A qualitative exploration of a respiratory distress symptom cluster in lung cancer: Cough, breathlessness and fatigue

Lung cancer-specific symptoms and fear of cancer recurrence among recurrence-free non-small cell lung cancer survivors

PURPOSE

Lung cancer survivors have more psychosocial problems, including depression and anxiety disorder, than other cancer survivors. Lung cancer-specific symptoms, such as cough, dyspnea, or pain in chest, might increase FCR among survivors. We aimed to evaluate the association between lung cancer-specific symptoms and FCR among recurrence-free non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) survivors.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study. Recurrence-free NSCLC survivors were recruited from January to October 2020 at a tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea. We measured FCR using the Korean version of FCRI-SF and categorized them into three groups: non-clinical FCR (nFCR, < 13), subclinical FCR (sFCR, 13 to 21), and clinical FCR (cFCR, ≥ 22). Lung cancer-specific symptoms were measured using the Korean version of EORTC QLQ-LC13 and EORTC QLQ-C30.

RESULTS

A total of 727 survivors were enrolled. One-third (30.8%) of survivors reported sFCR, and 19.7% had cFCR. In a multivariate analysis, survivors with severe pain in chest were 4.7 times (95% CI: 2.4-9.0) more likely to experience cFCR compared to those without it. Mild dyspnea (OR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.7) and mild dysphagia (OR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.3-4.4) were associated with cFCR. Survivors with sFCR (Coef. - 6.3, 95% CI: - 9.8, - 2.8) and cFCR (Coef. - 11.3, 95% CI: - 15.5, - 7.2) had poorer quality of life compared to survivors with nFCR.

CONCLUSION

NSCLC survivors were experiencing lung cancer-specific symptoms even a few years after treatment, which were associated with cFCR, resulting in poor HRQoL. It is necessary to develop a lung cancer-specific symptom checklist and use it during even long-term surveillance.

Sleep Disturbance as a Mediator of Lung Cancer Stigma on Psychological Distress and Physical Symptom Burden

OBJECTIVE

This study tested sleep disturbance as a mediator through which stigma and discrimination predict psychological distress and physical symptom burden in adults with lung cancer.

METHODS

Lung cancer patients on active oncological treatment ( N = 108; 74.1% stage IV) completed questionnaires on lung cancer stigma, sleep, distress, and physical symptoms at study entry and at 6- and 12-week follow-up. Mediation analyses were conducted to investigate whether stigma and discrimination predicted distress and physical symptoms at study entry and across 12 weeks through disrupted sleep.

RESULTS

Higher discrimination ( b = 5.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.10-8.94) and constrained disclosure ( b = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.05-0.85) were associated significantly with higher sleep disruption at study entry. Sleep disruption, in turn, was associated with higher distress ( b = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.09-0.29) and physical symptoms ( b = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.17-0.40) at study entry. Sleep disruption significantly mediated relationships between higher discrimination and the outcomes of distress (indirect effect = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.13-1.96) and physical symptoms (indirect effect = 1.58, 95% CI = 0.37-2.79) at study entry. Sleep disruption also mediated relationships between constrained disclosure and the outcomes of distress (indirect effect = 0.85, 95% CI = < 0.01-0.17) and physical symptoms (indirect effect = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.01-0.25).

CONCLUSIONS

Lung cancer patients evidenced pronounced sleep disruption, which mediated relationships between indicators of lung cancer stigma and distress and physical symptoms at study entry. Research is needed to test additional mechanisms through which lung cancer stigma predicts these outcomes longitudinally.

An Evolutionary Concept Analysis in People With Heart Failure-Symptom Clusters or Symptom Cluster Profiles?

The concept of symptom clusters in heart failure (HF) has been defined and measured inconsistently. We used Rodgers' evolutionary method to review related concepts in the HF literature. Symptom clusters and symptom cluster profiles are characterized by multiple symptoms, a synergistic relationship, and result in a myriad of poor outcomes. Researchers should carefully consider the conceptual differences underpinning symptom clusters and symptom cluster profiles and choose the appropriate concept aligned with their research questions, empirical methods, and target HF population.

Respiratory distress symptom intervention for non-pharmacological management of the lung cancer breathlessness-cough-fatigue symptom cluster: randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

In lung cancer, three prominent symptoms, such as breathlessness, cough and fatigue, are closely related with each other forming a 'respiratory distress symptom cluster'. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the respiratory distress symptom intervention (RDSI) for the management of this symptom cluster in people with lung cancer.

METHODS

A single blind, pragmatic, randomised controlled trial conducted in eight centres in England, UK. A total of 263 patients with lung cancer were randomised, including 132 who received RDSI and 131 who received standard care. To be eligible, participants self-reported adverse impact in daily life from at least two of the three symptoms, in any combination. Outcomes were change at 12 weeks for each symptom within the cluster, including Dyspnoea-12 (D-12), Manchester Cough in Lung Cancer (MCLC) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness-Fatigue.

RESULTS

At baseline, nearly 60% of participants reported all three symptoms. At trial completion the total trial attrition was 109 (41.4%). Compared with the control group, the RDSI group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in D-12 (p=0.007) and MCLC (p<0.001). The minimal clinically important difference MCID) was achieved for each outcome: D-12 -4.13 (MCID >3), MCLC -5.49 (MCID >3) and FACIT-F 4.91 (MCID >4).

CONCLUSION

RDSI is a clinically effective, low-risk intervention to support the management of the respiratory distress symptom cluster in lung cancer. However, the study did experience high attrition, which needs to be taken onto consideration when interpreting these results.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03223805.

