The Effects of Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Interventions on Symptom Management and Quality of Life among Breast Cancer Survivors Undergoing Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy: A Systematic Review

Development and validation of a prediction model for frailty in breast cancer patients with extended survival

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC) patients with extended survival show a higher incidence of frailty. This study aimed to develop and validate a novel model combining sociodemographic factors (SF) and disease-related factors (DRF) to identify frailty in BC patients with extended survival.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study examined data from 1167 patients admitted to a large urban academic medical centre. Three types of predictive models were constructed in the training set (817 patients): the SF model, the DRF model, and the SF + DRF model (combined model). The model performance and effectiveness were assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration plots and decision curves analysis (DCA). Then the model was subsequently validated on the validation set.

RESULTS

The incidence of frailty in BC patients with extended survival was 35.8%. We identified six independent risk factors including age, health status, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, number of comorbidities and oral medications. Ultimately, we constructed an optimal model (combined model C) for frailty. The predictive model showed significantly high discriminative accuracy in the training set AUC: 0.754, (95% CI, 0.719-0.789; sensitivity: 76.8%, specificity: 62.2%) and validation set AUC: 0.805, (95% CI, 0.76-0.85), sensitivity: 60.8%, specificity: 87.1%) respectively. A prediction nomogram was constructed for the training and validation sets. Calibration and DCA were performed, which indicated that the clinical model presented satisfactory calibration and clinical utility. Ultimately, we implemented the prediction model into a mobile-friendly web application that provides an accurate and individualized prediction for BC.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that the prevalence of frailty in BC patients with extended survival was 35.8%. We developed a novel model for screening frailty, which may provide evidence for frailty screening and prevention.

Do Oncologists Recommend the "Pill" of Physical Activity in Their Practice? Answers from the Oncologist and Patients' Perspectives

OBJECTIVES

The purposes of this current questionnaire-based study were to analyse whether oncologists prescribed PA to their patients in Spain, as well as the type of exercise recommended, the variables that influence whether or not to recommend it and to compare these recommendations with the values reported by their patients.

METHODS

Two online questionnaires were designed for this study. The first one, filled in by the oncologists (n = 93), contained aspects such as the attitude or barriers to promoting PA. The second was designed for patients with cancer (n = 149), which assessed PA levels and counselling received from oncologists, among other facets.

RESULTS

The majority of oncologists (97%) recommend PA during their consultations. Instead, only 62% of patients reported participating in exercise within the last 7 days. Walking was the most common form of exercise, reported by 50% of participants. Patients who received exercise recommendations from their oncologist walked for more days (p = 0.004; ES = 0.442) and more minutes per day (p = 0.022; ES = 0.410). The barriers most highlighted by patients were lack of time and not knowing how to perform PA.

CONCLUSION

Oncologists and patients seem to be interested and able to participate in PA counselling and programmes. However, there was a discrepancy between what was reported by oncologists and expressed by patients in terms of recommendations for PA and the modality itself.

Effect of non-pharmacological interventions on symptoms and quality of life in patients with hematological malignancies - A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Non-pharmacological interventions have the potential to enhance health-related quality of life (HRQoL) through symptom management. This systematic review aims to identify, collate, and assess randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of non-pharmacological interventions on symptoms and HRQoL within hematology.

METHODS

MEDLINE/PUBMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, PSYCINFO and COCHRANE were searched up to April 2021. Outcomes were changes in symptoms and HRQoL.

RESULTS

Sixty-five studies were categorized into five intervention types: Mind/body (n=9), Web-based (n=9), Music/art (n=6), Consultation-based (n=4), and Physical activity (n=37). We found significantly reduced fatigue (n=12 studies), anxiety (n=8) and depression (n=7), with 11 studies showing significant improvements in HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence for non-pharmacological interventions shows substantial variation in efficacy and methodological quality. While specific symptoms and HRQoL outcomes significantly favored the intervention, no particular intervention can be emphasized as more favorable, given the inability to conduct a meta-analysis.

The sharks are circling: a qualitative study of living with metastatic breast cancer

PURPOSE

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain an understanding of the intersection of continued treatment and quality of life in women living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

METHODS

This was a qualitative study in which women with MBC were interviewed about their perceptions how MBC affected their physical, emotional, and role functioning.

RESULTS

Participants (n = 16) were mostly Caucasian (86.7%) and non-Hispanic (93.3%). The mean age was 55.62 years. Most women were on their third or greater line of treatment (68.5%). Themes identified from analysis of the transcripts revealed the following: (1) shock and devastation of the initial diagnosis; (2) feeling as if the sharks are circling; (3) cancer is a rollercoaster with never-ending treatments; (4) individual definitions of quality of life; and (5) you are not the person you once were.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptoms, ongoing treatments, treatment changes, and disease progression negatively influence physical, emotional, and role function. Women with MBC define quality of life in different ways, and while symptoms and functional limitations are present, the cancer experience causes some to reevaluate their lives and focus on their individual priorities and values.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Although newly developed treatments increase survival among women with MBC, the symptoms, concerns, and issues surrounding QOL remain unresolved. The relatively high price of continuous treatment and disease exacerbation is indicative of the need for multi-pronged intervention strategies that address physical, mental, and emotional aspects of living with MBC.

