How aging of the global population is changing oncology

Ensuring safety and optimization in total joint arthroplasty of cancer patients: A comprehensive analysis of complication risks and modifiable risk factors

Aims & objectives

The primary objective of this study is to determine whether an active cancer diagnosis results in an increased risk of perioperative TJA complications and postoperative mortality. The secondary objective is to analyze the effects of demographic factors on perioperative complication rates in cancer patients undergoing TJA.

Materials & methods

Patients with active cancer diagnoses undergoing total joint arthroplasty from 2014 to 2020 were included in this retrospective analysis. Patient data was obtained through ReachNet, which consisted of data from the University Medical Center, Tulane University Medical Center, Ochsner Health System, and Baylor Scott & White Health. ICD-9/10 codes were tagged for active cancer diagnoses within 365 days before surgery or 30 days after surgery to establish our active cancer population. Acute surgical complications within 30 days were identified by ICD codes.

Results

Patient demographics included predominantly male (51.5 %), white (83 %), and non-Hispanic (96.5 %) patients followed by black individuals (15.9 %) with 47.5 % of patients being smokers. Cancer patients did have a higher acute complication rate (2.6 % vs 1.7 %), but this difference was not significant (p = .139). This difference was higher but also not significant after adjustment (aOR = 1.32, 95 % CI = 0.71-2.43, p = .377). After adjustment, increased Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), white race and non-elective surgery were significant contributors to complication risk. Complication rates decreased significantly with year. Nonelective surgeries were also associated with higher complication rates (8.2 % vs. 1.8 %, p = .014).

Conclusion

Patients with active cancer diagnoses demonstrated higher unadjusted rates of TJA acute surgical complications and increased adjusted CCI when compared to non-cancer patients. Identifying risk factors and demographics correlated with increased perioperative complications may provide physicians with necessary information to avoid negative TJA outcomes in cancer patients.

Clinical Frailty Scale versus Geriatric-8 in predicting quality of life among older adults receiving curative cancer treatment

INTRODUCTION

Frailty assessment is fundamental to geriatric oncology (GO), with GO guidelines endorsing Geriatric-8 (G8) as a frailty screening tool. Although the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) is widely used in geriatrics, no studies have examined its quality of life (QoL) utility in GO. We compare CFS and G8 in their ability to predict quality of life among older adults receiving curative cancer treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred thirteen patients (age ≥ 65 years) were recruited from a 2000-bed university-affiliated tertiary hospital between August 2020 and May 2024. Patient demographics, CFS and G8 were collected. The EORTC QLQ-ELD14 and the EQ5D-VAS were measured at start of treatment, and monthly after for 3 months. Patients were stratified by CFS or G8 and compared with QoL at various time points controlled for age, gender, BMI, and G8.

RESULTS

Using CFS, frail subjects had poorer QoL in the EORTC QLQ-ELD14 subscales for mobility (p < 0.001), joint stiffness (p < 0.001), maintaining purpose (p = 0.03), and EQ5D-VAS (p = 0.003) at start of treatment; mobility (p = 0.004 and p = 0.009) and EQ5D-VAS (p = 0.03 and p = 0.009) scores at one and 2 months. QoL scores between groups were similar at 3 months. Using G8, only EQ5D-VAS was poorer for frail subjects at start of treatment (p = 0.02). CFS remained a significant indicator of poor QoL controlled for age, gender, BMI, and G8.

CONCLUSION

CFS is a significant and better indicator of poor QoL in older adults with cancer receiving curative treatment compared to G8. Further research should explore implementation of supportive care for specific QoL deficit detected by CFS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04513977; Date 2020-08-14.

