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Davis MP. Novel therapies for nausea and vomiting in advanced illness and supportive cancer care. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2024; 18:26323524241257701. [PMID: 38855566 PMCID: PMC11159532 DOI: 10.1177/26323524241257701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Nausea and vomiting are common experiences and are often dreaded more than pain. This review discusses blonanserin, mirtazapine, and isopropyl alcohol as antiemetics. Blonanserin, an atypical antipsychotic with a high affinity for dopamine D2 and D3 receptors and serotonin receptor 5-HT2A, has less of a risk of extrapyramidal adverse effects. Transdermal blonanserin, available in Korea, Japan, and China in a small number of trials, has improved nausea in patients not responding to standard antiemetics. Mirtazapine is a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant that has been used for multiple symptoms besides depression. There is little evidence that mirtazapine improves anorexia or nausea in advanced cancer but is as effective as olanzapine in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Isopropyl alcohol aromatherapy has been successfully used in the emergency department for nausea and vomiting with an onset to benefit more rapidly than standard antiemetics. Isopropyl alcohol prep pads can be used for home-going antiemetic therapy and as a bridge to treating acute nausea until standard antiemetics take effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mellar P. Davis
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, 100 North Academy Avenue, Danville, PA 17822, USA
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2
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Chowdhury IH, Rahman MS, Chowdhury MNK, Afroze YJ, Tabassum M, Marnush M, Zerin N. Mirtazapine versus megestrol acetate in treatment of anorexia-cachexia in advanced cancer patients: a randomized, double-blind trial. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2024; 54:530-536. [PMID: 38323684 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyae009] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cancer-related anorexia-cachexia comprises one of the most common syndromes of advanced cancer patients. The management of cancer-related anorexia-cachexia is a great challenge in clinical practice. There are no definite practice guidelines yet for the prevention and treatment of cancer-related anorexia-cachexia. This study is considered to find out whether there is any role of mirtazapine in the improvement of anorexia in cancer patients. METHODS A total of 80 cancer-anorexia patients were enrolled. Patients in the trial arm received the standard chemotherapy medication plus one tablet of mirtazapine 15 mg daily at night orally for 8 weeks starting from the day of an initial assessment. The control arm received the standard chemotherapy medication plus one tablet of megestrol acetate 160 mg daily orally for 8 weeks starting from the day of an initial assessment. Each patient was assessed by validated versions of Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy Anorexia/Cachexia Sub Scale v 4 questionnaires. RESULTS After 4 and 8 weeks each patient was evaluated again using the Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy Anorexia/Cachexia Sub Scale tool. The quality of life of each patient was assessed by European Organization for Research and Treatment QLQ-C30 v 3.0. After 4 to 8 weeks of treatment, the Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy Anorexia/Cachexia Sub Scale score in cancer anorexia patients in the mirtazapine improved anorexia significantly. However, the improvement after 4 to 8 weeks was not statistically significant when it was compared with the megestrol acetate (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Therefore, the findings of this study reveal that mirtazapine might be a potential alternative to megestrol acetate, as it has shown potential efficacy as like as megestrol acetate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Md Sayedur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Yeasmin Jahan Afroze
- Department of Facio-Maxillary Surgical Oncology, National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Masuma Tabassum
- Department of Pharmacology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Muhammad Marnush
- Department of Pharmacology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nusrat Zerin
- Department of Biochemistry, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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3
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Li J, Che M, Zhang B, Zhao K, Wan C, Yang K. The association between the neuroendocrine system and the tumor immune microenvironment: Emerging directions for cancer immunotherapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:189007. [PMID: 37907132 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189007] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
This review summarizes emerging evidence that the neuroendocrine system is involved in the regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) to influence cancer progression. The basis of the interaction between the neuroendocrine system and cancer is usually achieved by the infiltration of nerve fibers into the tumor tissue, which is called neurogenesis; the migration of cancer cells toward nerve fibers, which is called perineural invasion (PNI), and the neurotransmitters. In addition to the traditional role of neurotransmitters in neural communications, neurotransmitters are increasingly recognized as mediators of crosstalk between the nervous system, cancer cells, and the immune system. Recent studies have revealed that not only nerve fibers but also cancer cells and immune cells within the TIME can secrete neurotransmitters, exerting influence on both neurons and themselves. Furthermore, immune cells infiltrating the tumor environment have been found to express a wide array of neurotransmitter receptors. Hence, targeting these neurotransmitter receptors may promote the activity of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and exert anti-tumor immunity. Herein, we discuss the crosstalk between the neuroendocrine system and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, which may provide feasible cancer immunotherapy options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Mengjie Che
