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Singer S, Semrau S, Golcher H, Fechner K, Kallies A, Zapata Bonilla S, Grützmann R, Fietkau R, Kluba T, Jentsch C, Andreou D, Bornhäuser M, Schmitt J, Schuler MK, Eichler M. The health-related quality of life of sarcoma patients treated with neoadjuvant versus adjuvant radiotherapy - Results of a multi-center observational study. Radiother Oncol 2023; 189:109913. [PMID: 37739319 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2023.109913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
AIM The sequence of radiotherapy and resection in patients with soft tissue sarcomas is usually discussed on an individual basis. Better understanding of potential differences of health-related quality of life (QoL) between patients undergoing adjuvant (ART) versus neoadjuvant radiotherapy (NART) is therefore helpful for clinical decision making. METHODS Adult sarcoma patients from 39 hospitals completed the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Differences in global QoL, physical functioning, role functioning, fatigue, pain, and insomnia between ART versus NART were investigated with multivariate regression, adjusting for age, gender, chemotherapy, grading, stage, tumor location, recurrence/distant metastasis, sarcoma type, time since last treatment, and treatment status using validated thresholds. RESULTS A total of 1110 patients participated. Of them, 340 had received radiotherapy (NART: n = 95, 28%; ART: n = 245, 72%). Global QoL was 59.3 on average after NART and 60.5 after ART (Badj = 1.0, p = 0.74). Physical functioning was 65.9 compared to 70.5 (Badj = 4.2; p = 0.16), role function 48.8 vs. 56.7 (Badj = 7.0, p = 0.08), fatigue 47.5 vs. 45.4 (Badj = -1.2; p = 0.71), pain 40.2 vs. 34.1 (Badj = -6.8; p = 0.08), and insomnia 33.7 vs. 41.6 (Badj = 5.5, p = 0.16). Among patients with NART, clinically relevant QoL impairments were less frequent 2 years after treatment compared to < 2 years thereafter (n = 6 vs. n = 4 on average). CONCLUSION There is little evidence for QoL differences in most domains and overall QoL between the two irradiation groups. However, patients after NART might experience worse role functioning and pain but fewer problems with insomnia compared to patients after ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Singer
- Division of Epidemiology and Health Services Research, Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Centre of Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany; University Cancer Centre, Mainz, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Sabine Semrau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Katja Fechner
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Annett Kallies
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sergio Zapata Bonilla
- University Cancer Centre, Mainz, Germany; Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine III, Haematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Centre of Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Rainer Fietkau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Christina Jentsch
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Dimosthenis Andreou
- Department of General Orthopedics and Tumor Orthopedics, University Hospital Münster, Germany; Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Bornhäuser
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Germany: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Helmholtz-Center Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Jochen Schmitt
- Center for Evidence-based Healthcare, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University, Dresden, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Germany: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Helmholtz-Center Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Markus K Schuler
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Eichler
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Germany: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Helmholtz-Center Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
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Hartmann W, Vieth V, Streitbürger A, Hardes J. Interdisciplinarity in Diagnostics of Bone Lesions. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR ORTHOPADIE UND UNFALLCHIRURGIE 2023; 161:628-636. [PMID: 35732173 DOI: 10.1055/a-1823-1528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Due to substantial advances in all medical disciplines, interdisciplinary cooperation is of major relevance in modern medicine. Given the rarity of benign and malignant bone tumours, diagnosis and therapy of these lesions is especially challenging. Focusing on typical cases, it is the aim of this article to illustrate the necessity of interdisciplinary cooperation. METHODS The scope of this article is to highlight the particular significance of interdisciplinarity in the diagnosis of bone tumours. To this end, we illustrate the interdisciplinary approach in typical clinical cases. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The article demonstrates that a combined clinico-radiological approach is essential in the diagnosis of leave-me-alone lesions, and it underlines the essential role of an interdisciplinary correlation of clinical context, radiology and pathology in the interpretation of bone tumour biopsies. It documents the experience that all clinical aspects and diagnostic findings need to be synoptically integrated in a joint interdisciplinary tumour board to eventually find the correct diagnosis. CONCLUSION It is generally accepted that the diagnosis of a bone tumour can often not be made by the pathologist alone but essentially requires interdisciplinary cooperation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Hartmann
- Division of Translational Pathology, Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Deutschland
| | - Volker Vieth
- Department of Radiology, Klinikum Ibbenbüren, Ibbenbüren, Deutschland
| | - Arne Streitbürger
- Department of Oncologic Musculoskeletal Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Deutschland