Will evidence-based patient-centred care meet the future inter-generational needs of older adults with cancer? A diverse perspective

The introduction of evidence-based patient-centred care (EBPCC) into the cancer treatment pathway requires older adults with cancer and their support networks to actively participate in the decision-making process. EBPCC is a combination of evidence-based practice (EBP) and patient-centred care (PCC). EBPCC is a healthcare approach that focuses on the needs and preferences of the patient. However, the increasingly complex nature of cancer treatment options, the heterogeneity of older adults, and the probability of comorbidities can make it a complicated and difficult task for older adults with cancer to process these options, evaluate the information presented, and determine their preferred treatment pathway. EBPCC can effectively facilitate shared decision-making in the clinic for older adults with cancer but may not fulfil the healthcare expectations of all older adults. Older adult patients newly diagnosed with cancer may expect a more holistic approach to their care, with emphasis on 'what matters most for the patient?' In this paper, we consider EBPCC and its effectiveness in building active collaboration between clinicians and older adults with cancer. We examine EBPCC from both clinician and patient perspectives and reflect on the extent that heterogeneity, comorbidities, and generational characteristics influence these perspectives. We then evaluate the cancer clinical pathway for its preparedness to meet the future needs of this heterogenous population.

Frailty in Older Adults with Prostate Cancer

Older adults with all stages of prostate cancer are prone to developing frailty. These patients should have a frailty assessment and be managed by a multidisciplinary team. Lifestyle measures and tailoring of cancer-related treatment to the patient's fitness level can help in mitigating the adverse effects of frailty.

Assessing Barriers to Cancer Screening and Early Detection in Older Adults in Saudi Arabia: A Mixed-Methods Approach to Oncology Nursing Practice Implications

BACKGROUND

Access to cancer screening services is crucial for early detection and improved survival rates, yet older adults in Saudi Arabia face significant barriers. Recent data from the Saudi Health Ministry indicate that cancer incidence in this demographic is rising, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced screening efforts. This study explores the factors influencing cancer screening behaviors among older adults in Riyadh, using a mixed-methods approach to identify and address these barriers effectively.

METHODS

The study integrated quantitative data from 100 participants aged 60 and above who attended King Saud University-affiliated healthcare centers, and qualitative insights from 20 semi-structured interviews. The Barriers to Cancer Screening Scale (BCSS) quantitatively assessed barriers, while the thematic analysis of interview data helped identify key themes.

RESULTS

Findings revealed significant barriers, categorized into three primary themes: accessibility challenges, psychological barriers, and social influences. These include logistical difficulties related to transportation and service availability, fears and anxieties regarding cancer diagnoses, and a lack of family support and cultural stigma, all of which impact participants' willingness to engage in screening.

CONCLUSION

The study underscores the multifaceted barriers faced by older adults in accessing cancer screening in Saudi Arabia. Tailored interventions that address logistical, psychological, and social factors are essential to enhance screening uptake and ensure equitable access to preventive services. These findings contribute to the ongoing discussions on public health strategies and underscore the necessity for community and healthcare provider engagement to improve cancer screening rates in this population.

Assessment of Professional Practices in the Care Pathway of Patients with Upper Aerodigestive Tract Cancer in a University Hospital

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the alignment between treatment decisions made during multidisciplinary team meetings (MTMs) and the treatments received by patients with upper aerodigestive tract cancers. The secondary objective was to identify factors influencing potential discrepancies.

METHODS

This retrospective, single-center study was conducted at a tertiary referral center and included 147 patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract. Patients were divided into two groups based on the match between MTM-decided and actual treatments. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess factors independently associated with discrepancies.

RESULTS

Out of 147 patients, 28 (19%) received treatment that did not align with MTM decisions. Among these, eight died before treatment, one patient refused care, five received supportive care, five patients underwent surgery, three received radiotherapy alone, one patient underwent surgery and adjuvant radiochemotherapy, one patient underwent surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy alone, three patients received radiochemotherapy, and one patient received palliative chemotherapy. Independent significant factors associated with non-concordance included poor performance status (PS) and treatment not received at a tertiary reference center. Treatment shifts mainly involved downgrading from curative to palliative care.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the importance of patient health status in determining deviations from MTM decisions. Further efforts should focus on improving the integration of patient comorbidities and health status into MTM decision-making to optimize care delivery.

