1
|
Rojas-Concha L, Arrarrás JI, Conroy T, Chalk T, Guberti M, Holzner B, Husson O, Kuliś D, Shamieh O, Piccinin C, Puga MJ, Rohde G, Groenvold M. Acceptability and usefulness of the EORTC 'Write In three Symptoms/Problems' (WISP): a brief open-ended instrument for symptom assessment in cancer patients. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2024; 22:28. [PMID: 38532393 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-024-02244-z] [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] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of open-ended questions supplementing static questionnaires with closed questions may facilitate the recognition of symptoms and toxicities. The open-ended 'Write In three Symptoms/Problems (WISP)' instrument permits patients to report additional symptoms/problems not covered by selected EORTC questionnaires. We evaluated the acceptability and usefulness of WISP with cancer patients receiving active and palliative care/treatment in Austria, Chile, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom. METHODS We conducted a literature search on validated instruments for cancer patients including open-ended questions and analyzing their responses. WISP was translated into eight languages and pilot tested. WISP translations were pre-tested together with EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-C15-PAL and relevant modules, followed by patient interviews to evaluate their understanding about WISP. Proportions were used to summarize patient responses obtained from interviews and WISP. RESULTS From the seven instruments identified in the literature, only the free text collected from the PRO-CTAE has been analyzed previously. In our study, 161 cancer patients participated in the pre-testing and interviews (50% in active treatment). Qualitative interviews showed high acceptability of WISP. Among the 295 symptoms/problems reported using WISP, skin problems, sore mouth and bleeding were more prevalent in patients in active treatment, whereas numbness/tingling, dry mouth and existential problems were more prevalent in patients in palliative care/treatment. CONCLUSIONS The EORTC WISP instrument was found to be acceptable and useful for symptom assessment in cancer patients. WISP improves the identification of symptoms/problems not assessed by cancer-generic questionnaires and therefore, we recommend its use alongside the EORTC questionnaires.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leslye Rojas-Concha
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine GP, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospitals, Palliative Care Research Unit, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Juan Ignacio Arrarrás
- Servicio Navarro de Salud, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Thierry Conroy
- Medical Oncology Department, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-Lès-Nancy, France
- Université de Lorraine, Inserm INSPIIRE, Nancy, France
| | - Tara Chalk
- Supportive Oncology Research Team, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Northwood, HA6 2RN, UK
| | - Monica Guberti
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale -IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Bernhard Holzner
- University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Olga Husson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dagmara Kuliś
- Quality of Life Department, EORTC, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Omar Shamieh
- Department of Hospice, Palliative Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - María José Puga
- Unidad Alivio del Dolor y Cuidados Paliativos, Hospital Base Valdivia, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Gudrun Rohde
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
- Department of Clinical Research, Sorlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Mogens Groenvold
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine GP, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospitals, Palliative Care Research Unit, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Section of Health Services Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Monsen RE, Lerdal A, Nordgarden H, Gay CL, Herlofson BB. A comparison of the prevalence of dry mouth and other symptoms using two different versions of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System on an inpatient palliative care unit. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:75. [PMID: 38493155 PMCID: PMC10943902 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01405-7] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symptom assessment is key to effective symptom management and palliative care for patients with advanced cancer. Symptom prevalence and severity estimates vary widely, possibly dependent on the assessment tool used. Are symptoms specifically asked about or must the patients add them as additional symptoms? This study compared the prevalence and severity of patient-reported symptoms in two different versions of a multi-symptom assessment tool. In one version, three symptoms dry mouth, constipation, sleep problems were among those systematically assessed, while in the other, these symptoms had to be added as an "Other problem". METHODS This retrospective cross-sectional study included adult patients with advanced cancer at an inpatient palliative care unit. Data were collected from two versions of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS): modified (ESAS-m) listed 11 symptoms and revised (ESAS-r) listed 9 and allowed patients to add one "Other problem". Seven similar symptoms were listed in both versions. RESULTS In 2013, 184 patients completed ESAS-m, and in 2017, 156 completed ESAS-r. Prevalence and severity of symptoms listed in both versions did not differ. In ESAS-m, 83% reported dry mouth, 73% constipation, and 71% sleep problems, but on ESAS-r, these symptoms were reported by only 3%, 15% and < 1%, respectively. Although ESAS-r severity scores for these three symptoms were higher than on ESAS-m, differences did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION We identified significant differences in patient symptom reporting based on whether symptoms like dry mouth, obstipation and sleep problems were specifically assessed or had to be added by patients as an "Other problem".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ragnhild Elisabeth Monsen
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Postboks 1089 Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway.