| | - Jendrik Hardes
- Department of Oncologic Musculoskeletal Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Deutschland
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Eichler M, Hentschel L, Singer S, Hornemann B, Richter S, Hofbauer C, Hohenberger P, Kasper B, Andreou D, Pink D, Jakob J, Grützmann R, Fung S, Wardelmann E, Arndt K, Hermes-Moll K, Schoffer O, Fried M, Jambor HK, Weitz J, Schaser KD, Bornhäuser M, Schmitt J, Schuler MK. Health related Quality of Life over time in German sarcoma patients. An analysis of associated factors - results of the PROSa study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1166838. [PMID: 37711899 PMCID: PMC10497872 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1166838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sarcomas are rare cancers and very heterogeneous in their location, histological subtype, and treatment. Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of sarcoma patients has rarely been investigated in longitudinal studies. Methods Here, we assessed adult sarcoma patients and survivors between September 2017 and February 2020, and followed-up for one year in 39 study centers in Germany. Follow-up time points were 6 (t1) and 12 months (t2) after inclusion. We used a standardized, validated questionnaire (the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Instrument (EORTC QLQ-C30) and explored predictors of HRQoL in two populations (all patients (Analysis 1), patients in ongoing complete remission (Analysis 2)) using generalized linear mixed models. Results In total we included up to 1111 patients at baseline (915 at t1, and 847 at t2), thereof 387 participants were in complete remission at baseline (334 at t1, and 200 at t2). When analyzing all patients, HRQoL differed with regard to tumor locations: patients with sarcoma in lower extremities reported lower HRQoL values than patients with sarcomas in the upper extremities. Treatment which included radiotherapy and/or systemic therapy was associated with lower HRQoL. For patients in complete remission, smoking was associated with worse HRQoL-outcomes. In both analyses, bone sarcomas were associated with the worst HRQoL values. Being female, in the age group 55-<65 years, having lower socioeconomic status, and comorbidities were all associated with a lower HRQoL, in both analyses. Discussion HRQoL increased partially over time since treatment and with sporting activities. HRQoL improved with time since treatment, although not in all domains, and was associated with lifestyle and socioeconomic factors. Bone sarcomas were the most affected subgroup. Methods to preserve and improve HRQoL should be developed for sarcoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Eichler
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Center Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Leopold Hentschel
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Center Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Susanne Singer
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Centre of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Beate Hornemann
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Center Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Stephan Richter
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christine Hofbauer
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Center Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- University Center for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Peter Hohenberger
- Division of Surgical Oncology & Thoracic Surgery, Mannheim University Medical Center, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Bernd Kasper
- Sarcoma Unit, Mannheim Cancer Center, Mannheim University Medical Center, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Dimosthenis Andreou
- Department of General Orthopedics and Tumor Orthopedics, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Daniel Pink
- Sarcoma Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Helios Hospital Bad Saarow, Bad Saarow, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine C, University Hospital Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jens Jakob
- Division of Surgical Oncology & Thoracic Surgery, Mannheim University Medical Center, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- Clinic for General, Visceral, and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Robert Grützmann
- Clinic for Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stephen Fung
- Clinic for General, Visceral, and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Dusseldorfn, Germany
| | - Eva Wardelmann
- Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Karin Arndt
- German Sarcoma Foundation, Woelfersheim, Germany
| | - Kerstin Hermes-Moll
- Scientific Institute of Office-based Hematologists and Oncologists, Cologne, Germany
| | - Olaf Schoffer
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Center Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- Center for Evidence-based Healthcare, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marius Fried
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine III/University Cancer Center Mainz, University Hospital Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Helena K. Jambor
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Center Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Jürgen Weitz
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Center Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Klaus-Dieter Schaser
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Center Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- University Center for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Bornhäuser
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Center Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Jochen Schmitt
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Center Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- Center for Evidence-based Healthcare, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Markus K. Schuler
