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O'Donovan E, Hennessy MA, O'Reilly S. Dietary supplement beliefs and use patterns among Irish patients with early-stage breast cancer. Ir J Med Sci 2024:10.1007/s11845-024-03676-8. [PMID: 38581465 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-024-03676-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKROUND Level one evidence reported poorer outcomes among patients taking dietary supplements after breast cancer (BC) diagnosis. METHODS We evaluated dietary supplement behaviours among adult BC patients via questionnaire. Sociodemographic data, supplement use, attitudes, and healthcare provider (HCP) advice were analysed. RESULTS Of 185 participants, 45% were regular supplement users following diagnosis. Regular supplement use was associated with higher education level (p = 0.05). The majority perceived supplements to be safe. Over half reported not receiving advice from HCPs. CONCLUSION In summary, supplement use is prevalent among BC patients. Development of guidelines in relation to safe use of dietary supplements after cancer diagnosis is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eimear O'Donovan
- Dept. of Medical Oncology, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Maeve A Hennessy
- Dept. of Medical Oncology, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
- Cancer Research @UCC, Cork, Ireland
| | - Seamus O'Reilly
- Dept. of Medical Oncology, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland.
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2
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Hennessy MA, Leal JP, Huang CY, Solnes LB, Denbow R, Abramson VG, Carey LA, Liu MC, Rimawi M, Specht J, Storniolo AM, Valero V, Vaklavas C, Winer EP, Krop IE, Wolff AC, Cimino-Mathews A, Wahl RL, Stearns V, Connolly RM. Correlation of SUV on Early Interim PET with Recurrence-Free Survival and Overall Survival in Primary Operable HER2-Positive Breast Cancer (the TBCRC026 Trial). J Nucl Med 2023; 64:1690-1696. [PMID: 37652539 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.123.265853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Predictive biomarkers of response to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-directed therapy are essential to inform treatment decisions. The TBCRC026 trial reported that early declines in tumor SUVs corrected for lean body mass (SULmax) on 18F-FDG PET/CT predicted a pathologic complete response (pCR) to HER2 therapy with neoadjuvant trastuzumab and pertuzumab (HP) without chemotherapy in estrogen receptor (ER)-negative, HER2-positive breast cancer. We hypothesized that 18F-FDG PET/CT SULmax parameters would predict recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Methods: Patients with stage II/III ER-negative, HER2-positive breast cancer received neoadjuvant HP (n = 88). pCR after HP alone was 22% (18/83), additional nonstudy neoadjuvant therapy was administered in 28% (25/88), and the majority received adjuvant therapy per physician discretion. 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed at baseline and at cycle 1, day 15 (C1D15). RFS and OS were summarized using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared between subgroups using logrank tests. Associations between 18F-FDG PET/CT (≥40% decline in SULmax between baseline and C1D15, or C1D15 SULmax ≤ 3) and pCR were evaluated using Cox regressions, where likelihood ratio CIs were reported because of the small numbers of events. Results: Median follow-up was 53.7 mo (83/88 evaluable), with 6 deaths and 14 RFS events. Estimated RFS and OS at 3 y was 84% (95% CI, 76%-92%) and 92% (95% CI, 87%-98%), respectively. A C1D15 SULmax of 3 or less was associated with improved RFS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.36; 95% CI, 0.11-1.05; P = 0.06) and OS (HR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.01-0.85; P = 0.03), the latter statistically significant. The association of an SULmax decline of at least 40% (achieved in 59%) with RFS and OS did not reach statistical significance. pCR was associated with improved RFS (HR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.01-1.24; P = 0.10) but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: For the first time, we report a potential association between a C1D15 SULmax of 3 or less on 18F-FDG PET/CT and RFS and OS outcomes in patients with ER-negative, HER2-positive breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant HP alone. If confirmed in future studies, this imaging-based biomarker may facilitate early individualization of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeffrey P Leal
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Chiung-Yu Huang
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
- University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Lilja B Solnes
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rita Denbow
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Lisa A Carey
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | | | | | - Anna Maria Storniolo
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | | | | | - Ian E Krop
- Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut; and
| | - Antonio C Wolff
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | - Vered Stearns
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Roisin M Connolly
- Cancer Research @UCC, Cork, Ireland;
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
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3