- Department of Medicine, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Anners Lerdal
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Postboks 1089 Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway
- Department of Research, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hilde Nordgarden
- National Resource Centre for Oral Health in Rare Disorders, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Caryl L Gay
- Department of Research, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Bente Brokstad Herlofson
- Department of Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Division for Head, Neck and Reconstructive Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rojas-Concha L, Hansen MB, Groenvold M. Symptoms and problems reported by patients with non-cancer diseases through open-ended questions in specialist palliative care: a national register-based study. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:141. [PMID: 38305835 PMCID: PMC10837258 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08345-1] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Since 2010, a comprehensive symptom/problem (S/P) assessment has been carried out in Danish specialist palliative care using the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL questionnaire and the open-ended "Write In three Symptoms/Problems" (WISP) instrument. On WISP patients can report up to three S/Ps not included in the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL. However, little is known about which S/Ps patients with non-cancer diseases report using WISP. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence and severity of S/Ps reported on WISP by non-cancer patients in specialist palliative care and compared these S/Ps with those previously reported by cancer patients. METHODS This register-based study collected data from the Danish Palliative Care Database. We included adult patients with non-cancer diseases answering the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL at admittance to specialist palliative care between 2016 and 2021. WISP responses were qualitatively categorized, and their prevalence and severity calculated. RESULTS Of the 2323 patients with non-cancer diseases answering the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL, 812 (34.9%) reported at least one S/P using WISP. A total of 1340 S/Ps were reported on WISP, of which 56.7% were not included in the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL (i.e., were new). Edema, existential problems, dizziness, cough, and dysphagia were the most prevalent new S/Ps. Overall, 88.7% of the S/Ps were scored as moderate-severe. The prevalence of S/Ps reported on WISP did not significantly differ between cancer and non-cancer patients, except for existential problems, dysphagia, myoclonus, speaking problems, sweats, and vomiting. CONCLUSION The similarities and differences in the prevalence of the most common S/Ps reported on WISP confirm that WISP improves symptom assessment regardless of patient diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leslye Rojas-Concha
- Palliative Care Research Unit, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine GP, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospitals, University of Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, DK-2400, Copenhagen, NV, Denmark.