Symptom clusters and their impact on quality of life among Chinese patients with lung cancer: A cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

To investigate the symptom clusters of Chinese patients with lung cancer, and explore their impact on quality of life (QoL) and each of its functioning.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2022 and April 2023 among 219 lung cancer patients at a general hospital in Sichuan Province. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory, and the EORTC QLQ-C30. R within the RStudio platform was used to conduct descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

Psychoneurological, respiratory, gastrointestinal and fatigue-related symptom clusters were identified, each of which was significantly negatively correlated with overall QoL, global health status/QoL and each functioning. The respiratory (β = -0.60, P = 0.02) and fatigue-related symptom cluster (β = -0.86, P = 0.02) were predictors of global health status/QoL; the fatigue-related symptom cluster predicted physical (β = -1.68, P < 0.01), role (β = -1.63, P < 0.01) and cognitive functioning (β = -1.45, P < 0.01); the psychoneurological symptom cluster was a predictor of patients' emotional functioning (β = -1.26, P < 0.01); and the psychoneurological (β = -0.81, P < 0.01) and gastrointestinal symptom cluster (β = -0.60, P = 0.05) predicted social functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

Respiratory and fatigue-related symptom clusters were strong predictors of global health status/QoL; fatigue-related, psychoneurological and gastrointestinal symptom clusters had a negative impact on patients' functioning. Nurse practitioners should pay more attention to monitoring respiratory and fatigue-related symptom clusters to identify high-risk populations in time, and tailored interventions based on symptom clusters are needed to synergistically reduce the symptom burden, thereby improving patients' QoL.

A cognitive-behavioral model of dyspnea: Qualitative interviews with individuals with advanced lung cancer

OBJECTIVES

Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is the subjective experience of breathing discomfort and is a common, distressing, and debilitating symptom of lung cancer. There are no efficacious pharmacological treatments, but there is suggestive evidence that cognitive-behavioral treatments could relieve dyspnea. For this, understanding the psychological, behavioral, and social factors that may affect dyspnea severity is critical. To this end, patients with dyspnea were interviewed with questions framed by the cognitive-behavioral model-emphasizing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors as contributors and outcomes of dyspnea.

METHODS

Two trained individuals conducted semi-structured interviews with lung cancer patients (N = 15) reporting current dyspnea. Interviews assessed patients' cognitive-behavioral experiences with dyspnea. Study personnel used a grounded theory approach for qualitative analysis to code the interviews. Inter-rater reliability of codes was high (κ = 0.90).

RESULTS

Thoughts: Most common were patients' catastrophic thoughts about their health and receiving enough oxygen when breathless. Emotions: Anxiety about dyspnea was the most common, followed by anger, sadness, and shame related to dyspnea. Behaviors: Patients rested and took deep breaths to relieve acute episodes of dyspnea. To reduce the likelihood of dyspnea, patients planned their daily activity or reduced their physical activity at the expense of engagement in hobbies and functional activities.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS

Patients identified cognitive-behavioral factors (thoughts, emotions, and behaviors) that coalesce with dyspnea. The data provide meaningful insights into potential cognitive-behavioral interventions that could target contributors to dyspnea.

Cancer-related Fatigue in Lung Cancer: A Research Agenda: An Official American Thoracic Society Research Statement

Background: Fatigue is the most common symptom among cancer survivors. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) may occur at any point in the cancer care continuum. Multiple factors contribute to CRF development and severity, including cancer type, treatments, presence of other symptoms, comorbidities, and medication side effects. Clinically, increasing physical activity, enhancing sleep quality, and recognizing sleep disorders are integral to managing CRF. Unfortunately, CRF is infrequently recognized, evaluated, or treated in lung cancer survivors despite more frequent and severe symptoms than in other cancers. Therefore, increased awareness and understanding of CRF are needed to improve health-related quality of life in lung cancer survivors. Objectives: 1) To identify and prioritize knowledge and research gaps and 2) to develop and prioritize research questions to evaluate mechanistic, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches to CRF among lung cancer survivors. Methods: We convened a multidisciplinary panel to review the available literature on CRF, focusing on the impacts of physical activity, rehabilitation, and sleep disturbances in lung cancer. We used a three-round modified Delphi process to prioritize research questions. Results: This statement identifies knowledge gaps in the 1) detection and diagnostic evaluation of CRF in lung cancer survivors; 2) timing, goals, and implementation of physical activity and rehabilitation; and 3) evaluation and treatment of sleep disturbances and disorders to reduce CRF. Finally, we present the panel's initial 32 research questions and seven final prioritized questions. Conclusions: This statement offers a prioritized research agenda to 1) advance clinical and research efforts and 2) increase awareness of CRF in lung cancer survivors.

Experience of living with symptom clusters in postoperative pancreatic cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to describe symptom clusters (SCs), and symptom experiences in early postoperative patients with pancreatic cancer who are recovering at home.

METHODS

From October 2021 and April 2022,15 patients following pancreatic cancer surgery were recruited from a tertiary hospital in Jiangsu Province by maximum variation sampling. Semi-structured interviews were performed to collect data and thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Three themes were extracted from the data. The first theme "difference in symptom perception and cognition" illustrated factors such as patient knowledge, expected recovery status, and risk perception could influence patient symptom experience. Most patients actually reported fewer and less severe symptoms than previous studies. The second theme "the results of symptom cluster" demonstrated anorexia-distress SC, bowel-digestive related SC and sleep disturbance related SC, and anorexia-distress SC should be considered as the priority SC given its multidimensional significance for patients. The last theme described the patient's positive attitudes, behaviours and barriers to coping with symptoms, namely "symptom self-management experience".

CONCLUSION

There are differences in the perception and interpretation of SCs in postoperative pancreatic cancer patients. Understanding the meaning of individual differences in the experience of symptoms can assist patients in the management of SCs. Medical staff should combine patient self-management strategies and evidence-based data to provide appropriate support at different stages to improve patient symptom management and quality of life.

Symptom Clusters Change Over Time in Patients With Lung Cancer During Perichemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in China, and patients often experience multiple symptoms and substantial discomfort. Understanding and managing concurrent symptoms of patients with lung cancer are crucial during perichemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the types and components of symptom clusters according to the severity dimension and to understand how they change over time during perichemotherapy in a homogeneous population of patients with lung cancer.

