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Li B, Lin X, Chen S, Qian Z, Wu H, Liao G, Chen H, Kang Z, Peng J, Liang G. The association between fear of progression and medical coping strategies among people living with HIV: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:440. [PMID: 38347483 PMCID: PMC10860317 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17969-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the chronic nature of HIV, mental health has become a critical concern in people living with HIV (PLWHIV). However, little knowledge exists about the association between fear of progression (FoP) and medical coping modes (MCMs) in PLWHIV in China. METHODS A cohort of 303 PLWHIV were consecutively enrolled and their demographic, clinical and psychological information was collected. The Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), Internalized HIV Stigma Scale (IHSS) and MCMs Questionnaire were utilized. RESULTS Of the participants, 215 PLWHIV were classified into the low-level FoP group, and 88 were grouped into the high-level FoP group based on their FoP-Q-SF scores, according to the criteria for the classification of dysfunctional FoP in cancer patients. The high-level group had a higher proportion of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) stage (P = 0.005), lower education levels (P = 0.027) and lower income levels (P = 0.031). Additionally, the high-level group had lower scores in social support (P < 0.001) and its three dimensions, with total SSRS scores showing a negative correlation with two dimensions of FoP-Q-SF, namely physical health (r2 = 0.0409, P < 0.001) and social family (r2 = 0.0422, P < 0.001). Further, the high-level group had higher scores in four dimensions of internalized HIV stigma, and a positive relationship was found to exist between IHSS scores and FoP-Q-SF scores for physical health (r2 = 0.0960, P < 0.001) and social family (r2 = 0.0719, P < 0.001). Social support (OR = 0.929, P = 0.001), being at the AIDS stage (OR = 3.795, P = 0.001), and internalized HIV stigma (OR = 1.028, P < 0.001) were independent factors for FoP. Furthermore, intended MCMs were evaluated. FoP were positively correlated with avoidance scores (r2 = 0.0886, P < 0.001) and was validated as the only factor for the mode of confrontation (OR = 0.944, P = 0.001) and avoidance (OR = 1.059, P = 0.001) in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION The incidence of dysfunctional FoP in our study population was relatively high. High-level FoP was associated with poor social support, high-level internalized HIV stigma and a negative MCM among PLWHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiaoli Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Suling Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhe Qian
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Houji Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Guichan Liao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hongjie Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zixin Kang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jie Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Guangyu Liang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Weis E, Surgeoner B, Salopek TG, Cheng T, Hyrcza M, Kostaras X, Larocque M, McKinnon G, McWhae J, Menon G, Monzon J, Murtha AD, Walker J, Temple-Oberle C. Management of Uveal Melanoma: Updated Cancer Care Alberta Clinical Practice Guideline. Curr Oncol 2023; 31:24-41. [PMID: 38275828 PMCID: PMC10814960 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this guideline update is to reassess and update recommendations in the prior guideline from 2016 on the appropriate management of patients with uveal melanoma. METHODS In 2021, a multidisciplinary working group from the Provincial Cutaneous Tumour Team, Cancer Care Alberta, Alberta Health Services was convened to update the guideline. A comprehensive review of new research evidence in PubMed as well as new clinical practice guidelines from prominent oncology groups informed the update. An enhancement in methodology included adding levels of evidence and strength of recommendations. The updated guideline was circulated to all members of the Provincial Cutaneous Tumour Team for review and endorsement. RESULTS New and modified recommendations address provider training requirements, diagnostic imaging for the detection of metastases, neo-adjuvant pre-enucleation radiotherapy, intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents for radiation retinopathy, genetic prognostic testing, surveillance following definitive local therapy, and systemic therapy for patients with metastatic uveal melanoma. DISCUSSION The recommendations represent evidence-based standards of care agreed to by a large multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezekiel Weis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Brae Surgeoner
- Cancer Care Alberta, Calgary, AB T2S 3C3, Canada; (B.S.); (X.K.)
| | - Thomas G. Salopek
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G3, Canada;
| | - Tina Cheng
- Tom Baker Cancer Center, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Calgary, AB T2N 4N2, Canada; (T.C.); (J.M.)
| | - Martin Hyrcza
- Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pathology, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | | | - Matthew Larocque
- Division of Medical Physics, Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada; (M.L.); (G.M.)
| | - Greg McKinnon
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (G.M.); (C.T.-O.)
| | - John McWhae
- Departments of Surgery and Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | - Geetha Menon
- Division of Medical Physics, Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada; (M.L.); (G.M.)
| | - Jose Monzon
- Tom Baker Cancer Center, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Calgary, AB T2N 4N2, Canada; (T.C.); (J.M.)
| | - Albert D. Murtha
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - John Walker
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada;
| | - Claire Temple-Oberle
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (G.M.); (C.T.-O.)
