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Di Ciaula A, Liberale L, Portincasa P, Khalil M, Galerati I, Farella I, Noto A, JohnBritto S, Moriero M, Michelauz C, Frè F, Olivero C, Bertolotto M, Montecucco F, Carbone F, Bonfrate L. Neutrophil degranulation, endothelial and metabolic dysfunction in unvaccinated long COVID patients. Eur J Clin Invest 2024; 54:e14155. [PMID: 38226472 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long COVID symptoms are widely diffused and have a poorly understood pathophysiology, with possible involvement of inflammatory cytokines. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective follow-up study involved 385 unvaccinated patients, started 1 month after SARS-CoV-2 infection and continued for up to 12 months. We compared circulating biomarkers of neutrophil degranulation, endothelial and metabolic dysfunction in subjects with long COVID symptoms and in asymptomatic post-COVID controls. RESULTS The highest occurrence of symptoms (71%) was after 3 months from the infection, decreasing to 62.3% and 29.4% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Compared to controls, long COVID patients had increased levels of the neutrophilic degranulation indices MMP-8 and MPO, of endothelial dysfunction indices L-selectin and P-selectin. Among indices of metabolic dysfunction, leptin levels were higher in long COVID patients than in controls. CONCLUSION In unvaccinated patients, symptoms may persist up to 1 year after acute COVID infection, with increased indices of neutrophil degranulation, endothelial and metabolic dysfunction. The clinical implications of specific inflammatory biomarkers require further attention, especially in individuals with fatigue and long COVID-linked cognitive dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Di Ciaula
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Preventive and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePrev-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Luca Liberale
- First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa-Italian Cardiovascular Network, Genoa, Italy
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Preventive and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePrev-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Mohamad Khalil
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Preventive and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePrev-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Galerati
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Preventive and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePrev-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Farella
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Preventive and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePrev-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonino Noto
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Preventive and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePrev-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Stephy JohnBritto
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Preventive and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePrev-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Margherita Moriero
- First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cristina Michelauz
- First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federica Frè
- First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Olivero
- First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Bertolotto
- First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Montecucco
- First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa-Italian Cardiovascular Network, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Carbone
- First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa-Italian Cardiovascular Network, Genoa, Italy
| | - Leonilde Bonfrate
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Preventive and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePrev-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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Schmidt ME, Maurer T, Behrens S, Seibold P, Obi N, Chang-Claude J, Steindorf K. Cancer-related fatigue: Towards a more targeted approach based on classification by biomarkers and psychological factors. Int J Cancer 2024; 154:1011-1018. [PMID: 37950650 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-related fatigue is a frequent, burdensome and often insufficiently treated symptom. A more targeted treatment of fatigue is urgently needed. Therefore, we examined biomarkers and clinical factors to identify fatigue subtypes with potentially different pathophysiologies. The study population comprised disease-free breast cancer survivors of a German population-based case-control study who were re-assessed on average 6 (FU1, n = 1871) and 11 years (FU2, n = 1295) after diagnosis. At FU1 and FU2, we assessed fatigue with the 20-item multidimensional Fatigue Assessment Questionnaire and further factors by structured telephone-interviews. Serum samples collected at FU1 were analyzed for IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-a, GM-CSF, IL-5, VEGF-A, SAA, CRP, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, leptin, adiponectin and resistin. Exploratory cluster analyses among survivors with fatigue at FU1 and no history of depression yielded three clusters (CL1, CL2 and CL3). CL1 (n = 195) on average had high levels of TNF-α, IL1-β, IL-6, resistin, VEGF-A and GM-CSF, and showed high BMI and pain levels. Fatigue in CL1 manifested rather in physical dimensions. Contrarily, CL2 (n = 78) was characterized by high leptin level and had highest cognitive fatigue. CL3 (n = 318) did not show any prominent characteristics. Fatigued survivors with a history of depression (n = 214) had significantly higher physical, emotional and cognitive fatigue and showed significantly less amelioration of fatigue from FU1 to FU2 than survivors without depression. In conclusion, from the broad phenotype "cancer-related fatigue" we were able to delineate subgroups characterized by biomarkers or history of depression. Future investigations may take these subtypes into account, ultimately enabling a better targeted therapy of fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina E Schmidt
- Division of Physical Activity, Prevention and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tabea Maurer
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Behrens
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Petra Seibold
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nadia Obi
- Institute for Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jenny Chang-Claude
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karen Steindorf
