patients. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 181:103870. [PMID: 36375635 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dyspnea is a common and distressing symptom for oncology patients.However, dyspnea is not well-characterized and often underestimated by clinicians. This systematic review summarizes the prevalence, intensity, distress, and impact of dyspnea in oncology patients and identifies research gaps. METHODS A search of all of the relevant databases was done from 2009 to May 2022. A qualitative synthesis of the extant literature was performed using established guidelines. RESULTS One hundred-seventeen studies met inclusion criteria. Weighted grand mean prevalence of dyspnea in patients with advanced cancer was 58.0%. Intensity of dyspnea was most common dimension evaluated, followed by the impact and distress. Depression and anxiety were the most common symptoms that co-occurred with dyspnea. CONCLUSION Numerous methodologic challenges were evident across studies. Future studies need to use valid and reliable measures; evaluate the impact of dyspnea; and determine biomarkers for dyspnea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joosun Shin
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Kord Kober
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Melisa L Wong
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Division of Geriatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Patsy Yates
- Cancer & Palliative Outcomes Centre, Centre for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christine Miaskowski
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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4
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Kim KN, LaRiviere M, Macduffie E, White CA, Jordan-Luft MM, Anderson E, Ziegler M, Radcliff JA, Jones J. Use of Glucocorticoids in Patients With Cancer: Potential Benefits, Harms, and Practical Considerations for Clinical Practice. Pract Radiat Oncol 2023; 13:28-40. [PMID: 35917896 DOI: 10.1016/j.prro.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Glucocorticoids are commonly used in patients with cancer for symptom relief or as part of their anticancer treatment. Despite their frequent use, indications and dosing regimens are not exclusively evidence-based and can come with a multitude of adverse effects, some of which can be life-threatening. The objective of this review is to update our current state of knowledge on the use of glucocorticoids in adult patients with cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS A comprehensive literature review (1949-2022) was conducted using search terms "glucocorticoids," "corticosteroids," and "cancer." Information was organized by main concepts including indications, potential benefits, and prevention and management of common side effects of glucocorticoid therapy, in addition to appropriate dosing and taper regimens. RESULTS Glucocorticoids can be highly effective in improving outcomes and quality of life in patients with cancer. Their uses include management of disease manifestations, symptoms, and complications of cancer treatment. The lowest effective dose should be used and treatment duration should be minimized as clinically feasible. Side effects can be minimized by careful monitoring, continued assessment of benefits versus harms, and preventative measures for expected side effects. CONCLUSIONS This review provides general principles and practical recommendations on the use of glucocorticoids in patients with cancer. Further prospective studies on the outcomes of patients on glucocorticoids may help guide practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine N Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Michael LaRiviere
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Emily Macduffie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Caitlin A White
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mary M Jordan-Luft
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Eleanor Anderson
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Matthew Ziegler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jacob A Radcliff
- Department of Pharmacy, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Joshua Jones
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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5
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Zemel RA. Pharmacologic and Non-Pharmacologic Dyspnea Management in Advanced Cancer Patients. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2021; 39:847-855. [PMID: 34510917 DOI: 10.1177/10499091211040436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As there is a high propensity for patients with advanced malignancy to experience refractory dyspnea, it is necessary for physicians to be well-versed in the management of these patients' dyspneic symptoms. For symptomatic treatment of cancer patients with dyspnea, both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic methods should be considered. The main source of pharmacologic symptom management for dyspnea is oral and parenteral opioids; benzodiazepines and corticosteroids may serve as helpful adjuncts alongside opioid treatments. However, oxygen administration and nebulized loop diuretics have not been shown to clinically benefit dyspneic cancer patients. Applying non-pharmacologic dyspnea management methods may be valuable palliative therapies for advanced cancer patients, as they provide benefit with negligible harm to the patient. Advantageous and minimally harmful non-pharmacologic dyspnea therapies include facial airflow, acupuncture and/or acupressure, breathing exercises, cognitive behavioral therapy, music therapy, and spiritual interventions. Thus, it is vital that physicians are prepared to provide symptomatic care for dyspnea in advanced cancer patients as to minimize suffering in this patient population during definitive cancer treatments or hospice care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Zemel
- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Brookeville, MD, USA
