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Jung EH, Hiratsuka Y, Suh SY, Yoon SJ, Kang B, Lee SW, Suh KJ, Kim JW, Kim SH, Kim JW, Lee KW, Kim YJ. Clinicians' Prediction of Survival Is Most Useful for Palliative Care Referral. Palliat Med Rep 2024; 5:365-372. [PMID: 39281186 PMCID: PMC11392678 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2024.0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Timely palliative transition in patients with advanced cancer is essential for their improved quality of life and overall survival (OS). Most prognostic models have been developed focusing on weeks' survival. The current study aimed to compare the accuracies of several indicators, such as the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS), Clinicians' Prediction of Survival (CPS), and Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), for predicting the survival of patients. Methods Two hundred patients were enrolled at a single tertiary cancer center in South Korea between 2016 and 2019. We compared the discrimination of CPS versus KPS and ESAS total scores using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) in 3-month and 6-month survival predictions. Results The median age of patients was 66.0 years, and 128 (64%) were male. Two-thirds (66%) of the patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1, and 55.5% had a KPS of 80% or higher. The values of AUROC of CPS, KPS, and ESAS total score in 3-month survival prediction were 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73-0.88), 0.71 (95% CI: 0.62-0.79), and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.62-0.81), respectively, whereas those in 6-month survival were 0.82 (95% CI: 0.76-0.88), 0.70 (95% CI: 0.63-0.78), and 0.63 (95% CI: 0.55-0.71), respectively. Conclusion CPS showed the highest accuracy in predicting 3- and 6-month survival, whereas KPS had an acceptable accuracy. Experienced clinicians can rely on CPS to predict survival in months. We recommend the use of KPS with CPS to assist inexperienced clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Hee Jung
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Yusuke Hiratsuka
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Takeda General Hospital, Aizu Wakamatsu, Japan
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Sang-Yeon Suh
- Department of Family Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang-si, South Korea
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Dongguk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seok-Joon Yoon
- Department of Family Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Beodeul Kang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si, South Korea
| | - Si Won Lee
- Palliative Care Center, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea
- Division of Medical Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Koung Jin Suh
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Ji-Won Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Se Hyun Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Jin Won Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Keun-Wook Lee
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Yu Jung Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
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Temel JS, Jackson VA, El-Jawahri A, Rinaldi SP, Petrillo LA, Kumar P, McGrath KA, LeBlanc TW, Kamal AH, Jones CA, Rabideau DJ, Horick N, Pintro K, Gallagher Medeiros ER, Post KE, Greer JA. Stepped Palliative Care for Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 2024; 332:471-481. [PMID: 38824442 PMCID: PMC11145511 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.10398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Importance Despite the evidence for early palliative care improving outcomes, it has not been widely implemented in part due to palliative care workforce limitations. Objective To evaluate a stepped-care model to deliver less resource-intensive and more patient-centered palliative care for patients with advanced cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants Randomized, nonblinded, noninferiority trial of stepped vs early palliative care conducted between February 12, 2018, and December 15, 2022, at 3 academic medical centers in Boston, Massachusetts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Durham, North Carolina, among 507 patients who had been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer within the past 12 weeks. Intervention Step 1 of the intervention was an initial palliative care visit within 4 weeks of enrollment and subsequent visits only at the time of a change in cancer treatment or after a hospitalization. During step 1, patients completed a measure of quality of life (QOL; Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung [FACT-L]; range, 0-136, with higher scores indicating better QOL) every 6 weeks, and those with a 10-point or greater decrease from baseline were stepped up to meet with the palliative care clinician every 4 weeks (intervention step 2). Patients assigned to early palliative care had palliative care visits every 4 weeks after enrollment. Main Outcomes and Measures Noninferiority (margin = -4.5) of the effect of stepped vs early palliative care on patient-reported QOL on the FACT-L at week 24. Results The sample (n = 507) mostly included patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (78.3%; mean age, 66.5 years; 51.4% female; 84.6% White). The mean number of palliative care visits by week 24 was 2.4 for stepped palliative care and 4.7 for early palliative care (adjusted mean difference, -2.3; P < .001). FACT-L scores at week 24 for the stepped palliative care group were noninferior to scores among those receiving early palliative care (adjusted FACT-L mean score, 100.6 vs 97.8, respectively; difference, 2.9; lower 1-sided 95% confidence limit, -0.1; P < .001 for noninferiority). Although the rate of end-of-life care communication was also noninferior between groups, noninferiority was not demonstrated for days in hospice (adjusted mean, 19.5 with stepped palliative care vs 34.6 with early palliative care; P = .91). Conclusions and Relevance A stepped-care model, with palliative care visits occurring only at key points in patients' cancer trajectories and using a decrement in QOL to trigger more intensive palliative care exposure, resulted in fewer palliative care visits without diminishing the benefits for patients' QOL. While stepped palliative care was associated with fewer days in hospice, it is a more scalable way to deliver early palliative care to enhance patient-reported outcomes. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03337399.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S. Temel
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Vicki A. Jackson
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Areej El-Jawahri
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Laura A. Petrillo
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pallavi Kumar
- University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia
| | | | | | - Arif H. Kamal
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, North Carolina
- American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Dustin J. Rabideau
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | - Kathryn E. Post
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joseph A. Greer
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Kang E, Kang JH, Koh SJ, Kim YJ, Seo S, Kim JH, Cheon J, Kang EJ, Song EK, Nam EM, Oh HS, Choi HJ, Kwon JH, Bae WK, Lee JE, Jung KH, Yun YH. Early Integrated Palliative Care in Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2426304. [PMID: 39115845 PMCID: PMC11310828 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.26304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Limited data suggest that early palliative care (EPC) improves quality of life (QOL) and survival in patients with advanced cancer. Objective To evaluate whether comprehensive EPC improves QOL; relieves mental, social, and existential burdens; increases survival rates; and helps patients develop coping skills. Design, Setting, and Participants This nonblinded randomized clinical trial (RCT) recruited patients from 12 hospitals in South Korea from September 2017 to October 2018. Patients aged 20 years or older with advanced cancer who were not terminally ill but for whom standard chemotherapy has not been effective were eligible. Participants were randomized 1:1 to the control (receiving usual supportive oncological care) or intervention (receiving EPC with usual oncological care) group. Intention-to-treat data analysis was conducted between September and December 2022. Interventions The intervention group received EPC through a structured program of self-study education materials, telephone coaching, and regular assessments by an integrated palliative care team. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the change in overall QOL score (assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative Care) from baseline to 24 weeks after enrollment, with evaluations also conducted at 12 and 18 weeks. Secondary outcomes were social and existential burdens (assessed with the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire) as well as crisis-overcoming capacity and 2-year survival. Results A total of 144 patients (83 males [57.6%]; mean [SD] age, 60.7 (7.2) years) were enrolled, of whom 73 were randomized to the intervention group and 71 to the control group. The intervention group demonstrated significantly greater changes in scores in overall health status or QOL from baseline, especially at 18 weeks (11.00 [95% CI, 0.78-21.22] points; P = .04; effect size = 0.42). However, at 12 and 24 weeks, there were no significant differences observed. Compared with the control group, the intervention group also showed significant improvement in self-management or coping skills over 24 weeks (20.51 [95% CI, 12.41-28.61] points; P < .001; effect size = 0.93). While the overall survival rate was higher in the intervention vs control group, the difference was not significant. In the intervention group, however, those who received 10 or more EPC interventions (eg, telephone coaching sessions and care team meetings) showed a significantly increased probability of 2-year survival (53.6%; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance This RCT demonstrated that EPC enhanced QOL at 18 weeks; however, no significant improvements were observed at 12 and 24 weeks. An increased number of interventions sessions was associated with increased 2-year survival rates in the intervention group. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03181854.
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Affiliation(s)
- EunKyo Kang
- National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
- Department of Family Medicine, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hun Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Jin Koh
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Jung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Seyoung Seo
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hoon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaekyung Cheon
- Department of Hemato-Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Joo Kang
- Department of Hemato-Oncology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Kee Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Mi Nam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Suk Oh
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, GangNeung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jin Choi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hye Kwon
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, Sejong, Republic of Korea
- Daejeon Regional Cancer Center, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Kyun Bae
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Eun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Kyung Hae Jung
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ho Yun
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Human System Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Salins N, Hughes S, Preston N. Oncologists' palliative care referral behaviour: testing utility of social exchange theory as an explanatory framework. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:183. [PMID: 39048941 PMCID: PMC11267831 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01517-0] [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: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adults and children with cancer are referred to palliative care infrequently or late. Oncologists often gatekeep these referrals. Social exchange theory is used to explain physician referral behaviour in various clinical settings. Its utility in a cancer palliative care setting is not known. METHODS We used Karl Popper's hypothetico-deductive approach to test the hypothesis. The hypothesis was that social exchange theory is a helpful framework for explaining oncologists' palliative care referral behaviour in a cancer setting. The utility of the theoretical framework was tested against the empiric findings of a systematic review and original research. RESULTS Most components of social exchange theory known to explain physician referral behaviour like beliefs about the provider or service, emotions triggered during the professional engagement, its symbolism and stigma, the complexity of the referral task, efforts needed to achieve it, its cost, benefit, and value were similar in a cancer setting. Empirical findings suggest that oncologists provided strategies and solutions to better palliative care integration instead of comparing their existing engagement with potential alternatives and choosing them. CONCLUSION Social exchange theory was found to be helpful in explaining oncologists' palliative care referral behaviour. To further develop the social exchange theory based on the data used to test it, it is recommended to include feedback and solutions as a component of the theoretical framework alongside a comparison level for alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Salins
- Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
| | - Sean Hughes
- Division of Health Research, Health Innovation One, Sir John Fisher Drive, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4AT, United Kingdom
| | - Nancy Preston
- Division of Health Research, Health Innovation One, Sir John Fisher Drive, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4AT, United Kingdom
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Roberts HN, Solomon B, Harden S, Lingaratnam S, Alexander M. Utility of 30-Day Mortality Following Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment as a Quality Indicator in Advanced Lung Cancer. Clin Lung Cancer 2024; 25:e211-e220.e1. [PMID: 38772809 DOI: 10.1016/j.cllc.2024.04.001] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 30-day mortality after systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) has been suggested as a quality indicator primarily for measuring use of chemotherapy towards the end of life. Utility across different cancer types is unclear, especially when using immunotherapy and targeted therapies. METHODS This retrospective study included patients with a diagnosis of lung cancer who received palliative-intent SACT at an Australian metropolitan cancer center between 2015 and 2022. Using a prospectively maintained lung cancer database, patient, disease, and treatment characteristics were evaluated against annual 30-day mortality rates following SACT. RESULTS 1072 patients were identified. Annual 30-day mortality rate after palliative-intent SACT for lung cancer ranged between 9% and 15%, with significant variance between treatment types. Calculated rates of 30-day mortality are higher if longer reporting time periods are used. Patients who died within 30 days of SACT were more likely to have received targeted therapies or immunotherapy as their final line of treatment, have a poorer performance status at diagnosis, and have received multiple lines of treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our data support differential interpretation of 30-day mortality for quality assurance, especially with regard to lung cancer. Consistency in population and reporting time periods, and accounting for treatment type is crucial if 30-day mortality is to be utilized as cancer care performance quality indicator. Relevance to quality care is questionable in the lung cancer setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin Solomon
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Susan Harden
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Senthil Lingaratnam
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Marliese Alexander
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne VIC 3052, Australia.
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Suh KJ, Jung EH, Seo J, Ji SY, Hwang K, Han JH, Kim CY, Kim IA, Kim YJ. Current status of advance care planning, palliative care consultation, and end-of-life care in patients with glioblastoma in South Korea. Oncologist 2024:oyae159. [PMID: 38940449 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyae159] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the typical trajectory of glioblastoma, many patients lose decision-making capacity over time, which can lead to inadequate advance care planning (ACP) and end-of-life (EOL) care. We aimed to evaluate patients' current ACP and EOL care status. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a cohort study on 205 patients referred to oncologists at a Korean tertiary hospital between 2017 and 2022. We collected information on sociodemographic factors, cancer treatment, palliative care consultation, ACP, legal documents on life-sustaining treatment (LST) decisions, and aggressiveness of EOL care. RESULTS With a median follow-up time of 18.3 months: 159 patients died; median overall survival: 20.3 months. Of the 159 patients, 11 (6.9%) and 63 (39.6%) had advance directive (AD) and LST plans, respectively, whereas 85 (53.5%) had neither. Among the 63 with LST plans, 10 (15.9%) and 53 (84.1%) completed their forms through self-determination and family determination, respectively. Of the 159 patients who died, 102 (64.2%) received palliative care consultation (median time: 44 days from the first consultation to death) and 78 (49.1%) received aggressive EOL care. Those receiving palliative care consultations were less likely to receive aggressive EOL care (83.3% vs 32.4%, P < .001), and more likely to use more than 3 days of hospice care at EOL (19.6% vs 68.0%, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The right to self-determination remains poorly protected among patients with glioblastoma, with nearly 90% not self-completing AD or LST plan. As palliative care consultation is associated with less aggressive EOL care and longer use of hospice care, physicians should promptly introduce patients to ACP conversations and palliative care consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koung Jin Suh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Eun Hee Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jeongmin Seo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - So Young Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Kihwan Hwang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jung Ho Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Chae-Yong Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - In Ah Kim
- Department. of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Yu Jung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
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Yang CY, Smith TJ, Knowlton AR. Cancer Patient Perspectives on the Meaning of Healing and the Clinician as a Healer. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024; 41:658-663. [PMID: 37487577 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231191697] [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] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The experience of living with cancer is marked by suffering and loss, which creates a need for healing. Understanding what healing means to patients and how clinicians can play a role in the healing process is essential to holistic cancer care. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of cancer patients on the meaning and experiences of healing and the qualities of a clinician and the clinician-patient relationship that are healing. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 14 cancer patients. Participants were asked about their illness experience, definition of healing, qualities of a healer, and relationships with clinicians that were healing. Interview transcripts were coded, and qualitative analysis was conducted to identify major themes. RESULTS Participants defined the nature of healing as comprising aspects of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Participants described healing as alleviating pain and symptoms; promoting mental strength, emotional comfort, and spiritual connection; restoring and adapting to losses; and improving quality of life. The qualities of a clinician that contributed to a healing relationship included listening, empathy and compassion, understanding patients' values and goals, and caring for the patient as a whole person. CONCLUSION Participants viewed healing as physical, psychosocial, and spiritual in nature and an important part of their cancer experience with an emphasis on quality of life. Clinicians played an important role beyond treating the cancer by helping in the healing process through their humanistic qualities and holistic approach to patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Y Yang
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas J Smith
- Departments of Oncology and Internal Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amy R Knowlton
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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8
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Martin A, Carton M, Thery L, Burnod A, Daniel C, Du Rusquec P, Girard N, Bouleuc C. Palliative care integration and end-of-life care intensity for patients with NSCLC. Lung Cancer 2024; 192:107800. [PMID: 38728972 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2024.107800] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without oncogenic driver mutations is considered to have a poor prognosis, although recent therapeutic progress. This study aims to assess the real-life integration of palliative care (PC) and the intensity of end-of-life (EOL) care for this population. METHODS This was an observational cohort study of decedent patients from metastatic NSCLC without oncogenic driver mutations over the period 01/2018 to 12/2022, treated in first line with immunotherapy +/- chemotherapy. We analysed PC integration and aggressiveness criteria of EOL care in the last month before death: systemic anti-cancer treatment administration, emergency room visits, intensive care unit admission, hospitalization, hospitalization duration > 14 days, and hospital death. RESULTS Among 149 patients, 75 (50 %) met the PC team at least once, and the median time from the first encounter to death was 2.3 months. In the last month before death, at least one criterion of aggressive EOL care was present for 97 patients (70 %). For patients with PC use < 30 days and for patients with PC use < 90 days before death, there were significant changes: increase in the frequency of systemic anti-cancer treatment (respectively 51.1 % vs 20 %; p < 0.001 and 58.7 % vs 6.2 %; p < 0.001); decrease in hospitalization lasting > 14 days (respectively 30 % vs 7 %; p = 0.001 and 36 % vs 6.2 %; p = 0.018) and in death hospitalisation (respectively 66 % and 18 %; p < 0.001 and 58.7 % and 10.3 %; p < 0.001). After adjusting for the factors tested, patients with no PC or late PC use in the last month before death or in the last three month before death, the odds ratio (OR) remained significantly greater than 1 (respectively OR = 3.97 [1.70; 9.98]; p = 0.001 and OR = 23.1 [5.21-177.0], p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION PC is still insufficiently integrated for patients with NSCL cancer. Cancer centres should monitor key indicators such as PC use and aggressiveness criteria of EOL care.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Martin
- Palliative care Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - M Carton
- Biostatistics Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - L Thery
- Palliative care Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - A Burnod
- Palliative care Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - C Daniel
- Oncology Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - P Du Rusquec
- Oncology Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - N Girard
- Oncology Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - C Bouleuc
- Supportive care Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France.