- Division of Physical Activity, Prevention and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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van Hulst AM, Verwaaijen EJ, van den Berg SAA, van Litsenburg RRL, Grootenhuis MA, Fiocco M, Neggers SJCMM, van den Heuvel-Eibrink MM, van den Akker ELT. Leptin Increase During Dexamethasone and Its Association With Hunger and Fat in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:631-640. [PMID: 37878899 PMCID: PMC10876409 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT During treatment, children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receive high doses dexamethasone, which induce acute side effects. OBJECTIVE To determine the influence of a 5-day dexamethasone course on changes in leptin, fat mass, BMI, hunger, sleep, and fatigue and to explore associations between these changes. METHODS Pediatric ALL patients were included during maintenance treatment. Data were collected before (T1) and after (T2) a 5-day dexamethasone course (6 mg/m2/day). At both time points, BMI, fat mass (bioelectrical impedance analysis), and leptin were assessed, as well as parent-reported questionnaires regarding hunger, fatigue, and sleep problems. Changes between T1 and T2 were assessed using paired tests. Correlation coefficients were calculated to assess associations between these changes (Delta scores: T2-T1). Univariable regression models were estimated to study associations between covariates and elevated leptin. RESULTS We included 105 children, with median age 5.4 years (range, 3.0-18.8). Leptin and fat mass, as well as hunger scores, fatigue, and sleep deteriorated after 5 days of dexamethasone (P < .001), in contrast to BMI (P = .12). No correlations between delta leptin and delta fat mass, BMI, hunger, fatigue, or sleep were found. Elevated leptin on T1 was associated with older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.51; 95% CI, 1.28-1.77), higher fat mass (OR 1.19; 95% CI, 1.07-1.33), and earlier maintenance week (OR 0.96; 95% CI, 0.92-0.99). CONCLUSION Five days of high-dose dexamethasone treatment led to direct and significant changes in leptin, hunger scores, and fat mass. Since children with ALL are at increased risk for metabolic adverse events, understanding underlying mechanisms is important, and a dexamethasone-induced state of acute leptin resistance might play a role.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma J Verwaaijen
- Pediatric Oncology, Princess Máxima Center, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd A A van den Berg
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Marta Fiocco
- Pediatric Oncology, Princess Máxima Center, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Leiden University Mathematical Institute, 2333 CA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Medical Statistics, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastian J C M M Neggers
- Pediatric Oncology, Princess Máxima Center, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marry M van den Heuvel-Eibrink
- Pediatric Oncology, Princess Máxima Center, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Child Health, UMCU-Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, 3584 EA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Erica L T van den Akker
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Erasmus MC- Sophia Children's Hospital, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Vanrusselt D, Sleurs C, Arif M, Lemiere J, Verschueren S, Uyttebroeck A. Biomarkers of fatigue in oncology: A systematic review. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 194:104245. [PMID: 38141868 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104245] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a distressing side effect of cancer and treatment, affecting both patients during active treatment and survivors, negatively impacting quality of life. While its exact cause remains uncertain, various mechanisms such as immune dysfunction, HPA-axis dysfunction, and treatment toxicity are proposed. Inflammatory biomarkers of CRF have been explored in previous research, but non-inflammatory markers have not been comprehensively studied. This systematic review analysed 33 studies to identify non-inflammatory peripheral blood biomarkers associated with CRF. Promising markers included Hb, blood coagulation factors, BDNF, tryptophan, GAA, mtDNA, platinum, CA125, and cystatin-C. Inconsistent findings were observed for other markers like VEGF, leptin, and stress hormones. Most studies focused on adults. Research in pediatrics is limited. This review showed partial evidence for the inflammaging hypothesis (neurotoxicity due to neuro-inflammation) laying at the basis of CRF. Further research, especially in pediatrics, is needed to confirm this hypothesis and guide future biomarker studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deveny Vanrusselt
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Charlotte Sleurs
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Mahnoor Arif
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jurgen Lemiere
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Anne Uyttebroeck
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Arcos D, Ng DQ, Ke Y, Toh YL, Chan A. Prediction of gastrointestinal symptoms trajectories using omega-3 and inflammatory biomarkers in early-stage breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:76. [PMID: 38170327 PMCID: PMC10764400 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08274-5] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, negatively impacting treatment outcomes and quality of life. Evidence points to inflammatory processes as the underlying cause of chemotherapy-associated GI symptoms. Relatedly, omega-3 (n-3) has been linked to anti-inflammatory processes. The primary objective of this study was to examine the associations between baseline n-3, baseline inflammatory markers and GI symptom progression in early-stage breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. METHODS In this secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study, we analyzed baseline levels of inflammatory biomarkers (measured using a Luminex bead-immunoassay) and plasma levels of DHA, EPA, and FFA (measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). GI symptoms were assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire in Cancer Patients (EORTC QLQ-C30) symptom scale scores at baseline (T1) and at least 6 weeks after, during chemotherapy (T2). Inferential statistics were used to analyze associations between the variables of interest. RESULTS The analysis included 31 female breast cancer patients (mean age ± SD = 50.5 ± 8.8; 89.6% receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy). Higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) predicted increases in appetite loss. Similarly, higher IL-8 predicted worsened nausea and vomiting. CONCLUSION Baseline IL-8 and DHA predicted GI symptom progression in early-stage breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Future studies are required to evaluate how therapeutic intervention targeting these biomarkers may mitigate gastrointestinal symptoms in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Arcos
- School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Ding Quan Ng
- School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Yu Ke
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yi Long Toh
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alexandre Chan
- School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA.