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Strönisch A, Märdian S, Flörcken A. Centralized and Interdisciplinary Therapy Management in the Treatment of Sarcomas. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13040979. [PMID: 37109507 PMCID: PMC10144040 DOI: 10.3390/life13040979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcoma treatment requires a high level of expertise due to its rarity and heterogeneity. Sarcoma patients should, therefore, be referred to an expert centre as early as possible to ensure optimal treatment. Numerous studies have been carried out to provide evidence for this strategy. In compliance with the 2020 PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid Medline, ClinicalTrials.gov and Cochrane Library databases. The subject of these studies was the centralised treatment of adult sarcoma patients at expert centres and the use of interdisciplinary tumour boards. Uncertainty in therapy, delays in referral to expert centres, and limited access to therapeutic modalities continue to be a challenge in sarcoma therapy. At expert centres, diagnostic procedures were more frequently and adequately performed, and treatment was associated with an improvement in outcomes in the majority of studies: patients benefited from longer survival, lower local recurrence rates and a better postoperative outcome. The implementation of an interdisciplinary tumour board was associated with discrepant results. In a greater number of studies, it was associated with a lower local relapse rate, better overall survival and surgical outcome. In two studies, however, a shorter overall survival was observed. The establishment of expert centres and the consistent use of interdisciplinary tumour boards are important structures for ensuring multidisciplinary therapy approaches. There is growing evidence that this holds great potential for optimising sarcoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Strönisch
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Märdian
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Flörcken
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Zapata Bonilla SA, Fried M, Singer S, Hentschel L, Richter S, Hohenberger P, Kasper B, Andreou D, Pink D, Arndt K, Bornhäuser M, Schmitt J, Schuler MK, Eichler M. Working situation and burden of work limitations in sarcoma patients: results from the multi-center prospective PROSa study. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-022-04556-3. [PMID: 36624191 PMCID: PMC10356622 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04556-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated predictors of limitations in work performance, odds of drop out of work, and odds of receiving disability pension in sarcoma patients. METHODS We measured clinical and sociodemographic data in adult sarcoma patients and recorded if the patients received a (1) disability pension at baseline or (2) had dropped out of work 1 year after initial assessment. (3) Work limitations were assessed using the Work-limitations questionnaire (WLQ©). We analyzed exploratively. RESULTS (1) Amongst 364 analyzed patients, odds to receive a disability pension were higher in patients with abdominal tumors, older patients, high grade patients and with increasing time since diagnosis. (2) Of 356 patients employed at baseline, 21% (n = 76) had dropped out of work after 1 year. The odds of dropping out of work were higher in bone sarcoma patients and in patients who received additive radiotherapy ± systemic therapy compared with patients who received surgery alone. Odds of dropping out of work were less amongst self-employed patients and dropped with increasing time since diagnosis. (3) Work limitations were higher in woman and increased with age. Patients with bone and fibrous sarcomas were more affected than liposarcoma patients. Patients with abdominal tumors reported highest restrictions. Sarcoma treatment in the last 6 months increased work limitations. CONCLUSION Work limitations, drop out of work and dependence on a disability pension occurs frequently in patients with sarcoma adding to the burden of this condition. We were able to identify vulnerable groups in both the socioeconomic and disease categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Armando Zapata Bonilla
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine III, Haematology and Medical Oncology/University Centre for Tumor Diseases (UCT), University Hospital Johannes Gutenberg, University Hospital Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Marius Fried
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine III, Haematology and Medical Oncology/University Centre for Tumor Diseases (UCT), University Hospital Johannes Gutenberg, University Hospital Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Susanne Singer
- Institute for Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Hospital Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Leopold Hentschel
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Stephan Richter
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Peter Hohenberger
- Division of Surgical Oncology & Thoracic Surgery, Mannheim University Medical Center, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bernd Kasper
- Sarcoma Unit, Mannheim Cancer Center (MCC), Mannheim University Medical Center, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Dimosthenis Andreou
- Department of General Orthopedics and Tumor Orthopedics, University Hospital Munster, Munster, Germany.,Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Daniel Pink
- Sarcoma Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Helios Hospital Bad Saarow, Brandenburg, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine C, University Hospital Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Karin Arndt
- German Sarcoma Foundation, Woelfersheim, Germany
| | - Martin Bornhäuser
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany.,Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jochen Schmitt
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany.,Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, TU, Dresden, Germany
