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Bellino S, La Salvia A. The Importance of Patient Reported Outcomes in Oncology Clinical Trials and Clinical Practice to Inform Regulatory and Healthcare Decision-Making. Drugs R D 2024; 24:123-127. [PMID: 39023849 PMCID: PMC11315859 DOI: 10.1007/s40268-024-00478-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Bellino
- Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità), Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Anna La Salvia
- Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità), Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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2
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Petersen MA, Vachon H, Giesinger JM, Groenvold M. Development of standard computerised adaptive test (CAT) settings for the EORTC CAT Core. Qual Life Res 2024; 33:951-961. [PMID: 38231438 PMCID: PMC10972921 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03576-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Computerised adaptive test (CAT) provides individualised patient reported outcome measurement while retaining direct comparability of scores across patients and studies. Optimal CAT measurement requires an appropriate CAT-setting, the set of criteria defining the CAT including start item, item selection criterion, and stop criterion. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) CAT Core allows for assessing the 14 functional and symptom domains covered by the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. The aim was to present a general approach for selecting CAT-settings and to use this to develop a portfolio of standard settings for the EORTC CAT Core optimised for different purposes and populations. METHODS Using simulations, the measurement properties of CATs of different length and precision were evaluated and compared allowing for identifying the most suitable settings. All CATs were initiated with the most informative QLQ-C30 item. For each domain two fixed-length and two fixed-precision standard CATs were selected focusing on efficiency (brief version) and precision (long), respectively. RESULTS The brief fixed-length CATs included 3-5 items each while the long versions included 5-8 items. The fixed-precision CATs aimed for reliability of 0.65-0.95 (brief versions) and 0.85-0.98 (long versions), respectively. Median sample size savings using the CATs compared to the QLQ-C30 scales ranged 20%-31%, although savings varied considerably across the domains. CONCLUSION The EORTC CAT Core standard settings simplify selection of relevant and appropriate CATs. The CATs prioritise either brevity and efficiency or precision, but all provide increased measurement precision and hence, reduced sample size requirements compared to the QLQ-C30 scales. The CATs may be used as they are or modified to accommodate specific requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Aa Petersen
- Palliative Care Research Unit, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine GP, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Bakke 23B, 2400, Copenhagen NV, Denmark.
| | - Hugo Vachon
- Quality of Life Department, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Johannes M Giesinger
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics, and Medical Psychology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mogens Groenvold
- Palliative Care Research Unit, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine GP, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Bakke 23B, 2400, Copenhagen NV, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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3
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Gebert P, Karsten MM, Hage AM, Dordevic AD, Grittner U. Statistical analysis plan for the PRO B study: open-label, superiority randomised controlled trial of alarm-based patient-reported outcome monitoring in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Trials 2024; 25:171. [PMID: 38448904 PMCID: PMC10918931 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08025-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With an increasing collection of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in oncological patients, there is still a lack of standardised strategies on how to interpret and use these data in patient care. Prior research has shown support for the use of digital PRO monitoring together with alarm systems to notify clinicians when the PRO values are deteriorating. This system has demonstrated advantages in improving HRQoL and increasing survival rates among oncology patients. Hence, we designed the PRO B study, a superiority multi-centre randomised controlled trial, to investigate the effects of alarm-based monitoring in metastatic breast cancer patients in Germany. The study protocol for the PRO B study was published in September 2021, and this manuscript describes a formal statistical analysis plan (SAP) for the PRO B study to improve the transparency and quality of this trial. METHODS AND DESIGN The trial aimed to recruit 1000 patients with metastatic breast cancer. However, as of the completion of recruitment on June 15, 2023, we have successfully enrolled 924 patients from 52 breast cancer centres. Patients were 1:1 stratified randomised to the intervention and control groups. App-based PRO questionnaires are sent weekly to the intervention group and every 3 months to the control group. Only patients in the intervention group trigger an alarm if their PRO scores deteriorate, and they are subsequently contacted by the local care team within 48 h. The primary outcome is the fatigue score at 6 months, and secondary outcomes are other HRQoL and overall survival. Evaluation of the superiority of the intervention will be done using a linear mixed model with random intercepts for study centres. CONCLUSION This detailed SAP defines the main components of the statistical analysis for the PRO B study to assist the statistician and prevent bias in selecting analysis and reporting findings. Version 1 of the SAP was finalised on January 18, 2024. TRIAL REGISTRATION DRKS (German Clinical Trials Register) DRKS00024015 . Registered on February 15, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pimrapat Gebert
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany.
- Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany.
| | - Maria Margarete Karsten
- Department of Gynecology with Breast Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Anna Maria Hage
- Department of Gynecology with Breast Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Adam David Dordevic
- Department of Gynecology with Breast Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Ulrike Grittner
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
- Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
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4
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Rodríguez-Gonzalez A, Carmona-Bayonas A, Hernandez San Gil R, Cruz-Castellanos P, Antoñanzas-Basa M, Lorente-Estelles D, Corral MJ, González-Moya M, Castillo-Trujillo OA, Esteban E, Jiménez-Fonseca P, Calderon C. Impact of systemic cancer treatment on quality of life and mental well-being: a comparative analysis of patients with localized and advanced cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:3492-3500. [PMID: 37247131 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03214-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study investigated the impact of systemic cancer therapy on the quality of life, mental well-being, and life satisfaction of cancer patients. METHODS This prospective study was promoted by the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) and enrolled patients with localized, resected, or unresectable advanced cancer from 15 Spanish medical oncology departments. Patients completed surveys on quality of life (EORTC-QoL-QLQ-C30), psychological distress (BSI-18) and life satisfaction (SWLS) before and after systemic cancer treatment. RESULTS The study involved 1807 patients, 944 (52%) having resected, localized cancer, and 863 with unresectable advanced cancer. The mean age was 60 years, and 53% were female. The most common types of localized cancer were colorectal (43%) and breast (38%), while bronchopulmonary (32%), non-colorectal digestive (23%), and colorectal (15%) were the most frequent among those with advanced cancer. Before systemic treatment, patients with advanced cancer had poorer scores than those with localized cancer on physical, role, emotional, cognitive, social limitations, symptoms, psychological distress, and life satisfaction (all p < 0.001), but there were no differences in financial hardship. Patients with localized cancer had greater life satisfaction and better mental well-being than those with advanced cancer before systemic treatment (p < 0.001). After treatment, patients with localized cancer experienced worsening of all scales, symptoms, and mental well-being (p < 0.001), while patients with advanced disease had a minor decline in quality of life. The impact on quality of life was greater on all dimensions except economic hardship and was independent of age, cancer location, and performance status in participants with resected disease after adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our study highlights that systemic cancer treatment can improve quality of life in patients with advanced cancer, while adjuvant treatments for localized disease may have a negative impact on quality of life and psychological well-being. Therefore, treatment decisions should be carefully evaluated on an individual basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adán Rodríguez-Gonzalez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Central of Asturias, ISPA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Avenida de Roma S/N, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Alberto Carmona-Bayonas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital General Universitario Morales Meseguer, Murcia, Spain
| | | | | | - Mónica Antoñanzas-Basa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María Jose Corral
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Oscar Alfredo Castillo-Trujillo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Central of Asturias, ISPA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Avenida de Roma S/N, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Emilio Esteban
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Central of Asturias, ISPA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Avenida de Roma S/N, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Paula Jiménez-Fonseca
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Central of Asturias, ISPA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Avenida de Roma S/N, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
| | - Caterina Calderon
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Clarke S, Butcher BE, McLachlan AJ, Henson JD, Rutolo D, Hall S, Vitetta L. Pilot clinical and pharmacokinetic study of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/Cannabidiol (CBD) nanoparticle oro-buccal spray in patients with advanced cancer experiencing uncontrolled pain. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270543. [PMID: 36240167 PMCID: PMC9565400 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This pilot study aimed to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and exploratory analgesic effect of a novel water-soluble oro-buccal nanoparticle spray of a cannabis-based medicine (MDCNS-01) in patients with advanced incurable malignancy with unrelieved pain from opioid analgesic. The study was a non-blinded single arm 2 stage study. Stage I was a single escalating dose (n = 5) [2.5 mg Δ9-THC and 2.5 mg CBD) versus a 3-fold escalated dose. Stage II was an up-titrated dose in patients with advanced cancers and intractable pain (n = 25). During Stage I with an increased cannabis-based medicine dose, maximum observed plasma concentrations of cannabinoids were dose dependant. The water-soluble formulation in the current study resulted in a higher median (min, max) systemic exposure of Δ9-THC than CBD (AUC from 2.5 mg each of Δ9-THC and CBD, was 1.71 ng mL.h-1 (1.1, 6.6) and 0.65 ng mL.h-1 (0.49, 4.1), respectively). During stage II a subgroup of patients diagnosed with breast and prostate cancers with bone metastases, had the highest mean pain score improvement from baseline of 40% (unadjusted) and 33% (adjusted for rescue medication use). For all patients the most reported adverse events were mild or moderate drowsiness affecting 11 (44%) and 4 (6%) patients, respectively, and nausea and vomiting that affected 18 (72%) patients. The water-soluble cannabis-based medicine provided acceptable bioavailability for Δ9-THC/CBD, appeared safe and tolerable in advanced incurable cancers with uncontrolled pain with preliminary evidence of analgesic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Clarke
- Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonard’s, New South Wales, Australia,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia,* E-mail: (SC); , (LV)
| | - Belinda E. Butcher
- WriteSource Medical Pty Ltd., Lane Cove, New South Wales, Australia,School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew J. McLachlan
- Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jeremy D. Henson
- Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,Medlab Clinical, Alexandria, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Rutolo
- Medlab Clinical, Alexandria, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sean Hall
- Medlab Clinical, Alexandria, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Luis Vitetta
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia,Medlab Clinical, Alexandria, New South Wales, Australia,* E-mail: (SC); , (LV)
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6
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Lidington E, Giesinger JM, Janssen SHM, Tang S, Beardsworth S, Darlington AS, Starling N, Szucs Z, Gonzalez M, Sharma A, Sirohi B, van der Graaf WTA, Husson O. Identifying health-related quality of life cut-off scores that indicate the need for supportive care in young adults with cancer. Qual Life Res 2022; 31:2717-2727. [PMID: 35476170 PMCID: PMC9356917 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-022-03139-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Using patient-reported outcomes in routine cancer care may improve health outcomes. However, a lack of information about which scores are problematic in specific populations can impede use. To facilitate interpretation of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), we identified cut-off scores that indicate need for support by comparing each scale to relevant items from the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-LF59) in a young adult (YA) population. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey amongst YAs with cancer ages 25–39 at diagnosis. Participants completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and SCNS-LF59. Patient, clinician and research experts matched supportive care needs from the SCNS-LF59 to quality of life domains of the EORTC QLQ-C30. We evaluated the EORTC QLQ-C30 domain score’s ability to detect patients with need using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis, calculating the area under the ROC curve and sensitivity and specificity for selected cut-offs. Cut-offs were chosen by maximising Youden’s J statistic and ensuring sensitivity passed 0.70. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine the variability of the cut-off scores by treatment status. Results Three hundred and forty-seven YAs took part in the survey. Six experts matched SCNS-LF59 items to ten EORTC QLQ-C30 domains. The AUC ranged from 0.78 to 0.87. Cut-offs selected ranged from 8 (Nausea and Vomiting and Pain) to 97 (Physical Functioning). All had adequate sensitivity (above 0.70) except the Financial Difficulties scale (0.64). Specificity ranged from 0.61 to 0.88. Four of the cut-off scores differed by treatment status. Conclusion Cut-offs with adequate sensitivity were calculated for nine EORTC QLQ-C30 scales for use with YAs with cancer. Cut-offs are key to interpretability and use of the EORTC QLQ-C30 in routine care to identify patients with supportive care need.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Johannes M Giesinger
- University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Silvie H M Janssen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Suzanne Tang
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | - Naureen Starling
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - Zoltan Szucs
- Ipswich Hospital, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Ipswich, UK
| | - Michael Gonzalez
- Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Anand Sharma
- Mount Vernon Hospital, The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Northwood, UK
| | - Bhawna Sirohi
- St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK.,Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, India
| | - Winette T A van der Graaf
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Olga Husson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK.
