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Stockdill ML, Mendoza T, Armstrong TS, Miaskowski C, Cooper B, Vera E. Identification of health-related quality of life profiles among long-term survivors of primary central nervous system tumors. J Neurooncol 2023; 165:181-190. [PMID: 37902916 PMCID: PMC10638191 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04474-5] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to identify health-related quality of life (HRQOL) latent classes among primary central nervous system tumor (PCNST) long-term survivors (LTS) and to evaluate differences between classes in survivor sociodemographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and symptoms to guide the development of survivorship care programs tailored to unique class needs. METHODS Data from 298 PCNST LTS reporting HRQOL on the EQ-5D-3L were analyzed using latent profile analysis. Correlations and independent group t-tests were performed to identify differences between identified HRQOL classes by sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, and symptoms. RESULTS Sample mean age was 48 years, 54% were male, 82% Caucasian, 56% employed, 60% had a high-grade glioma, and 52% had a KPS ≥ 90. Two HRQOL classes, good (61%) and poor (39%), were identified. The good HRQOL class reported no problems with self-care and few problems with mobility or usual activities. Thirty-eight percent reported anxiety and depression and 21% pain. Over 94% of the poor HRQOL class had at least moderate problems with mobility and usual activities, and over 50% had pain, self-care issues, anxiety, and depression. Older age (φ = 0.21), unemployment (φ = 0.30), spine tumors (φ = 0.18), active treatment (φ = 0.20), tumor recurrence (φ = 0.28), and poorer KPS scores (φ = 0.61) were associated with membership in the poor HRQOL class. CONCLUSIONS In the poor PCNST LTS HRQOL class, an overwhelming majority faced significant physical challenges, and the good HRQOL class experienced mood-related disturbance but limited physical challenges. These HRQOL profiles can be used to guide survivorship programs and tailored interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macy L Stockdill
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA.
| | - Tito Mendoza
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Terri S Armstrong
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | | | - Bruce Cooper
- School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Elizabeth Vera
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
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2
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Ernster AE, Body A, Deleyrolle P, St Clair J, Sampson D, Bacharz K, Yan SC, Melnick K, Allen A, Rahman M, Tran DD, Mitchell DA, Pereira DB, Ghiaseddin AP. Patterns and predictors of anxiety and depression symptom trajectories in patients diagnosed with primary brain tumors. J Neurooncol 2023; 164:701-710. [PMID: 37804375 PMCID: PMC10695656 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04469-2] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with primary brain tumors (pPBTs) often exhibit heightened distress. This study assesses how symptoms of anxiety and depression change over time in pPBTs and identifies factors that may predict patients' symptom trajectories. METHODS Ninety-nine adult pPBTs completed psychosocial assessments at neuro-oncology appointments over 6-18 months. Quality of life was assessed with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain; symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed with the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System short forms. The prevalence of patients with clinically elevated symptoms and those who experienced clinically meaningful changes in symptoms throughout follow-up were examined. Linear mixed-effects models evaluated changes in symptoms over time at the group level, and latent class growth analysis (LCGA) evaluated changes in symptoms over time at the individual level. RESULTS At enrollment, 51.5% and 32.3% of patients exhibited clinically elevated levels of anxiety and depression, respectively. Of patients with follow-up data (n = 74), 54.1% and 50% experienced clinically meaningful increases in anxiety and depression scores, respectively. There were no significant changes in anxiety or depression scores over time, but better physical, functional, and brain-cancer well-being predicted lower levels of anxiety and depression (p < 0.001). Five sub-groups of patients with distinct symptom trajectories emerged via LCGA. CONCLUSIONS pPBTs commonly experience elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression that may fluctuate in clinically meaningful manners throughout the disease. Routine screening for elevated symptoms is needed to capture clinically meaningful changes and identify factors affecting symptoms to intervene on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alayna E Ernster
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - David D Tran
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Ashley P Ghiaseddin
- University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Clinical Translational and Research Building, 2004 Mowry Road, PO Box 100219, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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Zanotto A, Goodall K, Ellison M, McVittie C. 'Make Them Wonder How You Are Still Smiling': The Lived Experience of Coping With a Brain Tumour. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 33:601-612. [PMID: 37026898 DOI: 10.1177/10497323231167345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A brain tumour can be a life-threatening illness and cause unique symptoms compared to other types of cancer, such as cognitive or language deficits, or changes in personality. It is an exceptionally distressing diagnosis which can affect quality of life, even for those with a low-grade tumour or many years after the diagnosis. This study sought to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experience of adjustment to living with a brain tumour. Twelve individuals (83% female) with a primary brain tumour (83% low-grade) took part in the study. Participants were aged 29-54 years, on average 43 months following the diagnosis, and were recruited through the charitable support organisations in the United Kingdom. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Six inter-related themes were identified: making sense of the diagnosis, seeking empowerment, feeling appreciative, taking charge of coping, learning to accept, and negotiating a new normality. Notions of empowerment, gratitude, and acceptance throughout the illness journey were prominent in the participants' narratives. Receiving sufficient information and initiating treatment were important in negotiation of control. The results highlighted what facilitates and hinders adaptive coping. Aspects which facilitated positive coping were as follows: trust in clinician, feeling in control, feeling grateful, or accepting. Participants on a 'watch and wait' approach, while feeling appreciative, perceived the lack of treatment as difficult and frustrating. Implications for patient-clinician communication are discussed, particularly for patients on a 'watch and wait' who might need additional support in adjusting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Zanotto
- Division of Psychology, Sociology and Education, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Occupational Therapy Education, School of Health Professions, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Karen Goodall
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marion Ellison
- Division of Psychology, Sociology and Education, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Chris McVittie
- Division of Psychology, Sociology and Education, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK
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King AL, Acquaye-Mallory AA, Vera E, Mendoza T, Reyes J, Stockdill ML, Gilbert MR, Armstrong TS. Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a virtual reality intervention targeting distress and anxiety in primary brain tumor patients at the time of clinical evaluation: Study protocol for a phase 2 clinical trial. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:262. [PMID: 36944930 PMCID: PMC10030076 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10671-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary brain tumor (PBT) patients experience higher levels of distress and anxiety than other solid tumor patients, particularly at the time of clinical evaluation when uncertainty about disease status is high ("scanxiety"). There is promising evidence supporting use of virtual reality (VR) to target psychological symptoms in other solid tumor patients, though PBT patients have not been studied extensively in this context. The primary aim of this phase 2 clinical trial is to establish the feasibility of a remote VR-based relaxation intervention for a PBT population, with secondary aims designed to determine preliminary efficacy of improving distress and anxiety symptoms. METHODS PBT patients (N = 120) with upcoming MRI scans and clinical appointments who meet eligibility will be recruited to participate in a single arm trial conducted remotely through the NIH. Following completion of baseline assessments, participants will complete a 5-min VR intervention via telehealth using a head-mounted immersive device while under supervision of the research team. Following the intervention, over the course of 1 month patients can use VR at their discretion with follow-up assessments done immediately post-VR intervention, as well as 1 week and 4 weeks later. Additionally, a qualitative phone interview will be conducted to assess patient satisfaction with the intervention. DISCUSSION Use of immersive VR is an innovative interventional approach to target distress and scanxiety symptoms in PBT patients who are at high risk for experiencing these symptoms leading into their clinical appointments. Findings from this study may inform design of a future multicenter randomized VR trial for PBT patients and may aid in development of similar interventions for other oncology populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04301089), registered 9 March 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L King
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Alvina A Acquaye-Mallory
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Elizabeth Vera
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Tito Mendoza
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jennifer Reyes
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Macy L Stockdill
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Mark R Gilbert
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Terri S Armstrong
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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5
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King AL, Roche KN, Leeper HE, Vera E, Mendoza T, Mentges K, Acquaye-Mallory AA, Adegbesan KA, Boris L, Burton E, Choi A, Grajkowska E, Kunst T, Levine J, Lollo N, Miller H, Panzer M, Penas-Prado M, Pillai V, Polskin L, Reyes J, Sahebjam S, Stockdill ML, Theeler BJ, Wu J, Gilbert MR, Armstrong TS. Feasibility of a virtual reality intervention targeting distress and anxiety symptoms in patients with primary brain tumors: Interim analysis of a phase 2 clinical trial. J Neurooncol 2023; 162:137-145. [PMID: 36884201 PMCID: PMC9993385 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04271-0] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer patients experience distress and anxiety when undergoing imaging studies to monitor disease status, yet these symptoms are not always appropriately identified or well-managed. This interim analysis of a phase 2 clinical trial explored feasibility and acceptability of a virtual reality relaxation (VR) intervention for primary brain tumor (PBT) patients at the time of clinical evaluation. METHODS English speaking, adult PBT patients with previous reports of distress and upcoming neuroimaging were recruited between March of 2021 and March 2022. A brief VR session was done within 2 weeks prior to neuroimaging with patient-reported outcomes (PROs) collected before and immediately post-intervention. Self-directed VR use over the next 1 month was encouraged with additional PROs assessments at 1 and 4 weeks. Feasibility metrics included enrollment, eligibility, attrition, and device-related adverse effects with satisfaction measured with qualitative phone interviews. RESULTS Fifty-five patients were approached via email, 40 (73%) responded and 20 (50%) enrolled (9 declines, 11 screen fails). 65% of participants were ≤ 50 years, 50% were male, 90% were White/non-Hispanic, 85% had good KPS (≥ 90), and most were on active treatment. All patients completed the VR intervention, PROs questionnaires, weekly check-ins, and qualitative interview. Most (90%) reported frequent VR use and high satisfaction and only 7 mild AEs were recorded (headache, dizziness, nausea, neck pain). CONCLUSION This interim analysis supports feasibility and acceptability of a novel VR intervention to target psychological symptoms for PBT patients. Trial enrollment will continue to assess for intervention efficacy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04301089 registered on 3/9/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L King
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA. .,Office of Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9030 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Kayla N Roche
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Heather E Leeper
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Elizabeth Vera
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA.,Office of Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9030 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Tito Mendoza
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA.,Office of Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9030 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Kelly Mentges
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, USA
| | | | - Kendra A Adegbesan
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Lisa Boris
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, USA
| | - Eric Burton
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Anna Choi
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Ewa Grajkowska
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, USA
| | - Tricia Kunst
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Jason Levine
- Center for Cancer Research Office of Information Technology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Nicole Lollo
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Hope Miller
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Marissa Panzer
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, USA
| | - Marta Penas-Prado
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Valentina Pillai
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, USA
| | - Lily Polskin
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, USA
| | - Jennifer Reyes
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Solmaz Sahebjam
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Macy L Stockdill
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Brett J Theeler
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, USA
| | - Jing Wu
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Mark R Gilbert
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Terri S Armstrong
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
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King AL, Acquaye AA, Mendoza T, Reyes J, Stockdill M, Gilbert MR, Armstrong TS, Vera E. Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a virtual reality intervention targeting distress and anxiety in primary brain tumor patients at the time of clinical evaluation: Study protocol for a phase 2 clinical trial. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2521990. [PMID: 36865245 PMCID: PMC9980195 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2521990/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Background: Primary brain tumor (PBT) patients experience higher levels of distress and anxiety than other solid tumor patients, particularly at the time of clinical evaluation when uncertainty about disease status is high ("scanxiety"). There is promising evidence supporting use of virtual reality (VR) to target psychological symptoms in other solid tumor patients, though PBT patients have not been studied extensively in this context. The primary aim of this phase 2 clinical trial is to establish the feasibility of a remote VR-based relaxation intervention for a PBT population, with secondary aims designed to determine preliminary efficacy of improving distress and anxiety symptoms. Methods: PBT patients (N=120) with upcoming MRI scans and clinical appointments who meet eligibility will be recruited to participate in a single arm trial conducted remotely through the NIH. Following completion of baseline assessments, participants will complete a 5-minute VR intervention via telehealth using a head-mounted immersive device while under supervision of the research team. Following the intervention, over the course of 1 month patients can use VR at their discretion with follow-up assessments done immediately post-VR intervention, as well as 1 week and 4 weeks later. Additionally, a qualitative phone interview will be conducted to assess patient satisfaction with the intervention. Discussion: Use of immersive VR is an innovative interventional approach to target distress and scanxiety symptoms in PBT patients who are at high risk for experiencing these symptoms leading into their clinical appointments. Findings from this study may inform design of a future multicenter randomized VR trial for PBT patients and may aid in development of similar interventions for other oncology populations. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04301089), registered 9 March 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L. King
