Prevalence of Insomnia in an Oncology Patient Population: An Irish Tertiary Referral Center Experience

A Cross Sectional Survey of Factors Related to Cannabis Use as a Sleep Aid Among Canadian Cancer Survivors

OBJECTIVES

Poor sleep is a common side effect of cancer. Cannabis is increasingly used to manage cancer treatment-related symptoms, including sleep. This study investigated factors related to cannabis use for sleep among Canadian cancer survivors.

METHOD

Adult Canadian cancer survivors (N = 940) were recruited via the Angus Reid Institute and completed an online, cross-sectional survey. Univariate and multiple binomial logistic regression models identified factors associated with cannabis use for sleep.

RESULTS

Of the participants (Mage = 64.5 yrs; Women = 51.1%; White = 92.9%), 25.1% (n = 236) currently use cannabis for sleep. Participants were at greater odds of using cannabis for sleep if they identified as a gender other than man or woman (AOR = 11.132), were diagnosed with multiple medical conditions (2:AOR = 1.988; 3+:AOR = 1.902), two psychological conditions (AOR = 2.171), multiple sleep disorders (AOR = 2.338), insomnia (AOR = 1.942), bone (AOR = 6.535), gastrointestinal (AOR = 4.307), genitourinary (AOR = 2.586), hematological (AOR = 4.739), or an unlisted cancer (AOR = 3.470), received hormone therapy only (AOR = 3.054), drink heavily (AOR = 2.748), or had mild insomnia (AOR = 1.828). Older participants (AOR=.972) and those with sleep apnea were less likely to use cannabis for sleep (AOR=.560).

CONCLUSION

Given its prevalence, research is needed to understand how factors associated with cannabis use as a sleep aid among Canadian cancer survivors may influence its use and effectiveness and whether these factors are barriers to accessing evidence-based treatments.

Insomnia prehabilitation in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients: Protocol for a pilot, multicentre, randomised controlled trial comparing nurse delivered sleep restriction therapy to sleep hygiene education (INVEST trial)

INTRODUCTION

Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder that negatively impacts daytime functioning and quality of life. Breast cancer patients report higher rates of insomnia and more circadian disruption than other cancer groups. Approximately 50% of patients experience acute insomnia following breast cancer diagnosis, which often persists during cancer treatment and rehabilitation. Sleep Restriction Therapy (SRT) is a clinically effective and tolerable treatment for persistent insomnia in breast cancer survivors. However, SRT has never been tested on patients with early signs of sleep disturbance who are undergoing cancer treatment. The aim of this pilot randomised controlled trial is to explore the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of nurse delivered SRT for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with acute insomnia. The trial has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT06294041).

METHODS

The INVEST (INvestigating the Value of Early Sleep Therapy) trial will recruit 50 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients who meet criteria for acute insomnia. Patients will be recruited from breast cancer results clinics within two Scottish health boards (NHS Grampian and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde) and will be block randomised (1:1) to receive nurse delivered SRT or Sleep Hygiene Education (SHE). SRT will be delivered over 4 weekly sessions comprising two face-to-face meetings (either in person or online) and two telephone calls, whereas SHE will be administered in booklet form. Outcomes will be collected at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks post-randomisation. Primary outcomes in this trial relate to the feasibility of SRT for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with acute insomnia. Specifically, we will explore (i) rates of patient recruitment and retention, (ii) intervention fidelity, (iii) data collection procedures and outcome measure completion, (iv) intervention acceptability. Secondary outcomes will focus on preliminary evaluation of patient responses to SRT, including insomnia severity, rest-activity rhythms, and mental health.

DISSEMINATION

Our dissemination plan comprises publishing trial outcomes in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and on breast cancer charity websites and other patient resources. The outcomes from this pilot trial will also inform the development of a full-scale, multicentre RCT of SRT for acute insomnia in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. University of Strathclyde is the sponsor (reference: UEC23/52). Protocol version v1.2 4 October 2023.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY

This trial is the first to explore the value of sleep prehabilitation for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.This will be the first trial to assess the feasibility of delivering SRT during breast cancer treatment, providing valuable insight into its tolerability and preliminary effectiveness.An embedded process evaluation will assess the acceptability of SRT, providing insight into potential optimisation of the intervention and recommendations for enhancing its future scalability and translation within cancer care.Due to the nature of the SRT intervention, nurse therapists and patients cannot be blinded to treatment allocation, increasing the risk of bias.

