Dexamethasone in the prophylaxis of radiation-induced pain flare after palliative radiotherapy for bone metastases: a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial

External Beam Radiation Therapy for Palliation of Symptomatic Bone Metastases: An ASTRO Clinical Practice Guideline

PURPOSE

This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for palliative external beam radiation therapy (RT) in symptomatic bone metastases.

METHODS

The ASTRO convened a task force to address 5 key questions regarding palliative RT in symptomatic bone metastases. Based on a systematic review by the Agency for Health Research and Quality, recommendations using predefined consensus-building methodology were established; evidence quality and recommendation strength were also assessed.

RESULTS

For palliative RT for symptomatic bone metastases, RT is recommended for managing pain from bone metastases and spine metastases with or without spinal cord or cauda equina compression. Regarding other modalities with RT, for patients with spine metastases causing spinal cord or cauda equina compression, surgery and postoperative RT are conditionally recommended over RT alone. Furthermore, dexamethasone is recommended for spine metastases with spinal cord or cauda equina compression. Patients with nonspine bone metastases requiring surgery are recommended postoperative RT. Symptomatic bone metastases treated with conventional RT are recommended 800 cGy in 1 fraction (800 cGy/1 fx), 2000 cGy/5 fx, 2400 cGy/6 fx, or 3000 cGy/10 fx. Spinal cord or cauda equina compression in patients who are ineligible for surgery and receiving conventional RT are recommended 800 cGy/1 fx, 1600 cGy/2 fx, 2000 cGy/5 fx, or 3000 cGy/10 fx. Symptomatic bone metastases in selected patients with good performance status without surgery or neurologic symptoms/signs are conditionally recommended stereotactic body RT over conventional palliative RT. Spine bone metastases reirradiated with conventional RT are recommended 800 cGy/1 fx, 2000 cGy/5 fx, 2400 cGy/6 fx, or 2000 cGy/8 fx; nonspine bone metastases reirradiated with conventional RT are recommended 800 cGy/1 fx, 2000 cGy/5 fx, or 2400 cGy/6 fx. Determination of an optimal RT approach/regimen requires whole person assessment, including prognosis, previous RT dose if applicable, risks to normal tissues, quality of life, cost implications, and patient goals and values. Relatedly, for patient-centered optimization of treatment-related toxicities and quality of life, shared decision making is recommended.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on published data, the ASTRO task force's recommendations inform best clinical practices on palliative RT for symptomatic bone metastases.

FLASH radiotherapy for the treatment of symptomatic bone metastases in the thorax (FAST-02): protocol for a prospective study of a novel radiotherapy approach

BACKGROUND

FLASH therapy is a treatment technique in which radiation is delivered at ultra-high dose rates (≥ 40 Gy/s). The first-in-human FAST-01 clinical trial demonstrated the clinical feasibility of proton FLASH in the treatment of extremity bone metastases. The objectives of this investigation are to assess the toxicities of treatment and pain relief in study participants with painful thoracic bone metastases treated with FLASH radiotherapy, as well as workflow metrics in a clinical setting.

METHODS

This single-arm clinical trial is being conducted under an FDA investigational device exemption (IDE) approved for 10 patients with 1-3 painful bone metastases in the thorax, excluding bone metastases in the spine. Treatment will be 8 Gy in a single fraction administered at ≥ 40 Gy/s on a FLASH-enabled proton therapy system delivering a single transmission proton beam. Primary study endpoints are efficacy (pain relief) and safety. Patient questionnaires evaluating pain flare at the treatment site will be completed for 10 consecutive days post-RT. Pain response and adverse events (AEs) will be evaluated on the day of treatment and on day 7, day 15, months 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12, and every 6 months thereafter. The outcomes for clinical workflow feasibility are the occurrence of any device issues as well as time on the treatment table.

DISCUSSION

This prospective clinical trial will provide clinical data for evaluating the efficacy and safety of proton FLASH for palliation of bony metastases in the thorax. Positive findings will support the further exploration of FLASH radiation for other clinical indications including patient populations treated with curative intent.

REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05524064.

Impact of Short-Course Palliative Radiation Therapy on Pancreatic Cancer-Related Pain: Prospective Phase 2 Nonrandomized PAINPANC Trial

PURPOSE

Clinical evidence is limited regarding palliative radiation therapy for relieving pancreatic cancer-related pain. We prospectively investigated pain response after short-course palliative radiation therapy in patients with moderate-to-severe pancreatic cancer-related pain.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

In this prospective phase 2 single center nonrandomized trial, 30 patients with moderate-to-severe pain (5-10, on a 0-10 scale) of pancreatic cancer refractory to pain medication, were treated with a short-course palliative radiation therapy; 24 Gy in 3 weekly fractions (2015-2018). Primary endpoint was defined as a clinically relevant average decrease of ≥2 points in pain severity, compared with baseline, within 7 weeks after the start of treatment. Secondary endpoint was global quality of life (QoL), with a clinically relevant increase of 5 to 10 points (0-100 scale). Pain severity reduction and QoL were assessed 9 times using the Brief Pain Inventory and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C15-PAL, respectively. Both outcomes were analyzed using joint modeling. In addition, acute toxicity based on clinician reporting and overall survival (OS) were assessed.

RESULTS

Overall, 29 of 30 patients (96.7%) received palliative radiation therapy. At baseline, the median oral morphine equivalent daily dose was 129.5 mg (range, 20.0-540.0 mg), which decreased to 75.0 mg (range, 15.0-360.0 mg) after radiation (P = .021). Pain decreased on average 3.15 points from baseline to 7 weeks (one-sided P = .045). Patients reported a clinically relevant mean pain severity reduction from 5.9 to 3.8 points (P = .011) during the first 3 weeks, which further decreased to 3.2 until week 11, ending at 3.4 (P = .006) in week 21 after the first radiation therapy fraction. Global QoL significantly improved from 50.5 to 60.8 during the follow-up period (P = .001). Grade 3 acute toxicity occurred in 3 patients and no grade 4 to 5 toxicity was observed. Median OS was 11.8 weeks, with a 13.3% 1-year actuarial OS rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-course palliative radiation therapy for pancreatic cancer-related pain was associated with rapid, clinically relevant reduction in pain severity, and clinically relevant improvement in global QoL, with mostly mild toxicity.

Impact of Dosing and Duration of Dexamethasone on Serious Corticosteroid-Related Adverse Events

CONTEXT

Corticosteroids are commonly prescribed in oncology, but few studies have examined its adverse events (AEs) compared to placebo control.

OBJECTIVES

Using data from a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial, we evaluated the association between the dose and duration of dexamethasone and serious AEs.

