Neuropathic pain after breast cancer treatment and its impact on sleep quality one year after cancer diagnosis

Global prevalence of poor sleep quality in cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Poor sleep quality is common in patients with cancer, but the prevalence rates varied widely across studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the pooled prevalence of poor sleep quality among patients with cancer.

METHODS

Systematic literature searches were independently conducted in the major databases (Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO). Studies that reported the prevalence of poor sleep quality in patients with cancer were analyzed using a random effects model. Funnel plots and Egger's tests were used to assess publication bias. Statistical analyses were performed using R software.

RESULTS

A total of 59 epidemiological studies involving 16,223 patients were included. The pooled prevalence of poor sleep quality in patients with cancer was 57.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 53.3% - 61.6%]. Additionally, three comparative studies with 372 patients and 412 healthy controls were included. Compared to healthy controls, patients with cancer had a significantly higher risk for poor sleep quality [odd ratio (OR) = 3.0; 95%CI: 1.2-7.2; P < 0.05]. Subgroup analyses of the studies revealed that studies from Middle East & North Africa region and low income countries, and on gynecological cancer as well as those with a lower cut-off value of sleep quality (all P < 0.01) reported a higher prevalence of poor sleep quality. Meta-regression analyses showed that higher prevalence of poor sleep quality was associated with higher prevalence of comorbid depression (P < 0.05) and anxiety (P < 0.01), but was associated with a lower education level (P < 0.05) and alcohol use ratio (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Poor sleep quality is common among patients with cancer. Considering the overall high prevalence rate and negative impact of poor sleep quality, appropriate measures to identify and improve poor sleep quality are needed to enhance the clinical outcomes in this group.

Subgroups of sleep quality and associated risk factors in patients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy: A cross-sectional study based on latent profile analysis

PURPOSE

To identify latent classes of sleep quality among patients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy, and to examine the predictors of different latent classes.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 238 cancer patients. The assessment instrument included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the sleep hygiene awareness and practice scale, the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory, the Distress Thermometer and the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Questionnaire. Latent profile analysis was used to identify different sleep quality subgroups.

RESULTS

Three latent classes with distinct sleep characteristics were identified: good sleep quality (class 1, 66.8%), moderate sleep disturbance with high hypnotics use (class 2, 9.2%), and high sleep disturbance with low hypnotics use (class 3, 24.0%) classes. Patients who were young (P = 0.022) and diagnosed with cancer stage Ⅲ (P = 0.021) were significantly more likely to be in Class 3 than in Class 1. Patients with a senior middle school were less likely to fall into Class 2, but more likely to fall into Class 1 (P = 0.026). Those with higher sleep hygiene practice scores (P = 0.022; P < 0.001), symptom severity (P < 0.001; P < 0.001), and psychological distress (P = 0.040; P < 0.001) had a significantly higher probability of being classified in Class 2 or Class 3 than in Class 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed the heterogeneity of sleep quality in patients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy; moreover, through our findings, targeted interventions may be developed to promote the sleep quality of these patients.

Sleep dysfunction associated with worse chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity functional outcomes

PURPOSE

Sleep problems are commonly reported by cancer survivors; however, knowledge of the impact of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN) on sleep quality remains limited. In this study, we explored the impact of CIPN on sleep quality, as well as identified clinical characteristics associated with poor sleep quality.

METHODS

Participants were assessed cross-sectionally post-neurotoxic chemotherapy. CIPN severity was graded using a range of questionnaires that assessed CIPN severity and quality of life, as well as neurological grading scales. Sleep quality was assessed using a self-rated questionnaire (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI). Participants with poor sleep quality were further grouped according to whether sleep impairment was due to CIPN or other factors.

RESULTS

Among 77 participants who reported CIPN, 75% (n = 58) reported poor sleep quality. Of those, 41% (n = 24) reported CIPN as contributing to sleep impairment, while 59% (n = 34) reported other causes. Participants with CIPN-induced sleep impairments had higher CIPN severity across all outcome measures, as well as greater neuropathic pain (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, participants with CIPN-induced sleep impairments reported worse impact of neuropathy on physical and social functioning, as well as emotional well-being (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Participants with CIPN-induced poor sleep quality reported worse scores across all CIPN severity measures. This emphasises the negative impacts of CIPN symptoms on quality of life of chemotherapy-treated patients and highlights the importance of sleep quality assessment in cancer survivors.

