Pretreatment Patient-reported Overall Health: A Prognostic Factor for Early Overall Mortality After Primary Curative Treatment of Prostate Cancer

Background and objective

Registry-based studies for prostate cancer (PCa) document higher overall mortality (OM) after high-dose radiotherapy (RT) than after radical prostatectomy (RP). Our aim was to explore the association between pretreatment patient-reported health ("OverallHealth": OH) and curative treatment type, and the impact on early OM.

Methods

New PCa patients registered between 2017 and 2019 in the Cancer Registry of Norway (n = 1949) completed the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Core 30 (QLQ-C30) questionnaire before RP (n = 592) or RT (n = 610) or after allocation to active surveillance (AS; n = 747). We dichotomised the QLQ-C30 summary score to classify patients with un-impaired versus impaired OH. Standard univariable and multivariable analyses with treatment type or OM as the outcome were conducted. The mean observation time was 4.7 years (standard deviation 1.0). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Key findings and limitations

Impaired OH was more frequent in the RT group (38%) than in the RP (25%) or AS (28%) group (p < 0.001). Higher age, higher risk group, and impaired OH increased the probability of undergoinRT rather than RP (p < 0.001). Impaired OH was associated with a twofold higher early OM rate in the RT group (16% vs 8%; p = 0.009) and fourfold higher OM rate in the AS group (13% vs 3%; p < 0.001). These findings remained significant in Cox regression analyses controlled for age and risk group. After RP, only locally advanced high-risk tumours were significantly associated with OM. Unknown psychometrics for the OH variable is the main study limitation.

Conclusions and clinical implications

Pretreatment patient-reported impaired OH, measured as the QLQ-C30 summary score, was positively associated with allocation to RT or AS and is a prognostic factor for early OM. Before allocation to RT or AS, elderly patients with PCa should be screened and treated for health problems that can be remedied. Future studies should determine the psychometrics of the QLQ-C30 summary score in comparison to established frailty screening instruments.

Patient summary

Patient-reported scores reflecting their overall health can help in choosing curative treatment for prostate cancer and are associated with survival during the first 5 years after treatment.

Decompression-first or direct enucleation: The choice of treatment for medium-sized odontogenic jaw cysts

BACKGROUND

The treatment of medium-sized odontogenic jaw cysts is inconsistent at present. Two main treatments, namely decompression and enucleation, are used overlappingly. This retrospective analysis aims to provide useful references for technique selection for future management of medium-sized odontogenic jaw cysts.

METHODS

Odontogenic cysts with lesion sizes ranging 2-4 cm were included. The clinical and radiological data of the patients were reviewed. Decompression-first and direct enucleation treatments were the two main surgical techniques. The preoperative parameters and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Out of 69 patients included, 40 (58 %) were in the decompression group and 29 (42 %) in direct enucleation group. The logistic regression analysis of preoperative parameters demonstrated that the maximum lesion size and the chief surgeon's preference could affect the selection of surgical techniques for medium-sized cysts (P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses demonstrated that a lesion size >2.5 cm was the best cutoff value for predicting a decompression selection. Most postoperative outcomes differed significantly between the two groups (P < 0.05). Lower-risk anesthesia, shorter hospitalization, tooth function protection, and fewer neurosensory impairments were decompression-favoring outcomes. However, more follow-up visits, more postoperative X-rays, and longer postoperative care were outcomes against decompression. The recurrence rate was low and did not differ significantly between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There is no apparent preference for treating medium-sized jaw cysts. The maximum lesion size is a moderate-impact factor for treatment selection. A tendency to prefer decompression-first with larger lesion size was found in medium-sized jaw cysts. The advantages of teeth preservation and low neurosensory impairment of decompression were verified in the medium-size jaw cysts. The burden of postoperative care should be considered when selecting decompression.

Allopathic Medicine Practitioners' perspectives on facilitating disclosure of traditional medicine use in Gauteng, South Africa: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Traditional medicine (TM) plays a key role in maintaining health in many societies. Given the requirement for TM disclosure, Allopathic Medicine Practitioners (AMPs) must encourage open communication with patients to persuade those who use TM to disclose. Addressing patient non-disclosure of TM requires this dialogue to be facilitated. We sought to understand and describe how South African AMPs facilitate disclosure of TM use during a consultation with patients who use both TM and allopathic medicine (AM) and how it influences the patients' willingness to disclose TM use.

METHODS

This qualitative exploratory descriptive study on AMPs at Gauteng district public hospitals in South Africa was conducted between 2021 and 2022. Non-probability purposive sampling was employed to select a sample of 14 AMPs. Individual participants were encouraged to share their unique experiences and interpretations of the phenomenon concerning TM use disclosure. The raw transcribed textual data were processed using ATLAS.ti, and inductive content analysis was undertaken following the coding of the content to identify categories.

RESULTS

The data revealed four major categories: 'providing a suitable atmosphere for disclosure,' 'encouraging patients to disclose TM usage to AMPs,' 'patient autonomy,' and 'AMP training'. During a consultation with patients who use both TM and AM, participants expressed their experiences and perceptions of TM nondisclosure. They also discussed several methods for encouraging patients to disclose their TM usage, particularly when TM is used concurrently with AM.