METHODS

This is a pre-planned secondary analysis of the Alleviating Breathlessness in Cancer Patients with Dexamethasone (ABCD) trial in which patients were randomized to dexamethasone 8 mg BID x1 week, then 4 mg BID x1 week or placebo, followed by an optional open-label phase with 4 mg BID x1 week, then 2 mg BID x1 week. The primary outcome was Grade 3+ AEs (CTCAE v4.03). We evaluated the association between AEs and dexamethasone exposure using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 119 cancer patients, 32 received intervention followed by open label (mean exposure 243 mg over 27 days), 47 received intervention with no open label, 20 received placebo followed by open label, and 20 received no dexamethasone. The most common AEs included insomnia (31%), dyspepsia (21%), neuropsychiatric symptoms (18%), and infections (17%). Overall, 38 (32%) had Grade 3+ AEs and 27 (23%) were hospitalized. Patients with the greatest exposure to dexamethasone experienced more Grade 3+ AEs compared to those with no exposure (65% vs. 15%); odds ratio of 15.1 (95% CI 1.4-160.8, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Greater dexamethasone exposure, even at moderate doses, was associated with more serious AEs. Prescribers should cautiously weigh the risks and benefits of dexamethasone use, especially when considering for palliation of symptoms.

The role of corticosteroids in the palliation of dyspnea in cancer patients: an evidence-based review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide an evidence-based review on the use of corticosteroids for dyspnea in cancer patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Corticosteroids are commonly used for palliation of dyspnea; however, there is wide variation in how they are prescribed due to the paucity of high-quality evidence. Some clinicians would offer corticosteroids routinely regardless of the causes of dyspnea, while others would only prescribe corticosteroids selectively for specific indications, such as lymphangitic carcinomatosis, upper airway obstruction, superior vena cava obstruction, and cancer treatment-induced pneumonitis. Few mechanistic studies have been conducted to support the use of corticosteroids in cancer patients. Two double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trials have examined the routine use of high-dose dexamethasone for dyspnea in cancer patients. A pilot study suggested some benefits, but the larger confirmatory trial revealed no improvement compared to the placebo and significantly more adverse events. The selective use of corticosteroids use is only based on observational studies such as case series.

SUMMARY

The unfavorable risk:benefit ratio of high-dose dexamethasone suggests that it should not be routinely prescribed for dyspnea in cancer patients. More research is needed to assess the selective use of corticosteroids and identify patients most likely be benefit from corticosteroid use.

Nursing Care for Metastatic Bone Cancer: Trends for the Future

To effectively treat patients and minimize viral exposure, oncology nurses and radiology departments during COVID-19 had to re-examine the ability to offer palliative radiation treatments to people with metastatic bone cancer. Decreasing potential exposure to the virus resulted in extra measures to keep patients and personnel safe. Limiting radiotherapy treatments, social distancing, and limiting caregivers were a few of the ways that oncology patients were impacted by the pandemic. Hypofractionated radiation therapy (HFRT), or the delivery of fewer higher-dose treatments, was a method of providing care but also limiting exposure to infection for immunocompromised patients as well as healthcare staff. As oncology radiation centers measure the impact of patient care during the pandemic, a trend toward HFRT may occur in treating the painful symptoms of bone cancer. In anticipation that HFRT may be increasingly used in patient treatment plans, oncology nurses should consider patient perspectives and outcomes from the pandemic to further determine how to manage future trends in giving personalized care, and supportive care.

Radiation Therapy for Painful Bone Metastases: Fractionation, Recalcification, and Symptom Control

Bone is a common site for metastases, which may cause pain and other skeletal-related events (SRE) in patients with advanced cancer. Since the 1980s, prospective clinical trials have demonstrated the high efficacy of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for pain relief from focal, symptomatic lesions. In uncomplicated bone metastases, which include those without pathologic fracture, evidence of cord compression, or prior surgical intervention, improvement or complete pain relief with radiotherapy is as high as 60%, with no difference in efficacy when radiotherapy is delivered in a single or multiple fractions. The ability to treat with a single fraction makes EBRT an attractive therapy even for patients with poor performance status and/or life expectancy. Even in patients with complicated bone metastases (eg cord compression), several randomized trials have demonstrated similar rates of pain relief in addition to improved functional outcomes such as ambulation. In this review, we summarize the role of EBRT for alleviating painful bone metastases and explore its role for other endpoints including functional outcomes, recalcification, and prevention of SREs.

Management of Pathological Thoracolumbar Vertebral Fractures in Patients With Multiple Myeloma: Multidisciplinary Recommendations

STUDY DESIGN

Mutlidisciplinary consensus recommendations for patients suffering from multiple myeloma (MM) involvement of the spinal column by the Spine Section of the German Association of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeons.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a comprehensive multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic approach and to summarize the current literature on the management of pathological thoracolumbar vertebral fractures in patients with multiple myeloma.

METHODS

Multidisciplinary recommendations using a classical consensus process provided by radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, orthopaedic- and trauma surgeons. A narrative literature review of the current diagnostic and treatment strategies was conducted.

RESULTS

Treatment decision has to be driven by a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, radiotherapists and spine surgeons. When considering surgery in MM patients, differing factors compared to other secondary spinal lesions have to be included into the decision process: probable neurological deterioration, the stage of the disease and prognosis, patient's general condition, localization and number of the lesions as well as patient's own wishes or expectations. Aiming to improve quality of life, the major goal of surgical treatment is to preserve mobility by reducing pain, secure neurological function and stability.

CONCLUSION

The goal of surgery is primarily to improve quality of life by restoring stability and neurological function. Interventions with an increased risk of complications due to MM-associated immunodeficiency must be avoided whenever feasible to allow early systemic treatment. Hence, treatment decisions should be based on a multidisciplinary team that considers patient's constitution and prognosis.

Impact of palliative radiotherapy with or without lung irradiation in patients with interstitial lung disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Acute exacerbations or acute lung injury, including radiation pneumonitis (AE-ALI/RP) of interstitial lung disease (ILD), has a fatal prognosis. We evaluated the risk of palliative-intent radiotherapy (RT), with or without lung irradiation, for AE-ALI/RP of ILD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data of patients with ILD who received palliative-intent RT between January 2011 and January 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Factors associated with AE-ALI/RP grade ≥3 were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

One hundred and three patients were examined, with median imaging and survival follow-up times of 88 (2-1440) and 144 (8-1441) days. The median time to onset of AE-ALI/RP grade ≥3 was 72 (5-206) days. In multivariate analysis, a higher pulmonary fibrosis score (PFS ≥ 3) (hazard ratio, HR: 2.16; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.36-3.43; p < 0.01) and lung irradiation (lung-RT) (HR: 3.82; 95% CI: 1.01-15.73; p = 0.04) were significant factors for AE-ALI/RP grade ≥3. In patients who received lung-RT, the 100-day survival rate and cumulative incidence of AE-ALI/RP grade ≥3 were 56.8% and 13.7%, respectively. In patients with PFS ≥3 and who underwent lung-RT, the 100-day cumulative incidence of AE-ALI/RP grade ≥3 was 37.5%; all patients with AE-ALI/RP grade ≥3 had grade 5. In patients with PFS ≥3 without lung-RT, the 100-day cumulative incidence of AE-ALI/RP grade ≥3 was 4.8%.

CONCLUSION

High PFS and lung-RT are significant risk factors for AE-ALI/RP grade ≥3. Even with relatively low doses, palliative-intent lung-RT carries an extremely high risk of AE-ALI/RP when PFS is high.

