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Coronatto LH, Formentin C. Palliative care in glioblastoma patients: a systematic review. REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA (1992) 2024; 70:e2024S122. [PMID: 38865542 PMCID: PMC11164275 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.2024s122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ligia Henriques Coronatto
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Neuro-Oncology Sector, Department of Neurosurgery – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Cleiton Formentin
- Hospital Sírio Libanês – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery Discipline – Campinas (SP), Brazil
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Rhee JY, Strander S, Podgurski A, Chiu D, Brizzi K, Forst DA. Palliative Care in Neuro-oncology: an Update. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2023; 23:645-656. [PMID: 37751050 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-023-01301-2] [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] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW While the benefits of palliative care for patients with cancer are well established, palliative care in neuro-oncology is still in its early stages. However, in recent years, there has been increasing attention drawn to the need for better palliative care for patients with brain tumors. RECENT FINDINGS There is a growing body of literature demonstrating the high symptom burden and significant supportive care and information needs of these patients and their caregivers. In the area of caregiver needs, the last 3 years has seen a more rapid growth in recognizing and characterizing these needs. However, there remains a knowledge gap regarding the optimal means of addressing these needs. In this article, we outline important recent advances in the literature on palliative care for patients with brain tumors and highlight areas in need of greater attention and investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Y Rhee
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | | | - Alyx Podgurski
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Daniel Chiu
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kate Brizzi
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Deborah A Forst
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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3
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Crooms RC, Taylor JW, Jette N, Morgenstern R, Agarwal P, Goldstein NE, Vickrey BG. Palliative care referral across the disease trajectory in high-grade glioma. J Neurooncol 2023; 163:249-259. [PMID: 37209290 PMCID: PMC10546385 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04338-y] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adults with high-grade glioma (HGG), WHO grade III or IV, have substantial palliative care needs. Our aim was to determine occurrence, timing, and factors associated with palliative care consultation (PCC) in HGG at one large academic institution. METHODS HGG patients receiving care between 08/1/2011 and 01/23/2020 were identified retrospectively from a multi-center healthcare system cancer registry. Patients were stratified by any PCC (yes/no), and timing of initial PCC by disease phase: diagnosis (before radiation), during initial treatment (first-line chemotherapy/radiation), second-line treatment(s), or end-of-life (after last chemotherapy). RESULTS Of 621 HGG patients, 134 (21.58%) received PCC with the vast majority occurring during hospital admission [111 (82.84%)]. Of the 134, 14 (10.45%) were referred during the diagnostic phase; 35 (26.12%) during initial treatment; 20 (14.93%) during second-line treatment; and 65 (48.51%) during end of life. In multivariable logistic regression, only higher Charlson Comorbidity Index was associated with greater odds of PCC [OR 1.3 (95% CI 1.2-1.4), p < 0.01]; but not age or histopathology. Patients who received PCC prior to end of life had longer survival from diagnosis than those referred during end of life [16.5 (8, 24) months vs. 11 (4, 17); p < 0.01]. CONCLUSION A minority of HGG patients ever received PCC, which primarily occurred in the inpatient setting, and nearly half during the end-of-life phase. Thus, only about one in ten patients in the entire cohort potentially received the benefits of earlier PCC despite earlier referral having an association with longer survival. Further studies should elucidate barriers and facilitators to early PCC in HGG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita C Crooms
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Jennie W Taylor
- Departments of Neurology and Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nathalie Jette
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Institute for Healthcare Delivery Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachelle Morgenstern
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Parul Agarwal
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Institute for Healthcare Delivery Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nathan E Goldstein
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Barbara G Vickrey