CONCLUSION

This study expands on previously reported findings by describing how South African AMPs facilitate the disclosure of TM use during consultation. Many AMPs struggle to initiate TM conversations with their patients which results in non-disclosure. This study revealed that integrating TM into AM training programmes, promoting cross-practice, and creating a safe environment is necessary for the development and application of the most appropriate approaches that would assist in facilitating disclosure.

Novel androgen receptor inhibitors for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: Current application and future perspectives

Androgen receptor (AR) signaling is essential in prostate cancer treatment. For many years, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been primarily applied to manage advanced prostate cancer. However, most individuals with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) administered ADT alone are at risk of developing metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in less than two years. New approaches employing novel AR inhibitors (ARi) as intensified upfront systemic treatment in mHSPC have recently demonstrated substantial benefits in delaying disease progression and prolonging overall survival. Administration of novel ARi has become the new standard of care in mHSPC. The new landscape simultaneously makes treatment choice more challenging. This review provides comprehensive data on molecular structure, pharmaceutical properties, and efficacy and safety profiles reported by pivotal clinical trials. We also discuss future directions with ongoing Phase III trials of novel ARi in mHSPC. Considering these biological and clinical insights, this review aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of differences in the development and applications of novel ARi for mHSPC, which may be helpful in designing strategies for first-line treatment choices.

Clinicians' views of prescribing oral and intravenous bisphosphonates for osteoporosis: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Bisphosphonate medications, including alendronate, ibandronate and risedronate administered orally and zoledronate, administered intravenously, are commonly prescribed for the treatment of osteoporosis based on evidence that, correctly taken, bisphosphonates can improve bone strength and lead to a reduction in the risk of fragility fractures. However, it is currently unclear how decisions to select between bisphosphonate regimens, including intravenous regimen, are made in practice and how clinicians support patients with different treatments.

METHODS

This was an interpretivist qualitative study. 23 semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with a sample of general practitioners (GPs), secondary care clinicians, specialist experts as well as those providing and leading novel treatments including participants from a community intravenous (IV) zoledronate service. Data analysis was undertaken through a process of iterative categorisation.

RESULTS

The results report clinicians varying experiences of making treatment choices, as well as wider aspects of osteoporosis care. Secondary care and specialist clinicians conveyed some confidence in making treatment choices including on selecting IV treatment. This was aided by access to diagnostic testing and medication expertise. In contrast GPs reported a number of challenges in prescribing bisphosphonate medications for osteoporosis and uncertainty about treatment choice. Results also highlight how administering IV zoledronate was seen as an opportunity to engage in broader care practices.

CONCLUSION

Approaches to making treatment decisions and supporting patients when prescribing bisphosphonates for osteoporosis vary in practice. This study points to the need to co-ordinate osteoporosis treatment and care across different care providers.

A Systematic Review of Heterogeneity in Outcome Definition and Reporting in Localised Renal Cancer

Context

Outcomes in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are reported inconsistently, with variability in definitions and measurement. Hence, it is difficult to compare intervention effectiveness and synthesise outcomes for systematic reviews and to create clinical practice guidelines. This uncertainty in the evidence makes it difficult to guide patient-clinician decision-making. One solution is a core outcome set (COS): an agreed minimum set of outcomes.

Objective

To describe outcome reporting, definitions, and measurement heterogeneity as the first stage in co-creating a COS for localised renal cancer.

Evidence acquisition

We systematically reviewed outcome reporting heterogeneity in effectiveness trials and observational studies in localised RCC. In total, 2822 studies (randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, systematic reviews) up to June 2020 meeting our inclusion criteria were identified. Abstracts and full texts were screened independently by two reviewers; in cases of disagreement, a third reviewer arbitrated. Data extractions were double-checked.

Evidence synthesis

We included 149 studies and found that there was inconsistency in which outcomes were reported across studies and variability in the definitions used for outcomes that were conceptually the same. We structured our analysis using the outcome classification taxonomy proposed by Dodd et al. Outcomes linked to adverse events (eg, bleeding, outcomes linked to surgery) and renal injury outcomes (reduced renal function) were reported most commonly. Outcomes related to deaths from any cause and from cancer were reported in 44% and 25% of studies, respectively, although the time point for measurement and the analysis methods were inconsistent. Outcomes linked to life impact (eg, global quality of life) were reported least often. Clinician-reported outcomes are more frequently reported than patient-reported outcomes in the renal cancer literature.

Conclusions

This systematic review underscores the heterogeneity of outcome reporting, definitions, and measurement in research on localised renal cancer. It catalogues the variety of outcomes and serves as a first step towards the development of a COS for localised renal cancer.

Patient summary

We reviewed studies on localised kidney cancer and found that multiple terms and definitions have been used to describe outcomes. These are not defined consistently, and often not defined at all. Our review is the first phase in developing a core outcome set to allow better comparisons of studies to improve medical care.

