1
|
V Bonm A, Taylor LP. Management of Neurologic Complications in Patients with Brain and Spine Tumors. Semin Neurol 2024; 44:53-63. [PMID: 38176424 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Patients with brain and spine tumors represent a distinct population with unique needs. We provide a practical review of neurologic care in this group with an emphasis on familiarizing the general neurologist to the nuances of neuro-oncologic supportive care. We review the management of cerebral edema, steroid dosing, and pertinent side effects. We discuss seizure management, including choice of anticonvulsants, putative antitumor effects, and important seizure mimics like drop attacks. We review the presentation and symptomatology of stroke-like migraine attack after radiation therapy (SMART syndrome). We describe the signs and symptoms that should prompt concern for metastatic spinal cord compression, as well as both acute and definitive treatment options. Finally, we discuss the underappreciated incidence of venous thromboembolic events, particularly in patients with gliomas, and review the data on management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alipi V Bonm
- Department of Neurology, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Lynne P Taylor
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Peters C, Vandewiele J, Lievens Y, van Eijkeren M, Fonteyne V, Boterberg T, Deseyne P, Veldeman L, De Neve W, Monten C, Braems S, Duprez F, Vandecasteele K, Ost P. Incidence and radiotherapy treatment patterns of complicated bone metastases. J Bone Oncol 2024; 44:100519. [PMID: 38179260 PMCID: PMC10765249 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbo.2023.100519] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the encouraging results of the SCORAD trial, single fraction radiotherapy (SFRT) remains underused for patients with complicated bone metastases with rates as low as 18-39%. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and treatment patterns of these metastases in patients being referred to a tertiary centre for palliative radiotherapy. Materials and methods We performed a retrospective review of all bone metastases treated at our centre from January 2013 until December 2017. Lesions were classified as uncomplicated or complicated. Complicated was defined as associated with (impending) fracture, existing spinal cord or cauda equina compression. Our protocol suggests using SFRT for all patients with complicated bone metastases, except for those with symptomatic neuraxial compression and a life expectancy of ≥28 weeks. Results Overall, 37 % of all bone metastases were classified as complicated. Most often as a result of an (impending) fracture (56 %) or spinal cord compression (44 %). In 93 % of cases, complicated lesions were located in the spine, most commonly originating from prostate, breast and lung cancer (60 %). Median survival of patients with complicated bone metastases was 4 months. The use of SFRT for complicated bone metastases increased from 51 % to 85 % over the study period, reaching 100 % for patients with the poorest prognosis. Conclusions Approximately 37 % of bone metastases are classified as complicated with the majority related to (impending) fracture. Patients with complicated bone metastases have a median survival of 4 months and were mostly treated with SFRT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Peters
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Julie Vandewiele
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yolande Lievens
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marc van Eijkeren
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Valérie Fonteyne
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Boterberg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter Deseyne
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Liv Veldeman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wilfried De Neve
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Chris Monten
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sabine Braems
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fréderic Duprez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Vandecasteele
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Piet Ost
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Loblaw A, George K, Misra V. Surgical and Radiotherapeutic Management of Malignant Extradural Spinal Cord Compression. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2020; 32:745-752. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2020.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
4
|
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Tay
- Specialist Registrar in Clinical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield S10 2SJ
| | - Alice Dewdney
- Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Department of Oncology, Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Halfdanarson TR, Hogan WJ, Madsen BE. Emergencies in Hematology and Oncology. Mayo Clin Proc 2017; 92:609-641. [PMID: 28385197 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The development of medical emergencies related to the underlying disease or as a result of complications of therapy are common in patients with hematologic or solid tumors. These oncological emergencies can occur as an initial presentation or in a patient with an established diagnosis and are encountered in all medical care settings, ranging from primary care to the emergency department and various subspecialty environments. Therefore, it is critically important that all physicians have a working knowledge of the potential oncological emergencies that may present in their practice and how to provide the most effective care without delay. This article reviews the most common oncological emergencies and provides practical guidance for initial management of these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bo E Madsen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rasool MT, Fatima K, Manzoor NA, Mustafa SA, Maqbool LM, Qamar WS, Afroz F, Khan NA, Shah SA, Shah M. Profile of Malignant Spinal Cord Compression: One Year Study at Regional Cancer Center. Indian J Palliat Care 2016; 22:125-9. [PMID: 27162421 PMCID: PMC4843549 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1075.179605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Malignant spinal cord compression is an oncologic emergency, unless diagnosed early and treated appropriately, can lead to permanent neurological impairment and compromised quality of life of patients. We analyzed the epidemiology and the effect of common interventions on the outcome in these patients. Patients and Methods: We conducted a prospective study of 77 patients in the year 2014 and recorded relevant patient and disease characteristics. All patients received corticosteroids. Eight patients were operated upon, and radiotherapy was delivered in 62 patients. Results: Most of the patients were in the age group of 41–60 years and there was no gender preponderance in patients. Female breast cancer was the most common incident (15.5%) malignancy followed by multiple myeloma, lung, and prostatic carcinoma. Lower dorsal spine was the most common site of compression (35%) followed by lumbar (31%) and mid-dorsal (26%) spine. 