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Koekkoek JAF, van der Meer PB, Pace A, Hertler C, Harrison R, Leeper HE, Forst DA, Jalali R, Oliver K, Philip J, Taphoorn MJB, Dirven L, Walbert T. Palliative care and end-of-life care in adults with malignant brain tumors. Neuro Oncol 2023; 25:447-456. [PMID: 36271873 PMCID: PMC10013651 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This systematic review provides updated insights, from the published literature in the past 5 years, based on the 2017 European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) guidelines for palliative care in adults with malignant brain tumors. It provides an overview of palliative care options, including during the end-of-life phase for patients with malignant brain tumors. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted from 2016 to 2021 focusing on four main topics: (1) symptom management, (2) caregiver needs, (3) early palliative care, and (4) care in the end-of-life phase. An international panel of palliative care experts in neuro-oncology synthesized the literature and reported the most relevant updates. A total of 140 articles were included. RESULTS New insights include that: Hippocampal avoidance and stereotactic radiosurgery results in a lower risk of neurocognitive decline in patients with brain metastases; levetiracetam is more efficacious in reducing seizures than valproic acid as first-line monotherapy antiseizure drug (ASD) in glioma patients; lacosamide and perampanel seem well-tolerated and efficacious add-on ASDs; and a comprehensive framework of palliative and supportive care for high-grade glioma patients and their caregivers was proposed. No pharmacological agents have been shown in randomized controlled trials to significantly improve fatigue or neurocognition. CONCLUSIONS Since the 2017 EANO palliative care guidelines, new insights have been reported regarding symptom management and end-of-life care, however, most recommendations remain unchanged. Early palliative care interventions are essential to define goals of care and minimize symptom burden in a timely fashion. Interventional studies that address pain, fatigue, and psychiatric symptoms as well as (the timing of) early palliative care are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan A F Koekkoek
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Pim B van der Meer
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Pace
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Caroline Hertler
- Competence Center Palliative Care, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca Harrison
- Division of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer, The University of British Colombia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Heather E Leeper
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland,USA
| | - Deborah A Forst
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rakesh Jalali
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Apollo Proton Cancer Center, Chennai, India
| | - Kathy Oliver
- International Brain Tumour Alliance, Tadworth, UK
| | - Jennifer Philip
- Department of Medicine, St. Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martin J B Taphoorn
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Dirven
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Tobias Walbert
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Health System and Department of Neurology Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Pace A, Belleudi V, Tanzilli A, Villani V, Poggi FR, Benincasa D, Davoli M, Pinnarelli L. Pattern of care of brain tumor patients in the last months of life: analysis of a cohort of 3045 patients in the last 10 years. Neurol Sci 2023:10.1007/s10072-023-06722-y. [PMID: 36882595 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06722-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND End-of-life in patients with brain cancer presents special challenges, and palliative care approach is underutilized. Patients with brain cancer, in the last months of life, receive frequent hospital readmissions, highlighting bad end-of-life care quality. Early integration of palliative care improves quality of care in advanced stage of disease and patient's quality of death. PURPOSE We retrospectively analyzed a consecutive series of patients with brain cancer discharged after diagnosis to evaluate pattern of treatment and rate of hospital readmission in the last months of life. DESIGN Data were collected from the Lazio Region Healthcare database. SETTING Adult patients discharged with diagnosis ICD-9 191.* between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019 were included. RESULTS A total of 6672 patients were identified, and 3045 deaths were included. In the last 30 days 33% were readmitted to the hospital and 24.2% to the emergency room. 11.7% were treated with chemotherapy and 6% with radiotherapy. Most indicators of end-of-life care showed wide variability by hospital of discharge. CONCLUSIONS Strategies to improve quality of care at the end of life and to decrease re-hospitalization and futile treatments are becoming increasingly important to improve quality of death and reduce healthcare costs. Variability observed by hospital of discharge indicates the lack of a standard approach to end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pace
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute (IRCCS), Via Elio Chianesi, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Belleudi
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Tanzilli
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute (IRCCS), Via Elio Chianesi, Rome, Italy.