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
| | | | - Tito Mendoza
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
| | - Jennifer Reyes
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
| | - Macy Stockdill
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
| | | | | | - Elizabeth Vera
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
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The correlations between psychological distress, cognitive impairment and quality of life in patients with brain metastases after whole-brain radiotherapy. CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF SPANISH ONCOLOGY SOCIETIES AND OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OF MEXICO 2023; 25:207-217. [PMID: 36038750 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02927-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological distress and cognitive impairment are highly prevalent among patients with brain metastases after whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT). Our purpose was to evaluate the correlations between psychological distress, cognitive impairment and quality of life in patients with brain metastases after WBRT. METHODS Seventy-one patients with brain metastasis treated with WBRT were enrolled in this study and were investigated with several scales, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function version 3 (FACT-Cog, version 3), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain Module version 4 (FACT-Br, version 4) and the Psychological Distress Thermometer (DT), before and after WBRT. RESULTS The MoCA, FACT-Cog and FACT-Br scores in patients with brain metastases were significantly decreased after WBRT compared with before WBRT (z = - 7.106, - 6.933 and - 6.250, respectively, P < 0.001), while the DT scores were significantly increased (z = 6.613, P < 0.001). There was an obvious negative correlation between the DT score and the FACT-Cog score (r = - 0.660, P < 0.001), a significant negative correlation between the DT score and the FACT-Br score (r = - 0.833, P < 0.001), and an obvious positive correlation between the FACT-Cog score and the FACT-Br score (r = 0.603, P < 0.001). These results suggest that WBRT can cause cognitive impairment in patients with brain metastases, increase their psychological distress and reduce their quality of life (QOL). CONCLUSION After receiving WBRT, the cognitive function and QOL of patients with brain metastases were decreased, while psychological distress increased. The cognitive impairment and the decline of QOL after WBRT are associated with increased psychological distress, and that the decline of QOL is associated with cognitive impairment of patients.
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Staub-Bartelt F, Steinmann J, Radtke O, Hänggi D, Sabel M, Rapp M. Impact of COVID-19 Epidemic on Psycho-Oncological Distress in Neuro-Oncological Patients. Curr Oncol 2022; 30:358-369. [PMID: 36661678 PMCID: PMC9857307 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Up to 40% of neuro-oncological patients already deal with high levels of distress under conventional circumstances. Due to COVID-19, pandemic hospital visitor rules have been restricted and patients did not receive the same level of supporting caregiver network as before COVID. The aim of the present study was to analyse the impact of the COVID pandemic on the prevalence of distress, anxiety and depression in neuro-oncological patients. Patients admitted for brain tumour surgery were screened regarding distress, anxiety and depression. Furthermore, aspects of patients' quality of life and clinical data were covered. Retrospectively available data of patients treated pre-pandemic (group A) and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic (group B) were statistically analysed using Chi-square tests and independent-sample t-tests, and regression analysis was performed to support statistical findings. Data from 110 patients were available. In all, 48 patients were included pre-COVID-19 and 62 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors found no significant difference between pre-COVID-19 prevalence of distress (p = 0.112), anxiety (p = 0.385) or depression (p = 0.084). Regression analyses additionally did not show any significant influence of COVID-19 on the above analysed parameter. Analyses of our cohort's data could not underline the negative impact of COVID-19 restrictions, shortcuts of professional and remodelled caregiver support on psycho-oncological outcomes.
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Fröhlich E, Sassenrath C, Nadji-Ohl M, Unteroberdörster M, Rückriegel S, von der Brelie C, Roder C, Forster MT, Schommer S, Löhr M, Pala A, Goebel S, Mielke D, Gerlach R, Renovanz M, Wirtz CR, Onken J, Czabanka M, Tatagiba MS, Rohde V, Ernestus RI, Vajkoczy P, Gansland O, Coburger J. Resilience in Lower Grade Glioma Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14215410. [PMID: 36358828 PMCID: PMC9656661 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Current data show that resilience is an important factor in cancer patients’ well-being. We aim to explore the resilience of patients with lower grade glioma (LGG) and the potentially influencing factors. We performed a cross-sectional assessment of adult patients with LGG who were enrolled in the LoG-Glio registry. By phone interview, we administered the following measures: Resilience Scale (RS-13), distress thermometer, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test for visually impaired patients (MoCA-Blind), internalized stigmatization by brain tumor (ISBI), Eastern Cooperative Oncological Group performance status (ECOG), patients’ perspective questionnaire (PPQ) and typical clinical parameters. We calculated correlations and multivariate regression models. Of 74 patients who were assessed, 38% of those showed a low level of resilience. Our results revealed significant correlations of resilience with distress (p < 0.001, −0.49), MOCA (p = 0.003, 0.342), ECOG (p < 0.001, −0.602), stigmatization (p < 0.001, −0.558), pain (p < 0.001, −0.524), and occupation (p = 0.007, 0.329). In multivariate analyses, resilience was negatively associated with elevated ECOG (p = 0.020, β = −0.383) and stigmatization levels (p = 0.008, β = −0.350). Occupation showed a tendency towards a significant association with resilience (p = 0.088, β = −0.254). Overall, low resilience affected more than one third of our cohort. Low functional status is a specific risk factor for low resilience. The relevant influence of stigmatization on resilience is a novel finding for patients suffering from a glioma and should be routinely identified and targeted in clinical routine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Fröhlich
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Ulm, 89312 Günzburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Sassenrath
- Department of Social Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Engering, Informatics and Psychology, University of Ulm, 89312 Günzburg, Germany
| | - Minou Nadji-Ohl
- Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum Stuttgart, 70174 Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Rückriegel
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Constantin Roder
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marie-Therese Forster
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stephan Schommer
- Department of Social Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Engering, Informatics and Psychology, University of Ulm, 89312 Günzburg, Germany
| | - Mario Löhr
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12200 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrej Pala
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Ulm, 89312 Günzburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Simone Goebel
- Department of Psychology, University of Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Dorothee Mielke
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Gerlach
- Department of Neurosurgery, Helioskliniken Erfurt, 99089 Erfurt, Germany
| | - Mirjam Renovanz
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls University of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Straße 27, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen-Stuttgart, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Julia Onken
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12200 Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcus Czabanka