METHODS

Patients were recruited using convenience sampling. The Chinese version of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory and the revised lung cancer module were used to measure multiple symptoms at the following 3 separate points: 2 weeks before chemotherapy (T1), chemotherapy cycle 1 (T2), and chemotherapy cycle 4 (T3). Symptom clusters were identified by exploratory factor analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 144 patients with non-small cell lung cancer participated in the study. Six symptom clusters were identified at the 3 time points. Among the 6 symptom clusters, 3 symptom clusters remained stable at all time points, and differences were found in symptom clusters before and after chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptom clusters can change during perichemotherapy, showing some stability and differences over time.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

An improved understanding of symptom cluster trajectories in patients with lung cancer may facilitate effective assessment, prevention, and management of multiple concurrent symptoms. These findings will help clinicians to develop predictive interventions and reduce the symptom burden of patients undergoing chemotherapy.

P2X Receptors: Potential Therapeutic Targets for Symptoms Associated With Lung Cancer - A Mini Review

Symptoms associated with lung cancer mainly consist of cancer-associated pain, cough, fatigue, and dyspnea. However, underlying mechanisms of lung cancer symptom clusters remain unclear. There remains a paucity of effective treatment to ameliorate debilitating symptoms and improve the quality of life of lung cancer survivors. Recently, extracellular ATP and its receptors have attracted increasing attention among researchers in the field of oncology. Extracellular ATP in the tumor microenvironment is associated with tumor cell metabolism, proliferation, and metastasis by driving inflammation and neurotransmission via P2 purinergic signaling. Accordingly, ATP gated P2X receptors expressed on tumor cells, immune cells, and neurons play a vital role in modulating tumor development, invasion, progression, and related symptoms. P2 purinergic signaling is involved in the development of different lung cancer-related symptoms. In this review, we summarize recent findings to illustrate the role of P2X receptors in tumor proliferation, progression, metastasis, and lung cancer- related symptoms, providing an outline of potential anti-neoplastic activity of P2X receptor antagonists. Furthermore, compared with opioids, P2X receptor antagonists appear to be innovative therapeutic interventions for managing cancer symptom clusters with fewer side effects.

Self-management of oxygen and bronchodilators to relieve the dyspnoea of lung cancer with pneumoconiosis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the level of dyspnoea and the self-management strategies used to alleviate dyspnoea in lung cancer patients with concurrent pneumoconiosis, particularly oxygen therapy and bronchodilator treatment. Furthermore, the authors aimed to determine the factors associated with such self-management and to provide a basis for developing an applicable and safe treatment plan for alleviating dyspnoea.

METHOD

This study involved a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires from 79 participants between January and July 2016, and self-management strategies were analysed using analysis of variance and multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

In terms of the self-management practices employed to relieve dyspnoea, 53.2% of the patients adjusted their oxygen intake and 70.9% used bronchodilators over the prescribed dosage. Adjusting the oxygen intake was not significantly associated with any of the patient characteristics. The factors related to increased bronchodilator use were the presence of comorbidities, cardiopulmonary function, subjective respiratory distress, activities of daily living, and the number of prescribed bronchodilators.

CONCLUSION

Dyspnoea is a severe critical condition, and urgent management of its clinical symptoms is required. Healthcare professionals who care for patients with lung cancer with pneumoconiosis should pay attention to the dyspnoea and manage it based on clinical evidence. Development of customised, integrated nursing treatment plans is needed to alleviate dyspnoea in patients with complications and chronic dyspnoea who have low daily activity levels.

Network Analysis of Psychopathology: Controversies and Challenges

Empirical publications inspired by the network approach to psychopathology have increased exponentially in the twenty-first century. The central idea that an episode of mental disorder arises from causal interactions among its symptomatic elements has especially resonated with those clinical scientists whose disenchantment with traditional categorical and dimensional approaches to mental illness has become all too apparent. As the field has matured, conceptual and statistical concerns about the limitations of network approaches to psychopathology have emerged, inspiring the development of novel methods to address these concerns. Rather than reviewing the vast empirical literature, I focus instead on the issues and controversies regarding this approach and sketch directions where the field might go next.

The Effectiveness of Qigong in Managing a Cluster of Symptoms (Breathlessness-Fatigue-Anxiety) in Patients with Lung Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Qigong is used by cancer patients, but its effect is not adequately evaluated to date. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Qigong for the management of a symptom cluster comprising fatigue, dyspnea, and anxiety in patients with lung cancer.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 156 lung cancer patients participated in this trial, and they were randomized to a Qigong group (6 weeks of intervention) or a waitlist control group receiving usual care. The symptom cluster was assessed at baseline, at the end of treatment (primary outcome), and at 12 weeks, alongside measures of cough and quality of life (QOL).

RESULTS

There was no significant interaction effect between group and time for the symptom cluster overall and for fatigue and anxiety. However, a significant trend towards improvement was observed on fatigue (P = .004), dyspnea (P = .002), and anxiety (P = .049) in the Qigong group from baseline assessment to the end of intervention at the 6th week (within-group changes). Improvements in dyspnea and in the secondary outcomes of cough, global health status, functional well-being and QOL symptom scales were statistically significant between the 2 groups (P = .001, .014, .021, .001, and .002, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Qigong did not alleviate the symptom cluster experience. Nevertheless, this intervention was effective in reducing dyspnea and cough, and improving QOL. More than 6 weeks were needed, however, for detecting the effect of Qigong on improving dyspnea. Furthermore, men benefited more than women. It may not be beneficial to use Qigong to manage the symptom cluster consisting of fatigue, dyspnea, and anxiety, but it may be effective in managing respiratory symptoms (secondary outcomes needing further verification in future research). Future studies targeting symptom clusters should ensure the appropriateness of the combination of symptoms.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02977845. Registered November 30, 2016. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02977845?term=Qigong&cond=Lung+Cancer&draw=2&rank=1.