| | - Veronica Villani
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute (IRCCS), Via Elio Chianesi, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Poggi
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, Rome, Italy
| | - Dario Benincasa
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute (IRCCS), Via Elio Chianesi, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Davoli
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Pinnarelli
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, Rome, Italy
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Shieh LT, Ho CH, Guo HR, Ho YC, Ho SY. Comparison of healthcare utilization and life-sustaining interventions between patients with glioblastoma receiving palliative care or not: A population-based study. Palliat Med 2023; 37:824-833. [PMID: 36789966 DOI: 10.1177/02692163231152526] [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: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care has historically been under-utilized in patients with glioblastoma. Furthermore, literature on the utilization of healthcare and life-sustaining interventions during the late-stage of glioblastoma has been limited. AIM To identify and compare healthcare utilization and life-sustaining interventions between patients with glioblastoma who received palliative care and who did not based on patients identified retrospectively from Taiwan Cancer Registry between January 2007 and December 2017. DESIGN In this study, palliative care was defined on the basis of claims submitted to the National Health Insurance, which has a specific code for it. Variables included demographic characteristics, the utilization of healthcare services, and invasive life-sustaining interventions. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Of the 1994 patients with glioblastoma identified, 1784 fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 613 (34%) of whom received palliative care. RESULTS The survival of patients with glioblastoma under palliative care was significantly longer than that of those without palliative care. Those without palliative care had significantly more frequent intensive care unit admissions and a longer cumulative length of intensive care unit stay. Regarding cardiopulmonary or respiratory treatments, patients without palliative care had significantly more invasive interventions than those with palliative care. Patients receiving palliative care had significantly lower odds than those without life-sustaining interventions. CONCLUSIONS Our retrospective analysis reveals that glioblastoma patients without palliative care had greater odds of receiving life-sustaining treatments within 1 year before their death, although no gains in survival as compared to those that received palliative care. These findings highlight the urgent need for palliative care in caring for patients with glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Tsun Shieh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Han Ho
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Hospital and Health Care Administration, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - How-Ran Guo
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chia Ho
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Yow Ho
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Lindskog M, Schultz T, Strang P. Acute healthcare utilization in end-of-life among Swedish brain tumor patients – a population based register study. Palliat Care 2022; 21:133. [PMID: 35869460 PMCID: PMC9308283 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-01022-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Patients with progressive primary brain tumors commonly develop a spectrum of physical as well as cognitive symptoms. This places a large burden on family members and the condition’s complexity often requires frequent health care contacts. We investigated potential associations between sociodemographic or socioeconomic factors, comorbidity or receipt of specialized palliative care (SPC) and acute healthcare utilization in the end-of-life (EOL) phase.
Methods
A population-based retrospective study of all adult patients dying with a primary malignant brain tumor as main diagnosis in 2015–2019 in the Stockholm area, the most densely populated region in Sweden (N = 780). Registry data was collected from the Stockholm Region´s central data warehouse (VAL). Outcome variables included emergency room (ER) visits or hospitalizations in the last month of life, or death in acute hospitals. Possible explanatory variables included age, sex, living arrangements (residents in nursing homes versus all others), Charlson Comorbidity Index, socio-economic status (SES) measured by Mosaic groups, and receipt of SPC in the last three months of life. T-tests or Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests were used for comparisons of means of independent groups and Chi-square test for comparison of proportions. Associations were tested by univariable and multivariable logistic regressions calculating odds ratios (OR).
Results
The proportion of patients receiving SPC increased gradually during the last year of life and was 77% in the last 3 months of life. Multivariable analyses showed SPC to be equal in relation to sex and SES, and inversely associated with age (p ≤ 0.01), comorbidity (p = 0.001), and nursing home residency (p < 0.0001). Unplanned ER visits (OR 0.41) and hospitalizations (OR 0.45) during the last month of life were significantly less common among patients receiving SPC, in multivariable analysis (p < 0.001). In accordance, hospital deaths were infrequent in patients receiving SPC (2%) as compared to one in every four patients without SPC (p < 0.0001). Patients with less comorbidity had lower acute healthcare utilization in the last month of life (OR 0.35 to 0.65), whereas age or SES was not significantly associated with acute care utilization. Female sex was associated with a lower likelihood of EOL hospitalization (OR 0.72). Nursing home residency was independently associated with a decreased likelihood of EOL acute healthcare utilization including fewer hospital deaths (OR 0.08–0.54).
Conclusions
Receipt of SPC or nursing home residency was associated with lower acute health care utilization among brain tumor patients. Patients with more severe comorbidities were less likely to receive SPC and required excess acute healthcare in end-of-life and therefore constitute a particularly vulnerable group.