Bright light therapy has a positive effect on sleep quality in patients with cancer: A meta-analysis

Cancer patients frequently encounter difficulties associated with suboptimal sleep quality. Bright Light Therapy (BLT), an innovative treatment approach, has shown promise in enhancing sleep quality. However, several literature reviews showed conflicting results, and more analysis should be conducted regarding detailed BLT settings on sleep. This meta-analysis was undertaken to comprehensively assess the impact of BLT on sleep quality among cancer patients. Twelve studies with 679 patients were included. Compared with the control group, BLT overall resulted in significant improvements in terms of sleep quality [g = -0.34], total sleep time [g = 0.24], wake after sleep onset [g = -0.80], and fatigue [g = -0.54]. However, it did not yield a statistically significant effect on sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency, and insomnia severity. Regarding light settings, interventions featuring light intensities >5000lux, intervention duration ≥4 weeks, spectral emission peak at 464∼465 nm, and using a lightbox demonstrated heightened efficacy in improving sleep. BLT may be considered a supplementary therapeutic option to improve sleep quality among cancer patients. However, more extensive and rigorous studies are necessary to determine the optimal timing of BLT delivery and its applicability to cancer patients across different age groups.

A cross-sectional survey of the prevalence and patterns of using cannabis as a sleep aid in Canadian cancer survivors

PURPOSE

Poor sleep is one of the most common side effects of cancer. It can persist for years beyond treatment and negatively impact quality of life and health. Cannabis is increasingly used to manage cancer treatment-related symptoms, including sleep. This study investigated the use and perceived effects of cannabis as a sleep aid in Canadian cancer survivors.

METHODS

Adult Canadian cancer survivors (N = 1464) were recruited via the Angus Reid Institute and completed an online, cross-sectional survey including the Insomnia Severity Index and questions about cannabis use for sleep. Standard descriptive statistics, such as means, standard deviations, and ranges were produced for measured variables to assess the ways cancer survivors use cannabis for sleep. Frequencies were tabulated for categorical and ordinal variables.

RESULTS

On average, participants (Mage = 61.1 years; Women = 50%: Men = 48%) received their cancer diagnosis 12.5 years prior. Of participants, 23.5% (n = 344) currently use cannabis as a sleep aid, with reported benefits including relaxation, reduced time to fall asleep, fewer nocturnal awakenings and improved sleep quality. Two thirds (68.3%, n = 235) only began using cannabis for sleep after their cancer diagnosis. Over a third of participants (36.3%, n = 125) use cannabis as a sleep aid every day. Among the 344, the most common other reasons for using cannabis were pain (31.4%, n = 108), recreational use (24.4%, n = 84), and anxiety (12.5%, n = 43).

CONCLUSIONS

Given the prevalence and potential impact, research is needed to examine the actual efficacy of cannabis as a sleep aid.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

It is important that cancer survivors have information on methods to help their sleep to avoid impairments to quality of life and health.

Fatigue-related symptom clusters and functional status of older adults in hospice

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is frequently co-existing with other symptoms and is highly prevalent among patients with cancer and geriatric population. There was a lack of knowledge that focus on fatigue clusters in older adults with cancer in hospice care.

OBJECTIVES

To identify fatigue-related symptom clusters in older adult hospice patients and discover to what extent fatigue-related symptom clusters predict functional status while controlling for depression.

METHOD

This was a cross-sectional study in a sample of 519 older adult hospice patients with cancer, who completed the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression, Boston Short Form Scale, and the Palliative Performance Scale. Data from a multi-center symptom trial were extracted for this secondary analysis using exploratory factor analysis and hierarchical multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

Data from 519 patients (78 ± 7 years) with terminal cancer who received hospice care under home healthcare services revealed that 39% of the participants experienced fatigue-related symptom clusters (lack of energy, feeling drowsy, and lack of appetite). The fatigue cluster was significantly associated positively with depression (r = 0.253, p < 0.01), and negatively with functional status (r = -0.117, p < 0.01) and was a strong predictor of participants' low functional status. Furthermore, depression made a significant contribution to this predictive relationship.

CONCLUSION

Older adult hospice patients with cancer experienced various concurrent symptoms. The fatigue-specific symptom cluster was identified significantly associated with depression and predicted functional status. Fatigue should be routinely monitored in older adults, especially among hospice cancer patients, to help reduce psychological distress and prevent functional decline.