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Veit Rohde
- Department of Neurosurgery, Helioskliniken Erfurt, 99089 Erfurt, Germany
| | - Ralf-Ingo Ernestus
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Peter Vajkoczy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12200 Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Gansland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum Stuttgart, 70174 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jan Coburger
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Ulm, 89312 Günzburg, Germany
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10
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Tu C, He Y, Ma X. Factors influencing psychological distress and effects of stepwise psychological care on quality of life in patients undergoing chemotherapy after breast cancer surgery. Am J Transl Res 2022; 14:1923-1933. [PMID: 35422923 PMCID: PMC8991156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate factors influencing psychological distress and the effect of stepwise psychological care on the quality of life in patients undergoing chemotherapy after breast cancer surgery. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on 96 patients undergoing chemotherapy after breast cancer surgery. The patients were evenly divided into a routine care group (control group) and a stepwise psychological care group (observation group) according to the care method. The correlation between the psychological distress and the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) score was investigated. The impact of care intervention on the psychological distress, SAS score, and the quality of life of patients before and after intervention were explored. Relevant factors that affect the psychological distress of patients undergoing chemotherapy after breast cancer surgery were also investigated. RESULTS A univariate analysis showed that age, residence, monthly income, education level, medical insurance status, occupation, surgery method, and anxiety score all contributed to the degree of psychological distress in patients with breast cancer mastectomy (all P<0.05). A multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that young age, low monthly income, no medical insurance, mastectomy, and high SAS score were risk factors for the psychological distress of patients who underwent mastectomy (all P<0.05). The psychological distress was positively correlated with anxiety scores of patients undergoing chemotherapy after breast cancer surgery (r=0.249, P=0.005). Both psychological distress and anxiety scores of the observation group after stepwise psychological care were significantly lower than those before treatment and those of the control group (both P<0.05). After treatment, both groups of patients showed better scores in additional concerning items, social/family well-being, functional well-being, physical well-being, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life than before treatment (all P<0.05). Of note, the observation group demonstrated better quality of life than that of the control group. CONCLUSION Age, low monthly income, radical mastectomy, and no medical insurance prior to undergoing chemotherapy after breast cancer surgery are independent factors that affect psychological distress. The distress was positively correlated with anxiety. Thus, stepwise psychological care may alleviate patients' psychological distress and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congmei Tu
- Department of Hospice, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University Zhanjiang 524001, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yongping He
- Department of Hospice, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University Zhanjiang 524001, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xue Ma
- Department of Hospice, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University Zhanjiang 524001, Guangdong Province, China
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11
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Staub-Bartelt F, Radtke O, Hänggi D, Sabel M, Rapp M. Impact of Anticipated Awake Surgery on Psychooncological Distress in Brain Tumor Patients. Front Oncol 2022; 11:795247. [PMID: 35111678 PMCID: PMC8801942 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.795247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Brain tumor patients present high rates of distress, anxiety, and depression, in particular perioperatively. For resection of eloquent located cerebral lesions, awake surgery is the gold standard surgical method for the preservation of speech and motor function, which might be accompanied by increased psychological distress. The aim of the present study was to analyze if patients who are undergoing awake craniotomy suffer from increased prevalence or higher scores in distress, anxiety, or depression. Methods Patients, who were electively admitted for brain tumor surgery at our neurooncological department, were perioperatively screened regarding distress, anxiety, and quality of life using three established self-assessment instruments (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, distress thermometer, and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30-BN20). Screening results were correlated regarding operation technique (awake vs. general anesthesia). Retrospective statistical analyses for nominal variables were conducted using chi-square test. Metric variables were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test, the Mann–Whitney U-test, and independent-samples t-tests. Results Data from 54 patients (26 male and 28 female) aged 29 to 82 years were available for statistical analyses. A total of 37 patients received primary resection and 17 recurrent tumor resection. Awake surgery was performed in 35 patients. There was no significant difference in awake versus non-awake surgery patients regarding prevalence (of distress (p = 0.465), anxiety (p = 0.223), or depression (p = 0.882). Furthermore, awake surgery had no significant influence on distress thermometer score (p = 0.668), anxiety score (p = 0.682), or depression score (p = 0.630) as well as future uncertainty (p = 0.436) or global health status (p = 0.943). Additionally, analyses revealed that primary or recurrent surgery also did not have any significant influence on the prevalence or scoring of the evaluated items. Conclusion Analyses of our cohort’s data suggest that planned awake surgery might not have a negative impact on patients concerning the prevalence and severity of manifestation of distress, anxiety, or depression in psychooncological screening. Patients undergoing recurrent surgery tend to demonstrate increased distress, although results were not significant.
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12
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Distress and quality of life do not change over time in patients with operated and conservatively managed intracranial meningioma. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2021; 163:3417-3424. [PMID: 34643803 PMCID: PMC8511617 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-021-05004-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The patients' burden with asymptomatic meningiomas and patients with good clinical outcome after meningioma resection often remains neglected. In this study, we aimed to investigate the longitudinal changes of psychological distress and quality of life in these patient groups. METHODS Patients with conservatively managed (CM) or operated (OM) meningiomas and excellent neurological status, who were screened for psychological distress during the follow-up visit (t1), were included. We performed a follow-up mail/telephone-based survey 3-6 months (t2) after t1. Distress was measured using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Distress Thermometer (DT), 36-item Short Form (SF-36), and Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI). RESULTS Sixty-two patients participated in t1 and 47 in t2. The number of patients reporting increased or borderline values remained high 3 months after initial presentation, with n = 25 (53%) of patients reporting increased anxiety symptom severity and n = 29 (62%) reporting increased depressive symptom severity values. The proportion of distressed patients according to a DT score remained similar after 3 months. Forty-four percent of patients reported significant distress in OM and 33% in CM group. The most common problems among distressed patients were fatigue (t2 75%) and worries (t2 50%), followed by pain, sleep disturbances, sadness, and nervousness. Tumor progress was associated with increased depression scores (OR 6.3 (1.1-36.7)). CONCLUSION The level of psychological distress in asymptomatic meningiomas and postoperative meningiomas with excellent outcome is high. Further investigations are needed to identify and counsel the patients at risk.
