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Allende-Pérez SR, Sandoval-Carrera NC, Asencio-Huertas L, Rodríguez-Mayoral O, Cruz-Sánchez JJ, Verástegui-Avilés E. Utilization of medical interventions in hospitalized Mexican adults with cancer at the end of life in a referral hospital: The importance of early palliative care. Palliat Support Care 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38450451 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951524000051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the impact of early vs. late palliative care (PC) on the frequency of admissions to acute hospital settings and the utilization of end-of-life (EoL) interventions in cancer decedents. METHODS In this single-center, cross-sectional study, we examined the frequency of intensive care unit (ICU) and emergency department (ED) admissions among adult cancer decedents between 2018 and 2022 in a referral hospital in México. Additionally, we assessed EoL medical interventions, categorizing patients into 3 groups: those who received early PC (EPC), late PC (LPC), and those who did not receive PC (NPC). RESULTS We analyzed data from 1762 patients, averaging 56 ± 16.3 years old, with a predominant representation of women (56.8%). PC was administered to 45.2% of patients, but EPC was limited to only 12.3%. The median time from the initiation of PC to death was 5 days (interquartile range: 2.0-31.5). Hematological malignancies were the most prevalent, affecting 21.5% of patients. EPC recipients demonstrated notable reductions in ICU and ED admissions, as well as diminished utilization of chemotherapy, radiotherapy (RT), antibiotics, blood transfusions, and surgery when compared to both LPC and NPC groups. EPC also exhibited fewer medical interventions in the last 14 days of life, except for RT. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS The findings of this study indicate that a significant proportion of EoL cancer patients receive PC; however, few receive EPC, emphasizing the need to improve accessibility to these services. Moreover, the results underscore the importance of thoughtful deliberation regarding the application of EoL medical interventions in cancer patients.
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Blackstone EC, Daly BJ. The Need for Specialized Oncology Training for Clinical Ethicists. HEC Forum 2024; 36:45-59. [PMID: 35426566 DOI: 10.1007/s10730-022-09477-9] [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: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Numerous ethical issues are raised in cancer treatment and research. Informed consent is challenging due to complex treatment modalities and prognostic uncertainty. Busy oncology clinics limit the ability of oncologists to spend time reinforcing patient understanding and facilitating end-of-life planning. Despite these issues and the ethics consultations they generate, clinical ethicists receive little if any focused education about cancer and its treatment. As the field of clinical ethics develops standards for training, we argue that a basic knowledge of cancer should be included and offer an example of what cancer ethics training components might look like. We further suggest some specific steps to increase collaboration between clinical ethicists and oncology providers in the outpatient setting to facilitate informed consent and proactively identify ethical issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric C Blackstone
- Department of Bioethics, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, 44106, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Barbara J Daly
- Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, 44106, Cleveland, OH, USA
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de Araújo CP, Garcia ACM, Murad Júnior M. The expectations of metastatic cancer patients regarding palliative chemotherapy: A Brazilian-German qualitative study. Palliat Support Care 2024; 22:96-102. [PMID: 36606319 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951522001766] [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] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the expectations of Brazilian and German patients regarding metastatic cancer and palliative chemotherapy. METHODS Interviews with 48 metastatic cancer patients from Brazil and Germany were conducted. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using the thematic analysis approach to identify common themes. The sociodemographic data were collected using an instrument developed by the authors. RESULTS A total of 48 patients participated in the study (58% were Brazilian and 42% were German). Of all participants, 35% were men and 65% were women. The participants' mean age was 41 years. The general idea captured from the interviewees' speech was that their diseases were curable or "while there is chemotherapy, there is life"; thus, the data analysis enabled the elaboration of the central theme, entitled "Mistaken expectations of metastatic cancer patients regarding palliative chemotherapy: While there is chemotherapy, there is life," with 5 subthemes, namely: (1) communication and expectations; (2) normal life; (3) the person behind the disease; (4) religiosity and spirituality; and (5) the fortitude to choose between continuing or discontinuing treatment. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Regardless of cultural aspects, patients with metastatic cancer on palliative chemotherapy tend to believe in the healing potential of treatments. Dividing expectations only into curable or incurable is insufficient, as even patients who have acknowledged the incurability of their disease expect to live, as long as they remain under treatment as if the disease did not exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Pereira de Araújo