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Matsuda Y, Matsunuma R, Suzuki K, Mori M, Watanabe H, Yamaguchi T. Physician-Perceived Predictive Factors for the Effectiveness of Drugs for Treating Cancer Dyspnea: Results of a Nationwide Survey of Japanese Palliative Care Physicians. Palliat Med Rep 2021; 1:97-102. [PMID: 34223464 PMCID: PMC8241347 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2020.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Dyspnea is a common and distressing symptom in patients with advanced cancer. Opioids, benzodiazepines, and corticosteroids are commonly prescribed pharmacological treatments for cancer dyspnea. Objective: The objective of this survey was to investigate physician-perceived predictive factors for the effectiveness of opioids, benzodiazepines, and corticosteroids in treating cancer dyspnea. Design: This study involves a nationwide survey using self-report questionnaires. Setting/Subjects: Random sampling selected 268 Japanese certified palliative care physicians in Japan. Measurements: We inquired about the 12 physician-perceived predictive factors for the effectiveness of drugs (opioids, benzodiazepines, and corticosteroids) in treating cancer dyspnea. Results: The frequently selected physician-perceived predictive factors for the effectiveness of opioids were tachypnea, respiratory effort, opioid naive, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status 0–2, multiple lung tumors, dry cough, pleural effusion, and pleural lesion. Benzodiazepines were predicted to be effective against dyspnea in patients with depression and severe anxiety. Meanwhile, corticosteroids were predicted to be effective against dyspnea in patients with lymphangitis carcinomatosa, superior vena cava syndrome, major airway obstruction, and audible wheezing. Japanese palliative care physicians anticipate that different drug classes will be effective for treating dyspnea in patients with specific factors. Conclusions: Japanese palliative care physicians expect that different drugs will be effective for dyspnea in patients with specific predictive factors. Future prospective studies are required to assess the effectiveness of each drug class against specific dyspnea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinobu Matsuda
- Department of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine, Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai, Japan
| | - Ryo Matsunuma
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kozue Suzuki
- Department of Palliative Care, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Disease Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masanori Mori
- Palliative Care Team, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Watanabe
- Department of Palliative Care, Komaki City Hospital, Komaki, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamaguchi
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Konan Hospital, Kobe, Japan
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Hui D, Bohlke K, Bao T, Campbell TC, Coyne PJ, Currow DC, Gupta A, Leiser AL, Mori M, Nava S, Reinke LF, Roeland EJ, Seigel C, Walsh D, Campbell ML. Management of Dyspnea in Advanced Cancer: ASCO Guideline. J Clin Oncol 2021; 39:1389-1411. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.20.03465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide guidance on the clinical management of dyspnea in adult patients with advanced cancer. METHODS ASCO convened an Expert Panel to review the evidence and formulate recommendations. An Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) systematic review provided the evidence base for nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions to alleviate dyspnea. The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies with a concurrent comparison group published through early May 2020. The ASCO Expert Panel also wished to address dyspnea assessment, management of underlying conditions, and palliative care referrals, and for these questions, an additional systematic review identified RCTs, systematic reviews, and guidelines published through July 2020. RESULTS The AHRQ systematic review included 48 RCTs and two retrospective cohort studies. Lung cancer and mesothelioma were the most commonly addressed types of cancer. Nonpharmacologic interventions such as fans provided some relief from breathlessness. Support for pharmacologic interventions was limited. A meta-analysis of specialty breathlessness services reported improvements in distress because of dyspnea. RECOMMENDATIONS A hierarchical approach to dyspnea management is recommended, beginning with dyspnea assessment, ascertainment and management of potentially reversible causes, and referral to an interdisciplinary palliative care team. Nonpharmacologic interventions that may be offered to relieve dyspnea include airflow interventions (eg, a fan directed at the cheek), standard supplemental oxygen for patients with hypoxemia, and other psychoeducational, self-management, or complementary approaches. For patients who derive inadequate relief from nonpharmacologic interventions, systemic opioids should be offered. Other pharmacologic interventions, such as corticosteroids and benzodiazepines, are also discussed. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/supportive-care-guidelines .
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hui
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Kari Bohlke
- American Society of Clinical Oncology, Alexandria, VA
| | - Ting Bao
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | | | | | | | - Arjun Gupta
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Aliza L. Leiser
- Rutgers RWJ Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Masanori Mori
- Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Stefano Nava
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Alma Mater University, Bologna, Italy
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Mori M, Yamaguchi T, Matsuda Y, Suzuki K, Watanabe H, Matsunuma R, Kako J, Imai K, Usui Y, Matsumoto Y, Hui D, Currow D, Morita T. Unanswered questions and future direction in the management of terminal breathlessness in patients with cancer. ESMO Open 2020; 5 Suppl 1:e000603. [PMID: 33558034 PMCID: PMC7046422 DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2019-000603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breathlessness is among the most common and deteriorating symptoms in patients with advanced cancer, which may worsen towards the end of life. Breathlessness in patients with estimated life expectancy of weeks to days has unique clinical features: it tends to worsen rapidly over days to hours as death approaches often despite current symptom control measures. Breathlessness in patients during the last weeks to days of life can be called ‘terminal breathlessness’. While evidence has accumulated for the management of breathlessness in patients with cancer who are not dying, such evidence may not be fully applied to terminal breathlessness. Only a few studies have investigated the best practice of terminal breathlessness in patients with cancer. In this paper, we summarise the current evidence for the management of terminal breathlessness, and propose future directions of clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Mori
- Palliative Care Team, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan.