Prioritizing Patient-Centered Care in a World of Increasingly Advanced Technologies and Disconnected Care

With more treatment options in oncology lead to better outcomes and more favorable side effect profiles, patients are living longer-with higher quality of life-than ever, with a growing survivor population. As the needs of patients and providers evolve, and technology advances, cancer care is subject to change. This review explores the myriad of changes in the current oncology landscape with a focus on the patient perspective and patient-centered care.

Antibody-Drug Conjugates and Their Potential in the Treatment of Patients with Biliary Tract Cancer

Background: Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are aggressive in nature, often presenting asymptomatically until they are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Surgical resection or liver transplantation are potential curative options. However, a large proportion of patients present with incurable locally advanced or metastatic disease and most of these patients are only eligible for palliative chemotherapy or best supportive care. More recently, targeted therapies have proven beneficial in a molecularly selected subgroup of patients with cholangiocarcinoma who have progressed on previous lines of systemic treatment. However, only a minority of patients with BTCs whose tumours harbour specific molecular alterations can access these therapies. Methods: In relation to ADCs, studies regarding use of antibody-drug conjugates in cancer, particularly in BTCs, were searched in Embase (1974 to 2024) and Ovid MEDLINE(R) (1946 to 2024) to obtain relevant articles. Examples of current clinical trials utilising ADC treatment in BTCs were extracted from the ClinicalTrials.gov trial registry. Conclusions: Overall, this review has highlighted that ADCs have shown encouraging outcomes in cancer therapy, and this should lead to further research including in BTCs, where treatment options are often limited. The promising results observed with ADCs in various cancers underscore their potential as a transformative approach in oncology, warranting continued exploration and development and the need for education on the management of their specific toxicities. By addressing current challenges and optimising ADC design and application, future studies could potentially improve treatment outcomes for patients with BTCs and beyond, potentially in both early and advanced stage settings.

A Synergistic Strategy Combining Chemotherapy and Photodynamic Therapy to Eradicate Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer among men in the United States and is a leading cause of cancer-related death. Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has been established as a biomarker for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to develop a novel theranostic agent, PSMA-1-MMAE-Pc413, which integrates a PSMA-targeting ligand, the photosensitizer Pc413, and the microtubular inhibitor monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) for synergistic therapeutic efficacy. In vitro uptake studies revealed that PSMA-1-MMAE-Pc413 demonstrated selective and specific uptake in PSMA-positive PC3pip cells but not in PSMA-negative PC3flu cells, with the uptake in PC3pip cells being approximately three times higher. In vitro cytotoxicity assays showed that, when exposed to light, PSMA-1-MMAE-Pc413 had a synergistic effect, leading to significantly greater cytotoxicity in PSMA-positive cells (IC50 = 2.2 nM) compared to PSMA-1-Pc413 with light irradiation (IC50 = 164.9 nM) or PSMA-1-MMAE-Pc413 without light irradiation (IC50 = 12.6 nM). In vivo imaging studies further demonstrated the selective uptake of PSMA-1-MMAE-Pc413 in PC3pip tumors. In in vivo studies, PSMA-1-MMAE-Pc413 dramatically improves the therapeutic outcome for prostate cancer by providing a synergistic effect that surpasses the efficacy of each treatment modality alone in PC3pip tumors. These findings suggest that PSMA-1-MMAE-Pc413 has strong potential for clinical application in improving prostate cancer treatment.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Geriatric-Specific Cancer Rehabilitation Programs on Patient Health Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated a specialized rehabilitation program's impact on senior cancer patients' quality of life.

METHODS

one hundred and thirty patients aged ≥65 years with various cancer types undergoing/recovering from treatment were enrolled in oncology clinics in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. The intervention arm (n=65) participated in a tailored geriatric cancer rehabilitation program. The control group (n=65) received standard oncology care. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) tool assessed the quality of life across physical, social, emotional, and functional domains. T-tests and multivariate regression analyses compared outcomes.