| | - Maiken Bang Hansen
- Palliative Care Research Unit, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine GP, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospitals, University of Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, DK-2400, Copenhagen, NV, Denmark
| | - Mogens Groenvold
- Palliative Care Research Unit, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine GP, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospitals, University of Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, DK-2400, Copenhagen, NV, Denmark
- Section for Health Services Research, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rojas-Concha L, Hansen MB, Petersen MA, Groenvold M. Symptoms of advanced cancer in palliative medicine: a longitudinal study. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2023; 13:e415-e427. [PMID: 34162585 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-002999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the symptomatology of patients with advanced cancer at admittance to palliative care services and to investigate how the symptomatology changed during the first month, and whether these changes were associated with various patient characteristics. METHODS In a longitudinal study in Chile, outpatients with advanced cancer completed the questionnaires European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative Care and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Prevalence and severity of symptoms and problems (S/Ps) at baseline were calculated. Differences in S/P scores from baseline to follow-up were calculated overall and according to patient characteristics. Multiple linear regression was used to study the associations between patient characteristics and changes in S/P scores. RESULTS At baseline, 201 patients answered the questionnaires and 177 completed the follow-up. Fatigue, pain and sleeping difficulties were the most prevalent S/Ps reported, and also had the highest mean scores at baseline. S/P scores at baseline varied significantly according to sex, age, civil status, residence, children, prior and current antineoplastic treatment. Emotional functioning, pain, sleeping difficulties, constipation and anxiety improved significantly during the first month of palliative care. Residence, cohabitation status, diagnosis and current antineoplastic treatment were associated with changes in S/P scores. CONCLUSIONS Patients reported moderate-to-severe levels of S/Ps at admittance to palliative care. Several S/Ps improved the first month. Certain patient characteristics were associated with changes in S/P scores. This information may guide clinicians to more effective interventions that can improve the quality of life of patients receiving palliative care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leslye Rojas-Concha
- Palliative Care Research Unit, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maiken Bang Hansen
- Palliative Care Research Unit, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Aagaard Petersen
- Palliative Care Research Unit, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mogens Groenvold
- Palliative Care Research Unit, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Recommendations on the use of item libraries for patient-reported outcome measurement in oncology trials: findings from an international, multidisciplinary working group. Lancet Oncol 2023; 24:e86-e95. [PMID: 36725153 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(22)00654-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The use of item libraries for patient-reported outcome (PRO) measurement in oncology allows for the customisation of PRO assessment to measure key health-related quality of life concepts of relevance to the target population and intervention. However, no high-level recommendations exist to guide users on the design and implementation of these customised PRO measures (item lists) across different PRO measurement systems. To address this issue, a working group was set up, including international stakeholders (academic, independent, industry, health technology assessment, regulatory, and patient advocacy), with the goal of creating recommendations for the use of item libraries in oncology trials. A scoping review was carried out to identify relevant publications and highlight any gaps. Stakeholders commented on the available guidance for each research question, proposed recommendations on how to address gaps in the literature, and came to an agreement using discussion-based methods. Nine primary research questions were identified that formed the scope and structure of the recommendations on how to select items and implement item lists created from item libraries. These recommendations address methods to drive item selection, plan the structure and analysis of item lists, and facilitate their use in conjunction with other measures. The findings resulted in high-level, instrument-agnostic recommendations on the use of item-library-derived item lists in oncology trials.
Collapse
|
6
|
Snijders RAH, Brom L, Theunissen M, van den Beuken-van Everdingen MHJ. Update on Prevalence of Pain in Patients with Cancer 2022: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:591. [PMID: 36765547 PMCID: PMC9913127 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Experiencing pain and insufficient relief can be devastating and negatively affect a patient's quality of life. Developments in oncology such as new treatments and adjusted pain management guidelines may have influenced the prevalence of cancer pain and severity in patients. This review aims to provide an overview of the prevalence and severity of pain in cancer patients in the 2014-2021 literature period. A systematic literature search was performed using the databases PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane. Titles and abstracts were screened, and full texts were evaluated and assessed on methodological quality. A meta-analysis was performed on the pooled prevalence and severity rates. A meta-regression analysis was used to explore differences between treatment groups. We identified 10,637 studies, of which 444 studies were included. The overall prevalence of pain was 44.5%. Moderate to severe pain was experienced by 30.6% of the patients, a lower proportion compared to previous research. Pain experienced by cancer survivors was significantly lower compared to most treatment groups. Our results imply that both the prevalence of pain and pain severity declined in the past decade. Increased attention to the assessment and management of pain might have fostered the decline in the prevalence and severity of pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rolf A. H. Snijders
