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Dhawale T, Johnson PC, Boateng K, Barata A, Traeger L, Nelson AM, Lavoie MW, Holmbeck K, Choe J, Nabily A, Tripathi A, Amonoo HL, Frigault M, El-Jawahri A. Communication About Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell (CAR-T) Therapy. Transplant Cell Ther 2024; 30:402.e1-402.e12. [PMID: 38262530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2024.01.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of patients with hematologic malignancies, yet treatment may coincide with the potential for life-threatening toxicities. Currently, no studies have investigated how oncologists communicate with patients about CAR-T therapy or what patients and their caregivers want to know prior to consenting for CAR-T therapy. This study characterizes the content of oncologist communication with patients and caregivers about the risks and benefits of CAR-T therapy and explore the information preferences of patients and their caregivers about CAR-T therapy. We conducted a multimethod study of 20 patients with hematologic malignancies referred for CAR-T therapy at the Massachusetts General Hospital and 10 caregivers. We audio recorded the initial outpatient visit with the oncologist to review and sign consent for CAR-T therapy. We subsequently surveyed patients and caregivers about information gaps that remained after consent. We then interviewed patients and caregiver about their perceptions of oncologist communication and information preferences after the consent visit, 1 month, and 3 months post-CAR-T therapy treatment. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using the framework approach. Six major themes regarding communication about CAR-T therapy were identified: (1) oncologists create a narrative of power and innovation about CAR-T therapy, (2) oncologists set clear expectations regarding CAR-T therapy, (3) oncologists preferentially discuss positive treatment outcomes and less frequently address treatment failures or uncertainties, (4) oncologists couple their discussion about risks of CAR-T therapy with assurances about risk mitigation strategies, (5) oncologists engage in empathetic communication throughout the consent visit, (6) patients and caregivers vary in their preferences regarding communication about CAR-T therapy but largely favor a positive discourse during the consent visit and (7) patients who completed CAR-T therapy and their caregivers report significant knowledge gaps during and after treatment. Overall, patients and caregivers felt well informed about CAR T-therapy yet identified communication gaps regarding, advanced care planning, treatment failure and treatment toxicities. A predominantly positive discourse between patients, caregivers, and oncologists around CAR-T therapy leaves patients and caregivers with significant knowledge gaps about negative outcomes. Further research is needed to help oncologists communicate about treatment uncertainties and help patients and their caregivers prepare for negative outcomes of CAR-T therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejaswini Dhawale
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - P Connor Johnson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kofi Boateng
- Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anna Barata
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lara Traeger
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ashley M Nelson
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mitchell W Lavoie
- University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan School of Medicine, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Katherine Holmbeck
- Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joanna Choe
- Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anisa Nabily
- Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Astha Tripathi
- Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hermioni L Amonoo
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Matt Frigault
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Areej El-Jawahri
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Ruff SM, Stevens L, Bressler L, Khatri R, Sarna A, Ejaz AM, Dillhoff M, Pawlik TM, Rose K, Cloyd JM. Evaluating the caregiver experience during neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. J Surg Oncol 2024; 129:775-784. [PMID: 38063046 DOI: 10.1002/jso.27558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neoadjuvant therapy (NT) is increasingly recommended for patients with localized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Recent research has highlighted the significant treatment burden that patients experience during NT, but caregiver well-being during NT is poorly understood. METHODS A cross-sectional mixed-methods analysis of primary caregivers of patients with localized PDAC receiving NT was undertaken. All patients completed the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) survey, while semi-structured interviews were conducted among a convenience sample of participants. RESULTS Among 28 caregivers, the mean age was 60.1 years, and most were patient spouses/significant others (71.4%). Patients had resectable (18%), borderline resectable (46%), or locally advanced (36%) PDAC with a mean treatment duration of 2.9 months at the time of their caregiver's enrollment. Most caregivers felt that they received adequate emotional/psychosocial support (80%) and understood the rationale for NT (93%). A majority (60%) reported that caregiving responsibilities impacted their daily lives and required a decrease in their work hours, leading to financial challenges (47%). While overall QOL was moderate (mean 83 ± 21.1, range 0-140), "emotional burden" (47.3 ± 20.9), and "positive adaption" (57.3 ± 13.9) were the lowest ranked CQOLC subsection scores. DISCUSSION Caregivers of patients with PDAC undergoing NT experience significant emotional symptoms and impact on their daily lives. Assessing caregiver needs and providing resources during NT should be a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Ruff
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Lena Stevens
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Luke Bressler
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Rakhsha Khatri
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Angela Sarna
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Aslam M Ejaz
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Mary Dillhoff
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Karen Rose
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jordan M Cloyd
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Wall NR, Fuller RN, Morcos A, De Leon M. Pancreatic Cancer Health Disparity: Pharmacologic Anthropology. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5070. [PMID: 37894437 PMCID: PMC10605341 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PCa) remains a formidable global health challenge, with high mortality rates and limited treatment options. While advancements in pharmacology have led to improved outcomes for various cancers, PCa continues to exhibit significant health disparities, disproportionately affecting certain populations. This paper explores the intersection of pharmacology and anthropology in understanding the health disparities associated with PCa. By considering the socio-cultural, economic, and behavioral factors that influence the development, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of PCa, pharmacologic anthropology provides a comprehensive framework to address these disparities and improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan R. Wall
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Science, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (R.N.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Ryan N. Fuller
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Science, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (R.N.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Ann Morcos
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Science, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (R.N.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Marino De Leon
- Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Science, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA;
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Zhang L, Sun T, Wu XY, Fei FM, Gao ZZ. Delineation of a SMARCA4-specific competing endogenous RNA network and its function in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:10501-10515. [PMID: 36312469 PMCID: PMC9602240 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i29.10501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy worldwide, and the mortality rate continues to rise each year. SMARCA4 expression has been associated with poor prognosis in various types of cancer; however, the specific mechanism of action of SMARCA4 in HCC needs to be fully elucidated.
AIM To explore the specific mechanism of action of SMARCA4 in HCC.
METHODS Herein, the expression level of SMARCA4 as well as its association with HCC prognosis were evaluated using transcriptome profiling and clinical data of 18 different types of cancer collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Furthermore, SMARCA4-high and -low groups were identified. Thereafter, gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed to identify the function of SMARCA4, followed by construction of a SMARCA4-specific competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network using starBase database. The role of SMARCA4 in immunotherapy and its association with immune cells were assessed using correlation analysis.
RESULTS It was observed that SMARCA4 was overexpressed and negatively correlated with prognosis in HCC. Further, SMARCA4 expression was positively associated with tumor mutational burden, microsatellite stability, and immunotherapy efficacy. The SNHG3/THUMP3-AS1-miR-139-5p-SMARCA4 ceRNA network was established and could be assumed to serve as a stimulatory mechanism in HCC.
CONCLUSION The findings of this study demonstrated that SMARCA4 plays a significant role in progression and immune infiltration in HCC. Moreover, a ceRNA network was detected, which was found to be correlated with poor prognosis in HCC. The findings of this study could contribute towards the identification of predictive markers for immunotherapy and a novel mechanism of action for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Jiaxing Second Hospital, Jiaxing 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ting Sun
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Jiaxing Second Hospital, Jiaxing 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiao-Ye Wu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Jiaxing Second Hospital, Jiaxing 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Fa-Ming Fei
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Gao
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
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