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13
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de Swart ME, Kouwenhoven MCM, Hellingman T, Kuiper BI, Gorter de Vries C, Leembruggen-Vellinga M, Maliepaard NK, Wouda EJ, Moraal B, Noske DP, Postma TJ, Sanchez Aliaga E, Uitdehaag BMJ, Vandertop WP, Zonderhuis BM, Kazemier G, de Witt Hamer PC, Schuur M. A multidisciplinary neuro-oncological triage panel reduces the time to referral and treatment for patients with a brain tumor. Neurooncol Pract 2021; 8:559-568. [PMID: 34589232 PMCID: PMC8475234 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npab040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Regional collaboration and appropriate referral management are crucial in neuro-oncological care. Lack of electronic access to medical records across health care organizations impedes interhospital consultation and may lead to incomplete and delayed referrals. To improve referral management, we have established a multidisciplinary neuro-oncological triage panel (NOTP) with digital image exchange and determined the effects on lead times, costs, and time investment. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted from February 2019 to March 2020. All newly diagnosed patients referred to Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam were analyzed according to referral pathway: (1) standard referral (SR), (2) NOTP. The primary outcome was lead time, defined as time-to-referral, time-to-treatment, and total time (median days [interquartile range]). Secondary outcomes were costs and time investment. Results In total, 225 patients were included, of whom 153 had SR and 72 NOTP referral. Patients discussed in the NOTP were referred more frequently for first neurosurgical consultation (44.7% vs 28.8%) or combined neurological and neurosurgical consultation (12.8% vs 2.5%, P = .002). Time-to-referral was reduced for NOTP referral compared to SR (1 [0.25-4] vs 6 [1.5-10] days, P < .001). Total time decreased from 27 [14-48] days for the standard group to 15 [12-38.25] days for the NOTP group (P = .040). Costs and time investment were comparable for both groups. Conclusion Implementation of digital referral to a multidisciplinary NOTP is feasible and leads to more swift patient-tailored referrals at comparable costs and time investment as SR. This quality improvement initiative has the potential to improve collaboration and coordination of multidisciplinary care in the field of neuro-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merijn E de Swart
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mathilde C M Kouwenhoven
- Department of Neurology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tessa Hellingman
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Babette I Kuiper
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Niels K Maliepaard
- Department of Neurology, Dijklander Ziekenhuis, Purmerend, the Netherlands
| | - Ernest J Wouda
- Department of Neurology, OLVG, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan Moraal
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - David P Noske
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tjeerd J Postma
- Department of Neurology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Esther Sanchez Aliaga
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bernard M J Uitdehaag
- Department of Neurology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - William P Vandertop
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Barbara M Zonderhuis
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Geert Kazemier
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Philip C de Witt Hamer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike Schuur
- Department of Neurology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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14
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Baksi A, Arda Sürücü H, Genç H. Psychological Hardiness and Spirituality in Patients with Primary Brain Tumors: A Comparative Study. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2021; 60:2799-2809. [PMID: 33818705 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-021-01238-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to compare healthy individuals with patients having primary brain tumors (PBTs) with respect to their psychological hardiness and spirituality. In this study, a comparative and descriptive research design was employed. The research sample included 122 individuals: 61 patients with PBTs and 61 healthy individuals. When healthy individuals were compared with patients with PBTs, it was found that the patients with PBTs had significantly lower mean scores for spirituality and psychological hardiness. The study revealed that spirituality (β = .661) and age (β = - .270) were statistically significant predictors of psychological hardiness (p < .001). These variables explained 53% of the total variance. To decrease the negative effects of PBTs on psychological hardiness, nurses and other health staffs should focus on strategies that strengthen patients' spirituality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altun Baksi
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Hamdiye Arda Sürücü
- Department of Nursing, School of Health, Dicle University, Diyarbakır, Turkey.
