Patient-Reported Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life After Contact X-Ray Brachytherapy (CXB) in Organ-Preserving Management of Rectal Cancer

Background/Objectives: With recent advancements in rectal cancer management leading to longer patient survival, the impact of various treatment approaches on patients' quality of life (QOL) becomes an important focus of attention. While QOL studies exist for watch-and-wait after (chemo)radiation with/without local excision, data on health-related QOL (HRQOL) outcomes after contact X-ray brachytherapy (CXB) remain limited. This study evaluated functional and HRQOL outcomes in rectal cancer patients undergoing CXB and (chemo)radiation over one year. Methods: This prospective observational study (enrolment January-October 2023) with one-year follow-up assessed functional and HRQOL outcomes after CXB and (chemo)radiation using EORTC-QLQ-CR29, HADS, and EQ-5D-3L questionnaires. Longitudinal analyses were conducted using linear mixed-effects models, incorporating both fixed and random effects, following data processing based on relevant scoring manuals. Results: QOL was assessed in 53 patients who attended our centre for CXB for various clinical indications, with 51, 47, and 42 remaining at the end of treatment, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups, respectively. Overall, symptom and functional scores from EORTC-QLQ-CR29 remained stable throughout the follow-up period. Significant improvements were observed in abdominal pain, flatulence, urinary frequency, and body weight at 12 months. HADS and EQ-5D-3L scores remained stable, while EQ-VAS scores showed improvement, indicating a good overall quality of life following CXB treatment. Conclusions: CXB treatment combined with (chemo)radiation maintained stable HRQOL, with some improvements in symptoms and QOL noted during the subsequent year. These findings will help rectal cancer patients understand the benefits and limitations of CXB as a treatment option.

Prospective longitudinal trajectory of cancer survivorship among patients with recurrent rectal cancer: impact of treatment modalities and resection status

AIM

Recurrent rectal cancer (RRC) can be morbid and optimising cancer survivorship is a priority. The longitudinal trajectories of survivorship associated with RRC have not been prospectively depicted.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled patients with RRC. Participants self-reported quality of life (QOL) using validated European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 and CR29, and pain using the Brief Pain Inventory, at baseline and then every 6 months for up to 5 years or until death. Baseline scores and the longitudinal trajectory of scores were examined using linear mixed-effects modelling.

RESULTS

Among 104 patients, 73 (70.2%) received multimodality salvage treatment with curative intent, while the remainder received best palliative treatments. Curative-intent salvage including surgery was associated with a 30-day operative morbidity rate of 49% and a 5-year overall survival of 51%. Patients undergoing curative-intent salvage versus palliative treatments did not differ in baseline QOL or pain, but the longitudinal trajectory after curative-intent salvage showed sustained improvement of QOL and symptoms over time. This contrasted with the initial transient improvement but persistent decline with palliative treatments. Baseline QOL was significantly impacted by the anatomical site of RRC, with posterior location associated with worst QOL (P = 0.012). Long-term QOL was impacted by anatomical site and status of residual tumour. Pain scores were worse among men.

CONCLUSION

Trajectories of cancer survivorship for patients with RRC diverge, mainly influenced by anatomical site of the RCC, residual tumour status, and ability to complete curative-intent salvage. These should inform treatment planning. Optimising selection and success of multimodality therapy remains the cornerstone for durable cancer survivorship.

Clinical and patient-reported outcomes after oncoplastic vs conventional breast-conserving surgery-a longitudinal, multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND

Oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery (OP-BCS) is becoming increasingly popular to avoid mastectomy or optimize cosmetic outcomes of breast-conserving surgery (BCS). Few studies have compared clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of OP-BCS to conventional BCS (C-BCS). This study aims to compare clinical outcomes and short- and long-term PROs after OP-BCS and C-BCS in a large prospective breast cancer cohort.

METHODS

Women in the prospective, multicenter UMBRELLA (Utrecht cohort for Multiple BREast cancer intervention studies and Long-term evaLuAtion) breast cancer cohort who underwent OP-BCS or C-BCS were included. Clinical outcomes and PROs (measured by EORTC QLQ-C30/BR23) up to 24 months postoperatively were evaluated. Mixed-model analysis was performed to assess differences in PROs over time between groups.

RESULTS

A total of 1628 (84.9%) patients received C-BCS and 290 (15.1%) received OP-BCS. After C-BCS and OP-BCS, free resection margins were obtained in 84.2% (n = 1370) and 86.2% (n = 250), respectively, reoperation for re-excision of margins within 3 months occurred in 5.3% (n = 86) and 4.8% (n = 14), and the median time interval from surgery until adjuvant systemic therapy was 66 and 63 days, and 36 and 41 days until radiotherapy. Shortly postoperative, OP-BCS was associated with statistically significant lower mean scores for physical functioning (83.6 vs 87.2) and body image (82.8 vs 89.4) and more pain (19.8 vs 26.5) and breast symptoms (22.7 vs 30.3) than C-BCS. Body image scores remained statistically significantly less favorable after OP-BSC than C-BCS up to 24 months postoperatively (87.8 vs 92.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Oncoplastic surgery safely enables BCS but may lead to less favorable long-term body image compared to C-BCS. These findings are important for patient education and shared decision-making.

A composite semiparametric homogeneity test for the distributions of multigroup interval-bounded longitudinal data

Motivated by comparing the distribution of longitudinal quality of life (QoL) data among different treatment groups from a cancer clinical trial, we propose a semiparametric test statistic for the homogeneity of the distributions of multigroup longitudinal measurements, which are bounded in a closed interval with excess observations taking the boundary values. Our procedure is based on a three-component mixed density ratio model and a composite empirical likelihood for the longitudinal data taking values inside the interval. A nonparametric bootstrap method is applied to calculate the p-value of the proposed test. Simulation studies are conducted to evaluate the proposed procedure, which show that the proposed test is effective in controlling type I errors and more powerful than the procedure which ignores the values on the boundaries. It is also robust to the model mispecification than the parametric test. The proposed procedure is also applied to compare the distributions of the scores of Physical Function subscale and Global Heath Status between the patients randomized to two treatment groups in a cancer clinical trial.

The development of an archive of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in oncology: The Italian PRO4All project

BACKGROUND

Choosing the most adequate measure of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for a specific medical condition is not straightforward. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive archive of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), observer-reported outcome measures (ObsROMs) and caregiver-reported outcome measures (CROMs) in oncology and identify their main characteristics and target outcome domains.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

As part of the Italian PRO4All Project, we retrieved questionnaires through an extensive search of online databases. We developed a data extraction form to collect information on cancer type, questionnaire variant(s), recall period, and scoring system. We performed a content analysis of the questionnaires to assign each item a specific outcome domain according to a predefined 38-item taxonomy.

RESULTS

A total of 386 PROMs (n = 356), ObsROMs (n = 13) and CROMs (n = 17) were identified and described; of these, 358 were also analyzed in their content. 47.3 % of the instruments were cancer type-specific, 45.1 % were generic for cancer and 7.9 % were developed for the general population but also recommended in oncology. The great majority (92.2 %) were patient-reported. In 50.3 % the recall period was "last week". The mean number of items per questionnaire was 22.0 (range: 1-130). 7794 items were assigned an outcome domain, the most frequent being emotional functioning/wellbeing (22 %), physical functioning (15.7 %), general outcomes (10.1 %) and delivery of care (8.9 %).

CONCLUSIONS

There are a variety of patient and caregiver-reported measures in oncology. This archive can guide researchers and practitioners in selecting the most suitable measures and fostering a patient-centered approach in clinical trials, clinical practice, and regulatory activities.

[Special issue PRO] A demonstration of estimands and sensitivity analyses for time-to-deterioration of patient reported outcomes

In oncology trials, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), specifically patient-reported symptom burden and functional status, can support the interpretation of survival endpoints, such as progression-free survival. However, applying time-to-event endpoints to patient-reported outcomes (PRO) data is challenging. For example, in time-to-deterioration analyses clinical events such as disease progression are common in many settings and are often handled through censoring the patient at the time of occurrence; however, disease progression and HRQoL are often related leading to informative censoring. Special consideration to the definition of events and intercurrent events (ICEs) is necessary. In this work, we demonstrate time-to-deterioration of PRO estimands and sensitivity analyses to answer research questions using composite, hypothetical, and treatment policy strategies applied to a single endpoint of disease-related symptoms. Multiple imputation methods under both the missing-at-random and missing-not-at-random assumptions are used as sensitivity analyses of primary estimands. Hazard ratios ranged from 0.52 to 0.66 over all the estimands and sensitivity analyses modeling a robust treatment effect favoring the treatment in time to disease symptom deterioration or death. Differences in the estimands include how people who experience disease progression or discontinue the randomized treatment due to AEs are accounted for in the analysis. We use the estimand framework to define interpretable and principled approaches for different time-to-deterioration research questions and provide practical recommendations. Reporting the proportions of patient events and patient censoring by reason helps understand the mechanisms that drive the results, allowing for optimal interpretation.

First-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab with two cycles of chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone (four cycles) in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer: CheckMate 9LA 2-year patient-reported outcomes

BACKGROUND

In CheckMate 9LA (NCT03215706), first-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab with chemotherapy (2 cycles) significantly improved overall survival versus chemotherapy (4 cycles) in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and no known sensitising epidermal growth factor receptor/anaplastic lymphoma kinase alterations. We present exploratory patient-reported outcomes (PROs; minimum follow-up, 2 years).