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Hennessy MA, Hamid M, Keegan NM, Corrigan L, Goggin C, Oo NM, Carrigan M, Mockler D, O'Donovan A, Horgan AM. Metastatic gastroesophageal cancer in older patients - is this patient cohort represented in clinical trials? BMC Cancer 2022; 22:3. [PMID: 34980003 PMCID: PMC8722002 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-09103-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Older patients are underrepresented in the clinical trials that determine the standards of care for oncological treatment. We conducted a review to identify whether there have been age-restrictive inclusion criteria in clinical trials over the last twenty five years, focusing on patients with metastatic gastroesophageal cancer. Methods A search strategy was developed encompassing Embase, PubMed and The Cochrane Library databases. Completed phase III randomised controlled trials evaluating systemic anti-cancer therapies in metastatic gastroesophageal malignancies from 1st January 1995 to 18th November 2020 were identified. These were screened for eligibility using reference management software (Covidence; Veritas Health Innovation Ltd). Data including age inclusion/exclusion criteria and median age of participants were recorded. The percentage of patients ≥ 65 enrolled was collected where available. The change over time in the proportion of studies using an upper age exclusion was estimated using a linear probability model. Results Three hundred sixty-three phase III studies were identified and screened, with 66 trials remaining for final analysis. The majority of trials were Asian (48%; n = 32) and predominantly evaluated gastric malignancies, (86%; n = 56). The median age of participants was 62 (range 18–94). Thirty-two percent (n = 21) of studies specified an upper age limit for inclusion and over half of these were Asian studies. The median age of exclusion was 75 (range 65–80). All studies prior to 2003 used an upper age exclusion (n = 12); whereas only 9 that started in 2003 or later did (17%). Among later studies, there was a very modest downward yearly-trend in the proportion of studies using an upper age exclusion (-0.02 per year; 95%CI -0.05 to 0.01; p = 0.31). Fifty-two percent (n = 34) of studies specified the proportion of their study population who were ≥ 65 years. Older patients represented only 36% of the trial populations in these studies (range 7–60%). Conclusions Recent years have seen improvements in clinical trial protocols, with many no longer specifying restrictive age criteria. Reasons for poor representation of older patients are complex and ongoing efforts are needed to broaden eligibility criteria and prioritise the inclusion of older adults in clinical trials. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-09103-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maeve A Hennessy
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Munzir Hamid
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Niamh M Keegan
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Lynda Corrigan
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Caitriona Goggin
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Nay Myo Oo
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Marie Carrigan
- St Lukes Radiation Oncology Oncology Network, St Lukes Rathgar, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David Mockler
- John Stearne Library, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anita O'Donovan
- Applied Radiation Therapy Trinity (ARTT), Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anne M Horgan
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland.
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4
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Hennessy MA, Coyne ZL, O'Halloran PJ, Mullally W, Dablouk M, MacNally S, Morris PG. Prognostic factors influencing survival following re-resection for isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) -wildtype glioblastoma multiforme - Data from a national neuro-oncology registry. J Clin Neurosci 2021; 95:142-150. [PMID: 34929638 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2021.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The role of surgical resection in recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate survival outcomes and associated prognostic factors in patients undergoing surgical re-resection for recurrent IDH-wildtype GBM in a national neuro-oncology center. We evaluated all patients who underwent re-resection for recurrent GBM following adjuvant treatment between 2015 and 2018. 32 patients were eligible for inclusion. 19 (59%) were male,median age at re-resection was 53. Median time from initial surgery to re-resection was 13.5 months. Median overall survival (OS) was 28.6 months from initial surgery and 9.5 months from re-resection. MGMT methylation was significantly associated with improved OS from initial surgery, 40 months versus 19.1 months, (p = 0.004), and from re-resection, 9.47 months versus 6.93 months, (p = 0.028). A late re-resection was associated with improved OS compared to an early re-resection, 44.1 months versus 15.7 months, (p = 0.002). There was a trend for improved outcomes in younger patients, median OS from initial surgery 44.1 months for <53 years compared to 21.7 months for patients ≥53, (p = 0.099). Higher Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) at re-resection was associated with improved median OS, 9.5 months versus 4.1 months for KPS ≥70 and <70 respectively, (p = 0.013). Furthermore, there was a trend for improved OS with greater extent of re-resection, however this did not reach statistical significance, possibly due to small sample size. Re-resection for recurrent GBM was associated with improved OS in those with good performance status and could be considered in carefully selected cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maeve A Hennessy
- Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Dept. of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Zachary L Coyne
- Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Dept. of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Philip J O'Halloran
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - William Mullally
- Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Dept. of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Patrick G Morris
- Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Dept. of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
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5