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9
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Subramaniam S, Adams DH, Tognela A, Roncolato F, Yip PY, Lim SHS, Roohullah A, Stockler MR, Kiely B. Patients' perception of the benefits of palliative systemic therapy for advanced cancer. Intern Med J 2024; 54:735-741. [PMID: 38205872 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16325] [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: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with advanced cancer who misunderstand their prognosis and chance of cure tend to overestimate the likely benefits of palliative systemic therapy. AIM To determine patient perceptions of palliative systemic therapy benefits in advanced cancer. METHODS We surveyed 104 outpatients with advanced cancer receiving systemic anticancer therapy and their treating oncologists. Patients recorded their understanding of treatment impact on chance of cure and symptoms. Life expectancy was estimated by patients and oncologists. A visual analogue scale (0-10) was used to record how patients and oncologists valued quality of life (QOL) and length of life (LOL) (<4 QOL most important; 4-7 QOL and LOL equal; >7 LOL most important). Patient-oncologist discordance was defined as a ≥4-point difference. RESULTS The main reasons patients selected for receiving treatment were to live longer (54%) and cure their cancer (36%). Most patients reported treatment was very/somewhat likely to prolong life (84%) and improve symptoms (76%), whereas 20% reported treatment was very/somewhat likely to cure their cancer. 42% of patients selected a timeframe for life expectancy (choice of four timeframes between <1 year and ≥5 years); of these, 62% selected a longer timeframe than their oncologist. When making treatment decisions, 71% of patients (52% of oncologists) valued QOL and LOL equally. Patient-oncologist discordance was 21%, mostly because of oncologists valuing QOL more than their patients (70%). CONCLUSION At least 20% of patients receiving systemic therapy for advanced cancer reported an expectation of cure. Most patients and oncologists value QOL and LOL equally when making treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Subramaniam
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Bankstown Cancer Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Concord Cancer Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Diana H Adams
- Department of Medical Oncology, Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Annette Tognela
- Department of Medical Oncology, Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Felicia Roncolato
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Po Y Yip
- Department of Medical Oncology, Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephanie H-S Lim
- Department of Medical Oncology, Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aflah Roohullah
- Department of Medical Oncology, Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Martin R Stockler
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Concord Cancer Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse RPA, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Belinda Kiely
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Concord Cancer Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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10
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Tuca A, Viladot M, Carrera G, Llavata L, Barrera C, Chicote M, Marco-Hernández J, Padrosa J, Zamora-Martínez C, Grafia I, Pascual A, Font C, Font E. Evolution of Complexity of Palliative Care Needs and Patient Profiles According to the PALCOM Scale (Part Two): Pooled Analysis of the Cohorts for the Development and Validation of the PALCOM Scale in Advanced Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1744. [PMID: 38730696 PMCID: PMC11083064 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091744] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Identifying the complexity of palliative care needs is a key aspect of referral to specialized multidisciplinary early palliative care (EPC) teams. The PALCOM scale is an instrument consisting of five multidimensional assessment domains developed in 2018 and validated in 2023 to identify the level of complexity in patients with advanced cancer. (1) Objectives: The main objective of this study was to determine the degree of instability (likelihood of level change or death), health resource consumption and the survival of patients according to the level of palliative complexity assigned at the baseline visit during a 6-month follow-up. (2) Method: An observational, prospective, multicenter study was conducted using pooled data from the development and validation cohort of the PALCOM scale. The main outcome variables were as follows: (a) instability ratio (IR), defined as the probability of level change or death; (b) emergency department visits; (c) days of hospitalization; (d) hospital death; (e) survival. All the variables were analyzed monthly according to the level of complexity assigned at the baseline visit. (3) Results: A total of 607 patients with advanced cancer were enrolled. According to the PALCOM scale, 20% of patients were classified as low complexity, 50% as medium and 30% as high complexity. The overall IR was 45% in the low complexity group, 68% in the medium complexity group and 78% in the high complexity group (p < 0.001). No significant differences in mean monthly emergency department visits (0.2 visits/ patient/month) were observed between the different levels of complexity. The mean number of days spent in hospital per month was 1.5 in the low complexity group, 1.8 in the medium complexity group and 3.2 in the high complexity group (p < 0.001). The likelihood of in-hospital death was significantly higher in the high complexity group (29%) compared to the medium (16%) and low (8%) complexity groups (p < 0.001). Six-month survival was significantly lower in the high complexity group (24%) compared to the medium (37%) and low (57%) complexity groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION According to the PALCOM scale, more complex cases are associated with greater instability and use of hospital resources and lower survival. The data also confirm that the PALCOM scale is a consistent and useful tool for describing complexity profiles, targeting referrals to the EPC and managing the intensity of shared care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Tuca
- Unit of Supportive Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic and Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (I.G.); (A.P.); (C.F.); (E.F.)
- Psychosocial Support Team, “La Caixa” Foundation (EAPS), Clinic Hospital of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Chair of Palliative Care, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Margarita Viladot
- Unit of Supportive Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic and Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (I.G.); (A.P.); (C.F.); (E.F.)
| | - Gemma Carrera
- Unit of Supportive Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic and Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (I.G.); (A.P.); (C.F.); (E.F.)
| | - Lucia Llavata
- Unit of Supportive Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic and Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (I.G.); (A.P.); (C.F.); (E.F.)
| | - Carmen Barrera
- Unit of Supportive Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic and Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (I.G.); (A.P.); (C.F.); (E.F.)
- Chair of Palliative Care, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manoli Chicote
- Unit of Supportive Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic and Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (I.G.); (A.P.); (C.F.); (E.F.)
| | - Javier Marco-Hernández
- Unit of Supportive Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic and Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (I.G.); (A.P.); (C.F.); (E.F.)
| | - Joan Padrosa
- Unit of Supportive Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic and Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (I.G.); (A.P.); (C.F.); (E.F.)
| | - Carles Zamora-Martínez
- Unit of Supportive Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic and Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (I.G.); (A.P.); (C.F.); (E.F.)
| | - Ignacio Grafia
- Unit of Supportive Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic and Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (I.G.); (A.P.); (C.F.); (E.F.)
| | - Anais Pascual
- Unit of Supportive Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic and Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (I.G.); (A.P.); (C.F.); (E.F.)
- Psychosocial Support Team, “La Caixa” Foundation (EAPS), Clinic Hospital of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carme Font
- Unit of Supportive Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic and Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (I.G.); (A.P.); (C.F.); (E.F.)
| | - Elena Font
- Unit of Supportive Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic and Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (I.G.); (A.P.); (C.F.); (E.F.)
- Psychosocial Support Team, “La Caixa” Foundation (EAPS), Clinic Hospital of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Zhuang Q, Zhou S, Ho S, Neo PSH, Cheung YB, Yang GM. Can an Integrated Palliative and Oncology Co-rounding Model Reduce Aggressive Care at the End of Life? Secondary Analysis of an Open-label Stepped-wedge Cluster-randomized Trial. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024; 41:442-451. [PMID: 37246153 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231180460] [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] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical trial evidence on the effect of palliative care models in reducing aggressive end-of-life care is inconclusive. We previously reported on an integrated inpatient palliative care and medical oncology co-rounding model that significantly reduced hospital bed-days and postulate additional effect on reducing care aggressiveness. OBJECTIVES To compare the effect of a co-rounding model vs usual care in reducing receipt of aggressive treatment at end-of-life. METHODS Secondary analysis of an open-label stepped-wedge cluster-randomized trial comparing two integrated palliative care models within the inpatient oncology setting. The co-rounding model involved pooling specialist palliative care and oncology into one team with daily review of admission issues, while usual care constituted discretionary specialist palliative care referrals by the oncology team. We compared odds of receiving aggressive care at end-of-life: acute healthcare utilization in last 30 days of life, death in hospital, and cancer treatment in last 14 days of life between patients in two trial arms. RESULTS 2145 patients were included in the analysis, and 1803 patients died by 4th April 2021. Median overall survival was 4.90 (4.07 - 5.72) months in co-rounding and 3.75 (3.22 - 4.21) months in usual care, with no difference in survival (P = .12). We found no significant differences between both models with respect to receipt of aggressive care at end-of-life. (Odds Ratio .67 - 1.27; all P > .05). CONCLUSION The co-rounding model within an inpatient setting did not reduce aggressiveness of care at end-of-life. This could be due in part to the overall focus on resolving episodic admission issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyuan Zhuang
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siqin Zhou
- Division of Clinical Trials and Epidemiological Sciences, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shirlynn Ho
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Patricia Soek Hui Neo
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yin Bun Cheung
- Program in Health Services and Systems Research and Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Grace Meijuan Yang
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
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12
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Caulfield RMH, Selman LE, Gibbins J, Forbes K, Chamberlain C. Enhanced supportive care in cancer centres: national cross-sectional survey. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024:spcare-2023-004326. [PMID: 38471788 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004326] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES 'Early' specialist palliative care (SPC) has been shown to improve outcomes for patients with advanced cancer, yet patients are often referred late. 'Enhanced supportive care' (ESC) aims to facilitate earlier integrated supportive care for those with incurable cancer. This study aimed to explore clinicians' understanding of ESC/SPC delivery through description of current service provision. METHODS This national cross-sectional survey of 53 cancer centres had two parts. Part 1: Service details, was directed to lead ESC/SPC nurses or consultants about service configuration, and Part 2: Clinician understanding, targeting conceptual understanding of service aims including ESC/SPC teams and oncology consultants (n=262 surveys). Multiple-choice questions explored service provision, referral triggers and evidence of integration with oncology, with free-text responses. Quantitative results were analysed with Fischer's exact test. Qualitative free text was line-by-line coded by two authors independently to derive themes. RESULTS 56% (30/53) of SPC and ESC teams and 14% (14/100) of oncologists responded. Those involved in ESC self-reported greater integration with oncology compared with non-ESC teams, for example, joint case discussions (64.3%, 9/14 vs 23.1%, 3/13, p=0.05), and timelier patient referral ((>6 months before death vs <6 months) (10/14 vs 4/13, p=0.06)). Qualitative themes described ambiguity in definitions of supportive and palliative terms and a perception of timelier identification of patients when ESC was involved. CONCLUSION Providers of ESC perceive greater integration with oncology and potentially timelier referral for patients compared with teams not delivering ESC. Terminology around SPC and ESC remains uncertain across England.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Moya Helen Caulfield
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
- Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital-Foundation School, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Basingstoke, UK
| | - Lucy E Selman
- Population Health Sciences, Palliative and End of Life Care Research Group, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Karen Forbes
- Population Health Sciences, Palliative and End of Life Care Research Group, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
- Supportive and Palliative Care, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Charlotte Chamberlain
- Population Health Sciences, Palliative and End of Life Care Research Group, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
- Supportive and Palliative Care, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
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13
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Allende-Pérez SR, Sandoval-Carrera NC, Asencio-Huertas L, Rodríguez-Mayoral O, Cruz-Sánchez JJ, Verástegui-Avilés E. Utilization of medical interventions in hospitalized Mexican adults with cancer at the end of life in a referral hospital: The importance of early palliative care. Palliat Support Care 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38450451 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951524000051] [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: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the impact of early vs. late palliative care (PC) on the frequency of admissions to acute hospital settings and the utilization of end-of-life (EoL) interventions in cancer decedents. METHODS In this single-center, cross-sectional study, we examined the frequency of intensive care unit (ICU) and emergency department (ED) admissions among adult cancer decedents between 2018 and 2022 in a referral hospital in México. Additionally, we assessed EoL medical interventions, categorizing patients into 3 groups: those who received early PC (EPC), late PC (LPC), and those who did not receive PC (NPC). RESULTS We analyzed data from 1762 patients, averaging 56 ± 16.3 years old, with a predominant representation of women (56.8%). PC was administered to 45.2% of patients, but EPC was limited to only 12.3%. The median time from the initiation of PC to death was 5 days (interquartile range: 2.0-31.5). Hematological malignancies were the most prevalent, affecting 21.5% of patients. EPC recipients demonstrated notable reductions in ICU and ED admissions, as well as diminished utilization of chemotherapy, radiotherapy (RT), antibiotics, blood transfusions, and surgery when compared to both LPC and NPC groups. EPC also exhibited fewer medical interventions in the last 14 days of life, except for RT. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS The findings of this study indicate that a significant proportion of EoL cancer patients receive PC; however, few receive EPC, emphasizing the need to improve accessibility to these services. Moreover, the results underscore the importance of thoughtful deliberation regarding the application of EoL medical interventions in cancer patients.