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Crooms RC, Johnson MO, Leeper H, Mehta A, McWhirter M, Sharma A. Easing the Journey-an Updated Review of Palliative Care for the Patient with High-Grade Glioma. Curr Oncol Rep 2022; 24:501-515. [PMID: 35192120 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-022-01210-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW High-grade gliomas (HGG) are rare brain tumors that cause disproportionate suffering and mortality. Palliative care, whose aim is to relieve the symptoms and stressors of serious illness, may benefit patients with HGG and their families. In this review, we summarize the extant literature and provide recommendations for addressing the symptom management and communication needs of brain tumor patients and their caregivers at key points in the illness trajectory: initial diagnosis; during upfront treatment; disease recurrence; end-of-life period; and after death during bereavement. RECENT FINDINGS Patients with HGG experience highly intrusive symptoms, cognitive and functional decline, and emotional and existential distress throughout the disease course. The caregiver burden is also substantial during the patient's illness and after death. There is limited evidence to guide the palliative management of these issues. Palliative care is likely to benefit patients with HGG, yet further research is needed to optimize the delivery of palliative care in neuro-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita C Crooms
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Ave, 1052, NY, 10029, New York, USA.,Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Margaret O Johnson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Trent Drive 047 Baker House, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.,The Preston Robert Tirsch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Trent Drive 047 Baker House, NC, 27710, Durham, USA
| | - Heather Leeper
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, 9030 Old Georgetown Rd, Bloch Bldg 82, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ambereen Mehta
- Palliative Care Program, Division of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, 21224, MD, USA.,Division of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, 21224, MD, USA
| | - Michelle McWhirter
- Palliative Care Program, Division of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, 21224, MD, USA.,Department of Social Work, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, 21224, MD, USA
| | - Akanksha Sharma
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Pacific Neuroscience Institute/Saint John's Cancer Institute, 2200 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA.
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Barbaro M, Blinderman CD, Iwamoto FM, Kreisl TN, Welch MR, Odia Y, Donovan LE, Joanta-Gomez AE, Evans KA, Lassman AB. Causes of Death and End-of-Life Care in Patients With Intracranial High-Grade Gliomas: A Retrospective Observational Study. Neurology 2021; 98:e260-e266. [PMID: 34795049 PMCID: PMC8792811 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000013057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES To understand patterns of care and circumstances surrounding end of life in patients with intracranial gliomas. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed end-of-life circumstances in patients with intracranial high-grade gliomas at Columbia University Irving Medical Center who died from January 2014 through February 2019, including cause of death, location of death, and implementation of comfort measures and resuscitative efforts. RESULTS There were 152 patients (95 men, 57 women; median age at death 61.5 years, range 24-87 years) who died from 1/2014-2/2019 with adequate data surrounding end-of-life circumstances. Clinical tumor progression (n=117, 77.0%) was the most common cause of death with all patients transitioned to comfort measures. Other causes included, but were not limited to, infection (19, 12.5%); intratumoral hemorrhage (5, 3.3%); seizures (8, 5.3%); cerebral edema (4, 2.6%); pulmonary embolism (4, 2.6%); autonomic failure (2, 1.3%); and hemorrhagic shock (2, 1.3%). Multiple mortal events were identified in 10 (8.5%). Seventy-three patients (48.0%) died at home with hospice. Other locations were inpatient hospice (40, 26.3%); acute care hospital (34, 22.4%) including 27 (17.8%) with and 7 (4.6%) without comfort measures; skilled nursing facility (4, 3.3%) including 3 (2.0%) with and 1 (0.7%) without comfort measures; or religious facility (1, 0.7%) with comfort measures. Acute cardiac and/or pulmonary resuscitation was performed in 20 patients (13.2%). DISCUSSION Clinical tumor progression was the most common (77.0%) cause of death followed by infection (12.5%). Hospice or comfort measures were ultimately implemented in 94.7% of patients, though resuscitation was performed in 13.2%. Improved understanding of circumstances surrounding death, frequency of use of hospice services, and frequency of resuscitative efforts in patients with gliomas may allow physicians to more accurately discuss end-of-life expectations with patients and caregivers, facilitating informed care planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Barbaro
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.,Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Hematology Oncology Associates-Mineola, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, Mineola, NY, USA
| | - Craig D Blinderman
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Palliative Care Service Section, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fabio M Iwamoto
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.,Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Teri N Kreisl
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.,Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.,Novartis AG, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | - Mary R Welch
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.,Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yazmin Odia
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.,Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Laura E Donovan
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.,Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.,James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
| | - Adela E Joanta-Gomez
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Katharine A Evans
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.,Montefiore Health System, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew B Lassman
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA .,Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
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10
