Methods for handling missing data in palliative care research

Happiness in Hospice Care in The Netherlands: A Case Study Design

Happiness is central in spirituality but has hardly been explored in palliative care. The objective of this study is to explore happiness in hospice care in the Netherlands. A case study design consisting of participatory observations and semi-structured interviews was used. Happiness was associated with all dimensions of health. Patients spoke about a growing receptivity and a deepening of connections with themselves and others. Hospice staff related their happiness to feeling a true connection and their work supported them in appreciating their own lives in new ways. This study suggests that happiness can be found in settings that are frequently associated with suffering.

Fluctuations in Cognitive Test Scores and Loss to Follow-Up in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The IRIDE Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

We examined the relationship between previous fluctuations in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, future changes in MMSE scores, and attrition from follow-up surveys, which helps in a more comprehensive interpretation of repeatedly collected MMSE scores.

METHODS

This 4-year longitudinal study included 2,073 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years in Japan. The MMSE was administered at baseline (T0), 2 years (T1), and 4 years (T2) follow-up. We performed multinomial logistic regression analysis with the dependent variable, indicating the change in MMSE score from T1 to T2 (categorized as increase, no change [reference category], and decrease) and attrition at T2. The independent variables included the change in MMSE scores from T0 to T1 and MMSE scores at T0 and T1.

RESULTS

The mean MMSE score was 29 across the three time points. A one-point decrease in MMSE score from T0 to T1 was associated with 79% (95% confidence interval: 1.62, 1.97) higher odds of an increase in MMSE score from T1 to T2 and 28% (1.17, 1.40) higher odds of attrition at T2. A one-point decrement in the MMSE score at T0 and T1 was also associated with an increase in the MMSE score from T1 to T2 and attrition at T2.

CONCLUSION

Focusing on cognitive fluctuation for 2 years, rather than cognitive function at a point in time, would have no remarkable advantage when focusing on future cognitive function and attrition. Our results emphasize the need for further studies to identify factors that distinguish between those who continue to attend follow-up surveys and show improvements in cognitive test scores and those who drop out.

A System for Rapidly Yet Rigorously Evaluating the Quality of Randomized Controlled Trials

ABSTRACT

This tutorial describes a system for rapidly yet rigorously assessing the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The system has 7 criteria, represented by the acronym "BIS FOES." The BIS FOES system directs readers to assess RCTs based on the following 7 criteria: the RCT's use (or not) of effective (1) Blinding; the RCT's use (or not) of (2) Intent-to-Treat Analysis; the RCT's (3) Size and other information reflecting the effectiveness of randomization; the amount of sample lost during (4) Follow-up; the (5) Outcomes examined by the RCT (specifically, the outcome measures used by the RCT), the (6) Effects reported (ie, the statistical and clinical significance of the RCT's primary, secondary, and safety findings), and any (7) Special Considerations (ie, additional strengths, limitations, or notable features of the RCT). The first 6 criteria are of basic importance to the assessment of every RCT, whereas the Special Considerations criteria allows the system to be expanded to include virtually any other important aspect of the RCT. This tutorial explains the importance of these criteria and how to assess them. This tutorial also describes how many BIS FOES criteria can be initially assessed from the RCT Abstract while also directing readers to specific locations in the RCT article where additional important information can be found. We hope that the BIS FOES system will help healthcare trainees, but also potentially clinicians, researchers, and the general public, rapidly and thoroughly assess RCTs.