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Di Meglio A, Vaz-Luis I. Systemic inflammation and cancer-related frailty: shifting the paradigm toward precision survivorship medicine. ESMO Open 2024; 9:102205. [PMID: 38194879 PMCID: PMC10820355 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2023.102205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Di Meglio
- Cancer Survivorship Group, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif.
| | - I Vaz-Luis
- Cancer Survivorship Group, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif; Interdisciplinary Department for the Organization of Patient Pathways (DIOPP), Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
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Li J, Fu R, Guo X, Pan Z, Xie J. Acupuncture improves immunity and fatigue after chemotherapy in breast cancer patients by inhibiting the Leptin/AMPK signaling pathway. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:506. [PMID: 37542585 PMCID: PMC10404187 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07967-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acupuncture has become a popular complementary treatment in oncology. This study is based on RNA-Seq transcriptome sequencing technology to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of acupuncture-mediated regulation of the Leptin/AMPK signaling pathway on mitochondrial dysfunction-induced fatigue in breast cancer patients after chemotherapy. METHODS Peripheral blood samples from 10 patients with post-operative chemotherapy for breast cancer were selected for transcriptome sequencing to screen the key molecular pathways involved in fatigue after chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Besides, peripheral blood samples were collected from 138 post-operative chemotherapy patients with breast cancer to study the composite fatigue and quality of life scores. Flow cytometry was used to detect T lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood-specific immune cells. In addition, a blood cell analyzer was used to measure peripheral blood leukocyte counts, and MSP-PCR was used to detect mitochondrial DNA mutations in peripheral blood leukocytes. RESULTS Transcriptome bioinformatics analysis screened 147 up-regulated mRNAs and 160 down-regulated mRNAs. Leptin protein was confirmed as the key factor. Leptin was significantly higher in the peripheral blood of breast cancer patients who developed fatigue after chemotherapy. Acupuncture treatment effectively improved post-chemotherapy fatigue and immune status in breast cancer patients, suppressed the expression of Leptin/AMPK signaling pathway-related factor and leukocyte counts, and significantly reduced the rate of mitochondrial DNA mutations in peripheral blood leukocytes. CONCLUSION The Leptin/AMPK signaling pathway may be the key molecular pathway affecting the occurrence of fatigue after chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Leptin may improve post-chemotherapy fatigue in breast cancer patients by activating AMPK phosphorylation and alleviating mitochondrial functional impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxia Li
- Department of Acupuncture, Huzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Huzhou, 313000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruiyang Fu
- Department of Acupuncture, Huzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Huzhou, 313000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqing Guo
- Department of Acupuncture, Huzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Huzhou, 313000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongqiang Pan
- Department of Acupuncture, Huzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Huzhou, 313000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjun Xie
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Huzhou, No. 158, Guangchang Hou Road, Huzhou, 313000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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Xie L, Ng DQ, Heshmatipour M, Acharya M, Coluzzi P, Guerrero N, Lee S, Malik S, Parajuli R, Stark C, Tain R, Zabokrtsky K, Torno L, Chan A. Electroacupuncture for the management of symptom clusters in cancer patients and survivors (EAST). BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:92. [PMID: 36973688 PMCID: PMC10041509 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-03926-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropsychiatric symptoms, comprising cognitive impairment, fatigue, insomnia, depression, and anxiety, are prevalent and may co-occur during and after chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Electroacupuncture (EA), which involves mild electrical stimulation with acupuncture, holds great potential in addressing the management of individual symptoms. However, there is a lack of studies evaluating if EA can manage concurrent neuropsychiatric symptoms in cancer (i.e., symptom cluster). Hence, we designed a trial to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of administering EA as an intervention to mitigate neuropsychiatric symptom clusters amongst cancer patients and survivors. METHODS The EAST study is a randomized, sham-controlled, patient- and assessor-blinded clinical trial. Sixty-four cancer patients and survivors with complaints of one or more neuropsychiatric symptom(s) in the seven days prior to enrollment are recruited from the University of California Irvine (UCI) and Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). Individuals with needle phobia, metastases, bleeding disorders, electronic implants, epilepsy, exposure to acupuncture in the three months prior to enrollment, and who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to get pregnant during the duration of the study will be excluded. Screening for metal fragments and claustrophobia are performed prior to the optional neuroimaging procedures. Recruited patients will be randomized (1:1) in random blocks of four or six to receive either ten weekly verum EA (treatment arm, vEA) or weekly sham EA (control arm, sEA) treatment visits with a follow-up appointment four to twelve weeks after their last treatment visit. The treatment arm will receive EA at 13 acupuncture points (acupoints) chosen for their therapeutic effects, while the control arm receives minimal EA at 7 non-disease-related acupoints. Questionnaires and cognitive assessments are administered, and blood drawn to assess changes in symptom clusters and biomarkers, respectively. CONCLUSION The EAST study can provide insight into the efficacy of EA, an integrative medicine modality, in the management of cancer symptom clusters in routine clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial is registered with clinicaltrials.gov NCT05283577.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifang Xie