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Kim V, Guberina M, Bechrakis NE, Lohmann DR, Zeschnigk M, Le Guin CHD. Release of Cell-Free Tumor DNA in the Plasma of Uveal Melanoma Patients Under Radiotherapy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:35. [PMID: 37862025 PMCID: PMC10599159 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.13.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Uveal melanoma (UM) is a tumor of the eye that metastasizes in approximately half of cases. Prognostic testing requires accessibility to tumor tissue, which is usually not available with eye-preserving therapies. Noninvasive approaches to prognostic testing that provide valuable information for patient care are therefore needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of circulating cell-free plasma DNA analysis in UM patients undergoing brachytherapy. Methods The study recruited 26 uveal melanoma patients referred to the department between February and October 2020. Blood samples were collected at various time points before, during, and after treatment, and deep amplicon sequencing was used to identify oncogenic variant alleles of the GNAQ and GNA11 genes, which serve as indicators for the presence of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Results The results showed that all patients were ctDNA negative before brachytherapy. In 31% of patients, ctDNA was detected during therapy. The variant allele fraction of GNAQ or GNA11 alleles in ctDNA positive samples ranged from 0.24% to 2% and correlates with the largest basal diameter and thickness of the tumor. Conclusions The findings suggest that brachytherapy increases the presence of tumor DNA in the plasma of UM patients. Thus ctDNA analysis may offer a noninvasive approach for prognostic testing. However, efforts are still required to lower the limit of detection for tumor-specific genetic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Kim
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Maja Guberina
- Department of Radiotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nikolaos E Bechrakis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dietmar R Lohmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Zeschnigk
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Claudia H D Le Guin
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Ahmed K, Siegel JJ, Morgan‐Linnell SK, LiPira K. Attitudes of patients with cutaneous melanoma toward prognostic testing using the 31-gene expression profile test. Cancer Med 2023; 12:2008-2015. [PMID: 35915969 PMCID: PMC9883557 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although most patients diagnosed with early-stage cutaneous melanoma (CM) have excellent outcomes, because of the large number diagnosed each year, many will experience recurrence or death. Prognostic testing for CM using the 31-gene expression profile (31-GEP) test can benefit patients by helping guide risk-appropriate treatment and surveillance plans. We sought to evaluate patients' attitudes toward prognostic testing with the 31-GEP and assess whether patients experience decision regret about having 31-GEP testing. METHODS A 43-question survey was distributed by the Melanoma Research Foundation in June-August 2021 to CM patients enrolled in their database. Patients were asked questions regarding their decision to undergo 31-GEP testing and the extent to which they experienced decision regret using a validated set of Decision Regret Scale questions. RESULTS We analyzed responses from patients diagnosed in 2014 or later (n = 120). Of these, 28 had received 31-GEP testing. Most respondents (n = 108, 90%) desired prognostic information when diagnosed. Of those who received 31-GEP testing, most felt the results were useful (n = 22 out of 24) and had regret scores significantly less than neutral regret, regardless of their test results (Class 1: p < 0.001; Class 2: p = 0.036). Further, decision regret scores were not significantly different between patients who received a Class 1 31-GEP result and those who received a Class 2 result (mean Class 1 = 1.39 and mean Class 2 = 1.90, p = 0.058). CONCLUSIONS Most newly diagnosed CM patients desired prognostic information about their tumors. Patients who received 31-GEP testing felt it was useful and did not regret their decision to undergo 31-GEP testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kyleigh LiPira
- Melanoma Research FoundationWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
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Hooper PB, Farberg AS, Fitzgerald AL, Siegel JJ, Rackley BB, Prasai A, Kurley SJ, Goldberg MS, Litchman GH. Real-world Evidence Shows Clinicians Appropriately Use the Prognostic 40-gene Expression Profile (40-GEP) Test for High-risk Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC) Patients. Cancer Invest 2022; 40:911-922. [PMID: 36073945 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2022.2116454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Treatment decisions for patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) are traditionally based upon clinicopathologic risk factors and staging systems. Due to the accuracy limitations of these resources in predicting poor outcomes, there is a clinically significant need for more accurate methods of risk assessment. The 40-gene expression profile (40-GEP) test was developed to augment metastatic risk prediction of high-risk cSCC patients and has been validated in two independent, multi-center studies involving over 1,000 patients. This study substantiates that the 40-GEP is appropriately utilized by clinicians and that the personalized risk-stratification results are impactful in guiding risk-aligned patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perry B Hooper
