1
|
Munir MM, Woldesenbet S, Endo Y, Dillhoff M, Pawlik TM. Cannabis use disorder and perioperative outcomes following complex cancer surgery. J Surg Oncol 2024; 129:1430-1441. [PMID: 38606521 DOI: 10.1002/jso.27644] [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] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cannabis usage is increasing in the United States, especially among patients with cancer. We sought to evaluate whether cannabis use disorder (CUD) was associated with higher morbidity and mortality among patients undergoing complex cancer surgery. METHODS Patients who underwent complex cancer surgery between January 2016 and December 2019 were identified in the National Inpatient Sample database. CUD was defined according to ICD-10 codes. Propensity score matching was performed to create a 1:1 matched cohort that was well balanced with respect to covariates, which included patient comorbidities, sociodemographic factors, and procedure type. The primary composite outcome was in-hospital mortality and seven major perioperative complications (myocardial ischemia, acute kidney injury, stroke, respiratory failure, venous thromboembolism, hospital-acquired infection, and surgical procedure-related complications). RESULTS Among 15 014 patients who underwent a high-risk surgical procedure, a cohort of 7507 patients with CUD (median age; 43 years [IQR: 30-56 years]; n = 3078 [41.0%] female) were matched with 7507 patients who were not cannabis users (median age; 44 years [IQR: 30-58 years); n = 2997 [39.9%] female). CUD was associated with slight increased risk relative to postoperative kidney injury (CUD, 7.8% vs. no CUD, 6.1%); however, in-hospital mortality was slightly lower (CUD, 0.9% vs. no CUD, 1.6%) (both p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, after controlling for other risk factors, CUD was not associated with higher morbidity and mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.98-1.15; p = 0.158). CONCLUSION CUD was not associated with a higher risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality following complex cancer surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad M Munir
- Department of Surgery, Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Selamawit Woldesenbet
- Department of Surgery, Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Yutaka Endo
- Department of Surgery, Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Mary Dillhoff
- Department of Surgery, Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yeager KA, Rosa WE, Belcher SM, Lee SM, Lee H, Bruner DW, Meghani SH. A Qualitative Study of the Pain Experience of Black Individuals With Cancer Taking Long-Acting Opioids. Cancer Nurs 2024; 47:E73-E83. [PMID: 36737858 PMCID: PMC10400728 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001197] [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] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the experience of Black individuals with cancer taking long-acting opioids for cancer pain. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe the day-to-day experience of living with pain and the experiences of taking opioids for pain management among Black individuals with cancer prescribed with long-acting opioids. METHODS This qualitative descriptive study was part of a larger investigation focused on opioid adherence. Participants (N = 14) were interviewed using a semistructured interview guide. Analysis followed conventional content analysis and constant comparison approaches. Sociodemographics, clinical information, and the Brief Pain Inventory form were collected. RESULTS The majority of the subsample was female (64.3%), not married (78.6%), and with a median age of 52.5 years. Participants were taking either MS Contin (85.7%) or OxyContin (14.3%). The Brief Pain Inventory median "average" pain severity scores and pain interference scores were 5.1/10 (interquartile range [IQR] = 6.1) and 3.5/10 (IQR = 6.7), respectively. Three themes are reported from the analyses: desire for control, barriers to pain relief, and isolation versus connectedness. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the persistent nature of moderate to severe cancer pain and how pain and its treatment interfere with patients' lives. The findings describe ways that patients learn to manage and exert control over pain despite conflicting attitudes and dealing with opioid stigma. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE Clinicians should partner with patients with cancer, especially people of color, who may experience intersecting stigmas related to their cancer pain and opioid use, to best provide an individualized and culturally sensitive pain treatment plan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Yeager
- Author Affiliations: Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing (Drs Bruner, Yeager, and H. Lee and Ms S. Lee); Winship Cancer Institute (Drs Bruner and Yeager); Office of the Senior Vice President for Research (Dr Bruner), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (Dr Rosa), New York, New York; School of Nursing (Dr Belcher); Palliative Research Center (Dr Belcher), University of Pittsburgh; Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Dr Belcher), Pennsylvania; and Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania (Dr Meghani), Philadelphia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fahey MC, Walters KJ, Benitez AM, Tomko RL, Kleykamp BA, McClure EA. Cannabis Perceptions and Patterns of Use Among Older Adult Cancer Survivors. J Aging Health 2024:8982643241231320. [PMID: 38311859 DOI: 10.1177/08982643241231320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Objectives: To descriptively assess cannabis perceptions and patterns of use among older adult cancer survivors in a state without a legal cannabis marketplace. Methods: This study used weighted prevalence estimates to cross-sectionally describe cannabis perceptions and patterns of use among older (65+) adults (N = 524) in a National Cancer Institute-designated center in a state without legal cannabis access. Results: Half (46%) had ever used cannabis (18% following diagnosis and 10% currently). Only 8% had discussed cannabis with their provider. For those using post-diagnosis, the most common reason was for pain (44%), followed by insomnia (43%), with smoking being the most common (40%) mode of use. Few (<3%) reported that cannabis had worsened any of their symptoms. Discussion: Even within a state without a legal cannabis marketplace, older cancer survivors might commonly use cannabis to alleviate health concerns but unlikely to discuss this with their providers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret C Fahey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Kyle J Walters
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Andreana M Benitez
