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Hoffmans-Holtzer N, Smolenaers L, Olofsen-van Acht M, Hoogeman M, Balvert M, Petit S. Robust optimization of a radiotherapy pretreatment preparation workflow. Phys Med Biol 2024; 69:025022. [PMID: 37625421 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/acf437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Objective. Increasing cancer incidence, staff shortage and high burnout rate among radiation oncologists, medical physicists and radiation technicians are putting many departments under strain. Operations research (OR) tools could optimize radiotherapy processes, however, clinical implementation of OR-tools in radiotherapy is scarce since most investigated optimization methods lack robustness against patient-to-patient variation in duration of tasks. By combining OR-tools, a method was developed that optimized deployment of radiotherapy resources by generating robust pretreatment preparation schedules that balance the expected average patient preparation time (Fmean) with the risk of working overtime (RoO). The method was evaluated for various settings of an one-stop shop (OSS) outpatient clinic for palliative radiotherapy.Approach. The OSS at our institute sees, scans and treats 3-5 patients within one day. The OSS pretreatment preparation workflow consists of a fixed sequence of tasks, which was manually optimized for radiation oncologist and CT availability. To find more optimal sequences, with shorterFmeanand lowerRoO, a genetic algorithm was developed which regards these sequences as DNA-strands. The genetic algorithm applied natural selection principles to produce new sequences. A decoder translated sequences to schedules to find the conflicting fitness parametersFmeanandRoO. For every generation, fitness of sequences was determined by the distance to the estimated Pareto front ofFmeanandRoO. Experiments were run in various OSS-settings.Main results. According to our approach, the expectedFmeanof the current clinical schedule could be reduced with 37%, without increasingRoO. Additional experiments provided insights in trade-offs betweenFmean,RoO, working shift length, number of patients treated on a single day and staff composition.Significance. Our approach demonstrated that OR-tools could optimize radiotherapy resources by robust pretreatment workflow scheduling. The results strongly support further exploration of scheduling optimization for treatment preparation also outside a one-stop shop or radiotherapy setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke Hoffmans-Holtzer
- Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Radiotherapy, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Luuk Smolenaers
- Tilburg School of Economics and Management, Department of Econometrics and Operations Research, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Manouk Olofsen-van Acht
- Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Radiotherapy, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mischa Hoogeman
- Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Radiotherapy, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marleen Balvert
- Tilburg School of Economics and Management, Department of Econometrics and Operations Research, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Steven Petit
- Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Radiotherapy, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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2
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Davis MP, Vanenkevort E, Young A, Wojtowicz M, Gupta M, Lagerman B, Liu E, Mackley H, Panikkar R. Radiation Therapy in the Last Month of Life: Association With Aggressive Care at the End of Life. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 66:638-646. [PMID: 37657725 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Half of the patients with cancer who undergo radiation therapy do so with palliative intent. OBJECTIVES To determine the proportion of undergoing radiation in the last month of life, patient characteristics, cancer course, the type and duration of radiation, whether palliative care was involved, and the of radiation with aggressive cancer care metrics. METHODS One thousand seven hundred twenty-seven patients who died of cancer between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019, were included. Demographics, cancer stage, palliative care referral, advance directives, use of home health care, radiation timing, and survival were collected. Type of radiation, course, and intent were reviewed. Chi-square analysis was utilized for categorical variables, and Kruskal-Wallis tests for continuous variables. A stepwise selection was used to build a Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS Two hundred thirty-three patients underwent radiation in the last month of life. Younger patients underwent radiation 67.3 years (SD 11.52) versus 69.2 years (SD 11.96). 42.6% had radiation within two weeks of death. The average fraction number was 5.5. Individuals undergoing radiation were more likely to start chemotherapy within the last 30 days of life, continue chemotherapy within two weeks of death, be admitted to the ICU, and have two or more hospitalizations or emergency room visits. Survival measured from the date of diagnosis was shorter for those undergoing radiation, 122 days (IQR 58-462) versus 474 days (IQR 225-1150). Palliative care consultations occurred later in those undergoing radiation therapy. CONCLUSION Radiation therapy in the last month of life occurs in younger patients with rapidly progressive cancer, who are subject to more aggressive cancer care, and have late palliative care consults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mellar P Davis
- Department of Palliative Care (M.P.D.), Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania.