New and Persistent Sedative-Hypnotic Use After Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Sedative-hypnotic medications are used to treat chemotherapy-related nausea, anxiety, and insomnia. However, prolonged sedative-hypnotic use can lead to dependence, misuse, and increased health-care use. We aimed to estimate the rates at which patients who receive adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer become new persistent users of sedative-hypnotic medications, specifically benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics (Z-drugs).

METHODS

Using the MarketScan health-care claims database, we identified sedative-hypnotic-naïve patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. Patients who filled 1 and more prescriptions during chemotherapy and 2 and more prescriptions up to 1 year after chemotherapy were classified as new persistent users. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to estimate odds of new persistent use and associated characteristics.

RESULTS

We identified 22 039 benzodiazepine-naïve patients and 23 816 Z-drug-naïve patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy from 2008 to 2017. Among benzodiazepine-naïve patients, 6159 (27.9%) filled 1 and more benzodiazepine prescriptions during chemotherapy, and 963 of those (15.6%) went on to become new persistent users. Among Z-drug-naïve patients, 1769 (7.4%) filled 1 and more prescriptions during chemotherapy, and 483 (27.3%) became new persistent users. In both groups, shorter durations of chemotherapy and receipt of opioid prescriptions were associated with new persistent use. Medicaid insurance was associated with new persistent benzodiazepine use (odds ratio = 1.88, 95% confidence interval = 1.43 to 2.47) compared with commercial or Medicare insurance.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who receive sedative-hypnotic medications during adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer are at risk of becoming new persistent users of these medications after chemotherapy. Providers should ensure appropriate sedative-hypnotic use through tapering dosages and encouraging nonpharmacologic strategies when appropriate.

Integrative Approaches to the Treatment of Cancer

A significant proportion of cancer patients use forms of complementary medicine or therapies. An integrative approach to cancer management combines conventional medicine with evidence-based complementary medicines/therapies and lifestyle interventions, for the treatment and prevention of disease and the optimisation of health. Its basis is a holistic one; to treat the whole person, not just the disease. It makes use of adjunct technologies which may assist the clinician in diagnosis of early carcinogenesis and monitoring of treatment effectiveness. Many factors contribute to the development of cancer including some which are largely modifiable by the patient and which oncologists may be in a position to advise on, such as stress, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, poor sleep, and Vitamin D deficiency. An integrative approach to addressing these factors may contribute to better overall health of the patient and better outcomes. Evidence-based complementary medicine approaches include the use of supplements, herbal medicine, various practices that reduce stress, and physical therapies. Individualised to the patient, these can also help address the symptoms and signs associated with cancer and its orthodox treatment.

Cannabidiol (CBD) in Cancer Management

Simple Summary

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main constituents of the plant Cannabis sativa. Surveys suggest that medicinal cannabis is popular amongst people diagnosed with cancer. CBD is one of the key constituents of cannabis, and does not have the potentially intoxicating effects that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the other key phytocannabinoid has. Research indicates the CBD may have potential for the treatment of cancer, including the symptoms and signs associated with cancer and its treatment. Preclinical research suggests CBD may address many of the pathways involved in the pathogenesis of cancers. Preclinical and clinical research also suggests some evidence of efficacy, alone or in some cases in conjunction with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the other key phytocannabinoid in cannabis), in treating cancer-associated pain, anxiety and depression, sleep problems, nausea and vomiting, and oral mucositis that are associated with cancer and/or its treatment. Studies also suggest that CBD may enhance orthodox treatments with chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy and protect against neural and organ damage. CBD shows promise as part of an integrative approach to the management of cancer.

Abstract

The plant Cannabis sativa has been in use medicinally for several thousand years. It has over 540 metabolites thought to be responsible for its therapeutic effects. Two of the key phytocannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Unlike THC, CBD does not have potentially intoxicating effects. Preclinical and clinical research indicates that CBD has a wide range of therapeutic effects, and many of them are relevant to the management of cancer. In this article, we explore some of the potential mechanisms of action of CBD in cancer, and evidence of its efficacy in the integrative management of cancer including the side effects associated with its treatment, demonstrating its potential for integration with orthodox cancer care.

