The impact of early palliative care on the quality of life of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer: The IMPERATIVE case-crossover study

Supportive Care Needs and Related Interventions in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer and Their Informal Caregivers: A Scoping Review

PURPOSE

This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive literature review regarding supportive care needs and related interventions for patients with pancreatic cancer and/or their informal caregivers.

METHODS

Following the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis, we conducted this review. In January 2025, we searched five English databases using the keywords "pancreatic cancer," "patients/caregivers," "supportive care," and "needs." We summarized the data employing the Supportive Care Framework.

RESULTS

Of the 4752 references identified, 43 articles were included in the review. Among the 33 descriptive studies, informational needs emerged as the most frequently reported supportive care need, identified in studies involving both patients and informal caregivers (n = 6), patients only (n = 13), and informal caregivers only (n = 5). These were followed by emotional needs (n = 4) for both patients and informal caregivers, physical needs (n = 8) for patients only, and emotional (n = 4) and practical needs (n = 4) for informal caregivers only. Psycho-educational interventions were the most frequently reported approach for addressing the needs of both patients and informal caregivers, while pain/symptom management interventions were the most frequently used to support patients alone. Four studies demonstrated statistically significant improvements in outcomes for intervention groups compared to control groups.

CONCLUSION

Patients with pancreatic cancer and their informal caregivers experienced a spectrum of supportive care needs, particularly informational needs. Intervention strategies have been developed to address their supportive care needs, but only a few studies demonstrated statistically significant improvements in outcomes. These findings advance our understanding of the supportive care needs and related interventions for patients with pancreatic cancer and/or their informal caregivers, providing a foundation for future research and targeted interventions to better address these needs.

Factors influencing accessibility of palliative care: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Palliative care is essential for enhancing quality of life in patients with life-threatening illnesses. However, its accessibility remains inconsistent across populations and regions. This review systematically examines and quantifies factors influencing accessibility of palliative care.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases, covering the period from January 2014 to July 2024. The search aimed to identify observational studies on factors influencing accessibility of palliative care. Keywords related to accessibility were derived from the five dimensions defined by Penchansky and Thomas: availability, accessibility, accommodation, affordability, and acceptability. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools, and a meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS

A total of 20 studies were included in the analysis, with 15 using a retrospective design with secondary data analysis, two employing a cross-sectional design, and three using a cohort design. There were no studies on availability, one study on accessibility, two studies on affordability, one study on accommodation, and sixteen studies on acceptability. The influencing factor for accessibility is geographic location. The influencing factors for affordability and accommodation are mainly demographic characteristics, including race, religion, and employment status. The most influential factors for acceptability are categorized as sociodemographic, healthcare service, disease-related factors. Meta-analysis results indicated that female gender (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.14-1.23), higher income level (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.08-1.14), and larger hospital bed capacity (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.14-1.32) facilitated accessibility to palliative care (P < 0.05). Conversely, residing in rural areas (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.67-0.95) and being of African descent (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.68-0.90) were barriers to accessibility (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This review highlights a relationship between key sociodemographic characteristics, healthcare service, disease-related factors and the accessibility of palliative care. However, the limited number of studies focusing on specific dimensions, such as availability, affordability, accessibility, and accommodation, creates gaps in understanding. Further research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms and potential causality of these associations. Recognizing the significant implications of limited accessibility of palliative care can help identify underserved populations and develop targeted interventions to improve the access to the service for these groups.

End-of-life care for patients with pancreatic cancer in France: a nationwide population-based cohort study

Background

Pancreatic cancer, a frequently fatal disease with severe symptoms, can require high-intensity end-of-life (HI-EOL) care, posing challenges to patients' well-being. The examination of HI-EOL care to develop tailored interventions in the management of pancreatic cancer is a critical, yet underexplored area.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess the factors that influence the intensity of end-of-life (EOL) care in France.

Design

A retrospective study of patients registered in the French Nationwide database who were hospitalized in France for pancreatic adenocarcinoma from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2019, and subsequently died during the follow-up period.

Methods

Data on patient demographics, clinical characteristics, hospitalization details, and palliative care were collected. The primary outcome measure was the evaluation of HI-EOL care, defined by indicators such as death in an intensive care unit (ICU), multiple hospitalizations, and chemotherapy administration within the last 30 days of life. Secondary outcomes included indicators of most-intensive EOL (MI-EOL) care and invasive procedures (IP). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with each outcome measure.