Effect of Exercise on Fatigue in Patients with Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

Background: Fatigue is a frequent debilitating symptom among patients with lung cancer. The effect of exercise on fatigue remains to be quantified. Objective: This review aimed to examine the effect of exercise on fatigue by synthesizing findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic search was conducted in five electronic databases from inception to March 2020. Only RCT was included. The primary outcome was fatigue and the secondary outcomes included depression, anxiety, quality of life, and functional capacity. Pooled weighted or standardized mean difference (WMD or SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. Results: Eight RCTs were included. The exercise intervention was delivered in the supervised environment (n = 6) or free-living settings (n = 2). Exercise reduced the level of fatigue (SMD = -0.33; 95% CI = -0.54 to -0.13). Exercise also decreased depressive symptom (WMD = -1.57; 95% CI = -2.69 to -0.44) and anxiety (WMD = -1.39; 95% CI = -2.60 to -0.18). Exercise showed a moderate effect on the quality of life, with an SMD of 0.33 (95% CI = 0.08 to 0.58). Exercise intervention increased functional capacity as measured by the six-minute walk test by 20 meters (95% CI = 14.2 to 55.0), but the effect was not significant (p = 0.247). Conclusion: Exercise demonstrated a moderate effect on fatigue in patients with lung cancer. Exercise also improved depressive symptoms, anxiety, and quality of life; however, its impact on functional capacity was not significant. More clinical trials are warranted to explore the mechanisms underlying the impact of exercise on fatigue. Strategies improving adherence to exercise prescription should be developed to help these patients overcome potential challenges.

Clustering of patients with end-stage chronic diseases by symptoms: a new approach to identify health needs

BACKGROUND

End-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic heart failure (CHF) and chronic renal failure (CRF) are characterized by a high burden of daily symptoms that, irrespective of the primary organ failure, are widely shared.

AIMS

To evaluate whether and to which extent symptom-based clusters of patients with end-stage COPD, CHF and CRF associate with patients' health status, mobility, care dependency and life-sustaining treatment preferences.

METHODS

255 outpatients with a diagnosis of advanced COPD (n = 95), advanced CHF (n = 80) or CRF requiring dialysis (n = 80) were visited in their home environment and underwent a multidimensional assessment: clinical characteristics, symptom burden using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), health status questionnaires, timed "Up and Go" test, Care Dependency Scale and willingness to undergo mechanical ventilation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Three clusters were obtained applying K-means cluster analysis on symptoms' severity assessed via VAS. Cluster characteristics were compared using non-parametric tests.

RESULTS

Cluster 1 patients, with the least symptom burden, had a better quality of life, lower care dependency and were more willing to accept life-sustaining treatments than others. Cluster 2, with a high presence and severity of dyspnea, fatigue, cough, muscle weakness and mood problems, and Cluster 3, with the highest occurrence and severity of symptoms, reported similar care dependency and life-sustaining treatment preferences, while Cluster 3 reported the worst physical health status.

DISCUSSION

Symptom-based clusters identify patients with different health needs and might help to develop palliative care programs.

CONCLUSION

Clustering by symptoms identifies patients with different health status, care dependency and life-sustaining treatment preferences.

Relationships of Symptom Groups and Functioning Domains in Patients with Advanced-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Undergoing Treatment: A Cross-Sectional Study

The purpose of this study was to describe the symptoms experienced by patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), examine whether different symptom groups significantly affected different functioning domains in these patients, and determine the effect of the "lack of energy" and "pain" symptom groups on the different functioning domains of health-related quality of life (HRQOL). From a single tertiary institution, this cross-sectional study enrolled 135 consecutive NSCLC patients who were mostly undergoing chemotherapy and were in the advanced stage (National University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea). Clinical and self-reported demographic information and data on different functioning domains (from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30)), symptom experience (from the EORTC QLQ-LC13), and the Symptom Distress Scale (SDS) were examined. The four most common symptoms were fatigue (69%), pain (47%), dyspnea (38%), and lack of appetite (36%). The "pain" symptom group was negatively associated with physical, emotional, cognitive, and role functioning. The "lack of energy" symptom group was negatively associated with physical, role, emotional, social, and cognitive functioning. The "lack of energy" symptom group explained the most variance for physical and role functioning, and the "pain" symptom group explained the most variance for emotional functioning. Impaired concentration explained the most variance for cognitive functioning.

Trait mindfulness and depressive symptoms in non-small cell lung cancer patients: the mediating roles of quality of life and meaning in life

OBJECTIVE

The present study examined the potential mediating influences of meaning in life and quality of life in the relationship of trait mindfulness and depressive symptoms in lung cancer patients. Design: We adopted a cross-sectional design studying a sample of patients with non-small cell lung cancer, aged 20-65 years, and receiving cancer treatments or follow-up care. Main Outcome Measures: The outcome measures included Beck Depression Inventory-II, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and lung cancer specific complementary measure (EORTC QLQ-LC13), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and the meaning in life questionnaire. Results: Among 116 lung cancer patients, 26.72% of them had clinically significant depressive symptoms. The presence of meaning, quality of life (QOL) functioning and symptom distress mediated the relationship of trait mindfulness and depressive symptoms. Multiple mediation analyses found that the presence of meaning in life was the main mediator. Conclusion: The reductions of depressive symptoms might be related to trait mindfulness enhancing lung cancer patients' perceptions of meaning in life. A mindfulness program has the potential to improve depressive symptoms in people with lung cancer.

Effectiveness and safety of herbal medicine for cancer-related fatigue in lung cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Approximately half of lung cancer patients (LCP) receiving chemotherapy are experiencing cancer-related fatigue (CRF). In East Asia, herbal medicines (HMs) have been used as tonics due to their anti-fatigue effect. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness and safety of HMs for CRF in LCP. We comprehensively searched 12 electronic medical databases to search randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs investigating HMs for CRF in LCP, published up to September 2019. The primary outcome was the fatigue severity. Secondary outcomes included patients' quality of life (QOL), activities of daily life (ADL), and incidence of adverse events. Cochrane's risk of bias tool assessed the methodological quality of included RCTs. The risk ratio or mean difference was estimated with 95% confidence intervals by performing a meta-analysis. Twelve RCTs with 861 participants were included. Compared to conventional medicine alone, HM combined with conventional medicine significantly improved fatigue level, QOL, and ADL. As monotherapy, HM significantly improved ADL compared with megestrol. No serious HM-related adverse events were reported. Limited evidence suggests that HM could be effective and safe for CRF in LCP. However, further high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm these findings owing to the small number and low methodological quality of the included studies.