Patient-reported outcome and quality of life research policy: Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG) policy

Assessments of patient-reported outcomes and health-related quality of life in cancer clinical trials have been increasingly emphasized recently because patient and public involvement in cancer treatment development has been promoted by regulatory authorities and academic societies. To assess patient experiences during and after cancer treatment, there is interest in implementing patient-reported outcome and health-related quality of life assessments into cancer clinical trials. The Japan Clinical Oncology Group quality of life ad hoc committee previously created a version of the Quality of Life Assessment Policy in 2006. Recently, there has been increasing demand from Japan Clinical Oncology Group researchers to assess patient-reported outcome/health-related quality of life in clinical trials. Although guidelines are available regarding planning and reporting clinical trials that include patient-reported outcome/health-related quality of life as an endpoint, there are still issues regarding the lack of consensus on standardized methods for analysing and interpreting the results. Hence, it was considered necessary to reorganize the Japan Clinical Oncology Group patient-reported outcome/quality of life research committee and to revise the former patient-reported outcome/quality of life research policy to promote patient-reported outcome/health-related quality of life research in future Japan Clinical Oncology Group trials. The purpose of this Japan Clinical Oncology Group patient-reported outcome/quality of life research policy is to define patient-reported outcome/health-related quality of life research and provide guidelines for including patient-reported outcome/health-related quality of life as an endpoint in Japan Clinical Oncology Group trials.

Physical and nonphysical effects of weekly music therapy intervention on the condition of radiooncology patients

PURPOSE

In oncology settings, music, especially music therapy (MT), is frequently used to improve patients' quality of life, pain situation, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and comfort. However, to date, there are no prospectively collected data correlating regular standardized MT sessions during radiotherapy (RT) to physical parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation and corresponding quality of life measures using quantitative descriptive scales in oncological patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of MT on the condition of radiooncology patients using these parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During this study, patients participated weekly MT sessions guided by a board-certified music therapist. Data such as pain, physical comfort, and respiratory comfort based on the visual analogue scale (VAS) were collected before and after MT sessions. Furthermore, vital signs including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation as well as RT side effects were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 57 patients (age 61 ± 11 years) were enrolled in the study. Median VAS score was significantly different before and after MT for pain: VAS 1 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0-3) vs. VAS 0 (IQR: 0-2; p < 0.001); physical comfort: VAS 7 (IQR: 6-7) vs. VAS 8 (IQR: 7-9; p < 0.001); and respiratory comfort only in the patients with pre-existing symptoms (VAS < 10 before therapy): VAS 8 (IQR: 6-8) vs. VAS 9 (IQR: 8-10; p = 0.002). Furthermore, vital signs were significantly reduced from pre-session to post-session (p > 0.001): heart rate 81 ± 14 min^-1 to 76 ± 13 min^-1 and respiratory rate from 12 ± 5 min^-1 to 10 ± 4 min^-1. RT-related side effects did not interfere with participation in MT sessions.

CONCLUSION

In our study cohort of radiooncology patients, weekly MT sessions improved defined physical parameters as well as pain, physical comfort, and respiratory comfort. Establishing MT in the routine clinical setting should be more readily considered to further improve patient outcomes.

FLASH Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Symptomatic Bone Metastases (FAST-01): Protocol for the First Prospective Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND

In preclinical studies, FLASH therapy, in which radiation delivered at ultrahigh dose rates of ≥40 Gy per second, has been shown to cause less injury to normal tissues than radiotherapy delivered at conventional dose rates. This paper describes the protocol for the first-in-human clinical investigation of proton FLASH therapy.

OBJECTIVE

FAST-01 is a prospective, single-center trial designed to assess the workflow feasibility, toxicity, and efficacy of FLASH therapy for the treatment of painful bone metastases in the extremities.

METHODS

Following informed consent, 10 subjects aged ≥18 years with up to 3 painful bone metastases in the extremities (excluding the feet, hands, and wrists) will be enrolled. A treatment field selected from a predefined library of plans with fixed field sizes (from 7.5 cm × 7.5 cm up to 7.5 cm × 20 cm) will be used for treatment. Subjects will receive 8 Gy of radiation in a single fraction-a well-established palliative regimen evaluated in prior investigations using conventional dose rate photon radiotherapy. A FLASH-enabled Varian ProBeam proton therapy unit will be used to deliver treatment to the target volume at a dose rate of ≥40 Gy per second, using the plateau (transmission) portion of the proton beam. After treatment, subjects will be assessed for pain response as well as any adverse effects of FLASH radiation. The primary end points include assessing the workflow feasibility and toxicity of FLASH treatment. The secondary end point is pain response at the treated site(s), as measured by patient-reported pain scores, the use of pain medication, and any flare in bone pain after treatment. The results will be compared to those reported historically for conventional dose rate photon radiotherapy, using the same radiation dose and fractionation.

RESULTS

FAST-01 opened to enrollment on November 3, 2020. Initial results are expected to be published in 2022.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this investigation will contribute to further developing and optimizing the FLASH-enabled ProBeam proton therapy system workflow. The pain response and toxicity data acquired in our study will provide a greater understanding of FLASH treatment effects on tumor responses and normal tissue toxicities, and they will inform future FLASH trial designs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04592887; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04592887.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/41812.

Use of Glucocorticoids in Patients With Cancer: Potential Benefits, Harms, and Practical Considerations for Clinical Practice

PURPOSE

Glucocorticoids are commonly used in patients with cancer for symptom relief or as part of their anticancer treatment. Despite their frequent use, indications and dosing regimens are not exclusively evidence-based and can come with a multitude of adverse effects, some of which can be life-threatening. The objective of this review is to update our current state of knowledge on the use of glucocorticoids in adult patients with cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A comprehensive literature review (1949-2022) was conducted using search terms "glucocorticoids," "corticosteroids," and "cancer." Information was organized by main concepts including indications, potential benefits, and prevention and management of common side effects of glucocorticoid therapy, in addition to appropriate dosing and taper regimens.

RESULTS

Glucocorticoids can be highly effective in improving outcomes and quality of life in patients with cancer. Their uses include management of disease manifestations, symptoms, and complications of cancer treatment. The lowest effective dose should be used and treatment duration should be minimized as clinically feasible. Side effects can be minimized by careful monitoring, continued assessment of benefits versus harms, and preventative measures for expected side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

This review provides general principles and practical recommendations on the use of glucocorticoids in patients with cancer. Further prospective studies on the outcomes of patients on glucocorticoids may help guide practice.

Glucocorticoid Effect in Cancer Patients

The use of glucocorticoids is very varied in the context of cancer patients and includes the treatment of symptoms related to cancer, but also the management of the most common side effects of antitumor treatments or adverse events related to the immune system. There is a quantity of experimental evidence demonstrating that cancer cells are immunogenic. However, the effective activation of anticancer T cell responses closely depends on an efficient antigen presentation carried out by professional antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells (DCs). The classic strategies to improve the medical management of inflammation are aimed at exacerbating the host's immune response. Although successful in treating a number of diseases, these drugs have limited efficacy and variable responses can lead to unpredictable results. The ideal therapy should reduce inflammation without inducing immunosuppression and remains a challenge for healthcare personnel.