Effects of race and socioeconomic status on treatment for localized renal masses in New York City

INTRODUCTION

Partial nephrectomy (PN) is the preferred treatment for localized renal masses (LRM), however its use is not uniform across patient socioeconomic (SES) factors. Our hypothesis is that the effect of increased SES on surgical management of LRMs in New York City (NYC) will not be the same for Black and White patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were identified from the New York State Cancer Registry (NYSPACED) treated for LRMs with PN or radical nephrectomy from 2004 to 2016. We identified patients' home neighborhoods through Public Use Microdata Areas (PUMA) in NYSCAPED and used a US Census SES index. Logistic regression was used to determine the association of race and SES on receipt of PN, controlling for age, ethnicity, gender, and diagnosis year.

RESULTS

On unadjusted analyses, patients from higher PUMA SES quartiles were more likely to receive PN (OR = 1.07, P < 0.05), while Black patients were less likely to receive PN as compared to White patients (OR = 0.66, P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed a significant interaction between race and SES quartile (interaction P = 0.005) such that the effect of PUMA SES on receipt of PN was modified by race. PN receipt for Black vs. White patients was significantly different within the highest SES quartile (OR = 0.44, P < 0.001), but not within the lowest.

CONCLUSION

In NYC, patients from higher SES quartile neighborhoods had significantly increased odds for receipt of PN for LRMs. As neighborhood SES quartile increased, White patients were significantly more likely to receive PN, while Black patients were not.

Disease burden and treatment sequence of polymyositis and dermatomyositis patients in Japan: a real-world evidence study

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES

Since new consensus on polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) were released in Japan, an updated evidence on treatment landscape and PM/DM burden was essential. This study evaluates treatment burden and overall treatment cost of PM/DM-related inpatient and outpatient visits, treatments, and procedures/patient/year.

METHOD

This retrospective, observational study analyzed insurance claims from Japan Medical Data Center (JMDC) database. Patients with at least one PM/DM diagnosis/one dispensation of treatment between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2019 were enrolled. Patient characteristics, treatment patterns and sequence, treatment choices, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and related costs were assessed. Chi-square test and linear regression model were used to assess impact of patient characteristics on treatment choice.

RESULTS

Patients (836/4,961) receiving a relevant treatment were analyzed. Heart disease (35%), interstitial lung disease (27%), and diabetes mellitus (26%) were frequently identified as comorbidities. Concomitant dispensation of immunosuppressants and systemic steroids was largely found in first and second line of treatment (LoT) while systemic steroids remained as single dominant treatment across all LoTs. HCRU was very low for inpatient visits (0.68 [1.43]) or rehabilitation (4.74 [14.57]). The mean (SD) number of inpatient visits decreased from first (1.23 [2.32]) to third year (0.11 [0.54]). Total mean (SD) healthcare cost per patients per year was ¥ 3,815,912 (7,412,241), with overall drug dispensation compounding to 80% of total cost.

CONCLUSIONS

High concomitant immunosuppressant and systemic steroid prescriptions in first LoT recommend early optimal treatment to manage PM/DM. Although inpatient costs are low, outpatient dispensation costs increase overall economic burden.

Patient Choice in Depression Psychotherapy: Outcomes of Patient-Preferred Therapy Versus Randomly Allocated Therapy

OBJECTIVE

Patient choice is recognized as a factor that influences clinical outcomes and treatment evaluation in mental health care. However, research on how having a choice affects patients with depression has been rare. This Dutch study examined whether patients randomly selected to choose between two types of depression psychotherapy benefited more from treatment than patients randomly assigned to an intervention.

METHODS

Data were derived from a trial of outpatients with depression who were randomly assigned to cognitive therapy (CT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), or a 2-month waitlist control condition followed by the patient's choice of CT or IPT. Treatment groups were combined into a no-choice condition (N=151), with the waitlist as the choice condition (N=31). Multilevel regression was used to compare depression severity (measured with the Beck Depression Inventory-II [BDI-II]) and general psychological distress (measured with the Brief Symptom Inventory [BSI]) posttreatment and at the 5-month follow-up. Differences in patients' pretreatment expectations, beliefs about treatment credibility, and posttreatment evaluation were examined.

RESULTS

No significant differences in clinical outcomes were found between the choice and no-choice conditions (mean difference: BDI-II posttreatment=-0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]=-5.25 to 4.15; follow-up=2.10, 95% CI=-4.01 to 8.20; BSI posttreatment=-1.89, 95% CI=-15.35 to 11.58; follow-up=3.13, 95% CI=-12.32 to 18.57). Patients in both groups reported comparable scores on pretreatment expectations, credibility beliefs, and posttreatment evaluation. Neither expectations nor credibility beliefs were predictive of clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings did not support the value of patient choice. Considering the exploratory nature of the trial, future studies designed to examine the effects of choice in depression treatment are recommended.

Patient Choice in Depression Psychotherapy: Outcomes of Patient-Preferred Therapy Versus Randomly Allocated Therapy

OBJECTIVE

Patient choice is recognized as a factor that influences clinical outcomes and treatment evaluation in mental health care. However, research on how having a choice affects patients with depression has been rare. This Dutch study examined whether patients randomly selected to choose between two types of depression psychotherapy benefited more from treatment than patients randomly assigned to an intervention.