A Novel Palliative Care Peer Support Program for Adolescents and Young Adults: Survey and Factor Analytic Study

Background: Palliative care literature indicates a dearth of programs addressing the psychosocial needs of adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Objectives: This study assessed patient-reported experiences of a palliative care peer support program, analyzed psychometric qualities of the program evaluation, and examined associations with quality-of-life scores to assess validity and potential impact on aspects of AYA quality of life. Design: This retrospective, cross-sectional study described self-reported Streetlight program evaluation and quality of life of AYA patients, exploratory factor analysis of survey responses, and analysis of associations with quality of life. Setting/Subjects: AYA participants (13-30) enrolled in the Streetlight program for at least six months were recruited during hospital admissions and clinic visits at UF Health Shands Hospital. Results: Participants' (n = 69) scores were high for Youth Quality of Life Instrument-Short Form (YQOL-SF) (82.6 of 100), and Streetlight evaluations (4.47 of 5). Patients endorsed themes of: high-quality friendships with volunteers, transformative impacts to wellbeing, and benefits to mental health and coping in open-ended responses. Analyses identified three factors explaining 61% of variance in Streetlight program evaluation responses: "Friendships and Support" (26%); "Coping, Family, and Providers" (20%); and "Diversion and Respect" (15%). Significant positive associations were found between Streetlight evaluation scores and YQOL-SF Belief in Self and Family factor scores, as well as between Streetlight evaluation Friendships and Support factor scores, and YQOL-SF total and factor-specific scores. Conclusions: Results suggest that the Streetlight program is a viable model to facilitate positive experiences, opportunities for socialization, and meaningful peer support for AYA patients.

How Important is Spirometry for Identifying Patients with COPD Appropriate for Palliative Care?

BACKGROUND

Providing palliative care to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a priority. Spirometry demonstrating airflow limitation is a diagnostic test for COPD and a common inclusion criterion for palliative care research. However, requiring spirometry with airflow limitation may exclude appropriate patients unable to complete spirometry, or patients with preserved-ratio impaired spirometry and symptoms or imaging consistent with COPD.

MEASURES

To determine differences in quality of life (QOL) and symptoms between patients with COPD identified based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes and spirometry with airflow limitation compared to ICD codes only.

INTERVENTION

Patients with COPD enrolled in a palliative care trial were included. Patients were at high risk of hospitalization and death and reported poor QOL. Baseline measures of QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G), the Clinical COPD Questionnaire, and Quality of Life at the End of Life), and symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-8, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, fatigue, Insomnia Severity Index) were compared.

OUTCOMES

Two hundred eight patients with COPD were predominantly male, White, and average age was 68.4. Between patients with ICD codes and spirometry with airflow limitation compared to patients with ICD codes only, there were no significant differences in FACT-G (59.0 vs. 55.0, P = 0.33), other measures of QOL, or symptoms between groups.

CONCLUSION

These results imply that spirometry may not need to be a requirement for inclusion into palliative care research or clinical care for patients with poor quality of life and at high risk for adverse outcomes.

Joint modelling with competing risks of dropout for longitudinal analysis of health-related quality of life in cancer clinical trials

PURPOSE

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important endpoint in cancer clinical trials. Analysis of HRQoL longitudinal data is plagued by missing data, notably due to dropout. Joint models are increasingly receiving attention for modelling longitudinal outcomes and the time-to-dropout. However, dropout can be informative or non-informative depending on the cause.

METHODS

We propose using a joint model that includes a competing risks sub-model for the cause-specific time-to-dropout. We compared a competing risks joint model (CR JM) that distinguishes between two causes of dropout with a standard joint model (SJM) that treats all the dropouts equally. First, we applied the CR JM and SJM to data from 267 patients with advanced oesophageal cancer from the randomized clinical trial PRODIGE 5/ACCORD 17 to analyse HRQoL data in the presence of dropouts unrelated and related to a clinical event. Then, we compared the models using a simulation study.

RESULTS

We showed that the CR JM performed as well as the SJM in situations where the risk of dropout was the same whatever the cause. In the presence of both informative and non-informative dropouts, only the SJM estimations were biased, impacting the HRQoL estimated parameters.

CONCLUSION

The systematic collection of the reasons for dropout in clinical trials would facilitate the use of CR JMs, which could be a satisfactory approach to analysing HRQoL data in presence of both informative and non-informative dropout.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00861094.