Herbal medicine on cancer-related fatigue of lung cancer survivors: Protocol for a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and approximately half of the patients with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy suffer from cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Herbal medicines (HMs) have been used in Oriental countries for centuries as tonics. Various beneficial effects of HM on fatigue and cancer have been reported. However, the effectiveness and safety of HM for CRF in lung cancer patients have not been synthesized. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of HM for CRF in patients with lung cancer, regardless of their cancer type or stage.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A comprehensive search will be conducted in 12 electronic medical databases including 5 English-language databases (Medline via PubMed, EMBASE via Elsevier, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [CENTRAL], the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database [AMED] via EBSCO, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature [CINAHL] via EBSCO), 4 Korean-language databases (Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System [OASIS], Koreanstudies Information Service System [KISS], Research Information Service System [RISS], and Korea Citation Index [KCI]), 2 Chinese-language databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI] and Wanfang Data), and 1 Japanese-language database (CiNii). Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs on HM for CRF will be allowed. The severity of fatigue assessed using a validated tool will be considered as theprimary outcome. The secondary outcomes will include the patients' quality of life, activities of daily life, incidence of adverse events, and total effective rate. Two independent researchers will perform the study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. RevMan version 5.3 will be used for data synthesis. The methodological quality of the included RCTs will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. In the meta-analysis, for dichotomous data and continuous data, risk ratio and mean difference, respectively, will be estimated with their 95% confidence intervals. According to the heterogeneity, either a fixed-effects or a random-effects model will be used.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval is not required because individual patient data are not included. The findings of this systematic review will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication or conference presentation.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019141660.

The Experiences of Cancer-Related Fatigue among Adult Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the symptoms commonly experienced and it is a subjective feeling felt by cancer patients. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize how fatigue has been described from the perspective of adult cancer patients, the impact of fatigue on their quality of life, what the patient reported as contributing factors and potential coping strategies to reduce fatigue.Methods: A systematic review is in line with PRISMA guidelines. Five databases were systematically searched (Scopus, PubMed, Springerlink, ProQuest and Science Direct) from January 2009 to February 2019 for qualitative studies describing the experience of adult cancer patients using a predefined search strategy and any relevant keywords.Results: In total, 13 out of 4692 studies were included. The ages of the included patient cancer ranged from 26 to 84 years. The majority of studies used in-depth interviews and semi-structured interviews to elicit the participant’s experiences of fatigue. Four themes were identified: the perception of cancer-related fatigue, the etiology of cancer fatigue, impact and coping strategies.Conclusion: Fatigue is impactful on quality of life from the perspective of cancer patients. Future research should focus on the prospective exploration of the impact of fatigue on woman's and men's health and identifying approaches to reduce fatigue. 

Predicting postoperative fatigue in surgically treated lung cancer patients in Norway: a longitudinal 5-month follow-up study

OBJECTIVES

Despite the negative influence of fatigue on quality of life in patients who undergo lung cancer surgery, little is known about the possible predictors of postoperative fatigue. The aim of this study was to examine demographic and clinical characteristics that might predict postoperative fatigue 5 months after lung cancer surgery.

DESIGN

A prospective longitudinal follow-up study comprising preoperative and postoperative questionnaires, including Lee Fatigue Scale, and sociodemographic and clinical data.

SETTING

Three university hospitals in Norway (eg, Oslo University Hospital, St. Olav University Hospital and Haukeland University Hospital).

PARTICIPANTS

In total, 196 surgically treated patients who answered the questionnaires both preoperatively and at 5-month follow-up with valid fatigue scores.

RESULTS

Bivariate analyses showed that preoperative fatigue was associated with comorbidities and the symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance and pain. Only cough was directly associated with preoperative fatigue in a regression model. Comorbidities and the symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, depression and sleep disturbance were associated with postoperative fatigue in the bivariate analyses, but only shortness of breath was associated with postoperative fatigue in the regression model. We did not find any significant correlations between fatigue and any treatment variable.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians should pay special attention to lung symptoms and be aware that these may lead to long-term postoperative fatigue. Further research should examine whether interventions reducing lung symptoms, such as shortness of breath and coughing, may prevent development of fatigue in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery.

Patients and informal caregivers' experiences of burden of treatment in lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative research

OBJECTIVE

To identify, characterise and explain common and specific features of the experience of treatment burden in relation to patients living with lung cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and their informal caregivers.

DESIGN

Systematic review and interpretative synthesis of primary qualitative studies. Papers were analysed using constant comparison and directed qualitative content analysis.

DATA SOURCES

CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Scopus and Web of Science searched from January 2006 to December 2015.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES

Primary qualitative studies in English where participants were patients with lung cancer or COPD and/or their informal caregivers, aged >18 years that contain descriptions of experiences of interacting with health or social care in Europe, North America and Australia.

RESULTS

We identified 127 articles with 1769 patients and 491 informal caregivers. Patients, informal caregivers and healthcare professionals (HCPs) acknowledged lung cancer's existential threat. Managing treatment workload was a priority in this condition, characterised by a short illness trajectory. Treatment workload was generally well supported by an immediacy of access to healthcare systems and a clear treatment pathway. Conversely, patients, informal caregivers and HCPs typically did not recognise or understand COPD. Treatment workload was balanced with the demands of everyday life throughout a characteristically long illness trajectory. Consequently, treatment workload was complicated by difficulties of access to, and navigation of, healthcare systems, and a fragmented treatment pathway. In both conditions, patients' capacity to manage workload was enhanced by the support of family and friends, peers and HCPs and diminished by illness/smoking-related stigma and social isolation.