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Hajj A, Chamoun R, Salameh P, Khoury R, Hachem R, Sacre H, Chahine G, Kattan J, Rabbaa Khabbaz L. Fatigue in breast cancer patients on chemotherapy: a cross-sectional study exploring clinical, biological, and genetic factors. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:16. [PMID: 34979978 PMCID: PMC8722263 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-09072-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common and distressing complaints reported by cancer patients during chemotherapy considerably impacting all aspects of a patient’s life (physical, psychosocial, professional, and socioeconomic). The aim of this study was to assess the severity of cancer-related fatigue in a group of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and explore the association between fatigue scores and sociodemographic, clinical, biological, psychiatric, and genetic factors. Methods A cross-sectional pilot study carried out at the oncology outpatient unit of Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital recruited 67 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy between November 2017 and June 2019 to evaluate fatigue using the EORTC QLQ-C30 scale (European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire). Genotyping for seven gene polymorphisms (COMT, DRD2, OPRM1, CLOCK, PER2, CRY2, ABCB1) was performed using the Lightcycler® (Roche). Results The prevalence of fatigue was 46.3%. Multivariable analysis taking the fatigue score as the dependent variable showed that a higher number of cycles and a lower hemoglobin level were significantly associated with higher odds of exhibiting fatigue. Moreover, having at least one C allele for DRD2 SNP (vs. TT) was significantly associated with a 4.09 higher odds of expressing fatigue compared to TT patients. Finally, patients with at least one C allele for CLOCK SNP tended to display higher fatigue levels than TT patients. Conclusions Our study showed that anemic breast cancer patients with a high number of chemotherapy cycles and those carrying at least one C allele for DRD2 and CLOCK SNPs are at greater risk of exhibiting fatigue. Since no previous research has reported such genetic results, future studies are necessary to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Hajj
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. .,Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Pharmacie Clinique et Contrôle de Qualité des Médicaments, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Rami Chamoun
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Pharmacie Clinique et Contrôle de Qualité des Médicaments, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.,University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Rita Khoury
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Pharmacie Clinique et Contrôle de Qualité des Médicaments, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Roula Hachem
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Pharmacie Clinique et Contrôle de Qualité des Médicaments, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hala Sacre
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Georges Chahine
- Department of Hemato-Oncology, Hôtel-Dieu de France Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Joseph Kattan
- Department of Hemato-Oncology, Hôtel-Dieu de France Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lydia Rabbaa Khabbaz
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Pharmacie Clinique et Contrôle de Qualité des Médicaments, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Tribius S, Haladyn S, Hanken H, Busch CJ, Krüll A, Petersen C, Bergelt C. Parotid sparing and quality of life in long-term survivors of locally advanced head and neck cancer after intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Strahlenther Onkol 2020; 197:219-230. [PMID: 33377992 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-020-01737-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) enables radiation oncologists to optimally spare organs at risk while achieving homogeneous dose distribution in the target volume. Despite great advances in technology, xerostomia is one of the most detrimental long-term side effects after multimodal therapy in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer (HNC). This prospective observational study examines the effect of parotid sparing on quality of life in long-term survivors. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 138 patients were grouped into unilateral (n = 75) and bilateral (n = 63) parotid sparing IMRT and questioned at 3, 24, and 60-month follow-up using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N35 questionnaires. Treatment-related toxicity was scored according to the RTOG/EORTC toxicity criteria. Patients' QoL 24 and 60 months after IMRT was analyzed by ANCOVA using baseline QoL (3 months after IMRT) as a covariate. RESULTS Patients with bilateral and unilateral parotid-sparing IMRT surviving 60 months experience similar acute and late side effects and similar changes in QoL. Three months after IMRT, physical and emotional function as well as fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, dyspnea, and financial problems are below (function scales) or above (symptom scales) the threshold of clinical importance. In both groups, symptom burden (EORTC H&N35) is high independent of parotid sparing 3 months after IMRT and decreases over time in a similar pattern. Pain and financial function remain burdensome throughout. CONCLUSION Long-term HNC survivors show a similar treatment-related toxicity profile independent of unilateral vs. bilateral parotid-sparing IMRT. Sparing one or both parotids had no effect on global QoL nor on the magnitude of changes in function and symptom scales over the observation period of 60 months. The financial impact of the disease and its detrimental effect on long-term QoL pose an additional risk to unmet needs in this special patient population. These results suggest that long-term survivors need and most likely will benefit from early medical intervention and support within survivorship programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Tribius