Handling informative dropout in longitudinal analysis of health-related quality of life: application of three approaches to data from the esophageal cancer clinical trial PRODIGE 5/ACCORD 17

Background

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become a major endpoint to assess the clinical benefit of new therapeutic strategies in oncology clinical trials. Typically, HRQoL outcomes are analyzed using linear mixed models (LMMs). However, longitudinal analysis of HRQoL in the presence of missing data remains complex and unstandardized. Our objective was to compare the modeling alternatives that account for informative dropout.

Methods

We investigated three alternative methods—the selection model (SM), pattern-mixture model (PMM), and shared-parameters model (SPM)—in relation to the LMM. We first compared them on the basis of methodological arguments highlighting their advantages and drawbacks. Then, we applied them to data from a randomized clinical trial that included 267 patients with advanced esophageal cancer for the analysis of four HRQoL dimensions evaluated using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 questionnaire.

Results

We highlighted differences in terms of outputs, interpretation, and underlying modeling assumptions; this methodological comparison could guide the choice of method according to the context. In the application, none of the four models detected a significant difference between the two treatment arms. The estimated effect of time on HRQoL varied according to the method: for all analyzed dimensions, the PMM estimated an effect that contrasted with those estimated by the SM and SPM; the LMM estimated effects were confirmed by the SM (on two of four HRQoL dimensions) and SPM (on three of four HRQoL dimensions).

Conclusions

The PMM, SM, or SPM should be used to confirm or invalidate the results of LMM analysis when informative dropout is suspected. Of these three alternative methods, the SPM appears to be the most interesting from both theoretical and practical viewpoints.

Trial registration

This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00861094.

Are the MORECare guidelines on reporting of attrition in palliative care research populations appropriate? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Palliative care trials have higher rates of attrition. The MORECare guidance recommends applying classifications of attrition to report attrition to help interpret trial results. The guidance separates attrition into three categories: attrition due to death, illness or at random. The aim of our study is to apply the MORECare classifications on reported attrition rates in trials.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted and attrition classifications retrospectively applied. Four databases, EMBASE; Medline, CINHAL and PsychINFO, were searched for randomised controlled trials of palliative care populations from 01.01.2010 to 08.10.2016. This systematic review is part of a larger review looking at recruitment to randomised controlled trials in palliative care, from January 1990 to early October 2016. We ran random-effect models with and without moderators and descriptive statistics to calculate rates of missing data.

RESULTS

One hundred nineteen trials showed a total attrition of 29% (95% CI 28 to 30%). We applied the MORECare classifications of attrition to the 91 papers that contained sufficient information. The main reason for attrition was attrition due to death with a weighted mean of 31.6% (SD 27.4) of attrition cases. Attrition due to illness was cited as the reason for 17.6% (SD 24.5) of participants. In 50.8% (SD 26.5) of cases, the attrition was at random. We did not observe significant differences in missing data between total attrition in non-cancer patients (26%; 95% CI 18-34%) and cancer patients (24%; 95% CI 20-29%). There was significantly more missing data in outpatients (29%; 95% CI 22-36%) than inpatients (16%; 95% CI 10-23%). We noted increased attrition in trials with longer durations.

CONCLUSION

Reporting the cause of attrition is useful in helping to understand trial results. Prospective reporting using the MORECare classifications should improve our understanding of future trials.

The Association of Perceived Social Support with Anxiety over Time in Parents of Children with Serious Illnesses

Background: Parenting a child with a serious life-threatening illness (SLTI) may impact parents' mental health. The protective association of social support with anxiety over time following an acute medical event has not been empirically tested in a sample of parents of children with oncologic and nononcologic serious illnesses. Objective: To test the potential association of perceived social support with anxiety in parents of children with SLTIs over time. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting/Subjects: Two hundred parents of 158 children in the Decision Making in Serious Pediatric Illness study, conducted at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Measurements: Parental anxiety and perceived social support were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Social Provisions Scale (SPS). We performed bivariate linear regressions to test cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between the SPS and anxiety scores at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months. Results: The average SPS total and subscale scores decreased significantly from baseline to 12 months, and increased from 12 to 24 months. The average HADS-Anxiety scores decreased significantly from baseline to 12 months, and remained stable at 24 months. Cross-sectionally, total SPS scores were negatively associated with anxiety scores at each time point. Longitudinally, SPS scores were associated with anxiety scores, although this association weakened in adjusted modeling. Conclusions: Over a two-year period, higher levels of perceived social support were associated with lower levels of anxiety in parents of seriously ill children. Clinicians and researchers should work to optimize social support for families to improve parental mental health outcomes.