- First Regional Asset Recovery Coordination, Brazilian Federal Attorney General's Office, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Cláudia Mesquita Garcia
- Interdisciplinary Center for Studies in Palliative Care, School of Nursing, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Munir Murad Júnior
- Hospital das Clínicas, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Lee EM, Jiménez-Fonseca P, Galán-Moral R, Coca-Membribes S, Fernández-Montes A, Sorribes E, García-Torralba E, Puntí-Brun L, Gil-Raga M, Cano-Cano J, Calderon C. Toxicities and Quality of Life during Cancer Treatment in Advanced Solid Tumors. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:9205-9216. [PMID: 37887565 PMCID: PMC10605504 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30100665] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to identify subgroups of advanced cancer patients who experienced grade 3-4 toxicities as reported by their oncologists as well as identify the demographic, clinical, and treatment symptom characteristics as well as QoL outcomes associated with distinct profiles of each patient. A prospective, multicenter, observational study was conducted with advanced cancer patients of 15 different hospitals across Spain. After three months of systemic cancer treatment, participants completed questionnaires that evaluated psychological distress (BSI-18), quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) and fatigue (FAS). The most common tumor sites for the 557 cancer patients with a mean age of 65 years were bronchopulmonary, digestive, and pancreas. Overall, 19% of patients experienced high-grade toxicities (grade 3-4) during treatment. Patients with recurrent advanced cancer, with non-adenocarcinoma cancer, undergoing chemotherapy, and a showing deteriorated baseline status (ECOG > 1) were more likely to experience higher toxicity. Patients who experienced grade 3-4 toxicities during cancer treatment had their treatment suspended in 59% of the cases. Additionally, 87% of the patients had a dose adjustment or a cycle delayed in their treatment due to a high risk of dying during treatment. Future research should focus on identifying interventions to reduce high-grade toxicities and improve quality of life in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Mi Lee
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Jiménez-Fonseca
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, ISPA, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Rocio Galán-Moral
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, 13005 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Coca-Membribes
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Ana Fernández-Montes
- Department of Medical Oncology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense, 32005 Ourense, Spain
| | - Elena Sorribes
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Laura Puntí-Brun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Consorcio Sanitario del Maresme, 08304 Mataró, Spain
| | - Mireia Gil-Raga
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Juana Cano-Cano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, 13005 Madrid, Spain
| | - Caterina Calderon
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
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Finlayson CS, Rosa WE, Mathew S, Applebaum A, Squires A, Fu MR. Awareness of Disease Status Among Patients With Cancer: An Integrative Review. Cancer Nurs 2023; Publish Ahead of Print:00002820-990000000-00091. [PMID: 36728162 PMCID: PMC10349894 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the quality of cancer care improves, oncology patients face a rapidly increasing number of treatment options. Thus, it is vital that they are full and active partners in the treatment decision-making process. Awareness of disease status has been investigated in the literature; it has been inconsistently conceptualized and operationalized. OBJECTIVE The aim of this integrative review was to develop a conceptual definition and model of the awareness of disease status among patients with cancer. METHODS Whittemore and Knafl's integrative review methodology guided this article. We obtained data through a systematic search of 8 databases. Key terms utilized were awareness, perception, truth disclosure, diagnosis, prognosis, terminal illness, status, neoplasm, and metastasis. Dates through January 2020 were searched to capture all relevant articles. Sixty-nine articles met inclusion criteria. RESULTS The integrative review methodology guided the development of a conceptual definition and model. The concept of "awareness of disease status" was defined as the individual patient's understanding of being diagnosed and treated for cancer based on the multifactorial components of individual patient characteristics and contextually driven communication practices of healthcare providers. This understanding is dynamic and changes throughout the disease trajectory. CONCLUSION These findings will inform consistency in the literature. Such consistency may improve person-centered clinical communication, care planning practices, and, ultimately, cancer-related outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE With a greater understanding of the complexity of patients' awareness of disease status, nurses will be able to guide their patients to make informed decisions throughout their disease trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S Finlayson