CONCLUSION

This interpretative synthesis has affirmed significant differences in treatment workload between lung cancer and COPD. It has demonstrated the importance of the capacity patients have to manage their workload in both conditions. This suggests a workload which exceeds capacity may be a primary driver of treatment burden.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42016048191.

Symptom prevalence of patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease: a systematic literature review

Background

Those affected by advanced fibrotic interstitial lung diseases have limited treatment options and in the terminal stages, the focus of care is on symptom management. However, quantitatively, little is known about symptom prevalence. We aimed to determine the prevalence of symptoms in Progressive Idiopathic Fibrotic Interstitial Lung Disease (PIF-ILD).

Methods

Searches on eight electronic databases including MEDLINE for clinical studies between 1966 and 2015 where the target population was adults with PIF-ILD and for whom the prevalence of symptoms had been calculated.

Results

A total of 4086 titles were screened for eligibility criteria; 23 studies were included for analysis. The highest prevalence was that for breathlessness (54–98%) and cough (59–100%) followed by heartburn (25–65%) and depression (10–49%). The heterogeneity of studies limited their comparability, but many of the symptoms present in patients with other end-stage disease were also seen in PIF-ILD.

Conclusions

This is the first quantitative review of symptoms in people with Progressive Idiopathic Fibrotic Interstitial Lung Diseases. Symptoms are common, often multiple and have a comparable prevalence to those experienced in other advanced diseases. Quantification of these data provides valuable information to inform the allocation of resources.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12890-018-0651-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Pathways to Lung Cancer Diagnosis: A Qualitative Study of Patients and General Practitioners about Diagnostic and Pretreatment Intervals

RATIONALE

Pathways to lung cancer diagnosis and treatment are complex. International evidence shows significant variations in pathways. Qualitative research investigating pathways to lung cancer diagnosis rarely considers both patient and general practitioner views simultaneously.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the lung cancer diagnostic pathway, focusing on the perspective of patients and general practitioners about diagnostic and pretreatment intervals.

METHODS

This qualitative study of patients with lung cancer and general practitioners in Australia used qualitative interviews or a focus group in which participants responded to a semistructured questionnaire designed to explore experiences of the diagnostic pathway. The Model of Pathways to Treatment (the Model) was used as a framework for analysis, with data organized into (1) events, (2) processes, and (3) contributing factors for variations in diagnostic and pretreatment intervals.

RESULTS

Thirty participants (19 patients with lung cancer and 11 general practitioners) took part. Nine themes were identified during analysis. For the diagnostic interval, these were: (1) taking patient concerns seriously, (2) a sense of urgency, (3) advocacy that is doctor-driven or self-motivated, and (4) referral: "knowing who to refer to." For the pretreatment interval, themes were: (5) uncertainty, (6) psychosocial support for the patient and family before treatment, and (7) communication among the multidisciplinary team and general practitioners. Two cross-cutting themes were: (8) coordination of care and "handing over" the patient, and (9) general practitioner knowledge about lung cancer. Events were perceived as complex, with diagnosis often being revealed over time, rather than as a single event. Contributing factors at patient, system, and disease levels are described for both intervals.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients and general practitioners expressed similar themes across the diagnostic and pretreatment intervals. Significant improvements could be made to health systems to facilitate better patient and general practitioner experiences of the diagnostic pathway. This novel presentation of patient and general practitioner perspectives indicates that systemic interventions have a role in timely and appropriate referrals to specialist care and coordination of investigations. Systemic interventions may alleviate concerns about urgency of diagnostic workup, communication, and coordination of care as patients transition from primary to specialist care.

Daily diary study of hope, stigma, and functioning in lung cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

Given its lethality, associated stigma, and symptom burden, a lung cancer diagnosis poses a substantial challenge for patients. The goal of this study was to examine how daily hope, defined as goal-directed effort and planning to meet goals, and daily stigma were related to same- and next-day functioning in lung cancer patients receiving cancer treatment.

METHODS

Fifty lung cancer patients (39 non-small-cell stages IIIa-IV; 11 limited and extensive small cell) completed a baseline questionnaire and 21 daily diaries (n = 1,042) assessing hope, stigma, physical symptoms, treatment factors, and functioning. Hypotheses were tested in same- and next-day models with multilevel modeling.

RESULTS

Patients who reported more daily hope reported higher social and role functioning in same- and next-day models. On days that patients reported more hope than usual (compared with their own across-day average), they had higher social, role, and physical functioning; this effect did not carry into the next day. Treatment days were associated with lower social and role functioning when patients reported lower hope and associated with higher functioning when patients reported higher hope. Within-person hope was not predicted by disease symptoms. On days that patients reported more stigma than usual, they reported lower social and role functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

Hope is associated with functioning in lung cancer patients, regardless of physical symptoms from disease and treatment. Hope and stigma may therefore be appropriate intervention targets to support daily social and role functioning during lung cancer treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record

Managing, making sense of and finding meaning in advanced illness: a qualitative exploration of the coping and wellbeing experiences of patients with lung cancer

Coping plays an essential role in maintaining the wellbeing of patients with cancer. A number of different coping responses and strategies have been identified in the literature. The value and relevance of meaning based coping theory has also been emphasised, including Antonovosky's Sense of Coherence (SoC) theory. Ten patients with advanced lung cancer were interviewed up to three times. A total of twenty in depth interviews were carried out, fully transcribed and data were analysed following a methodology of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Three broad domains were identified to categorise the core life concerns of participants; making sense of and managing one's illness; maintaining daily life and relationships and confronting the future. Within these domains multiple coping themes are identified, which to varying degrees help to maintain patient wellbeing and quality of life. This article considers the relevance of SoC theory for understanding the coping experiences of patients with advanced cancer, and identifies resources and factors likely to support patient coping, with implications for health and social care services.