Postmastectomy Pain Syndrome: A Narrative Review

Postmastectomy pain syndrome is a very common disorder in breast cancer survivors. The impact on the quality of patients' lives is significantly adverse. The precise pathophysiology has not been determined as yet though various risk factors have been identified that make the patient vulnerable. Required preoperative work includes the identification and possible elimination of risk factors. Treatment is multidisciplinary involving surgical and non-surgical modalities. There is a great scope of research in this field.

Peripheral Neuropathic Pain Following Breast Cancer: Effectiveness and Tolerability of High-Concentration Capsaicin Patch

Purpose

Data supporting the use of high-concentration capsaicin patches (HCCPs) in breast cancer (BC) patients and BC survivors (BCSs) with peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP) are limited. This observational study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of HCCP applications in BCSs/BC patients with PNP.

Patients and Methods

Data from all patients treated with HCCP in the pain department of a French comprehensive cancer centre were collected from 01-Jan-2014 to 14-Oct-2020. Independent pain specialists completed the Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC) for each included patient based on data extracted from patient’s electronic medical record compiled by the treating pain specialist after each HCCP application.

Results

Patients (N=279; mean age: 59.2 years; previous history of PNP medication: 54.5%) received on average 4.1 repeated HCCP applications (1141 HCCP applications); 68.8% received HCCP as an add-on to systemic therapy and 27.9% as first-line therapy. PNP was most frequently caused by surgery (62.4%) followed by chemotherapy (11.8%) and radiotherapy (6.5%). A complete or important analgesic effect was reported at least once by 82.3% of patients. A 6.0% reported no effect at all. For post-surgical PNP existing for <12 months and >10 years an important or complete effect was observed for 70.7% and 56.0% of applications. For chemotherapy- or radiotherapy-induced PNP, this important or complete effect was observed for 52.7% and 52.3% of applications, respectively. HCCP application was associated with site reactions in 54.4% of patients (mainly burning sensation or pain, 45.9%, or erythema, 30.8%) and high blood pressure in 7.2%.

Conclusion

This real-world chart review provides important effectiveness and safety information to clinicians when considering topical options to treat PNP in BCSs/BC patients.

Association between peripheral neuropathy and sleep quality among colorectal cancer patients from diagnosis until 2-year follow-up: results from the PROFILES registry

PURPOSE

Studies on the association between peripheral neuropathy (PN) and patient-reported outcomes have mostly overlooked sleep quality. Therefore, we aimed to assess the association between PN and sleep quality in a population-based sample of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients up 2 years after diagnosis.

METHODS

All newly diagnosed CRC patients from four Dutch hospitals were eligible for participation. Patients (N = 340) completed questionnaires about PN (EORTC QLQ-CIPN20) and sleep (PSQI) before initial treatment (baseline) and 1 and 2 years after diagnosis.

RESULTS

Patients who developed sensory PN (n = 76) or motor PN (n = 79) after treatment more often reported poor sleeping scores (PSQI > 5) compared with those who did not develop SPN or MPN at 1-year (SPN: 38% vs. 261%, MPN: 37% vs. 14%) and 2-year follow-up (SPN: 38 vs. 23%, MPN: 37% vs. 18%) (all p < 0.05). Overall, results showed that among patients who did not develop SPN or MPN, sleep quality improved after baseline, while among patients with SPN or MPN, sleep quality did not improve at one and two years after diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Both SPN and MPN were significantly associated with the course of sleep quality among CRC patients up to 2 years after diagnosis. Clinicians should be encouraged to discuss sleep quality with their patients who either report PN or are at risk of developing PN.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Improving sleep quality among survivors with PN is important, either by reducing PN symptoms or directly targeting sleep.