Somatic acupressure for the fatigue-sleep disturbance-depression symptom cluster in breast cancer survivors: A phase II randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of the somatic acupressure (SA) for managing the fatigue-sleep disturbance-depression symptom cluster (FSDSC) among breast cancer (BC) survivors and its preliminary effects.

METHODS

In this Phase II randomized controlled trial (RCT), 51 participants were randomised evenly into the true SA group, sham SA group, and usual care group. All the participants received usual care. The two SA groups performed additional true or sham self-acupressure daily for seven weeks. The primary outcomes related to the assessment of participants' recruitment and compliance with study questionnaires and interventions. Clinical outcomes assessed the preliminary effects of SA on fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, and quality of life. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken to capture participants' experiences of participating in this study. The statistical effects of the intervention on the outcomes were modelled in repeated measures ANOVA and adjusted generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

Forty-five participants completed the SA intervention. No adverse events were reported. Over 85% of the participants could sustain for 25 days or more and 15 min or more per session, but the adherence to the intervention requirement was yet to improve. The group by time effect of the FSDSC and depression were significant (p < 0.05). Qualitative findings showed that participants positively viewed SA as a beneficial strategy for symptom management.

CONCLUSIONS

The SA intervention protocol and the trial procedures were feasible. The results demonstrated signs of improvements in targeted outcomes, and a full-scale RCT is warranted to validate the effects of SA on the FSDSC.

Effectiveness of Pharmacological and Nonpharmacological Interventions for Managing the Fatigue-Sleep Disturbance-Depression Symptom Cluster in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The symptom cluster of cancer-related fatigue-sleep disturbance-depression (F-S-D) is common among breast cancer (BC) patients undergoing chemotherapy. Given the coexisting nature and synergistic effect of this symptom cluster, interventions for managing it are expected to benefit patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to examine the effectiveness and identify the essential components of interventions used to manage the F-S-D and quality of life (QOL) in BC patients undergoing chemotherapy.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed in March 2020 through 7 electronic databases. Relevant studies were assessed using the inclusion criteria. The level of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The results were summarized and synthesized in narrative forms.

RESULTS

Sixteen randomized controlled trials were included. Results showed that bright light therapy, acupressure, and psychological nursing interventions were useful in managing F-S-D in BC patients. Exercise and diet counseling alleviated F-D, whereas stress management and a health promotion program alleviated S-D. Bright light therapy, exercise, diet counseling, and psychological nursing interventions enhanced the QOL of these patients.

CONCLUSION

Interventions that could alleviate F-S, F-D, S-D, and F-S-D in BC patients and enhance their QOL were identified. Future studies should investigate the effects of evidence-based multimodal interventions that integrate psychological support, education on the management of chemotherapy side effects, and diet counseling and exercise on F-S-D in and reduced QOL of BC patients undergoing chemotherapy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Nurses act as patient advocates, and the development of evidence-based interventions for managing F-S-D and QOL is significant to nursing practice.

Factors associated with initiation and continuation of endocrine therapy in women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

Background

Despite benefits of endocrine therapy (ET) for patients with hormone-receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer, many patients do not initiate or discontinue ET against recommendations.

Methods

We identified variables associated with ET initiation and continuation, analyzing pooled data from two longitudinal studies at a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center in St. Louis, Missouri. The sample included 533 women with newly diagnosed, non-metastatic, HR-positive breast cancer who completed interviews at enrollment and 6, 12, and 24 months after definitive surgical treatment. Logistic regression models estimated the adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (aOR [95% CI]) for each of self-reported ET initiation by the 12-month interview and continuation for ≥12 months by the 24-month interview in association with self-reported diabetes, elevated depressed mood, menopausal-symptom severity and obesity, adjusting for race, age, insurance status, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Results

Overall, 81.4% (434/533) of patients initiated ET, and 86.5% (371/429) continued ET ≥12 months. Patients with diabetes had lower odds of initiating ET (0.50 [0.27-0.91]). Patients reporting greater menopausal-symptom severity had lower odds of continuing ET (0.72 [0.53-0.99]).

Conclusion

Efforts to increase ET initiation among patients with diabetes and better manage severe menopausal symptoms among ET users might promote ET continuation.

Clinical trial information

ClinicalTrials.gov: #NCT00929084.

An intervention mapping-based support program that empowers patients with endocrine therapy management

BACKGROUND

For women diagnosed with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, endocrine therapy (ET) is recommended. Patients experience diverse side effects, and difficulties in managing these side effects have been identified as obstacles for treatment continuation. The aim of this study was to describe the development of a support program for patients prescribed ET.

METHODS

Intervention mapping (IM) a comprehensive theory-based approach was used in the support program development. A participatory design was used and four advisory groups was formed including both patients and healthcare professionals.