EAPC White Paper on outcome measurement in palliative care: Improving practice, attaining outcomes and delivering quality services - Recommendations from the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) Task Force on Outcome Measurement

BACKGROUND

Outcome measurement plays an increasing role in improving the quality, effectiveness, efficiency and availability of palliative care.

AIM

To provide expert recommendations on outcome measurement in palliative care in clinical practice and research.

METHODS

Developed by a European Association for Palliative Care Task Force, based on literature searches, international expert workshop, development of outcome measurement guidance and international online survey. A subgroup drafted a first version and circulated it twice to the task force. The preliminary final version was circulated to wider expert panel and 28 international experts across 20 European Association for Palliative Care member associations and the European Association for Palliative Care Board of Directors and revised according to their feedback. The final version was approved by the European Association for Palliative Care Board for adoption as an official European Association for Palliative Care position paper.

RESULTS

In all, 12 recommendations are proposed covering key parameters of measures, adequate measures for the task, introduction of outcome measurement into practice, and national and international outcome comparisons and benchmarking. Compared to other recommendations, the White Paper covers similar aspects but focuses more on outcome measurement in clinical care and the wider policy impact of implementing outcome measurement in clinical palliative care. Patient-reported outcome measure feedback improves awareness of unmet need and allows professionals to act to address patients' needs. However, barriers and facilitators have been identified when implementing outcome measurement in clinical care that should be addressed.

CONCLUSION

The White Paper recommends the introduction of outcome measurement into practice and outcomes that allow for national and international comparisons. Outcome measurement is key to understanding different models of care across countries and, ultimately, patient outcome having controlled for differing patients characteristics.

Correlation between the international consensus definition of the Cancer Anorexia-Cachexia Syndrome (CACS) and patient-centered outcomes in advanced non-small cell lung cancer

CONTEXT

The cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS) is common in patients with advanced solid tumors and is associated with adverse outcomes including poor quality of life (QOL), impaired functioning, and shortened survival.

OBJECTIVES

To apply the recently posed weight-based international consensus CACS definition to a population of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and explore its impact on patient-reported outcomes.

METHODS

Ninety-nine patients participated in up to four study visits over a six-month period. Longitudinal assessments included measures of physical function, QOL, and other clinical variables such as weight and survival.

RESULTS

Patients meeting the consensus CACS criteria at Visit 1 had a significantly shorter median survival (239.5 vs. 446 days; hazard ratio, 2.06, P < 0.05). Physical function was worse in the CACS group (mean Karnofsky Performance Status score 68 vs. 77, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status score 1.8 vs. 1.3, P < 0.05 for both), as was QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General [FACT-G] Lung Cancer subscale of 17.2 vs. 19.9, Anorexia/Cachexia subscale of 31.4 vs. 37.9, P < 0.05 for both). Differences in the FACT-G and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue subscale approached but did not reach statistical significance. Longitudinally, all measures of physical function and QOL worsened regardless of CACS status, but the rate of decline was more rapid in the CACS group.

CONCLUSION

The weight-based component of the recently proposed international consensus CACS definition is useful in identifying patients with advanced NSCLC who are likely to have significantly inferior survival and who will develop more precipitous declines in physical function and QOL. This definition may be useful for clinical screening purposes and identify patients with high palliative care needs.