Results

A total of 42,696 patients who died from pancreatic adenocarcinoma were included. Among them, 41.1% experienced HI-EOL, with the most common indicators being multiple hospitalizations and death in an ICU, emergency room, or acute care unit. A smaller proportion (2.8%) received MI-EOL care, while 28.1% underwent IPs in the last 30 days of life. The multivariate analysis revealed that male gender and follow-up in non-cancer specialized care facilities were associated with a higher risk of HI-EOL. Conversely, palliative care involvement and older age at death were identified as protective factors. Male gender, older age at death, and palliative care involvement were associated with lower rates of MI-EOL care and IPs.

Conclusion

These results underscore the importance of palliative care integration and individualized approaches in improving the EOL quality of care and patient outcomes for individuals with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Advanced practice nurse-led early palliative care: a novel model for improved access to care

BACKGROUND

Although the benefits of early palliative care have been established in advanced cancers, there remains a lack of access to and poor uptake of these services. Barriers include healthcare provider attitudes, lack of standardized referral approach, misaligned policy limited resources, and lack of palliative care expertise.

PURPOSE

In consideration of these barriers, a description of the development and implementation of an early palliative care initiative at CancerCare Manitoba in Canada is presented. Explanations of innovative planning, processes, teams, and interventions are offered to facilitate insight for those intending to offer early palliative care.

DISCUSSION

Barriers and facilitators to integrating a nurse-led early palliative care initiative are discussed. Considerations to mitigate common barriers encountered and leveraging existing resources are offered.

CONCLUSIONS

This information may be beneficial to those working to facilitate access to palliative care in oncology for patients with advanced cancers. This model has been successful at our institution with pre and post implementation data presented in an upcoming publication.

Longitudinal health-related quality of life in patients with pancreatic cancer stratified by treatment: a nationwide cohort study

Background

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) has a poor prognosis and substantially impairs health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Large studies on longitudinal HRQoL in patients with PAC, taking patient treatment into account, are lacking. This study aimed to investigate HRQoL over time in patients with PAC undergoing various treatments.

Methods

This nationwide cohort study included patients diagnosed with PAC between 2015 and 2020. Data were collected from the Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Project (PACAP) and the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Patients were categorized into four groups based on treatment modality: resection (R-PAC), chemotherapy for localized disease (C-PAC), chemotherapy for metastatic disease (M1-C-PAC), and best supportive care (BSC). HRQoL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and -PAN26 questionnaires at baseline, during treatment, and at 0-3 months and 3-6 months after treatment. Linear mixed models were used to analyze changes in HRQoL over time, with clinically relevant changes defined as a minimal mean difference of 10 points in absolute scores and reported with 95% confidence intervals.

Findings

Overall, 1496 patients were included (673 [45.0%] female), of whom 675 (45.1%) in R-PAC, 319 (21.3%) in C-PAC, 340 patients (22.7%) in M1-C-PAC, and 162 (10.8%) in BSC group. In R-PAC, hepatic symptoms and health care satisfaction improved while role and social functioning deteriorated and eating related problems, side effects and fear of future health increased during treatment. In C-PAC, insomnia, pancreatic pain, hepatic symptoms decreased while diarrhea, side effects and fear of future health increased. In M1-C-PAC, pain, insomnia, pancreatic pain, hepatic symptoms, ascites and constipation decreased, sexuality improved while fear of future health and side effects increased. In BSC, hepatic symptoms decreased and flatulence increased.

Interpretation

This nationwide study identified specific improvements and deteriorations in various HRQoL domains during 6 months follow-up. This information may be valuable in the clinical setting to inform patients on potential outcomes of the course of HRQoL during various treatment strategies.

Funding

None.

Expression, potential biological behaviour and clinical significance of MCM3 in pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a comprehensive study integrating high throughput sequencing, CRISPR screening and in-house immunohistochemistry

BACKGROUND

Minichromosome maintenance complex component 3 (MCM3) plays a key role in various tumours. However, it remains largely unknown what the specific role and clinical significance of MCM3 in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) are.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We integrated high-throughput data from PAAD worldwide to analyse the expression level of MCM3 mRNA. We used immunohistochemistry to analyse MCM3 protein expression levels in 145 cases in the PAAD group and 29 cases in the non-PAAD group. We also mainly analysed the necessity of MCM3 for PAAD growth based on CRISPR screen data. In addition, we used enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction networks to explore the molecular mechanism of MCM3 in PAAD. We also analysed the correlation between MCM3 expression, components of the immune microenvironment in PAAD tissue and clinical prognosis.