| | - Hasan Genç
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Dicle University, Diyarbakır, Turkey
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15
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Mayer S, Fuchs S, Fink M, Schäffeler N, Zipfel S, Geiser F, Reichmann H, Falkenburger B, Skardelly M, Teufel M. Hope and Distress Are Not Associated With the Brain Tumor Stage. Front Psychol 2021; 12:642345. [PMID: 34122231 PMCID: PMC8192812 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.642345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Hopelessness and depression are strongly associated with suicidality. Given that physical and psychological outcomes can be altered with hope, hope is a therapeutic goal of increasing importance in the treatment of brain tumor patients. Moreover, it is not yet understood which factors affect the perception of hope in brain tumor patients. In addition, it remains uncertain whether lower-grade brain tumor patients suffer less from psycho-oncological distress than higher-grade brain tumor patients. Methods Neuro-oncological patients were examined perioperatively with the Distress Thermometer (DT) and the Herth Hope Index (HHI). In addition, psychological comorbidities (anxiety GAD-2, depression PHQ-2) and an assessment of general psycho-oncological distress were recorded. Results Sixty-six brain tumor patients were included (median age 53 years, 35% higher-grade brain tumors, i.e., WHO grade III/IV). No differences between higher- and lower-grade brain tumor patients were observed for general psycho-oncological distress and hope. However, higher-grade brain tumor patients showed a significantly higher level of depression (p ≤ 0.001) and more negative expectations regarding therapeutic success (H = 4.873, p ≤ 0.050). The extent of depression correlated negatively with hope. Conclusion Unexpectedly, higher-grade brain tumor patients remained as hopeful as lower-grade brain tumor patients despite the devastating diagnosis, higher levels of depression, and a worse expectation of therapeutic success. Conversely, lower-grade brain tumor patients experience as much psycho-oncological distress as patients with a higher-grade brain tumor, underpinning the imperative need for comprehensive psycho-oncological screening. For all brain tumor patients, considering hope is important to avoid suicides resulting from hopelessness and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Mayer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Fuchs
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Madeleine Fink
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Norbert Schäffeler
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephan Zipfel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Franziska Geiser
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Heinz Reichmann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Björn Falkenburger
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marco Skardelly
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen-Stuttgart, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, District Hospital Reutlingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Martin Teufel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Section of Psycho-Oncology, West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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16
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Donegan D, Gowan T, Gruber R, Cottingham A, Flanagan M, Erickson D, Imperiale TF. The Need for Patient-centered Education Among Patients Newly Diagnosed With a Pituitary Tumor. J Endocr Soc 2021; 5:bvab061. [PMID: 34056501 PMCID: PMC8143658 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Brain tumors, including pituitary adenomas (PA), cause anxiety and distress, with a high unmet need for information correlating with increased anxiety. Condition-specific education may alleviate anxiety. We explored patients’ experience around the diagnosis of a PA and piloted a patient education intervention to address peridiagnostic anxiety in adults diagnosed with PA. Methods Anxiety, patient satisfaction, patient knowledge, and need for information were measured prior to, immediately after, and 1 month following the appointment in this multimethods study. A phone interview to explore patient diagnostic and intervention experiences was analyzed using qualitative methods. Results A total of 17 patients participated in the study; 15 completed the interview. The baseline need for information was high. Disease-specific anxiety decreased, and patient knowledge and satisfaction increased significantly after the initial visit. Interview analysis identified 3 main themes: (1) the importance of communication; (2) the need for information; and (3) the impact of the diagnosis on patient experience. Conclusions For patients with newly diagnosed PA, the diagnostic experience was associated with high levels of anxiety. Patients expressed a need for information. Information delivery reduced anxiety and had a positive impact on patient satisfaction. Practice Implications The study findings suggest a need for a streamlined diagnostic process with readily accessible information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Donegan
- Division of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.,Mayo Clinic, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Tayler Gowan
- Center for Health Services Research, Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Rachel Gruber
- Center for Health Services Research, Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Ann Cottingham
- Center for Health Services Research, Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Mindy Flanagan
- Center for Health Services Research, Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Dana Erickson
- Mayo Clinic, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Thomas F Imperiale
- Center for Health Services Research, Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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17
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Troschel FM, Ahndorf F, Wille LM, Brandt R, Jost J, Rekowski S, Eich HT, Stummer W, Wiewrodt R, Jetschke K, Wiewrodt D. Quality of Life in Brain Tumor Patients and Their Relatives Heavily Depends on Social Support Factors during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061276. [PMID: 33805663 PMCID: PMC7999211 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with increased mortality worldwide. Cancer patients are among those at enhanced risk while already suffering from decreased quality of life (QoL) due to their disease. In the present study, we investigated QoL in 100 brain tumor patients and relatives across a twelve-week timespan during the first COVID-related lockdown (04–07/2020) in detail. Compared to the general population, both patients and relatives showed significant distress, anxiety, and depression, with patients more at risk. QoL within a family—between patients and relatives—was correlated. While QoL did not change over time, acceptance of lockdown measures decreased towards the end of the study period. Finally, QoL was strongly associated with the number of weekly social contacts. These findings shed light on the psychosocial situation of a vulnerable cancer population during the COVID pandemic and indicate the need for targeted psychosocial interventions in these patients and their relatives. Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and restrictions on everyday life worldwide. This may be especially challenging for brain tumor patients given increased vulnerability due to their pre-existing condition. Here, we aimed to investigate the quality of life (QoL) in brain tumor patients and relatives in this setting. Over twelve weeks during the first wave of the pandemic (04–07/2020), brain tumor patients and their families from two large German tertiary care centers were asked to complete weekly questionnaires for anxiety, depression, distress, and well-being. Information regarding social support and living conditions was also collected. One hundred participants (63 patients, 37 relatives) completed 729 questionnaires over the course of the study. Compared to relatives, patients showed more depressive symptoms (p < 0.001) and reduced well-being (p = 0.013). While acceptance of lockdown measures decreased over time, QoL remained stable. QoL measures between patients and their families were weakly or moderately correlated. The number of social contacts was strongly associated with QoL. Age, living conditions, ongoing therapy, employment, and physical activity were other predictors. QoL is correlated between patients and their families and heavily depends on social support factors, indicating the need to focus on the entire family and their social situation for QoL interventions during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian M. Troschel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Münster University Hospital, 48149 Münster, Germany;
- Correspondence: (F.M.T.); (D.W.)
| | - Franziska Ahndorf
- Department of Neurosurgery, Münster University Hospital, 48149 Münster, Germany; (F.A.); (L.-M.W.); (R.B.); (J.J.); (W.S.)
| | - Lisa-Marie Wille
- Department of Neurosurgery, Münster University Hospital, 48149 Münster, Germany; (F.A.); (L.-M.W.); (R.B.); (J.J.); (W.S.)
| | - Ralf Brandt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Münster University Hospital, 48149 Münster, Germany; (F.A.); (L.-M.W.); (R.B.); (J.J.); (W.S.)
| | - Johanna Jost
- Department of Neurosurgery, Münster University Hospital, 48149 Münster, Germany; (F.A.); (L.-M.W.); (R.B.); (J.J.); (W.S.)
| | - Sylvia Rekowski
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44892 Bochum, Germany; (S.R.); (K.J.)
| | - Hans Theodor Eich
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Münster University Hospital, 48149 Münster, Germany;
| | - Walter Stummer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Münster University Hospital, 48149 Münster, Germany; (F.A.); (L.-M.W.); (R.B.); (J.J.); (W.S.)
| | - Rainer Wiewrodt
- Pulmonary Division, Department of Medicine A, Münster University Hospital, 48149 Münster, Germany;
| | - Kathleen Jetschke
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44892 Bochum, Germany; (S.R.); (K.J.)
| | - Dorothee Wiewrodt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Münster University Hospital, 48149 Münster, Germany; (F.A.); (L.-M.W.); (R.B.); (J.J.); (W.S.)