- Author Affiliations: Department of PhD in Nursing, Pace University Lienhard School of Nursing, Pleasantville (Dr Finlayson and Ms Mathew); and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (Drs Rosa and Applebaum); New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing (Dr Squires), New York; and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey School of Nursing, New Brunswick, New Jersey (Dr Fu)
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Chen JJ, Roldan CS, Nichipor AN, Balboni TA, Krishnan MS, Revette AC, Chen AB, Hertan LM. Prognostic Understanding and Goals of Palliative Radiotherapy: A Qualitative Study. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 64:567-576. [PMID: 36007684 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT There is a paucity of data describing patients' expectations of goals of palliative radiotherapy (RT) and overall prognosis. OBJECTIVES To explore patients' perceptions of and preferences for communication surrounding goals of palliative RT and cancer prognosis. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study utilizing semi-structured interviews with seventeen patients with either bone or lung metastases receiving their first course of palliative RT at a comprehensive cancer center. All patient interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed. RESULTS Themes of goals of palliative RT centered on either restoration, such as through improving quality of life or minimizing pain, or on a desire to combat cancer by eliminating tumor. While most patients perceived that palliative RT would palliate symptoms but not cure their cancer, some patients believed that the goal of palliative RT was to cure. Themes that emerged surrounding patients' understanding of prognosis and what lies ahead included uncertainty and apprehension about the future, a focus on additional treatment, and confronting mortality. Most patients preferred to receive information about goals of treatment and prognosis from their doctors, including radiation oncologists, rather than other members of the medical team. Patients also expressed a desire for written patient education materials on palliative RT. CONCLUSION Unclear perceptions of goals of treatment and prognosis may motivate some patients to pursue unnecessarily aggressive cancer treatments. Patients desire prognostic information from their doctors, including radiation oncologists, who are important contributors to goals of care discussions and may improve patient understanding and well-being by using restorative rather than combat-oriented language.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Jane Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology (J.J.C.), University of San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Claudia S Roldan
- Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine (C.S.R.), Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Alexandra N Nichipor
- Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care (A.N.N.), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tracy A Balboni
- Department of Radiation Oncology (T.A.B., M.S.K.), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/ Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Monica S Krishnan
- Department of Radiation Oncology (T.A.B., M.S.K.), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/ Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anna C Revette
- Survey and Data Management Core (A.C.R.), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aileen B Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology (A.B.C.), MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lauren M Hertan
- Department of Radiation Oncology (L.M.H.), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Yahanda AT, Rich KM, Dacey RG, Zipfel GJ, Dunn GP, Dowling JL, Smyth MD, Leuthardt EC, Limbrick DD, Honeycutt J, Sutherland GR, Jensen RL, Evans J, Chicoine MR. Survival After Resection of Newly-Diagnosed Intracranial Grade II Ependymomas: An Initial Multicenter Analysis and the Logistics of Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging. World Neurosurg 2022; 167:e757-e769. [PMID: 36028106 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.08.077] [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: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify factors, including the use of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI), impacting overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) after resections of newly diagnosed intracranial grade II ependymomas performed across 4 different institutions. METHODS Analyses of a multicenter mixed retrospective/prospective database assessed the impact of patient, treatment, and tumor characteristics on OS and PFS. iMRI workflow and logistics were also outlined. RESULTS Forty-three patients were identified (mean age 25.4 years, mean follow-up 52.8 months). The mean OS was 52.8 ± 44.7 months. Univariate analyses failed to identify prognostic factors associated with OS, likely due to relatively shorter follow-up time for this less aggressive glioma subtype. The mean PFS was 43.7 ± 39.8 months. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that gross-total resection was associated with prolonged PFS compared to both subtotal resection (STR) (P = 0.005) and near-total resection (P = 0.01). Infratentorial location was associated with improved PFS compared to supratentorial location (P = 0.04). Log-rank analyses of Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that increasing extent of resection (EOR) led to improved OS specifically for supratentorial tumors (P = 0.02) and improved PFS for all tumors (P < 0.001). Thirty cases (69.8%) utilized iMRI, of which 12 (27.9%) involved additional resection after iMRI. Of these, 8/12 (66.7%) resulted in gross-total resection, while 2/12 (16.7%) were near-total resection and 2/12 (16.7%) were subtotal resection. iMRI was not an independent prognosticator of PFS (P = 0.72). CONCLUSIONS Greater EOR and infratentorial location were associated with increased PFS for grade II ependymomas. Greater EOR was associated with longer OS only for supratentorial tumors. A longer follow-up is needed to establish prognostic factors for this cohort, including use of iMRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander T Yahanda
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
| | - Keith M Rich
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ralph G Dacey
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Gregory J Zipfel
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Gavin P Dunn
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Joshua L Dowling
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Matthew D Smyth
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Eric C Leuthardt
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - David D Limbrick
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - John Honeycutt
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Garnette R Sutherland
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Calgary School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Randy L Jensen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - John Evans
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Michael R Chicoine
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Wen FH, Chou WC, Chen JS, Chang WC, Hsu MH, Tang ST. Sufficient Death Preparedness Correlates to Better Mental Health, Quality of Life, and EOL Care. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:988-996. [PMID: 35192878 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Patients can prepare for end of life and their forthcoming death to enhance the quality of dying. OBJECTIVES We aimed to longitudinally evaluate the never-before-examined associations of cancer patients' death-preparedness states by conjoint cognitive prognostic awareness and emotional preparedness for death with psychological distress, quality of life (QOL), and end-of-life care received. METHODS In this cohort study, we simultaneously evaluated associations of four previously identified death-preparedness states (no-death-preparedness, cognitive-death-preparedness-only, emotional-death-preparedness-only, and sufficient-death-preparedness states) with anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and QOL over 383 cancer patients' last six months and end-of-life care received in the last month using multivariate hierarchical linear modeling and logistic regression modeling, respectively. Minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) have been established for anxiety- (1.3-1.8) and depressive- (1.5-1.7) symptom subscales (0-21 Likert scales). RESULTS Patients in the no-death-preparedness and cognitive-death-preparedness-only states reported increases in anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms that exceed the MCIDs, and a decline in QOL from those in the sufficient-death-preparedness state. Patients in the emotional-death-preparedness-only state were more (OR [95% CI]=2.38 [1.14, 4.97]) and less (OR [95% CI]=0.38 [0.15, 0.94]) likely to receive chemotherapy/immunotherapy and hospice care, respectively, than those in the sufficient-death-preparedness state. Death-preparedness states were not associated with life-sustaining treatments received in the last month. CONCLUSION Conjoint cognitive and emotional preparedness for death is associated with cancer patients' lower psychological distress, better QOL, reduced anti-cancer therapy, and increased hospice-care utilization. Facilitating accurate prognostic awareness and emotional preparedness for death is justified when consistent with patient circumstances and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fur-Hsing Wen
- Department of International Business, Soochow University, Taiwan, China
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan, China; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan, China
| | - Jen-Shi Chen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan, China; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan, China
| | - Wen-Cheng Chang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan, China; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan, China
| | - Mei Huang Hsu
- School of Nursing, Chang Gung University, Taiwan, China
| | - Siew Tzuh Tang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan, China; School of Nursing, Chang Gung University, Taiwan, China; Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Taiwan, China.