METHODS

In patients (N = 719) randomised 1:1 to nivolumab plus ipilimumab with chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone, disease-related symptom burden and health-related quality of life were assessed using the Lung Cancer Symptom Scale (LCSS) and 3-level EQ-5D (EQ-5D-3L). Treatment-phase changes in LCSS average symptom burden index (ASBI), LCSS three-item global index (3-IGI) and EQ-5D-3L visual analogue scale (VAS) and utility index (UI) over time were analysed descriptively and using mixed-effect model repeated measures. Time-to-deterioration/improvement analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Treatment-phase PRO questionnaire completion rates were >80%. Mean treatment-phase changes showed no deterioration from baseline in both arms for LCSS ASBI/3-IGI and EQ-5D-3L VAS/UI; however, minimally important differences were not met. Mixed-effect model repeated measures analyses showed overall reduction in symptom burden from baseline for both arms; changes from baseline for LCSS 3-IGI and EQ-5D-3L VAS/UI were numerically improved with nivolumab plus ipilimumab with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy, but minimally important differences were not met. Nivolumab plus ipilimumab with chemotherapy delayed time-to-definitive-deterioration versus chemotherapy (LCSS ASBI: hazard ratio, 0.62 [95% confidence interval, 0.45-0.87]); results were similar across PRO measures.

CONCLUSIONS

At 2-year minimum follow-up, first-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab with chemotherapy reduced the risk of definitive deterioration in disease-related symptom burden and health-related quality of life versus chemotherapy and maintained QoL in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier, NCT03215706.

Work Ability in Patients With Stage I to IV Colon Cancer: Results of the Dutch Prospective Colorectal Cancer Cohort

BACKGROUND

Colon cancer affects a patient's ability to work. Many patients who have colon cancer are employed at the time of diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated work ability during the first 2 years after colon cancer diagnosis.

DESIGN

This study is a national prospective study, the Prospective Dutch ColoRectal Cancer cohort, including clinical data and patient-reported outcomes.

SETTINGS

Data were collected in 59 medical centers in the Netherlands.

PATIENTS

Patients <67 years of age with stage I to IV colon cancer and who completed Work Ability Index questionnaires were selected.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Work ability was assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The Work Ability Index (range, 0 to 49) was evaluated using linear mixed models. Outcomes were matched to population controls without cancer.

RESULTS

Of 390 patients, 84% had paid employment. Work ability of patients with stage I to IV colon cancer was significantly lower at the time of diagnosis than in matched population controls (31 ± 8.2 and 41 ± 5.6). Patients with stage I to III disease receiving surgery only regained Work Ability Index scores comparable to matched population controls at 18 months. Patients receiving adjuvant systemic treatment initially demonstrated a decrease in work ability with improvements from 6 months onward and normalization at 24 months. Patients with stage IV disease did not demonstrate improvements in work ability outcomes over time. Work ability scores were negatively influenced by the administration of systemic treatment and ≥1 comorbidities.

LIMITATIONS

Only patients with patient-reported outcomes and work at baseline were included in this analysis. Also, questionnaire response rates decreased over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Work ability in patients with colon cancer is decreased for a prolonged time. Recovery depends on disease stage, type of treatment, and comorbidities. Patients with stage I to III disease treated with curative surgery alone were the first to regain work ability, followed by patients who receive adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients with stage IV disease did not regain work ability. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B759 .

CAPACIDAD LABORAL EN PACIENTES CON CNCER DE COLON EN ESTADIO IIV RESULTADOS PROSPECTIVOS DE CNCER COLORECTAL EN UNA COHORTE HOLANDESA

ANTECEDENTES:El cáncer de colon afecta la capacidad de trabajo en un paciente. Muchos pacientes con cáncer de colon están empleados en el momento del diagnóstico.OBJETIVO:Evaluamos la capacidad laboral durante los dos primeros años posteriores al diagnóstico de cáncer de colon.DISEÑO:Es un estudio prospectivo nacional, la cohorte de cáncer colorrectal holandés, incluye datos clínicos y resultados informados por los pacientes.ENTORNO CLINICO:Se recopilaron datos de 59 centros médicos en los Países Bajos.PACIENTES:Se seleccionaron pacientes < 67 años, con cáncer de colon en estadio I-IV, que completaron los cuestionarios de índice de capacidad para el trabajo.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACIÓN:La capacidad para el trabajo se evaluó al inicio, a los 3, 6, 12, 18 y 24 meses. El índice de capacidad para el trabajo (que va de 0 a 49) se evaluó mediante modelos lineales mixtos. Los resultados fueron comparados con el grupo control sin cáncer.RESULTADOS:De 390 pacientes, el 84% tenía un empleo remunerado. La capacidad de trabajo de los pacientes en estadio I-IV fue significativamente menor en el momento del diagnóstico en comparación con el grupo control (31 ± 8,2 y 41 ± 5,6, respectivamente). Los pacientes con enfermedad en estadio I-III que recibieron cirugía lograron recuperar puntajes del índice de capacidad laboral comparables a los controles a los 18 meses. Los pacientes que recibieron tratamiento sistémico adyuvante inicialmente demostraron una disminución en la capacidad de trabajo con mejoras a partir de los 6 meses en adelante y una normalización a los 24 meses. Los pacientes en estadio IV no demostraron mejoras en los resultados de la capacidad laboral a lo largo del tiempo. Las puntuaciones de capacidad para el trabajo se vieron influidas negativamente por la administración del tratamiento sistémico y la existencia de ≥1 comorbilidades.LIMITACIONES:En este análisis solo se incluyeron los pacientes con resultados y trabajo desde el inicio del estudio. Además, las tasas de respuesta al cuestionario disminuyeron con el tiempo.CONCLUSIONES:La capacidad de trabajo en pacientes con cáncer de colon se reduce durante un tiempo prolongado. La recuperación depende del estadio de la enfermedad, el tipo de tratamiento y la comorbilidad. Los pacientes con enfermedad en estadio I-III tratados con cirugía curativa exclusivamente, son los primeros en recuperar la capacidad para trabajar, seguidos de los pacientes que reciben quimioterapia adyuvante. Los pacientes con enfermedad en estadio IV no recuperan la capacidad para trabajar. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B759 . (Traducción- Dr. Ingrid Melo ).

Statistical methods and graphical displays of quality of life with survival outcomes in oncology clinical trials for supporting the estimand framework

Background

Although there are discussions regarding standards of the analysis of patient-reported outcomes and quality of life (QOL) in oncology clinical trials, that of QOL with death events is not within their scope. For example, ignoring death can lead to bias in the QOL analysis for patients with moderate or high mortality rates in the palliative care setting. This is discussed in the estimand framework but is controversial. Information loss by summary measures under the estimand framework may make it challenging for clinicians to interpret the QOL analysis results. This study illustrated the use of graphical displays in the framework. They can be helpful for discussions between clinicians and statisticians and decision-making by stakeholders.

Methods

We reviewed the time-to-deterioration analysis, prioritized composite outcome approach, semi-competing risk analysis, survivor analysis, linear mixed model for repeated measures, and principal stratification approach. We summarized attributes of estimands and graphs in the statistical analysis and evaluated them in various hypothetical randomized controlled trials.

Results

Graphs for each analysis method provide different information and impressions. In the time-to-deterioration analysis, it was not easy to interpret the difference in the curves as an effect on QOL. The prioritized composite outcome approach provided new insights for QOL considering death by defining better conditions based on the distinction of OS and QOL. The semi-competing risk analysis provided different insights compared with the time-to-deterioration analysis and prioritized composite outcome approach. Due to the missing assumption, graphs by the linear mixed model for repeated measures should be carefully interpreted, even for descriptive purposes. The principal stratification approach provided pure comparison, but the interpretation was difficult because the target population was unknown.

Conclusions

Graphical displays can capture different aspects of treatment effects that should be described in the estimand framework.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12874-022-01735-1.

Health-related quality of life analysis in ovarian cancer clinical trials involving PARP inhibitors: a critical methodological perspective

The poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) have yielded significant clinical benefits as maintenance therapy in women with newly diagnosed and relapsed platinum-sensitive advanced ovarian cancer. These drugs were approved based on progression-free survival, the primary endpoint of their respective pivotal trials. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and/or patient-reported outcomes were included in these trials as a secondary exploratory endpoint. Nevertheless, many weaknesses in the analysis of HRQoL across these trials can be noticed. Heterogeneity and suboptimal HRQoL analysis in oncology trials contribute to misconceptions about this endpoint among oncologists and prevent quality of life as being an endpoint used for approvals. In this article, we discuss these HRQoL results from a methodological perspective and propose some solutions for improvement that could be used by regulatory and academic institutions running ovarian cancers trials. Notably, we suggest to measure and analyze HRQoL data after disease progression, to focus dedicated papers on the statistical analyses of HRQoL recommended by the SISAQOL consortium (linear mixed model for repeated measures and time-to-event approaches) and to communicate on available guidelines to ensure compliance with best international practices regarding the measurement and analysis of HRQoL.