| | - Erin Vanenkevort
- Department of Population and Health Science (E.V., A.Y.), Research Institute Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Amanda Young
- Department of Population and Health Science (E.V., A.Y.), Research Institute Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Mark Wojtowicz
- Oncology Research Department (M.W.), Cancer Institute, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Mudit Gupta
- Department of Phenomics Analytics and Clinical Data Core (M.G., B.L.), Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Braxton Lagerman
- Department of Phenomics Analytics and Clinical Data Core (M.G., B.L.), Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Edward Liu
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (E.L.), Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Heath Mackley
- Department of Radiation Oncology (H.M.), Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Rajiv Panikkar
- Knapper Cancer Center, Geisinger Medical Center (R.P.), Danville, Pennsylvania
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3
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Defining the expected 30-day mortality for patients undergoing palliative radiotherapy: a meta-analysis. Radiother Oncol 2022; 168:147-210. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2022.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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The Effect of Breast Cancer Subtype on Symptom Improvement Following Palliative Radiotherapy for Bone Metastases. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2021; 34:267-273. [PMID: 34690008 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2021.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM To assess the relationship between breast cancer subtypes and patient-reported outcomes (PRO) following palliative radiotherapy for bone metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS Prospectively collected PRO for all breast cancer patients treated with palliative, bone metastasis-directed radiotherapy from 2013 to 2016 in the province of British Columbia were analysed. The PRO questionnaire scored pain severity, level of function and symptom frustration at baseline and at 3-4 weeks following palliative radiotherapy using a 12-point scale. The primary outcome was the rate of overall response (any improvement in score); the secondary outcome was the rate of complete improvement in PRO (final PRO score of 0). Multivariate logistic analysis was used to compare response rates between molecular subgroup approximations of luminal A (LumA), luminal B (LumB), HER2-enriched (HER2) and triple negative (TN), as defined by grade and immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS There were 376 patients who underwent 464 courses of palliative radiation for bone metastases. Subtypes included: 243 LumA, 146 LumB, 46 HER2 and 29 TN. There were 216 multifraction radiotherapy courses (median dose 20 Gy) and 248 single-fraction radiotherapy courses (median dose 8 Gy). The overall response rate was 85% and the complete response rate was 25%. In comparison with LumA breast cancers, TN breast cancers were associated with a lower rate of overall response (69% versus 86%, P = 0.021) and a lower rate of complete response (10% versus 28.8%, P = 0.045) on multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION Patients with TN breast cancer have lower rates of pain, function and symptom frustration improvement following palliative radiation for bone metastases.
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Mushonga M, Nyakabau AM, Ndlovu N, Iyer HS, Bellon JR, Kanda C, Ndarukwa-Jambwa S, Chipidza F, Makunike-Mutasa R, Muchuweti D, Muguti EG, Cluff Elmore SN. Patterns of Palliative Radiotherapy Utilization for Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer in Harare, Zimbabwe. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:1212-1219. [PMID: 34343013 PMCID: PMC8457791 DOI: 10.1200/go.20.00656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In sub-Saharan Africa, radiotherapy (RT) utilization and delivery patterns have not been extensively studied in patients with metastatic breast cancer. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of female patients with metastatic breast cancer seen at Parirenyatwa Radiotherapy Centre in Zimbabwe from 2014 to 2018 was conducted. Demographics, pathology, staging, and treatment data were abstracted through chart review. Fisher's exact test and chi-squared test of independence were used to compare proportions, and independent two-sample t-tests were used to compare means. RESULTS Of 351 patients with breast cancer, 152 (43%) had metastatic disease, median age 51 years (interquartile range: 43-61 years). Of those with metastatic disease, 30 patients (20%) received radiation to various metastatic sites: 16 spine; three nonspine bone metastases; six whole brain; and five chest wall or supraclavicular. Patients who received radiation were younger (46 v 52 years; P = .019), but did not differ significantly by performance status than those who did not. The most common dose prescription was 30 Gy in 10 fractions (33%). Five (17%) patients had treatment interruption and two (7%) had treatment noncompletion. Province of origin and clinical tumor stage were significant predictors of RT receipt (P = .002; and P = .018, respectively). CONCLUSION A minority of patients with metastatic breast cancer received RT (20%), and these were likely to be younger, with advanced tumor stage, and resided in provinces where RT is available. Conventional courses were generally prescribed. There is a need to strongly consider palliative RT as an option for patients with metastatic breast cancer and use of hypofractionated courses (e.g. 8 Gy in one fraction) may support this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Mary Nyakabau