Bone Metastasis in Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer (BCa) is the 10th most common and 13th most deadly malignancy worldwide. About 5% of BCa patients present initially with metastatic disease, with bone being the most diagnosed site for distant metastasis. The overall one-year survival of patients with BCa is 84%, whereas it is only 21% in patients with bone metastasis (BM). Metastasis of BCa cells to bone occurs by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, intravasation, extravasation, and interactions with the bone microenvironment. However, the mechanism of BCa metastasis to the bone is not completely understood; it needs a further preclinical model to completely explain the process. As different imaging mechanisms, PET-CT cannot replace a radionuclide bone scan or an MRI for diagnosing BM. The management of BCa patients with BM includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, antibody-drug conjugates, bisphosphonates, denosumab, radioisotopes, and surgery. The objective of these treatments is to inhibit disease progression, improve overall survival, reduce skeletal-related events, relieve pain, and improve the quality of life of patients.

Dexamethasone Coanalgesic Administration in Steroid Naïve and Steroid Non-Naïve Patients for the Prevention of Pain Flares after Palliative Radiotherapy for Bone Metastases

Objective

Dexamethasone could be an effective prophylactic agent for the prevention of pain flares after palliative radiotherapy (RT) for uncomplicated bone metastases. To date, there are no data on its prophylactic coanalgesic (opioid-sparing) effect after RT in patients with complicated bone metastases compared to uncomplicated ones, which is the aim of our study.

Methods

Twenty-nine American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) III-IV patients, aged ≥18, treated with single-fraction 8 Gy/1 or multi-fraction 20 Gy/5 RT for painful uncomplicated bone metastases (steroid naïve patients, n = 14) or complicated ones (steroid non-naïve patients, n = 15), were examined retrospectively. All patients received parenteral dexamethasone (4 mg or 8 mg daily, 1 hour before RT, followed by the same dose for the next 4 days) along with their background and breakthrough pain opioid intake (morphine equivalents) during their 5-day in-hospital stay. Pain severity (numeric rating scale) and analgesic consumption were recorded at admission, daily during the hospital stay, and for 10 days following treatment. Binary logistic regression was used to determine predictive factors for pain flare occurrence.

Results

A higher ASA score is the only determinant positively influencing opioid consumption (P = 0.018) and pain flare as well (OR = 15.00; 95% CI: 2, 24-100, 48; P = 0.005). Lower dose 4 mg dexamethasone was revealed as a moderate analgesic agent in steroid naïve patients with no side effects, whereas in steroid non-naïve patients the predominantly higher dose 8 mg dexamethasone had minimal impact on pain flares prevention at the expense of more pronounced immunosuppression (P = 0.039).

Conclusions

Irrespective of the supporting evidence of dexamethasone potential for prevention of RT-induced pain flare, our data failed to reveal its efficacy in the real practice world (a case mix of uncomplicated and complicated bone metastases). Further dose-effect bigger studies are needed, identifying optimal doses of dexamethasone intake and its optimal duration in high-risk patients.

Acupuncture as a Complementary Therapy for Cancer-Induced Bone Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) is a special type of cancer pain and lacks safe and effective treatments. Acupuncture is a potentially valuable treatment for CIBP, studies evaluating the effect of acupuncture on CIBP have increased significantly, but the safety and efficacy of acupuncture to control CIBP remains controversial.

Objective

To provide the first meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of acupuncture in CIBP management.

Data Sources

CNKI, CBM, Wanfang, VIP Database, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched from their inception until 1 June 2022.

Study Selection

RCTs with primary bone tumor patients or other types of primary cancer companied by bone metastases as the research subjects and to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture treatment alone or combined with the control treatment were included. Meanwhile, RCTs should choose the pain score as the primary outcome and pain relief rate, frequency of breakthrough pain, analgesic onset time, analgesia duration, quality of life, and adverse events as reference outcomes.

Data Collection and Analysis

We designed a data-extraction form that was used to extract key information from the articles. Data extraction study evaluation was conducted independently by two reviewers, and a third reviewer would resolve any disagreements. The risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk bias. The quality of the evidence for main outcomes was evaluated by the GRADE system. Mean differences (MD), relative risk (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The forest plots were performed using the Review Manager Software (5.3 version). Subgroup analysis was used to investigate the possible sources of potential heterogeneity. Descriptive analysis was performed in case of unacceptable clinical heterogeneity.

Results

Thirteen RCTs (with 1,069 patients) were included, and all studies were at high risk of bias owing to lack of blinding or other bias. Eleven studies evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture as a complementary therapy, and showed that acupuncture plus control treatment (compared with control treatment) was connected with reduced pain intensity (MD = −1.34, 95% CI −1.74 to −0.94; Q &lt; 0.1; I2 = 98%, P &lt; 0.01). Subgroup analyses based on acupoints type partly explain the potential heterogeneity. The results also showed that acupuncture plus control treatment (compared with control treatment) was connected with relieving pain intensity, increasing the pain relief rate, reducing the frequency of breakthrough pain, shortening analgesic onset time, extending the analgesic duration, and improving the quality of life. We have no sufficient evidence to prove the effectiveness of acupuncture alone. Four RCTs reported only adverse events related to opioids' side effects. Evidence was qualified as “very low” because of low methodological quality, considerable heterogeneity, or a low number of included studies.

Conclusion

Acupuncture has a certain effect as a complementary therapy on pain management of CIBP, which not only mitigates the pain intensity but also improves the quality of life and reduces the incidence of opioids' side effects, although the evidence level was very low. In future, a larger sample size and rigorously designed RCTs are needed to provide sufficient evidence to identify the efficacy and safety of acupuncture as a treatment for CIBP.

Dexamethasone prescribing for cancer pain between palliative care and radiation oncology

PURPOSE

Dexamethasone is a commonly prescribed corticosteroid by both palliative care physicians and radiation oncologists for the treatment of metastatic cancer pain. However, clinical evidence for dexamethasone dose and efficacy is lacking, and prescribing between these different specialties may be influenced by other factors. This study investigates the dexamethasone prescriptions of palliative care physicians and radiation oncologists for cancer pain and their prescription rationales.

METHODS

Palliative care physicians and radiation oncologists in British Columbia, Canada, were surveyed on their preferred dexamethasone prescription in response to 4 case vignettes of patients with metastatic cancer and asked to choose a rationale from a list of options which were then categorized as "habit-based," "results-based," or "evidence-based." Response frequencies between the specialties were compared with odds ratios.

RESULTS

The total daily dose and duration of dexamethasone prescriptions were similar between the specialties. Palliative care physicians were significantly more likely than radiation oncologists to prescribe a single daily dose of dexamethasone rather than a divided dose (OR 3.3 [95% CI 2.0-5.5]). This significant difference persisted when separately analyzing results at different total daily doses. Both specialties were more likely to select habit-based rationales rather than evidence-based rationales, with no significant difference between specialties.

CONCLUSION

These findings show that dexamethasone prescriptions are habit-based and that prescribing habits are different between palliative care physicians and radiation oncologists. Interventions based on these findings could potentially prevent unequal patient care. Further qualitative investigations of physician perceptions are indicated to better understand habit-based corticosteroid prescribing patterns.