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Paiva CE, Teixeira AC, Minto Lourenço B, Preto DD, Valentino TCDO, Mingardi M, Paiva BSR. Anticancer Treatment Goals and Prognostic Misperceptions among Advanced Cancer Outpatients. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:6272. [PMID: 35627808 PMCID: PMC9141160 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: In the context of cancer incurability, the communication processes involving clinicians and patients with cancer are frequently complex. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study that investigated outpatients with advanced cancers and their oncologists. Both were interviewed immediately after a medical appointment in which there was disease progression and/or clinical deterioration, and were asked about the patient’s chance of curability and the goals of the prescribed cancer treatment. The patients were asked whether they would like to receive information about prognosis and how they would like to receive it. The analyses of agreement on perceptions were performed using the Kappa’s test. (3) Results: the sample consisted of 90 patients and 28 oncologists. Seventy-eight (87.6%) patients answered that they wanted their oncologist to inform them about their prognosis; only 35.2% (n = 31) of them said they received such information at their present appointment. Regarding how they would prefer prognostic disclosure, 61.8% (n = 55) mentioned that the oncologist should consider ways to keep the patient’s hope up; 73% (n = 65) of the patients reported odds >50% of cure. The agreement between oncologists’ and their patients’ perceptions regarding the treatment goals and curability was slight (k = 0.024 and k = 0.017, respectively). (4) Conclusions: The perceptions of patients and their oncologists regarding the goals of treatment and their chances of cure were in disagreement. New approaches are needed to improve the communication process between oncologists and patients with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Eduardo Paiva
- Palliative Care and Quality of Life Research Group, Post-Graduate Program, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, SP, Brazil; (A.C.T.); (B.M.L.); (D.D.P.); (T.C.d.O.V.); (M.M.); (B.S.R.P.)
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, SP, Brazil
- Researcher Support Centre, Learning and Research Institute, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Clara Teixeira
- Palliative Care and Quality of Life Research Group, Post-Graduate Program, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, SP, Brazil; (A.C.T.); (B.M.L.); (D.D.P.); (T.C.d.O.V.); (M.M.); (B.S.R.P.)
| | - Bruna Minto Lourenço
- Palliative Care and Quality of Life Research Group, Post-Graduate Program, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, SP, Brazil; (A.C.T.); (B.M.L.); (D.D.P.); (T.C.d.O.V.); (M.M.); (B.S.R.P.)
| | - Daniel D’Almeida Preto
- Palliative Care and Quality of Life Research Group, Post-Graduate Program, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, SP, Brazil; (A.C.T.); (B.M.L.); (D.D.P.); (T.C.d.O.V.); (M.M.); (B.S.R.P.)
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, SP, Brazil
| | - Talita Caroline de Oliveira Valentino
- Palliative Care and Quality of Life Research Group, Post-Graduate Program, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, SP, Brazil; (A.C.T.); (B.M.L.); (D.D.P.); (T.C.d.O.V.); (M.M.); (B.S.R.P.)
| | - Mirella Mingardi
- Palliative Care and Quality of Life Research Group, Post-Graduate Program, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, SP, Brazil; (A.C.T.); (B.M.L.); (D.D.P.); (T.C.d.O.V.); (M.M.); (B.S.R.P.)
| | - Bianca Sakamoto Ribeiro Paiva
- Palliative Care and Quality of Life Research Group, Post-Graduate Program, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, SP, Brazil; (A.C.T.); (B.M.L.); (D.D.P.); (T.C.d.O.V.); (M.M.); (B.S.R.P.)