RESULTS

In PAAD, we observed for the first time that MCM3 was significantly highly expressed at both the mRNA (SMD = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.38 ∼ 0.96) and the protein level (p < 0.05). The mRNA (AUC = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.74 ∼ 0.81; sensitivity = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.55 ∼ 0.76; specificity = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67 ∼ 0.84) and protein (AUC = 0.929) expression levels of MCM3 had a good ability to distinguish between PAAD and non-PAAD tissue. There was heterogeneity reflected by the differential expression of MCM3 protein in PAAD cells. MCM3 played an essential role in PAAD growth, through abnormal DNA replication, p53 signalling and cell cycle checkpoints. PAAD with high MCM3 expression was sensitive to c-75, brivanib, flavopiridol and VNLG/124 drugs, with stable molecular docking models.

CONCLUSION

MCM3 is likely to be a critical element in promoting the initiation and growth of PAAD. Flavopiridol may exert its anti-PAAD effect through the interaction between MCM3, classic CDK1 targets in the cell cycle checkpoint and p53 pathway as well as related molecules in other pathways.

Canadian National Pancreas Conference 2023: A Review of Multidisciplinary Engagement in Pancreatic Cancer Care

Pancreatic cancer is a complex malignancy associated with poor prognosis and high symptom burden. Optimal patient care relies on the integration of various sectors in the healthcare field as well as innovation through research. The Canadian National Pancreas Conference (NPC) was co-organized and hosted by Craig's Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society and The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in November 2023 in Montreal, Canada. The conference sought to bridge the gap between Canadian healthcare providers and researchers who share the common goal of improving the prognosis, quality of life, and survival for patients with pancreatic cancer. The accredited event featured discussion topics including diagnosis and screening, value-based and palliative care, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, cancer-reducing treatment, and an overview of the current management landscape. The present article reviews the NPC sessions and discusses the presented content with respect to the current literature.

Quality of life for patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer randomised to early specialised home-based palliative care: the ALLAN trial

BACKGROUND

The primary aim of specialised palliative care (SPC) is to improve the quality of life (QoL) for patients with a high symptom burden from a life-threatening disease. This randomised study aimed to assess the QoL impact of early integration of SPC alongside tumour-specific palliative treatment in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.

METHODS

We randomly assigned ambulatory patients with advanced GI cancer to early integration of SPC and palliative tumour-specific treatment or tumour-specific treatment alone. The primary endpoint was QoL assessed at baseline and every sixth week using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 118 patients were randomised. The difference in total FACT-G score between patients assigned to early integration with SPC and controls was 5.2 points (95% CI: -0.1 to 10.5, p = 0.216), 6.7 points (95% CI: 0.2 to 13.3, p = 0.172), and 13 points (95% CI: 5.7 to 20.2, p = 0.004) at weeks 6, 12, and 24, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective randomised trial strengthens the argument for early integration of SPC with tumour-specific treatment in patients with advanced GI cancers. We found an improved QoL for patients with advanced GI cancer 24 weeks after randomisation to early integration of home-based SPC.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (ref: NCT02246725).

Unmet Needs in the Process of Chemotherapy Provision in Pancreatic Cancer Patients from the Healthcare Provider Perspective: A Phenomenological Study in Greece

Introduction

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death overall, with 1.5 years life expectancy and minimal therapeutic progress in the last decades. Despite the burden it causes, there is little research on the needs of this specific population. This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals' views on providing care and patients' unsatisfied needs.

Methods

This qualitative descriptive study was carried out at a cancer hospital in Northern Greece. A total of 12 participants (6 physicians and 6 nurses), treating patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing chemotherapy, were recruited through purposive sampling and underwent face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed through the thematic analysis method in NVivo12 software.

Results

The analysis highlighted two themes: "needs of patients with pancreatic cancer" consisted of 6 subthemes ("daily activities", "symptoms management", "psychological support", "information needs", "multidisciplinary care" and "end-of-life care") and "needs of healthcare professionals" had 3 subthemes ("psychological support", "education" and "organizational support"). Several symptoms are identified and affect the daily activities of these patients, and psychological support is important for the majority of them, even at the time of diagnosis. The participants express dissatisfaction with the absence of palliative care structures and services and stated that an interdisciplinary approach would improve the quality of care.

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals report a wide range of unsatisfied needs of patients with pancreatic cancer, with the majority expressing their concerns about the complete lack of patient support in the last stages of their lives.