Improving the evidence base in palliative care to inform practice and policy: thinking outside the box

The adoption of evidence-based hierarchies and research methods from other disciplines may not completely translate to complex palliative care settings. The heterogeneity of the palliative care population, complexity of clinical presentations, and fluctuating health states present significant research challenges. The aim of this narrative review was to explore the debate about the use of current evidence-based approaches for conducting research, such as randomized controlled trials and other study designs, in palliative care, and more specifically to (1) describe key myths about palliative care research; (2) highlight substantive challenges of conducting palliative care research, using case illustrations; and (3) propose specific strategies to address some of these challenges. Myths about research in palliative care revolve around evidence hierarchies, sample heterogeneity, random assignment, participant burden, and measurement issues. Challenges arise because of the complex physical, psychological, existential, and spiritual problems faced by patients, families, and service providers. These challenges can be organized according to six general domains: patient, system/organization, context/setting, study design, research team, and ethics. A number of approaches for dealing with challenges in conducting research fall into five separate domains: study design, sampling, conceptual, statistical, and measures and outcomes. Although randomized controlled trials have their place whenever possible, alternative designs may offer more feasible research protocols that can be successfully implemented in palliative care. Therefore, this article highlights "outside the box" approaches that would benefit both clinicians and researchers in the palliative care field. Ultimately, the selection of research designs is dependent on a clearly articulated research question, which drives the research process.

Patterns of Missing Data in Ethnic Minority Health Research: A Survey Project With Russian-Speaking Immigrant Women With Hypertension

We explored cultural-level variables and their associations with missing data in a group of immigrants from the Former Soviet Union (FSU). Elderly hypertensive women (N = 105) completed a health survey. Prevalence of missing data and z scores were calculated to determine which survey items and measures were more likely to have missing data. Hierarchical linear regressions were performed to test whether cultural variables predicted the rate of missing data beyond individual variables. Culture variables associated with survey nonresponse and missing data were related to depression, anxiety, medication beliefs and practices, attitudes toward physicians, and cultural and behavioral identity. An interpretation of the patterns of missing data and strategies to reduce the likelihood of missing data in this population are discussed. Cultural norms likely influence patients’ orientations toward their health care providers. Providers would do well to normalize difficulties with medical adherence and encourage patients to ask questions about such directives. We recommend that researchers consider the cultural appropriateness of survey items and consider alternative methods (i.e., qualitative designs) for culturally sensitive topics such as mental health and sexuality.

Computer-based symptom assessment is feasible in patients with advanced cancer: results from an international multicenter study, the EPCRC-CSA

CONTEXT

Symptom assessment by computers is only effective if it provides valid results and is perceived as useful for clinical use by the end users: patients and health care providers.

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors associated with discontinuation, time expenditure, and patient preferences of the computerized symptom assessment used in an international multicenter data collection project: the European Palliative Care Research Collaborative-Computerized Symptom Assessment.

METHODS

Cancer patients with incurable metastatic or locally advanced disease were recruited from 17 centers in eight countries, providing 1017 records for analyses. Observer-based registrations and patient-reported measures on pain, depression, and physical function were entered on touch screen laptop computers.

RESULTS

The entire assessment was completed by 94.9% (n = 965), with median age 63 years (range 18-91 years) and median Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score of 70 (range 20-100). Predictive factors for noncompletion were higher age, lower KPS, and more pain (P ≤ 0.012). Time expenditure among completers increased with higher age, male gender, Norwegian nationality, number of comorbidities, and lower physical functioning (P ≤ 0.007) but was inversely related to pain levels and tiredness (P ≤ 0.03). Need for assistance was predicted by higher age, nationality other than Norwegian, lower KPS, and lower educational level (P < 0.001). More than 50% of patients preferred computerized assessment to a paper and pencil version.

CONCLUSION

The high completion rate shows that symptom assessment by computers is feasible in patients with advanced cancer. However, reduced performance status reduces compliance and increases the need for assistance. Future work should aim at identifying the minimum set of valid screening questions and refine the software to optimize symptom assessment and reduce respondent burden in frail patients.

Physical exercise for cancer patients with advanced disease: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Physical exercise can improve cancer patients' functioning and reduce their symptom levels. A randomized, controlled trial was launched to test the hypothesis that physical exercise reduces fatigue and improves physical performance in cancer patients with advanced and incurable disease.