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Harrison RA, Ou A, Naqvi SMAA, Naqvi SM, Weathers SPS, O'Brien BJ, de Groot JF, Bruera E. Aggressiveness of care at end of life in patients with high-grade glioma. Cancer Med 2021; 10:8387-8394. [PMID: 34755486 PMCID: PMC8633215 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with high‐grade glioma (HGG) face unique challenges toward the end of life (EoL), given their aggressive trajectory and neurologic deterioration. Aggressiveness of medical care at EoL has been identified as an important quality metric for oncology patients. At this time, limited data exist around the nature of EoL care of patients with HGG. Methods Patients with HGG and palliative care (PC) referral seen between 2010 and 2015 were identified (N = 80). Of these, N = 52 met inclusion criteria. Random selections of patients with (1) HGG not referred to PC (n = 80), and (2) non‐CNS cancers with PC referral (n = 80) were identified for comparison. A composite score of aggressiveness of medical care at EoL was calculated for each patient from predetermined variables. A time of eligibility for PC was defined for each patient when predetermined criteria based on symptom burden, functional status, and prognosis were met. Results Among the patients analyzed with HGG referred to PC, 59.6% (N = 31) were referred as inpatients, and 53.8% (N = 28) were referred within the last 12 weeks of life. Patients with HGG had similar aggressiveness of care at EoL regardless of PC referral, and HGG patients had less aggressive care at EoL than patients with non‐CNS cancers (p = 0.007). Care was more aggressive at EoL in HGG patients who received late versus early PC referrals (p = 0.012). Motor weakness at time of eligibility (OR = 2.55, p = 0.002) and more disease progressions (OR = 1.25, p = 0.043) were associated with less aggressive care at EoL. Conclusions Early clinical‐ and disease‐related features predict the aggressiveness of medical care at EoL in patients with HGG. Formal PC consultation is used infrequently and suboptimally in patients with HGG. Our data suggest that the role of PC in improving EoL outcomes in HGG warrants further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Harrison
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Alexander Ou
- Hospital Corporation of America Healthcare, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Syed M A A Naqvi
- Department of Palliative, Integrative, and Rehabilitative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Syed M Naqvi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
| | - Shiao-Pei S Weathers
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Barbara J O'Brien
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - John F de Groot
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative, Integrative, and Rehabilitative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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11
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Sener U, Neil EC, Scharf A, Carver AC, Buthorn JB, Bossert D, Sigler AM, Voigt LP, Diamond EL. Ethics consultations in neuro-oncology. Neurooncol Pract 2021; 8:539-549. [PMID: 34594568 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npab038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Management of patients with brain tumors can lead to ethical and decisional dilemmas. The aim of this study was to characterize ethical conflicts encountered in neuro-oncologic patients. Methods Retrospective review of ethics consultations performed upon patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors at a tertiary cancer center. An ethics consultation database was examined to characterize ethical conflicts, contextual factors, and interventions by the consultation team. Results Fifty consultations were reviewed; 28 (56%) patients were women, median age 54 (range 4-86); 27 (54%) patients had a primary central nervous system malignancy; 20 (40%) had brain metastasis. At the time of consultations, 41 (82%) patients lacked decisional capacity; 48 (96%) had a designated surrogate decision maker; 3 (6%) had an advance directive outlining wishes regarding medical treatment; 12 (24%) had a Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) order. Ethical conflicts centered upon management of end-of-life (EOL) circumstances in 37 (72%) of cases; of these, 30 did not have decisional capacity. The most common ethical issues were DNAR status, surrogate decision making, and request for nonbeneficial treatment. Consultants resolved conflicts by facilitating decision making for incapacitated patients in 30 (60%) cases, communication between conflicting parties in 10 (20%), and re-articulation of patients' previously stated wishes in 6 (12%). Conclusions Decisional capacity at EOL represents the primary ethical challenge in care of neuro-oncologic patients. Incomplete awareness among surrogate decision makers of patients' prognosis and preferences contributes to communication gaps and dilemmas. Early facilitation of communication between patients, caregivers, and medical providers may prevent or mitigate conflicts and allow the enactment of patients' goals and values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugur Sener
- Department of Neurology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Neil
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Amy Scharf
- Ethics Committee, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alan C Carver
- Ethics Committee, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Justin B Buthorn
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dana Bossert
- Department of Nursing, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Allison M Sigler
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Louis P Voigt
- Ethics Committee, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Eli L Diamond
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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12
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Palliative Care Service Utilization and Advance Care Planning for Adult Glioblastoma Patients: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13122867. [PMID: 34201260 PMCID: PMC8228109 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) has a median overall survival of 16-21 months. As patients with GBM suffer concurrently from terminal cancer and a disease with progressive neurocognitive decline, advance care planning (ACP) and palliative care (PC) are critical. We conducted a systematic review exploring published literature on the prevalence of ACP, end-of-life (EOL) services utilization (including PC services), and experiences among adults with GBM. We searched from database inception until 20 December 2020. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews guidelines were followed. Included studies were assessed for quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The 16 articles were all nonrandomized studies conducted in six countries with all but two published in 2014 or later. ACP documentation varied from 4-55%, PC referral was pursued in 39-40% of cases, and hospice referrals were made for 66-76% of patients. Hospitalizations frequently occurred at the EOL with 20-56% of patients spending over 25% of their overall survival time hospitalized. Many GBM patients do not pursue ACP or have access to PC. There is a dearth of focused and high-quality studies on ACP, PC, and hospice use among adults with GBM. Prospective studies that address these and additional aspects related to EOL care, such as healthcare costs and inpatient supportive care needs, are needed.