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. .,Asklepios Hospital St. Georg, Lohmühlenstraße 5, 20099, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Sven Haladyn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Henning Hanken
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Clinical Neurosciences, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Chia-Jung Busch
- Department of Otolaryngology, Center for Clinical Neurosciences, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Krüll
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cordula Petersen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Corinna Bergelt
- Department of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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9
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Pilz MJ, Aaronson NK, Arraras JI, Caocci G, Efficace F, Groenvold M, Holzner B, van Leeuwen M, Loth FLC, Petersen MA, Ramage J, Tomaszewski KA, Young T, Giesinger JM. Evaluating the Thresholds for Clinical Importance of the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL in Patients Receiving Palliative Treatment. J Palliat Med 2020; 24:397-404. [PMID: 32835601 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL is a shortened version of the widely used EORTC QLQ-C30. This questionnaire was developed to measure the symptoms and functional health of patients receiving palliative care. Objective: To enhance clinical interpretability of the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL, our aim was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of thresholds for clinical importance developed previously for the QLQ-C30 when applied to the QLQ-C15-PAL scales. Design: Cross-sectional observational study. Setting/Subjects: Patients with cancer receiving any type of palliative treatment. Measurement: Patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL and anchor items on limitations, worries, and need for help for each of the health domains covered by the questionnaire. The anchor items were summarized in a binary criterion for clinical importance to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of the thresholds for clinical importance. Results: In total, 225 patients participated in the study (mean age 64.5 years). Patients were recruited from Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The thresholds for clinical importance for the QLQ-C15-PAL scales showed a median sensitivity of 0.88 (range: 0.82 for sleep disturbances to 1.00 for dyspnea) and a median specificity of 0.74 (range: 0.54 for dyspnea to 0.89 for constipation). Conclusion: The thresholds for clinical importance showed high sensitivity and mostly high specificity in identifying clinically important symptoms and functional health impairments as assessed by the QLQ-C15-PAL. These thresholds will facilitate interpretation of EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL scores in daily clinical practice and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micha J Pilz
- University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Neil K Aaronson
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Juan I Arraras
- Oncology Departments, Complejo Hospitalario of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Giovanni Caocci
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fabio Efficace
- Health Outcomes Research Unit, Italian Group for Adult Hematologic Diseases (GIMEMA) Data Center, Rome, Italy
| | - Mogens Groenvold
- The Palliative Care Research Unit, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine GP, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bernhard Holzner
- University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marieke van Leeuwen
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fanny L C Loth
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Simssee Clinic Bad Endorf, Bad Endorf, Germany
| | - Morten Aa Petersen
- The Palliative Care Research Unit, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine GP, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Ramage
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Basingstoke, United Kingdom
| | - Krzysztof A Tomaszewski
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, Krakow, Poland.,Scanmed St. Raphael Hospital, Krakow, Poland
| | - Teresa Young
- Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust Incorporating Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, United Kingdom
| | - Johannes M Giesinger
- University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Knottnerus JA, Tugwell P. Thresholds and innovation. J Clin Epidemiol 2020; 118:A5-A7. [PMID: 32005448 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J André Knottnerus
- Department of General Practice, Netherlands School of Primary Care Research, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Peter Tugwell
- Department of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Canada Research Chair, University of Ottawa, Institute of Population Health, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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