- Researcher Support Centre, Learning and Research Institute, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, SP, Brazil
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Chen CH, Wen FH, Chou WC, Chen JS, Chang WC, Hsieh CH, Tang ST. Associations of prognostic-awareness-transition patterns with end-of-life care in cancer patients' last month. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:5975-5989. [PMID: 35391576 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07007-4] [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: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer patients heterogeneously develop prognostic awareness, and end-of-life cancer care has become increasingly aggressive to the detriment of patients and healthcare sustainability. We aimed to explore the never-before-examined associations of prognostic-awareness-transition patterns with end-of-life care. METHODS Prognostic awareness was categorized into four states: (1) unknown and not wanting to know; (2) unknown but wanting to know; (3) inaccurate awareness; and (4) accurate awareness. We examined associations of our previously identified three prognostic-awareness-transition patterns during 334 cancer patients' last 6 months (maintaining accurate prognostic awareness, gaining accurate prognostic awareness, and maintaining inaccurate/unknown prognostic awareness) and end-of-life care (cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intensive care unit care, mechanical ventilation, chemotherapy/immunotherapy, and hospice care) in cancer patients' last month by multivariate logistic regressions. RESULTS Cancer patients in the maintaining-accurate-prognostic-awareness and gaining-accurate-prognostic-awareness groups had significantly lower odds of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.22 [0.06-0.78]; and 0.10 [0.01-0.97], respectively) but higher odds of hospice care (3.44 [1.64-7.24]; and 3.28 [1.32-8.13], respectively) in the last month than those in the maintaining inaccurate/unknown prognostic awareness. The maintaining-accurate-prognostic-awareness group had marginally lower odds of chemotherapy or immunotherapy received than the gaining-accurate-prognostic-awareness group (0.58 [0.31-1.10], p = .096]). No differences in intensive care unit care and mechanical ventilation among cancer patients in different prognostic-awareness-transition patterns were observed. CONCLUSION End-of-life care received in cancer patients' last month was associated with the three distinct prognostic-awareness-transition patterns. Cancer patients' accurate prognostic awareness should be facilitated earlier to reduce their risk of receiving aggressive end-of-life care, especially for avoiding chemotherapy/immunotherapy close to death. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT01912846.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Hsiu Chen
- School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Fur-Hsing Wen
- Department of International Business, Soochow University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jen-Shi Chen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Wen-Cheng Chang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chia-Hsun Hsieh
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, New Taipei Municipal TuCheng Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Siew Tzuh Tang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China. .,Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China. .,School of Nursing, Medical College, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa 1st Road, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, 333, Republic of China.
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11
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George LS, Matsoukas K, McFarland DC, Bowers JM, Doherty MJ, Kwon YS, Atkinson TM, Kozlov E, Saraiya B, Prigerson HG, Breitbart W. Interventions to Improve Prognostic Understanding in Advanced Stages of Life-Limiting Illness: A Systematic Review. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:e212-e223. [PMID: 34508816 PMCID: PMC8816856 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Among patients with advanced life-limiting illness, an inaccurate understanding of prognosis is common and associated with negative outcomes. Recent years have seen an emergence of new interventions tested for their potential to improve prognostic understanding. However, this literature has yet to be synthesized. OBJECTIVES To identify and characterize tested interventions, summarize intervention findings, and outline directions for future research. METHODS Systematic searches were conducted in five databases - PubMed/MEDLINE (NLM), EMBASE (Elsevier), CINAHL (EBSCO), PsycINFO (OVID), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Wiley) - to identify interventions evaluated within a randomized controlled design for their impact on prognostic understanding. RESULTS Of the 2354 initial articles, 12 were selected for final inclusion, representing nine unique interventions. Intervention types included decision aids accompanying medical consults, palliative care consultations, communication training for patients and physicians, and targeted discussions regarding prognosis and treatment decision making. Common components of interventions included provision of prognostic information, assistance with end-of-life care planning, and provision of decisional and emotional support during discussions. Most interventions were associated with some indication of improvement in prognostic understanding. However, even after intervention, inaccurate prognostic understanding was common, with 31-95 percent of patients in intervention groups exhibiting inaccurate perceptions of their prognosis. CONCLUSION Prognostic understanding interventions hold the potential to improve patient understanding and thus informed decision making, but limitations exist. Future research should examine why many patients receiving intervention may continue to maintain inaccurate perceptions, and identify which intervention components can best enhance informed, value-consistent decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Login S George