METHODS

Cancer patients (n = 231) with a life expectancy ≤2 years were randomized to a physical exercise group (PEG, n = 121) or a control usual care group (UCG, n = 110). The PEG exercised under supervision 60 minutes twice a week for 8 weeks. Assessments were performed before and after the intervention. The primary outcome was physical fatigue (PF) measured by the Fatigue Questionnaire. Physical performance was a secondary outcome measured by the Shuttle Walk Test (SWT) and hand grip strength (HGS) test. Analyses were performed after multiple imputations for missing data. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier, NCT00397774).

FINDINGS

Thirty-six percent of the PEG were lost to follow-up compared with 23% of the UCG, primarily as a result of disease progression. Seventy-eight PEG and 85 UCG patients completed the intervention. Analyses showed no significant between-group effects in PF. However, clinically and statistically significant between-group effects were found for the SWT and HGS test.

INTERPRETATION

Fatigue was not reduced but physical performance (SWT and HGS test) was significantly improved after 8 weeks of physical exercise. Physical exercise might therefore be a suitable approach for maintaining physical capacity in cancer patients with incurable and advanced disease.

Trajectories of illness in stage 5 chronic kidney disease: a longitudinal study of patient symptoms and concerns in the last year of life

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The illness trajectory in the last year of life in advanced (stage 5) chronic kidney disease is poorly understood. Mapping the trajectory of patient-centered outcomes could facilitate better care. The objectives of this study were to determine trajectories of symptoms and wider health-related concerns in the last year of life in stage 5 chronic kidney disease, managed without dialysis.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

A longitudinal symptom survey in three UK renal units was used, using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form and core Palliative Care Outcome Scale. Average (using mean scores over time) and individual (using individual scores over time, with visual graphical analysis) trajectories were mapped.

RESULTS

Seventy-four patients (mean age, 81 ± 6.8 years) were recruited; 49 died during follow-up. Average trajectories showed moderate symptom distress and health-related concerns, with marked increase in the last 2 months of life. Visual graphical analysis enabled stable, increasing, or fluctuant individual trajectories to be identified. The proportion following these trajectories varied between outcome measures; regarding symptoms, 50% followed a stable pattern, 24% increased, and 21% fluctuated compared with 26%, 57%, and 21%, respectively, for health-related concerns. Inter-rater agreement in grouping trajectories was high (κ statistic, 0.80 and 0.86, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In the 2 months before death, patients reported a sharp increase in symptom distress and health-related concerns. Health care should anticipate and address this increase, which may indicate the patients is approaching death. Considerable individual variation and flexibility/responsiveness of care is important: one size of service does not fit all.

Computer-based assessment of symptoms and mobility in palliative care: feasibility and challenges

The aims of the study were to explore the ability of cancer patients who are primarily receiving palliative care to use a touchscreen computer for assessment of symptoms and mobility and to investigate which factors predicted the need for assistance during the assessment. Before the main data collection, a pilot study was conducted to explore the preferences of these patients toward using such a computerized assessment tool. Patients were recruited from nine different inpatient and outpatient palliative care and general cancer clinics in Norway. The patients responded to 60 items on symptoms and mobility directly on the computer. In the pilot study (n=20), 11 patients (55.0%) preferred computerized assessment over paper and pencil, whereas five (25.0%) had no preference. In the main data collection, 370 patients (52.7% men with mean age 62 years and mean Karnofsky Performance Status score of 70) completed the assessment. Eighty-six patients (23.2%) required assistance. Patients requiring assistance were significantly older, had worse performance status, and poorer cognitive function than those not requiring assistance. Predictors for requiring assistance were age (P<0.001) and performance status (P<0.001). Because higher age and worse performance status resulted in more need of assistance, assessment tools should be short and user-friendly to ensure good compliance in frail patients.