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, University of California Irvine Health, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Ding Quan Ng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Matthew Heshmatipour
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Munjal Acharya
- School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Paul Coluzzi
- School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Pacific Breast Cancer Center, University of California Irvine Health, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Nerida Guerrero
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Hyundai Cancer Institute at Children's Healthcare of Orange County, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Sanghoon Lee
- School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Shaista Malik
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, University of California Irvine Health, Irvine, CA, USA
- School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Ritesh Parajuli
- School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Craig Stark
- The Facility for Imaging and Brain Research (FIBRE), University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Rongwen Tain
- The Facility for Imaging and Brain Research (FIBRE), University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Keri Zabokrtsky
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Hyundai Cancer Institute at Children's Healthcare of Orange County, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Lilibeth Torno
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Hyundai Cancer Institute at Children's Healthcare of Orange County, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Alexandre Chan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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Li H, Liu H. Combined effects of acupuncture and auricular acupressure for relieving cancer-related fatigue in patients during lung cancer chemotherapy: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e27502. [PMID: 34678883 PMCID: PMC8542116 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000027502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing attention has been paid to acupuncture and auricular acupressure as alternative strategies for cancer related fatigue (CRF) management. Therefore, we design this systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the efficacy and safety of acupuncture and auricular acupressure for relieving CRF in patients during lung cancer chemotherapy. METHODS From the inception to August 2021, the Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched using the key phrases "acupuncture", "auricular acupressure", and "lung cancer" for all relevant trials. Trials that compared acupuncture (including electroacupuncture) and auricular acupressure with acupuncture alone were included. The primary outcome was the measurement of the CRF symptoms. Secondary outcome measures were physical activity, quality of life, and adverse events. A P value of <.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS It will be the first such study and will obtain evidence for utilizing acupuncture and auricular acupressure for lung cancer patients. CONCLUSION Combined acupuncture and auricular acupressure may be effective for relieving CRF in patients during lung cancer chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Li
- Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Senior Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Gynecology of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing Xicheng Guangwai Hospital, Beijing, China
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Fluctuations in depression and anxiety predict dysregulated leptin among obese breast cancer survivors. J Cancer Surviv 2021; 15:847-854. [PMID: 33409856 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-020-00977-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Leptin influences inflammation and tumor growth and leptin signaling is often dysregulated among obese breast cancer survivors. This leads to a lack of satiety and, ultimately, risk for further weight gain. Breast cancer survivors also experience high rates of depression and anxiety, which are linked to leptin production. This study examined how a woman's anxiety and depressive symptoms, in combination with their obesity status, were associated with leptin. METHODS Breast cancer survivors (n = 200, stages 0-IIIa) completed a baseline visit before treatment and two follow-up visits, 6 and 18 months after treatment ended. Women completed anxiety and depression measures, and blood samples provided leptin data at each visit. This study related fluctuations in a survivor's own depression and anxiety (i.e., within-person effects), as well as average effects of depression and anxiety (i.e., between-person effects) to changes in leptin depending on BMI. RESULTS Obese survivors' leptin was significantly higher at visits when they had higher anxiety and depression symptoms than their own average level of symptoms. In contrast, within-person fluctuations in depression and anxiety were not related to leptin levels among non-obese survivors. No significant between-person effects of depression or anxiety on leptin emerged. CONCLUSIONS Leptin is a critical risk factor for recurrence and further health consequences. Our findings highlight how psychological health influences leptin production among breast cancer survivors. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS These results highlight a biological pathway that may facilitate further weight gain and health risks among distressed, obese breast cancer survivors.