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Rachel L Tomko
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Erin A McClure
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
McClure EA, Walters KJ, Tomko RL, Dahne J, Hill EG, McRae-Clark AL. Cannabis use prevalence, patterns, and reasons for use among patients with cancer and survivors in a state without legal cannabis access. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:429. [PMID: 37382737 PMCID: PMC10351025 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07881-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cannabis use among patients with cancer is common, yet data are limited regarding use patterns, reasons for use, and degree of benefit, which represents an unmet need in cancer care delivery. This need is salient in states without legal cannabis programs, where perceptions and behavior among providers and patients may be affected. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of patients with cancer and survivors at the Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina (no legal cannabis marketplace in SC) was completed as part of the NCI Cannabis Supplement. Patients (ages 18 +) were recruited using probability sampling from patient lists (N = 7749 sampled; N = 1036 completers). Weight-adjusted Chi-square tests compared demographics and cancer details among patients using cannabis since diagnosis versus those not using cannabis, while weighted descriptives are presented for cannabis use prevalence, consumption, symptom management, and legalization beliefs. RESULTS Weighted prevalence of cannabis use since diagnosis was 26%, while current cannabis use was 15%. The most common reasons for cannabis use after diagnosis were difficulty sleeping (50%), pain (46%), and mood changes and stress, anxiety, or depression (45%). Symptom improvement was endorsed for pain (57%), stress/anxiety/depression (64%), difficulty sleeping (64%), and loss of appetite (40%). CONCLUSIONS Among patients with cancer and survivors at a NCI-designated cancer center within SC, a state without legal access to medical cannabis, prevalence rates, and reasons for cannabis use are consistent with emerging literature in oncology populations. These findings have implications for care delivery, and work is needed to inform recommendations for providers and patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin A McClure
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Kyle J Walters
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Rachel L Tomko
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jennifer Dahne
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Elizabeth G Hill
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Aimee L McRae-Clark
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Harsanyi H, Cuthbert C, Schulte F. The Stigma Surrounding Opioid Use as a Barrier to Cancer-Pain Management: An Overview of Experiences with Fear, Shame, and Poorly Controlled Pain in the Context of Advanced Cancer. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:5835-5848. [PMID: 37366920 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30060437] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-related pain affects a majority of patients with advanced cancer and is often undertreated. The treatment of this pain is largely reliant on the use of opioids, which are essential medicines for symptom management and the maintenance of quality of life (QoL) for patients with advanced cancer. While there are cancer-specific guidelines for the treatment of pain, widespread publication and policy changes in response to the opioid epidemic have drastically impacted perceptions of opioid use. This overview therefore aims to investigate how manifestations of opioid stigma impact pain management in cancer settings, with an emphasis on the experiences of patients with advanced cancer. Opioid use has been widely stigmatized in multiple domains, including public, healthcare, and patient populations. Physician hesitancy in prescribing and pharmacist vigilance in dispensing were identified as barriers to optimal pain management, and may contribute to stigma in the context of advanced cancer. Evidence in the literature suggests that opioid stigma may result in patient deviations from prescription instructions, which generally leads to pain undertreatment. Patients reflected on experiencing shame and fear surrounding their prescription opioid use and feeling uncomfortable communicating with their healthcare providers on these topics. Our findings indicate that future work is required to educate patients and providers in order to de-stigmatize opioid use. Through alleviating stigma, patients may be better able to make decisions regarding their pain management which lead to freedom from cancer-related pain and improved QoL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Harsanyi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Colleen Cuthbert
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Fiona Schulte
- Division of Psychosocial Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Restivo L, Dudoit É, Duffaud F, Salas S, Dany L. "Fortunately I felt pain, or I would have thought I was on my way out": experiencing pain and negotiating analgesic treatment in the context of cancer. J Psychosoc Oncol 2023; 41:150-165. [PMID: 35653187 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2022.2074337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore cancer patients' experience of pain and coping strategies as well as beliefs and representations associated with pain, pain management and treatments. METHOD AND PARTICIPANTS A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews was conducted among 16 patients with cancer. The inductive research strategy adopted derived from the Grounded Theory approach and the data transcribed verbatim were gradually analyzed involving researcher triangulation. FINDINGS The experience of pain and the coping strategies developed by patients to deal with it are shaped by the experience and representations of cancer associated with death and suffering. Pain acts both as an indication to the patients that they are still alive and as an indicator of the progression of the disease. Cancer also models patients' relationships to analgesic treatments and health care providers, since pain is an area in which patients can take back control of what is happening to them. Patients' expression of reluctance to accept analgesic treatments is also influenced by the significance of opioid treatments in this context, which are perceived as an indication that the end of life is close. CONCLUSIONS The contextualization of pain through the particularities of cancer is critical in order to understand cancer patients' experience of pain. IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL PROVIDERS Not only patients' knowledge but also the meaning-making of pain should be incorporated in interventions targeting pain management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Léa Restivo