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Linehan A, Fitzpatrick O, Cowzer D, Hennessy MA, Coyne ZL, Nolan A, Clarke M, Dhonaill RN, Hennessy BT, Morris PG, Grogan L, Breathnach O. COVID-19-related mortality in cancer patients in an Irish setting. Ir J Med Sci 2021; 191:2013-2018. [PMID: 34697787 PMCID: PMC8545357 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-021-02815-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted significantly on healthcare across the globe. It has been reported to have higher incidence and be associated with worse outcomes in patients with cancer. Aim To examine the characteristics of patients with cancer who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and to identify factors which may predict a poorer outcome. Methods Patients attending oncology services in Beaumont Hospital who were diagnosed with COVID-19 between March and May 2020 were included. Demographics and outcomes were determined by chart review. Results Twenty-seven patients were included in the study. The median age was 62; 59% were male. Ten patients (37%) died all of whom had metastatic or incurable locally advanced disease. Patients with lung cancer had a higher rate of COVID-19 and poorer outcomes. Those with a performance status (PS) ≥ 3 were more likely to die than those with PS ≤ 2. Compared to those who recovered, patients who died had a higher number of organs affected by cancer and a higher mean Palliative Prognostic Score. Conclusion Patients attending oncology services during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic had an increased rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection and a higher mortality rate than the general population. Those who died had more advanced cancer as demonstrated by poorer performance status, a greater burden of metastatic disease and a higher Palliative Prognostic Score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Linehan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Orla Fitzpatrick
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Darren Cowzer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maeve A Hennessy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Zac L Coyne
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Amy Nolan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maeve Clarke
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Roisin Ni Dhonaill
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bryan T Hennessy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Patrick G Morris
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Liam Grogan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Oscar Breathnach
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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6
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Keogh RJ, Milewski M, Browne K, Egan K, Hennessy MA, Coyne Z, Cowzer D, Linehan A, Hennessy BT, Grogan L, Morris PG, Breathnach OS. An exploration of the impact of ethanol diluent on breath alcohol concentration in patients receiving paclitaxel chemotherapy. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2021; 88:307-312. [PMID: 33944970 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-021-04279-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to provide a better understanding of the impact of paclitaxel chemotherapy on breath alcohol in an Irish population. METHODS Patients attending the Oncology Day Unit at Beaumont Hospital were invited to participate on the day of their treatment. The brand of paclitaxel used was Actavis Pharma Inc and contained 6 mg/mL paclitaxel in 50% Ethanol/ 50% Cremophor EL. Breath alcohol concentration was measured using the AlcoSense ™ Breathalyser on three separate visits. The primary end-point was the number of patients who were above the legal threshold for drink driving in Ireland. RESULTS In total, 50 patients were recruited. 36 (68%) were female. The most common diagnosis was breast cancer (56%). Ten (20%) patients had metastatic disease and 4 (8%) had liver metastases. The mean paclitaxel dose administered was 118 mg. The mean amount of ethanol infused was 7.7 g. 27 patients had a detectable breath alcohol level on at least one visit. The mean breath alcohol concentration was 2 mcg/100 mL or 0.02 mg/L of breath. The maximum concentration of ethanol in exhaled breath was 11 mcg/100 mL or 0.11 mg/L which is 50% of the statutory limit for drink driving in Ireland. A weak correlation was observed between ethanol concentration in exhaled breath and the total amount of ethanol administered. Although no patient exceeded the general limit for drink driving in Ireland, three (6%) participants had a breath alcohol concentration above the threshold for professional, learner or novice drivers. CONCLUSION Although definitive conclusions are limited by relatively small numbers, it seems unlikely that weekly paclitaxel infusions pose any significant risk to patients driving.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Keogh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - M Milewski
- Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - K Browne
- Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - K Egan
- Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - M A Hennessy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Z Coyne
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - D Cowzer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | | | - B T Hennessy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.,Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - L Grogan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - P G Morris
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.,Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - O S Breathnach
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.,Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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7