ESTRO ACROP guidelines for external beam radiotherapy of patients with uncomplicated bone metastases

After liver and lungs, bone is the third most common metastatic site (Nystrom et al., 1977). Almost all malignancies can metastasize to the skeleton but 80% of bone metastases originate from breast, prostate, lung, kidney and thyroid cancer (Mundy, 2002). Introduction of effective systemic treatment in many cancers has prolonged patients' survival, including those with bone metastases. Bone metastases may significantly reduce quality of life due to related symptoms and possible complications, such as pain and neurologic compromise. The most serious complications of bone metastases are skeletal-related events (SRE), defined as pathologic fracture, spinal cord compression, pain, or other symptoms requiring an urgent intervention such as surgery or radiotherapy. In turn, growing access to modern diagnostic tools allows early detection of asymptomatic bone metastases that could be successfully managed with local treatment avoiding development of SRE. The treatment for bone metastases should focus on relieving existing symptoms and preventing new ones. Radiotherapy is the standard of care for patients with symptomatic bone metastases, providing durable pain relief with minimal toxicity and reasonable cost-effectiveness. Historically, the dose was prescribed in one to five fractions and delivered using simple planning techniques. While 3D-conformal radiotherapy is still widely used for treating bone metastases, introduction of highlyconformal radiotherapy techniques such as stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) have opened new therapeutic possibilities that should be considered in selected patients with bone metastases.

Revision of Pharmacological Treatment Recommendations for Cancer Pain: Clinical Guidelines from the Japanese Society of Palliative Medicine

Background: Pain is one of the most common symptoms in cancer patients. The Japanese Society for Palliative Medicine (JSPM) first published its clinical guidelines for the management of cancer pain in 2010. Since then, more research on cancer pain management has been reported, and new drugs have become available in Japan. Thus, the JSPM has now revised the clinical guidelines using a validated methodology. Methods: This guideline was developed through a systematic review, discussion, and the Delphi method, following a formal guideline development process. Results: Thirty-five recommendations were created: 19 for the pharmacological management of cancer pain, 6 for the management of opioid-induced adverse effects, and 10 for pharmacological treatment procedures. Due to the lack of evidence that directly addressed our clinical questions, most of the recommendations had to be based on consensus among committee members and other guidelines. Discussion: It is critical to continue to build high-quality evidence in cancer pain management, and revise these guidelines accordingly.

Opioid Use in Patients With Cervical Cancer at Two Urban Medical Centers

Purpose

Patients with cervical cancer are at high risk for opioid use. This study aimed to characterize opioid prescribing patterns at 2 urban hospitals.

Methods and Materials

Data from patients with cervical cancer treated with curative intent from 2011 to 2018 were retrospectively collected. Women with unrelated chronic opioid use before diagnosis, persistent/recurrent disease at 3 months after initiation of treatment, or initiation of opioids >6 months after treatment were excluded. Demographics, disease characteristics, treatment, and outpatient prescription practices were collected. Endpoints included duration of opioid use ≥6 and ≥12 months.

Results

There were 106 women included, of whom 83% received definitive radiation. Most patients (n = 91, 85.8%) received outpatient opioids. Most common timing of prescriptions were before cancer therapy (35.9%), postprocedure (26.4%), and during radiation therapy (17.0%). Median duration was 3 (interquartile range, 1-11) months; 35.2% of these patients received opioids ≥6 months and 22% received opioids ≥12 months. Greater International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, recurrent/residual disease, initiation of opioids before treatment, history of depression or anxiety, and use of gabapentin or steroids were associated with long-term opioid use.

Conclusions

Most patients were prescribed outpatient opioids, many of whom used opioids for 12 months. Improvement in provider communication and education, increased posttreatment monitoring, and further evaluation of nonopioid therapies are needed in this patient population to reduce long-term opioid use.

Influence of Dexamethasone Premedication on Acute Lung Toxicity in Lung SBRT

Introduction

The cooperative group experience of thoracic sterotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in medically inoperable patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) historically utilized corticosteroid premedication. Patterns of care have been mixed as to whether premedication adds benefit in terms of improved lung toxicity and treatment tolerance.

Methods

Patients treated for NSCLC from 2014 to 2017 with definitive thoracic SBRT (BED₁₀≥100) at a single institution, in a prospectively collected database were evaluated. Pretreatment clinicopathologic characteristics, including Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, PFT parameters of FEV1, and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) were collected. Treatment and dosimetric characteristics were collected, and patients were scored as to whether dexamethasone was prescribed and utilized with each fraction. Toxicity was graded on multiple domains including lung as during and 30 days after completion of treatment using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 4. Univariate analysis was performed with Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables and two-tailed Student’s t-test for continuous variables. Multivariate analysis was performed with Cox proportional hazards model to adjust for age, pretreatment DLCO, ECOG, tumor size, central versus peripheral location, and biological effective dose.

Results

A total of 86 patients treated with thoracic SBRT with 54–60 Gy in 3–8 fractions met inclusion criteria, with the majority (70%) receiving 5 fractions. Of these patients, 45 (52%) received 4 mg dexamethasone premedication prior to each fraction of SBRT and 41 (48%) were treated without dexamethasone premedication. Overall acute lung toxicity was low in both groups. Between the two groups of patients, 5/45 (11%) developed grade 2 or higher lung toxicity including hospital admission in the dexamethasone premedication arm vs. 2/41 (5%) without premedication (p = 0.4370, Fisher’s exact test). Freedom from acute SBRT lung toxicity was no different between dexamethasone premedication arm and no premedication (Log rank, p = 0.45). On multivariate Cox proportional hazard modeling adjusting for age, ECOG, tumor size, central vs. peripheral location, pretreatment DLCO, and BED, there was no difference in freedom from acute lung toxicity without dexamethasone premedication (HR: 0.305; 95% CI: 0.033, 2.792; p = 0.293).

Conclusions

In this retrospective analysis, pretreatment steroid prophylaxis with dexamethasone confers a similar acute toxicity profile and no added clinical benefit to treatment without pretreatment steroid prophylaxis.

Impact of Glucocorticoid Use in Oncology in the Immunotherapy Era

Thanks to their anti-inflammatory, anti-oedema, and anti-allergy properties, glucocorticoids are among the most widely prescribed drugs in patients with cancer. The indications for glucocorticoid use are very wide and varied in the context of cancer and include the symptomatic management of cancer-related symptoms (compression, pain, oedema, altered general state) but also prevention or treatment of common side effects of anti-cancer therapies (nausea, allergies, etc.) or immune-related adverse events (irAE). In this review, we first give an overview of the different clinical situations where glucocorticoids are used in oncology. Next, we describe the current state of knowledge regarding the effects of these molecules on immune response, in particular anti-tumour response, and we summarize available data evaluating how these effects may interfere with the efficacy of immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Radiotherapy of bone metastases

We present the update of the recommendations of the French society of oncological radiotherapy on bone metastases. This is a common treatment in the management of patients with cancer. It is a relatively simple treatment with proven efficacy in reducing pain or managing spinal cord compression. More complex treatments by stereotaxis can be proposed for oligometastatic patients or in case of reirradiation. In this context, increased vigilance should be given to the risks to the spinal cord.