Factors Affecting Sleep Quality of Breast Cancer Patients with Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND: Poor sleep quality becomes the effect of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. AIM: This study aimed to examine the factors that influence breast cancer patients’ sleep quality undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: This research used an observational method with cross-sectional design. There were 26 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at Djojonegoro Regional Hospital in Temanggung, Central Java. The characteristics of the respondent are recorded, including the demographic characteristics, respondents’ sleep quality, and the physiological status data of the respondent. The researchers use the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to measure sleep quality. Data were analyzed using Kendall’s Tau and Spearman’s rank correlation test and the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation test. RESULTS: The result showed that breast cancer patients’ sleep quality is classified as poor with PSQI score of 10.96 ± 3.13. The average age of the respondent was 50.08 ± 7.31 years. The major characteristic of the respondent were 80.77% had married, 42.30% had elementary education, 61.54% did not work, and 61.54% had Rp 0, - income. Based on breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, the respondents lived in rice field environment (42.30%), diagnosed with breast cancer <1 year (69.23%), had <1 year chemotherapy (96.15%), had under mastectomy on the left breast (80.76%), and underwent chemotherapy as much as 7.23 ± 4.80 times. Based on sleep quality, the respondents lived with nuclear family (61.54%), had no comorbidities (76.92%), did not consume other drugs (100%), did not consume sleeping pills (80.76%), and used lights during sleep (65.38%). There is a correlation between sleep quality and age and with whom the respondent lives in the same house. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy had poor sleep quality, and the factors related to sleep quality were age and with whom the respondent lived in the same house.

Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity as A Risk Factor for Poor Sleep Quality in Breast Cancer Survivors Treated with Docetaxel

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to explore sleep quality and to determine whether chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity is a risk factor for poor sleep quality in breast cancer survivors who receive docetaxel treatment.

Methods:

Secondary data analysis from a cross-sectional study. Sample characteristics were collected using an information sheet. Independent variables included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Patient Neurotoxicity Questionnaire (PNQ), and the Identification Pain Questionnaire (ID pain). Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). We performed descriptive analyses and simple logistic regression.

Results:

A total of 98 participants were included. More than 60% of them reported poor sleep quality, with their average PSQI score being 7.54 ± 4.45. Poor subjective sleep quality (1.37 ± 0.88) and short sleep duration (1.37 ± 1.08) were their main problems. In addition, significant risk factors for poor sleep quality were chronic illness (odds ratio [OR] = 2.753, P = 0.041), anxiety (OR = 7.714, P = 0.009), neuropathic pain (OR = 11.261, P = 0.022), sensory neuropathy (OR = 2.529, P = 0.032), motor neuropathy (OR = 3.781, P = 0.002), and undergoing chemotherapy (OR = 2.593, P = 0.027). Targeted therapy that some survivors received served as a protective factor (OR = 0.351, P = 0.015).

Conclusions:

We found a high prevalence of poor sleep quality in breast cancer survivors treated with docetaxel. The results indicated that, in addition to clinical characteristics and psychological discomfort, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity is a significant risk factor for poor sleep quality.

Sleep Disturbance in Patients With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Association With Disability and Quality of Life

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of sleep disturbance in patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and to establish the relationship between sleep disturbance and both functional disability and health-related quality of life in patients with symptomatic LSS.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Despite the possible association between LSS and poor sleep quality, there has been no study regarding the relationship between LSS and sleep disturbance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 148 patients with LSS were divided into the poor sleeper and nonpoor sleeper groups according to Global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score. Demographic data, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score for back and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) were compared between both groups. Multiple regression analysis was performed with ODI or ODI without sleep component as the dependent variable and age, sex, PSQI, VAS for back pain, VAS for leg pain as independent variables.