- Parirenyatwa Hospital Radiotherapy Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Cancerserve Trust, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Ntokozo Ndlovu
- Parirenyatwa Hospital Radiotherapy Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Hari Subramaniam Iyer
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA.,Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | | | - Caroline Kanda
- Parirenyatwa Hospital Radiotherapy Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Sandra Ndarukwa-Jambwa
- Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Fallon Chipidza
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA.,Harvard Radiation Oncology Program, Boston, MA
| | - Rudo Makunike-Mutasa
- Department of Pathology, University of Zimbabwe, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - David Muchuweti
- Department of Surgery, University of Zimbabwe, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Edwin G Muguti
- Department of Surgery, University of Zimbabwe, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Pobar I, Job M, Holt T, Hargrave C, Hickey B. Prognostic tools for survival prediction in advanced cancer patients: A systematic review. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2021; 65:806-816. [PMID: 33973382 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Survival prediction for palliative cancer patients by physicians is often optimistic. Patients with a very short life expectancy (<4 weeks) may not benefit from radiation therapy (RT), as the time to maximal symptom relief after treatment can take 4-6 weeks. We aimed to identify a prognostic tool (or tools) to predict survival of less than 4 weeks and less than 3 months in patients with advanced cancer to guide the choice of radiation dose and fractionation. We searched Embase, Medline (EBSCOhost) and CINAHL (EBSCOhost) clinical databases for literature published between January 2008 and June 2018. Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Prediction accuracy at less than 4 weeks and less than 3 months were compared across the prognostic tools. Reporting of prediction accuracy among the different studies was not consistent: the Palliative Prognostic Score (PaP), Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI) and Number of Risk Factors (NRF) best-predicted survival duration of less than 4 weeks. The PPI, performance status with Palliative Prognostic Index (PS-PPI), NRF and Survival Prediction Score (SPS) may predict 3-month survival. We recommend PPI and PaP tools to assess the likelihood of a patient surviving less than 4 weeks. If predicted to survive longer and RT is justified, the NRF tool could be used to determine survival probability less than 3 months which can then help clinicians select dose and fractionation. Future research is needed to verify the reliability of survival prediction using these prognostic tools in a radiation oncology setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaiah Pobar
- Radiation Oncology Princess Alexandra Hospital Raymond Terrace, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mary Job
- Radiation Oncology Princess Alexandra Hospital Raymond Terrace, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tanya Holt
- Radiation Oncology Princess Alexandra Hospital Raymond Terrace, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Catriona Hargrave
- Radiation Oncology Princess Alexandra Hospital Raymond Terrace, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,QUT, Faculty of Health, School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brigid Hickey
- Radiation Oncology Princess Alexandra Hospital Raymond Terrace, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Vázquez M, Altabas M, Moreno DC, Geng AA, Pérez-Hoyos S, Giralt J. 30-Day Mortality Following Palliative Radiotherapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:668481. [PMID: 33968775 PMCID: PMC8103895 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.668481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose 30-day mortality (30-DM) is a parameter with widespread use as an indicator of avoidance of harm used in medicine. Our objective is to determine the 30-DM followed by palliative radiation therapy (RT) in our department and to identify potential prognosis factors. Material/Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study including patients treated with palliative RT in our center during 2018 and 2019. Data related to clinical and treatment characteristics were collected. Results We treated 708 patients to whom 992 palliative irradiations were delivered. The most frequent primary tumor sites were lung (31%), breast (14.8%), and gastrointestinal (14.8%). Bone was the predominant location of the treatment (56%), and the use of single doses was the preferred treatment schedule (34.4%). The 30-DM was 17.5%. For those who died in the first month the median survival was 17 days. Factors with a significant impact on 30-DM were: male gender (p < 0.0001); Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status (PS) of 2–3 (p = 0.0001); visceral metastases (p = 0.0353); lung, gastrointestinal or urinary tract primary tumors (p = 0.016); and single dose RT (p = <0.0001). In the multivariate analysis, male gender, ECOG PS 2–3, gastrointestinal and lung cancer were found to be independent factors related to 30-DM. Conclusion Our 30-DM is similar to previous studies. We have found four clinical factors related to 30-DM of which ECOG was the most strongly associated. This data may help to identify terminally ill patients with poor prognosis in order to avoid unnecessary treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Vázquez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Altabas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diana C Moreno