70 (91%) patients had cord compression subsequent to bone metastasis while as other patients had leptomeningeal metastasis. In 31 (40%) patients, spinal cord compression was the presenting symptom. Overall, only 26 patients had motor improvement after treatment. Conclusion: Grade of power before treatment was predictive of response to treatment and overall outcome of motor or sensory functions. Neurodeficit of more than 10 days duration was associated with poor outcome in neurological function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malik Tariq Rasool
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Kaneez Fatima
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Najmi Arshad Manzoor
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Syed Arshad Mustafa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Lone Mohammad Maqbool
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Wani Shaqul Qamar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Fir Afroz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Nazir Ahmad Khan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Saqib Ahmad Shah
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Manan Shah
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tiwana MS, Barnes M, Yurkowski E, Roden K, Olson RA. Incidence and treatment patterns of complicated bone metastases in a population-based radiotherapy program. Radiother Oncol 2015; 118:552-6. [PMID: 26515410 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2015.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 10/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is abundant evidence in support of single fraction (SF) radiation therapy (RT) for uncomplicated bone metastases (BoM). We sought to determine the proportion of BoM that is complicated in a population-based RT program in order to act as a potential guide for assessing SFRT utilization rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 3200 RT courses were prescribed to 1880 consecutive patients diagnosed with BoM in 2013. Associations between choice of RT fractionation and BoM characterization, whether complicated or not, were assessed with logistic regression. RESULTS The incidence of complicated BoM was 34.4%, resulting most often from adverse features of actual pathological fracture (42.1%), and neurological compromise (36.3%). Complicated BoM were most common in lung cancers (24.2%) and in the spine (68.5%), followed by extremity (15.2%) and pelvis (14.4%). SFRT was prescribed less commonly in complicated versus un-complicated BoM (39.4% vs. 70.4%; p<0.001), which was confirmed on multivariable analysis (OR 0.32; 95% CI 0.28-0.61; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study found that 34.4% of BoM are complicated by fracture, or neurological compromise (i.e. 65.6% were un-complicated), and that they were less likely to receive SFRT. A reasonable benchmark for SFRT utilization should be at least 60%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manpreet S Tiwana
- BC Cancer Agency - Centre for the North, Prince George, Canada; University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, Canada; University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mark Barnes
- BC Cancer Agency - Centre for the North, Prince George, Canada
| | - Emily Yurkowski
- University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, Canada
| | - Kelsey Roden
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Robert A Olson
- BC Cancer Agency - Centre for the North, Prince George, Canada; University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, Canada; University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Switlyk M, Kongsgaard U, Skjeldal S, Hald J, Hole K, Knutstad K, Zaikova O. Prognostic Factors in Patients with Symptomatic Spinal Metastases and Normal Neurological Function. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2015; 27:213-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2015.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Revised: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
|
9
|
Fairchild A. Palliative radiotherapy for bone metastases from lung cancer: Evidence-based medicine? World J Clin Oncol 2014; 5:845-857. [PMID: 25493222 PMCID: PMC4259946 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v5.i5.845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2013] [Revised: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To review current recommendations for palliative radiotherapy for bone metastases secondary to lung cancer, and to analyze surveys to examine whether global practice is evidence-based, English language publications related to best practice palliative external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for bone metastases (BM) from lung cancer were sought via literature search (2003-2013). Additional clinical practice guidelines and consensus documents were obtained from the online Standards and Guidelines Evidence Directory. Eligible survey studies contained hypothetical case scenarios which required participants to declare whether or not they would administer palliative EBRT and if so, to specify what dose fractionation schedule they would use. There is no convincing evidence of differential outcomes based on histology or for spine vs non-spine uncomplicated BM. For uncomplicated BM, 8Gy/1 is widely recommended as current best practice; this schedule would be used by up to 39.6% of respondents to treat a painful spinal lesion. Either 8Gy/1 or 20Gy/5 could be considered standard palliative RT for BM-related neuropathic pain; 0%-13.2% would use the former and 5.8%-52.8% of respondents the latter (range 3Gy/1-45Gy/18). A multifraction schedule is the approach of choice for irradiation of impending pathologic fracture or spinal cord compression and 54% would use either 20Gy/5 or 30Gy/10. Survey results regarding management of complicated and uncomplicated BM secondary to lung cancer continue to show a large discrepancy between published literature and patterns of practice.