Efficacy of donepezil for the treatment of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy: DONEPEZOX, a protocol of a proof of concept, randomised, triple-blinded and multicentre trial

BACKGROUND

The use of oxaliplatin in digestive tract cancers could induce severe peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) decreasing the quality of life of patients and survivors. There is currently, no univocal treatment for these peripheral neuropathies. Donepezil, a reversible inhibitor of cholinesterase, used to treat Alzheimer's disease and dementia, is reported to have a good safety profile in humans, and preclinical data have provided initial evidence of its effectiveness in diminishing neuropathic symptoms and related comorbidities in OIPN animal models.

METHODS

The DONEPEZOX trial will be a proof-of-concept, randomised, triple-blinded, and multicentre study. It will be the first clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of donepezil for the management of OIPN. Adult cancer survivors with OIPN that report sensory neuropathy according to QLQ-CIPN20 sensory score (equivalence of a grade ≥ 2), at least 6 months after the end of an oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy will be included. Eighty patients will be randomly assigned to receive either donepezil or placebo over 16 weeks of treatment. The primary endpoint will be the rate of responders (neuropathic grade decreases according to the QLQ-CIPN20 sensory score) in the donepezil arm. The severity of OIPN will be assessed by the QLQ-CIPN20 sensory scale before and after 16 weeks of treatment. The comparison versus the placebo arm will be a secondary objective. The other secondary endpoints will be tolerance to donepezil, the severity and features of OIPN in each arm before and after treatment, related-comorbidities and quality of life. Fleming's one-stage design will be used for sample size estimation. This design yields a type I error rate of 0.0417 and power of 91% for a responder rate of at least 30% in donepezil arm. A total of 80 randomized patients is planned.

DISCUSSION

This study will allow, in the case of positive results, to initiate a phase 3 randomized and placebo-controlled (primary endpoint) clinical study to assess the therapeutic interest of donepezil to treat OIPN.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT05254639 , clincialtrials.gov, Registered 24 February 2022.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer Undergoing Perioperative or Postoperative Adjuvant S-1 Plus Oxaliplatin With D2 Gastrectomy: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study

Background

Some high-quality clinical trials have proven the efficacy and safety of perioperative and postoperative S-1 with oxaliplatin (peri-SOX and post-SOX) for patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) undergoing D2 gastrectomy. However, little is known about how health-related quality of life (HRQOL) changes over time in patients receiving peri-SOX or post-SOX chemotherapy.

Methods

A prospective observational cohort (NCT04408859) identified 151 eligible patients with LAGC who underwent D2 gastrectomy with at least six cycles of peri-SOX or post-SOX chemotherapy from 2018 to 2020. HRQOL was assessed using the EROTC QLQ-C30 and its gastric module, QLQ-STO22, at indicated measurements, including the baseline, 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12th month after initiation of therapy. Baseline characteristics, therapeutic effects, and longitudinal HRQOL were compared between the peri-SOX and post-SOX groups after propensity score matching. HRQOL changes over time and the risk factors for scales with severe deterioration were further analyzed.

Results

No statistically significant differences in longitudinal HRQOL were observed between patients in the peri-SOX and post-SOX groups, with comparable surgical outcomes and adverse chemotherapy events. Scales of social functioning, abnormal taste, and anxiety improved earlier in the peri-SOX group than in the post-SOX group. Score changes in both groups indicated that general deterioration and slower recovery usually occurred in the scales of physical, social, and role functioning, as well as symptoms of fatigue, reflux, diarrhea, and anxiety.

Conclusion

Peri-SOX showed a longitudinal HRQOL comparable to post-SOX in patients with LAGC who underwent D2 gastrectomy. The peri-SOX group had better performance in social functioning, abnormal taste, and anxiety at some measurements.

%TTD and %TUDD: New SAS macro programs to calculate the survival data of the time to deterioration for patient-reported outcomes data in oncology

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Longitudinal analysis of patient-reported outcome (PRO) data remains challenging, as no standardization of statistical methods has been proposed, making comparison of PRO results between clinical trials difficult. In this context, the time to deterioration approach has recently been proposed and is regularly used as a modality of longitudinal PRO analysis in oncology.

METHODS

Two new SAS macro programs were developed, %TTD and %TUDD, which implement longitudinal analysis of PRO data according to the time to deterioration approach. These programs implement the recommended deterioration definitions. We described the programs with their different functionalities.

RESULTS

The %TTD macro calculates the time to first or transient deterioration, and the %TUDD macro calculates the time until definitive deterioration. These macros allow to obtain the survival variables from the time to deterioration approach. We illustrate our programs by presenting different applications on the randomized phase II AFUGEM GERCOR clinical trial.

CONCLUSION

The implementation of the deterioration definitions in SAS software allows the dissemination of this approach, in order to move toward the goal of standardization of longitudinal PRO analysis in oncology clinical trials.

Time to deterioration of patient-reported outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer: exploring different definitions

Purpose

The clinical relevance of different time-to-deterioration (TTD) definitions for patient-reported outcomes were explored.

Methods

TTD definitions differing by reference score and deterioration event were used to analyse data from the phase 3 FLAURA trial of first-line osimertinib versus erlotinib or gefitinib in patients with EGFR-mutated advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Pre-specified key symptoms were fatigue, appetite loss, cough, chest pain and dyspnoea, scored using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and QLQ-LC13 questionnaires (≥ 10-point difference = clinically relevant).

Results

No significant treatment differences in TTD (distributions) were observed using definitions based on transient or definitive deterioration alone. TTD definitions based on definitive, sustained deterioration, with death not included as an event, yielded a significant treatment difference for dyspnoea (hazard ratio [HR] 0.71; P = 0.034) when baseline was the reference, and for cough (HR 0.70; P = 0.009) and dyspnoea (HR 0.71; P = 0.004) when best previous score was the reference. With death included as an event, treatment differences were significant for dyspnoea (HR 0.70; P = 0.025) when baseline was the reference, and for cough (HR 0.70; P = 0.011), dyspnoea (HR 0.71; P = 0.003) and chest pain (HR 0.71; P = 0.038) when best previous score was the reference. Irrespective of definition, TTD for appetite loss and fatigue did not differ significantly between arms.

Conclusion

This exploratory work showed that different TTD definitions yield different magnitudes of treatment difference, highlighting the importance of pre-specifying TTD definitions upfront in clinical trials.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02296125.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11136-022-03088-0.

Impact of dose-escalated chemoradiation on quality of life in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer: two year follow-up of the randomized RECTAL-BOOST trial

BACKGROUND

Dose-escalated chemoradiation (CRT) for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) did not result in higher complete response rates, but initiated more tumor regression in the randomized XXXXX trial (Clinicaltrials.gov XXXXX). This study compared patient reported outcomes (PROs) between patients who received dose-escalated CRT (5 × 3Gy boost + CRT) or standard CRT for two years following randomization.

METHODS

Patients with LARC, participating in the XXXXX trial, filled out EORTC QLQ-C30 and CR29 questionnaires on quality of life (QoL) and symptoms at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months following start of treatment. Between-group differences in functional QoL domains were estimated using a linear mixed-effects model and expressed as effect size (ES). Symptom scores were compared using Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

Patients treated with dose-escalated CRT (boost group, n=51) experienced a significantly stronger decline in global health at 3 and 6 months (ES -0,4 and ES -0,4), physical functioning at 6 months (ES -1,1), role functioning at 3 and 6 months (ES -0,8 and ES -0,6) and social functioning at 6 months (ES -0,6) compared to patients treated with standard CRT (control group, n=64). The boost group reported significantly more fatigue at 3 and 6 months (83% vs. 66% resp. 89% vs. 76%), pain at 3 and 6 months (67% vs. 36% resp. 80% vs. 44%) and diarrhea at 3 months (45% vs. 29%) compared to the control group. From 12 months onwards, QoL and symptoms were similar between groups, apart from more blood/mucus in stool in the boost group.

CONCLUSION

In patients with LARC, dose-escalated CRT resulted in a transient deterioration in global health, physical, role, and social functioning and more pain, fatigue and diarrhea at 3 and 6 months following start of treatment compared to standard CRT. From 12 months onwards, the impact of dose-escalated CRT on QoL largely resolved.

Health-Related Quality of Life Analysis in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients Treated by Second-Line Chemotherapy, Associated With Either Cetuximab or Bevacizumab: The PRODIGE 18 Randomized Phase II Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

We have previously showed that for patients with wild-type RAS metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) progressing after bevacizumab plus chemotherapy, bevacizumab continuation plus a switch of chemotherapy is the most appropriate option (PRODIGE 18 phase II study). Here we aimed to determine treatment impact in patient's Health-Related Quality Of Life (HRQoL) in PRODIGE18 study.

METHODS

HRQoL was evaluated in 2 arms bevacizumab or cetuximab-combined with chemotherapy (modified FOLFOX6 [mFOLFOX6] or FOLFIRI) using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 at baseline, first and third tumor evaluation and at the end of the study. The temporal evolution of quality of life scores was investigated using longitudinal linear mixed models of variance. The time until definitive deterioration (TUDD) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the long-rank test. A univariate Cox model was used to calculate HR with 95% CI. A multivariate Cox model was applied to determine association of TUDD with age and gender. Safety was assessed by the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events.