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Abraham A Geng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Santiago Pérez-Hoyos
- Unit of Statistics and Bioinformatics, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Giralt
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
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A Review of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy Near the End of Life in Individuals with Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer. FORUM OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/fco-2019-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Appropriate chemotherapy and radiation near end of life is a moving target; challenged by increasing costs, evolving therapies, new reimbursement models and quality metrics. We review treatment trends and variables impacting the initiation of chemotherapy (CHT) and radiotherapy (XRT) in the final 60, 30 and 14 days of life in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Methods
The Florida Cancer Data System was studied to complete a retrospective cohort analysis of 48,858 individuals with Stage IV (M1) NSCLC from 1995–2010. We evaluated the initiation of CHT and XRT after diagnosis and associations with patient demographics, insurance and socioeconomic status (SES).
Results
The use of CHT increased from 35% to 49%, while XRT decreased from 52% to 37% between 1995 and 2010. Initial courses of CHT occurred 8.1%, 5.0%, and 3.6% in the final 60, 30, and 14 days of life, and XRT 13.8%, 7.7%, and 5.2% of the time, respectively. Younger, married, and male patients were more likely to receive treatment. Low SES (OR 0.685, 95% CI 0.633–0.741) and uninsured individuals (OR 0.678, 95% CI 0.572–0.804) were less likely to receive CHT. SES and insurance did not impact XRT.
Conclusions
The initiation of late CHT and XRT treatments decreased from 1995–2010. It persisted above 3% in the last 14 days of life. Clinicians may struggle to taper treatment before death, especially in patients with limited survival. It is important to recognize the complexities of death and dying and the potential influences of palliative care in affecting treatment decisions.
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Wu SY, Singer L, Boreta L, Garcia MA, Fogh SE, Braunstein SE. Palliative radiotherapy near the end of life. BMC Palliat Care 2019; 18:29. [PMID: 30904024 PMCID: PMC6431041 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-019-0415-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A significant proportion of patients with advanced cancer undergo palliative radiotherapy (RT) within their last 30 days of life. This study characterizes palliative RT at our institution and aims to identify patients who may experience limited benefit from RT due to imminent mortality. Methods Five hundred and-eighteen patients treated with external beam RT to a site of metastatic disease between 2012 and 2016 were included. Mann-Whitney U and chi-squared tests were used to identify factors associated with RT within 30 days of death (D30RT). Results Median age at RT was 63 years (IQR 54–71). Median time from RT to death was 74 days (IQR 33–174). One hundred and twenty-five patients (24%) died within 30 days of RT. D30RT was associated with older age at RT (64 vs. 62 years, p = 0.04), shorter interval since diagnosis (14 vs. 31 months, p < 0.001), liver metastasis (p = 0.02), lower KPS (50 vs. 70, p < 0.001), lower BMI (22 vs. 24, p = 0.001), and inpatient status at consult (56% vs. 26%, p < 0.001). Patients who died within 30 days of RT were less likely to have hospice involved in their care (44% vs. 71%, p = 0.001). D30RT was associated with higher Chow and TEACHH scores at consult (p < 0.001 for both). Conclusions Twenty-four percent of patients received palliative RT within 30 days of death. Additional tools are necessary to help physicians identify patients who would benefit from short treatment courses or alternative interventions to maximize quality at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Y Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave, L-75, 1600 Divisadero St., H1031, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Lisa Singer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Lauren Boreta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave, L-75, 1600 Divisadero St., H1031, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Michael A Garcia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave, L-75, 1600 Divisadero St., H1031, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Shannon E Fogh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave, L-75, 1600 Divisadero St., H1031, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Steve E Braunstein