METHODS

Data were derived from a trial of outpatients with depression who were randomly assigned to cognitive therapy (CT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), or a 2-month waitlist control condition followed by the patient's choice of CT or IPT. Treatment groups were combined into a no-choice condition (N=151), with the waitlist as the choice condition (N=31). Multilevel regression was used to compare depression severity (measured with the Beck Depression Inventory-II [BDI-II]) and general psychological distress (measured with the Brief Symptom Inventory [BSI]) posttreatment and at the 5-month follow-up. Differences in patients' pretreatment expectations, beliefs about treatment credibility, and posttreatment evaluation were examined.

RESULTS

No significant differences in clinical outcomes were found between the choice and no-choice conditions (mean difference: BDI-II posttreatment=-0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]=-5.25 to 4.15; follow-up=2.10, 95% CI=-4.01 to 8.20; BSI posttreatment=-1.89, 95% CI=-15.35 to 11.58; follow-up=3.13, 95% CI=-12.32 to 18.57). Patients in both groups reported comparable scores on pretreatment expectations, credibility beliefs, and posttreatment evaluation. Neither expectations nor credibility beliefs were predictive of clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings did not support the value of patient choice. Considering the exploratory nature of the trial, future studies designed to examine the effects of choice in depression treatment are recommended.

Cardiac Surgeons' Treatment Approaches for Infective Endocarditis Based on Patients' Substance Use History

U.S. cardiac surgeons encounter complex decision-making when treating patients with injection drug use-associated infective endocarditis (IDU-IE). We evaluated surgeons' treatment approaches for IDU-IE compared to non-IDU-IE. This is an anonymous survey of U.S. cardiac surgeons who answered hypothetical infective endocarditis (IE) clinical scenarios that varied based on patient substance use history, addiction treatment, and history of IE. Treatment approaches were classified as operative vs nonoperative. Responses were descriptively analyzed. The survey response rate was 8.7% (n = 208). Survey respondents were mostly male (85.6%) and non-Hispanic white (67.8%), but were from all regions of the United States. Surgeons reported they would operate at similar proportions for patients with native valve non-IDU-IE (63%) and IDU-IE engaged in methadone treatment (64.5%). Most surgeons reported they would operate on patients with recurrent non-IDU-IE (93.1%) compared to only 26.4% for patients with recurrent IDU-IE (P < 0.001). Most surgeons reported they would place no limits on the number of operations for patients with recurrent non-IDU-IE (73.1%), whereas 83.5% of surgeons would limit the number of surgeries for patients with recurrent IDU-IE (P < 0.001). Most respondents reported having declined to operate on patients with IDU-IE (63.5%). Cardiac surgeons are less likely to report favoring operative management for primary and recurrent infection in patients with IDU-IE, though patient engagement in methadone treatment increased the likelihood of them taking an operative approach. There is opportunity to standardize the care, including addiction treatment, of patients with IDU-IE to optimize positive short and long-term outcomes.

Impact of first-line treatment choice on long-term outcomes of hyperthyroid Graves' disease patients with thyrotoxic periodic paralysis

Background

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a unique manifestation of Graves’ disease. While it is uncommon in Asian, it is extremely rare in Caucasian patients (0.1–0.2%). Previous studies suggested that TPP indicate more severity of Graves’ disease and definitive treatments should be used to prevent relapses.

Aim

To describe clinical features and impact of first-line treatment on long-term outcomes of TPP patients.

Method

A retrospective cohort study over 35 years (1985–2019) of TPP from Graves’ disease patients was conducted. All cases were analyzed and their clinical courses were compared between those who received anti-thyroid drugs (ATD) versus radioactive iodine (RAI) as a primary treatment. None of them underwent surgery.

Results

A total of 2964 hyperthyroid Graves’ disease patients were treated and followed-up at least 3 months over the study period. TPP was identified in 63 cases (2.1%) of all patients. There were 60 males and only 3 females with age at presentation of 35.0 ± 8.2 years. TPP was the first presentation of hyperthyroid Graves’ disease in 82.5% of them. During the acute attack of TPP, all patients presented with bilateral lower limb flaccid weaknesses with median serum potassium of 2.1 mmol/L. No fatal TPP cases were found. RAI was selected as primary treatment in 27 patients (42.9%). Nearly all RAI-treated patients rendered hypothyroidism with the median RAI dose at 15 mCi. No patients who were in remission after RAI treatment developed recurrent attack of TPP. In the remaining 36 ATD-treated patients with mean follow-up time at 9.1 years, relapse was found in 10 patients (27.8%) after the drug discontinuation and 6 patients suffered recurrent TPP. Only 8 ATD-treated TPP patients (22.2%) went into remission.

Conclusions

TPP is a rare complication of hyperthyroid Graves’ disease. Definitive treatment with RAI or thyroidectomy should be employed to prevent relapse and further attacks of TPP.

