Comparison of Chief Complaints and Patient-Reported Symptoms of Treatment-Naive Lung Cancer Patients Before Surgery

Associations Between Preoperative Shortness of Breath and Potassium Channels Gene Variations in Women With Breast Cancer

OBJECTIVES

Shortness of breath is a common symptom in patients with cancer. However, the mechanisms that underlie this troublesome symptom are poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of and associated risk factors for shortness of breath in women prior to breast cancer surgery and identify associations between shortness of breath and polymorphisms for potassium channel genes.

METHODS

Patients were recruited prior to breast cancer surgery and completed a self-report questionnaire on the occurrence of shortness of breath. Genotyping of single nucleotides polymorphism (SNPs) in potassium channel genes was performed using a custom array. Multiple logistic regression analyses were done to identify associations between the occurrence of shortness of breath and SNPs in ten candidate genes.

RESULTS

Of the 398 patients, 11.1% reported shortness of breath. These patients had a lower annual household income, a higher comorbidity burden, and a lower functional status. After controlling for functional status, comorbidity burden, genomic estimates of ancestry and self-reported race and ethnicity, the genetic associations that remained significant in the multiple regression analyses were for potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily D (KCND2) rs12673992, potassium voltage-gated channel modifier subfamily S (KCNS1) rs4499491, and potassium two pore channel subfamily K (KCNK2) rs4411107.

CONCLUSIONS

While these findings warrant replication, they suggest that alterations in potassium channel function may contribute to the occurrence of shortness of breath in women prior to breast cancer surgery.

Patient-reported outcomes in lung cancer surgery: A narrative review

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, profoundly affecting patients' quality of life. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provide essential insights from the patients' perspective, a crucial aspect often overlooked by traditional clinical outcomes. This review synthesizes research on the role of PROs in lung cancer surgery to enhance patient care and outcomes. We conducted a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to March 2024, using terms such as "lung cancer," "Patient Reported Outcome," "lobectomy," "segmentectomy," and "lung surgery." The criteria included original studies on lung cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment and reported on PROs. After screening and removing duplicates, reviews, non-English articles, and irrelevant studies, 36 research articles were selected, supported by an additional 53 publications, totaling 89 references. The findings highlight the utility of PROs in assessing post-surgical outcomes, informing clinical decisions, and facilitating patient-centered care. However, challenges in standardization, patient burden, and integration into clinical workflows remain, underscoring the need for further research and methodological refinement. PROs are indispensable for understanding the quality-of-life post-surgery and enhancing communication and decision-making in clinical practice. Their integration into routine care is vital for a holistic approach to lung cancer treatment, promising significant improvements in patient outcomes and quality of care.

Systematic review of the literature on the occurrence and characteristics of dyspnea in oncology patients

BACKGROUND

Dyspnea is a common and distressing symptom for oncology patients.However, dyspnea is not well-characterized and often underestimated by clinicians. This systematic review summarizes the prevalence, intensity, distress, and impact of dyspnea in oncology patients and identifies research gaps.

METHODS

A search of all of the relevant databases was done from 2009 to May 2022. A qualitative synthesis of the extant literature was performed using established guidelines.

RESULTS

One hundred-seventeen studies met inclusion criteria. Weighted grand mean prevalence of dyspnea in patients with advanced cancer was 58.0%. Intensity of dyspnea was most common dimension evaluated, followed by the impact and distress. Depression and anxiety were the most common symptoms that co-occurred with dyspnea.

CONCLUSION

Numerous methodologic challenges were evident across studies. Future studies need to use valid and reliable measures; evaluate the impact of dyspnea; and determine biomarkers for dyspnea.