RESULTS

HRQoL QLQ-C30 questionnaire compliance was high at baseline (>90%) and declined over time (∼70% in tumor evaluation 1 and ∼ 60% in tumor evaluation 3), but remained similar in both treatment arms. Patient reported mean diarrhea QLQ-C30 score is significantly higher in bevacizumab treatment arm. Clinician reported mild diarrhea was more frequently declared in bevacizumab treatment arm. Cox multivariate analyses showed no statistically significant differences in TUDD for all QLQ-C30 scales between treatments. TUDD of appetite loss was significantly associated to age.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that no relevant impairment of patients HRQoL between the 2 treatment arms. So, the analysis of the HRQoL with equal effectiveness does not make it possible to favor one treatment over another.

Home-based exercise in autoimmune myasthenia gravis: A randomized controlled trial

The tolerance of exercise and its effects on quality of life in myasthenia gravis are not currently backed up by strong evidence. The aim of this study was to determine whether exercise as an adjunct therapy is well tolerated and can improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in stabilized, generalized autoimmune myasthenia gravis (gMG). We conducted a parallel-group, multi-center prospective RCT using computer-generated block randomization. Adults with stabilized, gMG, and no contra-indication to exercise, were eligible. Participants received usual care alone or usual care and exercise. The exercise intervention consisted of 3-weekly 40 min sessions of an unsupervised, moderate-intensity home rowing program over 3 months. The primary endpoint was the change in HRQoL from randomization to post-intervention. Assessor-blinded secondary endpoints were exercise tolerance and effects on clinical, psychological and immunological status. Of 138 patients screened between October 2014 and July 2017, 45 were randomly assigned to exercise (n = 23) or usual care (n = 20). Although exercise was well tolerated, the intention-to-treat analysis revealed no evidence of improved HRQoL compared to usual care (MGQOL-15-F; mean adjusted between-groups difference of -0.8 points, 95%CI -5.4 to 3.7). Two patients hospitalized for MG exacerbation were from the usual care group.

Rationale and study design of the CHIPPI-1808 trial: a phase III randomized clinical trial evaluating hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for stage III ovarian cancer patients treated with primary or interval cytoreductive surgery

Background

Ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynecologic malignancy with high recurrence rates. Because recurrence involves primarily the peritoneum, intraperitoneal chemotherapy is being evaluated as a new approach to treat microscopic peritoneal disease. One trial showed that cisplatin–paclitaxel intraperitoneal chemotherapy with intravenous paclitaxel improved survival but increased morbidity. Another trial reported a significant improvement in overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) without increasing the morbidity (P = 0.76) or mortality rates (hazard ratio 0.67, P = 0.02) after adding hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) to interval cytoreduction. The current trial aims to evaluate the impact of adding HIPEC to primary or interval cytoreductive surgery for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) on the efficacy, safety, treatment feasibility, and quality of life.

Patients and methods

This is an international, multicenter, open-label, randomized (1 : 1), two-arm, phase III clinical trial that will enroll 432 patients with newly diagnosed International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage III EOC. Patients are randomized to receive or not HIPEC with the standard of care. Inclusion criteria include patients with FIGO stage III EOC, Fallopian tube carcinoma or primary peritoneal cancer who undergo complete primary or interval cytoreduction. The primary objective is to assess DFS of the addition of HIPEC. Secondary objectives are the assessment of OS, safety, return to intended oncologic treatment, quality of life and the trade-off between efficacy and morbidity.

Conclusions

The results might help extend the indications of HIPEC to include patients undergoing primary cytoreduction, providing a standardized protocol for HIPEC in EOC management and reliable information on the quality of life after adding HIPEC.

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Ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynecologic cancer with high rates of recurrence involving primarily the peritoneum.

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Intraperitoneal chemotherapy is being evaluated as a new therapeutic approach to treat microscopic peritoneal disease.

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This trial evaluates the impact of adding HIPEC to primary or interval cytoreductive surgery for EOC.

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This trial evaluates the efficacy, safety, treatment feasibility and quality of life after the addition of HIPEC.

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This is an international, multicenter, open label, randomized, phase III clinical trial.

Assessing the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in breast cancer patients with late radiation toxicity (HONEY trial): a trial protocol using a trial within a cohort design

Background

Breast cancer treatment with radiotherapy can induce late radiation toxicity, characterized by pain, fibrosis, edema, impaired arm mobility, and poor cosmetic outcome. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been proposed as treatment for late radiation toxicity; however, high-level evidence of effectiveness is lacking. As HBOT is standard treatment and reimbursed by insurers, performing classic randomized controlled trials is difficult. The “Hyperbaric OxygeN therapy on brEast cancer patients with late radiation toxicity” (HONEY) trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of HBOT on late radiation toxicity in breast cancer patients using the trial within cohorts (TwiCs) design.

Methods

The HONEY trial will be conducted within the Utrecht cohort for Multiple BREast cancer intervention studies and Long-term evaluation (UMBRELLA). Within UMBRELLA, breast cancer patients referred for radiotherapy to the University Medical Centre Utrecht are eligible for inclusion. Patients consent to collection of clinical data and patient-reported outcomes and provide broad consent for randomization into future intervention studies. Patients who meet the HONEY in- and exclusion criteria (participation ≥ 12 months in UMBRELLA, moderate/severe breast or chest wall pain, completed primary breast cancer treatment except hormonal treatment, no prior treatment with HBOT, no contraindications for HBOT, no clinical signs of metastatic or recurrent disease) will be randomized to HBOT or control group on a 2:1 ratio (n = 120). Patients in the control group will not be informed about participation in the trial. Patients in the intervention arm will undergo 30–40 HBOT treatment sessions in a high pressure chamber (2.4 atmospheres absolute) where they inhale 100% oxygen through a mask. Cohort outcome measures (i.e., physical outcomes, quality of life, fatigue, and cosmetic satisfaction) of the HBOT group will be compared to the control group at 3 months follow-up.

Discussion

This pragmatic trial within the UMBELLA cohort was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of HBOT on late radiation toxicity in breast cancer patients using the TwiCs design. Use of the TwiCs design is expected to address issues encountered in classic randomized controlled trials, such as contamination (i.e., HBOT in the control group) and disappointment bias, and generate information about acceptability of HBOT.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT04193722. Registered on 10 December 2019.

Supplementary information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-020-04869-z.

Patient-reported outcomes in RELAY, a phase 3 trial of ramucirumab plus erlotinib versus placebo plus erlotinib in untreated EGFR-mutated metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

In the phase 3 RELAY trial, ramucirumab/erlotinib demonstrated superior progression-free survival (PFS) over placebo/erlotinib in patients with EGFR-mutated metastatic NSCLC (median PFS 19.4 versus 12.4 months; HR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.46-0.76; p < .0001). Safety was consistent with established profiles for ramucirumab and erlotinib in NSCLC. Here, we present patient-reported outcomes.

METHODS

Patients received oral erlotinib (150 mg daily) plus intravenous ramucirumab (10 mg/kg) or placebo Q2W until progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity. Patients completed the Lung Cancer Symptom Scale (LCSS) and EQ-5D questionnaires at baseline and every other cycle. Analyses included time to deterioration (TtD) for LCSS via Kaplan-Meier method and Cox models and changes from baseline using mixed-model repeated-measures regression analysis.

RESULTS

Overall patient compliance for LCSS and EQ-5D was >95%. TtD did not differ between treatment arms for LCSS Total Score (HR = 0.962, 95% CI = 0.690-1.343) and Average Symptom Burden Index (HR = 1.012, 95% CI = 0.732-1.400). TtD of individual LCSS items (appetite loss, fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, pain, symptom distress, difficulties with daily activities, quality of life) indicated no difference between arms; however, patient-reported blood in sputum was worse for ramucirumab/erlotinib (HR = 1.987, 95% CI = 1.206-3.275). Results of LCSS mean changes from baseline were consistent with TtD, indicating no significant differences between treatment arms except for blood in sputum. Mean changes from baseline in EQ-5D index score (p = .94) and visual analogue scale (p = .95) revealed no overall differences in health status between treatment arms.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients' overall quality of life and symptom burden did not differ with the addition of ramucirumab to erlotinib compared to placebo/erlotinib. These data support the clinical benefit of ramucirumab/erlotinib in untreated EGFR-mutated metastatic NSCLC.

Longitudinal analysis of health-related quality of life in cancer clinical trials: methods and interpretation of results

PURPOSE

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is assessed by self-administered questionnaires throughout the care process. Classically, two longitudinal statistical approaches were mainly used to study HRQoL: linear mixed models (LMM) or time-to-event models for time to deterioration/time until definitive deterioration (TTD/TUDD). Recently, an alternative strategy based on generalized linear mixed models for categorical data has also been proposed: the longitudinal partial credit model (LPCM). The objective of this article is to evaluate these methods and to propose recommendations to standardize longitudinal analysis of HRQoL data in cancer clinical trials.

METHODS

The three methods are first described and compared through statistical, methodological, and practical arguments, then applied on real HRQoL data from clinical cancer trials or published prospective databases. In total, seven French studies from a collaborating group were selected with longitudinal collection of QLQ-C30. Longitudinal analyses were performed with the three approaches using SAS, Stata and R software.

RESULTS

We observed concordant results between LMM and LPCM. However, discordant results were observed when we considered the TTD/TUDD approach compared to the two previous methods. According to methodological and practical arguments discussed, the approaches seem to provide additional information and complementary interpretations. LMM and LPCM are the most powerful methods on simulated data, while the TTD/TUDD approach gives more clinically understandable results. Finally, for single-item scales, LPCM is more appropriate.

CONCLUSION

These results pledge for the recommendation to use of both the LMM and TTD/TUDD longitudinal methods, except for single-item scales, establishing them as the consensual methods for publications reporting HRQoL.