Differences in Use of Aggressive Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer in New York City

BACKGROUND

Socioeconomic factors may impact how a patient is treated for prostate cancer (CaP). Our objective was to determine if county of residence or neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics were associated with treatment for CaP in New York City (NYC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used the NYSPACED database to identify men aged 40 to 80 years with localized CaP in NYC between 2004 and 2016. We categorized patients into receiving either aggressive local therapy (ALT) or non-aggressive treatment (NT). We identified borough of residence through NYSPACED and used Public Use Microdata Area (PUMA) designation to define neighborhood characteristics using United States Census data. We hypothesized that differences exist in use of ALT according to county of residence and neighborhood characteristics. We used multivariable logistic regression to test the association between county of residence and ALT as well as between ALT and PUMA characteristics.

RESULTS

Our cohort included 40,668 patients. Overall, 80% had ALT, and 21% had NT. NT use increased over time from 16% in 2004 to 32% in 2016 (P < .001). On multivariable logistic regression, patients in Manhattan were less likely to receive ALT compared with those in other boroughs (P < .001). PUMAs with lower education attainment, larger foreign-born populations, lower crime rate, and higher median income were significantly associated with receipt of ALT (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed significant differences in use of treatment for men with newly diagnosed CaP in NYC. The ability to receive this treatment was associated with borough of residence as well as neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics. Additional research is required to identify barriers in access to NT within NYC.

Comorbidity in lung cancer patients and its association with medical service cost and treatment choice in China

Background

It is evident that comorbidity exacerbate the complexity of the management of lung cancer, however, limited research has been conducted to investigate the impact of comorbidity on health service utilization and cost, as well as the treatment choice among lung cancer patients. We examined the association of comorbidity with medical service utilization, cost and treatment choice among lung cancer patients in China.

Methods

We used claims data from China Urban Employees’ Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) and Urban Residents’ Basic Medical Insurance (URBMI) between 2013 to 2016 and data from Hospital Information System (HIS) Database in Beijing Cancer Hospital (BCH). Elixhauser Comorbidity Index was used to assess comorbidity. Negative binomial regression, generalized linear model (GLM) with a gamma distribution and a log link, and logistic regression was applied to assess the associations between comorbidity and medical service utilization, cost and treatment choice, respectively.

Results

Among 8655 patients with lung cancer, 31.3% of had at least one comorbid conditions. Having comorbidity was associated with increased number of annual outpatient visits (1.6, 95%CI: 1.3, 1.9) and inpatients admissions (0.8, 95%CI, 0.70, 0.90), increased outpatient (USD635.5, 95%CI: 490.3, 780.8) and inpatient expenditure (USD2 470.3, 95CI%: 1998.6, 2941.9), as well as increased possibility of choosing radio therapy (OR: 1.208, 95%CI:1.012–1.441) and chemotherapy (1.363, 1.196–1.554), and decreased possibility of choosing surgery (0.850, 0.730–0.989). The medical utilization and expenditure, the possibility of choosing radiotherapy increases, and the possibility of choosing surgery decreases with the increasing number of chronic conditions. There are variations in the association with medical service utilization and expenditure, and treatment choice among individuals with different types of comorbid conditions.

Conclusion

Comorbidity among lung cancer patients restricts the potential treatment choices and poses an extra substantial health care burden. Our findings provide implications for both the clinical management and health service planning and financing for lung cancer patients.

Personality and psychopathology differences between bariatric surgery candidates, subjects with obesity not seeking surgery management, and healthy subjects

PURPOSE

To explore personological and psychopathological characteristics in individuals with obesity presenting for bariatric surgery compared with individuals with obesity not seeking bariatric surgery and healthy individuals to help clinician decision for surgical treatment.

METHODS

379 participants [160 candidates for bariatric surgery (B) vs 219 not seeking bariatric surgery (NB)] and 304 healthy subjects (HS) were assessed with a battery of well-validated psychometric tests.

RESULTS

The B group showed an intermediate personality profile between HS and NB. They also exhibited lower depressive and anxiety scores. Eating and attachment impairment were found lower in the B group with respect to the NB.

CONCLUSIONS

Candidates for bariatric surgery display advantageous personality features and lower rates in psychopathology compared to other participants with obesity. These features may represent both traits facilitating the search for a bariatric treatment, and the preferred ones selected by the surgeon. Implications for clinicians addressing obese participants towards bariatric surgery and limitations concerning "impression management" are discussed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, case-control analytic study.