| | - Markus K Schuler
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Eichler
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany.,Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
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Thomas B, Bigdeli AK, Nolte S, Gazyakan E, Harhaus L, Bischel O, Lehner B, Egerer G, Mechtersheimer G, Hohenberger P, Horch RE, Andreou D, Schmitt J, Schuler MK, Eichler M, Kneser U. The Therapeutic Role of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Interdisciplinary Treatment of Soft-Tissue Sarcomas in Germany-Cross-Sectional Results of a Prospective Nationwide Observational Study (PROSa). Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174312. [PMID: 36077847 PMCID: PMC9454490 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The mainstay of soft-tissue-sarcoma treatment remains ablative surgery with complete tumor resection. In this context, reconstructive plastic surgery has become an important aspect of multidisciplinary sarcoma therapy aiming at limb preservation as an alternative to amputations. In this present study, cross-sectional data collected prospectively at 39 study centers across Germany were analyzed, focusing on both the inhouse availability of plastic surgery and external accessibility to plastic surgery in 621 cases. In summary, unplanned and incomplete primary tumor resections carried out at centers with lower degrees of specialization were associated with a significantly increased need for subsequent flap-based defect coverage. In line with this, a readily available team of plastic surgeons was independently associated with successful defect reconstruction, which in turn was associated with significantly higher chances of limb preservation. We conclude that easily accessible plastic surgery and a high degree of expertise in the field of sarcoma treatment are indispensable for limb preservation following sarcoma resection. Plastic and reconstructive surgery therefore plays a vital role in achieving the best possible outcomes in the interdisciplinary treatment of soft-tissue sarcomas. Abstract Although the involvement of plastic surgery has been deemed important in the treatment of sarcoma patients to avoid oncological compromises and ameliorate patient outcomes, it is not ubiquitously available. The accessibility of defect reconstruction and its therapeutic impact on sarcoma care is the subject of this analysis. Cross-sectional data from 1309 sarcoma patients were collected electronically at 39 German study centers from 2017 to 2019. A total of 621 patients with surgical treatment for non-visceral soft-tissue sarcomas were included. The associated factors were analyzed exploratively using multifactorial logistic regression to identify independent predictors of successful defect reconstruction, as well Chi-squared and Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel tests to evaluate subgroups, including limb-salvage rates in extremity cases. A total of 76 patients received reconstructive surgery, including 52 local/pedicled versus 24 free flaps. Sarcomas with positive margins upon first resection (OR = 2.3, 95%CI = 1.2–4.4) that were excised at centers with lower degrees of specialization (OR = 2.2, 95%CI = 1.2–4.2) were independently associated with the need for post-oncological defect coverage. In this context, the inhouse availability of plastic surgery (OR = 3.0, 95%CI = 1.6–5.5) was the strongest independent predictor for successful flap-based reconstruction, which in turn was associated with significantly higher limb-salvage rates (OR = 1.4, 95%CI = 1.0–2.1) in cases of extremity sarcomas (n = 366, 59%). In conclusion, consistent referral to specialized interdisciplinary sarcoma centers significantly ameliorates patient outcomes by achieving higher rates of complete resections and offering unrestricted access to plastic surgery. The latter in particular proved indispensable for limb salvage through flap-based defect reconstruction after sarcoma resection. In fact, although there remains a scarcity of readily available reconstructive surgery services within the current sarcoma treatment system in Germany, plastic and reconstructive flap transfer was associated with significantly increased limb-salvage rates in our cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Thomas
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.T.); (U.K.); Tel.: +49-(621)-6810-2944 (B.T.); +49-(621)-6810-2328 (U.K.)
| | - Amir K. Bigdeli
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Steffen Nolte
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Armed Forces Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Emre Gazyakan
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Leila Harhaus
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Oliver Bischel
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedics, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Burkhard Lehner
- Department of Orthopaedics, Trauma Surgery and Paraplegiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69118 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gerlinde Egerer
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Peter Hohenberger
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Mannheim University Medical Center, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Raymund E. Horch
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dimosthenis Andreou
- Department of General Orthopedics and Tumor Orthopedics, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Jochen Schmitt
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC), 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Center for Evidence-based Healthcare, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Markus K. Schuler
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Eichler
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC), 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kneser
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.T.); (U.K.); Tel.: +49-(621)-6810-2944 (B.T.); +49-(621)-6810-2328 (U.K.)