Collapse
|
10
|
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Robson
- The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Bebington, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
McGivern UM, Drinkwater KJ, Clarke JIM, Locke I. A royal college of radiologists national audit of radiotherapy in the treatment of metastatic spinal cord compression and implications for the development of acute oncology services. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2014; 26:453-60. [PMID: 24933650 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2014.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Revised: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To audit the current use of radiotherapy in UK cancer centres for the treatment of metastatic spinal cord compression against national standards that seek to optimise functional and quality of life outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS A Royal College of Radiologists prospective national audit of patients treated with radiotherapy in UK cancer centres was carried out over a 3 month period between September and December 2008, with a repeat audit carried out in August 2012. RESULTS Five hundred and ninety-six cases were received from 42 cancer centres (74%) in 2008, with data from 323 cases received from 52 (90%) centres in 2012. Ninety-three per cent (358) of patients had a diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging scan carried out within 24 h of referral for radiotherapy in 2008 compared with 205 patients (97%) in 2012. One hundred and eleven (32%) good prognosis patients were discussed with spinal surgeons; only 10 good prognosis patients were recorded as proceeding to surgery in 2008. This improved in 2012, with 94 (41% of good prognosis patients recorded as having been discussed with nine proceeding to surgery). Sixty-nine per cent of paraplegic patients in 2008 received multiple fractions of radiotherapy, which was similar to 2012 when 62% received more than a single fraction. A metastatic spinal cord compression co-ordinator was available in just over 50% of cases (164/323) and was involved in patient management in 26% of cases in 2012. CONCLUSION Despite level 1 evidence of the superior functional outcome and survival benefit for surgery, few good prognosis patients were recorded as having been discussed with surgeons and even fewer proceeded to surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- U M McGivern
- Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Trust Headquarters, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK.
| | | | - J I M Clarke
- Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Trust Headquarters, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK
| | - I Locke
- The Royal Marsden, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rief H, Heinhold RC, Petersen LC, Rieken S, Bruckner T, Moghaddam-Alvandi A, Debus J, Sterzing F. Neurological outcome after emergency radiotherapy in MSCC of patients with non-small cell lung cancer--a prospective trial. Radiat Oncol 2013; 8:297. [PMID: 24373638 PMCID: PMC3904469 DOI: 10.1186/1748-717x-8-297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this trial was to investigate neurological outcome after emergency RT in MSCC of NSCLC patients with acute neurological deficit. Methods This pilot trial was prospective, non-randomized, and monocentre, ten patients were treated from July 2012 until June 2013. After onset of neurological symptoms RT was started within 12 hours. The neurological outcome was assessed at baseline, and six weeks after RT using the ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS). Results The results showed an improved neurological outcome in one patient (10%), one patient (10%) had a decreased, and five patients (50%) a constant outcome after six weeks. Three patients (30%) died within the first six weeks following RT, additional 4 patients (40%) died within 4 month due to tumor progression. Conclusion In this group of NSCLC patients we were able to show that emergency RT in MSCC with acute neurological deficit had no considerable benefit in neurological outcome. Therefore, short-course regime or best supportive care due to poor survival should be considered for these patients with additional distant metastases. Patients with favorable prognosis may be candidates for long-course RT. Trial Registration Clinical trial identifier NCT 02000518.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harald Rief
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Carla R, Fabio T, Gloria B, Ernesto M. Prevention and Treatment of Bone Metastases in Breast Cancer. J Clin Med 2013; 2:151-75. [PMID: 26237068 PMCID: PMC4470234 DOI: 10.3390/jcm2030151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Revised: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In breast cancer patients, bone is the most common site of metastases. Medical therapies are the basic therapy to prevent distant metastases and recurrence and to cure them. Radiotherapy has a primary role in pain relief, recalcification and stabilization of the bone, as well as the reduction of the risk of complications (e.g., bone fractures, spinal cord compression). Bisphosphonates, as potent inhibitors of osteoclastic-mediated bone resorption are a well-established, standard-of-care treatment option to reduce the frequency, severity and time of onset of the skeletal related events in breast cancer patients with bone metastases. Moreover bisphosphonates prevent cancer treatment-induced bone loss. Recent data shows the anti-tumor activity of bisphosphonates, in particular, in postmenopausal women and in older premenopausal women with hormone-sensitive disease treated with ovarian suppression. Pain is the most frequent symptom reported in patients with bone metastases, and its prevention and treatment must be considered at any stage of the disease. The prevention and treatment of bone metastases in breast cancer must consider an integrated multidisciplinary approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ripamonti Carla
- Supportive Care in Cancer Unit, Department of Haematology and Pediatric Onco-Haematology Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy.
| | - Trippa Fabio
- Oncology Department, Radiation Oncology Centre, Santa Maria Hospital, Via T. di Joannuccio, Terni 05100, Italy.