- Correspondence: (F.M.T.); (D.W.)
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Development of screening questions for doctor-patient consultation assessing the quality of life and psychosocial burden of glioma patients: an explorative study. Qual Life Res 2021; 30:1513-1522. [PMID: 33517524 PMCID: PMC8068662 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-021-02756-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Psychosocial screening for glioma patients is challenging because many patients suffer from neurocognitive deficits, which may impair assessment. This study's aim was to exploratively develop three screening questions for unmet needs to prospectively be applicable in patient-doctor consultation. METHODS Patient interviews, a survey for health-care professionals and a weighted scoring procedure were developed for this study. Six main areas were defined according to main areas of validated questionnaires (psyche, cognition, body, role functioning, social support, unmet needs). Patients and health-care professionals rated the importance of these areas and corresponding items, patients additionally stated whether the issues addressed affected them. RESULTS A total of 50 patients were included, and 36 health-care professionals participated in the online survey. The three areas (psyche, body and cognition) considered to be most relevant by both, health-care professionals and patients, generated three screening questions. If the patient was affected by the issue addressed with a screening question, a subordinate question from that area that our patient sample considered most important could additionally be asked. The elaborated screening questions are the following: (1) main area psyche: "Has your mood worsened?", (2) main area body: "Do physical changes put a strain on you?", and (3) main area cognition: "Has your memory capacity worsened?" CONCLUSION These questions represent a basis for further research regarding their application in neuro-oncological clinical routine.
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Leggiero NM, Armstrong TS, Gilbert MR, King AL. Use of virtual reality for symptom management in solid-tumor patients with implications for primary brain tumor research: a systematic review. Neurooncol Pract 2020; 7:477-489. [PMID: 33014388 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npaa012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Primary brain tumors (PBTs) remain incurable, with a typically poor prognosis and significant symptom burden for patients. Virtual reality (VR) can potentially alleviate some of the negative aspects of illness by allowing individuals to escape to environments where they can experience more positive thoughts and emotions. Given promising findings for VR use in other clinical populations, there is increasing interest to use VR for symptomatic improvement in oncology patients. The purpose of this review was to analyze the literature of VR-related interventions for symptom management in adult PBT and other solid-tumor patients, which will guide development of future VR interventions in these populations. Methods A systematic search of EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines with predefined eligibility criteria. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for review. Results Findings showed promising evidence that VR can improve anxiety for solid-tumor patients, with mixed results reported for pain, distress, depression, and mood. There was significant heterogeneity in methodological approaches across the literature and the majority of studies were underpowered and lacked rigorous study designs. Qualitative findings demonstrated a high degree of participant satisfaction with VR use, with very few adverse side effects reported. Conclusions Findings from this review suggest that VR can be used as an innovative delivery system for targeted interventions to improve symptoms in PBTs and other solid-tumor patient populations, though additional well-designed clinical trials are needed to better establish its efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Leggiero
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Terri S Armstrong
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Mark R Gilbert
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Amanda L King
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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Goebel S, Knuth C, Damm M, Linden D, Coburger J, Ringel F, Tabatabai G, Mehdorn M, Renovanz M. Towards the targeted assessment of relevant problems: Optimization of the distress Thermometer for adult neuro-oncological patients. Psychooncology 2020; 29:2057-2066. [PMID: 33002245 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Generic psychosocial screening tools may not reflect the unique symptom profile of brain tumour patients (BTPs). The aim was to adapt the problem list of the distress thermometer (DT) for BTPs. METHODS First, items of low relevance for BTPs were identified on basis of retrospective analyses. Second, relevant yet missing problems were identified via an extensive literature search, qualitative interviews with BTPs and experts, as well as an online expert survey. The resulting raw version of the adapted problem list in BTPs was subsequently pretested. RESULTS In the first part, data of n = 657 BTPs were analysed. Twelve items (20%) were excluded in this step as they proved to be less relevant for BTPs (i.e., items were endorsed by less than 10% and without significant correlations to patients' DT score). In the second part, qualitative interviews and the online survey with 102 professionals led to the addition of 21 new and the modification and condensation of 17 relevant problems specific for BTPs. This adapted list was than successfully pretested in n = 19 patients, leading to the 'distress thermometer brain tumour problem list' (DT-BT), consisting of 42 relevant problems. CONCLUSION The adapted problem list for the DT particularly reflects the neurological and psychosocial burden of an intracranial tumour and allows for the targeted assessment of the specific burdens and needs of BTPs. Our revised version of the DTs problem list (DT-BT) should in the next step be widely validated in multinational samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Goebel
- Department of Psychology, University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Carina Knuth
- Department of Psychology, University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Matthias Damm
- Department of Neurology & Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Linden
- Department of Neurology & Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jan Coburger
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Florian Ringel
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ghazaleh Tabatabai
- Department of Neurology & Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Mirjam Renovanz
- Department of Neurology & Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center, Tuebingen, Germany
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21
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Finneran M, Marotta DA, Altenburger D, Nardone E. Long-term Survival in a Patient with Butterfly Glioblastoma: A Case Report. Cureus 2020; 12:e6914. [PMID: 32190469 PMCID: PMC7061816 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.6914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Butterfly glioblastoma (bGBM) is a malignant glioma that crosses the corpus callous with bilateral cerebral hemisphere involvement. Literature reports are scarce and highlight a dismal prognosis with limited successful treatment options. We describe a patient who survived more than five years from the initial diagnosis. A 44-year-old woman presented to the emergency room for evaluation one day after a motor vehicle collision at the insistence of her husband, with four weeks of confusion, behavioral changes, and increased fatigue. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed an enhancing, heterogeneous mass with significant necrosis, centered in the septum pellucidum and corpus callosum with intraventricular extension. She underwent a stereotactic biopsy of the lesion. Pathology was consistent with glioblastoma, WHO grade IV. She underwent standard radiation treatment and adjuvant temozolomide, demonstrating a near-complete disappearance of the tumor on imaging for the subsequent two years. Upon recurrence, she underwent additional chemotherapy with limited response. A repeat biopsy was positive for a BRAF mutation and she was treated with lomustine. After two cycles, she developed thrombocytopenia and shortly after elected to discontinue treatment. She succumbed to the progression of disease five years and two months after the initial presentation. bGBMs are uncommon and highly aggressive brain tumors. A tailored treatment protocol may improve survival. This case marks an unusually long survival of a patient with bGBM and may prompt further research to better understand the behavior of these tumors and how to improve treatment response and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Finneran