Prospective Rates, Longitudinal Associations, and Factors Associated With Comorbid Insomnia Symptoms and Perceived Cognitive Impairment

Background

Insomnia and cognitive impairment are both common conditions experienced by people diagnosed with cancer. Individually, these conditions have negative impacts on functioning, but the combined burden has yet to be evaluated. The purpose of this research was to estimate rates of comorbid insomnia and perceived cognitive impairments, examine the longitudinal associations between these two conditions, and identify demographic and clinical factors associated with reporting both insomnia and perceived cognitive impairment.

Methods

In this secondary analysis, a heterogeneous sample of 962 patients completed the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ) at the time of their cancer surgery (baseline; T1) and then again at 2 (T2), 6 (T3), 10 (T4), 14 (T5), and 18 (T6) months. Correlations and partial correlations, controlling for age and education level, were computed at each time point to assess the relationship between ISI and CFQ scores. Cross-lagged correlations assessed associations between ISI and CFQ scores over time. Proportions of patients with comorbid insomnia and cognitive impairments were calculated and logistic regressions investigated changes over time in these proportions. ANOVAs, logistic regressions, ordinal regressions, and multinomial regressions were used to identify risk factors of having comorbid insomnia and cognitive difficulties.

Results

Significant and bidirectional correlations between ISI and CFQ scores were observed at each time point and over time. The proportion of patients having both clinical levels of insomnia and perceived cognitive difficulties ranged from 18.73 to 25.84% across time points and this proportion was significantly greater at T1 and T2 than T4, T5, and T6. Participants who reported comorbid insomnia and cognitive impairment were more likely to be younger, female, not currently working, currently receiving chemotherapy, with clinical levels depression and anxiety, and using antidepressants or anxiolytics.

Conclusion

Comorbid insomnia and perceived cognitive impairment affects around one in five patients and is more frequent at the beginning of the cancer care trajectory. The relationship between insomnia and cognitive impairment appears to be bidirectional. Insomnia may represent an important patient level vulnerability that when identified and treated can improve perception of cognitive function.

Incidence and risk factors of suicide in patients with lung cancer: a scoping review

PURPOSE

To explore the high-risk period of the occupation of suicide after diagnosis; and clarify the risk factors of suicidal behaviors (suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and suicidal death) behind the lung cancer patients during the cancer cure process.

METHODS

This scoping review was conducted through the whole month of April 2021. We extracted data of the suicide mortality after diagnosis and latent risk factors of suicidal behaviors among lung cancer patients where we used to study from the two online databases which are PubMed and Web of Science. Two online databases were searched and written in English without age restriction. To note that the standardized mortality ratio (SMR), person-years, and odds ratio (OR) associated with lung cancer were documented.

RESULTS

Out of 570 records, 23 studies mentioned suicidal behaviors and lung cancer met the included criteria. Eleven (n = 47.8%) of the selected publications reported changes in suicide mortality. None of them reported suicidal ideation or suicide attempt after diagnosis. The individuals with lung cancer have significantly higher rates of suicidal death (SMR, 2.04-13.4) during the first years after diagnosis and decrease over subsequent years (SMR, 0.66-3.17). The median time from cancer diagnosis to suicide death was around 7 months. Across all studies with the 22 studies that examined factors, we extracted the data of the suicidal ideation (n = 3), suicide attempt (n = 1), and suicidal death (n = 18) in individuals. For patients with suicidal ideation, there was a significantly higher incidence in males than in females. Among patients who attempted suicide, the incidence of mental illness is greater than the incidence of physical illness. Factors for suicidal death, including gender (male, 56.3-100%), prognosis tumors (poor, 25.8-66.3%), marital status (widowhood or unmarried, 19-75.7%), and age of patients (> 70 years, 24.5-47%) with lung cancer, play a vital role. Treatment of lung cancer is expected to affect a patient in his/her mental state.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our finding indicates that lung cancer patients have been presented with a higher incidence of suicide death in a specific period, especially the early years after diagnosis. Discovering risk factors for suicide helps prevent potential suicide. It is essential to screen lung cancer patients for suicidal ideation, especially those with high-risk factors. Future prospective studies are necessary to confirm these findings to support care.

Sleep disturbance in primary brain tumor: prevalence, risk factors, and patient preferences

PURPOSE

Primary brain tumor (PBT) patients report sleep disturbance due to their disease and treatment, yet few studies have utilized validated measures to understand the extent of patients' concerns and preferences for treatment. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of sleep disturbance among PBT patients in our clinic and to evaluate interest in treatment for sleep disturbance.