Clinical Predictors for Analgesic Response to Radiotherapy in Patients with Painful Bone Metastases

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy (RT) reduces pain in about 60% of patients with painful bone metastases, leaving many patients without clinical benefit. This study assesses predictors for RT effectiveness in patients with painful bone metastases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included adult patients receiving RT for painful bone metastases in a multicenter, multinational longitudinal observational study. Pain response within 8 weeks was defined as ≥2-point decrease on a 0-10 pain score scale, without increase in analgesics; or a decrease in analgesics of ≥25% without increase in pain score. Potential predictors were related to patient demographics, RT administration, pain characteristics, tumor characteristics, depression and inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP]). Multivariate logistic regression analysis with multiple imputation of missing data were applied to identify predictors of RT response.

RESULTS

Of 513 eligible patients, 460 patients (90 %) were included in the regression model. 224 patients (44%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 39%-48%) responded to RT. Better Karnofsky performance status (Odds ratio (OR) 1.39, CI 1.15-1.68), breast cancer (OR 2.54, CI 1.12-5.73), prostate cancer (OR 2.83, CI 1.27-6.33) and soft tissue expansion (OR 2.00, CI 1.23-3.25) predicted RT response. Corticosteroids were a negative predictor (OR 0.57, CI 0.37-0.88). Single and multiple fraction RT had similar response. The discriminative ability of the model was moderate; C-statistic 0.69.

CONCLUSION

This study supports previous findings that better performance status and type of cancer diagnosis predicts analgesic RT response, and new data showing that soft tissue expansion predicts RT response and that corticosteroids is a negative predictor for RT response in patients with painful bone metastases.

Radiation therapy-associated toxicity: Etiology, management, and prevention

Radiation therapy (RT) is a curative treatment for many malignancies and provides effective palliation in patients with tumor-related symptoms. However, the biophysical effects of RT are not specific to tumor cells and may produce toxicity due to exposure of surrounding organs and tissues. In this article, the authors review the clinical context, pathophysiology, risk factors, presentation, and management of RT side effects in each human organ system. Ionizing radiation works by producing DNA damage leading to tumor death, but effects on normal tissue may result in acute and/or late toxicity. The manifestation of toxicity depends on both cellular characteristics and affected organs' anatomy and physiology. There is usually a direct relationship between the radiation dose and volume to normal tissues and the risk of toxicity, which has led to guidelines and recommended dose limits for most tissues. Side effects are multifactorial, with contributions from baseline patient characteristics and other oncologic treatments. Technological advances in recent decades have decreased RT toxicity by dramatically improving the ability to deliver RT that maximizes tumor dose and minimizes organ dose. Thus the study of RT-associated toxicity is a complex, core component of radiation oncology training that continues to evolve alongside advances in cancer management. Because RT is used in up to one-half of all patients with cancer, an understanding of its acute and late effects in different organ systems is clinically pertinent to both oncologists and nononcologists.

Prostate Cancer with Bone Metastases: Addressing Chronic Pain from the Perspective of the Radiation Oncology Nurse Practitioner

OBJECTIVES

To discuss the symptom burden experienced among patients with castrate-resistant prostate cancer and bone metastases and the role of the oncology nurse practitioner in evaluation for palliative radiotherapy.

DATA SOURCES

These include PubMed, international consensus documents, and clinician experience.

CONCLUSION

Men with advanced prostate cancer may live for several years after diagnosis of bone metastases; however, pain and other difficult symptoms are problematic. Pain is effectively treated with palliative radiotherapy, but careful assessment and intervention of other difficult symptoms must be addressed over time.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Nurse practitioners in radiation oncology should be well-versed in the disease trajectory of this patient population. Careful symptom inquiry and comprehensive physical examination is a key responsibility. Palliative radiotherapy, alongside analgesics and supportive care measures, can effectively reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in men with prostate cancer metastatic to bone.

Palliative radiation therapy for children with cancer

Radiation therapy (RT) is often used as a palliative treatment for children with recurrent malignant disease to ameliorate or prevent symptoms. However, no guidelines exist regarding the clinical indications or dose fractionation for palliative RT. The goal of this report is to provide guidelines for the use of palliative RT in children with cancer. In this guideline, appropriate indications for palliative RT, recommended dose-fractionation schedules, relevant toxicities, and avenues for future research are explored. RT is an effective palliative treatment for bone, brain, liver, lung, abdominopelvic and head-and-neck metastases, spinal cord compression, superior vena cava syndrome, and bleeding. Single-fraction regimens (8 Gy in one fraction) for children with short life expectancy are recommended for simple, uncomplicated bone metastases and can be considered for some patients with lung or liver metastases. A short, hypofractionated regimen (20 Gy in five fractions) may be used for other indications to minimize overall burden of therapy. There are little data supporting use of more prolonged fractionation regimens, though they may be considered for patients with very good performance status. Future research should focus on response and outcomes data collection, and to rigorously evaluate the role of stereotactic body RT in well-designed, prospective studies.

Coadministration of a Clinically Relevant Dexamethasone Dosage With Ablative Radiation Therapy Reduces Peripheral Lymphocytes But Does Not Alter In Vivo Intratumoral Lymphocyte Phenotype or Inhibit Efficacy of Radiation Therapy in a Murine Colorectal Tumor Model

PURPOSE

Dexamethasone is commonly given during radiation therapy (RT) to manage toxicities. Our study examines if dexamethasone coadministration with RT inhibits the RT-induced antitumor T cell response in mouse.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Intramuscularly implanted MC38 tumors were irradiated with 15 Gy after establishing for 7 days. Tumor bearing mice were administered dexamethasone using multiple schedules and doses. Peripheral lymphocyte reduction was monitored by complete blood count and intratumoral and tumor draining lymph node (tdLN) populations by flow cytometry. Effector phenotype and function of ex vivo stimulated tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and naïve splenocytes as well as in vivo TILs with or without dexamethasone were monitored by flow cytometry and ELISA.

RESULTS

Long course high dose, short course high dose, and short course human equivalent dose dexamethasone reduced peripheral lymphocytes yet did not inhibit survival after irradiation. Short course high dose administration decreased TIL and tdLN lymphocyte activation as well as tdLN mass but did not affect TIL frequencies or change tdLN cell population composition. Dexamethasone inhibited effector function of ex vivo stimulated naïve splenocytes and TILs, but magnitude of IFN-γ secretion was consistently higher in TILs regardless of dexamethasone dose. In vivo analysis of TILs after irradiation and HE dexamethasone treatment showed that TILs had a similar effector phenotype compared with vehicle controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Dexamethasone reduces blood and tdLN lymphocytes. Dexamethasone also suppresses TIL activation/effector function yet does not affect survival in irradiated MC38 tumor bearing mice, which depend on RT-induced immune responses for therapy efficacy. Additional study in human subjects is warranted.

Management of Dyspnea in Advanced Cancer: ASCO Guideline

PURPOSE

To provide guidance on the clinical management of dyspnea in adult patients with advanced cancer.