- Aix Marseille Univ, Aix-en-Provence, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, ISSPAM, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Equipe CANBIOS Labellisée Ligue 2019, Marseille, France
| | - Éric Dudoit
- APHM, Timone, Medical Oncology Department, Marseille, France
| | | | - Sébastien Salas
- APHM, Timone, Medical Oncology Department, Marseille, France
| | - Lionel Dany
- Aix Marseille Univ, Aix-en-Provence, France.,APHM, Timone, Medical Oncology Department, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Worster B, Hajjar ER, Handley N. Cannabis Use in Patients With Cancer: A Clinical Review. JCO Oncol Pract 2022; 18:743-749. [PMID: 35749680 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis use and interest continues to increase among patients with cancer and caregivers. High-quality research remains scant in many areas, causing hesitancy or discomfort among most clinical providers. Although we have limitations on hard outcomes, we can provide some guidance and more proactively engage in conversations with patients and family about cannabis. Several studies support the efficacy of cannabis for various cancer and treatment-related symptoms, such as chemotherapy-induced nausea and cancer pain. Although formulations and dosing guidelines for clinicians do not formally exist at present, attention to tetrahydrocannabinol concentration and understanding of risks with inhalation can reduce risk. Conflicting information exists on the interaction between cannabis and immunotherapy as well as estrogen receptor interactions. Motivational interviewing can help engage in more productive, less stigmatized conversations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Worster
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA.,Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Emily R Hajjar
- College of Pharmacy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Nathan Handley
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA.,Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA.,Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rosa WE, Riegel B, Ulrich CM, Chittams J, Quinn R, Meghani SH. The Association Between Analgesic Treatment Beliefs and Electronically Monitored Adherence for Cancer Pain. Oncol Nurs Forum 2021; 48:45-58. [PMID: 33337438 DOI: 10.1188/21.onf.45-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether clusters based on analgesic treatment beliefs among patients with cancer predict objective analgesic adherence. SAMPLE & SETTING 207 patients with cancer in the outpatient setting who were aged 18 years or older, self-identified as White or African American, were diagnosed with solid tumor or multiple myeloma, and were prescribed at least one around-the-clock analgesic prescription for reported cancer pain. METHODS & VARIABLES This study is a secondary analysis of an existing dataset. General linear modeling with a backward elimination approach was applied to determine whether previously identified analgesic treatment belief clusters, as well as sociodemographic, clinical, and pain variables, were associated with adherence behaviors. RESULTS Significant explanatory factors were experiential in nature and included sociodemographic, clinical, and pain-related variables, explaining 21% of the variance in analgesic adherence. Analgesic belief clusters were not predictive of adherence. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Future research should examine sociodemographic and other clinical factors, as well as the influence of analgesic treatment beliefs, to better understand adherence behaviors among patients with cancer.
Collapse
|
9
|
Brooks JV, Poague C, Formagini T, Roberts AW, Sinclair CT, Keirns CC. Palliative Care's Role Managing Cancer Pain During the Opioid Crisis: A Qualitative Study of Patients, Caregivers, and Clinicians. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 60:1127-1135.e2. [PMID: 32645454 PMCID: PMC7680449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.06.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Patients with cancer face symptoms because of disease and treatment, and pain is common and complex. The opioid crisis may complicate patients' and clinicians' experiences of managing pain in cancer care. OBJECTIVES In our study of perceptions and experiences with palliative care (PC) at an outpatient cancer center, we examined communication around symptom management throughout cancer care, and pain and its management emerged as particularly salient. The objective of this article is to describe, from the perspectives of patients, caregivers, and oncology health care professionals, the role of PC in navigating the complicated dynamics of pain management amidst the opioid crisis. METHODS A qualitative descriptive study with grounded theory components was designed to investigate experiences with and perceptions of specialist PC and symptom management, including pain. Interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed, and focused coding identified themes related to pain and pain management from all three perspectives. RESULTS About 44 patients, caregivers, and non-PC health care professionals completed interviews. Patients with cancer and their caregivers had many concerns about pain management and were specifically concerned about opioid use and stigma. For patients, PC improved pain management and helped to destigmatize appropriate pain management. Oncology clinicians reported that partnering with PC facilitated complex pain management and also provided moral support around difficult opioid recommendations for patients. CONCLUSION PC offers the potential to uniquely support both patients and other oncology professionals in optimally navigating the complexity around pain management for cancer care in the midst of the opioid crisis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Veazey Brooks
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, USA; University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.
| | - Claire Poague
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Taynara Formagini
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Andrew W Roberts
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, USA; University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Christian T Sinclair
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Carla C Keirns
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Department of History and Philosophy of Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| |
Collapse
|