METHODS

PBT patients completed validated measures of sleep disturbance and health during routine neuro-oncology visits. Patients also reported on sleep-related symptom management and their preferences for pharmacological and/or behavioral treatment.

RESULTS

Sleep disturbance was common, with 61.5% of PBT patients (N = 119; M_age = 52.60 years; 50% male) reporting poor sleep quality and 21.5% endorsing symptoms of insomnia. Insomnia could be explained by increased fatigue and corticosteroid use; sleep quality could be explained by fatigue. Patients in our clinic with higher grade tumors, significant sleep disturbance, of minority racial/ethnic status, and those not already taking sleep medications were more likely to report their symptoms and were not well-addressed by their medical team. Patients indicated a similar interest in pharmacological and behavioral treatment, warranting the availability of both in our clinic.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicate a high prevalence of sleep disturbance in PBT patients, highlighting the need for increased screening, monitoring, and treatment in our neuro-oncology clinic. Future research would benefit from assessing the efficacy of behavioral treatments for sleep disturbance in this population.

Sleep Disorders Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Patients Assigned to Adjuvant Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

The anticipation of radiotherapy can cause distress and sleep disorders, which may be aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated sleep disorders in a large cohort of patients with breast cancer before and during the pandemic.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-three characteristics were retrospectively analyzed for associations with pre-radiotherapy sleep disorders in 338 patients. Moreover, 163 patients presenting before and 175 patients presenting during the COVID-19 pandemic were compared for sleep disorders.

RESULTS

Sleep disorders were significantly associated with age ≤60 years (p=0.006); high distress score (p<0.0001); more emotional (p<0.0001), physical (p<0.0001) or practical (p<0.0001) problems; psycho-oncological need (p<0.0001); invasive cancer (p=0.003); chemotherapy (p<0.001); and hormonal therapy (p=0.006). Sleep disorders were similarly common in both groups (prior to vs. during the pandemic: 40% vs. 45%, p=0.38).

CONCLUSION

Although additional significant risk factors for sleep disorders were identified, the COVID-19 pandemic appeared to have no significant impact on sleep disorders in patients scheduled for irradiation of breast cancer.

New and persistent controlled substance use among patients undergoing mastectomy and reconstructive surgery

PURPOSE

Prolonged use of controlled substances can place patients at increased risk of dependence and complications. Women who have mastectomy and reconstructive surgery (M + R) may be vulnerable to becoming new persistent users (NPUs) of opioid and sedative-hypnotic medications.

METHODS

Using the MarketScan health-care claims database, we identified opioid- and sedative-hypnotic-naïve women who had M + R from 2008 to 2017. Women who filled ≥ 1 peri-operative prescription and ≥ 2 post-operative prescriptions within one year after surgery were classified as NPUs. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to estimate rates of new persistent use and predictive factors. Risk summary scores were created based on the sum of associated factors.

RESULTS

We evaluated 23,025 opioid-naïve women and 25,046 sedative-hypnotic-naïve women. We found that 17,174 opioid-naïve women filled a peri-operative opioid prescription, and of those, 2962 (17.2%) became opioid NPUs post-operatively. Additionally, 9426 sedative-hypnotic-naïve women filled a peri-operative sedative-hypnotic prescription, and of those, 1612 (17.1%) became sedative-hypnotic NPUs. Development of new persistent sedative-hypnotic use was associated with age ≤ 49 [OR 1.77 (95% CI 1.40-2.24)] and age 50-64 [1.60 (1.27-2.03)] compared to age ≥ 65; Medicaid insurance [2.34 (1.40-3.90)]; southern residence [1.42 (1.22-1.64)]; breast cancer diagnosis [2.24 (1.28-3.91)]; and chemotherapy [2.17 (1.94-2.42)]. Risk of NPU increased with higher risk score. Women with ≥ 3 of these risk factors were three times more likely to become sedative-hypnotic NPUs than patients with 0 or 1 factors [2.94 (2.51-3.43)]. Comparable findings were seen regarding new persistent opioid use.

CONCLUSION

Women who have M + R are at risk of developing both new persistent opioid and new persistent sedative-hypnotic use. A patient's risk of becoming an NPU increases as their number of risk factors increases. Non-pharmacologic strategies are needed to manage pain and anxiety following cancer-related surgery.