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Ingham G, Urban K, Phyo Y, Hunt J, Tuffin P, Seah D. Use of Dexamethasone for Severe Fatigue in the Advanced Cancer Population: A Brief Report. Palliat Med Rep 2024; 5:116-121. [PMID: 38560745 PMCID: PMC10979672 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2023.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Fatigue is a common and distressing symptom for palliative care patients. Although the current literature emphasizes nonpharmacological management, dexamethasone is reportedly used in clinical practice. This study helps to characterize its use, efficacy, and adverse effects in a real-world setting. Objective To improve the evidence base by exploring the use, efficacy, and side effect profile of dexamethasone for fatigue management. Methods This international multisite prospective observational case series assessed the benefit and adverse effects of dexamethasone at baseline (T0) and at five to seven days postbaseline (T1). Fatigue scores were assessed using the symptom assessment scale (SAS) and visual analogue fatigue scale (VAFS). Adverse events were graded using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE). The related samples Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare before and after scores. Results All 18 patients (male-female, 11:7) had advanced metastatic cancer with most in the deteriorating palliative care phase (56%). The most common dose of dexamethasone was 4 mg daily orally. At T1 (n = 12), improvement was seen in all measures of fatigue; the median SAS scores decreased from 7 to 5.5 (p = 0.007), the median VAFS scores increased from 3 to 5 (p = 0.126), and the median NCI-CTCAE fatigue scores were reduced from 3 to 2.5 (p = 0.18). Dexamethasone was well tolerated; one participant experienced grade 3 delirium. Conclusion The small number of participants recruited for this study suggests that dexamethasone is not widely used specifically for fatigue. Our results suggest an improvement in fatigue scores from T0 to T1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Ingham
- Department of Palliative Care, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kat Urban
- Department of Palliative Care, Lismore Base Hospital, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yinyin Phyo
- Centre for Improving Palliative, Aged, and Chronic Care Through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jane Hunt
- Centre for Improving Palliative, Aged, and Chronic Care Through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Penelope Tuffin
- Palliative Care Program, Pharmacist WA Country Health Service, Western Australia
- Pharmacy and Palliative Care Departments, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia
- Palliative Care Unit, Bethesda Hospital, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Davinia Seah
- Centre for Improving Palliative, Aged, and Chronic Care Through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Supportive and Palliative Care, Sacred Heart Health Service, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Animaw L, Woldegiorgis Abate T, Endeshaw D, Tsegaye D. Fatigue and associated factors among adult cancer patients receiving cancer treatment at oncology unit in Amhara region, Ethiopia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279628. [PMID: 36607977 PMCID: PMC9821493 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fatigue is one of the most commonly and frequently reported symptoms by cancer patients. The cause of fatigue is multifactorial in origin, and its impact varies in range from affecting patients' daily social life, and physical, mental, economic, and social well-being to becoming a threat to their quality of life. Therefore every cancer patient needs to be screened for fatigue and considered as one of the vital signs. OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of fatigue and associated factors among adult cancer patients, receiving cancer treatment at the oncology unit in Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2022. METHOD Institutional-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among adult cancer patients receiving cancer treatment from May 9th-June 8th, 2022. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were entered into Epi data version 4.6 and then exported to the SPSS statistical package version 23 for further analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out. P-values <0.05 in multivariable logistic regression were considered statistically significant. RESULTS The prevalence of cancer-related fatigue was 77.3% at 95% CI (73.1-81.1) with nonresponse rate of 1.97% (9). Poor social support (AOR = 3.62; 95% CI: 1.53-8.60), anxiety (AOR = 3.13; 95% CI: 1.54-6.36), physical inactivity (AOR = 3.67; 95% CI: 1.74-7.54), underweight (AOR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.05-3.90), anemia (AOR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.04-3.90), surgery as a treatment modality (AOR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.06-0.78), combination therapy (AOR = 3.56; 95% CI: 1.68-7.54), treatment less than 3 cycle (AOR = 4.43; 95% CI: 1.53-12.80), and treatment 3-5 cycle (AOR = 3.55; 95% CI: 1.38-9.09) were significantly associated factors with cancer related fatigue. CONCLUSION Psychosocial assessment and intervention, nutritional support, early intervention of anemia, and promoting exercise are the key elements to minimizing fatigue among cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingerew Animaw
- Adult Health Nursing at Feres Bet primary hospital, Amhara, Ethiopia
| | - Teshager Woldegiorgis Abate
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Destaw Endeshaw
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Dejen Tsegaye
- Department of Nursing, Debre Markos University, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