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Kewei Zhao
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Chao Wan
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
| | - Kunyu Yang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
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Almeida OLS, Ferriolli E, Taveira RCC, Rosenburg MG, Campanari DD, da Cruz Alves NM, Pfrimer K, Rapatoni L, Peria FM, Lima NKC. Mirtazapine versus Megestrol in the Treatment of Anorexia-Cachexia Syndrome in Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Phase II Clinical Trial. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3588. [PMID: 37509249 PMCID: PMC10377007 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This study compared mirtazapine with megestrol in the management of cancer-related anorexia-cachexia syndrome in patients with advanced cancer. A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial involving patients with advanced cancer and anorexia-cachexia syndrome was performed. Participants received mirtazapine 30 mg/day or megestrol 320 mg/day for eight weeks. The primary endpoint was the effect of mirtazapine on weight gain and the secondary endpoints were its effect on appetite, muscle strength, physical performance, body composition, adverse events, and medication adherence. Linear regression model with mixed effects was applied and a significance level of 5% was adopted. Fifty-two patients were randomized. Mean age was 65.8 ± 8.4 years. There was weight gain in 52% of the participants in the megestrol group and in 38% in the mirtazapine group after four weeks (p = 0.040). Appetite improved in 92% of the participants in the megestrol group and in 56% in the mirtazapine group after eight weeks (p = 0.007). In the sub-analysis by sex, women showed improvement in appetite (p < 0.001) and weight gain (p < 0.005) in the mirtazapine group, which was not observed in men. Mirtazapine appears to be inferior to megestrol in weight and appetite improvement. However, there may be a difference in the therapeutic response between sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Laura Sena Almeida
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Ferriolli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Roberta Cristina Cintra Taveira
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Meire Gallo Rosenburg
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniela Dalpubel Campanari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Natália Maira da Cruz Alves
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Karina Pfrimer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Liane Rapatoni
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Maris Peria
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Nereida K C Lima
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
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Corona A, Dominguez M, Eti S. Palliative Care in Kidney and Liver Diseases. ADVANCES IN KIDNEY DISEASE AND HEALTH 2023; 30:387-395. [PMID: 37657885 DOI: 10.1053/j.akdh.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The role of palliative care is to recognize patients with advanced illnesses who are at risk for poor outcomes and to alleviate their pain and suffering. Patients with both kidney and liver disease are a very vulnerable population due to the unique pathophysiologic relationship these two organs share, which often leads to an abbreviated life expectancy and a significant symptom burden. These patients face many challenges in their care. This article discusses the importance of prognostication for early palliative care referrals as well as the management of the two most common complaints patients with kidney and liver disease face: pain and ascites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Corona
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center.
| | - Mary Dominguez
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center
| | - Serife Eti
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center
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6
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Kubera M, Arteta B, Grygier B, Curzytek K, Malicki S, Maes M. Stimulatory effect of fluoxetine and desipramine, but not mirtazapine on C26 colon carcinoma hepatic metastases formation: association with cytokines. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1160977. [PMID: 37409130 PMCID: PMC10318584 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1160977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the high prevalence of depression among cancer patients, antidepressant medications are frequently administered as adjuvant treatment. However, the safety of such medications in the development of metastasis is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of fluoxetine, desipramine, and mirtazapine on the liver metastasis of murine C26 colon carcinoma (cc). Balb/c male mice were administered these antidepressants intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 14 days following intrasplenic injections of C26 colon carcinoma cells. Desipramine and fluoxetine, but not mirtazapine, significantly increased the number of tumor foci and total volume of the tumor in liver tissue. This effect was associated with a decrease in the ability of splenocytes to produce interleukin (IL)-1β and interferon (IFN)-γ and an increase in their ability to produce interleukin (IL)-10. Similar changes were observed in plasma IL-1β, IFN-γ, and IL-10 levels. The current study demonstrates that the stimulatory effect of desipramine and fluoxetine, but not mirtazapine, on experimental colon cancer liver metastasis is associated with a suppression of immune defenses against the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Kubera
- Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Beatriz Arteta
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, Tumor Microenvironment Group, Basque Country University, Leioa, Spain
| | - Beata Grygier
- Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Curzytek
- Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Stanisław Malicki
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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7
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Pinucci I, Maraone A, Tarsitani L, Pasquini M. Insomnia among Cancer Patients in the Real World: Optimising Treatments and Tailored Therapies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3785. [PMID: 36900794 PMCID: PMC10001409 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insomnia is commonly reported by cancer patients. Its multifaceted pathophysiology makes this symptom a complex challenge for the clinician, who should bear in mind the manifold world of causes and consequences of sleep disturbances in these patients and the importance of accurate treatment that should consider the frequent co-prescription of multiple medications. With our work, we aim to provide a tool to better master the treatment of this symptom in cancer patients, considering the gap between clinical and pharmacodynamic knowledge about the efficacy of different molecules and evidence-based prescribing. METHODS A narrative review of the studies investigating the pharmacological treatment of insomnia in cancer patients was conducted. Three hundred and seventy-six randomised controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews and meta-analyses were identified through PubMed. Only publications that investigated the efficacy of the pharmacological treatment of insomnia symptoms in cancer patient were considered. RESULTS Among the 376 publications that were individuated, fifteen studies were eligible for inclusion in the review and were described. Pharmacological treatments were outlined, with a broad look at specific clinical situations. CONCLUSIONS The management of insomnia in cancer patients should be personalised, as is already the case for the treatment of pain, taking into account both the pathophysiology and the other medical treatments prescribed to these patients.
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8
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Economos G, Alexandre M, Perceau-Chambard E, Villeneuve L, Subtil F, Haesebaert J, Glehen O. What is the effectiveness and safety of mirtazapine versus escitalopram in alleviating cancer-associated poly-symptomatology (the MIR-P study)? A mixed-method randomized controlled trial protocol. BMC Palliat Care 2022; 21:84. [PMID: 35599320 PMCID: PMC9125889 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00976-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced cancer patients often experience multiple symptoms at a same time. This might lead to polypharmacy and increase adverse events representing major threats to the quality of health care, especially in palliative care situations. Mirtazapine, an antidepressant agent, has been suggested as a potential relevant drug to alleviate multiple cancer-related symptoms at a same time. Therefore, the present study aims to assess the effectiveness of mirtazapine in alleviating multiple symptoms at a same time in advanced cancer patients suffering from a major depressive episode compared to a group receiving escitalopram, another antidepressant agent. METHODS Multicentre, prospective, randomized, controlled trial in 12 palliative care services in France. The study will be based on a mixed-method methodology using parallel groups, of oral mirtazapine compared with oral escitalopram, with a 56 day follow-up. The primary outcome will be an improvement of the Global health Status (issued from the EORTC-QLQ-C30) on day 56. 418 participants will be clinically followed-up on day 7 and 56 and will have a telephonic assessment on days 14 and 28. A sub-sample of participants will be invited to take part in semi-structured qualitative interviews at baseline and day 56. For the qualitative part, purposeful sampling will be used. DISCUSSION This study will provide evidence for the pharmaceutics management of poly-symptomatology in advanced cancer patients. This could lead to important changes in the management of those patients by using a single molecule to alleviate multiple symptoms at a same time, potentially improving medication adherence, symptoms' control, and reducing the risk of medications adverse events. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial registration: NCT04763135 . Registered 18 March 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Economos
- EA 3738 - CICLy - Centre d'Innovation en Cancérologie de Lyon, UFR Faculté de Médecin Lyon-Sud-Charles Mérieux BP1, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 165, Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69921, Oullins Cedex, France.
- Palliative Care Center, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 165, Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69495, Pierre-Bénite, France.