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Department of Research & Development, 3511 DT Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Association for Palliative Care (PZNL), 3511 DT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Brom
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Department of Research & Development, 3511 DT Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Association for Palliative Care (PZNL), 3511 DT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice Theunissen
- Centre of Expertise for Palliative Care, Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+), 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Management, Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+), 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke H. J. van den Beuken-van Everdingen
- Centre of Expertise for Palliative Care, Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+), 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Management, Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+), 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
van den Hurk CJG, Mols F, Eicher M, Chan RJ, Becker A, Geleijnse G, Walraven I, Coolbrandt A, Lustberg M, Velikova G, Charalambous A, Koczwara B, Howell D, Basch EM, van de Poll-Franse LV. A Narrative Review on the Collection and Use of Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes in Cancer Survivorship Care with Emphasis on Symptom Monitoring. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:4370-4385. [PMID: 35735458 PMCID: PMC9222072 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29060349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) applications promise great added value for improving symptom management and health-related quality of life. The aim of this narrative review is to describe the collection and use of ePROs for cancer survivorship care, with an emphasis on ePRO-symptom monitoring. It offers many different perspectives from research settings, while current implementation in routine care is ongoing. ePRO collection optimizes survivorship care by providing insight into the patients' well-being and prioritizing their unmet needs during the whole trajectory from diagnosis to end-of-life. ePRO-symptom monitoring can contribute to timely health risk detection and subsequently allow earlier intervention. Detection is optimized by automatically generated alerts that vary from simple to complex and multilayered. Using ePRO-symptoms during in-hospital consultation enhances the patients' conversation with the health care provider before making informed decisions about treatments, other interventions, or self-management. ePRO(-symptoms) entail specific implementation issues and complementary ethics considerations. The latter is due to privacy concerns, digital divide, and scarcity of adequately representative data for particular groups of patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corina J. G. van den Hurk
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (IKNL), 3511 DT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (F.M.); (G.G.); (L.V.v.d.P.-F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Floortje Mols
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (IKNL), 3511 DT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (F.M.); (G.G.); (L.V.v.d.P.-F.)
- CoRPS—Center of Research on Psychological Disorders and Somatic Diseases, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, 5037 AB Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Manuela Eicher
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Health Care (IUFRS), Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, CH-1010 Lausanne, Switzerland;
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Raymond J. Chan
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia;
| | - Annemarie Becker
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Gijs Geleijnse
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (IKNL), 3511 DT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (F.M.); (G.G.); (L.V.v.d.P.-F.)
| | - Iris Walraven
- Radboudumc, Department for Health Evidence, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Annemarie Coolbrandt
- Department of Oncology Nursing, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Center for Nursing and Midwifery, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maryam Lustberg
- Breast Medical Oncology, Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA;
- Breast Center at Smilow Cancer Hospital, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Galina Velikova
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds and Leeds Cancer Centre, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK;
| | - Andreas Charalambous
- Nursing Department, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus;
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, 00074 CGI Turku, Finland
| | - Bogda Koczwara
- Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia;
| | - Doris Howell
- Princess Margaret Cancer Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada;
| | - Ethan M. Basch
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Lonneke V. van de Poll-Franse
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (IKNL), 3511 DT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (F.M.); (G.G.); (L.V.v.d.P.-F.)