METHODS

ASCO convened an Expert Panel to review the evidence and formulate recommendations. An Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) systematic review provided the evidence base for nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions to alleviate dyspnea. The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies with a concurrent comparison group published through early May 2020. The ASCO Expert Panel also wished to address dyspnea assessment, management of underlying conditions, and palliative care referrals, and for these questions, an additional systematic review identified RCTs, systematic reviews, and guidelines published through July 2020.

RESULTS

The AHRQ systematic review included 48 RCTs and two retrospective cohort studies. Lung cancer and mesothelioma were the most commonly addressed types of cancer. Nonpharmacologic interventions such as fans provided some relief from breathlessness. Support for pharmacologic interventions was limited. A meta-analysis of specialty breathlessness services reported improvements in distress because of dyspnea.

RECOMMENDATIONS

A hierarchical approach to dyspnea management is recommended, beginning with dyspnea assessment, ascertainment and management of potentially reversible causes, and referral to an interdisciplinary palliative care team. Nonpharmacologic interventions that may be offered to relieve dyspnea include airflow interventions (eg, a fan directed at the cheek), standard supplemental oxygen for patients with hypoxemia, and other psychoeducational, self-management, or complementary approaches. For patients who derive inadequate relief from nonpharmacologic interventions, systemic opioids should be offered. Other pharmacologic interventions, such as corticosteroids and benzodiazepines, are also discussed. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/supportive-care-guidelines .

Prophylactic corticosteroid to prevent pain flare in bone metastases treated by radiotherapy

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic corticosteroids to prevent pain flare (PF) in bone metastases treated with radiotherapy performing a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCT).

Materials and methods

RCTs were identified on Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the proceedings of annual meetings through June 2020. We followed the PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. A meta-analysis was performed to assess if corticosteroids reduce the PF, pain progression, and the mean of days with PF compared with the placebo. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Three RCTs with a total of 713 patients treated were included. The corticosteroids reduced the occurrence of early PF 20.5% (51/248) versus 32% (80/250) placebo, OR = 0.55 (95% CI: 0.36-0.82, p = 0.002). The mean days of PF were reduced to 1.6 days (95% CI: 1.3-1.9, p = 0.0001). Prophylactic corticosteroids had more patients with no PF and no pain progression, OR = 1.63 (95% CI: 1.14-2.32, p = 0.007). No significant corticosteroids effect was observed for pain progression (p = ns) and late PF occurrence (p = ns).

Conclusion

Prophylactic corticosteroids reduced the incidence of early PF, the days with PF, resulting in a superior rate of patients with no PF and no pain progression, but with no significant benefit for reducing pain progression or late PF occurrence.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy for oligometastatic castration sensitive prostate cancer using 1.5 T MRI-Linac: preliminary data on feasibility and acute patient-reported outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To report preliminary data on feasibility and patient-reported outcomes following PSMA-PET/CT guided SBRT by means of 1.5 T MRI-Linac.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between October 2019 and April 2020, twenty consecutive castration sensitive oligorecurrent prostate cancer patients were enrolled in an ethical committee approved prospective observational study (Protocol n. XXXX) and treated with PSMA-PET/CT guided SBRT by means of 1.5 T MRI-Linac (Unity, Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden). The mean delivered dose was 35 Gy in 5 fractions. Clinicians reported toxicity was prospectively collected according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0. Quality of life (QoL) assessment was performed using EORTC-QLQ C30 questionnaires administered at baseline, end of treatment and at first follow-up.

RESULTS

Twenty-five lesions in 20 castration sensitive oligorecurrent patients were treated: the most commonly treated anatomic sites were nodal (n = 16) and pelvic bone (n = 9). Median PSA-value preMRI guided SBRT was 1.16 ng/mL (range, 0.27-8.9), whereas median PSA value at first follow-up after SBRT was 0.44 ng/mL (range, 0.06-8.15). At first follow-up, for 16 patients showing detectable PSA, PSMA-PET/CT was performed detecting, respectively, in 6 cases partial response and in 10 cases complete response. In the remaining cases, PSA-value was undetectable after SBRT. Radiotherapy treatment was safe and well tolerated according to the PROMs. No acute G2 or higher toxicities were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

The current series represent the largest one exploring the feasibility and patient-reported outcomes following PSMA-PET/CT guided SBRT by means of 1.5 T MRI-Linac. The preliminary findings here reported are encouraging in terms of effectiveness and tolerability.

Quality of Life: A Prospective Randomized Trial of Palliative Volumetric Arc Therapy Versus 3-Dimensional Conventional Radiation Therapy

PURPOSE

Volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) is a radiation therapy (RT) technique that spares normal tissues from high and intermediate RT doses but increases the volume of tissues receiving low doses of RT compared with 3-dimensional conformal RT (3DCRT). We hypothesized that palliative VMAT would reduce the detriment to patient quality of life (QOL) compared with palliative 3DCRT.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This phase 2 trial randomized patients to palliative RT using VMAT or 3DCRT to 1 painful site of metastatic disease in the trunk. Treating physicians could choose 8 Gy in 1 fraction or 20 Gy in 5 fractions to stratify randomization. The primary endpoint was the change in European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Version 3.0 (EORTC QLQ-C30) global health status QOL subscale at 1 week after RT. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to assess the relationship of patient QOL over time with other factors.

RESULTS

From July 2014 to November 2017, 37 patients who underwent 3DCRT and 32 patients who underwent VMAT were randomized into the study. Median overall survival was 9 months. Overall pain responses to RT were equivalent (P = .53) between the techniques. Patient compliance in returning QOL questionnaires was 94%, 81%, and 69% at baseline, 1 week after RT, and 1 month after RT, respectively. At 1 week after RT, change in global QOL was not significantly (P = .31) different between VMAT versus 3DCRT. At 4 weeks after RT, VMAT induced significantly (P = .049) less global QOL deterioration than 3DCRT did. Patients who underwent VMAT maintained better physical (P = .012), role (P = .041), and social (P = .025) functioning, but they reported more diarrhea symptoms (P = .017) than in the 3DCRT group.

CONCLUSIONS

Palliative VMAT and 3DCRT did not differ in their ability to control pain; however, palliative VMAT induced fewer QOL detriments than 3DCRT did at 4 weeks after RT.

Practice review: Evidence-based quality use of corticosteroids in the palliative care of patients with advanced cancer

BACKGROUND

It would be unusual for a patient with advanced cancer not to be prescribed corticosteroids at some stage of their disease course for a variety of specific and non-specific indications.

AIM

The aim of this practice review was to provide a pragmatic overview of the evidence supporting current practice and to identify areas in which further research is indicated.

DESIGN

A 'state-of-the-art' review approach was used to examine the evidence supporting the use of corticosteroids for the management of cancer-related complications and in symptom control, in the context of known risks and harms to inform quality use of this medicine. We developed 'Do', 'Do not', and 'Don't know' recommendations based on current literature and identified areas for future investigation and research.

DATA SOURCES

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane library from inception to 14th October 2020. Our initial search limited to reviews, reviews of reviews, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled trials was supplemented by supporting literature as appropriate.

RESULTS

Evidence to support common practice in the use of corticosteroids is lacking for most indications. This is in the context of strong evidence for the potential for significant toxicity and poor quality use of medicine.