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Watanabe K, Horita N, Hara Y, Kobayashi N, Kaneko T. Use of Systemic Corticosteroids for Reasons Other than Asthma in Subjects with Asthma. Respiration 2021; 101:109-115. [PMID: 34515214 DOI: 10.1159/000518461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Recent studies have reported increased risks of adverse events from systemic corticosteroids even with only low-dose or short-term use. Some patients with asthma experience complications requiring systemic corticosteroids. However, few studies have examined issues associated with administration of systemic corticosteroids for reasons other than asthma among subjects with asthma. OBJECTIVES We investigated patterns of systemic corticosteroid exposure for reasons other than asthma in subjects with asthma. METHOD We retrospectively reviewed the records of adult subjects with asthma followed up for >1 year at Yokohama City University Hospital from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019. We investigated patterns and reasons for systemic corticosteroid use during follow-up. In addition, factors related to systemic corticosteroid use for reasons likely other than asthma were investigated. RESULTS Among the 568 subjects with asthma analyzed, 326 (57.4%) had received systemic corticosteroids for some reason. Among those 326 patients, 120 (36.8%) had received systemic corticosteroids for reasons likely other than asthma. Multivariable analysis revealed rheumatoid arthritis, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, other collagen vascular diseases, chronic rhinosinusitis, and malignancy as positively associated with systemic corticosteroid exposure for reasons likely other than asthma in subjects with asthma. CONCLUSIONS About 40% of systemic corticosteroid use in subjects with asthma was for reasons likely other than asthma. Clinicians should be aware of their asthma patients' exposures to systemic corticosteroids for nonasthma reasons, to avoid missing adverse events or underestimating the severity of asthma, and to reduce systemic corticosteroid use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Watanabe
- Department of Pulmonology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Horita
- Department of Pulmonology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yu Hara
- Department of Pulmonology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Kobayashi
- Department of Pulmonology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kaneko
- Department of Pulmonology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
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Hardy J, Haywood A, Rickett K, Sallnow L, Good P. Practice review: Evidence-based quality use of corticosteroids in the palliative care of patients with advanced cancer. Palliat Med 2021; 35:461-472. [PMID: 33499759 DOI: 10.1177/0269216320986717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Hardy
- Mater Health, Brisbane, SEQ, Australia.,Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland (UQ), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alison Haywood
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland (UQ), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Kirsty Rickett
- University of Queensland Library - Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Libby Sallnow
- St Christopher's Hospice and UCL Marie Curie Palliative Care Department, London, UK.,St Vincent's Private Hospital Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Phillip Good
- Mater Health, Brisbane, SEQ, Australia.,Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland (UQ), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,St Vincent's Private Hospital Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Fatigue in Cancer Patients in Palliative Care-A Review on Pharmacological Interventions. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13050985. [PMID: 33652866 PMCID: PMC7956665 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13050985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer related fatigue is a common and distressing symptom for patients with cancer during and after primary treatment, and also in the palliative phase of the disease trajectory. This review focuses on the pharmacological treatment of cancer related fatigue in patients with advanced or metastatic cancer. There are few high-quality studies performed in this setting, but both methylphenidate and corticosteroids might be used to relieve fatigue. Abstract Fatigue is one of the most distressing symptoms experienced by cancer patients. The suggested biological mechanism for cancer related fatigue (CRF) includes immune activation triggered by tumor tissue or by anticancer treatment but other mechanisms have also been proposed. Previous large meta-analysis of interventions on fatigue focuses mostly on patients early in the disease trajectory, with only one tenth of included studies performed in palliative cohorts. The aim of this narrative review is therefore to present a background on CRF with focus on the palliative setting. A summary of recent randomized, controlled trials on pharmacological interventions on CRF in palliative care is presented, including studies on psychostimulants, corticosteroids, testosterone and melatonin. Interestingly, in several of these studies there was a positive and similar effect on fatigue in both the intervention and the placebo arm—indicating an important placebo effect for any pharmacological treatment. In addition, studies on dietary supplements and on pharmacological complementary medicines are discussed. To conclude, the evidence is still weak for using pharmacological treatments on CRF in palliative care patients—although methylphenidate and corticosteroids might be considered.