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Eichler M, Hentschel L, Singer S, Hornemann B, Hohenberger P, Kasper B, Andreou D, Pink D, Jakob J, Arndt K, Kirchberg J, Richter S, Bornhäuser M, Schmitt J, Schuler MK. Distress in soft-tissue sarcoma and GIST patients -Results of a German multicentre observational study (PROSa). Psychooncology 2022; 31:1700-1710. [PMID: 35949152 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) and gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) are a group of rare malignant tumours with a high and heterogenous disease burden. As evidence is lacking, we aimed to determine the prevalence of increased emotional distress and to identify associated factors in these patients. METHODS The PROSa-study (Burden and medical care of sarcoma) was conducted between 2017 and 2020 in 39 study centres. Cross-sectional data from adult STS and GIST patients were analysed. Distress was measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4). The relation of socioeconomic and clinical factors with distress was explored in adjusted logistic regression models. RESULTS Among 897 patients, prevalence of elevated anxiety and depression was 17% resp. 19%. Unemployed patients (odds ratio (OR) 6.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.9-15.0)) and those with a disability pension (OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.9-5.0)) were more likely to experience distress (vs. employed patients). Patients with a disability pass (vs. none) had higher odds of increased distress (OR 1.8 (95% CI 1.2-2.7)). Lowest distress was observed in patients 2-<5 years and ≥5 years after diagnosis (comparison: <6 months) (OR 0.4 (95% CI 0.2-0.6) and 0.3 (95% CI 0.2-0.6)). Patients with thoracic STS (vs. lower limbs) had twice the odds to experience distress (OR 2.0 (95% CI 1.1-3.6)). Distress was seen almost twice as often in patients with progressive disease (vs. complete remission) (OR 1.7 (95% CI 1.1-2.8)). CONCLUSION Prevalence of elevated distress in STS and GIST patients is high. Unemployed patients, those with a disability pension and newly diagnosed patients are more often distressed than other patients. Clinicians and psycho-oncologists should be aware of these factors and consider the social aspects of the disease. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Eichler
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Sarcoma Center, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC), University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Leopold Hentschel
- Sarcoma Center, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC), University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Susanne Singer
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Centre of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Beate Hornemann
- Sarcoma Center, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC), University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Peter Hohenberger
- Division of Surgical Oncology & Thoracic Surgery, Mannheim University Medical Center, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bernd Kasper
- Sarcoma Unit, Mannheim Cancer Center, Mannheim University Medical Center, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Dimosthenis Andreou
- Department of General Orthopedics and Tumor Orthopedics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- Sarcoma Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Helios Hospital Bad Saarow, Bad Saarow, Germany
| | - Daniel Pink
- Sarcoma Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Helios Hospital Bad Saarow, Bad Saarow, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine C, University Hospital Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jens Jakob
- Clinic for General, Visceral, and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Karin Arndt
- German Sarcoma Foundation, Woelfersheim, Germany
| | - Johanna Kirchberg
- Sarcoma Center, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC), University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stephan Richter
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Bornhäuser
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Sarcoma Center, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC), University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jochen Schmitt
- Sarcoma Center, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC), University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Evidence-based Healthcare, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Markus K Schuler
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Eichler M, Singer S, Hentschel L, Richter S, Hohenberger P, Kasper B, Andreou D, Pink D, Jakob J, Grützmann R, Fung S, Wardelmann E, Arndt K, Heidt V, Bonilla SAZ, Gaidzik VI, Jambor HK, Weitz J, Schaser KD, Bornhäuser M, Schmitt J, Schuler MK. The association of Health-Related Quality of Life and 1-year-survival in sarcoma patients—results of a Nationwide Observational Study (PROSa). Br J Cancer 2022; 126:1346-1354. [PMID: 35058591 PMCID: PMC9042816 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01702-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sarcomas are rare cancers of high heterogeneity. Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) has been shown to be a prognostic factor for survival in other cancer entities but it is unclear whether this applies to sarcoma patients. Patients and methods HRQoL was prospectively assessed in adult sarcoma patients from 2017 to 2020 in 39 German recruiting sites using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Vital status was ascertained over the course of 1 year. HRQoL domains were analysed by multivariable cox-regressions including clinical and socio-economic risk factors. Results Of 1102 patients, 126 (11.4%) died during follow-up. The hazard ratio (HR) for global health was 0.73 per 10-point increase (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64–0.85). HR for the HRQoL-summary score was 0.74 (CI 0.64–0.85) and for physical functioning 0.82 (CI 0.74–0.89). There was also evidence that fatigue (HR 1.17, CI 1.10–1.25), appetite loss (HR 1.15, CI 1.09–1.21) and pain (HR 1.14, CI 1.08–1.20) are prognostic factors for survival. Conclusion Our study adds sarcoma-specific evidence to the existing data about cancer survival in general. Clinicians and care-givers should be aware of the relations between HRQoL and survival probability and include HRQoL in routine assessment.
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