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave, L-75, 1600 Divisadero St., H1031, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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10
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Tseng YD, Gouwens NW, Lo SS, Halasz LM, Spady P, Mezheritsky I, Loggers E. Use of Radiation Therapy Within the Last Year of Life Among Cancer Patients. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2018; 101:21-29. [PMID: 29487025 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2018.01.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We examined radiation therapy (RT) use within the last year of life (LYOL). As palliative RT (PRT) has been well studied in patients with ≥6-week life expectancies, we hypothesized that PRT use would be constant over the LYOL, except for the last 30 days, when use would decline given lack of prospective data supporting it. MATERIALS AND METHODS At a single institution, 870 cancer patients died between October 2, 2014, and September 30, 2015, and had ≥3 evaluation and management visits within the LYOL. Claims and RT data were extracted and linked. Over the LYOL, we evaluated RT use by intent (curative vs palliative) and indications. RESULTS Within the LYOL, one-third of patients underwent RT in the last 365 days of life to 444 sites, which decreased to 24.3% and 8.5% in the last 180 and 30 days of life, respectively. Patients who received any RT in the last 365 days of life were younger at death and had a higher proportion of lung, sarcoma, and transplant disease groups. One-quarter of sites were irradiated with curative intent, which remained constant over the LYOL. In contrast, PRT was used at a supralinear rate, in which treatment of bone metastases and use of single-fraction PRT increased closer to death. CONCLUSIONS PRT appears to be disproportionately used closer to death, with an increasing proportion of irradiated sites being bone metastases. This may be secondary to increased symptoms from advanced cancer toward the end of life. As patients with very poor prognoses (eg, within 30 days of death) are generally not included in RT clinical trials, further studies are warranted to assess whether PRT for bone metastases at the end of life is efficacious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda D Tseng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
| | | | - Simon S Lo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Lia M Halasz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Phil Spady
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Elizabeth Loggers
- Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, Washington; Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington; Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Park KR, Lee CG, Tseng YD, Liao JJ, Reddy S, Bruera E, Yennurajalingam S. Palliative radiation therapy in the last 30 days of life: A systematic review. Radiother Oncol 2017; 125:193-199. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2017.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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12
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Puckett LL, Luitweiler E, Potters L, Teckie S. Preventing Discontinuation of Radiation Therapy: Predictive Factors to Improve Patient Selection for Palliative Treatment. J Oncol Pract 2017; 13:e782-e791. [PMID: 28759295 DOI: 10.1200/jop.2017.021220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Approximately one third of patients with cancer require palliative radiation therapy (PRT), yet no guidelines exist for optimal patient selection. We have observed that many patients who begin PRT do not complete their prescribed treatment. Our study sought to identify factors associated with discontinuation of PRT, assess for a relationship with survival, and inform patient selection. METHODS We performed an institutional review board-approved retrospective analysis of patients with cancer treated in a multicenter radiation oncology department in 2014. Of 297 patients who began PRT, 60 discontinued and 237 completed treatment. Primary end points included discontinuation and overall survival. RESULTS Patient factors were analyzed for association with discontinuation of PRT and overall survival, respectively, using logistic regression and Cox proportional regression models. Factors associated with discontinuation were low Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score, high number of fractions prescribed, and treatment site other than bone metastasis. The odds of discontinuing PRT decreased by approximately 52% for every 10-point increase in KPS score (odds ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.63; P < .001). Factors associated with shorter survival included discontinuation of PRT, low KPS score, community practice location, multiple comorbidities, and treatment of brain metastases. Patients who discontinued treatment were more likely to die than patients who completed treatment, independent of other factors (hazard ratio, 3.67; 95% CI, 2.41 to 5.61; P < .001). CONCLUSION Patients with low KPS scores, long treatment courses, and those treated to sites other than bone metastasis were significantly more likely to discontinue treatment. Discontinuation was predictive for poor survival. Pretreatment evaluation of KPS, comorbidities, and brain metastases can help guide appropriate patient selection for PRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay L Puckett
- Northwell Health, Lake Success; and Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, Hempstead, NY