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13
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Palliative Care in High-Grade Glioma: A Review. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10100723. [PMID: 33066030 PMCID: PMC7599762 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10100723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
High-grade glioma (HGG) is characterized by debilitating neurologic symptoms and poor prognosis. Some of the suffering this disease engenders may be ameliorated through palliative care, which improves quality of life for seriously ill patients by optimizing symptom management and psychosocial support, which can be delivered concurrently with cancer-directed treatments. In this article, we review palliative care needs associated with HGG and identify opportunities for primary and specialty palliative care interventions. Patients with HGG and their caregivers experience high levels of distress due to physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms that negatively impact quality of life and functional independence, all in the context of limited life expectancy. However, patients typically have limited contact with specialty palliative care until the end of life, and there is no established model for ensuring their palliative care needs are met throughout the disease course. We identify low rates of advance care planning, misconceptions about palliative care being synonymous with end-of-life care, and the unique neurologic needs of this patient population as some of the potential barriers to increased palliative interventions. Further research is needed to define the optimal roles of neuro-oncologists and palliative care specialists in the management of this illness and to establish appropriate timing and models for palliative care delivery.
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14
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Rosenberg J, Massaro A, Siegler J, Sloate S, Mendlik M, Stein S, Levine J. Palliative Care in Patients With High-Grade Gliomas in the Neurological Intensive Care Unit. Neurohospitalist 2019; 10:163-167. [PMID: 32549938 DOI: 10.1177/1941874419869714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Palliative care improves quality of life in patients with malignancy; however, it may be underutilized in patients with high-grade gliomas (HGGs). We examined the practices regarding palliative care consultation (PCC) in treating patients with HGGs in the neurological intensive care unit (NICU) of an academic medical center. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to the NICU from 2011 to 2016 with a previously confirmed histopathological diagnosis of HGG. The primary outcome was the incidence of an inpatient PCC. We also evaluated the impact of PCC on patient care by examining its association with prespecified secondary outcomes of code status amendment to do not resuscitate (DNR), discharge disposition, 30-day mortality, and 30-day readmission rate, length of stay, and place of death. Results Ninety (36% female) patients with HGGs were identified. Palliative care consultation was obtained in 16 (18%) patients. Palliative care consultation was associated with a greater odds of code status amendment to DNR (odds ratio [OR]: 18.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.01-65.73), which remained significant after adjustment for confounders (OR: 27.20, 95% CI: 5.49-134.84), a greater odds of discharge to hospice (OR: 24.93, 95% CI: 6.48-95.88), and 30-day mortality (OR: 6.40, 95% CI: 1.96-20.94). Conclusion In this retrospective study of patients with HGGs admitted to a university-based NICU, PCC was seen in a minority of the sample. Palliative care consultation was associated with code status change to DNR and hospice utilization. Further study is required to determine whether these findings are generalizable and whether interventions that increase PCC utilization are associated with improved quality of life and resource allocation for patients with HGGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Rosenberg
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Allie Massaro
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - James Siegler
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stacey Sloate
- Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Matthew Mendlik
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Joshua Levine
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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15
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Chandra A, Young JS, Dalle Ore C, Dayani F, Lau D, Wadhwa H, Rick JW, Nguyen AT, McDermott MW, Berger MS, Aghi MK. Insurance type impacts the economic burden and survival of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. J Neurosurg 2019; 133:89-99. [PMID: 31226687 DOI: 10.3171/2019.3.jns182629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Glioblastoma (GBM) carries a high economic burden for patients and caregivers, much of which is associated with initial surgery. The authors investigated the impact of insurance status on the inpatient hospital costs of surgery for patients with GBM. METHODS The authors conducted a retrospective review of patients with GBM (2010-2015) undergoing their first resection at the University of California, San Francisco, and corresponding inpatient hospital costs. RESULTS Of 227 patients with GBM (median age 62 years, 37.9% females), 31 (13.7%) had Medicaid, 94 (41.4%) had Medicare, and 102 (44.9%) had private insurance. Medicaid patients had 30% higher overall hospital costs for surgery compared to non-Medicaid patients ($50,285 vs $38,779, p = 0.01). Medicaid patients had higher intensive care unit (ICU; p < 0.01), operating room (p < 0.03), imaging (p < 0.001), room and board (p < 0001), and pharmacy (p < 0.02) costs versus non-Medicaid patients. Medicaid patients had significantly longer overall and ICU lengths of stay (6.9 and 2.6 days) versus Medicare (4.0 and 1.5 days) and privately insured patients (3.9 and 1.8 days, p < 0.01). Medicaid patients had similar comorbidity rates to Medicare patients (67.8% vs 68.1%), and both groups had