RESULT

Total FACT-G scores showed a significantly higher quality of life for the geriatric cancer rehabilitation group versus standard care. Rehabilitation patients also demonstrated meaningful improvements across physical, social, and functional subscales. Rehabilitation involvement was the most predictive factor for optimized outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Specialized geriatric cancer rehabilitation meaningfully improved several quality of life domains in older patients over standard care. Despite persistent barriers, rehabilitation programming optimized older cancer patients' physical and psychosocial health. Oncology and geriatrics must collaborate to ensure evidence-based rehabilitation access meets older cohorts' unique needs.

Outcomes of Multimodal Treatment in Elderly Patients with Localized Non-Small Lung Cancer from a Radiation Oncology Point of View: Special Focus on Low-Dose Cisplatin

Identification of the optimal treatment strategy is challenging in elderly with localized non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Concurrent chemotherapy with low-dose cisplatin represents an option for elderly. Outcomes (1) in elderly (≥70 years, n = 158) vs. younger patients (n = 188) and (2), independently of age, in definitive radiochemotherapy, with low-dose cisplatin (n = 125) vs. cisplatin/vinorelbine (n = 76) were studied. Elderly included more males, had a lower Karnofsky index, more comorbidities, and lower stages. Low-dose cisplatin patients (vs. cisplatin/vinorelbine) had higher age, more comorbidities, and lower stages. We observed reduced dermatitis and dysphagia and increased anemia and thrombocytopenia in elderly vs. younger patients, without increased ≥grade 3 toxicities. Low-dose cisplatin was less toxic than cisplatin/vinorelbine. Survival outcomes were lower in elderly vs. younger and comparable between low-dose cisplatin and cisplatin/vinorelbine. In elderly, gender, Karnofsky index, stage, and multimodal treatment (including additional surgery/systemic therapy) were identified as prognostic factors. In conclusion, we found evidence for an acceptable toxicity profile and the need for improvement of outcomes in elderly with localized NSCLC. Multimodal strategies (including additional surgery/systemic treatment) showed favorable outcomes and should be reasonably considered in elderly who are deemed fit enough. Low-dose cisplatin should be discussed on an individual basis due to favorable toxicity and outcomes.

Breast cancer screening and diagnosis in older adults women in Brazil: why it is time to reconsider the recommendations

Introduction

Breast cancer screening in women of 70 years of age or older remains controversial due to a lack of studies that include women of this age.

Methods

This ecological study evaluated data from the Brazilian National Health Service (SUS) on breast cancer screening and staging in this age group compared to 50-69-year olds, for Brazil as a whole and for its geographical regions, between 2013 and 2019. A secondary database was obtained from the outpatient data system of the SUS's Informatics Department, the Brazil Oncology Panel, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, the Supplementary Health Agency and the Online Mortality Atlas.

Results

There was a marked reduction in screening in women ≥70 years of age (annual percent change [APC] -3.5; p < 0.001) compared to those of 50-69 years of age (APC-2.2; p = 0.010). There was a trend towards an increase in clinical staging, with a greater occurrence of stages III and IV in the ≥70 group (44.3%) compared to the women of 50-69 years of age (40.8%; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Considering the increasing age of the Brazilian population and the heterogeneity among older adults women, screening for the over-70s within the SUS merits greater debate insofar as the implementation of public policies is concerned.

Computational pathology in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction - present day and prospects

Computational pathology refers to applying deep learning techniques and algorithms to analyse and interpret histopathology images. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have led to an explosion in innovation in computational pathology, ranging from the prospect of automation of routine diagnostic tasks to the discovery of new prognostic and predictive biomarkers from tissue morphology. Despite the promising potential of computational pathology, its integration in clinical settings has been limited by a range of obstacles including operational, technical, regulatory, ethical, financial, and cultural challenges. Here, we focus on the pathologists' perspective of computational pathology: we map its current translational research landscape, evaluate its clinical utility, and address the more common challenges slowing clinical adoption and implementation. We conclude by describing contemporary approaches to drive forward these techniques. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.