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14
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Golob N, Oblak T, Čavka L, Kušar M, Šeruga B. Aggressive anticancer treatment in the last 2 weeks of life. ESMO Open 2024; 9:102937. [PMID: 38471241 PMCID: PMC10944113 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.102937] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a concern that terminally ill cancer patients may be aggressively treated due to the rapidly growing possibilities of anticancer treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of anticancer treatment at the end of life (EoL). MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study included adult patients with advanced solid cancers who were treated at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana and died of cancer between January 2015 and December 2019. A multiple logistic regression model was used to assess an association between the aggressiveness of anticancer treatment (i.e. systemic therapy, radiotherapy and surgery) in the last 2 weeks of life and year of death, age at death, sex, prognosis of cancer and enrolment into the specialist palliative care (SPC). RESULTS We included 1736 patients in our analysis. Overall, 13.7% of patients were enrolled into the SPC and 14.4% received anticancer treatment in the last 2 weeks of life. The odds of receiving anticancer treatment significantly increased over time [odds ratio (OR) 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-1.27]. There was an increased use of novel systemic therapy (e.g. small-molecule targeted therapy and immunotherapy) at the EoL. Older patients had significantly lower odds to receive anticancer treatment in the last 2 weeks of life as compared to younger patients (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95-0.98). As compared to patients receiving only a standard oncology care, those also enrolled into the SPC had significantly lower odds for anticancer treatment in the last 2 weeks of life (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.12-0.43). CONCLUSIONS Terminally ill cancer patients have increased odds for receiving anticancer treatment, especially novel systemic therapies, in the last 2 weeks of life. Younger patients and those not enrolled into the SPC are at particular risk for anticancer treatment at the EoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Golob
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana; Department of Acute Palliative Care, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana
| | - T Oblak
- Epidemiology and Cancer Registry, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana
| | - L Čavka
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana; Department of Oncology, University Medical Center Maribor, Maribor
| | - M Kušar
- Institute for Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana
| | - B Šeruga
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana; Division of Medical Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Golombek T, Hegewald N, Schnabel A, Fries H, Lordick F. Stability of End-of-Life Care Wishes and Gender-Specific Characteristics of Outpatients with Advanced Cancer under Palliative Therapy: A Prospective Observational Study. Oncol Res Treat 2024; 47:189-197. [PMID: 38432223 PMCID: PMC11078325 DOI: 10.1159/000538112] [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: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early integration of palliative care and advance care planning (ACP) play an increasingly important role in the treatment of patients with advanced cancer. Advance directives (ADs) and patients' preferences regarding end-of-life (EoL) care are important aspects of ACP. In the outpatient setting, the prevalence of those documents and EoL care wishes is not well investigated, and changes in the longitudinal course are poorly understood. METHODS From June 2020 to August 2022, 67 outpatients with advanced solid tumors undergoing palliative cancer therapy were interviewed on the topic of ACP in a longitudinal course. From this database, the prevalence of ADs, healthcare proxy, EoL care wishes, and the need for counseling regarding these issues were collected. In addition, EoL care wishes were examined for their stability. RESULTS Fifty-one patients (76.1%) reported having ADs, and 41 patients (61.2%) reported having a healthcare proxy. Nineteen patients (37.3%) with ADs and 11 patients (68.7%) without ADs indicated a wish for counseling. Reported EoL care wishes remained stable over a period of approximately 6 months. Nevertheless, intraindividual changes occurred over time within the different EoL care preferences. The desire for resuscitation and dialysis were significantly higher in men than in women (resuscitation: 15 of 21 men [71.4%] versus 9 of 22 women [40.9%], odds ratio [OR] 3.611, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-12.89, p = 0.048; dialysis: 16 of the 23 men [69.6%] versus 9 of the 25 women [36.0%], OR: 4.063, 95% CI: 1.22-13.58, p = 0.023). CONCLUSION Our results show a reasonably high percentage of ADs and healthcare proxies in our study cohort. The observed stability of EoL requests encourages the implementation of structured queries for ADs and healthcare proxy for outpatients undergoing palliative treatment. Our data suggest that gender-specific characteristics should be further investigated in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Golombek
- Department of Oncology, University Cancer Center Leipzig (UCCL), University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nora Hegewald
- Department of Oncology, University Cancer Center Leipzig (UCCL), University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Astrid Schnabel
- Department of Oncology, University Cancer Center Leipzig (UCCL), University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hansjakob Fries
- Department of Internal Medicine III - Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Florian Lordick
- Department of Oncology, University Cancer Center Leipzig (UCCL), University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
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Baird A, Nasser A, Tanuseputro P, Webber C, Wheatley-Price P, Munro C. Involvement of Palliative Care in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Patients and Associations with Survival and End-of-Life Outcomes. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:1028-1034. [PMID: 38392070 PMCID: PMC10888381 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31020076] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive, and incurable cancer with a poor prognosis and high symptom burden. For these patients, little is known about the impact of palliative care consultation on outcomes such as mortality, hospital admissions, or emergency department visits. The aim of this study is to determine if referral to supportive and palliative care in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma is associated with survival and decreased hospital admissions and emergency department visits. This is a retrospective chart review. Study participants include all malignant pleural mesothelioma patients seen at The Ottawa Hospital-an acute care tertiary center-between January 2002 and March 2019. In total, 223 patients were included in the study. The mean age at diagnosis was 72.4 years and 82.5% were male. Of the patients diagnosed between 2002 and 2010, only 11 (9.6%) were referred to palliative care. By comparison, of those diagnosed between 2011 and 2019, 49 (45.4%) were referred to palliative care. Median time from diagnosis to referral was 4.1 months. There was no significant difference in the median survival of patients referred for palliative care compared to those who did not receive palliative care (p = 0.46). We found no association between receiving palliative care and the mean number of hospital admissions (1.04 vs. 0.91) from diagnosis to death, and an increase in mean number of emergency department visits in the palliative care group (2.30 vs. 1.18). Although there was increased utilization of palliative care services, more than half of the MPM patients did not receive palliative care despite their limited survival. There was an increase in emergency department visits in the palliative care group; this may represent an increase in the symptom burden (i.e., indication bias) in those referred to palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Baird
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (A.B.); (P.W.-P.)
| | - Abdullah Nasser
- Department of Oncology, Western University, London, ON N8W 2X3, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (A.B.); (P.W.-P.)
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1R 6M1, Canada
- ICES, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9, Canada
| | - Colleen Webber
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1R 6M1, Canada
- ICES, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9, Canada
| | - Paul Wheatley-Price
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (A.B.); (P.W.-P.)
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9, Canada
| | - Camille Munro
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (A.B.); (P.W.-P.)
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9, Canada
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Gurizzan C, Esposito A, Lorini L, Smussi D, Turla A, Baggi A, Laganà M, Zamparini M, Bianchi S, Volta AD, Grisanti S, Giacomelli L, Berruti A, Bossi P. Oncological treatment administration at end of life: a retrospective study. Future Oncol 2024; 20:329-334. [PMID: 38420932 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2023-0092] [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] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: This work evaluated the proportion of patients who continue therapy until their last month of life or initiate a new therapy in the last 3 months of life (end of life [EOL]). Methods: Data for 486 patients were retrospectively collected. Results: In EOL, 205 (42.3%) received systemic therapy. Better performance status (last month overall response [OR]: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.25-0.60; p < 0.001; last 3 months OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.34-0.65; p < 0.001) and lack of activation of palliative care (last month OR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.13-0.54; p < 0.001; last 3 months OR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.10-0.32; p < 0.001) were associated with higher probability of EOL therapy. Conclusion: A non-negligible proportion of patients in real-life settings continue to receive systemic treatment in EOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Gurizzan
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical & Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences & Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST-Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25125, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Esposito
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical & Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences & Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST-Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25125, Brescia, Italy
| | - Luigi Lorini
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical & Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences & Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST-Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25125, Brescia, Italy
| | - Davide Smussi
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical & Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences & Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST-Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25125, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonella Turla
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical & Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences & Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST-Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25125, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alice Baggi
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical & Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences & Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST-Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25125, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marta Laganà
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical & Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences & Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST-Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25125, Brescia, Italy
| | - Manuel Zamparini
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical & Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences & Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST-Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25125, Brescia, Italy
| | - Susanna Bianchi
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical & Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences & Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST-Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25125, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Dalla Volta
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical & Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences & Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST-Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25125, Brescia, Italy
| | - Salvatore Grisanti
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical & Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences & Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST-Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25125, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Alfredo Berruti
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical & Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences & Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST-Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25125, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paolo Bossi
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical & Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences & Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST-Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25125, Brescia, Italy
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18
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Hjermstad MJ, Pirnat A, Aass N, Andersen S, Astrup GL, Dajani O, Garresori H, Guldhav KV, Hamre H, Haukland EC, Jordal F, Lundeby T, Løhre ET, Mjåland S, Paulsen Ø, Semb KA, Staff ES, Wester T, Kaasa S. PALLiative care in ONcology (PALLiON): A cluster-randomised trial investigating the effect of palliative care on the use of anticancer treatment at the end of life. Palliat Med 2024; 38:229-239. [PMID: 38193250 PMCID: PMC10865754 DOI: 10.1177/02692163231222391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effects on anticancer therapy following the integration of palliative care and oncology are rarely investigated. Thus, its potential effect is unknown. AIM To investigate the effects of the complex intervention PALLiON versus usual care on end-of-life anticancer therapy. DESIGN Cluster-randomised controlled trial (RCT), registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (No. NCT03088202). The complex intervention consisted of a physician education program enhancing theoretical, clinical and communication skills, a patient-centred care pathway and patient symptom reporting prior to all consultations. Primary outcome was overall use, start and cessation of anticancer therapy in the last 3 months before death. Secondary outcomes were patient-reported outcomes. Mixed effects logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazard were used. SETTING A total of 12 Norwegian hospitals (03/2017-02/2021). PARTICIPANTS Patients ⩾18 years, advanced stage solid tumour, starting last line of anticancer therapy, estimated life expectancy ⩽12 months. RESULTS A total of 616 (93%) patients were included (intervention: 309/control:307); 63% males, median age 69, 77% had gastrointestinal cancers. Median survival time from inclusion was 8 (IQR 3-14) and 7 months (IQR 3-12), and days between anticancer therapy start and death were 204 (90-378) and 168 (69-351) (intervention/control). Overall, 78 patients (13%) received anticancer therapy in the last month (intervention: 33 [11%]/control: 45 [15%]). No differences were found in patient-reported outcomes. CONCLUSION We found no significant differences in the probability of receiving end-of-life anticancer therapy. The intervention did not have the desired effect. It was probably too general and too focussed on communication skills to exert a substantial influence on conventional clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Jensen Hjermstad
- Regional Advisory Unit in Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Aleksandra Pirnat
- Regional Advisory Unit in Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nina Aass
- Regional Advisory Unit in Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sigve Andersen
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Guro L Astrup
- Regional Advisory Unit in Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Olav Dajani
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Herish Garresori
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Kristin V Guldhav
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Care, Førde Hospital Trust, Førde, Norway
| | - Hanne Hamre
- Department of Oncology, Akershus University Hospital, Akershus, Norway
| | - Ellinor C Haukland
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Care, Nordland Hospital Trust, Nordland, Norway
| | - Frode Jordal
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Østfold Hospital Trust, Østfold, Norway
| | - Tonje Lundeby
- Regional Advisory Unit in Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erik Torbjorn Løhre
- Cancer Clinic, St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Svein Mjåland
- Center for Cancer Treatment, Sorlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Ørnulf Paulsen
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Palliative Care Unit, Telemark Hospital Trust, Skien, Norway
| | - Karin A Semb
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Care, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Erik S Staff
- Department of Oncology, Ålesund Hospital Trust, Ålesund, Norway
| | - Torunn Wester
- Regional Advisory Unit in Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stein Kaasa
- Regional Advisory Unit in Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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19
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Bandieri E, Borelli E, Bigi S, Mucciarini C, Gilioli F, Ferrari U, Eliardo S, Luppi M, Potenza L. Positive Psychological Well-Being in Early Palliative Care: A Narrative Review of the Roles of Hope, Gratitude, and Death Acceptance. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:672-684. [PMID: 38392043 PMCID: PMC10888238 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31020049] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In the advanced cancer setting, low psychological functioning is a common symptom and its deleterious impact on health outcomes is well established. Yet, the beneficial role of positive psychological well-being (PPWB) on several clinical conditions has been demonstrated. Early palliative care (EPC) is a recent value-based model consisting of the early integration of palliative care into standard care for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. While the late palliative care primary offers short-term interventions, predominantly pharmacological in nature and limited to physical symptom reduction, EPC has the potential to act over a longer term, enabling specific interventions aimed at promoting PPWB. This narrative review examines nine English studies retrieved from MEDLINE/PubMed, published up to October 2023, focusing on EPC and three dimensions of PPWB: hope, gratitude, and death acceptance. These dimensions consistently emerge in our clinical experience within the EPC setting for advanced cancer patients and appear to contribute to its clinical efficacy. The choice of a narrative review reflects the novelty of the topic, the limited existing research, and the need to incorporate a variety of methodological approaches for a comprehensive exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bandieri
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, Unità Sanitaria Locale (USL), 41012 Carpi, Italy; (E.B.); (C.M.); (F.G.); (U.F.); (S.E.)
| | - Eleonora Borelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (M.L.); (L.P.)
| | - Sarah Bigi
- Department of Linguistic Sciences and Foreign Literatures, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 20123 Milan, Italy;
| | - Claudia Mucciarini
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, Unità Sanitaria Locale (USL), 41012 Carpi, Italy; (E.B.); (C.M.); (F.G.); (U.F.); (S.E.)
| | - Fabio Gilioli
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, Unità Sanitaria Locale (USL), 41012 Carpi, Italy; (E.B.); (C.M.); (F.G.); (U.F.); (S.E.)
| | - Umberto Ferrari
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, Unità Sanitaria Locale (USL), 41012 Carpi, Italy; (E.B.); (C.M.); (F.G.); (U.F.); (S.E.)
| | - Sonia Eliardo
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, Unità Sanitaria Locale (USL), 41012 Carpi, Italy; (E.B.); (C.M.); (F.G.); (U.F.); (S.E.)
| | - Mario Luppi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (M.L.); (L.P.)
- Hematology Unit and Chair, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Leonardo Potenza
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (M.L.); (L.P.)