Metastatic Lung Cancer and Distress: Use of the Distress Thermometer for Patient Assessment

BACKGROUND

Patients with metastatic lung cancer experience high levels of distress related to their disease trajectory and treatment. Oncology nurses are experts in patient care and symptom management, giving them an opportunity to screen and treat patients' distress.
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OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to screen patients for distress and manage their symptoms to positively affect their quality of life, treatment adherence, and clinical outcomes, and to reduce healthcare costs. 
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METHODS

This quality improvement project was conducted to pilot the Distress Thermometer (DT) into the care of patients with thoracic cancer and to evaluate the effect of a multifaceted intervention, consisting of a patient education pamphlet and a nurse coaching call, on distress levels. 
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FINDINGS

Severe distress was reported in more than half the patients. A paired-sample t test revealed a significant decrease in distress scores following the intervention.

Burden, emotional distress and quality of life among informal caregivers of lung cancer patients: An exploratory study

This study was conducted to explore the interrelationships among caregiver burden, emotional status and quality of life (QoL) in caregivers of lung cancer patients, and to identify whether caregiver burden and health status are associated with patient emotional status and QoL. Forty-three dyads of lung cancer patients and their caregivers were included for analysis. Caregiver-reported outcomes were measured by Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS), Caregivers Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), while patient-reported outcomes were collected by HADS and Lung Cancer Symptom Scale (LCSS). The majority of the CBS and CQOLC scores were significantly higher in anxious and depressed caregivers than non-anxious and non-depressed caregivers (p < .01 or .05). Caregivers of depressed patients experienced significantly greater emotional distress than those of non-depressed patients (p < .01). Significantly positive associations were identified among most of the CBS, CQOLC and caregiver HADS scores. Patient LCSS scores were positively correlated with the CBS and caregiver HADS scores, and patient HADS scores were also positively related to caregiver HADS scores. The close interrelationships between caregiver and patient health outcomes provide evidence that lung cancer patients and their caregivers should be viewed as a unit in future supportive service models.

Symptomatic Treatment of Cough Among Adult Patients With Lung Cancer: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report

BACKGROUND

Cough among patients with lung cancer is a common but often undertreated symptom. We used a 2015 Cochrane systematic review, among other sources of evidence, to update the recommendations and suggestions of the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) 2006 guideline on this topic.

METHODS

The CHEST methodologic guidelines and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework were used. The Expert Cough Panel based their recommendations on data from the Cochrane systematic review on the topic, uncontrolled studies, case studies, and the clinical context. Final grading was reached by consensus according to the Delphi method.

RESULTS

The Cochrane systematic review identified 17 trials of primarily low-quality evidence. Such evidence was related to both nonpharmacologic (cough suppression) and pharmacologic (demulcents, opioids, peripherally acting antitussives, or local anesthetics) treatments, as well as endobronchial brachytherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the 2006 CHEST Cough Guideline, the current recommendations and suggestions are more specific and follow a step-up approach to the management of cough among patients with lung cancer, acknowledging the low-quality evidence in the field and the urgent need to develop more effective, evidence-based interventions through high-quality research.

Advancing Symptom Science Through Symptom Cluster Research: Expert Panel Proceedings and Recommendations

An overview of proceedings, findings, and recommendations from the workshop on "Advancing Symptom Science Through Symptom Cluster Research" sponsored by the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) and the Office of Rare Diseases Research, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, is presented. This workshop engaged an expert panel in an evidenced-based discussion regarding the state of the science of symptom clusters in chronic conditions including cancer and other rare diseases. An interdisciplinary working group from the extramural research community representing nursing, medicine, oncology, psychology, and bioinformatics was convened at the National Institutes of Health. Based on expertise, members were divided into teams to address key areas: defining characteristics of symptom clusters, priority symptom clusters and underlying mechanisms, measurement issues, targeted interventions, and new analytic strategies. For each area, the evidence was synthesized, limitations and gaps identified, and recommendations for future research delineated. The majority of findings in each area were from studies of oncology patients. However, increasing evidence suggests that symptom clusters occur in patients with other chronic conditions (eg, pulmonary, cardiac, and end-stage renal disease). Nonetheless, symptom cluster research is extremely limited and scientists are just beginning to understand how to investigate symptom clusters by developing frameworks and new methods and approaches. With a focus on personalized care, an understanding of individual susceptibility to symptoms and whether a "driving" symptom exists that triggers other symptoms in the cluster is needed. Also, research aimed at identifying the mechanisms that underlie symptom clusters is essential to developing targeted interventions.

Assessment of Breathlessness in Lung Cancer: Psychometric Properties of the Dyspnea-12 Questionnaire

CONTEXT

The Dyspnea-12 (D-12) Questionnaire is a well-validated instrument in respiratory illnesses for breathlessness assessment, but its psychometric properties have not been tested in lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the psychometric properties of the D-12 in lung cancer patients.

METHODS

Baseline data from a lung cancer feasibility trial were adopted for this analysis. D-12 and a series of patient-reported tools, including five Numeric Rating Scales (NRS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Lung Cancer Symptom Scale (LCSS), were used for the psychometric assessment. Spearman's correlation coefficients (rs) were used to estimate the convergent validity of the D-12 with the NRS, HADS, and LCSS. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to examine construct validity. Reliability was tested by Cronbach's alpha and item-to-total correlations. D-12 score difference between patients with or without anxiety, depression, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was explored to identify its discriminate performance.

RESULTS

One hundred and one lung cancer patients were included. There were significantly positive correlations between the D-12 and the HADS, LCSS, and NRS measuring breathlessness severity and its associated affective distress. Factor analysis clearly identified two components (physical and emotional) of the D-12. Cronbach's alpha for D-12 total, physical, and emotional subscales was 0.95, 0.92, and 0.94, respectively. Patients with anxiety or depression demonstrated significantly higher D-12 scores than those without it, and patients with COPD reported significantly more severe breathlessness than those without COPD.

CONCLUSION

The D-12 is a valid and reliable self-reported questionnaire for use in breathlessness assessment in lung cancer patients.