Patient-Reported Work Ability During the First Two Years After Rectal Cancer Diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Rectal cancer treatment is associated with substantial short- and longer-term morbidity that may affect patients' ability to work.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated patient-reported work ability during the first 2 years after rectal cancer diagnosis, relative to the Dutch general population. Also, we assessed the association between clinical factors and work ability.

DESIGN

This is a prospective cohort study.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted at the Radiation-Oncology Department of a tertiary center.

PATIENTS

Patients with rectal cancer, <67 years of age, and treated with curative intent were selected.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Work ability was assessed with the Work Ability Index before the start of treatment (baseline) and at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after. The Work Ability Index scores of patients with paid employment were compared with the scores of matched population controls. Mixed models were used to estimate the impact of clinical factors on work ability.

RESULTS

Of the 230 eligible patients, 172 (75%) had paid employment. Work ability decreased at 3 and 6 months compared with baseline. At 12 months, work ability recovered to baseline level but remained significantly lower than in population controls up to 24 months. Fifty-four percent reported 100 to 365 days of sick leave during the first 12 months of treatment versus 2% in the general population. At 24 months, 32% needed substantial adaptations in work activities, worked reduced hours, or were unable to work due to the disease versus 6% in the general population. Female sex, multiple comorbidities, oligometastatic disease, chemoradiation, and abdominoperineal resection were associated with lower work ability.

LIMITATIONS

The study was limited by a decrease in questionnaire response rate from 83% to 64% over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient-reported work ability deteriorates during rectal cancer treatment. Within 24 months after diagnosis, work ability returns to pretreatment level but remains lower than that of the general population. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B175. CAPACIDAD DE TRABAJO REPORTADO POR PACIENTES DURANTE LOS PRIMEROS DOS AÑOS DESPUÉS DEL DIAGNÓSTICO DE CÁNCER RECTAL: El tratamiento del cáncer rectal se asocia con una morbilidad significante a corto y largo plazo que puede afectar la capacidad de trabajo de pacientes.Evaluamos la capacidad de trabajo reportado por pacientes durante los primeros dos años después del diagnóstico de cáncer rectal, en relación con la población general holandesa. Además, evaluamos la asociación entre los factores clínicos y capacidad para trabajar.Estudio de cohorte prospectivo.Este estudio se realizó en el Departamento de Radiación Oncológica de en un centro de referencia de tercer nivel.Se seleccionaron pacientes con cáncer rectal, <67 años de edad, y tratados con intención curativa.La capacidad de trabajo se evaluó con el índice de capacidad de trabajo antes del inicio del tratamiento (línea de base) y a los 3, 6, 12, 18 y 24 meses después. Los puntajes de capacidad laboral de los pacientes con empleo remunerado se compararon con los puntajes de los controles de población pareados. Se utilizaron modelos mixtos para estimar el impacto de los factores clínicos en la capacidad laboral.De los 230 pacientes elegibles, 172 (75%) tenían empleo remunerado. La capacidad de trabajo disminuyó a los 3 y 6 meses en comparación con la línea de base. A los 12 meses, la capacidad de trabajo se recuperó al nivel de referencia, pero se mantuvo significativamente más baja que en los controles de la población hasta 24 meses. Durante los primeros 12 meses, el 54% reportó 100-365 días de baja por enfermedad versus el 2% en la población general. A los 24 meses, el 32% necesitaba adaptaciones sustanciales en las actividades laborales, trabajó horas reducidas o no pudo trabajar debido a la enfermedad frente al 6% en la población general. El sexo femenino, las comorbilidades múltiples, la enfermedad oligometastásica, la quimiorradiación y la resección abdominoperineal se asociaron con una menor capacidad de trabajo.El estudio estuvo limitado por una disminución en la tasa de respuesta al cuestionario del 83% al 64% a lo largo plazo.La capacidad laboral informada por el paciente se deteriora durante el tratamiento del cáncer rectal. Dentro de los 24 meses posteriores al diagnóstico, la capacidad laboral vuelve al nivel de pretratamiento, pero sigue siendo inferior a la de la población general. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B175. (Traducción-Dr. Adrian Ortega).

Patient-reported cosmetic satisfaction and the long-term association with quality of life in irradiated breast cancer patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate patient-reported cosmetic satisfaction in women treated with radiation therapy for breast cancer and to determine the association between dissatisfaction and quality of life (QoL) and depression.

METHODS

Within the prospective UMBRELLA breast cancer cohort, all patients ≥ 1 year after breast conserving treatment or mastectomy with immediate reconstruction were selected. Self-reported cosmetic satisfaction was measured on a 5-point Likert scale. QoL, social functioning, and emotional functioning were measured using EORTC QLQ-C30 and BR23 at 1, 2, and 3 years after inclusion. Mixed model analysis was performed to assess the difference in different domains of QoL between patients with good versus poor self-reported cosmetic satisfaction over time after adjustment for potential confounders. Depression scores were collected by means of the HADS-NL questionnaire. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to assess the difference in proportions of HADS score ≥ 8, indicating increased depression risk, between satisfied and dissatisfied patients.

RESULTS

808 patients were selected for analysis. Respectively one, two, and three years after surgery, 8% (63/808), 7% (45/626), and 8% (31/409) of patients were dissatisfied with their cosmetic outcome. Poor patient-reported cosmetic satisfaction was independently associated with impaired QoL, body image, and lower emotional and social functioning. Scores ≥ 8 on the HADS depression subscale were significantly more common in dissatisfied patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Dissatisfaction with cosmetic outcome was low after breast cancer surgery followed by radiation therapy during 3 years follow-up. Knowing the association between dissatisfaction with cosmetic outcome and QoL and depression could help to improve the preoperative counseling of breast cancer patients.

Health-Related Quality of Life After Cytoreductive Surgery/HIPEC for Mucinous Appendiceal Cancer: Results of a Multicenter Randomized Trial Comparing Oxaliplatin and Mitomycin

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using patient-reported outcomes in subjects with mucinous appendiceal neoplasms who underwent cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) as part of a randomized trial comparing mitomycin with oxaliplatin.

METHODS

In this prospective multicenter study, 121 mucinous appendiceal cancer patients, with evidence of peritoneal dissemination who underwent CRS, were randomized to receive mitomycin (divided 40 mg) or oxaliplatin (200 mg/m²) for HIPEC. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Neurotoxicity (FACT-G/NTX) questionnaire was utilized to assess HRQOL. The Trial Outcome Index (TOI) is a summary index responsive to changes in physical/functional outcomes. Repeated measures mixed models with an unstructured variance matrix were applied to assess changes in HRQOL longitudinally.

RESULTS

Baseline questionnaire compliance was 95.9%. Baseline physical well-being (PWB) was independently associated with overall survival (hazard ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.66-0.96; p = 0.017). The TOI was significantly lower in the mitomycin group compared with the oxaliplatin arm at 12 weeks (p = 0.044; score difference 6.35) and 24 weeks after surgery (p = 0.049; score difference 5.61). At 12 weeks after surgery, declines from baseline were significant in the TOI (p = 0.004; score decline 8.99), PWB (p < 0.001; score decline 2.83), and FWB (p < 0.001; score decline 3.42) in the mitomycin group but not the oxaliplatin group.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with mitomycin, HIPEC perfusion with oxaliplatin results in significantly better physical and functional outcomes. With similar survival outcomes and complication rates, oxaliplatin should be considered as the chemoperfusion agent of choice in mucinous appendiceal cancer patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC.

Health-related Quality of Life in the Phase III LUME-Colon 1 Study: Comparison and Interpretation of Results From EORTC QLQ-C30 Analyses

INTRODUCTION

We used European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) data from the LUME-Colon 1 study to illustrate different methods of statistical analysis for health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and compared the results.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive nintedanib 200 mg twice daily plus best supportive care (n = 386) or matched placebo plus best supportive care (n = 382). Five methods (mean treatment difference averaged over time, using a mixed-effects growth curve model; mixed-effects models for repeated measurements (MMRM); time-to-deterioration (TTD); status change; and responder analysis) were used to analyze EORTC QLQ-C30 global health status (GHS)/QoL and scores from functional scales.

RESULTS

Overall, GHS/QoL and physical functioning deteriorated over time. Mean treatment difference slightly favored nintedanib over placebo for physical functioning (adjusted mean, 2.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97-4.34) and social functioning (adjusted mean, 2.62; 95% CI, 0.66-4.47). GHS/QoL was numerically better with nintedanib versus placebo (adjusted mean, 1.61; 95% CI, -0.004 to 3.27). MMRM analysis had similar results, with better physical functioning in the nintedanib group at all timepoints. There was no significant delay in GHS/QoL deterioration (10%) and physical functioning (16%) with nintedanib versus placebo (TTD analysis). Status change analysis showed a higher proportion of patients with markedly improved GHS/QoL and physical functioning in the nintedanib versus placebo groups. Responder analysis showed a similar, less pronounced pattern.

CONCLUSION

Analyses of EORTC QLQ-C30 data showed that HRQoL was not impaired by treatment with nintedanib versus placebo. Analysis and interpretation of HRQoL endpoints should consider symptom type and severity and course of disease.