RESULTS

Of the 148 patients who participated in this study, 54 (36.5%) and 94 (63.5%) patients were classified into nonpoor sleeper and poor sleeper groups. Although there were no differences in demographic data or VAS for back or leg pain between the nonpoor sleeper and poor sleeper groups, poor sleepers demonstrated significantly higher ODI scores, and lower EQ-5D than nonpoor sleepers (P=0.003 and 0.004, respectively). There were significant correlations between the global PSQI score and both the ODI score and EQ-5D. Although the surgical treatment group showed significantly higher VAS for back pain, VAS for leg pain, ODI scores, and lower EQ-5D than the conservative treatment group, the ratio of poor to nonpoor sleepers was not different between both groups (P=0.733). In the surgical treatment group, the percent of poor sleeper decreased from 65.1% to 47.6% 6 months after surgery (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that 'poor sleep quality' is a prevalent condition (63.5%) in patients with symptomatic LSS. Poor sleep quality has an adverse effect on functional disability and health-related quality of life in symptomatic LSS patients.

Association between nighttime-daytime sleep patterns and chronic diseases in Chinese elderly population: a community-based cross-sectional study

Background

This study aimed to assess the relationship between specific nighttime-daytime sleep patterns and prevalence of different chronic diseases in an elderly population.

Methods

We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study in 4150 elderly Chinese, with an average age of 74 years. Sleep-related variables (nighttime sleep duration, daytime napping and duration) and chronic disease status, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), dyslipidemia cancer and arthritis were collected for the study. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationship between nighttime-daytime sleep patterns and prevalence of chronic diseases.

Results

Overall prevalence of any of chronic diseases was 83.8%. Nighttime-daytime sleep patterns were defined according to nighttime sleep duration and habitual nappers/non-nappers. Taking the nighttime-daytime sleep pattern “short nighttime sleep with daytime napping” as reference, those with “long nighttime sleep without daytime napping” had higher prevalence of diabetes [OR and 95% CI, 1.35 (1.01–1.80)] and lower prevalence of arthritis [OR and 95% CI, 0.46 (0.33–0.63)]. And those with “long nighttime sleep with daytime napping” had higher prevalence of diabetes [OR and 95% CI, 1.36 (1.05–1.78)] while lower prevalence of cancer [OR and 95% CI, 0.48 (0.26–0.85)] and arthritis [OR and 95% CI, 0.67 (0.51–0.86)]. Further, in habitual nappers, subjects were classified according to duration of nighttime sleep and daytime naps. Compared to “short nighttime sleep with long daytime napping”, individuals with “long nighttime sleep with short daytime napping” had significantly positive association with diabetes prevalence [OR and 95% CI, 1.73 (1.15–2.68)] while border-significantly and significantly negative association with cancer [OR and 95% CI, 0.49 (0.23–1.07)] and arthritis [OR and 95% CI, 0.64 (0.44–0.94)], respectively.

Conclusions

Elderly individuals with chronic diseases had different nighttime-daytime sleep patterns, and understanding these relationships may help to guide the management of chronic diseases.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12877-019-1136-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

What does a breast feel like? A qualitative study among healthy women

Background

Restoring the body as normal as possible increases quality of life. Aesthetically, almost perfect breast reconstructions can be created. However, these reconstructed breasts have almost no sensation. Our hypothesis is that if we succeed in restoring sensation, this will increase quality of life. So far, little is written about the phenomenon of breast sensation, which makes it difficult to evaluate whether the quality of life increases after restored sensation. Therefore, the primary goal of this study is to determine what the importance and meaning is of breast sensation among healthy women.

Methods

A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological study was performed in an academic hospital between October 2016 and March 2017. A total of 10 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted in healthy women who did not undergo prior breast surgery. The sample size was based upon ‘saturation’. The interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed according to phenomenology keeping in mind the research question ‘what is the importance and meaning of sensation of the breast?’

Results

Seven interrelated themes on how sensation of the breast is experienced were found: the absent breast (1), the present breast (2), the well-functioning breast (2a), the feminine breast (2b), the sensual breast (2c), the alien breast (2d), the safe breast (2d).

Conclusions

The seven interrelated themes can form the basis to develop a quantitative research tool to evaluate quality of life after innervated breast reconstruction and can be implemented in counselling before breast reconstructive surgery in the form of shared treatment decisions.