- Department of Dermatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
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Williams BK, Siegel JJ, Alsina KM, Johnston L, Sisco A, LiPira K, Selig SM, Hovland PG. Uveal melanoma patient attitudes towards prognostic testing using gene expression profiling. Melanoma Manag 2022; 9:MMT62. [PMID: 36147875 PMCID: PMC9490505 DOI: 10.2217/mmt-2022-0003] [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: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study explored uveal melanoma patient experiences and regret following molecular prognostic testing using a 15-gene expression profile (GEP) test. Materials & methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional survey study was conducted through an online questionnaire capturing patient-reported experiences with prognostic biopsy/molecular testing. Results: Of 177 respondents, 159 (90%) wanted prognostic information at diagnosis. Most 15-GEP-tested patients who shared their results (99%) reported gaining value from testing, as did patients tested with other methods. Patients who received prognostic testing experienced lower decision regret than those who opted out. Decision regret did not differ based on GEP class. Conclusion: Most uveal melanoma patients desire prognostic testing and gain value from the GEP, independent of a high- or low-risk result. Uveal melanoma is a rare but aggressive eye cancer, resulting in distant metastasis in nearly 50% of patients. Molecular prognostic testing is often employed to determine who is at high or low risk of developing metastatic disease. A prognostic 15-gene expression profiling (GEP) test is commonly used throughout the USA and parts of Canada. The goal of this survey was to assess patient experiences with the 15-GEP and other prognostic methods. Of the 177 patients who participated in the survey, the majority reported that they wanted prognostic information at the time of diagnosis. Of patients who underwent 15-GEP testing, nearly all reported gaining value from their test result, regardless of their individual risk profile. This study supports prior findings using other prognostic methods that patients prefer information about their risk of metastasis and reinforces the importance of discussing prognostic testing options with newly diagnosed uveal melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basil K Williams
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | | | | | | | - Amanda Sisco
- Colorado Retina Associates, Englewood, CO 80110, USA
| | | | - Sara M Selig
- Melanoma Research Foundation, Washington, DC 20005, USA
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Predictors of emotional distress in uveal melanoma survivors: a systematic review. Eye (Lond) 2022; 37:907-924. [PMID: 35941183 PMCID: PMC10049992 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-022-02193-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) survivors can experience significant emotional distress, although the factors underpinning this are poorly understood. Systematic reviews of distress in UM only include cross-sectional studies, thereby limiting our understanding of causal factors. This review identified prospective clinical, demographic, social and psychological predictors of distress in UM survivors. A systematic search of the literature for English language prospective studies was conducted. Thirteen papers, reporting data from seven unique datasets were included in a narrative synthesis of the results. Younger age (3 studies from 3 datasets), physical health (including visual impairment, ocular symptoms, and other UM-related factors; 3 studies from 3 datasets), and psychological factors (mainly baseline distress; 3 studies from 3 datasets and worry about recurrence; 2 studies from 2 datasets), significantly predicted distress. There was no consistent evidence for other demographic, clinical or social variables (significant in <50% of datasets). Generally, the quality of the papers was adequate. However, attrition rates were high or not reported in over half of the included studies. The findings of this review emphasise the importance of attempts to prevent and recognise distress immediately post-diagnosis of UM. Particular focus should be given to younger patients, those with physical and psychological health difficulties at the time of diagnosis, and those who develop adverse treatment symptoms during survivorship. More research into potential social and psychological variables and their role in predicting distress in survivors is recommended.