RESULTS

This study employed the systematic stages of IM to develop a theory-based support program with the goal to empower patients prescribed ET to manage ETrelated symptoms and problems, and to illuminate the healthcare structure. The needs assessment identified three performance objectives: (1) Patients have knowledge of and understand their symptoms and their management strategies. (2) Patients have the knowledge and confidence to express their care needs and to ask for guidance from healthcare professionals. (3) Patients are active in and lead their healthcare process.

CONCLUSION

This is a systematic developed model, built upon aspects of ET both from a patient´ perspective as well as from healthcare professionals' perspectives.

Cancer as a Chronic Illness in Colombia: A Normative Consensus Approach to Improving Healthcare Services for those Living with and beyond Cancer and Its Treatment

Cancer survivorship care in Colombia is of increasing importance. International survivorship initiatives and studies show that continuing symptoms, psychological distress, and late effects impact the quality of life for survivors. Priorities for quality survivorship according to Colombian patients and clinicians are unknown. We undertook a nominal consensus approach with 24 participants using virtual meeting technology to identify the priorities for cancer survivorship. We applied an iterative approach conducted over eight weeks with five workshops and one patient focus group followed by a priority setting survey. The consensus group established six main themes, which were subsequently evaluated by experts: (i) symptoms and secondary effects of cancer; (ii) care coordination to increase patient access and integration of cancer care; (iii) psychosocial support after cancer treatment; (iv) mapping information resources and available support services for long-term cancer care; (v) identifying socioeconomic and regional inequalities in cancer survival to improve care and outcomes; and (vi) health promotion and encouraging lifestyle change. The order of priorities differed between clinicians and patients: patients mentioned psychosocial support as the number one priority, and clinicians prioritized symptoms and surveillance for cancer recurrence. Developing survivorship care needs consideration of both views, including barriers such as access to services and socioeconomic disparities.

Strategies to self-manage side-effects of adjuvant endocrine therapy among breast cancer survivors: an umbrella review of empirical evidence and clinical guidelines

PURPOSE

Side-effects of adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) are common in breast cancer survivors, and can affect adherence to treatment. We synthesised the evidence for strategies to self-manage these side-effects.

METHODS

We searched for systematic reviews and clinical guidelines on self-management strategies for AET side-effects (arthralgia, fatigue, hot flashes, gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vulvovaginal symptoms, and sleep disturbance). We searched oncology organisation's websites and eight databases (Inception-November 2020). Screening, data extraction and quality assessment were completed independently in duplicate.

PROSPERO

2019CRD4201914001.

RESULTS

We identified 33 systematic reviews and 18 clinical guidelines. 21% of reviews were high quality, and the average quality score for guidelines was 44%. Evidence for most strategies was absent or weak. There was consensus from a low-quality review and multiple guidelines to recommend moisturisers, gels and lubricants for vulvovaginal symptoms. Evidence was weak for physical activity for self-managing most symptoms, although two high-quality reviews indicated yoga and aerobic exercise could reduce fatigue. Primary research was often biased by weak and underpowered study designs. Eleven reviews did not report information on adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Most self-management strategies for breast cancer survivors experiencing side-effects from AET lack evidence. Primary research is needed using high-quality well-powered designs focusing on implementable strategies.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Patients and clinicians should be aware that although the risk of harm is low for these self-management strategies, the likelihood of benefit is often unclear. Women should consider moisturisers, gels or lubricants for self-managing vulvovaginal symptoms, and yoga or aerobic exercise for alleviating fatigue.

Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 enzymes with experience of vasomotor, vaginal and musculoskeletal symptoms among breast cancer patients: a systematic review

Background

Adjuvant endocrine therapies are known to induce undesirable adverse effects such as vasomotor, vaginal and musculoskeletal symptoms among breast cancer patients. Drugs used in these therapies are often metabolised by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, in which their metabolising activities can be modified by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in CYP genes and CYP genotypes. This review aims to explore whether SNPs or genotypes of CYP are associated with the occurrence, frequency and severity of vasomotor, vaginal and musculoskeletal symptoms in breast cancer patients on adjuvant endocrine therapies.

Methods

A literature review was conducted using five electronic databases, resulting in the inclusion of 14 eligible studies, and their findings were presented narratively. Selected items from the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist were used for critical appraisal of the reporting quality of the included studies.

Results

Most of the included studies showed that SNPs or genotypes of CYP that modify its metabolising activity have no effect on the occurrence, frequency or severity of vasomotor symptoms, including hot flashes. One study showed no correlation of these genetic variations in CYP with musculoskeletal symptoms, and no data were available on the association between such genetic variations and vaginal symptoms.

Conclusions

Overall, genetic variations in CYP have no effect on the experience of hot flashes among breast cancer patients. We recommend exploration of the link between the active metabolites of chemotherapeutic drugs and the molecules shown to affect the occurrence or severity of hot flashes, and the establishment of the relationship between such genetic variations and patients’ experience of musculoskeletal and vaginal symptoms. Subgroup analyses based on patients’ duration of adjuvant endocrine therapies in such studies are recommended.