Intensity of Active Surveillance and Transition to Treatment in Men with Low-risk Prostate Cancer

BACKGROUND

Active surveillance (AS) is increasingly utilized for low-risk prostate cancers, to delay or avoid treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To (1) describe uptake and surveillance intensity of real-world use of AS and compare with national guidelines, and (2) describe transitions from conservative to curative treatment by different indications of disease progression.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A population-based cohort study of men diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer, in Stockholm County, Sweden, during 2008-2017. Follow-up was up to 10yr, with a median of 3.5yr.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Poisson regression was used to estimate incidence rate ratios of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and biopsies. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios of starting curative treatment.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of 6021 men with low-risk prostate cancer were included in the analysis; 3116 (52%) had AS recorded as the intended primary management (AS cohort). During 1, 2, and 3yr after diagnosis, the frequencies of at least one PSA test were 90%, 92%, and 88%, respectively, and those of postdiagnostic surveillance biopsies were 42%, 19% and 18%, respectively. During surveillance, 13% of men in the AS cohort were upgraded on rebiopsy, with Gleason upgrading being the strongest factor for starting curative treatment. One limitation is the generalizability to other populations because of differences between surveillance protocols and clinical settings.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that AS is underutilized and that monitoring differs from current guidelines. Optimization of AS protocols is important in order to increase adherence and avoid overtreatment.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Active surveillance has the potential to reduce overtreatment and avoid treatment-related side effects. Our results show that few men receive the recommended monitoring.

Should people with psychosis be supported in choosing cognitive therapy as an alternative to antipsychotic medication: A commentary on current evidence

Evidence from randomised controlled trials suggest that both antipsychotic medication and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) can be helpful to people with a diagnosis of a schizophrenia spectrum disorder. On this basis, many clinical guidelines recommend that people with psychosis should be offered both antipsychotic medication and CBT and that they should be collaboratively involved in the decisions about which treatment options they choose. The reality of service provision is often very different, with data regarding the availability of such treatment options and the extent of user involvement in decision making suggesting that medication is much more widely available and that service users are often not involved in these decisions, despite retaining decision making capacity. Many patients choose not to take antipsychotic medication, often due to inefficacy or side effects, but there is little evidence regarding whether CBT can be effective as an alternative to antipsychotic medication. However, several recent trials suggest that CBT without medication may be a safe and acceptable option for people with psychosis. The implications for clinical practice and future research are considered and it is recommended that informed choices that include the option to try CBT without antipsychotic medication are supported.

A Series of Patients with Kaposi Sarcoma (Mediterranean/Classical Type): Case Presentations and Short Update on Pathogenesis and Treatment

BACKGROUND:

Kaposi’s sarcoma was first described in 1872 by Moritz Kaposi. To date, it is considered a malignant disease is originating from the endothelial cells of the lymphatic vessels believed to be infected with HHV-8. The current classification defines four major epidemiological forms of Kaposi’s sarcoma: classical, endemic, AIDS-associated, and iatrogenic.

CASE REPORT:

A 90-year-old male is presented with multiple plaques- and tumour-shaped brown-violet formations located on an erythematous-livid base in the area of both feet and both shanks. Two samples were taken from the lesions on the skin of the shanks, with histopathological examination and the subsequent immunohistochemistry showing Kaposi’s sarcoma.

CONCLUSIONS:

Kaposi sarcoma is a disease that causes difficulties both in diagnostic and therapeutic respect. The only sure way to determine the correct diagnosis is immunohistochemical staining with the anti-HHV8 antibody. Despite the wide range of systematic and local treatment options, there is still no unified algorithm and a unified strategy for the treatment of Kaposi’s sarcoma.

Factors Influencing Men's Choice of and Adherence to Active Surveillance for Low-risk Prostate Cancer: A Mixed-method Systematic Review

CONTEXT

Despite support for active surveillance (AS) as a first treatment choice for men with low-risk prostate cancer (PC), this strategy is largely underutilised.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review barriers and facilitators to selecting and adhering to AS for low-risk PC.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We searched PsychINFO, PubMed, Medline 2000-now, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central databases between 2002 and 2017 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. The Purpose, Respondents, Explanation, Findings and Significance (PREFS) and Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) quality criteria were applied. Forty-seven studies were identified.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Key themes emerged as factors influencing both choice and adherence to AS: (1) patient and tumour factors (age, comorbidities, knowledge, education, socioeconomic status, family history, grade, tumour volume, and fear of progression/side effects); (2) family and social support; (3) provider (speciality, communication, and attitudes); (4) healthcare organisation (geography and type of practice); and (5) health policy (guidelines, year, and awareness).

CONCLUSIONS

Many factors influence men's choice and adherence to AS on multiple levels. It is important to learn from the experience of other chronic health conditions as well as from institutions/countries that are making significant headway in appropriately recruiting men to AS protocols, through standardised patient information, clinician education, and nationally agreed guidelines, to ultimately decrease heterogeneity in AS practice.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We reviewed the scientific literature for factors affecting men's choice and adherence to active surveillance (AS) for low-risk prostate cancer. Our findings suggest that the use of AS could be increased by addressing a variety of factors such as information, psychosocial support, clinician education, and standardised guidelines.

Patient Experience After Receiving a Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer in the USA

PURPOSE

This study investigated the patient perspective during cancer treatment and throughout the survivorship period and to understand how the patient experience may be related to choices for the treatment of gastric cancer.

METHODS

Eligible patients in the Vector Oncology electronic medical records database were ≥18 years of age, diagnosed with gastric cancer, and received active treatment. Quality of life (QOL) was collected using the Patient Care Monitor (PCM). Time to deterioration in QOL and overall survival were measured, adjusting for demographic and baseline clinical characteristics. Logistic regression model and classification and regression trees (CART) were used to identify factors associated with treatment choice.