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Gollrad J, Korpusik N, Rabsahl C, Boehmer D, Besserer A, Grittner U, Boeker A, Keilholz U, Joussen A, Budach V, Goerling U. Fear of prognosis? How anxiety, coping, and expected burden impact the decision to have cytogenetic assessment in uveal melanoma patients. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:5837-5847. [PMID: 35355121 PMCID: PMC9135859 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07006-5] [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: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Cytogenetic testing (CGT) in uveal melanoma patients reveals prognostic information about the individual risk of developing distant metastasis with dismal prognosis. There is currently no medical intervention strategy with proven effect on the prognosis, rendering the result of the cytogenetic testing purely informative. We explored patients’ socio-demographic backgrounds, psychological preconditions, coping strategies, external influences, and concerns about “knowing their fate” to study their possible interactions with decision-making for CGT. Methods Uveal melanoma patients were asked to complete questionnaires on their interest in undergoing CGT for prognostication and the factors influencing their decision. Data were collected on socio-demographics, baseline anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), coping strategies (Brief COPE), and assumed future concerns regarding the CGT result. Data were analyzed by using multiple ordinal logistic regression and exploring estimated marginal effects. Results Questionnaires were returned by 121 of 131 (92.4%) patients. Fifty-two patients (43%) had no interest in CGT, 34 (28.1%) were undecided, and 35 (28.9%) were interested. We observed no significant differences regarding age, sex, partnership, education, occupation, baseline anxiety, or depression. Decision-making favoring CGT was influenced by the treating physicians, internet resources, and level of baseline anxiety. Patients were likely to reject CGT when they worried that “knowing the result will have an unintended influence” on their life. Conclusion Decision-making about CGT for prognostication in uveal melanoma is burdensome to many patients and in general not guided by medical advice regarding further treatment and screening procedures. The psychological impact of the decision is therefore unique and requires careful support by psycho-oncologists considering the patient’s fears and expectations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Gollrad
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Nevenka Korpusik
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christopher Rabsahl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dirk Boehmer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angela Besserer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Grittner
- Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology & Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Boeker
- Department of Ophthalmology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Keilholz
- Charité Comprehensive Cancer Center, CCCC, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antonia Joussen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Volker Budach
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ute Goerling
- Department of Psycho-Oncology, CCCC, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Brown SL, Fisher P, Hope-Stone L, Damato B, Heimann H, Hussain R, Cherry MG. Is accurate routine cancer prognostication psychologically harmful? 5-year outcomes of life expectancy prognostication in uveal melanoma survivors. J Cancer Surviv 2021; 16:408-420. [PMID: 33871760 PMCID: PMC8964647 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-021-01036-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Prognostication in cancer is growing in importance as increasingly accurate tools are developed. Prognostic accuracy intensifies ethical concerns that a poor prognosis could be psychologically harmful to survivors. Uveal melanoma (UM) prognostication allows survivors to be reliably told that life expectancy is either normal (good prognosis) or severely curtailed because of metastatic disease (poor prognosis). Treatment cannot change life expectancy. To identify whether prognosis is associated with psychological harm, we compared harm in UM survivors with good and poor prognoses and those who declined testing and compared these outcomes to general population norms. Methods Non-randomized 5-year study of a consecutive series of 708 UM survivors (51.6% male, mean age 69.03, SD=12.12) with observations at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months. We operationalized psychological harm as anxiety and depression symptoms, worry about cancer recurrence (WREC) and poor quality of life (QoL). Results Compared to other groups, survivors with poor prognoses showed initially elevated anxiety and depression and consistently elevated worry about local or distant recurrence over 5 years. Good prognoses were not associated with outcomes. Generally, no prognostic groups reported anxiety, depression and WREC or QoL scores that exceeded general population norms. Conclusions Using a large sample, we found that harm accruing from a poor prognosis was statistically significant over 5 years, but did not exceed general non-cancer population norms. Implications for Cancer Survivors Survivors desire prognostic information. At a population level, we do not believe that our findings show sufficiently strong links between prognostication outcome and psychological harm to deny patients the option of knowing their prognosis. Nonetheless, it is important that patients are informed of potential adverse psychological consequences of a poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Brown
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GB, UK.
| | - Peter Fisher
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GB, UK
| | - Laura Hope-Stone
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GB, UK.,Liverpool Ocular Oncology Centre, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Bertil Damato
- Liverpool Ocular Oncology Centre, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK.,Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Heinrich Heimann
- Liverpool Ocular Oncology Centre, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rumana Hussain
- Liverpool Ocular Oncology Centre, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - M Gemma Cherry
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GB, UK
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