Quantile regression and empirical likelihood for the analysis of longitudinal data with monotone missing responses due to dropout, with applications to quality of life measurements from clinical trials

The analysis of quality of life (QoL) data can be challenging due to the skewness of responses and the presence of missing data. In this paper, we propose a new weighted quantile regression method for estimating the conditional quantiles of QoL data with responses missing at random. The proposed method makes use of the correlation information within the same subject from an auxiliary mean regression model to enhance the estimation efficiency and takes into account of missing data mechanism. The asymptotic properties of the proposed estimator have been studied and simulations are also conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed estimator. The proposed method has also been applied to the analysis of the QoL data from a clinical trial on early breast cancer, which motivated this study.

Impact on health-related quality of life deterioration-free survival of a first-line therapy combining nab-paclitaxel plus either gemcitabine or simplified leucovorin and fluorouracil for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer: Results of the randomized phase II AFUGEM GERCOR clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The phase II AFUGEM GERCOR trial aimed to assess the efficacy of a first-line therapy combining nab-paclitaxel plus either gemcitabine (gemcitabine group) or simplified leucovorin and fluorouracil (sLV5FU2 group) in patients with previously untreated metastatic pancreatic cancer. Results of progression-free survival at 4 months (primary endpoint) were in favor of the sLV5FU2 group. This paper presents health-related quality of life (HRQoL) data as a secondary endpoint.

METHODS

HRQoL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire at baseline and at each chemotherapy cycle until the end of treatment. The HRQoL deterioration-free survival (QFS) was used as a modality of longitudinal analysis. QFS was defined as the time between randomization and the first definitive HRQoL score deterioration as compared to the baseline score, or death. Sensitivity analysis was performed excluding death as an event. Univariate Cox models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the treatment effect.

RESULTS

Between 2013 and 2014, 114 patients were randomized in a 1:2 ratio (39 in the gemcitabine group and 75 in the sLV5FU2 group). Patients in the sLV5FU2 group seemed to present longer QFS than those of the gemcitabine group for 14 out of 15 dimensions, with HRs < 1. Results of the sensitivity analysis excluding death as an event were significantly in favor of the sLV5FU2 group for physical functioning (HR = 0.51 [90% CI 0.27-0.97]) and pain (HR = 0.26 [90% CI 0.09-0.74]).

CONCLUSION

The nab-paclitaxel plus simplified leucovorin and fluorouracil combination had no negative impact in exploratory HRQoL analyses.

Quality of Life in Oncology

Continuous improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer lead to improved cure rates and longer survival. However, in many patients, the disease becomes chronic. In this context, the patients' quality of life (QOL) becomes a crucial issue. After an introduction about QOL, results from different areas of cancer treatment are presented considering their impact on QOL. Finally, implications are discussed for researchers, clinicians, and patients.

SENTICOL III: an international validation study of sentinel node biopsy in early cervical cancer. A GINECO, ENGOT, GCIG and multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Radical hysterectomy and complete pelvic lymphadenectomies are the most commonly performed procedures for women with early-stage cervical cancer. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping could be an alternative to routine pelvic lymphadenectomy, aiming to diagnose accurately nodal extension and decrease lymphatic morbidity.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

To compare 3-year disease-free survival and health-related quality of life after SLN biopsy or SLN biopsy + pelvic lymphadenectomy in early cervical cancer.

STUDY HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesize that disease-free survival is non-inferior and health-related quality of life superior after SLN biopsy compared with SLN biopsy + pelvic lymphadenectomy.

TRIAL DESIGN

International, randomized, multicenter, single-blind trial. The study will be run by teams trained to carry out SLN biopsy, belonging to clinical research cooperative groups or recognized as experts in this field. Patients with an optimal mapping (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center [MSKCC] criteria) and a negative frozen section will be randomized 1:1 to SLN biopsy only or SLN biopsy + pelvic lymphadenectomy.

INCLUSION, EXCLUSION CRITERIA

Patients with early stages (Ia1 with lymphovascular invasion to IIa1) of disease. Histological types are limited to squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, or adenosquamous carcinoma.

PRIMARY ENDPOINT

Main endpoint will be co-primary endpoint, associating 3-year disease-free survival and quality of life (QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CX24).

SAMPLE SIZE

950 patients need to be randomized.Estimated dates for completing accrual and presenting results: study started on Q2 2018, last accrual is scheduled for Q2 2021, and last follow-up in Q2 2026.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03386734.

Health-related quality of life as an endpoint in oncology phase I trials: a systematic review

Background

Phase I trials aim to identify the recommended dose for further development. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) could be a complement to the usual National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE) scale to detect adverse events and define the doses. The objective of this study is to review the phase I in oncology which used HRQoL as endpoint.

Methods

A search in PubMed database identified phase I trials in oncology with HRQoL as endpoint, published between January 2012 to May 2016. Hematological and pediatric phase I were excluded.

Results

A total of 1333 phase I were identified and 15 trials were identified with HRQoL as endpoint (1.1%). The European Organisation for Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) was the most frequently used instrument: 5 studies (33.3%). The targeted dimensions of HRQoL and the minimal clinically important difference were prespecified in 1 study (6.7%) and 2 studies (13.3%), respectively. Twelve studies (80%) described the statistical approach to analyze HRQoL data. Eight studies used the mean change from baseline (60%) to analyse longitudinal HRQoL data, two the mean score at certain times (13.3%), one the linear mixed model for repeated measures (6.7%), one the time to HRQoL score deterioration (6.7%), one percentage of patient-reported symptoms (6.7%). None of the studies used HRQoL to determine the recommended doses.

Conclusion

Few phase I studies used HRQoL as endpoint and among studies with HRQoL as endpoint, the methodology of HRQoL measurement and statistical analysis was heterogeneous. HRQoL.

endpoint not used for assessing the recommended phase II doses.

Health-related quality of life in rectal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiation with delayed surgery versus short-course radiotherapy with immediate surgery: a propensity score-matched cohort study

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation with delayed surgery (CRT-DS) and short-course radiotherapy with immediate surgery (SCRT-IS) are two commonly used treatment strategies for rectal cancer. However, the optimal treatment strategy for patients with intermediate-risk rectal cancer remains a discussion. This study compares quality of life (QOL) between SCRT-IS and CRT-DS from diagnosis until 24 months after treatment.

METHODS

In a prospective colorectal cancer cohort, rectal cancer patients with clinical stage T2-3N0-2M0 undergoing SCRT-IS or CRT-DS between 2013 and 2017 were identified. QOL was assessed using EORTC-C30 and EORTC-CR29 questionnaires before the start of neoadjuvant treatment (baseline) and at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after. Patients were 1:1 matched using propensity sore matching. Between- and within-group differences in QOL domains were analyzed with linear mixed-effects models. Symptoms and sexual interest at 12 and 24 months were compared using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

156 of 225 patients (69%) remained after matching. The CRT-DS group reported poorer emotional functioning at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months (mean difference with SCRT-IS: -9.4, -12.1, -7.3, -8.0 and -7.9 respectively), and poorer global health, physical-, role-, social- and cognitive functioning at 6 months (mean difference with SCRT-IS: -9.1, -9.8, -14.0, -9.2 and -12.6, respectively). Besides emotional functioning, all QOL domains were comparable at 12, 18 and 24 months. Within-group changes showed a significant improvement of emotional functioning after baseline in the SCRT-IS group, whereas only a minor improvement was observed in the CRT-DS group. Symptoms and sexual interest in male patients at 12 and 24 months were comparable between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In rectal cancer patients, CRT-DS may induce a stronger decline in short-term QOL than SCRT-IS. From 12 months onwards, QOL domains, symptoms and sexual interest in male patients were comparable between the groups. However, emotional functioning remained higher after SCRT-IS than after CRT-DS.

The effect of chemotherapy on subjective cognitive function in younger early-stage breast cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy compared to older patients

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of chemotherapy on subjective cognitive functioning according to age in a large cohort of breast cancer patients.

Methods

Within the UMBRELLA cohort, 715 patients with early-stage primary invasive breast cancer (T1-3N0-1M0) were selected. Subjective cognitive function was assessed by means of the EORTC QLQ-C30 up to 24 months and compared between patients treated with and without chemotherapy, for three different age strata (355 patients < 55 years, 240 patients aged 55–65 years, and 120 patients > 65 years). Differences between chemotherapy and non-chemotherapy patients by age at different time points were assessed by linear mixed-effect models correcting for age, tumor stage, educational level, endocrine therapy, anxiety, and depression.

Results

In total, 979 patients from the UMBRELLA cohort were included, of which 715 (73%) responded to baseline and at least one follow-up questionnaire. Questionnaire response rates ranged between 92 and 70%. The proportion of patients treated with chemotherapy decreased with age: 64% (n = 277) in patients < 55 years, 45% (n = 107) in patients 55–65 years, and 23% (n = 27) in patients > 65 years. Chemotherapy was associated with reduced subjective cognitive functioning. The impact of chemotherapy on subjective cognitive function was most pronounced in patients < 55 years, followed by those between 55 and 65 years. In the youngest age groups, patients treated with chemotherapy had significantly lower cognitive functioning up to 24 months. In women over 65 years, subjective cognitive functioning was comparable between patients treated with and without chemotherapy.