| | - Marine Alexandre
- Public Health, Research and Clinical Epidemiology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 165, Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69495, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Elise Perceau-Chambard
- Palliative Care Center, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 165, Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69495, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Laurent Villeneuve
- Public Health, Research and Clinical Epidemiology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 165, Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69495, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Fabien Subtil
- Public Health, Research and Clinical Epidemiology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 165, Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69495, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Julie Haesebaert
- Public Health, Research and Clinical Epidemiology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 165, Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69495, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Olivier Glehen
- Surgical Oncology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 165, Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69495, Pierre-Bénite, France
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Lavan O, Peled O, Avishai-Neumann M, Weizman A, Yahel A, Apter A, Valevski A, Fennig S, Stein J, Benaroya-Milshtein N. Psychopharmacology in the Pediatric Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant Units: Antidepressant Treatment. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2022; 32:153-161. [PMID: 35255222 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2021.0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical profiles, tolerability, and efficacy of two groups of antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and the atypical antidepressant, mirtazapine, in children and adolescents treated in a large pediatric Hematology-Oncology center. Methods: A review of computerized medical charts of 32 pediatric patients with cancer, from December 2011 to April 2020, was conducted. Efficacy and tolerability of antidepressant medications were retrospectively analyzed. The Clinical Global Impressions-Severity (CGI-S) and Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement (CGI-I) Scales were used to evaluate psychiatric symptoms severity before and following treatment, while the data on adverse events and drug-drug interactions were retrieved from the computerized medical records. Results: Thirty-two children and adolescents with cancer, 2-21 years of age (mean 14.1 ± 4.6 years), were treated with antidepressants. Fourteen patients (44%) received mirtazapine, whereas 18 patients (56%) received SSRIs: sertraline (25%), escitalopram (25%), or fluoxetine (6%). Treatment choice was dictated either by physician preference or informed by potential drug-drug interactions. The most common psychiatric diagnoses were major depressive disorders (47%), anxiety disorders (19%), and medication-induced psychiatric disorders (19%). The most common psychiatric-medical symptoms were depressed mood (94%) and anxiety (62%). CGI-S improved significantly (p < 0.05) between pretreatment and on-treatment assessments, with no statistically significant difference between SSRI and mirtazapine-treated patients. CGI-I scores at reassessment indicated improvement in most patients (84%). Adverse events of treatment were mild in all patients. Conclusions: The antidepressants used in this study, SSRIs and mirtazapine, were effective and well tolerated in children and adolescents with cancer and psychiatric comorbidities. Given the high rates of depression and anxiety in children with cancer, large-scale, multisite, prospective clinical trials of antidepressants are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orly Lavan
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Orit Peled
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Pharmacy, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Meital Avishai-Neumann
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Abraham Weizman
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Anat Yahel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Hematology-Oncology, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Alan Apter
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Avi Valevski
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Silvana Fennig
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jerry Stein
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Hematology-Oncology, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Noa Benaroya-Milshtein
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Pharmacy, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel
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Hunter CN, Abdel-Aal HH, Elsherief WA, Farag DE, Riad NM, Alsirafy SA. Mirtazapine in Cancer-Associated Anorexia and Cachexia: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:1207-1215. [PMID: 34051293 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Few pharmacological interventions are available for cancer-associated anorexia and cachexia. Mirtazapine has been suggested for use in cancer-associated anorexia and cachexia. OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to assess the efficacy and tolerability of mirtazapine in cancer-associated anorexia and cachexia. METHODS A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial. The study included 120 incurable solid tumour patients with anorexia (appetite loss ≥4 on 0 - 10 scale, 10 = maximum appetite loss), cachexia (>5% body weight loss over 6 months or >2% plus body mass index <20) and depression score ≤3 on 0-6 scale (6 = extreme feelings of depression). Patients were 1:1 randomized to receive mirtazapine 15mg daily at night for 8 weeks or placebo. The primary endpoint was change in appetite from baseline to day 28. Other outcomes included changes in quality-of-life, fatigue, depressive symptoms, body weight, lean body mass, handgrip strength, inflammatory markers, adverse events and survival. RESULTS 48 (80%) patients in the mirtazapine arm and 52 (87%) in the placebo were assessable for the 1ry endpoint. Appetite score increased significantly with mirtazapine as well as with placebo (P < 0.0001 each). The increase in appetite score did not differ significantly between the two arms in the per-protocol and intention-to-treat analysis (P = 0.472 and 0.462, respectively). Mirtazapine was associated with significantly less increase in depressive symptoms and higher prevalence of somnolence. The change in other outcomes did not differ significantly between mirtazapine and placebo. CONCLUSION Mirtazapine 15mg at night for 28 days is no better than placebo in improving the appetite of incurable solid tumor patients with cancer-associated anorexia and cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine N Hunter
- Palliative Medicine Unit, Kasr Al-Ainy Center of Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hesham H Abdel-Aal