| | - Barone Gloria
- Supportive Care in Cancer Unit, Department of Haematology and Pediatric Onco-Haematology Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy.
| | - Maranzano Ernesto
- Oncology Department, Radiation Oncology Centre, Santa Maria Hospital, Via T. di Joannuccio, Terni 05100, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
A prospective study of patients with impending spinal cord compression treated with palliative radiotherapy alone. JOURNAL OF RADIOTHERAPY IN PRACTICE 2013. [DOI: 10.1017/s1460396912000301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
AbstractImpending malignant spinal cord compression (IMSCC) may be defined as compression of the thecal sac, without any visible pressure on the spinal cord itself. Although there is a perception that IMSCC patients have a better prognosis and less severe clinical symptoms than true malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC) patients, these factors have never been documented in the literature.PurposeTo record the characteristics, management and functional outcome of a group of patients with IMSCC, who were treated with radiotherapy in our institution, and compare these parameters with similar data on MSCC patients.Materials and methodsData (gender, age, primary oncological diagnosis, pain, performance status and neurological status) were prospectively collected for 28 patients. Patients were then followed up post treatment to document their response to treatment and treatment-related toxicity.ResultsThe median survival of our group of IMSCC patients is similar to that of an MSCC patient. In addition, the IMSCC group exhibits significant clinical symptoms including neurological deficit.ConclusionAlthough further studies are necessary, we have found that IMSCC patients in this study share similar prognosis and clinical symptoms with MSCC patients. Clinicians should be aware of this when communicating with IMSCC patients and their families, and short-course radiotherapy should be considered.
Collapse
|
15
|
|
16
|
Guadagnolo BA, Liao KP, Elting L, Giordano S, Buchholz TA, Shih YCT. Use of radiation therapy in the last 30 days of life among a large population-based cohort of elderly patients in the United States. J Clin Oncol 2012; 31:80-7. [PMID: 23169520 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2012.45.0585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Our goal was to evaluate use and associated costs of radiation therapy (RT) in the last month of life among those dying of cancer. METHODS We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) -Medicare linked databases to analyze claims data for 202,299 patients dying as a result of lung, breast, prostate, colorectal, and pancreas cancers from 2000 to 2007. Logistic regression modeling was used to conduct adjusted analyses of potential impacts of demographic, health services, and treatment-related variables on receipt of RT and treatment with greater than 10 days of RT. Costs were calculated in 2009 dollars. RESULTS Among the 15,287 patients (7.6%) who received RT in the last month of life, its use was associated with nonclinical factors such as race, gender, income, and hospice care. Of these patients, 2,721 (17.8%) received more than 10 days of treatment. Nonclinical factors that were associated with greater likelihood of receiving more than 10 days of RT in the last 30 days of life included: non-Hispanic white race, no receipt of hospice care, and treatment in a freestanding, versus a hospital-associated facility. Hospice care was associated with 32% decrease in total costs of care in the last month of life among those receiving RT. CONCLUSION Although utilization of RT overall was low, almost one in five of patients who received RT in their final 30 days of life spent more than 10 of those days receiving treatment. More research is needed into physician decision making regarding use of RT for patients with end-stage cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Ashleigh Guadagnolo
- Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Loblaw DA, Mitera G, Ford M, Laperriere NJ. A 2011 updated systematic review and clinical practice guideline for the management of malignant extradural spinal cord compression. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2012; 84:312-7. [PMID: 22420969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2012.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Revised: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 01/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To update the 2005 Cancer Care Ontario practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of adult patients with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of extradural malignant spinal cord compression (MESCC). METHODS A review and analysis of data published from January 2004 to May 2011. The systematic literature review included published randomized control trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and prospective/retrospective studies. RESULTS An RCT of radiation therapy (RT) with or without decompressive surgery showed improvements in pain, ambulatory ability, urinary continence, duration of continence, functional status, and overall survival. Two RCTs of RT (30 Gy in eight fractions vs. 16 Gy in two fractions; 16 Gy in two fractions vs. 8 Gy in one fraction) in patients with a poor prognosis showed no difference in ambulation, duration of ambulation, bladder function, pain response, in-field failure, and overall survival. Retrospective multicenter studies reported that protracted RT schedules in nonsurgical patients with a good prognosis improved local control but had no effect on functional or survival outcomes. CONCLUSIONS If not medically contraindicated, steroids are recommended for any patient with neurologic deficits suspected or confirmed to have MESCC. Surgery should be considered for patients with a good prognosis who are medically and surgically operable. RT should be given to nonsurgical patients. For those with a poor prognosis, a single fraction of 8 Gy should be given; for those with a good prognosis, 30 Gy in 10 fractions could be considered. Patients should be followed up clinically and/or radiographically to determine whether a local relapse develops. Salvage therapies should be introduced before significant neurologic deficits occur.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Andrew Loblaw
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
|