- Hematology Unit and Chair, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy
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20
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Harrison RA, Tang M, Shih KK, Khan M, Pham L, De Moraes AR, O'Brien BJ, Bassett R, Bruera E. Characterization of patients with brain metastases referred to palliative care. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:13. [PMID: 38212765 PMCID: PMC10782691 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01320-3] [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: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study, we aimed to assess the clinical characteristics, reasons for referral, and outcomes of patients with brain metastases (BM) referred to the supportive care center. METHODS Equal numbers of patients with melanoma, breast cancer, and lung cancer with (N = 90) and without (N = 90) BM were retrospectively identified from the supportive care database for study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic, disease, and clinical data. Kaplan Meier method was used to evaluate survival outcomes. RESULTS While physical symptom management was the most common reason for referral to supportive care for both patients with and without BM, patients with BM had significantly lower pain scores on ESAS at time of referral (p = 0.002). They had greater interaction with acute care in the last weeks of life, with higher rates of ICU admission, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations after initial supportive care (SC) visit. The median survival time from referral to Supportive Care Center (SCC) was 0.90 years (95% CI 0.73, 1.40) for the brain metastasis group and 1.29 years (95% CI 0.91, 2.29) for the group without BM. CONCLUSIONS Patients with BM have shorter survival and greater interaction with acute care in the last weeks of life. This population also has distinct symptom burdens from patients without BM. Strategies to optimize integration of SC for patients with BM warrant ongoing study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Harrison
- Division of Neurology, BC Cancer, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Michael Tang
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kaoswi Karina Shih
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Khan
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lily Pham
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School or Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aline Rozman De Moraes
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Barbara J O'Brien
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Roland Bassett
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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21
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Slotman E, Fransen HP, van Laarhoven HWM, van den Beuken-van Everdingen MHJ, Tjan-Heijnen VCG, Huijben AMT, Jager A, van Zuylen L, Kuip EJM, van der Linden YM, Raijmakers NJH, Siesling S. Reduction in potentially inappropriate end-of-life hospital care for cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective population-based study. Palliat Med 2024; 38:140-149. [PMID: 38142283 PMCID: PMC10798006 DOI: 10.1177/02692163231217373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic impacted cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, little is known about end-of-life cancer care during the pandemic. AIM To investigate potentially inappropriate end-of-life hospital care for cancer patients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Retrospective population-based cohort study using data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry and the Dutch National Hospital Care Registration. Potentially inappropriate care in the last month of life (chemotherapy administration, >1 emergency room contact, >1 hospitalization, hospitalization >14 days, intensive care unit admission or hospital death) was compared between four COVID-19 periods and corresponding periods in 2018/2019. PARTICIPANTS A total of 112,919 cancer patients (⩾18 years) who died between January 2018 and May 2021 were included. RESULTS Fewer patients received potentially inappropriate end-of-life care during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to previous years, especially during the first COVID-19 peak (22.4% vs 26.0%). Regression analysis showed lower odds of potentially inappropriate end-of-life care during all COVID-19 periods (between OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.74-0.88 and OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.87-0.97) after adjustment for age, sex and cancer type. For the individual indicators, fewer patients experienced multiple or long hospitalizations, intensive care unit admission or hospital death during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Cancer patients received less potentially inappropriate end-of-life care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because several factors may have contributed, it is unclear whether this reflects better quality care. However, these findings raise important questions about what pandemic-induced changes in care practices can help provide appropriate end-of-life care for future patients in the context of increasing patient numbers and limited resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellis Slotman
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Association for Palliative Care (PZNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Health Technology and Services Research, University of Twente, Technical Medical Centre, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Heidi P Fransen
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Association for Palliative Care (PZNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hanneke WM van Laarhoven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Vivianne CG Tjan-Heijnen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Auke MT Huijben
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Agnes Jager
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lia van Zuylen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Evelien JM Kuip
- Department of Medical Oncology and Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Care, Radboud Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Yvette M van der Linden
- Centre of Expertise in Palliative Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiotherapy, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja JH Raijmakers
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Association for Palliative Care (PZNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine Siesling
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Health Technology and Services Research, University of Twente, Technical Medical Centre, Enschede, The Netherlands
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22
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Sadang KG, Centracchio JA, Turk Y, Park E, Feliciano JL, Chua IS, Blackhall L, Silveira MJ, Fischer SM, Rabow M, Zachariah F, Grey C, Campbell TC, Strand J, Temel JS, Greer JA. Clinician Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators for Delivering Early Integrated Palliative Care via Telehealth. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5340. [PMID: 38001600 PMCID: PMC10670662 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Early integrated palliative care (EIPC) significantly improves clinical outcomes for patients with advanced cancer. Telehealth may be a useful tool to deliver EIPC sustainably and equitably. Palliative care clinicians completed a survey regarding their perceptions of the barriers, facilitators, and benefits of using telehealth video visits for delivering EIPC for patients with advanced lung cancer. Forty-eight clinicians across 22 cancer centers completed the survey between May and July 2022. Most (91.7%) agreed that telehealth increases access to EIPC and simplifies the process for patients to receive EIPC (79.2%). Clinicians noted that the elderly, those in rural areas, and those with less-resourced backgrounds have greater difficulty using telehealth. Perceived barriers were largely patient-based factors, including technological literacy, internet and device availability, and patient preferences. Clinicians agreed that several organizational factors facilitated telehealth EIPC delivery, including technological infrastructure (85.4%), training (83.3%), and support from study coordinators (81.3%). Other barriers included systems-based factors, such as insurance reimbursement and out-of-state coverage restrictions. Patient-, organization-, and systems-based factors are all important to providing and improving access to telehealth EIPC services. Further research is needed to investigate the efficacy of telehealth EIPC and how policies and interventions may improve access to and dissemination of this care modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Grace Sadang
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Lifelong Medical Care Family Medicine Residency, Richmond, CA 94801, USA
| | - Joely A. Centracchio
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (J.A.C.); (Y.T.); (E.P.); (J.S.T.)
| | - Yael Turk
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (J.A.C.); (Y.T.); (E.P.); (J.S.T.)
| | - Elyse Park
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (J.A.C.); (Y.T.); (E.P.); (J.S.T.)
| | | | - Isaac S. Chua
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital & Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Leslie Blackhall
- Department of Palliative Care, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA;
| | - Maria J. Silveira
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Ann Arbor Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA;
| | | | - Michael Rabow
- University of California San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
| | | | - Carl Grey
- Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA;
| | - Toby C. Campbell
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Palliative Care, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | | | - Jennifer S. Temel
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (J.A.C.); (Y.T.); (E.P.); (J.S.T.)
| | - Joseph A. Greer
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (J.A.C.); (Y.T.); (E.P.); (J.S.T.)
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23
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Hooker ER, Chapa J, Vranas KC, Niederhausen M, Goodlin SJ, Slatore CG, Sullivan DR. Intersection of Palliative Care and Hospice Use Among Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:1474-1481. [PMID: 37262128 PMCID: PMC10658737 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0040] [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] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hospice and palliative care (PC) are important components of lung cancer care and independently provide benefits to patients and their families. Objective: To better understand the relationship between hospice and PC and factors that influence this relationship. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with advanced lung cancer (stage IIIB/IV) within the U.S. Veterans Health Administration (VA) from 2007 to 2013 with follow-up through 2017 (n = 22,907). Mixed logistic regression models with a random effect for site, adjustment for patient variables, and propensity score weighting were used to examine whether the association between PC and hospice use varied by U.S. region and PC team characteristics. Results: Overall, 57% of patients with lung cancer received PC, 69% received hospice, and 16% received neither. Of those who received hospice, 60% were already enrolled in PC. Patients who received PC had higher odds of hospice enrollment than patients who did not receive PC (adjusted odds ratio = 3.25, 95% confidence interval: 2.43-4.36). There were regional differences among patients who received PC; the predicted probability of hospice enrollment was 85% and 73% in the Southeast and Northeast, respectively. PC team and facility characteristics influenced hospice use in addition to PC; teams with the shortest duration of existence, with formal team training, and at lower hospital complexity were more likely to use hospice (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: Among patients with advanced lung cancer, PC was associated with hospice enrollment. However, this relationship varied by geographic region, and PC team and facility characteristics. Our findings suggest that regional PC resource availability may contribute to substitution effects between PC and hospice for end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R. Hooker
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in their Care (CIVIC), VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Joaquin Chapa
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Kelly C. Vranas
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in their Care (CIVIC), VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Divisions of Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Meike Niederhausen
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in their Care (CIVIC), VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Oregon Health and Science University—Portland State University School of Public Health, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Sarah J. Goodlin
- Geriatrics Section, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Christopher G. Slatore
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in their Care (CIVIC), VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Donald R. Sullivan
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in their Care (CIVIC), VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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24
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Gonzalez R, Srinivas S, Waterman BL, Chawla M, Cloyd JM, Di Tosto G, Pawlik TM, Sarna A, Rush LJ, McAlearney AS, Ejaz A. Impact of early vs late palliative care referrals on healthcare utilization in patients with pancreatic cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:14997-15002. [PMID: 37610676 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05113-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of early versus late palliative care referral (PCR) following pancreatic cancer diagnosis. METHODS Patients diagnosed with PDAC who received a PCR between 2014 and 2020 at a major academic institution were identified. PCR was classified as early (< 30 days) or late (≥ 30 days) based on time from definitive diagnosis. Data were obtained on number of emergency department (ED) visits, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and hospital admissions. RESULTS Among 1458 patients with PDAC, 419 (28.7%) received PCR, among which 67.3% (n = 282) received a late PCR. Of those who received PCR, the majority were White (85%) and male (54.8%), with a median age of 62 years at time of diagnosis. Patients who received an early PCR more commonly presented with stage 4 disease at diagnosis (early: n = 91, 69% vs. late: n = 132, 47%), whereas patients who received a late PCR more commonly presented with stage 1, 2, or 3 disease (early: n = 40, 30.5% vs. late: n = 150, 53.2%) (p < 0.001). Patients who received early PCR had fewer median ED visits (1 vs. 2, p < 0.001) and hospital admissions (1 vs. 2, p < 0.001) compared with patients who received late PCR. However, after performing recurrent-event Cox-proportional hazards models, the timing of PCR did not impact hospital admission (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.68, 1.14; p = 0.3). CONCLUSION Timing of PCR for patients with PDAC was not associated with healthcare utilization. Further prospective trials are needed to study the patient-centered impact of early integration of palliative care services into multidisciplinary pancreatic cancer teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gonzalez
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shruthi Srinivas
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 320 W. 10th Ave., M-260 Starling-Loving Hall, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brittany L Waterman
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mehak Chawla
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jordan M Cloyd
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 320 W. 10th Ave., M-260 Starling-Loving Hall, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Gennaro Di Tosto
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research (CATALYST), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 320 W. 10th Ave., M-260 Starling-Loving Hall, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Angela Sarna
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Laura J Rush
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research (CATALYST), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ann Scheck McAlearney
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research (CATALYST), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Aslam Ejaz
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 320 W. 10th Ave., M-260 Starling-Loving Hall, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Schütte W, Gütz S, Nehls W, Blum TG, Brückl W, Buttmann-Schweiger N, Büttner R, Christopoulos P, Delis S, Deppermann KM, Dickgreber N, Eberhardt W, Eggeling S, Fleckenstein J, Flentje M, Frost N, Griesinger F, Grohé C, Gröschel A, Guckenberger M, Hecker E, Hoffmann H, Huber RM, Junker K, Kauczor HU, Kollmeier J, Kraywinkel K, Krüger M, Kugler C, Möller M, Nestle U, Passlick B, Pfannschmidt J, Reck M, Reinmuth N, Rübe C, Scheubel R, Schumann C, Sebastian M, Serke M, Stoelben E, Stuschke M, Thomas M, Tufman A, Vordermark D, Waller C, Wolf J, Wolf M, Wormanns D. [Prevention, Diagnosis, Therapy, and Follow-up of Lung Cancer - Interdisciplinary Guideline of the German Respiratory Society and the German Cancer Society - Abridged Version]. Pneumologie 2023; 77:671-813. [PMID: 37884003 DOI: 10.1055/a-2029-0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The current S3 Lung Cancer Guidelines are edited with fundamental changes to the previous edition based on the dynamic influx of information to this field:The recommendations include de novo a mandatory case presentation for all patients with lung cancer in a multidisciplinary tumor board before initiation of treatment, furthermore CT-Screening for asymptomatic patients at risk (after federal approval), recommendations for incidental lung nodule management , molecular testing of all NSCLC independent of subtypes, EGFR-mutations in resectable early stage lung cancer in relapsed or recurrent disease, adjuvant TKI-therapy in the presence of common EGFR-mutations, adjuvant consolidation treatment with checkpoint inhibitors in resected lung cancer with PD-L1 ≥ 50%, obligatory evaluation of PD-L1-status, consolidation treatment with checkpoint inhibition after radiochemotherapy in patients with PD-L1-pos. tumor, adjuvant consolidation treatment with checkpoint inhibition in patients withPD-L1 ≥ 50% stage IIIA and treatment options in PD-L1 ≥ 50% tumors independent of PD-L1status and targeted therapy and treatment option immune chemotherapy in first line SCLC patients.Based on the current dynamic status of information in this field and the turnaround time required to implement new options, a transformation to a "living guideline" was proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Schütte
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Krankenhaus Martha Maria Halle-Dölau, Halle (Saale)
| | - Sylvia Gütz
- St. Elisabeth-Krankenhaus Leipzig, Abteilung für Innere Medizin I, Leipzig
| | - Wiebke Nehls
- Klinik für Palliativmedizin und Geriatrie, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring
| | - Torsten Gerriet Blum
- Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, Klinik für Pneumologie, Lungenklinik Heckeshorn, Berlin
| | - Wolfgang Brückl
- Klinik für Innere Medizin 3, Schwerpunkt Pneumologie, Klinikum Nürnberg Nord
| | | | - Reinhard Büttner
- Institut für Allgemeine Pathologie und Pathologische Anatomie, Uniklinik Köln, Berlin
| | | | - Sandra Delis
- Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, Klinik für Pneumologie, Lungenklinik Heckeshorn, Berlin
| | | | - Nikolas Dickgreber
- Klinik für Pneumologie, Thoraxonkologie und Beatmungsmedizin, Klinikum Rheine
| | | | - Stephan Eggeling
- Vivantes Netzwerk für Gesundheit, Klinikum Neukölln, Klinik für Thoraxchirurgie, Berlin
| | - Jochen Fleckenstein
- Klinik für Strahlentherapie und Radioonkologie, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes und Medizinische Fakultät der Universität des Saarlandes, Homburg
| | - Michael Flentje
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Strahlentherapie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg
| | - Nikolaj Frost
- Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Infektiologie/Pneumologie, Charite Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin
| | - Frank Griesinger
- Klinik für Hämatologie und Onkologie, Pius-Hospital Oldenburg, Oldenburg
| | | | - Andreas Gröschel
- Klinik für Pneumologie und Beatmungsmedizin, Clemenshospital, Münster
| | | | | | - Hans Hoffmann
- Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU München, Sektion für Thoraxchirurgie, München
| | - Rudolf M Huber
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik V, Thorakale Onkologie, LMU Klinikum Munchen
| | - Klaus Junker
- Klinikum Oststadt Bremen, Institut für Pathologie, Bremen
| | - Hans-Ulrich Kauczor
- Klinikum der Universität Heidelberg, Abteilung Diagnostische Radiologie, Heidelberg
| | - Jens Kollmeier
- Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, Klinik für Pneumologie, Lungenklinik Heckeshorn, Berlin
| | | | - Marcus Krüger
- Klinik für Thoraxchirurgie, Krankenhaus Martha-Maria Halle-Dölau, Halle-Dölau
| | | | - Miriam Möller
- Krankenhaus Martha-Maria Halle-Dölau, Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Halle-Dölau
| | - Ursula Nestle
- Kliniken Maria Hilf, Klinik für Strahlentherapie, Mönchengladbach
| | | | - Joachim Pfannschmidt
- Klinik für Thoraxchirurgie, Lungenklinik Heckeshorn, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, Berlin
| | - Martin Reck
- Lungeclinic Grosshansdorf, Pneumologisch-onkologische Abteilung, Grosshansdorf
| | - Niels Reinmuth
- Klinik für Pneumologie, Thorakale Onkologie, Asklepios Lungenklinik Gauting, Gauting
| | - Christian Rübe
- Klinik für Strahlentherapie und Radioonkologie, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar, Homburg
| | | | | | - Martin Sebastian
- Medizinische Klinik II, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Frankfurt
| | - Monika Serke
- Zentrum für Pneumologie und Thoraxchirurgie, Lungenklinik Hemer, Hemer
| | | | - Martin Stuschke
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Strahlentherapie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen
| | - Michael Thomas
- Thoraxklinik am Univ.-Klinikum Heidelberg, Thorakale Onkologie, Heidelberg
| | - Amanda Tufman
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik V, Thorakale Onkologie, LMU Klinikum München
| | - Dirk Vordermark
- Universitätsklinik und Poliklinik für Strahlentherapie, Universitätsklinikum Halle, Halle
| | - Cornelius Waller
- Klinik für Innere Medizin I, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Freiburg
| | | | - Martin Wolf
- Klinikum Kassel, Klinik für Onkologie und Hämatologie, Kassel
| | - Dag Wormanns
- Evangelische Lungenklinik, Radiologisches Institut, Berlin
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Han HJ, Pilgrim CR, Buss MK. Integrating palliative care into the evolving landscape of oncology. Curr Probl Cancer 2023; 47:101013. [PMID: 37714795 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2023.101013] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Patients with cancer have many palliative care needs. Robust evidence supports the early integration of palliative care into the care of patients with advanced cancer. International organizations, such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), have recommended early, longitudinal integration of palliative care into oncology care throughout the cancer trajectory. In this review, we pose a series of clinical questions related to the current state of early palliative care integration into oncology. We review the evidence to address each of these questions and highlight areas for further investigation. As cancer care continues to evolve, incorporating new treatment modalities and improving patient outcomes, we reflect on how to apply the existing evidence supporting early palliative care-oncology integration into this ever-changing therapeutic landscape and how specialty palliative care might adapt to meet the evolving needs of patients, caregivers, and the multidisciplinary oncology team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry J Han
- Section of Palliative Care, Division of General Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston MA.