- Neurosurgery, Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal, USA
| | - Dario A Marotta
- Department of Research, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, USA
| | | | - Emilio Nardone
- Neurosurgery, Central Illinois Neurosciences Foundation, Bloomington, USA
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22
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Otto-Meyer S, DeFaccio R, Dussold C, Ladomersky E, Zhai L, Lauing KL, Bollu LR, Amidei C, Lukas RV, Scholtens DM, Wainwright DA. A retrospective survival analysis of Glioblastoma patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Brain Behav Immun Health 2019; 2. [PMID: 32190845 PMCID: PMC7079579 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2019.100025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive form of malignant glioma in adults with a median overall survival (OS) time of 16–18 months and a median age of diagnosis at 64 years old. Recent work has suggested that depression and psychosocial distress are associated with worse outcomes in patients with GBM. We therefore hypothesized that the targeted neutralization of psychosocial distress with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant treatment would be associated with a longer OS among patients with GBM. To address this hypothesis, we retrospectively studied the association between adjuvant SSRI usage and OS in GBM patients treated by Northwestern Medicine-affiliated providers. The medical records of 497 GBM patients were analyzed after extraction from the Northwestern Medicine Enterprise Data Warehouse. Data were retrospectively studied using a multivariable Cox model with SSRI use defined as a time-dependent variable for estimating the association with OS. Of the 497 patients, 315 individuals died, while 182 were censored due to the loss of follow-up or were alive at the end of our study. Of the 497 patients, 151 had a recorded use of SSRI treatment during the disease course. Unexpectedly, SSRI usage was not associated with an OS effect in both naïve (HR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.64–1.03) and adjusted time-dependent (HR = 1.26, 95% CI = 0.97–1.63) Cox models. Ultimately, we failed to find an association between SSRI treatment and an improved OS of patients with GBM. Additional work is necessary for understanding the potential therapeutic effects of SSRIs when combined with other treatment approaches, and immunotherapies in particular, for subjects with GBM. SSRI use was not associated with improved overall survival in GBM patients. Analysis included fluoxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline, paroxetine, vilazodone. Multiple statistical models were used to verify the findings. Time-dependent modeling of SSRI use was critical to avoid immortal time bias. Future work in animal models or prospective studies is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rian DeFaccio
- Department of Preventative Medicine-Biostatistics, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Corey Dussold
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | | | - Lijie Zhai
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | | | | | | | - Rimas V Lukas
- Department of Neurology, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Denise M Scholtens
- Department of Preventative Medicine-Biostatistics, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Derek A Wainwright
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Department of Medicine-Division of Hematology and Oncology, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
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23
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Rosenlund L, Degsell E, Jakola AS. Moving from clinician-defined to patient-reported outcome measures for survivors of high-grade glioma. Patient Relat Outcome Meas 2019; 10:267-276. [PMID: 31692481 PMCID: PMC6711557 DOI: 10.2147/prom.s179313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons with high-grade glioma face both neurological and cancer-related symptoms from the tumor itself and its treatment affecting their daily lives. Survival alone is not an adequate outcome, the quality of the survivorship experience needs to be regarded with equal importance. Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures can be used to evaluate treatment effects and symptom management interventions. PURPOSE The aim of this review was to identify the use, challenges, and potential of PRO measures in survivors of high-grade glioma. METHODS A narrative expert opinion review was performed on the subject. In addition to our own experiences we searched PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO for brain tumor-specific PRO measures used in the population of adult patients with high-grade glioma, both original articles and reviews were included. RESULTS There are several PRO measures that have been validated for patients with primary brain tumors including high-grade glioma. PRO measures are used both in clinical trials to evaluate the effect of treatment on health-related quality of life, and in daily clinical practice for holistic needs assessment and symptom management. Common PRO measures used for patients with high-grade glioma are European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer general instrument for patients with cancer together with brain tumor module, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain, and MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for Brain Tumor. Neurologic and cognitive disorders often occur in patients with high-grade glioma, which affects patients' ability to self-report over time, making it more challenging in this population. PRO as a primary outcome seems underutilized. CONCLUSION For clinical research, PRO measures need to be used together with other clinical outcome measures rather than replacing traditional outcome measures. Moving to more use of PRO measures in survivorship care has potential to improve patient-caregiver-healthcare team communication, symptom management, and quality of care. Implementing PROs in survivorship care should also involve caregivers and a response based on the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Rosenlund
- Regional Cancer Centre Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eskil Degsell
- Regional Cancer Centre Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Malignant Brain Tumor Pathway, Quality and Patient Safety Department, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- The Swedish Brain Tumor Association, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Asgeir Store Jakola
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Physiology and Neuroscience, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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24
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The interplay among psychological distress, the immune system, and brain tumor patient outcomes. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2019; 28:44-50. [PMID: 31049368 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2019.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A malignant brain tumor diagnosis is often accompanied with intense feelings and can be associated with psychosocial conditions including depression, anxiety, and/or increased distress levels. Previous work has highlighted the impact of uncontrolled psychological distress among brain tumor patients. Given the negative impact of maladaptive psychosocial and biobehavioral factors on normal immune system functions, the question remains as to how psychological conditions potentially affect the brain tumor patient anti-tumor immune response. Since immunotherapy has yet to show efficacy at increasing malignant glioma patient survival in all randomized, phase III clinical trials to-date, this review provides new insights into the potential negative effects of chronic distress on brain tumor patient immune functions and outcomes.
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