- Palliative Medicine Unit, Kasr Al-Ainy Center of Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Wessam A Elsherief
- Palliative Medicine Unit, Kasr Al-Ainy Center of Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dina E Farag
- Palliative Medicine Unit, Kasr Al-Ainy Center of Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nermine M Riad
- Clinical and Chemical Pathology Department, Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samy A Alsirafy
- Palliative Medicine Unit, Kasr Al-Ainy Center of Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
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George R, Rai B. Practical aspects of palliative care & palliative radiotherapy in incurable cervical cancer. Indian J Med Res 2021; 154:262-266. [PMID: 35295004 PMCID: PMC9131757 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_1642_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths among economically disadvantaged women. The symptoms of pain, discharge, constipation, foul smell, insomnia and depression can be controlled with inexpensive medicines such as oral morphine, maintenance oral metronidazole, antidepressants and laxatives. These medications should be prescribed according to the palliative care guidelines and titrated to the individual patient's clinical response, pathophysiology, and metabolic parameters. A hypothetical clinical scenario illustrates some aspects of pain and symptom management, inter-disciplinary palliative care, medical ethics and communication needs in low-resource settings. Palliative radiotherapy is a cost-effective intervention to reduce vaginal discharge, bleeding, pressure effects and nociceptive or neuropathic pain caused by pelvic and para-aortic disease. The role of palliative radiotherapy in patients with malignant fistulae is discussed and the literature on hypo-fractionated pelvic radiotherapy is briefly reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reena George
- Department of Continuing Medical Education, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Bhavana Rai
- Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India,For correspondence: Dr Bhavana Rai, Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh 160 012, India e-mail:
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12
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Lee W, Sheehan C, Chye R, Chang S, Loo C, Draper B, Agar M, Currow DC. Study protocol for SKIPMDD: subcutaneous ketamine infusion in palliative care patients with advanced life limiting illnesses for major depressive disorder (phase II pilot feasibility study). BMJ Open 2021; 11:e052312. [PMID: 34183351 PMCID: PMC8240583 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Major depressive disorder (MDD) in people with advanced life-limiting illnesses can have significant impact on the quality-of-life of those affected. The management of MDD in the palliative care setting can be challenging as typical antidepressants may not work in time nor be tolerated due to coexisting organ dysfunctions, symptom burden and frailty. Parenteral ketamine was found to exhibit effective and rapid-onset antidepressant effect even against treatment-resistant depression in the psychiatric population. However, there is currently neither feasibility study nor available prospective study available to inform of the safety, tolerability and efficacy of such for MDD in the palliative setting. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is an open-labelled, single arm, phase II pilot feasibility study involving adult patients with advanced life-limiting illnesses and MDD across four palliative care services in Australia. It has an individual dose-titration design (0.1-0.4 mg/kg) with weekly treatments of subcutaneous ketamine infusion over 2 hours. The primary outcome is feasibility. The secondary outcomes are related to the safety, tolerability and antidepressant efficacy of ketamine, participants' satisfaction in relation to the trial process and the reasons for not completing the study at various stages. The feasibility data will be reported using descriptive statistics. Meanwhile, side effects, tolerability and efficacy data will be analysed using change of assessment scores from baseline. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval was acquired (South Western Sydney Local Health District: HREC/18/LPOOL/466). The results of this study will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry Number: ACTRN12618001586202; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lee
- Improving Care for Palliative Aged, and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Richard Chye
- Palliative Care, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- University of Notre Dame, Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sungwon Chang
- Improving Care for Palliative Aged, and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Colleen Loo
- Black Dog Institute, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brian Draper
- Department of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Meera Agar
- Improving Care for Palliative Aged, and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David C Currow
- Improving Care for Palliative Aged, and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Cancer Institute New South Wales, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
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Differences in the antinociceptive effects of serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors via sodium channel blockade using the veratrine test in mice. Neuroreport 2021; 32:797-802. [PMID: 33994525 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Antidepressants exert their analgesic effects by inhibiting the reuptake of noradrenaline. Several antidepressants have been shown to block the sodium channels, which might contribute to their analgesic potency. The aim of this study was to determine whether serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) could produce antinociceptive effects via sodium channel blockade using the veratrine test in mice. Furthermore, the effects of these agents on the veratrine test were examined to elucidate the effects of several antidepressants and tramadol on sodium channels. The administration of duloxetine (10 mg/kg) and venlafaxine (30 mg/kg) suppressed cuff-induced mechanical allodynia; however, these antinociceptive effects were only partially suppressed by atipamezole. Furthermore, duloxetine and venlafaxine demonstrated antinociceptive effects via sodium channel blockade, as assayed by the veratrine test. In addition, several antidepressants, including amitriptyline, paroxetine and mirtazapine, reduced veratrine-induced nociception. In contrast, milnacipran and tramadol did not alter the veratrine-induced nociception. These results indicated that, in addition to the primary action of SNRIs on monoamine transporters, sodium channel blockade might be involved in the antinociceptive activities of duloxetine and venlafaxine, but not milnacipran.