| | - Carol R Pilgrim
- Division of Palliative Care, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Mary K Buss
- Division of Palliative Care, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
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27
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Nguyen CA, Beaulieu ND, Wright AA, Cutler DM, Keating NL, Landrum MB. Organization of Cancer Specialists in US Physician Practices and Health Systems. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:4226-4235. [PMID: 37379501 PMCID: PMC10852402 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.00626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the supply of cancer specialists, the organization of cancer care within versus outside of health systems, and the distance to multispecialty cancer centers. METHODS Using the 2018 Health Systems and Provider Database from the National Bureau of Economic Research and 2018 Medicare data, we identified 46,341 unique physicians providing cancer care. We stratified physicians by discipline (adult/pediatric medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical/gynecologic oncologists, other surgeons performing cancer surgeries, or palliative care physicians), system type (National Cancer Institute [NCI] Cancer Center system, non-NCI academic system, nonacademic system, or nonsystem/independent practice), practice size, and composition (single disciplinary oncology, multidisciplinary oncology, or multispecialty). We computed the density of cancer specialists by county and calculated distances to the nearest NCI Cancer Center. RESULTS More than half of all cancer specialists (57.8%) practiced in health systems, but 55.0% of cancer-related visits occurred in independent practices. Most system-based physicians were in large practices with more than 100 physicians, while those in independent practices were in smaller practices. Practices in NCI Cancer Center systems (95.2%), non-NCI academic systems (95.0%), and nonacademic systems (94.3%) were primarily multispecialty, while fewer independent practices (44.8%) were. Cancer specialist density was sparse in many rural areas, where the median travel distance to an NCI Cancer Center was 98.7 miles. Distances to NCI Cancer Centers were shorter for individuals living in high-income areas than in low-income areas, even for individuals in suburban and urban areas. CONCLUSION Although many cancer specialists practiced in multispecialty health systems, many also worked in smaller-sized independent practices where most patients were treated. Access to cancer specialists and cancer centers was limited in many areas, particularly in rural and low-income areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina A. Nguyen
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Nancy D. Beaulieu
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Alexi A. Wright
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - David M. Cutler
- Department of Economics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
- National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge, MA
| | - Nancy L. Keating
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Division of General Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Mary Beth Landrum
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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28
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Viladot M, Gallardo-Martínez JL, Hernandez-Rodríguez F, Izcara-Cobo J, Majó-LLopart J, Peguera-Carré M, Russinyol-Fonte G, Saavedra-Cruz K, Barrera C, Chicote M, Barreto TD, Carrera G, Cimerman J, Font E, Grafia I, Llavata L, Marco-Hernandez J, Padrosa J, Pascual A, Quera D, Zamora-Martínez C, Bozzone AM, Font C, Tuca A. Validation Study of the PALCOM Scale of Complexity of Palliative Care Needs: A Cohort Study in Advanced Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4182. [PMID: 37627210 PMCID: PMC10453100 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164182] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a patient-centred model of care, referral to early palliative care (EPC) depends on both the prognosis and the complexity of care needs. The PALCOM scale is a 5-domain multidimensional assessment tool developed to identify the level of complexity of palliative care needs of cancer patients. The aim of this study was to validate the PALCOM scale. PATIENT AND METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study of cancer patients to compare the PALCOM scale and expert empirical assessment (EA) of the complexity of palliative care needs. The EA had to categorise patients according to their complexity, considering that medium to high levels required priority attention from specialist EPC teams, while those with low levels could be managed by non-specialist teams. Systematically collected multidimensional variables were recorded in an electronic report form and stratified by level of complexity and rating system (PALCOM scale versus EA). The correlation rank (Kendall's tau test) and accuracy test (F1-score) between the two rating systems were analysed. ROC curve analysis was used to determine the predictive power of the PALCOM scale. RESULTS A total of 283 advanced cancer patients were included. There were no significant differences in the frequency of the levels of complexity between the EA and the PALCOM scale (low 22.3-23.7%; medium 57.2-59.0%; high 20.5-17.3%). The prevalence of high symptom burden, severe pain, functional impairment, socio-familial risk, existential/spiritual problems, 6-month mortality and in-hospital death was significantly higher (p < 0.001) at the high complexity levels in both scoring systems. Comparative analysis showed a high correlation rank and accuracy between the two scoring systems (Kendall's tau test 0.81, F1 score 0.84). The predictive ability of the PALCOM scale was confirmed by an area under the curve in the ROC analysis of 0.907 for high and 0.902 for low complexity. CONCLUSIONS In a patient-centred care model, the identification of complexity is a key point to appropriate referral and management of shared care with EPC teams. The PALCOM scale is a high precision tool for determining the level of complexity of palliative care needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Viladot
- Unit of Supportive and Palliative Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (T.-D.B.); (G.C.); (J.C.); (E.F.); (I.G.); (L.L.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (A.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (C.F.)
| | - Jose-Luís Gallardo-Martínez
- Home Care Support Teams Program (PADES) Group Mutuam, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (J.-L.G.-M.); (J.I.-C.); (M.P.-C.); (K.S.-C.)
| | | | - Jessica Izcara-Cobo
- Home Care Support Teams Program (PADES) Group Mutuam, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (J.-L.G.-M.); (J.I.-C.); (M.P.-C.); (K.S.-C.)
| | | | - Marta Peguera-Carré
- Home Care Support Teams Program (PADES) Group Mutuam, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (J.-L.G.-M.); (J.I.-C.); (M.P.-C.); (K.S.-C.)
| | - Giselle Russinyol-Fonte
- Mutuam Güell Social Health Care Hospital, 08024 Barcelona, Spain; (F.H.-R.); (G.R.-F.); (D.Q.)
| | - Katia Saavedra-Cruz
- Home Care Support Teams Program (PADES) Group Mutuam, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (J.-L.G.-M.); (J.I.-C.); (M.P.-C.); (K.S.-C.)
| | - Carmen Barrera
- Unit of Supportive and Palliative Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (T.-D.B.); (G.C.); (J.C.); (E.F.); (I.G.); (L.L.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (A.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (C.F.)
| | - Manoli Chicote
- Unit of Supportive and Palliative Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (T.-D.B.); (G.C.); (J.C.); (E.F.); (I.G.); (L.L.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (A.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (C.F.)
| | - Tanny-Daniela Barreto
- Unit of Supportive and Palliative Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (T.-D.B.); (G.C.); (J.C.); (E.F.); (I.G.); (L.L.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (A.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (C.F.)
| | - Gemma Carrera
- Unit of Supportive and Palliative Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (T.-D.B.); (G.C.); (J.C.); (E.F.); (I.G.); (L.L.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (A.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (C.F.)
| | - Jackeline Cimerman
- Unit of Supportive and Palliative Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (T.-D.B.); (G.C.); (J.C.); (E.F.); (I.G.); (L.L.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (A.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (C.F.)
| | - Elena Font
- Unit of Supportive and Palliative Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (T.-D.B.); (G.C.); (J.C.); (E.F.); (I.G.); (L.L.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (A.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (C.F.)
- Psychosocial Support Team, “La Caixa” Foundation (EAPS), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Grafia
- Unit of Supportive and Palliative Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (T.-D.B.); (G.C.); (J.C.); (E.F.); (I.G.); (L.L.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (A.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (C.F.)
| | - Lucia Llavata
- Unit of Supportive and Palliative Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (T.-D.B.); (G.C.); (J.C.); (E.F.); (I.G.); (L.L.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (A.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (C.F.)
| | - Javier Marco-Hernandez
- Unit of Supportive and Palliative Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (T.-D.B.); (G.C.); (J.C.); (E.F.); (I.G.); (L.L.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (A.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (C.F.)
| | - Joan Padrosa
- Unit of Supportive and Palliative Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (T.-D.B.); (G.C.); (J.C.); (E.F.); (I.G.); (L.L.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (A.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (C.F.)
| | - Anais Pascual
- Unit of Supportive and Palliative Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (T.-D.B.); (G.C.); (J.C.); (E.F.); (I.G.); (L.L.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (A.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (C.F.)
- Psychosocial Support Team, “La Caixa” Foundation (EAPS), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dolors Quera
- Mutuam Güell Social Health Care Hospital, 08024 Barcelona, Spain; (F.H.-R.); (G.R.-F.); (D.Q.)
| | - Carles Zamora-Martínez
- Unit of Supportive and Palliative Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (T.-D.B.); (G.C.); (J.C.); (E.F.); (I.G.); (L.L.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (A.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (C.F.)
| | | | - Carme Font
- Unit of Supportive and Palliative Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (T.-D.B.); (G.C.); (J.C.); (E.F.); (I.G.); (L.L.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (A.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (C.F.)
| | - Albert Tuca
- Unit of Supportive and Palliative Care in Cancer, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (C.B.); (M.C.); (T.-D.B.); (G.C.); (J.C.); (E.F.); (I.G.); (L.L.); (J.M.-H.); (J.P.); (A.P.); (C.Z.-M.); (C.F.)