- Rutgers University (L.S.G., Y.S.K., E.K., B.S.), New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
| | - Konstantina Matsoukas
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (K.M., J.M.B., M.J.D., T.M.A., W.B.), New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Jennifer M Bowers
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (K.M., J.M.B., M.J.D., T.M.A., W.B.), New York, NY, USA
| | - Meredith J Doherty
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (K.M., J.M.B., M.J.D., T.M.A., W.B.), New York, NY, USA
| | - Young Suk Kwon
- Rutgers University (L.S.G., Y.S.K., E.K., B.S.), New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Thomas M Atkinson
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (K.M., J.M.B., M.J.D., T.M.A., W.B.), New York, NY, USA
| | - Elissa Kozlov
- Rutgers University (L.S.G., Y.S.K., E.K., B.S.), New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Biren Saraiya
- Rutgers University (L.S.G., Y.S.K., E.K., B.S.), New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | | | - William Breitbart
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (K.M., J.M.B., M.J.D., T.M.A., W.B.), New York, NY, USA
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12
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Dickerson JC, Ibeka P, Inoyo I, Oke OO, Adewuyi SA, Barry D, Bello A, Fasawe O, Garrity P, Habeebu M, Huang FW, Mulema V, Nwankwo KC, Remen D, Wiwa O, Bhatt AS, Roy M. Implementing Patient-Directed Cancer Education Materials Across Nigeria. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:1610-1619. [PMID: 34860566 PMCID: PMC8654433 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
As access to cancer care expands in low-income countries, developing tools to educate patients is paramount. We took a picture booklet, which was initially developed by the nonprofit Global Oncology for Malawi and Rwanda, and adapted it for use in Nigeria. The primary goal was to assess acceptability and provide education. The secondary goals were (1) to describe the collaboration, (2) to assess knowledge gained from the intervention, (3) to assess patient understanding of their therapy intent, and (4) to explore patient's experiences via qualitative analysis. In this cross-continent collaboration supported by @StanfordCIGH, low literacy-friendly cancer education booklets developed by @GlobalOnc increased awareness and knowledge about cancer treatment in 4 diverse sites in Nigeria.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Dickerson
- Department of Medicine (Hematology and Oncology), Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Paulette Ibeka
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
| | - Itoro Inoyo
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
| | | | - Sunday A Adewuyi
- Oncology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria, Nigeria
| | | | - Abubakar Bello
- Radiotherapy, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olufunke Fasawe
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Vivienne Mulema
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Owens Wiwa
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
| | - Ami S Bhatt
- Global Oncology Inc, Oakland, CA.,Department of Medicine (Hematology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation) and of Genetics, Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA.,Global Oncology, Oakland, CA
| | - Mohana Roy
- Department of Medicine, Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
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13
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Wen FH, Chou WC, Hsieh CH, Chen JS, Chang WC, Tang ST. Conjoint cognitive and emotional death-preparedness states and their changes within cancer patients' last 6 months. Psychooncology 2021; 30:691-698. [PMID: 33345399 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Cognitive prognostic awareness (PA) and emotional preparedness for death are distinct but related concepts that have rarely been investigated conjointly and without considering the dynamic nature of death preparedness. To fill this gap, this secondary-analysis study identified distinct patterns/states of death preparedness and their changes within cancer patients' last 6 months. METHODS Distinct death-preparedness states, determined by conjoint cognitive PA and emotional preparedness for death, as well as their changes between consecutive times were identified and estimated, respectively, by latent transition modeling with hidden Markov modeling among 383 cancer patients within their last 6 months. RESULTS Four death-preparedness states (prevalence) were initially identified: no death preparedness (17.1%), cognitive death preparedness only (23.3%), emotional death preparedness only (39.9%), and sufficient death preparedness (19.7%). Patients in the no-death-preparedness state had neither accurate PA nor adequate emotional preparedness for death. The sufficient-death-preparedness state was characterized by both accurate PA and adequate emotional preparedness for death. In the cognitive- and emotional-death-preparedness-only states, patients were accurately aware of their prognosis and adequately emotionally prepared for their forthcoming death only, respectively. As death approached, state prevalence fluctuated within a narrow range for the no- and sufficient-death-preparedness states, whereas prevalence of cognitive- and emotional-death-preparedness-only states increased and decreased substantially, respectively. CONCLUSION Cancer patients heterogeneously experienced conjoint cognitive PA and emotional preparedness for death, and prevalence of death-preparedness states changed substantially as death approached. Effective interventions are warranted to cultivate cognitive PA and facilitate emotional death-preparedness to improve end-of-life-care quality, thereby helping patients achieve a good death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fur-Hsing Wen