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Keogh RJ, Aslam R, Hennessy MA, Coyne Z, Hennessy BT, Breathnach OS, Grogan L, Morris PG. One year of procarbazine lomustine and vincristine is poorly tolerated in low grade glioma: a real world experience in a national neuro-oncology centre. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:140. [PMID: 33557783 PMCID: PMC7869199 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-07809-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Following optimal local therapy, adjuvant Procarbazine, Lomustine and Vincristine (PCV) improves overall survival (OS) in low-grade glioma (LGG). However, 1 year of PCV is associated with significant toxicities. In the pivotal RTOG 9802 randomised control trial, approximately half of the patients discontinued treatment after 6 months. As patients on clinical trials may be fitter, we aimed to further explore the tolerability of PCV chemotherapy in routine clinical practice. Methods We conducted a retrospective study between 2014 and 2018 at a National Neuro-Oncology centre. Patients who had received PCV during this time period were included. The primary objective was to assess tolerability of treatment. Secondary objectives included evaluation of treatment delays, dose modifications and toxicities. Results Overall, 41 patients were included, 24 (58%) were male and 21 (51%) aged ≥40 years. 38 (93%) underwent surgical resection and all patients received adjuvant radiotherapy prior to chemotherapy. The median number of cycles completed was 3,2,4 for procarbazine, lomustine and vincristine respectively. Only 4 (10%) completed all 6 cycles of PCV without dose modifications. There was a universal decline in dose intensity as cycles of chemotherapy progressed. Dose intensity for cycle 1 versus cycle 6 respectively: procarbazine (98% versus 46%), lomustine (94% versus 48%) and vincristine (93% versus 50%). Haematological toxicities were common. Six (14%) patients experienced Grade III-IV thrombocytopaenia and 13 (31%) experienced Grade III-IV neutropaenia. Conclusion Toxicities are frequently observed with the PCV regimen in clinical practice. It might be preferable to adjust doses from the start of chemotherapy to improve tolerability or consider alternative chemotherapy, particularly in older patients with LGG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel J Keogh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Razia Aslam
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Maeve A Hennessy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Zac Coyne
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Bryan T Hennessy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.,Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Oscar S Breathnach
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.,Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Liam Grogan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.,Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Patrick G Morris
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland. .,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland. .,Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
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8
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Hennessy MA, Linehan A, Cowzer D, Coyne ZL, Fitzpatrick O, Barrett F, Ni Dhonaill R, Hennessy BT, Grogan L, Morris PG, Breathnach OS. Chemotherapy in the Covid-19 era: the patient's perception. Ir J Med Sci 2021; 190:1303-1308. [PMID: 33449325 PMCID: PMC7809239 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-020-02457-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background The Covid-19 pandemic poses significant challenges for the management of patients with cancer. In our institution, we adapted our delivery of outpatient systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) by introducing a number of ‘risk-reducing’ measures including pre-assessment screening. Aims We sought to evaluate the experience and perceptions of patients with cancer undergoing SACT during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods Patients on SACT during the Covid-19 pandemic were eligible for participation. Data were collected by anonymous survey over a 1 week period during the most intensive phase of government restrictions. Patients were asked questions under three headings: perceived risk of infection exposure, changes to treatment plan and psychological impact of Covid-19. Results One hundred patients were assessed, 60% were male, 41% were > 65 years of age and 67% had advanced cancer. Eleven percent of patients were living alone. Fifty-seven percent reported feeling at increased risk in general of contracting Covid-19. Sixty-eight percent of patients did not feel worried about contracting Covid-19 in the hospital. Ninety-two percent of patients reported wanting to continue on SACT as originally planned. Fifty-eighty percent felt isolated and 40% reported increased anxiety. Conclusion Though patients on active treatment for cancer during the Covid-19 pandemic reported increased anxiety and feelings of isolation due to Covid-19, the majority of patients wanted to continue SACT as originally planned. Patients would benefit from enhanced psycho-oncological supports in the event of a prolonged Covid-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maeve A Hennessy
- Medical Oncology Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anna Linehan
- Medical Oncology Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Darren Cowzer
- Medical Oncology Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Zachary L Coyne
- Medical Oncology Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Fiona Barrett
- Medical Oncology Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Bryan T Hennessy
- Medical Oncology Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Liam Grogan
- Medical Oncology Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Patrick G Morris
- Medical Oncology Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Oscar S Breathnach
- Medical Oncology Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. .,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
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9
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Hennessy MA, Morris PG. Optimizing Anti-HER2 Therapy in early breast cancer: updates from the KRISTINE trial. Ann Palliat Med 2020; 9:504-509. [PMID: 32233616 DOI: 10.21037/apm.2020.02.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maeve A Hennessy
- Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Patrick G Morris
- Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
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