| | | | - Yoshinobu Matsuda
- Department of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine, Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai, Japan
| | - Kozue Suzuki
- Department of Palliative Care, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Disease Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Watanabe
- Department of Palliative Care, Komaki City Hospital, Komaki, Japan
| | - Ryo Matsunuma
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Jun Kako
- Division of Nursing Science, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Yuko Usui
- Department of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Matsumoto
- Department of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - David Hui
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - David Currow
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
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Pan CX, Palathra BC, Leo-To WF. Management of Respiratory Symptoms in Those with Serious Illness. Med Clin North Am 2020; 104:455-470. [PMID: 32312409 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms are common in patients living with serious illness, both in cancer and nonmalignant conditions. Common symptoms include dyspnea (breathlessness), cough, malignant pleural effusions, airway secretions, and hemoptysis. Basic management of respiratory symptoms is within the scope of primary palliative care. There are pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches to treating respiratory symptoms. This article provides clinicians with treatment approaches to these burdensome symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia X Pan
- Division of Palliative Medicine and Geriatrics, Designated Institution Official of Graduate Medical Education, NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, 56-45 Main Street, Flushing, NY 11355, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Brigit C Palathra
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship, Division of Palliative Medicine and Geriatrics, NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, 56-45 Main Street, Flushing, NY 11355, USA. https://twitter.com/bpalathra
| | - Wing Fun Leo-To
- NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, 56-45 Main Street, Flushing, NY 11355, USA; Affiliate Clinical Faculty, College of Pharmacy and Health Science, St John's University, Jamaica, NY, USA
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Suzuki K, Matsunuma R, Matsuda Y, Mori M, Watanabe H, Yamaguchi T. A Nationwide Survey of Japanese Palliative Care Physicians' Practice of Corticosteroid Treatment for Dyspnea in Patients With Cancer. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 58:e3-e5. [PMID: 31472274 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kozue Suzuki
- Department of Palliative Care, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Disease Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Ryo Matsunuma
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Matsuda
- Department of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine, Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai, Japan
| | - Masanori Mori
- Palliative Care Team, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Watanabe
- Department of Palliative Care, Komaki City Hospital, Komaki, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamaguchi
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Konan Hospital, Kobe, Japan
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11
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Fentanyl treatment for end-of-life dyspnoea relief in advanced cancer patients. Support Care Cancer 2018; 27:157-164. [PMID: 29915993 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-018-4309-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We assessed the effects of subcutaneous-endovenous fentanyl on dyspnoea in a cohort of advanced cancer patients. METHODS We performed a retrospective study in a cohort of advanced cancer patients with dyspnoea at rest who received subcutaneous or intravenous fentanyl. Patients with no shortness of breath at rest or at minimal exertion, no rescue doses per 24 h, were deemed to be responders to fentanyl. The period of assessment was 6 days from the beginning of fentanyl treatment. RESULTS Seventy-two patients were evaluated: 65% males, 50% ≥ 75 years, Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) median of 30%. Seventy-six percent of the patients were responders to fentanyl. Fentanyl efficacy was not statistically related to age, gender, cancer type, previous opioid treatment, steroid and midazolam doses and PPS. The median fentanyl dose in responders was 25 mcg/h (interquartile range 12-70). It was significantly related to age (37 vs 12 mcg/h, for ≤ 75 vs > 75 years, respectively; p = 0.02). There was not a significant difference between fentanyl doses of responders and non-responder patients. Thirty-six, 23 and 15 patients had sustained improvements in dyspnoea over 48, 72 and 96 h. Fentanyl had no significant toxicity. The length of inclusion in the study and exclusion were related to low performance status (hazard ratio 0.961; 95%CI 0.927-0.996; Cox-regression) but not to fentanyl doses (hazard ratio 0.875; 95%CI 0.620-1.234; Cox-regression). CONCLUSION Our preliminary data suggest that subcutaneous-endovenous fentanyl may be associated with dyspnoea relief in dying patients. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
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