higher comorbidity rates than privately insured patients (37.3%, p < 0.0001). Only 67.7% of Medicaid patients had primary care providers (PCPs) versus 91.5% of Medicare and 86.3% of privately insured patients (p = 0.009) at the time of presentation. Tumor diameter at diagnosis was largest for Medicaid (4.7 cm) versus Medicare (4.1 cm) and privately insured patients (4.2 cm, p = 0.03). Preoperative (70 vs 90, p = 0.02) and postoperative (80 vs 90, p = 0.03) Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) scores were lowest for Medicaid versus non-Medicaid patients, while in subgroup analysis, postoperative KPS score was lowest for Medicaid patients (80, vs 90 for Medicare and 90 for private insurance; p = 0.03). Medicaid patients had significantly shorter median overall survival (10.7 months vs 12.8 months for Medicare and 15.8 months for private insurance; p = 0.02). Quality-adjusted life year (QALY) scores were 0.66 and 1.05 for Medicaid and non-Medicaid patients, respectively (p = 0.036). The incremental cost per QALY was $29,963 lower for the non-Medicaid cohort. CONCLUSIONS Patients with GBMs and Medicaid have higher surgical costs, longer lengths of stay, poorer survival, and lower QALY scores. This study indicates that these patients lack PCPs, have more comorbidities, and present later in the disease course with larger tumors; these factors may drive the poorer postoperative function and greater consumption of hospital resources that were identified. Given limited resources and rising healthcare costs, factors such as access to PCPs, equitable adjuvant therapy, and early screening/diagnosis of disease need to be improved in order to improve prognosis and reduce hospital costs for patients with GBM.
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16
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Dover LL, Dulaney CR, Fiveash JB, Williams CP, Jackson BE, Warren P, Rocque GB. Hospital-Based End-of-Life Care and Costs for Older Patients With Malignant Brain Tumors. JAMA Oncol 2019; 3:1581-1582. [PMID: 28655028 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2017.1624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura L Dover
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Caleb R Dulaney
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - John B Fiveash
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Courtney P Williams
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Bradford E Jackson
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth
| | - Paula Warren
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Gabrielle B Rocque
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham
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17
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Abstract
Clinical research in neuro-oncology frequently classifies patients over 60-70 years of age as 'elderly', a designation intended to identify patients with the disease characteristics, psychosocial changes, and susceptibility to treatment toxicities associated with advancing age. The elderly account for a large proportion of patients diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM), and this population is projected to increase. Their prognosis is inferior to that of GBM patients as a whole, and concerns over treatment toxicity may limit the aggressiveness with which they are treated. Recent clinical studies have assisted with therapeutic decision making in this cohort. Hypofractionated radiation with concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide has been shown to increase survival without worsened quality of life in elderly patients with good functional status. Single modality radiation therapy or temozolomide therapy are frequently used in this population, and while neither has demonstrated superiority, O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) methylation status is predictive of improved survival with temozolomide over radiation therapy. Despite these advances, ambiguity as to how to best define, assess, and treat this population remains. The specific response of elderly patients to emerging therapies, such as immunotherapies, is unclear. Advancing outcomes for elderly patients with GBM requires persistent efforts to include them in translational and clinical research endeavors, and concurrent dedication to the preservation of function and quality of life in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Harrison
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 0431, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - John F de Groot
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 0431, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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18
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Diamond EL, Prigerson HG, Correa DC, Reiner A, Panageas K, Kryza-Lacombe M, Buthorn J, Neil EC, Miller AM, DeAngelis LM, Applebaum AJ. Prognostic awareness, prognostic communication, and cognitive function in patients with malignant glioma. Neuro Oncol 2018. [PMID: 28645200 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nox117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malignant glioma (MG) is a devastating neuro-oncologic disease with almost invariably poor prognosis. Prognostic awareness (PA) is the awareness of incurable disease and shortened life expectancy (LE). Accurate PA is associated with favorable psychological outcomes at the end of life (EoL) for patients with cancer; however, little is known about PA or prognostic communication in MG. Moreover, research has yet to evaluate the impact of cognitive impairment on PA and preferred forms of communication. Methods Fifty MG patients and 32 paired caregivers were evaluated in this exploratory study with a semi-structured PA assessment aimed to measure their awareness of MG incurability and LE. Full PA was defined as awareness of MG incurability and accurate estimate of LE. The assessment included a survey about preferences for prognostic communication (items from the Prognosis and Treatment Perceptions Questionnaire), neurocognitive assessment (Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised, Trail Making Test Parts A and B, and the Controlled Oral Word Association Test), and measurements of mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain [FACT-Br]). Results Twenty (40%) patients and 22 (69%) caregivers had full PA. Thirty (60%) patients and 23 (72%) caregivers reported that prognostic information was extremely or very important, and 21 (42%) patients and 16 (50%) caregivers desired more prognostic information. Patients with memory impairment more frequently believed that prognostic information was important (P = 0.04, P = 0.03) and desired more information (P = 0.05, P = 0.003) as compared with those without impairment. Conclusions Most MG patients were unaware of their LE. Memory impairment may influence preferences for prognostic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli L Diamond