- Psychosocial Support Team, “La Caixa” Foundation (EAPS), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Chair of Palliative Care, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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Hasegawa T, Ito Y, Furukawa Y, Okuyama T, Kojima N, Uchida M, Tasaki Y, Suzuki N, Ishida K, Kashima S, Kubota Y, Akechi T. Specialized Palliative Care and Intensity of End-of-Life Care Among Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer: A Medical Chart Review. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023; 12:488-495. [PMID: 36508269 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2022.0078] [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] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer often undergo aggressive end-of-life (EOL) care. We evaluated whether specialized palliative care (SPC) involvement is associated with the receipt of intensive EOL care among AYAs. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with cancer treated between the ages of 15 and 39 years at a university hospital, who died during 2009-2022. The primary outcome was high-intensity EOL (HI-EOL) care, which was defined as ≥1 session of intravenous chemotherapy <14 days from death or during the final 30 days of life, ≥1 hospitalization at an intensive care unit, >1 emergency room admission, or >1 hospitalization at an acute care unit during the final 30 days of life. We determined predictors of outcomes using multiple logistic regression models. Results: We analyzed 132 AYAs (75 with SPC involvement), of whom 42.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 33.9%-51.3%) underwent HI-EOL care. The prevalence of HI-EOL care was significantly lower in those who had SPC involvement than in those without SPC involvement (adjusted odds 0.30; 95% CI: 0.13-0.69; p = 0.005). Using no SPC involvement group as a reference, the adjusted odds for SPC involvement ≤60 days and >60 days were 0.71 (95% CI: 0.18-2.78; p = 0.63) and 0.22 (95% CI: 0.09-0.57; p = 0.002), respectively. Conclusion: In AYAs with cancer, SPC involvement and duration were associated with a lower incidence of HI-EOL care. Thus, integrating SPC into oncology may improve EOL care for AYAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takaaki Hasegawa
- Center for Psycho-oncology and Palliative Care, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Ito
- Center for Psycho-oncology and Palliative Care, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yosuke Furukawa
- Center for Psycho-oncology and Palliative Care, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Nursing, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toru Okuyama
- Center for Psycho-oncology and Palliative Care, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry and Cognitive-Behavioral Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya City University West Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan
- Center for Psycho-oncology and Palliative Care, Nagoya City University West Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Nanako Kojima
- Center for Psycho-oncology and Palliative Care, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Megumi Uchida
- Center for Psycho-oncology and Palliative Care, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry and Cognitive-Behavioral Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Tasaki
- Center for Psycho-oncology and Palliative Care, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Clinical Pharmaceutics, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Nana Suzuki
- Center for Psycho-oncology and Palliative Care, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
- Center for Psycho-oncology and Palliative Care, Nagoya City University West Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kyoko Ishida
- Center for Psycho-oncology and Palliative Care, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Nursing, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shuuto Kashima
- Center for Psycho-oncology and Palliative Care, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yosuke Kubota
- Center for Psycho-oncology and Palliative Care, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry and Cognitive-Behavioral Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Akechi
- Center for Psycho-oncology and Palliative Care, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry and Cognitive-Behavioral Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
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Taylor EP, Vellozzi-Averhoff C, Vettese T. Care Throughout the Journey-The Interaction Between Primary Care and Palliative Care. Clin Geriatr Med 2023; 39:379-393. [PMID: 37385690 DOI: 10.1016/j.cger.2023.04.002] [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] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Palliative care is no longer synonymous with end-of-life care, and because supply has been well outstripped by demand, much of the practice of palliative care early in a patient's illness journey will take place in the primary care clinic-referred to as primary palliative care. Referral to specialty palliative care for complex symptom management or clarification on decision-making is appropriate, and can facilitate hospice referral, if indicated and in line with patient/family goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Pinto Taylor
- Division of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventative Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Cristina Vellozzi-Averhoff
- Division of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventative Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Theresa Vettese
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Bandieri E, Borelli E, Gilioli F, Bigi S, Mucciarini C, Ferrari U, Eliardo S, Pinto L, Porro CA, Efficace F, Luppi M, Potenza L. Stigma of Palliative Care among Patients with Advanced Cancer and Their Caregivers on Early Palliative Care. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3656. [PMID: 37509317 PMCID: PMC10377431 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The early referral to palliative care (PC) represents a successful value-based model with proven benefits regarding the quality of life and clinical outcomes for advanced cancer patients and their caregivers. Yet, its provision remains typically confined to the last weeks of life as per the historical, late PC model. The stigma according to which PC represents end-of-life care has been identified as the root of the problem. To explore the presence and effects of the stigma in a clinical context, we surveyed 78 patients and 110 caregivers (mean age: 71.7 and 60.7, respectively) on early PC to study what their perception of PC was before their direct experience. The responses were analyzed through a qualitative descriptive approach. The participants explicitly mentioned a lack of knowledge about PC (53% of the sample), which they identified also among physicians and the population (13%); an identification of PC with the late PC model (53%); and a detrimental reaction to the proposal of an early PC referral (83%). However, the participants explicitly mentioned that a direct experience of early PC allowed for an acquired awareness of early PC meaning and benefits (52%), as well as a comprehension of its differences with late PC (34%); the regret for the delayed referral (8%); the perception of the word "palliative" as a barrier (21%); and the belief that early PC should be part of the cancer routine practice (25%). A comprehensive multi-level intervention is necessary for a widespread understanding of the essence of anticipated PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bandieri
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale, 41012 Carpi, Italy
| | - Eleonora Borelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Gilioli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rehabilitation, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Sarah Bigi
- Department of Linguistic Sciences and Foreign Literatures, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Mucciarini
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale, 41012 Carpi, Italy
| | - Umberto Ferrari
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale, 41012 Carpi, Italy
| | - Sonia Eliardo
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale, 41012 Carpi, Italy
| | - Lidia Pinto
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale, 41012 Carpi, Italy
| | - Carlo Adolfo Porro
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Efficace
- Health Outcomes Research Unit, Italian Group for Adult Hematologic Diseases (GIMEMA), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Luppi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
- Hematology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Leonardo Potenza
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
- Hematology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy
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Cardoso F, McCartney A, Ponti A, Marotti L, Vrieling C, Eniu A, Sousa B, Ripamonti C, Travado L, Spitz S, Jolly E, Curigliano G, Penault-Llorca F, Lecouvet F, Rubio IT, Biganzoli L. European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists/Advanced Breast Cancer Global Alliance quality indicators for metastatic breast cancer care. Eur J Cancer 2023; 187:105-113. [PMID: 37146504 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Improvement in the care of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) can only occur if the adequate quality of care is implemented and verified, including access to multidisciplinary, specialised care given in accordance with high-quality guidelines. To this purpose, European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists and the Advanced Breast Cancer Global Alliance joined efforts to develop the first set of quality indicators (QI) specifically for MBC that should be routinely measured and evaluated to ensure that breast cancer centres meet the required standards. METHODS A working group of multidisciplinary European experts in breast cancer met to discuss each identified QI, reporting the definition, the minimum and target standard for breast cancer centres to achieve, and the motivation for selection. The level of evidence was determined according to the short version of the United States Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality classification. RESULTS QI to measure access to and involvement in multidisciplinary and supportive care, appropriate pathological characterisation of disease, systemic therapies and radiotherapy were developed with the consensus of the working group. CONCLUSIONS This is the first effort of a multistep project that aims to have QI for MBC routinely measured and evaluated to ensure that breast cancer centres achieve mandated standards in the care of patients with metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Cardoso
- Breast Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Center/Champalimaud Foundation and ABC Global Alliance, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Amelia McCartney
- "Sandro Pitigliani" Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Prato, Prato, Italy; School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Antonio Ponti
- CPO Piemonte, Turin and European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists (EUSOMA), Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenza Marotti
- European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists (EUSOMA), Florence, Italy
| | - Conny Vrieling
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hirslanden Clinique des Grangettes, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alexandru Eniu
- Oncology Pole, Hôpital Riviera-Chablais, Vaud-Valais, Switzerland; European School of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Berta Sousa
- Breast Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Center/Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Luzia Travado
- Breast Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Center/Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sabine Spitz
- EUPATI Austria and Europa Donna Austria, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Jolly
- Cancer Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Frederic Lecouvet
- Department of Radiology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabel T Rubio
- Breast Surgical Unit, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Biganzoli
- "Sandro Pitigliani" Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Prato, Prato, Italy.
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Waldman LP, Centracchio JA, Jacobs JM, Petrillo LA, El-Jawahri AR, Temel JS, Greer JA. Study protocol for a randomized trial of a supportive care mobile application to improve symptoms, coping, and quality of life in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1184482. [PMID: 37425161 PMCID: PMC10325829 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1184482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) often experience burdensome symptoms, emotional distress, and poor quality of life (QOL). While national guidelines recommend early palliative care to address these supportive care needs, most patients with advanced NSCLC lack access to such comprehensive care. Our aim in the current study is to test a novel model of palliative care delivery and use of innovative technology to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a supportive care mobile application (app) for improving symptom management and adaptive coping in patients with advanced NSCLC. We will enroll 120 patients with unresectable Stage III or IV NSCLC diagnosed within the past 12 weeks receiving care with palliative intent at a major academic comprehensive cancer center and its community affiliates. The study will take place in two phases, the first of which will be dedicated to adapting an evidence-based, early palliative care treatment guide and prior supportive care mobile app intervention to address the specific symptom management and coping needs of patients with advanced NSCLC. The second phase of the study will be a two-group, randomized controlled trial. Study patients will complete baseline self-report measures of symptoms, mood, coping skills, and QOL, after which they will be randomized to receive either the mobile app intervention combined with usual oncology care or usual oncology care alone. Intervention patients will use a tablet computer to self-administer the mobile app, which consists of six modules that teach evidence-based skills for managing burdensome symptoms and coping effectively with advanced cancer and its treatment. At 12 weeks follow up, patients in both groups will repeat the same self-report measures. We will use descriptive statistics to determine feasibility metrics of enrollment and retention rates. For secondary self-report measures, we will use linear regression controlling for baseline values. The results of the present study will contribute to a growing body of evidence regarding the supportive care needs of patients with advanced cancer and will have implications for how best to use innovative technology to widely disseminate comprehensive supportive care services to all patients who may benefit. Clinical Trial Registration: [www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier[NCT04629300].
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Fu Z, Guo J, Huang Q, Li D, Zhou H, Tan C, Sun P, Qin J, Xie Y, Zhang X, Chen H. Efficacy and Safety of Drug-Eluting Beads Bronchial Arterial Chemoembolization in Treating Patients with Lung Cancer Who Were Complicated with Hemoptysis. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2023; 38:347-352. [PMID: 33052699 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2020.3954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This study explored the effectiveness and safety of drug-eluting beads bronchial arterial chemoembolization (DEB-BACE) in patients with lung cancer who were complicated with hemoptysis. Materials and Methods: In total, 11 patients with lung cancer who were complicated with hemoptysis and underwent DEB-BACE treatment were analyzed. Clinical success was defined as no hemoptysis or reduction of hemoptysis volume >50% after treatment. Hemoptysis recurrence was recorded, and overall survival (OS) was calculated. Results: After DEB-BACE treatment, the clinical and technical success was 100%: in detail, 10 (90.0%) patients presented with no hemoptysis and 1 (9.1%) patient exhibited a reduction of hemoptysis volume >50%. Regarding the prognosis, 1 (9.1%) patient had hemoptysis recurrence at 46 d after DEB-BACE treatment. Furthermore, 4 (36.4%) patients died (1 [9.1%] patient died of nonhemoptysis asphyxia; 1 [9.1%] patient died of massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage; 1 [9.1%] patient died of respiratory failure; and 1 [9.1%] patient died of hemoptysis recurrence). Additionally, the mean OS in total patients was 14.2 (95% confidence interval: 8.2-20.3) months. As to adverse events, 1 (9.1%) patient showed high fever, 2 (18.2%) patients exhibited low fever, and 1 (9.1%) patient suffered from chest pain. Conclusions: DEB-BACE can be considered an effective and safe treatment in treating hemoptysis in patients with lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhigang Fu
- Department of Radiology, Yichang Central People's Hospital, First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Jianqiang Guo
- Department of Radiology, Yichang Central People's Hospital, First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Qiao Huang
- Department of Radiology, Yichang Central People's Hospital, First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Daojun Li
- Department of Radiology, Yichang Central People's Hospital, First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Haibo Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Yichang Central People's Hospital, First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Chenhong Tan
- Department of Radiology, People's Hospital of Changyang County, Changyang, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Department of Radiology, People's Hospital of Changyang County, Changyang, China
| | - Jingxia Qin
- Department of Radiology, Yichang Central People's Hospital, First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yingchun Xie
- Department of Radiology, Yichang Central People's Hospital, First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Yichang Central People's Hospital, First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Hua Chen
- Department of Radiology, Yichang First People's Hospital, Yichang, China
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Poisson C, Mateus C, Sampetrean A, Renard P, Scotte F, Verret B, Mardaghi J, Dauchy S, Vigouret-Viant L, Dumont SN, Blot F. Contribution of collegial support meetings (CSM) in the management of complex situations of patients with advanced cancer. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:329. [PMID: 37154941 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07782-8] [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: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Collegial support meetings (CSM) have been set up in the Gustave Roussy Cancer Center for inpatients whose complex care requires a multi-professional approach involving many participants: oncologists but also health-caregivers, a member of the palliative care team, an intensivist, and a psychologist. This study is aimed at describing the role of this newly multidisciplinary meeting implemented in a French Comprehensive Cancer Center. METHODS Each week, the health-caregivers decide which situations should be examined, depending on the difficulty of a case. The discussion goes on to include the goal of treatment, the intensity of care, ethical and psychosocial issues, and the patient's life plan. Finally, to obtain feedback from the teams, a survey has been distributed to assess the interest in the CSM. RESULTS In 2020, 114 inpatients were involved, and 91% were in an advanced palliative situation. During the CSMs, 55% of the discussions focused on whether to continue specific cancer treatment-29% about whether to continue invasive medical care-50% about optimizing supportive care. We estimate that between 65 and 75% of CSMs influenced further decisions. Death occurred during the hospitalization for 35% of the patients that were discussed. The lapse of time between last chemotherapy and death was 24 days (IQR, 28.5). CSMs were well received, since 80% of the teams find these meetings useful. CONCLUSIONS CSMs reach conclusions for medical and nursing staff involved, in order to improve the management of inpatients with cancer in advanced palliative situation and to define the better goals of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Poisson
- Supportive Care Department, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Saclay University, 94805, Villejuif, France.