RESULTS

There were 776 patients in this study, of whom 301 (38.8%) reported QOL data. Most patients reported problems on all PCM subscales; problems were more common during the treatment period. Median time to deterioration of PCM subscales ranged from 42 days for treatment side effects to 331 days for impaired performance. Median survival was low: 6.9 and 5.5 months from the start of first- and second-line therapy, respectively. The choices made between therapeutic options were primarily associated with the site at which the oncologist practiced.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with gastric cancer report a considerable number of concerns on all subscales of the PCM, particularly during active treatment periods. The treatment heterogeneity and relative lack of clinical and symptom- or QOL-related factors associated with treatment choice suggest a gap in evidence that must be filled.

Treatment decision-making in chronic diseases: What are the family members' roles, needs and attitudes? A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to examine the roles of family members (FMs) in treatment decision-making for adult patients without cognitive or psychiatric disorders affecting their ability to participate in decision-making.

METHODOLOGY

A comprehensive, systematic search of the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, PubMed and ScienceDirect databases, with relevant keywords, was conducted. Two authors evaluated the eligibility of the studies independently, then cross-checked for accuracy. The quality of included studies were assessed using standardized criteria.

RESULTS

Out of the 12.137 studies identified, 40 were included. Results highlighted the different roles and influences FMs have in the decision-making process. Moreover, several factors ranging from personal to cultural and family-related factors influence their level of involvement. Regardless of the illness, some similarities in family influence exist (e.g., social support). However, the type of family involvement varies according to the illness, the treatment choice and the patients' culture.

CONCLUSION

FMs have an important role in the decision-making process. In fact, the final decision is often made by the patients after consulting their families. FMs can support both patients and medical teams, and thus facilitate the process.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Physicians should include FMs in treatment decision-making when the patients and their FMs wish to be included.

Impact of a robotic surgical system on treatment choice for men with clinically organ-confined prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Introducing a new surgical technology may affect behaviors and attitudes of patients and surgeons about clinical practice. Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) was approved in 2012 in Japan. We investigated whether the introduction of this system affected the treatment of organ-confined prostate cancer (PCa) and the use of radical prostatectomy (RP).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective multicenter study on 718 patients with clinically determined organ-confined PCa treated at one of three Japanese academic institutions in 2011 (n = 338) or 2013 (n = 380). Two patient groups formed according to the treatment year were compared regarding the clinical characteristics of PCa, whether referred or screened at our hospital, comorbidities and surgical risk, and choice of primary treatment.

RESULTS

Distribution of PCa risk was not changed by the introduction of RALP. Use of RP increased by 70% (from 127 to 221 cases, p < 0.0001), whereas the number of those undergoing radiotherapy or androgen deprivation therapy decreased irrespective of the disease risk of PCa. Increased use of RP (from 34 to 100 cases) for intermediate- or high-risk PCa patients with mild perioperative risk (American Society of Anesthesiologists score 2) accounted for 70% of the total RP increase, whereas the number of low- or very low-risk PCa patients with high comorbidity scores (Charlson Index ≥ 4) increased from 8 to 25 cases, accounting for 18%. Use of expectant management (active surveillance, watchful waiting) in very low-risk PCa patients was 15% in 2011 and 12% in 2013 (p = 0.791).

CONCLUSIONS

Introduction of a robotic surgical system had little effect on the risk distribution of PCa. Use of RP increased, apparently due to increased indications in patients who are candidates for RP but have mild perioperative risk. Although small, there was an increase in the number of RPs performed on patients with severe comorbidities but with low-risk or very low-risk PCa.

Factors Associated with Men's Assessment of Prostate Cancer Treatment Choice

The objective of this study is to examine factors among a group of African American and White men in North Carolina and their assessment of prostate cancer treatment choice or belief that treatment chosen was best. A sample of men (N = 877) with a history of prostate cancer diagnosis was recruited from the North Carolina Cancer Registry during 2007-2008 and asked to participate in a telephone interview covering several measures about their initial prostate cancer treatment. Logistic regression was used to assess demographic, psychosocial, and clinical factors on whether they felt that they had chosen the best treatment for the disease. Respondents were majority White (52.7 %), married (75.9 %), and had surgery (67.9 %) as their initial treatment. At the bivariate level, factors associated with the belief that the treatment chosen was best were as follows: White race/ethnicity, higher levels of education, a more recent treatment date, having health insurance coverage, type of treatment received, higher levels of bother from side effects, greater contentment with their quality of life, and doctor discussions of the various treatment options. Similarly, the multivariate analysis showed increased odds of belief that the treatment chosen was the best among demographic (i.e., race/ethnicity, level of education, and health insurance coverage) as well as psychosocial and clinical variables (i.e., greater bother from side effects, greater contentment with their quality of life, and initial treatment received). Results suggest that demographic, psychosocial, and clinical factors play an important role for men in assessing their treatment choices for prostate cancer.