| | - Eric Luitweiler
- Northwell Health, Lake Success; and Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, Hempstead, NY
| | - Louis Potters
- Northwell Health, Lake Success; and Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, Hempstead, NY
| | - Sewit Teckie
- Northwell Health, Lake Success; and Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, Hempstead, NY
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13
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Ganesh V, Chan S, Raman S, Chow R, Hoskin P, Lam H, Wan BA, Drost L, DeAngelis C, Chow E. A review of patterns of practice and clinical guidelines in the palliative radiation treatment of uncomplicated bone metastases. Radiother Oncol 2017. [PMID: 28629871 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2017.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Single fraction radiation treatment (SFRT) is recommended for its equivalence to multiple-fraction (MF) RT in the palliation of uncomplicated bone metastases (BM). However, adoption of SFRT has been slow. MATERIALS AND METHODS Literature searches for studies published following 2014 were conducted using online repositories of gray literature, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase and Embase Classic, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. RESULTS A total of 32 articles detailing patterns of practice and clinical practice guidelines were included for final synthesis. The majority of organizations have released high level recommendations for SFRT use in treatment of uncomplicated BM, based on evidence of non-inferiority to MFRT. There are key differences between guidelines, such as varying strengths of recommendation for SFRT use over MFRT; contraindication in vertebral sites for SFRT; and risk estimation of pathologic fractures after SFRT. Differences in guidelines may be influenced by committee composition and organization mandate. Differences in patterns of practice may be influenced by individual center policies, payment modalities and consideration of patient factors such as age, prognosis, and performance status. CONCLUSION Although there is some variation between groups, the majority of guidelines recommend use of SFRT and others consider it to be a reasonable alternative to MFRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vithusha Ganesh
- Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Stephanie Chan
- Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Srinivas Raman
- Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Ronald Chow
- Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Henry Lam
- Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Bo Angela Wan
- Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Leah Drost
- Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Carlo DeAngelis
- Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Edward Chow
- Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Canada.
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Buergy D, Sharfo AWM, Heijmen BJM, Voet PWJ, Breedveld S, Wenz F, Lohr F, Stieler F. Fully automated treatment planning of spinal metastases - A comparison to manual planning of Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy for conventionally fractionated irradiation. Radiat Oncol 2017; 12:33. [PMID: 28143623 PMCID: PMC5282882 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-017-0767-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Planning for Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) may be time consuming and its use is limited by available staff resources. Automated multicriterial treatment planning can eliminate this bottleneck. We compared automatically created (auto) VMAT plans generated by Erasmus-iCycle to manually created VMAT plans for treatment of spinal metastases. Methods Forty-two targets in 32 patients were analyzed. Lungs and kidneys were defined as organs at risk (OARs). Twenty-two patients received radiotherapy on kidney levels, 17 on lung levels, and 3 on both levels. Results All Erasmus-iCycle plans were clinically acceptable. When compared to manual plans, planning target volume (PTV) coverage of auto plans was significantly better. The Homogeneity Index did not differ significantly between the groups. Mean dose to OARs was lower in auto plans concerning both kidneys and the left lung. One hotspot (>110% of D50%) occurred in the spinal cord of one auto plan (33.2 Gy, D50%: 30 Gy). Treatment time was 7% longer in auto plans. Conclusions Erasmus-iCycle plans showed better target coverage and sparing of OARs at the expense of minimally longer treatment times (for which no constraint was set). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13014-017-0767-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Buergy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Abdul Wahab M Sharfo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus MC-Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ben J M Heijmen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus MC-Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sebastiaan Breedveld
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus MC-Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frederik Wenz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Frank Lohr
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Florian Stieler
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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