| | - Christine Mateus
- Supportive Care Department, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Saclay University, 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Anda Sampetrean
- Supportive Care Department, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Saclay University, 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Perrine Renard
- Supportive Care Department, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Saclay University, 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Florian Scotte
- Supportive Care Department, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Saclay University, 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Benjamin Verret
- Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Saclay University, 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Jamila Mardaghi
- Medical Information Department, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Saclay University, 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Sarah Dauchy
- Supportive Care Department, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Saclay University, 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Laurence Vigouret-Viant
- Supportive Care Department, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Saclay University, 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Sarah N Dumont
- Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Saclay University, 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - François Blot
- Ethics Committee and Intensive Care Unit Gustave Roussy, Paris-Saclay University, 94805, Villejuif, France
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36
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Aslakson RA, Rickerson E, Fahy B, Waterman B, Siden R, Colborn K, Smith S, Verano M, Lira I, Hollahan C, Siddiqi A, Johnson K, Chandrashekaran S, Harris E, Nudotor R, Baker J, Heidari SN, Poultsides G, Conca-Cheng AM, Cook Chapman A, Lessios AS, Holdsworth LM, Gustin J, Ejaz A, Pawlik T, Miller J, Morris AM, Tulsky JA, Lorenz K, Temel JS, Smith TJ, Johnston F. Effect of Perioperative Palliative Care on Health-Related Quality of Life Among Patients Undergoing Surgery for Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2314660. [PMID: 37256623 PMCID: PMC10233417 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.14660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Involvement of palliative care specialists in the care of medical oncology patients has been repeatedly observed to improve patient-reported outcomes, but there is no analogous research in surgical oncology populations. Objective To determine whether surgeon-palliative care team comanagement, compared with surgeon team alone management, improves patient-reported perioperative outcomes among patients pursuing curative-intent surgery for high morbidity and mortality upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Design, Setting, and Participants From October 20, 2018, to March 31, 2022, a patient-randomized clinical trial was conducted with patients and clinicians nonblinded but the analysis team blinded to allocation. The trial was conducted in 5 geographically diverse academic medical centers in the US. Individuals pursuing curative-intent surgery for an upper GI cancer who had received no previous specialist palliative care were eligible. Surgeons were encouraged to offer participation to all eligible patients. Intervention Surgeon-palliative care comanagement patients met with palliative care either in person or via telephone before surgery, 1 week after surgery, and 1, 2, and 3 months after surgery. For patients in the surgeon-alone group, surgeons were encouraged to follow National Comprehensive Cancer Network-recommended triggers for palliative care consultation. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome of the trial was patient-reported health-related quality of life at 3 months following the operation. Secondary outcomes were patient-reported mental and physical distress. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed. Results In total, 359 patients (175 [48.7%] men; mean [SD] age, 64.6 [10.7] years) were randomized to surgeon-alone (n = 177) or surgeon-palliative care comanagement (n = 182), with most patients (206 [57.4%]) undergoing pancreatic cancer surgery. No adverse events were associated with the intervention, and 11% of patients in the surgeon-alone and 90% in the surgeon-palliative care comanagement groups received palliative care consultation. There was no significant difference between study arms in outcomes at 3 months following the operation in patient-reported health-related quality of life (mean [SD], 138.54 [28.28] vs 136.90 [28.96]; P = .62), mental health (mean [SD], -0.07 [0.87] vs -0.07 [0.84]; P = .98), or overall number of deaths (6 [3.7%] vs 7 [4.1%]; P > .99). Conclusions and Relevance To date, this is the first multisite randomized clinical trial to evaluate perioperative palliative care and the earliest integration of palliative care into cancer care. Unlike in medical oncology practice, the data from this trial do not suggest palliative care-associated improvements in patient-reported outcomes among patients pursuing curative-intent surgeries for upper GI cancers. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03611309.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A. Aslakson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Lerner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Burlington
| | - Elizabeth Rickerson
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bridget Fahy
- Department of Surgery, Divisions of Surgical Oncology and Palliative Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
| | - Brittany Waterman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Palliative Medicine, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
| | - Rachel Siden
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Kathryn Colborn
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora
| | - Shelby Smith
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora
| | - Mae Verano
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Isaac Lira
- Clinical Research Department, University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque
| | - Caroline Hollahan
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Amn Siddiqi
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kemba Johnson
- Clinical Research Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
| | | | - Elizabeth Harris
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Richard Nudotor
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Joshua Baker
- Clinical Research Department, University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque
| | - Shireen N. Heidari
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - George Poultsides
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | | | | | - Anna Sophia Lessios
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Laura M. Holdsworth
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Jillian Gustin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Palliative Medicine, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
| | - Aslam Ejaz
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
| | - Timothy Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
| | - Judi Miller
- Patient Family Advocate, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Arden M. Morris
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - James A. Tulsky
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karl Lorenz
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Jennifer S. Temel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, MGH, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Thomas J. Smith
- Departments of Medicine and Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Fabian Johnston
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
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Buiting HM, Botman F, van der Velden LA, Brom L, van Heest F, Bolt EE, de Mol P, Bakker T. Clinicians' experiences with cancer patients living longer with incurable cancer: a focus group study in the Netherlands. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2023; 24:e29. [PMID: 37114726 PMCID: PMC10156464 DOI: 10.1017/s1463423622000500] [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: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To explore (1) experiences of primary care physicians (PCPs) and oncological medical specialists about providing care to patients living longer with incurable cancer, and (2) their preferences concerning different care approaches (palliative support, psychological/survivorship care support). BACKGROUND At present, oncological medical specialists as well as PCPs are exploring how to improve and better tailor care to patients living longer with incurable cancer. Our previous study at the in-patient oncology unit showed that patients living longer with incurable cancer experience problems in how to deal with a prognosis that is insecure and fluctuating. To date, it could be argued that treating these patients can be done with a 'palliative care' or a 'survivorship/psychosocial care' approach. It is unknown what happens in actual medical practice. METHODS We performed multidisciplinary group meetings: 6 focus groups (3 homogenous groups with PCPs (n = 15) and 3 multidisciplinary groups (n = 17 PCPs and n = 6 medical specialists) across different parts of the Netherlands. Qualitative data were analysed with thematic analysis. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS In the near future, PCPs will have an increasing number of patients living longer with incurable cancer. However, in a single PCP practice, the experience with incurable cancer patients remains low, partly because patients often prefer to stay in contact with their medical specialist. PCPs as well as medical specialists show concerns in how they can address this disease phase with the right care approach, including the appropriate label (e.g. palliative, chronic, etc.). They all preferred to be in contact early in the disease process, to be able to discuss and take care for the patients' physical and psychological well-being. Medical specialists can have an important role by timely referring their patients to their PCPs. Moreover, the disease label 'chronic' can possibly assist patients to live their life in the best possible way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde M Buiting
- Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Department of Medical Oncology, Head & Neck Surgery, and Thoracic Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- O2PZ, Platform of Palliative Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Femke Botman
- Amsterdam UMC, VUmc, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lilly-Ann van der Velden
- Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Linda Brom
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, Department of Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Eva E Bolt
- Amsterdam UMC, VUmc, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pieter de Mol
- Hospital Gelderse Vallei, Department of Medical Oncology, Ede, the Netherlands
| | - Ton Bakker
- Science in Balance Foundation, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Ray EM, Hinton SP, Reeder-Hayes KE. Risk Factors for Return to the Emergency Department and Readmission in Patients With Hospital-Diagnosed Advanced Lung Cancer. Med Care 2023; 61:237-246. [PMID: 36893409 PMCID: PMC10009762 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001829] [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] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced lung cancer (ALC) is a symptomatic disease often diagnosed in the context of hospitalization. The index hospitalization may be a window of opportunity to improve care delivery. OBJECTIVES We examined the patterns of care and risk factors for subsequent acute care utilization among patients with hospital-diagnosed ALC. RESEARCH DESIGN, SUBJECTS, AND MEASURES In Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare, we identified patients with incident ALC (stage IIIB-IV small cell or non-small cell) from 2007 to 2013 and an index hospitalization within 7 days of diagnosis. We used a time-to-event model with multivariable regression to identify risk factors for 30-day acute care utilization (emergency department use or readmission). RESULTS More than half of incident ALC patients were hospitalized around the time of diagnosis. Among 25,627 patients with hospital-diagnosed ALC who survived to discharge, only 37% ever received systemic cancer treatment. Within 6 months, 53% had been readmitted, 50% had enrolled in hospice, and 70% had died. The 30-day acute care utilization was 38%.Small cell histology, greater comorbidity, precancer acute care use, length of index stay >8 days, and prescription of a wheelchair were associated with higher risk of 30-day acute care utilization. Age >85 years, female sex, residence in South or West regions, palliative care consultation, and discharge to hospice or a facility were associated with lower risk. CONCLUSIONS Many patients with hospital-diagnosed ALC experience an early return to the hospital and most die within 6 months. These patients may benefit from increased access to palliative and other supportive care during index hospitalization to prevent subsequent health care utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Ray
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | | | - Katherine E. Reeder-Hayes
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
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Blum TG, Morgan RL, Durieux V, Chorostowska-Wynimko J, Baldwin DR, Boyd J, Faivre-Finn C, Galateau-Salle F, Gamarra F, Grigoriu B, Hardavella G, Hauptmann M, Jakobsen E, Jovanovic D, Knaut P, Massard G, McPhelim J, Meert AP, Milroy R, Muhr R, Mutti L, Paesmans M, Powell P, Putora PM, Rawlinson J, Rich AL, Rigau D, de Ruysscher D, Sculier JP, Schepereel A, Subotic D, Van Schil P, Tonia T, Williams C, Berghmans T. European Respiratory Society guideline on various aspects of quality in lung cancer care. Eur Respir J 2023; 61:13993003.03201-2021. [PMID: 36396145 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.03201-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This European Respiratory Society guideline is dedicated to the provision of good quality recommendations in lung cancer care. All the clinical recommendations contained were based on a comprehensive systematic review and evidence syntheses based on eight PICO (Patients, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes) questions. The evidence was appraised in compliance with the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach. Evidence profiles and the GRADE Evidence to Decision frameworks were used to summarise results and to make the decision-making process transparent. A multidisciplinary Task Force panel of lung cancer experts formulated and consented the clinical recommendations following thorough discussions of the systematic review results. In particular, we have made recommendations relating to the following quality improvement measures deemed applicable to routine lung cancer care: 1) avoidance of delay in the diagnostic and therapeutic period, 2) integration of multidisciplinary teams and multidisciplinary consultations, 3) implementation of and adherence to lung cancer guidelines, 4) benefit of higher institutional/individual volume and advanced specialisation in lung cancer surgery and other procedures, 5) need for pathological confirmation of lesions in patients with pulmonary lesions and suspected lung cancer, and histological subtyping and molecular characterisation for actionable targets or response to treatment of confirmed lung cancers, 6) added value of early integration of palliative care teams or specialists, 7) advantage of integrating specific quality improvement measures, and 8) benefit of using patient decision tools. These recommendations should be reconsidered and updated, as appropriate, as new evidence becomes available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Gerriet Blum
- Department of Pneumology, Lungenklinik Heckeshorn, HELIOS Klinikum Emil von Behring, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rebecca L Morgan
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Valérie Durieux
- Bibliothèque des Sciences de la Santé, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joanna Chorostowska-Wynimko
- Department of Genetics and Clinical Immunology, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Warsaw, Poland
| | - David R Baldwin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Corinne Faivre-Finn
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | - Bogdan Grigoriu
- Intensive Care and Oncological Emergencies and Thoracic Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Centre des Tumeurs de l'Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Georgia Hardavella
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, King's College Hospital London, London, UK
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Michael Hauptmann
- Institute of Biostatistics and Registry Research, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane and Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Erik Jakobsen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Paul Knaut
- Department of Pneumology, Lungenklinik Heckeshorn, HELIOS Klinikum Emil von Behring, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gilbert Massard
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg and Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hôpitaux Robert Schuman, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - John McPhelim
- Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist, Hairmyres Hospital, NHS Lanarkshire, East Kilbride, UK
| | - Anne-Pascale Meert
- Intensive Care and Oncological Emergencies and Thoracic Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Centre des Tumeurs de l'Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robert Milroy
- Scottish Lung Cancer Forum, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - Riccardo Muhr
- Department of Pneumology, Lungenklinik Heckeshorn, HELIOS Klinikum Emil von Behring, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luciano Mutti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- SHRO/Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marianne Paesmans
- Data Centre, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Paul Martin Putora
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, Kantonsspital St Gallen, St Gallen and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Anna L Rich
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, UK
| | - David Rigau
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Center, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dirk de Ruysscher
- Maastricht University Medical Center, Department of Radiation Oncology (Maastro Clinic), GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Erasmus Medical Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jean-Paul Sculier
- Intensive Care and Oncological Emergencies and Thoracic Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Centre des Tumeurs de l'Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Schepereel
- Pulmonary and Thoracic Oncology, Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Dragan Subotic
- Clinic for Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Paul Van Schil
- Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Thomy Tonia
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Thierry Berghmans
- Thoracic Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Centre des Tumeurs de l'Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
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Minot L, Conroy T, Salleron J, Henry A. [Examining the use of palliative systemic treatments near end-of-life for patients with metastatic cancer at a French cancer institute]. Bull Cancer 2023; 110:201-211. [PMID: 36462970 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2022.09.010] [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: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Appropriate use of palliative systemic treatments near end-of-life is crucial to reduce aggressiveness of cancer care. The study's objective is to evaluate cancer quality-of-care near end-of-life in our cancer institute. METHODS From a retrospective cohort, we included all adults with metastatic solid cancers who died in 2019. The use of palliative systemic treatments close to death was measured from quality-of-care indicators described by Earle and al. The integration of supportive care into standard oncology care was also evaluated. All the information were collected from electronic records. RESULTS Of the 452 patients, 6.2% received systemic treatment in the last 14 days of life and 8.4% started a new systemic treatment in the last 30 days of life. Eighty six percent met a supportive care physician. This intervention was significantly less frequent in the TS≤14 group than in the TS>30 group (71.4 % vs 89.5 % p=0.021). The main reasons for first contact were pain (35 %), early palliative care (29 %) and then exclusive palliative care (17.5 %). CONCLUSION Our institute offers a good quality of end-of-life care for patients with metastatic solid cancers. However, improvements should be done regarding prognostic estimation and integration of palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauriane Minot
- Institut de cancérologie de Lorraine, 6, avenue de Bourgogne, 54519 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
| | - Thierry Conroy
- Institut de cancérologie de Lorraine, 6, avenue de Bourgogne, 54519 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Julia Salleron
- Institut de cancérologie de Lorraine, 6, avenue de Bourgogne, 54519 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Aline Henry
- Institut de cancérologie de Lorraine, 6, avenue de Bourgogne, 54519 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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Cossu Rocca M, Lorini L, Szturz P, Bossi P, Vermorken JB. Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Older Patients: Are New Agents Bringing New Hope? Drugs Aging 2023; 40:135-143. [PMID: 36715829 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-022-01000-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck cancer is a broad family of diseases, most of which are of squamous cell origin, affecting the epithelial mucosa lining the upper aerodigestive tract. They often recur or are progressive despite multimodality treatment approaches, resulting in a poor prognosis. Given the progressive aging of the global population, the probability to plan an active and eventually toxic treatment for an older patient, with either curative or palliative intent, can no longer be considered as an uncommon occurrence. A crucial point in offering a systemic treatment to older patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is that they are underrepresented in randomised clinical trials, and evidence-based guidelines are lacking, while, from a clinical point of view, these patients may have varying grades of resilience to anticancer treatments due to differences in their health, social and/or economic status. Our aim is to draw attention to the older patient population suffering from recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and to address some open questions, such as possible differences in epidemiology and biology compared with their younger counterparts; to highlight frailty and its components by discussing how to measure and use it to personalise treatment; to evaluate which outcomes should be best achieved in the older adult setting; finally, in the era of immunotherapy, to examine whether there are differences to be addressed when considering new treatments for older patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luigi Lorini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Petr Szturz
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne (UNIL) and Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Bossi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Jan B Vermorken
- Department of Medical Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Cunha MT, de Souza Borges AP, Carvalho Jardim V, Fujita A, de Castro G. Predicting survival in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer patients with poor ECOG-PS: A single-arm prospective study. Cancer Med 2023; 12:5099-5109. [PMID: 36161783 PMCID: PMC9972023 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are a heterogeneous population with short lifespan. We aimed to develop methods to better differentiate patients whose survival was >90 days. METHODS We evaluated 83 characteristics of 106 treatment-naïve, stage IV NSCLC patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS) >1. Automated machine learning was used to select a model and optimize hyperparameters. 100-fold bootstrapping was performed for dimensionality reduction for a second ("lite") model. Performance was measured by C-statistic and accuracy metrics in an out-of-sample validation cohort. The "lite" model was validated on a second independent, prospective cohort (N = 42). Network analysis (NA) was performed to evaluate the differences in centrality and connectivity of features. RESULTS The selected method was ExtraTrees Classifier, with C-statistic of 0.82 (p < 0.01) and accuracy of 0.81 (p = 0.01). The "lite" model had 16 variables and obtained C-statistic of 0.84 (p < 0.01) and accuracy of 0.75 (p = 0.039) in the first cohort, and C-statistic of 0.706 (p < 0.01) and accuracy of 0.714 (p < 0.01) in the second cohort. The networks of patients with lower survival were more interconnected. Features related to cachexia, inflammation, and quality of life had statistically different prestige scores in NA. CONCLUSIONS Machine learning can assist in the prognostic evaluation of advanced NSCLC. The model generated with a reduced number of features showed high accessibility and reasonable metrics. Features related to quality of life, cachexia, and performance status had increased correlation and importance scores, suggesting that they play a role at later disease stages, in line with the biological rationale already described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateus Trinconi Cunha
- Serviço de Oncologia Clínica, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Vinicius Carvalho Jardim
- Departamento de Ciência da Computação, Instituto de Matemática e Estatística, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Fujita
- Departamento de Ciência da Computação, Instituto de Matemática e Estatística, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gilberto de Castro
- Serviço de Oncologia Clínica, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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The Acknowledge-Normalize-Partner (ANP) Framework: A novel empathic communication tool for oncology nurses. Palliat Support Care 2023; 21:12-19. [PMID: 35236541 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951522000086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the development and implementation of a novel tool designed to enhance nurse-patient communication in a major academic cancer center, which nurses can learn quickly, incorporate into their primary palliative care practice, and broadly disseminate in order to improve the patient experience. METHOD An evidence-based empathic communication tool and educational program were designed to provide essential skills to oncology nurses in having discussions with patients about their personal values. Evaluation included nurse focus groups, pre- and post-course evaluations and interviews, and patient questionnaires. RESULTS Nurses were satisfied with the educational program and found the communication tool effective in a variety of clinical situations including discussions about personal values. Patients reported increased occurrences of these discussions when nurses utilized the framework (97% vs. 58%, p < 0.0001) and a higher quality of clinician communication (mean [SD] from 0 = very worst to 10 = very best: 7.18 [2.3] vs. 5.04 [2.9], p = 0.001). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Skilled, empathic communication is an essential component of high-quality primary palliative care. Oncology nurses are well suited to lead communication and provide this care as part of an interprofessional team. The training and tool described here are targeted and efficient, and prepare nurses to respond skillfully to emotion while facilitating important discussions about patient values.