- CoRPS—Center of Research on Psychological Disorders and Somatic Diseases, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, 5037 AB Tilburg, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychosocial Research, Division of Psychosocial Research & Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Retrospective Observational Study on the Characteristics of Pain and Associated Factors of Breakthrough Pain in Advanced Cancer Patients. Pain Res Manag 2022; 2022:8943292. [PMID: 35463627 PMCID: PMC9023204 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8943292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to conduct a retrospective observational study to understand the status of characteristics of pain and identify potential variables influencing the clinical presentation of breakthrough cancer pain (BTP) in advanced cancer patients. Methods Advanced cancer patients over 18 years of age; diagnosed with cancer of any type and stage III or IV in the palliative care ward with available data were enrolled between 2018 and 2020. Demographic data and pain-related information were collected by using structured electronic extraction form from Hospital Information System (HIS). Patients who had well-controlled background pain with an intensity ≤4 on a 0–10 numerical scale for >12 hours/day, the presence of transient exacerbations of pain with moderate-severe intensity (≧5), and clearly distinguish from background pain were regarded to have suffered BTP. Spearman correlation was conducted to explore the relationship between pain score and demographics characteristics. Factors significant in univariate analysis were included in the multiple regression model to explore independent predictive factors associated with the BTP. Results Of 798 advanced cancer patients, the mean age was 56.7 (SD = 11.84) years. Lung cancer (29.95%) was the most common cancer, and pain (93%) was the most common symptom. More than half (n = 428, 53.6%) of the patients experienced BTP. The median number of BTP episodes was 4 (IQR = 2, 7, range: 1–42). The median intensity of BTP was 6 (IQR = 6, 7, range 5–10). Patients with severe background pain or BTP had longer hospital stay and more symptoms. Besides, more severe background pain was related to higher activity of daily living. Intramuscular injection of hydromorphone hydrochloride was the main medication for BTP onset. Younger age, background pain, anorexia, and constipation were independently associated with the presentation of BTP. BTP pain intensity was independently associated with bloating. Symptom numbers were an independent factor and positively associated with BTP episodes. Conclusions BTP resulted in poor prognosis, which has a variable presentation depending on interdependent relationships among different characteristics. Good controlling of background pain and assessment of pain-related symptoms are essential for BTP management. BTP should be managed individually, especially the invisible pain among aged patients. Furthermore, BTP-related education and training were still needed.
Collapse
|
9
|
Nishijima K, Kizawa Y, Yamauchi T, Odagiri T, Ito T, Kaneishi K, Shimizu K, Morita T, Mori M. Prevalence and associated factors of orphan symptoms in advanced cancer patients: a multicenter observational study. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:5537-5547. [PMID: 33725175 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06144-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aims of this study were to examine the prevalence of myoclonus, sweating, pruritus, hiccup, and vesical and rectal tenesmus, and to explore associated factors in patients with advanced cancer. METHODS This multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted in 23 inpatient hospices/palliative care units in Japan from January to December 2017. The prevalence and characteristics of each symptom were assessed on admission and in the 3 days before death. We selected factors that might influence the occurrence of each symptom and investigated the association. RESULTS A total of 1896 patients were enrolled. The prevalence of orphan symptoms rose from admission to the 3 days before death: myoclonus 1.3 to 5.3% (95% CI 0.9-1.9%/4.3-6.5%), sweating 1.8 to 4.1% (95% CI 1.3-2.6%/3.1-5.1%), hiccup 1.1 to 1.8% (95% CI 0.7-1.7%/1.2-2.6%), and tenesmus 0.7 to 0.9% (0.4-1.2%/0.5-1.5%). Prevalence of pruritus fell from 3.5 to 2.5% (95% CI 2.7-4.4%/1.8-3.4%). Sweating, pruritus, and hiccups persisted throughout the day in nearly half of the patients. Myoclonus was significantly associated with brain tumors, sweating with opioids and antipsychotics, pruritus with liver and biliary tract cancer, cholestasis and severe diabetes, hiccup with male gender, digestive tract obstruction, severe diabetes, and renal failure. Vesical tenesmus was associated with urinary cancer, antipsychotics, and anticholinergics and rectal tenesmus with pelvic cavity cancer. CONCLUSION We found that orphan symptoms occurred in 0.5-5.0% of patients, increased over time except for pruritus, and persisted in half of the patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Nishijima
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2, Kusunokicho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan.
| | - Yoshiyuki Kizawa
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2, Kusunokicho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan
| | | | - Takuya Odagiri
- Department of Palliative Care, Komaki City Hospital, Komaki, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Ito
- Department of Palliative Care, Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Kaneishi
- Department of Palliative Care Unit, JCHO Tokyo Shinjuku Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiji Shimizu
- Department of Palliative Care Internal Medicine, Osaka General Hospital of West Japan Railway Company, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Masanori Mori
- Palliative Care Team, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| |
Collapse
|