Conclusion

This study confirms that chemotherapy is associated with impaired subjective self-reported cognitive functioning in breast cancer patients, and the effect persists at least up to 2 years after diagnosis. The impact of chemotherapy on self-reported cognitive functioning in the first 24 months is most pronounced in younger patients, especially those under 55 years of age.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s10549-019-05149-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Health-related quality of life and anxiety in the PAN-CAN lung cancer screening cohort

OBJECTIVES

The impact of lung cancer screening with low-dose chest CT (LDCT) on participants' anxiety levels and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important consideration in the implementation of such programmes. We aimed to describe changes in anxiety and HRQoL in a high-risk Canadian cohort undergoing LDCT lung cancer screening.

METHODS

2537 subjects who had 2% or greater lung cancer risk over 6 years using a risk prediction tool were recruited from eight centres across Canada in the Pan-Canadian Early Detection of Lung Cancer Study (2008-2010). We compared HRQoL and anxiety levels before and after screening of 1237 participants with LDCT (excluding a subset of 1300 participants who also underwent autofluorescence bronchoscopy screening), as well as after investigations performed because of a positive screening examination. The 12-item short-form Physical and Mental Component Scales (SF-12), EQ-5D-3L scores and State Trait Anxiety Inventory-State anxiety were used at each assessment.

RESULTS

Overall, there were no clinically significant differences in HRQoL outcomes between baseline and each of the survey time points following initial screening. No mean change in anxiety in the overall cohort was noted following baseline LDCT, but more participants had clinically significant increase in anxiety versus decrease after baseline screening (increase >minimal clinically important difference (MCID) (n=180) vs decrease >MCID (n=50), p<0.001). This finding persisted but to a lesser degree at the 12 month time point (increase >MCID (n=146) vs decrease >MCID (n=87), p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

CT screening for lung cancer has no major overall impact on HRQoL among participants, although a minority of participants (number-needed-to-harm=7 after baseline screening and 18 at 1 year) demonstrated clinically significant increased anxiety levels.

TRIALREGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT00751660; Results.

Distribution- and anchor-based methods to determine the minimally important difference on patient-reported outcome questionnaires in oncology: a structured review

BACKGROUND

Interpretation of differences or changes in patient-reported outcome scores should not only consider statistical significance, but also clinical relevance. Accordingly, accurate determination of the minimally important difference (MID) is crucial to assess the effectiveness of health care interventions, as well as for sample size calculation. Several methods have been proposed to determine the MID. Our aim was to review the statistical methods used to determine MID in patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires in cancer patients, focusing on the distribution- and anchor-based approaches and to present the variability of criteria used as well as possible limitations.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search using PubMed. We searched for all cancer studies related to MID determination on a PRO questionnaire. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts to identify relevant articles. Data were extracted from eligible articles using a predefined data collection form. Discrepancies were resolved by discussion and the involvement of a third reviewer.

RESULTS

Sixty-three articles were identified, of which 46 were retained for final analysis. Both distribution- and anchor-based approaches were used to assess the MID in 37 studies (80.4%). Different time points were used to apply the distribution-based method and the most frequently reported distribution was the 0.5 standard deviation at baseline. A change in a PRO external scale (N = 13, 30.2%) and performance status (N = 15, 34.9%) were the most frequently used anchors. The stability of the MID over time was rarely investigated and only 28.2% of studies used at least 3 assessment timepoints. The robustness of anchor-based MID was questionable in 37.2% of the studies where the minimal number of patients by anchor category was less than 20.

CONCLUSION

Efforts are needed to improve the quality of the methodology used for MID determination in PRO questionnaires used in oncology. In particular, increased attention to the sample size should be paid to guarantee reliable results. This could increase the use of these specific thresholds in future studies.

Patient-Reported Outcomes with Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy: Challenges and Opportunities

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are an important tool to assess the impact of a new therapy on symptom burden and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapies have been approved for use in relapsed or refractory leukemia and lymphoma based on promising efficacy in clinical trials. However, data are lacking on patient-reported toxicity and impact on HRQoL. This review provides an overview of the incorporation of PROs in CAR-T cell therapy and the specific challenges in this context. The first step is to demonstrate feasibility of PRO monitoring in the acute phase after CAR-T cell infusion. Apart from core PRO domains like physical functioning, disease-related symptoms, and symptomatic adverse effects, important measures to consider are cognitive functioning and financial toxicity. Because there are no validated PRO instruments in the setting of CAR-T cell therapy, universally validated measures like Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) could be considered, which is also recommended in the setting of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Given the timeline of toxicities with CAR-T cell therapy, PRO instruments should be administered at baseline and at least weekly in the first 30 days. Subsequently, frequent monitoring of PROs in the first year might be helpful in identifying short- and intermediate-term toxicities, functional limitations, and neuropsychiatric effects. The major potential challenge in acute phase would be missing data when patients develop severe cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity. Designing a strategy for handling missing data is crucial. The long-term safety of CAR-T cell therapy is not well characterized because of short follow-up in most studies reported thus far. PROs should be measured at least yearly after the first year to identify potential late effects like cognitive deficit or autoimmune manifestations. Collaboration between institutions performing cellular therapy and engagement with patients, clinicians, and statisticians with expertise in PROs are crucial for setting a comprehensive agenda on integration of PROs with CAR-T cell therapy.

Impact of modern-day axillary treatment on patient reported arm morbidity and physical functioning in breast cancer patients

PURPOSE

To reduce arm morbidity, routine axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is often omitted or replaced by axillary radiotherapy (AxRT) in patients with limited nodal involvement. We evaluated patient-reported arm morbidity and physical functioning in breast cancer patients undergoing modern-day axillary treatment.

METHODS

All patients within the UMBRELLA cohort undergoing local radiotherapy with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), ALND and/or AxRT were selected. Patient-reported arm morbidity and physical functioning were assessed with EORTC QLQ C30/BR23 questionnaires up to eighteen months after initiation of radiotherapy. Patient-reported outcomes were compared between patients with SLNB only, ALND only, AxRT (level I-II), AxRT (level I-IV) or AxRT plus ALND by means of mixed model analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 949 patients were identified; 641 (68%) SLNB only, 57 (6%) ALND only, 94 (10%) AxRT level I-II, 72 (8%) AxRT level I-IV and 85 (9%) ALND + AxRT. SLNB only resulted in the least arm morbidity scores. ALND + AxRT resulted in most arm morbidity, with clinically relevant differences at 18 months. AxRT (level I-II or level I-IV) resulted in significantly less arm symptoms in the first 3 months compared to ALND. Arm symptom scores between those receiving AxRT on levels I-II and I-IV were similar.

CONCLUSION

Of all axillary management strategies, ALND plus AxRT is associated with worst patient-reported outcomes. AxRT resulted in less arm morbidity compared to ALND. Selective radiotherapy treatment of the axilla, i.e. radiotherapy of levels I-II only instead of levels I-IV, did not lead to clinically relevant reduced arm morbidity.

Health-related quality of life in adults with relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with blinatumomab

In the phase 3 TOWER study, blinatumomab significantly improved overall survival in adults with relapsed or refractory (R/R) Philadelphia chromosome-negative (Ph^-) B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) relative to standard-of-care chemotherapy. A secondary objective of this study was to assess the impact of blinatumomab on health-related quality of life (HRQL) as measured by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30). This analysis included the 342 of 405 randomized patients for whom baseline and ≥1 postbaseline result were available in any EORTC multi-item scale or single-item measure. In general, patients receiving blinatumomab (n = 247) reported better posttreatment HRQL across all QLQ-C30 subscales, based on descriptive mean change from baseline, than did those receiving chemotherapy (n = 95). The hazard ratios for time to deterioration (TTD) of ≥10 points from baseline in HRQL or death ranged from 0.42 to 0.81 in favor of blinatumomab, with the upper bounds of the 95% confidence interval <1.0 across all measures, except insomnia, social functioning, and financial difficulties; sensitivity analysis of TTD in HRQL without the event of death were consistent with these findings. When treatment effect over time was tested using a restricted maximum likelihood-based mixed model for repeated measures analysis, P < .05 was reached for blinatumomab vs chemotherapy for all subscale measures except financial difficulties. The clinically meaningful benefits in overall survival and HRQL support the clinical value of blinatumomab in patients with R/R Ph^- BCP-ALL when compared with chemotherapy. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02013167.

Longitudinal health-related quality of life analysis in oncology with time to event approaches, the STATA command qlqc30_TTD

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become one relevant and available alternative endpoint of clinical trials in cancer research to evaluate efficiency of care both for the patient and health system. HRQoL in oncology is mainly assessed using the 30-item European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life-Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). The EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire is usually assessed at different times along the clinical trials in order to analyze the kinetics of HRQoL evolution and to fully assess the impact of the treatment on the patient's HRQoL level. In this perspective, the realization of a longitudinal HRQoL analysis is essential and the time to HRQoL score deterioration approach is a method which is more and more used in clinical trials.

METHOD

Using the Stata software, we developed a QLQ-C30 specific command, qlqc30_TTD, which implements longitudinal strategies based on the time to event methods by considering the time to HRQoL score deterioration. This user-written command providing automatic execution of the Time To Deterioration (TTD) and Time Until Definitive Deterioration (TUDD) methods.

RESULT

The program implements all published definitions and provides the Kaplan-Meier curves for each dimension (by group) and a table with the Hazard Ratio and Log-Rank test.

CONCLUSION

The longitudinal analysis of HRQoL data in cancer clinical trials remains complex with only few programs like ours computed. This program will be of great help and will allow a more systematic and quicker analysis of the HRQoL data in clinical trials in oncology.