CONCLUSION

Guidelines recommending the widespread use of corticosteroids should acknowledge the poor evidence base supporting much current dogma. Quality research is essential not only to define the role of corticosteroids in this context but to ensure good prescribing practice.

Flare phenomenon in prostate cancer: recent evidence on new drugs and next generation imaging

Over the years, an increasing proportion of metastatic prostate cancer patients has been found to experience an initial bone flare phenomenon under both standard therapies (androgen deprivation therapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, abiraterone, enzalutamide) and novel agents (immunotherapy, bone-targeting radioisotopes). The underlying biological mechanisms of the flare phenomenon are still elusive and need further clarification, particularly in relation to different types of treatment and their treatment response assessment. Flare phenomenon is often underestimated and, in some cases, can negatively affect clinical outcome. In cases with suspected bone flare, the treatment should be continued for a minimum of 12 more weeks before further decisions about efficacy can be taken. Physicians and patients should be aware of this effect to avoid unwarranted anxiety and inadequate early discontinuation of treatment. This review aims at highlighting new evidence on flare phenomenon arising after the introduction of new drugs extending across the biochemical, radiographic and clinical spectrum of the disease.

Defining the needs of patients with recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck cancer: An expert opinion

The clinical and biological heterogeneity of head and neck cancer (HNC) is paralleled by a plethora of different symptoms that affect the patient's quality of life. These symptoms include, for instance, pain, fatigue, nutritional issues, airways obstruction, voice alterations and psychological distress. In addition, patients with HNC are prone to a high risk of infection, and may also suffer from acute complications, such as hypercalcemia, spine compression by bone metastasis or bleeding. Prolonging survival is also an inherent expectation for all patients. Addressing the above needs is crucial in all patients with HNC, and especially in those with recurrent and/or metastatic (RM) disease. However, research on how to address patients' needs in RM-HNC remains scarce. This paper defines patients' needs for RM HNC and presents an Expert Opinion on how to address them, proposing also some lines of research.

Bone metastases

Bone is the most frequent site for metastasis for many cancers, notably for tumours originating in the breast and the prostate. Tumour cells can escape from the primary tumour site and colonize the bone microenvironment. Within the bone, these disseminated tumour cells, as well as those arising in the context of multiple myeloma, may assume a state of dormancy, remaining quiescent for years before resuming proliferation and causing overt metastasis, which causes bone destruction via activation of osteoclast-mediated osteolysis. This structural damage can lead to considerable morbidity, including pain, fractures and impaired quality of life. Although treatment of bone metastases and myeloma bone disease is rarely curative, disease control is often possible for many years through the use of systemic anticancer treatments on a background of multidisciplinary supportive care. This care should include bone-targeted agents to inhibit tumour-associated osteolysis and prevent skeletal morbidity as well as use of appropriate local treatments such as radiation therapy, orthopaedic surgery and specialist palliative care to minimize the impact of metastatic bone disease on physical functioning. In this Primer, we provide an overview of the clinical features, the pathophysiology and the specific treatment approaches to prevent and treat bone metastases from solid tumours as well as myeloma bone disease.

The Reintroduction of Radiotherapy Into the Integrated Management of Kidney Cancer

The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been increasing, with a moderate subgroup of individuals who later develop metastatic disease. Historically, metastatic RCC has been managed with systemic therapy because RCC was believed to be radioresistant. Local therapies, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy, also known as stereotactic ablative radiotherapy, which utilize focused high-dose-rate radiation delivered over a limited number of treatments, have been successful in controlling local disease and, in some cases, extending survival in patients with intracranial and extracranial metastatic RCC. Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy is highly effective in treating intact disease when patients are not surgical candidates. Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy is well tolerated when used in conjunction with systemic therapy such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors. These successes have prompted investigators to evaluate the efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy in novel settings such as neoadjuvant treatment of advanced RCC with tumor thrombus and oligometastatic/oligoprogressive disease states.

Patient Experience Captured by Quality-of-Life Measurement in Oncology Clinical Trials

IMPORTANCE

Quality of life (QoL) is an important consideration in cancer medicine, especially because drugs are becoming more costly and may only result in modest gains in overall survival. However, there has been no descriptive analysis for the points at which QoL is measured in cancer trials.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of studies that measure QoL at different points and see how many studies measure QoL for the entirety of a patient's life.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cross-sectional analysis includes all articles on oncology clinical trials in the 3 highest-impact oncology journals, published between July 2015 and June 2018, that reported QoL outcomes.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Data were abstracted on when QoL was assessed and the characteristics of these studies.

RESULTS

For all 149 studies that met inclusion criteria, QoL assessment was high during treatment (104 articles [69.8%]), during follow-up (81 articles [54.4%]), and after the end of the intervention (68 articles [45.6%]). In 5 of the 149 studies (3.4%), QoL was assessed until death, including in only 1 of the 74 studies on metastatic or incurable cancers. Among these 5 studies, only 1 (20%) used a drug intervention, 1 (20%) used a behavioral intervention, and 2 (40%) used a radiation intervention; only 1 of 5 was in the metastatic setting. The number of studies that reported a positive QoL outcome (ie, QoL outcome was more favorable in the intervention group than in the control group) was between 42 of 81 articles (51.9%) and 16 of 28 articles (57.1%) for most QoL assessment points but only 1 of 5 articles (20%) for studies measuring QoL until death.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This study found that most clinical trials assessed QoL during the treatment or intervention and often during a given amount of follow-up but infrequently assessed QoL on disease progression and rarely followed QoL until the end of the patient's life. Most studies reporting QoL until the end of life reported worse QoL outcomes for the intervention group than the control group. Future research and policy recommendations should consider not just short-term QoL outcomes but QoL outcomes throughout the patient's cancer care.

Effect of an electronic quality checklist on prescription patterns of prophylactic antiemetic and pain flare medications in the context of palliative radiotherapy for bone metastases

PURPOSE

International guidelines are available to guide prescription of antiemetic and pain flare medications in patients receiving palliative radiotherapy for bone metastases, but prescription rates are quite variable. We hypothesized that a simple electronic quality checklist could increase the evidence-based use of these medications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We implemented an electronic quality checklist item in our center for all patients treated with palliative radiotherapy for lumbar spine bone metastases. We retrospectively reviewed patients in the 6-month pre- and post-intervention. Patients were stratified according to if they were treated within a dedicated rapid palliative (RPAL) radiotherapy program or not. Chi-square tests were used to compare rates of antiemetic and pain flare medications pre- and post-intervention and RPAL vs not.

RESULTS

A total of 375 patients were identified with 42 (11.2%) treated in dedicated RPAL program. The proportion of patients treated with prophylactic antiemetic and pain flare medications pre-intervention (n = 226) and post-intervention (n = 149) was respectively 34.1% vs 59.1% (p < 0.001) and 26.1% vs 43.0% (p = 0.01). Observed differences for antiemetic prescription rates were greater for patients who were not treated within a dedicated palliative radiotherapy program, but this was not the case for pain flare medications.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data shows that a simple quality checklist item can have a significant effect on the evidence-based use of prophylactic antiemetic and pain flare medications in patients treated with palliative radiotherapy for bone metastases. We believe such strategies should be routinely included in other clinical pathways to improve the use of symptom control medications.