Impact of Symptom Clusters on Quality of Life Outcomes in Patients from Japan with Advanced Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancers

OBJECTIVE

Identify symptom clusters based on symptoms experienced by patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), and examine the relationship between the symptom clusters and impairment in everyday life and quality of life (QOL).

METHODS

Using the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory, 9 symptom items and the QOL Questionnaire (QLQ-C-30) evaluation apparatus from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, we evaluated symptom severity, interference in daily life, and QOL. Factor analysis and multiple regression analysis techniques were used.

RESULTS

Sixty patients with advanced NSCLCs seen in pulmonary medicine departments were included in the study. The average age of patients was 64.33 (standard deviation = 11.40). Thirty-six were male and 24 were female. Three symptom clusters were identified as fatigue/anorexia cluster (dry mouth, altered the sense of taste, drowsiness, fatigue/tiredness, and lack of appetite), pain cluster (anxiety, sadness, and pain), numbness cluster (numbness, leg weakness, and distress). The pain cluster had the strongest influence (adjusted R2 = 0.355) on daily life (emotions) while the numbness cluster most strongly affected walking. The fatigue/anorexia cluster explained 22.7% of role function variance. This symptom clustering may be unique among patients with advanced NSCLCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Each of these clusters affected QOL and everyday life with varying degrees of influence. In clinical screening assessments, focusing on symptom clusters could provide tailored management strategies for patients with advanced NSCLCs. These care strategies may improve outcomes specifically for advanced NSCLCs patients.

Symptom burden in lung cancer: management updates

Lung cancer is recognized to carry a high symptom burden with associated lowered quality of life as compared with other cancers. Research has shown that symptom severity can be a prognostic indicator of poorer clinical outcomes and survival post treatment. The purpose of this paper is to review current literature relative to symptom burden associated with diagnosis, medical and/or surgical intervention, assessment and management updates, and emerging initiatives that promote positive outcomes based on updated evidence. Discussion relative to interdisciplinary coordination of supportive services and palliative care initiation is provided.

Fatigue in lung cancer patients: symptom burden and management of challenges

Lung cancer (LC) remains the most common cause of cancer death in several countries across the world. Fatigue is the most frequently reported symptom in LC patients throughout the entire course of disease, and all international guidelines recommend early screening for cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and symptoms that can affect patients' quality of life. In patients with LC, fatigue belongs to the symptom cluster of pain, depression, and insomnia, which are commonly observed simultaneously, but are typically treated as separate although they may have common biological mechanisms. The treatment of CRF remains one of the difficult areas in the oncology field: scarce evidence supports pharmacological therapies, while some interesting data arising indicates alternative remedies and physical exercise seem to be one of the most effective approaches for CRF at any stage of LC.

Integrated Palliative Care and Oncologic Care in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

OPINION STATEMENT

Palliative care integrated into standard medical oncologic care will transform the way we approach and practice oncologic care. Integration of appropriate components of palliative care into oncologic treatment using a pathway-based approach will be described in this review. Care pathways build on disease status (early, locally advanced, advanced) as well as patient and family needs. This allows for an individualized approach to care and is the best means for proactive screening, assessment, and intervention, to ensure that all palliative care needs are met throughout the continuum of care. Components of palliative care that will be discussed include assessment of physical symptoms, psychosocial distress, and spiritual distress. Specific components of these should be integrated based on disease trajectory, as well as clinical assessment. Palliative care should also include family and caregiver education, training, and support, from diagnosis through survivorship and end of life. Effective integration of palliative care interventions have the potential to impact quality of life and longevity for patients, as well as improve caregiver outcomes.

Managing breathlessness: a palliative care approach

Breathlessness is an important and common symptom globally, affecting patients with a variety of malignant and non-malignant diseases. It causes considerable suffering to patients and also their families, and is a significant cost to healthcare systems. Optimal management of the symptom should therefore be of interest and importance to a wide range of clinicians. Best practice in the management of breathlessness consists of both non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions as evidenced by recent randomised controlled trials of multidisciplinary breathlessness support services. As well as providing evidence for integration of early palliative care into respiratory services, these revealed that patient distress due to breathlessness can be significantly reduced and better outcomes can be achieved at lower cost than standard care.

Management of the respiratory distress symptom cluster in lung cancer: a randomised controlled feasibility trial

Background

Breathlessness, cough and fatigue are distressing symptoms for patients with lung cancer. There is evidence that these three symptoms form a discreet symptom cluster. This study aimed to feasibly test a new non-pharmacological intervention for the management of the Respiratory Distress Symptom Cluster (breathlessness-cough-fatigue) in lung cancer.

Method

This was a multi-centre, randomised controlled non-blinded parallel group feasibility trial. Eligible patients (patients with primary lung cancer and ‘bothered’ by at least two of the three cluster symptoms) received usual care plus a multicomponent intervention delivered over two intervention training sessions and a follow-up telephone call or usual care only. Follow-up was for 12 weeks, and end-points included six numerical rating scales for breathlessness severity, Dyspnoea-12, Manchester Cough in Lung Cancer scale, FACIT-Fatigue scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, Lung Cancer Symptom Scale and the EQ-5D-3L, collected at baseline, week 4 and week 12.

Results

One hundred seven patients were randomised over 8 months; however, six were removed from further analysis due to protocol violations (intervention group n = 50 and control group n = 51). Of the ineligible patients (n = 608), 29 % reported either not experiencing two or more symptoms or not being ‘bothered’ by at least two symptoms. There was 29 % drop-out by week 4, and by week 12, a further two patients in the control group were lost to follow-up. A sample size calculation indicated that 122 patients per arm would be needed to detect a clinically important difference in the main outcome for breathlessness, cough and fatigue.

Conclusions

The study has provided evidence of the feasibility and acceptability of a new intervention in the lung cancer population and warrants a fully powered trial before we reach any conclusions. The follow-on trial will test the hypothesis that the intervention improves symptom cluster of breathlessness, cough and fatigue better than usual care alone. Full economic evaluation will be conducted in the main trial.