Association of progression-free survival, overall survival, and patient-reported outcomes by skin toxicity and KRAS status in patients receiving panitumumab monotherapy

BACKGROUND

The authors explored the association of skin toxicity (ST) severity as measured by patient-reported ST and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grading with efficacy of panitumumab, a fully human antiepidermal growth factor receptor antibody, from a phase 3 metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) trial.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to panitumumab plus best supportive care (BSC) vs BSC alone. ST by modified National Cancer Institute CTCAE v3.0 and modified Dermatology Life Quality Index (mDLQI), health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and CRC symptoms were measured. ST was analyzed using a landmark approach. Associations by KRAS mutational status were also assessed.

RESULTS

Of 463 patients, 208 of 231 (90%) panitumumab patients and 184 of 232 (79%) BSC patients had > or = 1 postbaseline patient-reported outcome (PRO) assessment. Panitumumab patients with more severe ST had significantly longer overall survival (OS) (grade 2-4:grade 1; hazard ratio, 0.60; P = .0033). Lower mDLQI scores (< 67; more bothersome ST) were associated with longer OS (Cox model, P < .0001). Similar results were observed with progression-free survival (PFS). An inverse relation between mDLQI and HRQOL scores was observed, suggesting that ST bother correlated with better HRQOL. KRAS and PRO data were available in 363 patients (188 panitumumab; 175 BSC). Longer OS was associated with lower mDLQI scores, regardless of KRAS status. Longer PFS was associated with more severe ST (lower mDLQI scores and higher CTCAE grade ST) in patients with wild-type (WT) KRAS tumors, but not in patients with mutant KRAS tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

More severe ST, by both clinical grading and PRO, is associated with better CRC symptoms and HRQOL and with longer OS and PFS among panitumumab-treated patients. The associations for PFS were more pronounced in patients with WT KRAS tumors.

Symptom Assessment in Palliative Care: A Need for International Collaboration

This article describes the research strategy for the development of a computerized assessment tool as part of a European Union (EU)–funded project, the European Palliative Care Research Collaborative (EPCRC). The EPCRC is funded through the Sixth Framework Program of the EU with major objectives to develop a computer-based assessment and classification tool for pain, depression, and cachexia. A systematic approach will be applied for the tool development with emphasis on multicultural and multilanguage challenges across Europe. The EPCRC is based on a long lasting collaboration within the European Association for Palliative Care Research Network. The ongoing change in society towards greatly increased use of communication as well as information transfer via digital systems will rapidly change the health care system. Therefore, patient-centered outcome assessment tools applicable for both clinic and research should be developed. Report of symptoms via digital media provides a start for face-to-face communication, treatment decisions, and assessment of treatment effects. The increased use of electronic media for exchange of information may facilitate the development and use of electronic assessment tools and decision-making systems in oncology. In the future, patients may find that a combination of a face-to-face interview plus a transfer of information of subjective symptoms by electronic means will optimize treatment.

Association of progression-free survival with patient-reported outcomes and survival: results from a randomised phase 3 trial of panitumumab

In a randomised phase 3 trial, panitumumab significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This analysis characterises the association of PFS with CRC symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and overall survival (OS). CRC symptoms (NCCN/FACT CRC symptom index, FCSI) and HRQoL (EQ-5D) were assessed for 207 panitumumab patients and 184 best supportive care (BSC) patients who had at least one post-baseline patient-reported outcome (PRO) assessment. Patients alive at week 8 were included in the PRO and OS analyses and categorised by their week 8 progression status as follows: no progressive disease (no PD; best response of at least stable disease) vs progressive disease (PD). Standard imputation methods were used to assign missing values. Significantly more patients were progression free at weeks 8–24 with panitumumab vs BSC. After excluding responders, a significant difference in PFS remained favouring panitumumab (HR=0.63, 95% CI=0.52–0.77; P<0.0001). At week 8, lack of disease progression was associated with significantly and clinically meaningful lower CRC symptomatology for both treatment groups and higher HRQoL for panitumumab patients only. Overall survival favoured no PD patients vs PD patients alive at week 8. Lack of disease progression was associated with better symptom control, HRQoL, and OS.