Evaluating the Risk Index for Serious Prescription Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression or Overdose in Patients with Cancer

The Commercially Insured health Plan Risk Index for Overdose or Serious Opioid-induced Respiratory Depression (CIP-RIOSORD) is an evidence-based tool to determine serious opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD) or overdose risk. The CIP-RIOSORD total score determines a risk class and estimates the probability for an OIRD event within the next 6 months. We performed a single-center, retrospective analysis to determine CIP-RIOSORD baseline scores and the most common predictive factors in patients with cancer. Patients (n = 160) were split into new consultations (n = 83, Group 1) versus the first documented follow-up consultation (n = 77, Group 2). Most patients were Caucasian women with metastatic gastrointestinal cancer. CIP-RIOSORD scores for Group 1 patients were 14.8 ± 15.2 (mean ± SD, risk class 4). Group 2 patients had higher CIP-RIOSORD scores (16.6 ± 14.9, risk class 4). For Group 1, the most common CIP-RIOSORD predictive factors were use of a long-acting opioid formulation (n = 24, 29%) and daily oral morphine equivalent (OME) ≥100 (n = 20, 24%); for Group 2, predictive factors were use of an antidepressant (n = 34, 44%) and a long-acting opioid formulation (n = 27, 35%). Based on the CIP-RIOSORD, there is a 15% probability of experiencing a serious OIRD event or overdose within the next 6 months.

Palliative surgery: state of the science and future directions

Palliative surgical procedures are operations that aim to alleviate symptoms in a patient with serious, life-limiting illness. They are common, particularly within the field of surgical oncology. However, few high-quality studies have attempted to measure the durability of improvements in symptoms and quality of life after palliative surgery. Furthermore, many of the studies that do exist are outdated and employ highly inconsistent definitions of palliative surgery. Consequently, the paucity of robust and reliable evidence on the benefits, risks, and trade-offs of palliative surgery hampers clinical decision-making for patients and their surgeons. The evidence for palliative surgery suggests that, with effective communication about goals of care and careful patient selection, palliative surgery can provide symptomatic relief and reduce healthcare burdens for certain seriously ill patients.

Advances in the management of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer remains among the malignancies with the worst outcomes. Survival has been improving, but at a slower rate than other cancers. Multimodal treatment, including chemotherapy, surgical resection, and radiotherapy, has been under investigation for many years. Because of the anatomical characteristics of the pancreas, more emphasis on treatment selection has been placed on local extension into major vessels. Recently, the development of more effective treatment regimens has opened up new treatment strategies, but urgent research questions have also become apparent. This review outlines the current management of pancreatic cancer, and the recent advances in its treatment. The review discusses future treatment pathways aimed at integrating novel findings of translational and clinical research.

Impact of early vs late palliative care referrals on healthcare utilization in patients with pancreatic cancer

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.

Pancreatic Cancer Health Disparity: Pharmacologic Anthropology

Pancreatic cancer (PCa) remains a formidable global health challenge, with high mortality rates and limited treatment options. While advancements in pharmacology have led to improved outcomes for various cancers, PCa continues to exhibit significant health disparities, disproportionately affecting certain populations. This paper explores the intersection of pharmacology and anthropology in understanding the health disparities associated with PCa. By considering the socio-cultural, economic, and behavioral factors that influence the development, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of PCa, pharmacologic anthropology provides a comprehensive framework to address these disparities and improve patient care.

Cancer Patients' Satisfaction with In-Home Palliative Care and Its Impact on Disease Symptoms

The aim of the study was to determine whether the satisfaction of cancer patients with in-home palliative care is associated with the impact of disease symptoms and with self-perceived quality of life. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted in the primary health care sector in six clinical management units, where 72 patients were recruited over a period of six months. The severity of symptoms was determined by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS). Quality of life was evaluated with the EORTC QLQ-C30 (version 3) questionnaire, and patients' satisfaction with the care received was evaluated by the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8). The patients' satisfaction with the health care received was represented by an average score of 6, on a scale of 1-10; thus, there is room for improvement in patient satisfaction. Moreover, it was found that more intense symptoms and lower quality of life are associated with lower satisfaction with health care received (p = 0.001). Similarly, when symptoms are more severe, the quality of life is lower (p < 0.001). The identification of fatigue, reduced well-being, pain, drowsiness, and depression as the symptoms experienced with the highest intensity by our patients provides valuable information for health care providers in developing individualized symptom management plans for patients with advanced cancer.