- Department of International Business, Soochow University, Suzhou, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC.,School of Medicine, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chia-Hsun Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC.,School of Medicine, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jen-Shi Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC.,School of Medicine, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Cheng Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC.,School of Medicine, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Siew Tzuh Tang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC.,Chang Gung University, School of Nursing, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC.,Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
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14
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Mojica-Márquez AE, Rodríguez-López JL, Patel AK, Ling DC, Rajagopalan MS, Beriwal S. Physician-Predicted Prognosis and Palliative Radiotherapy Treatment Utilization at the End of Life: An Audit of a Large Cancer Center Network. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 60:898-905.e7. [PMID: 32599149 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT At our institution, clinical pathways capture physicians' prognostication of patients being evaluated for palliative radiotherapy. We hypothesize a low utilization rate of long-course radiotherapy (LCRT) and stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SAbR) among patients seen at the end of life, especially those with physician-predicted poor prognosis. OBJECTIVE To analyze utilization rates and predictors of LCRT and SAbR at the end of life. METHODS A retrospective review was conducted on patients who were evaluated for palliative radiotherapy between January 2017 and August 2019 and died within 90 days of consultation. Binary logistic regression was used to identify predictors for utilization of LCRT (≥10 fractions) and SAbR. RESULTS A total of 1608 patients were identified, of which 1038 patients (64.6%) were predicted to die within a year. Six hundred ninety-three patients (66.8%) out of 1038 were prescribed LCRT or SAbR. On a multivariate analysis, patients were less likely to be prescribed LCRT if treated at an academic site (odds ratio [OR], 0.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23-0.39; P < 0.01) and treated for bone metastases (OR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.05-0.11; P < 0.01) or other nonbrain/nonbone metastases (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.13-0.30; P < 0.01). SAbR was less likely to be prescribed among patients predicted to die within a year (OR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.06-0.16; P < 0.01), treated for bone metastases (OR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.07-0.22; P < 0.01), with poor performance status (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.31-0.85; P = 0.01), and with a breast primary (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.15-0.82; P = 0.02). CONCLUSION Although most patients were predicted to have a limited prognosis, LCRT and SAbR were commonly prescribed at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joshua L Rodríguez-López
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ankur K Patel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Diane C Ling
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Sushil Beriwal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
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15
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Mojica-Márquez AE, Rodríguez-López JL, Patel AK, Ling DC, Rajagopalan MS, Beriwal S. External validation of life expectancy prognostic models in patients evaluated for palliative radiotherapy at the end-of-life. Cancer Med 2020; 9:5781-5787. [PMID: 32592315 PMCID: PMC7433812 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The TEACHH and Chow models were developed to predict life expectancy (LE) in patients evaluated for palliative radiotherapy (PRT). We sought to validate the TEACHH and Chow models in patients who died within 90 days of PRT consultation. Methods A retrospective review was conducted on patients evaluated for PRT from 2017 to 2019 who died within 90 days of consultation. Data were collected for the TEACHH and Chow models; one point was assigned for each adverse factor. TEACHH model included: primary site of disease, ECOG performance status, age, prior palliative chemotherapy courses, hospitalization within the last 3 months, and presence of hepatic metastases; patients with 0‐1, 2‐4, and 5‐6 adverse factors were categorized into groups (A, B, and C). The Chow model included non‐breast primary, site of metastases other than bone only, and KPS; patients with 0‐1, 2, or 3 adverse factors were categorized into groups (I, II, and III). Results A total of 505 patients with a median overall survival of 2.1 months (IQR: 0.7‐2.6) were identified. Based on the TEACHH model, 10 (2.0%), 387 (76.6%), and 108 (21.4%) patients were predicted to live >1 year, >3 months to ≤1 year, and ≤3 months, respectively. Utilizing the Chow model, 108 (21.4%), 250 (49.5%), and 147 (29.1%) patients were expected to live 15.0, 6.5, and 2.3 months, respectively. Conclusion Neither the TEACHH nor Chow model correctly predict prognosis in a patient population with a survival <3 months. A better predictive tool is required to identify patients with short LE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joshua L Rodríguez-López
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ankur K Patel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Diane C Ling
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Sushil Beriwal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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