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Al Maqbali M, Al Sinani M, Al Naamani Z, Al Badi K, Tanash MI. Prevalence of Fatigue in Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:167-189.e14. [PMID: 32768552 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Fatigue is a particularly common and troubling symptom that has a negative impact on quality of life throughout all phases of treatment and stages of the illness among patients with cancer. OBJECTIVES The objective of this meta-analysis is to examine the present status of fatigue prevalence in patients with cancer. METHODS The following databases were searched: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, from inception up to February 2020. Prevalence rates were pooled with meta-analysis using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was tested using I-squared (I2) statistics. RESULTS A total of 129 studies (N = 71,568) published between 1993 and 2020 met the inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of fatigue was 49% (34,947 of 71,656 participants, 95% CI = 45-53) with significant heterogeneity between studies (P < 0.000; τ2 = 0.0000; I2 = 98.88%). Subgroup analyses show that the prevalence of fatigue related to type of cancer ranged from 26.2% in patients with gynecological cancer to 56.3% in studies that included mixed types of cancer. In advanced cancer stage patients, the highest prevalence of fatigue (60.6%) was reported. Fatigue prevalence rates were 62% during treatment and 51% during mixed treatment status. The prevalence of fatigue decreased from 64% in studies published from 1996 to 2000 to 43% in studies published from 2016 to 2020. Metaregression identified female gender as a significant moderator for higher prevalence of fatigue, whereas mean age is not associated with fatigue. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis highlights the importance of developing optimal monitoring strategies to reduce fatigue and improve the quality of life of patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammed Al Sinani
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Zakariya Al Naamani
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Medical Biology Centre, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Khalid Al Badi
- Al Khawarizmi International College, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mu'ath Ibrahim Tanash
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
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Toh YL, Tan CJ, Yeo AHL, Shwe M, Ho HK, Gan YX, Foo KM, Chu P, Olson K, Chan A. Association of plasma leptin, pro-inflammatory adipokines and cancer-related fatigue in early-stage breast cancer patients: A prospective cohort study. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:4281-4289. [PMID: 31016867 PMCID: PMC6533466 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer‐related fatigue (CRF) is subjective and has wide inter‐individual variability. Given that leptin is commonly associated with fatigue syndrome, its use as a potential biomarker for CRF is being investigated. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the association between leptin and CRF in early‐stage breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. In a prospective cohort study, patients completed assessments at baseline (T1), during chemotherapy (T2) and after chemotherapy (T3). Levels of plasma leptin and adipokines were measured using a Luminex bead‐immunoassay and CRF was measured using the Multi‐Dimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory‐Short Form (MFSI‐SF). Data were analysed longitudinally using a generalised estimating equation incorporating clinically relevant parameters and pro‐inflammatory adipokines. The analysis included 136 patients (mean age ± SD = 51.5 ± 8.8 years; 69.1% receiving anthracycline‐based chemotherapy). More patients experienced CRF at T3 (23.8%) than at T2 (13.8%) compared to baseline. An increase was observed in the median plasma leptin level at T2, followed by a decrease at T3 (T1: 4.07 ng/mL, T2: 4.95 ng/mL and T3: 3.96 ng/mL). In the multivariate model, the change in leptin levels over time was significantly associated with the total MFSI‐SF score (β = −0.15, P = 0.003) after adjusting for the tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) level, anxiety, depression, insomnia, age, menopausal status and type of chemotherapy. This is the first study to report leptin as a biomarker that predicts the onset of CRF over time. Future studies are required to validate the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Long Toh
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chia Jie Tan
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Maung Shwe
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Han Kiat Ho
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yan Xiang Gan
- Department of Pharmacy, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Koon Mian Foo
- Department of Pharmacy, KK's Women and Children Hospital, Singapore
| | - Pat Chu
- Singapore Cord Blood Bank, Singapore
| | - Karin Olson
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alexandre Chan
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Pharmacy, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
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