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Sullivan DR, Vranas KC, Delorit M, Golden SE, Slatore CG, Ganzini L, Hansen L. Relationships among clinicians are crucial to successful palliative care integration: a qualitative study in lung cancer. Future Oncol 2023; 19:245-257. [PMID: 36974605 PMCID: PMC10119814 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2022-0958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: Palliative care integration improves quality of life among patients with lung cancer and their families. Despite these benefits, significant barriers persist and patients do not receive timely integration. This study sought to identify facilitators of and barriers to integration in lung cancer care. Materials & methods: Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with palliative care and lung cancer clinicians and analyzed using traditional content analysis. 23 clinicians were interviewed from geographically dispersed hospitals within a national healthcare system. Results: Palliative care integration improved over time, enhanced by several facilitators stratified at four levels (patient/clinician/hospital/organization). Most important among these was multidisciplinary care delivered in outpatient settings, fostering trust and relationships among clinicians which were pivotal to successful integration. Workforce shortages and limited use of primary palliative care among lung cancer clinicians need to be addressed for continued growth in the field. Conclusion: Relationships among clinicians are crucial to successful palliative care integration in lung cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald R Sullivan
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University OHSU, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS), Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Cancer Prevention & Control Program, Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Kelly C Vranas
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University OHSU, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS), Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Section of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, VAPORHCS, Portand, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Medicine, Palliative & Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Molly Delorit
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS), Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Sara E Golden
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS), Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Christopher G Slatore
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University OHSU, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS), Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Cancer Prevention & Control Program, Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Section of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, VAPORHCS, Portand, OR 97239, USA
| | - Linda Ganzini
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS), Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, OHSU, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Lissi Hansen
- Cancer Prevention & Control Program, Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- School of Nursing, OHSU, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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Dempsey A, Mulder J. Quality Versus Quantity of Life: Beyond the Dichotomy. Palliat Med Rep 2023; 4:17-23. [PMID: 36743341 PMCID: PMC9892925 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2022.0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
A restrictive and dichotomous question has become the primary approach in many goals of care discussions. Is the primary goal of care quantity of life through aggressive therapy or quality of life through comfort care and hospice? Even though many health care providers recognize that quality vs quantity of life (QvQ) is a false dichotomy, in practice QvQ underlies many goals of care discussions and can negatively impact patient care. This article offers strategies for assessing patients at the end of life, presenting a first-line conversation process that can support a range of treatment options as well as a diversity of dynamic patient values. Based on decades of experience in palliative care and a review of relevant literature, we recommend four practical questions to serve as values "vital signs," monitoring dynamic notions of quality of life and harmonizing patient values with treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Dempsey
- Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - John Mulder
- Department of Family Medicine, Division of Palliative Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA; Trillium Institute, Spring Lake, Michigan, USA
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Davidoff AJ, Canavan ME, Prsic E, Saphire M, Wang SY, Presley CJ. End-of-life care trajectories among older adults with lung cancer. J Geriatr Oncol 2023; 14:101381. [PMID: 36202695 PMCID: PMC9974538 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2022.09.010] [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: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medicare decedents with cancer often receive intensive care during the last month of life; however, little information exists on longer end-of-life care trajectories. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using SEER-Medicare data, we selected older adults diagnosed with lung cancer between 2008 and 2013 who survived at least six months and died between 2008 and 2014. Each month we assessed claims to assign care categories ordered by intensity as follows: full-month inpatient/skilled nursing facility > cancer-directed therapy (CDT) only > concurrent CDT and symptom management and supportive care services (SMSCS) > SMSCS only > full-month hospice. We assigned each decedent to one of six trajectories: stable hospice, stable SMSCS, stable CDT with or without concurrent SMSCS, decreasing intensity, increasing intensity, and mixed. Multinomial logistic regression estimated associations between socio-demographics, calendar year, and area hospice use rates with end-of-life trajectory. RESULTS The sample (N = 24,342) was predominantly aged ≥75 years (59.4%) and non-Hispanic White (80.5%); 19.1% lived in healthcare referral regions where ≤50% of cancer decedents received hospice care. Overall, 6.5% were continuously hospice enrolled, 25.6% received SMSCS only, and 29.4% experienced decreasing intensity; 3.9% received CDT or concurrent care, while 8.7% experienced an increase in intensity. Higher healthcare referral region hospice rates were associated with decreasing end-of-life intensity; Black, non-Hispanic decedents had a higher risk of increasing intensity and mixed patterns. DISCUSSION Among older decedents with lung cancer, 62% had six-month end-of-life trajectories indicating low or decreasing intensity, but few received persistent CDT. Demographic characteristics, including race/ethnicity, and contextual measures, including area hospice use patterns, were associated with end-of-life trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J Davidoff
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America; Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research Center (COPPER), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America; Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, United States of America.
| | - Maureen E Canavan
- Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research Center (COPPER), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Prsic
- Yale-Smilow Cancer Hospital, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Maureen Saphire
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Shi-Yi Wang
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America; Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research Center (COPPER), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America; Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Carolyn J Presley
- Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research Center (COPPER), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America; The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Columbus, OH, United States of America
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Parajuli J, Chen ZJ, Walsh A, Williams GR, Sun V, Bakitas M. Knowledge, beliefs, and misconceptions about palliative care among older adults with cancer. J Geriatr Oncol 2023; 14:101378. [PMID: 36182659 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2022.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Older adults with cancer have high symptom burden and unmet needs and may benefit from palliative care (PC). However, little is known about their knowledge and understanding of PC. This study examined the knowledge, beliefs, and misconceptions about PC in older adults with cancer in the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used data from National Cancer Institute's 2018 wave of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). A total of 370 individuals aged 65 and older with a diagnosis of cancer were included in this study. The outcomes included PC knowledge, goals, and misconceptions. The main predictors included general health status, chronic conditions, functional limitations, and types of cancer. RESULTS About two thirds of the sample (65.31%) did not have any knowledge of PC. Among those who had some knowledge, they had good understanding of PC goals, but also had many misconceptions about PC. Multiple regression analysis showed that older age (p < .001), racial minority (p = .021), and lower education (p = .001) was associated with lacking knowledge of PC. Individuals with some functional limitations tended to have better understanding and fewer misconceptions of PC. DISCUSSION The knowledge about PC is low in older adults with cancer in the US. Educational interventions need to be implemented to increase knowledge and reduce the misconceptions about PC in this population. Increasing knowledge of PC may ultimately lead to increased access to PC and improve the quality of life in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotsana Parajuli
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, School of Nursing, Address: 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28223, United States of America.
| | - Zhuo Job Chen
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, School of Nursing, Address: 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28223, United States of America.
| | - Amanda Walsh
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Department of Public Health Sciences, Address: 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28223, United States of America.
| | - Grant R Williams
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Address: 1600 7th Ave S, Lowder 500, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States of America.
| | - Virginia Sun
- Division of Nursing Research and Education, City of Hope, Address: 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, United States of America.
| | - Marie Bakitas
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing, Address: 1720 2(nd) Avenue South, NB 486, Birmingham, AL 35294-1210, United States of America.
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Impact of early palliative care on additional line of chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer patients: results from the randomized study OSS. Support Care Cancer 2022; 31:82. [PMID: 36574052 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07561-x] [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: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The most appropriate criteria and timing for palliative care referral remain a critical issue, especially in patients with metastatic breast cancer for whom long-term chemosensibility and survival are observed. We aimed to compare the impact of early palliative care including formal concertation with oncologists on decision for an additional line of chemotherapy compared with usual oncology care. METHODS This randomized prospective study enrolled adult women with metastatic breast cancer and visceral metastases with a 3rd- or 4th-line chemotherapy (CT). Patients received usual oncology care with a palliative care consultation only upon patient or oncologist request (standard group, S) or were referred to systematic palliative care consultation including a regular concertation between palliative care team and oncologists (early palliative care group, EPC). The primary endpoint was the rate of an additional CT (4th or 5th line) decision. Quality of life, symptoms, social support and satisfaction were self-evaluated at 6 and 12 months, at treatment discontinuation or 3 months after discontinuation. RESULTS From January 2009 to November 2012, two authorized cancer centers included 98 women (EPC: 50; S: 48). Thirty-seven (77.1%, 95%CI 62.7-88%) patients in the EPC group had a subsequent chemotherapy prescribed and 36 (72.0%, 95%CI 57.5-83.8%) in the S group (p = 0.646). No differences in symptom control and global quality of life were observed, but less deterioration in physical functioning was reported in EPC (EPC: 0 [- 53-40]; S: - 6; 7 [- 60 to - 20]; p = 0.027). Information exchange and communication were significant improved in EPC (exchange, EPC: - 8.3 [- 30 to + 7]; S: 0.0 [- 17 to + 23]; p = 0.024; communication, EPC: 12.5 [- 8 to - 37]; S: 0.0 [- 21 to + 17]; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION EPC in metastatic breast cancer patients did not impact the prescription rate of additional chemotherapy in patients a 3rd- or 4th-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer; however, EPC may contribute to alleviate deterioration in physical functioning, while facilitating communication. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrial.gov identifier: NCT00905281, May 20, 2009.
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Billiot AA, Danos DM, Stevens J, Vance KM, Raven MC, Lyons JM. Palliative care reduces emergency room visits and total hospital days among patients with metastatic HPB and GI cancers. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21068. [PMID: 36473913 PMCID: PMC9727158 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23928-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Palliative care services (PCS) have improved quality of life for patients across various cancer subtypes. Minimal data exists regarding PCSfor metastatic hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. We assessed the impact of PCS on emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and survival among these patients. Patients with metastatic HPB and GI cancer referred to outpatient PCS between 2014 and 2018 at a single institution were included. We compared the demographics, outcomes, and end-of-life indicators between those who did and did not receive PCS. The study included 183 patients, with 118 (64.5%) having received PCS. There were no significant differences in age, gender, race, marital status, or insurance. Those receiving PCS were more likely to have colorectal cancer (p = 0.0082) and receive chemotherapy (p = 0.0098). On multivariate analysis, PCS was associated with fewer ED visits (p = 0.0319), hospital admissions (p = 0.0002), and total inpatient hospital days (p < 0.0001) per 30 days of life. Overall survival was greater among patients receiving PCS (HR: 0.65 (0.46-0.92)). Outpatient PCS for patients with metastatic HPB and GI cancer is associated with fewer emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and inpatient hospital days, and improved overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelle A. Billiot
- grid.279863.10000 0000 8954 1233LSUHSC Department of Surgery, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Denise M. Danos
- grid.279863.10000 0000 8954 1233LSUHSC School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Jenny Stevens
- grid.279863.10000 0000 8954 1233LSUHSC Department of Surgery, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Katie M. Vance
- Our Lady of the Lake-Division of Academic Affairs, Baton Rouge, LA USA
| | - Mary C. Raven
- Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute, 7777 Hennessy Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 USA
| | - John M. Lyons
- grid.279863.10000 0000 8954 1233LSUHSC Department of Surgery, New Orleans, LA USA ,Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute, 7777 Hennessy Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 USA
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Chen JJ, Roldan CS, Nichipor AN, Balboni TA, Krishnan MS, Revette AC, Chen AB, Hertan LM. Prognostic Understanding and Goals of Palliative Radiotherapy: A Qualitative Study. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 64:567-576. [PMID: 36007684 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.08.011] [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: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT There is a paucity of data describing patients' expectations of goals of palliative radiotherapy (RT) and overall prognosis. OBJECTIVES To explore patients' perceptions of and preferences for communication surrounding goals of palliative RT and cancer prognosis. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study utilizing semi-structured interviews with seventeen patients with either bone or lung metastases receiving their first course of palliative RT at a comprehensive cancer center. All patient interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed. RESULTS Themes of goals of palliative RT centered on either restoration, such as through improving quality of life or minimizing pain, or on a desire to combat cancer by eliminating tumor. While most patients perceived that palliative RT would palliate symptoms but not cure their cancer, some patients believed that the goal of palliative RT was to cure. Themes that emerged surrounding patients' understanding of prognosis and what lies ahead included uncertainty and apprehension about the future, a focus on additional treatment, and confronting mortality. Most patients preferred to receive information about goals of treatment and prognosis from their doctors, including radiation oncologists, rather than other members of the medical team. Patients also expressed a desire for written patient education materials on palliative RT. CONCLUSION Unclear perceptions of goals of treatment and prognosis may motivate some patients to pursue unnecessarily aggressive cancer treatments. Patients desire prognostic information from their doctors, including radiation oncologists, who are important contributors to goals of care discussions and may improve patient understanding and well-being by using restorative rather than combat-oriented language.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Jane Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology (J.J.C.), University of San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Claudia S Roldan
- Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine (C.S.R.), Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Alexandra N Nichipor
- Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care (A.N.N.), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tracy A Balboni
- Department of Radiation Oncology (T.A.B., M.S.K.), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/ Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Monica S Krishnan
- Department of Radiation Oncology (T.A.B., M.S.K.), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/ Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anna C Revette
- Survey and Data Management Core (A.C.R.), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aileen B Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology (A.B.C.), MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lauren M Hertan
- Department of Radiation Oncology (L.M.H.), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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