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Herrero Babiloni A, Beetz G, Bruneau A, Martel MO, Cistulli PA, Nixdorf DR, Conway JM, Lavigne GJ. Multitargeting the sleep-pain interaction with pharmacological approaches: A narrative review with suggestions on new avenues of investigation. Sleep Med Rev 2021; 59:101459. [PMID: 33601274 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The multimorbidity formed by sleep disturbances and pain conditions is highly prevalent and has a significant impact in global health and in the socioeconomic system. Although different approaches have been directed toward its management, evidence regarding an optimal treatment is lacking, and pharmacological options are often preferred. Health professionals (e.g., pain and sleep clinicians) tend to focus on their respective expertise, targeting a single symptom with a single drug. This may increase polypharmacy and the risk of drug interactions, adverse events, and mortality. Hence, the use of medications that can directly or indirectly improve sleep, pain, and other possible accompanying conditions without exacerbating them becomes especially relevant. The objectives of this comprehensive review are to: a) describe the beneficial or deleterious effects that some commonly used medications to manage pain have on sleep and sleep disorders; and b) describe the beneficial or deleterious effects that frequently prescribed medications for sleep may have on pain. Moreover, medications targeting some specific sleep-pain interactions will be suggested and future directions for improving sleep and alleviating pain of these patients will be provided with clinical and research perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Herrero Babiloni
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada; Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Research Centre, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal (CIUSSS du Nord de-l'Île-de-Montréal), Québec, Canada; Faculty of Dental Medicine, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| | - Gabrielle Beetz
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Research Centre, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal (CIUSSS du Nord de-l'Île-de-Montréal), Québec, Canada
| | - Alice Bruneau
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marc O Martel
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada; Faculty of Dentistry & Department of Anesthesia, McGill University, Canada
| | - Peter A Cistulli
- Sleep Research Group, Charles Perkins Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Sleep Health and Research, Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Donald R Nixdorf
- Division of TMD and Orofacial Pain, Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research, Bloomington, MN, USA
| | | | - Gilles J Lavigne
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada; Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Research Centre, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal (CIUSSS du Nord de-l'Île-de-Montréal), Québec, Canada; Faculty of Dental Medicine, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
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The Cardiovascular Effects of Newer Antidepressants in Older Adults and Those With or At High Risk for Cardiovascular Diseases. CNS Drugs 2020; 34:1133-1147. [PMID: 33064291 PMCID: PMC7666056 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-020-00763-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Depression is common in older adults and those with cardiovascular disease. Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors generally have been shown to be safe to treat depression in these patients, it is important to identify additional antidepressants when selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are not effective. This qualitative narrative review summarizes what is known about the cardiovascular side effects of some of the newer antidepressants. Twelve novel non-selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants were identified from the literature: venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, milnacipran, levomilnacipran, mirtazapine, bupropion, vilazodone, vortioxetine, agomelatine, moclobemide, and ketamine-esketamine. A search restricted to publications written in English was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar with the following search criteria: the specific antidepressant AND (QT OR QTc OR "heart rate" OR "heart rate variability" OR "hypertension" OR "orthostatic hypotension" OR "cardiovascular outcomes" OR "arrhythmia" OR "myocardial infarction" OR "cardiovascular mortality") AND (geriatric OR "older adults" OR "late life depression" OR "cardiovascular disease" OR "hospitalized" OR "hospitalized"). The recommended use, dosing ranges, cardiovascular effects, and general advantages and disadvantages of each of the drugs are discussed. Levomilnacipran and vilazodone have not received enough study to judge their safety in older patients or in those with, or at high risk for, cardiovascular disease. There is at least some evidence for possible adverse events with each of the other newer antidepressants that could be of concern in these patients. Nevertheless, with careful administration and attention to the potential adverse reactions for each drug, these may provide safe effective alternatives for older adults and patients with cardiovascular disease who do not respond to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants. However, more research on the safety and efficacy of these drugs in these specific patient populations is urgently needed.
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