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Center for Research on End of Life Care, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California; Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Holly G Prigerson
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Center for Research on End of Life Care, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California; Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Denise C Correa
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Center for Research on End of Life Care, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California; Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Anne Reiner
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Center for Research on End of Life Care, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California; Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Katherine Panageas
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Center for Research on End of Life Care, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California; Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Maria Kryza-Lacombe
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Center for Research on End of Life Care, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California; Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Justin Buthorn
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Center for Research on End of Life Care, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California; Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Elizabeth C Neil
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Center for Research on End of Life Care, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California; Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Alex M Miller
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Center for Research on End of Life Care, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California; Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Lisa M DeAngelis
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Center for Research on End of Life Care, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California; Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Allison J Applebaum
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Center for Research on End of Life Care, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California; Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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19
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Applebaum AJ, Buda K, Kryza-Lacombe M, Buthorn JJ, Walker R, Shaffer KM, D'Agostino TA, Diamond EL. Prognostic awareness and communication preferences among caregivers of patients with malignant glioma. Psychooncology 2017; 27:817-823. [PMID: 29125714 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Malignant glioma (MG) is a devastating neuro-oncologic disease with almost invariably poor prognosis, yet many families facing malignant glioma have poor prognostic awareness (PA), or the awareness of the patient's incurable disease and shortened life expectancy. Accurate PA is associated with favorable medical outcomes at end-of-life for patients and psychosocial outcomes for informal caregivers (ICs) through bereavement. To date, however, no study has specifically examined PA among MG ICs and the information they receive that shapes their awareness. METHODS Thirty-two ICs of patients with malignant glioma completed a semi-structured assessment of their awareness of the incurability and life expectancy of their loved one's illness, and to understand their sources of prognostic information and preferences for communication of prognostic information. RESULTS Twenty-two (69%) ICs had full PA-awareness of the incurability of malignant glioma and accurate estimates of their loved ones' life expectancy. Twenty-three (72%) felt that prognostic information was extremely or very important to possess, and 16 (50%) desired more prognostic information. The majority of ICs received prognostic information from physicians and the Internet. Qualitative analyses revealed that many ICs had difficulty navigating medical encounters in which they concurrently wanted to elicit prognostic information from physicians and protect patients from such information. CONCLUSIONS Accurate and timely PA is necessary for ICs to serve as critical members of health care teams. Interventions are needed to foster ICs' skills in navigating prognostic communication with patients and health care providers and thereby improve their ability to advocate for their loved one's wishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Applebaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - K Buda
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - M Kryza-Lacombe
- San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - J J Buthorn
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - R Walker
- Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY, USA
| | - K M Shaffer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - T A D'Agostino
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - E L Diamond
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Center for Research on End of Life Care, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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