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Wickham RJ. Nausea and Vomiting Not Related to Cancer Therapy: Intractable Problem or Clinical Challenge? J Adv Pract Oncol 2020; 11:476-488. [PMID: 32974072 PMCID: PMC7508252 DOI: 10.6004/jadpro.2020.11.5.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Unlike therapy-related nausea and vomiting (chemotherapy or radiotherapy induced), nausea and vomiting (N/V) in patients with advanced cancer is often multicausal and thus presents unique challenges. Few professional guidelines address the palliative management of N/V, and those that do are insufficiently detailed to bolster clinical decision-making. Nonetheless, oncology advanced practitioners (APs) are frequently challenged to manage these high-impact symptoms. This requires collaborating with other oncology care providers and cultivating a knowledge base to educate and mentor professional colleagues to optimize N/V unrelated to treatment. METHODS Literature reviewed included current and classic articles that address the physiologic bases of N/V related to disease and with malignant bowel obstruction, agents used to alleviate nausea or N/V, and nonpharmacologic adjunctive measures. This information was framed within palliative care and symptom management clinical experience. RESULTS This review article summarizes what is known about the neuropharmacology of N/V in advanced disease. Focused assessment, pharmacologic agents (antiemetics, central neuromodulators, and peripheral prokinetic agents), and nondrug adjunctive measures that may be useful for N/V are included. CONCLUSIONS Managing N/V in advanced cancer is a quality-of-life imperative that requires persistence and interprofessional collaboration among oncology APs and other clinicians to personalize management. This work can change the perception that N/V related to progressive disease is frequently intractable to one that considers it as a manageable clinical challenge.
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Chapman EJ, Edwards Z, Boland JW, Maddocks M, Fettes L, Malia C, Mulvey MR, Bennett MI. Practice review: Evidence-based and effective management of pain in patients with advanced cancer. Palliat Med 2020; 34:444-453. [PMID: 31980005 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319896955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain of a moderate or severe intensity affects over half of patients with advanced cancer and remains undertreated in at least one-third of these patients. AIM The aim of this study was to provide a pragmatic overview of the evidence supporting the use of interventions in pain management in advanced cancer and to identify where encouraging preliminary results are demonstrated but further research is required. DESIGN A scoping review approach was used to examine the evidence supporting the use of guideline-recommended interventions in pain management practice. DATA SOURCES National or international guidelines were selected if they described pain management in adult cancer patients and were written within the last 5 years in English. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (January 2014 to January 2019) was searched for 'cancer' AND 'pain' in the title, abstract or keywords. A MEDLINE search was also made. RESULTS A strong opioid remains the drug of choice for treating moderate or severe pain. Bisphosphonates and radiotherapy are also effective for cancer-related bone pain. Optimal management requires a tailored approach, support for self-management and review of treatment outcomes. There is likely a role for non-pharmacological approaches. Paracetamol should not be used in patients taking a strong opioid to treat pain. Cannabis-based medicines are not recommended. Weak opioids, ketamine and lidocaine are indicated in specific situations only. CONCLUSION Interventions commonly recommended by guidelines are not always supported by a robust evidence base. Research is required to evaluate the efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-convulsants, anti-depressants, corticosteroids, some invasive anaesthetic techniques, complementary therapies and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma J Chapman
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, Leeds, UK
| | - Zoe Edwards
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, Leeds, UK
| | - Jason W Boland
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Matthew Maddocks
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Lucy Fettes
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Matthew R Mulvey
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, Leeds, UK
| | - Michael I Bennett
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, Leeds, UK
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review was undertaken to survey recent literature for research reports and comprehensive clinical reviews addressing the pharmacologic management of nausea and vomiting (N&V) in advanced cancer. The goal was to integrate findings in a comprehensive article that incorporates palliative care concepts into antiemetic treatment. RECENT FINDINGS There are few published studies of N&V in advanced cancer; such research may be limited by the multicausal nature of N&V and participant burden to patients with life-limiting disease. Most articles are written by oncologists who also specialize in palliative care, and those addressing adverse effects of drugs used as antiemetics are found in other literature. Articles addressing more novel therapies, like cannabinoids and medical marijuana, are uncommon in the oncology literature. N&V in patients with progressive or advanced cancer is often multicausal. Nausea is more common and persistent, and even mild nausea is bothersome and may cause anxiety or depression. The mechanisms of nausea and vomiting overlap, but different neural pathways constitute the final pathway for each-the brainstem for vomiting and higher brain regions for nausea. Common causes of N&V in advanced cancer include constipation, opioids, and malignant bowel obstruction. About 40% have undetermined causes and may be exacerbated by impaired gastric emptying, chemical imbalances, or other factors. Several drugs that have antiemetic effects and act at different receptors are used to palliate N&V. There is a paucity of research that supports palliative antiemetic choices, and other research is needed to define potential therapeutic strategies that capitalize on differences between nausea and vomiting.
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