Systematic review and consensus definitions for standardised endpoints in perioperative medicine: postoperative cancer outcomes

BACKGROUND

The Standardising Endpoints for Perioperative Medicine group was established to derive an appropriate set of endpoints for use in clinical trials related to anaesthesia and perioperative medicine. Anaesthetic or analgesic technique during cancer surgery with curative intent may influence the risk of recurrence or metastasis. However, given the current equipoise in the existing literature, prospective, randomised, controlled trials are necessary to test this hypothesis. As such, a cancer subgroup was formed to derive endpoints related to research in onco-anaesthesia based on a current evidence base, international consensus and expert guidance.

METHODS

We undertook a systematic review to identify measures of oncological outcome used in the oncological, surgical, and wider literature. A multiround Delphi consensus process that included up to 89 clinician-researchers was then used to refine a recommended list of endpoints.

RESULTS

We identified 90 studies in a literature search, which were the basis for a preliminary list of nine outcome measures and their definitions. A further two were added during the Delphi process. Response rates for Delphi rounds one, two, and three were 88% (n=9), 82% (n=73), and 100% (n=10), respectively. A final list of 10 defined endpoints was refined and developed, of which six secured approval by ≥70% of the group: cancer health related quality of life, days alive and out of hospital at 90 days, time to tumour progression, disease-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival (and 5-yr overall survival).

CONCLUSION

Standardised endpoints in clinical outcomes studies will support benchmarking and pooling (meta-analysis) of trials. It is therefore recommended that one or more of these consensus-derived endpoints should be considered for inclusion in clinical trials evaluating a causal effect of anaesthesia-analgesia technique on oncological outcomes.

Effect of Neoadjuvant Therapy and Rectal Surgery on Health-related Quality of Life in Patients With Rectal Cancer During the First 2 Years After Diagnosis

INTRODUCTION

Rectal cancer surgery with neoadjuvant therapy is associated with substantial morbidity. The present study describes the course of quality of life (QOL) in rectal cancer patients in the first 2 years after the start of treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a prospective study within a colorectal cancer cohort including rectal cancer patients who were referred for neoadjuvant chemoradiation or short-course radiotherapy and underwent rectal surgery. QOL was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer core questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and colorectal cancer questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-CR29) before treatment and after 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The outcomes were compared with the QOL scores from the Dutch general population and stratified by low anterior resection and abdominoperineal resection. Postoperative bowel dysfunction after low anterior resection was measured using the low anterior resection syndrome score.

RESULTS

Of the 324 patients, 272 (84%) responded to at least 2 questionnaires and were included in the present study. Compared with pretreatment levels, the strongest decline was observed in physical, role, and social functioning at 3 and 6 months after the start of treatment. Global health and cognitive functioning declined to a lesser extend, and emotional functioning gradually improved over the time. Within 24 months, the QOL scores had recovered toward the pretreatment levels in most patients. Compared with the general population, physical, role, social, and cognitive functioning and symptoms of fatigue and insomnia remained significantly worse in patients on longer-term. After low anterior resection, major bowel dysfunction was reported by 44% to 60% of the patients. Increasing urinary incontinence and severe complaints of impotence were observed in patients who had undergone abdominoperineal resection.

CONCLUSION

Rectal cancer treatment is associated with a significant decline in QOL during the first 6 months after the diagnosis. Within 2 years, most patients return toward pretreatment functioning but could still experience poorer functioning and treatment-related symptoms compared with the general population. These findings support shared decision-making and emphasize the need for postoperative supportive care and novel treatment approaches.

The impact of postoperative complications on health-related quality of life in older patients with rectal cancer; a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

As result of the aging population and increasing rectal cancer incidence, more older patients undergo treatment for rectal cancer. This study compares treatment course, postoperative complications, and quality of life (QOL) between older and younger patients with rectal cancer and evaluates the impact of postoperative complications on QOL in the elderly.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with rectal cancer participating in a prospective colorectal cancer cohort and referred for radiotherapy between 2013 and 2016 were included. QOL was assessed with the cancer questionnaire of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLQ-C30) before treatment and at three, six, and twelve months. Outcomes were compared between older patients (≥70years) and younger patients (<70years) and stratified by presence of postoperative complications.

RESULTS

In total, 115 (33%) older patients and 230 (67%) younger patients were included. Compared to younger patients, older patients underwent significantly more often short-course radiation with delayed surgery (6.1% and 19.1% respectively) and less often chemoradiation (62.6% and 39.1% respectively), and were more likely to undergo a Hartmann procedure with permanent stoma (3.5% and 13.0% respectively) instead of sphincter-sparing surgery (43.9% and 29.6% respectively). Postoperative complication rates were similar (38.5% in older patients versus 34.7% in younger patients). Older patients had worse physical functioning at six and twelve months after diagnosis compared to younger patients. Presence of postoperative complications had a significant stronger impact on physical- and role functioning in older patients.

CONCLUSION

Older patients undergo more often a tailored treatment approach for rectal cancer than younger patients. With this tailored approach, similar postoperative complication rates and QOL are achieved. However, postoperative complications have a larger negative impact on physical- and role functioning in older patients which indicates a need for better prediction of postoperative complications in the elderly.

Patient-reported outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia: Where are we now?

Outcomes for acute myeloid leukemia remain poor, and treatment decisions must consider not just quantity, but also quality of life (QOL). We conducted a systematic review of studies in patients with acute myeloid leukemia or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome that incorporated patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures. PubMed and PsycINFO were searched for articles published from January 2000 through June 2016. Forty-one were relevant for our review with more published in recent years. There was considerable inter-study heterogeneity in which instruments were used, and many studies employed multiple (often overlapping) instruments. Longitudinal studies in particular suffered from both high attrition rates due to disease-related mortality as well as waning compliance with questionnaire completion. There remain significant challenges to incorporation of PROs into leukemia trials. Despite these limitations, however, well-implemented PROs can provide important information beyond objective response outcomes and highlight areas of focus for clinicians caring for patients and for future research endeavors.

How health-related quality of life assessment should be used in advanced colorectal cancer clinical trials

Traditionally, the efficacy of cancer treatment in patients with advance or metastatic disease in clinical studies has been studied using overall survival and more recently tumor-based end points such as progression-free survival, measurements of response to treatment. However, these seem not to be the relevant clinical end points in current situation if such end points were no validated as surrogate of overall survival to demonstrate the clinical efficacy. Appropriate, meaningful, primary patient-oriented and patient-reported end points that adequately measure the effects of new therapeutic interventions are then crucial for the advancement of clinical research in metastatic colorectal cancer to complement the results of tumor-based end points. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is effectively an evaluation of quality of life and its relationship with health over time. HRQoL includes the patient report at least of the way a disease or its treatment affects its physical, emotional and social well-being. Over the past few years, several phase III trials in a variety of solid cancers have assessed the incremental value of HRQoL in addition to the traditional end points of tumor response and survival results. HRQoL could provide not only complementary clinical data to the primary outcomes, but also more precise predictive and prognostic value. This end point is useful for both clinicians and patients in order to achieve the dogma of precision medicine. The present article examines the use of HRQoL in phase III metastatic colorectal cancer clinical trials, outlines the importance of HRQoL assessment methods, analysis, and results presentation. Moreover, it discusses the relevance of including HRQoL as a primary/co-primary end point to support the progression-free survival results and to assess efficacy of treatment in the advanced disease setting.

Health-related quality of life results from the PRODIGE 5/ACCORD 17 randomised trial of FOLFOX versus fluorouracil-cisplatin regimen in oesophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

A recent prospective randomised trial did not reveal significant differences in median progression-free survival between two chemoradiotherapy (CRT) regimens for inoperable non-metastatic oesophageal cancer patients. This secondary analysis aimed to describe the impact of CRT on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), physical functioning, dysphagia, fatigue and pain and to evaluate whether baseline HRQOL domains can predict overall survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 267 patients were randomly assigned to receive with 50 Gy of radiotherapy in 25 fractions six cycles of FOLFOX or four cycles of fluorouracil and cisplatin on day 1. HRQOL was prospectively assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire version 3.0 with the oesophageal cancer module (QLQ-OES18).

RESULTS

Both groups showed high baseline compliance. Subsequently, compliance reduced to 41% at the 6-month follow-up. Baseline HRQOL scores showed no statistical differences between treatment arms. During treatment, both groups exhibited lower physical and social functioning and increased fatigue and dyspnoea, although dysphagia moderately improved in the fluorouracil-cisplatin arm only (p = 0.047). During follow-up, HRQOL scores revealed no significant differences between chemotherapy regimens. Linear mixed model exhibited a treatment-by-time interaction effect for dysphagia (p = 0.017) with a greater decrease in dysphagia in the fluorouracil-cisplatin group. Time until definitive deterioration analysis showed no significant differences in global HRQOL, functional or main symptom domains. However, time until definitive deterioration was significantly longer for the fluorouracil and cisplatin arm compared with FOLFOX for appetite loss (p = 0.002), QLQ-OES-18 pain (p = 0.008), trouble swallowing saliva (p = 0.011) and trouble talking (p = 0.020).

CONCLUSION

Analyses of HRQOL scores revealed no statistically significant differences between patients with inoperable non-metastatic oesophageal cancer treated by FOLFOX versus those treated with a fluorouracil-cisplatin regimen as part of definitive CRT.