Factors Impacting Treatment Choice in the First-Line Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

INTRODUCTION

To investigate the factors that affect the choice of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or its oral alternative, capecitabine, as first-line treatment in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

Patients treated with 5-FU or capecitabine for CRC between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2013 in a teaching hospital in the Sydney metropolitan area, Australia were identified using the hospital's database MOSAIQ^®. The electronic medical record of each patient was manually reviewed to extract factors potentially affecting treatment choice. Logistic regression was used to assess which patient and/or treatment factors could explain the choice between 5-FU or capecitabine. Where it was available in the medical correspondence, the explicit reason for the choice made was extracted.

RESULTS

170 CRC patients were included; 119 on 5-FU, and 51 on capecitabine. The odds of receiving capecitabine as a first-line treatment were positively associated with giving patients a choice in the decision (OR = 17.51, 95% CI: 5.37-57.08). Qualitative data suggest treatment choices were motivated by convenience (oral administration) and tolerability. Time from diagnosis to treatment commencement (OR = 1.02 per month, 95% CI 1.00-1.04) was also found to be positively associated with the choice of capecitabine. The odds of being treated with capecitabine were lower for patients who lived further from the treating hospital (OR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.05-0.94).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that patient choice, favoring oral capecitabine over i.v. 5-FU, was a key factor influencing first-line treatment for CRC in this cohort. To respect their autonomy, patients should be involved in the clinical decision making process.

Patient characteristics associated with treatment choice for pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) frequently undergo more than one treatment prior to settling on their final strategy. We hypothesize that women who are younger, with worse POP and SUI symptoms will desire and choose surgical treatment.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed over 1 year identifying new patients presenting with POP and/or SUI at a university hospital. Our aim was to determine patient desire for either surgical or conservative treatment, as well as the actual treatment chosen and received after the first visit and 1 year later. To identify predictors of choice, baseline demographic characteristics were obtained.

RESULTS

Of the 203 women who met the inclusion criteria, 44.3 % (90/203) desired surgery and 55.7 % (113/203) desired conservative treatment at their first visit. Women who desired surgery were more likely to be younger (p = 0.003), sexually active (p = 0.001), have more advanced prolapse (p = 0.006), and have more bothersome symptoms (p = 0.05). Of the women who desired surgery at their first visit, 12.2 % (11/90) actually chose conservative treatment. These women were less likely to be insured (p = 0.01). By 1 year, of the women who initially desired and subsequently chose conservative treatment, 26.5 % (30/113) had undergone surgery. The women who changed from conservative to surgical treatment were more likely to be younger (p = 0.01), non-White (p = 0.03), and sexually active (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, younger, sexually active women were more likely to either opt for surgery initially or to change their treatment plan from conservative to surgical.

Examining PTSD treatment choice among individuals with subthreshold PTSD

Subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with impairment and has a prevalence rate comparable to full PTSD. Yet, little is known regarding treatment preferences among individuals with subthreshold PTSD, even though they seek trauma-related treatment at a similar rate to those with full PTSD. This study explored subthreshold diagnostic PTSD diagnostic category and treatment preference in undergraduate (N = 439) and trauma-exposed community (N = 203) samples. Participants completed the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS), viewed standardized treatment rationales, and made a hypothetical PTSD treatment choice: prolonged exposure (PE), sertraline, combination treatment, or no treatment. The PDS was used to categorize individuals into four PTSD categories: no trauma exposure, trauma exposure only, subthreshold PTSD, and full PTSD. Within the samples, 8.9% (n = 39) of undergraduates and 16.7% (n = 34) of community members met subthreshold PTSD criteria. The majority of individuals with subthreshold PTSD in each sample reported impairment, 59.0% of undergraduates and 76.5% of community members. Within subthreshold PTSD groups, the most commonly selected treatments were PE (61.5%) for undergraduates and combination treatment (47.1%) for community members. Findings underscore the necessity of further examining subthreshold PTSD, which may hold important clinical implications for treatment processes and outcomes.

Cognitive factors influencing treatment decision-making in patients with localised prostate cancer: development of a standardised questionnaire

BACKGROUND

Men diagnosed with localised prostate cancer have to make a well-informed treatment choice between (robot-assisted) radical prostatectomy, external beam radiotherapy and, in selected cases, brachytherapy and active surveillance. We developed and validated a questionnaire to determine the cognitive reasons motivating this choice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Prostate Cancer Decision-Making Questionnaire (PC-DMQ) was designed in-house and validated through the Delphi method. Finally, we tested the questionnaire in a cohort of 24 men, recently diagnosed with localised PC, before undergoing RARP (n = 16), EBRT (n = 6), brachytherapy (n = 1) or active surveillance (n = 1).

RESULTS

The experts reached consensus after three rounds. In the patient cohort, 75% of men undergoing RARP chose this treatment because 'it provides the best chance of cure'. Reasons to choose EBRT were not as explicit: 33.3% chose this treatment because 'it provides the best chance of cure' and 33.3% because 'the maintenance of potency is important to them'.

CONCLUSIONS

The PC-DMQ is a comprehensive and standardised tool that allows further research into cognitive factors that influence treatment decision-making in patients with localised PC.

Cisplatin/Pemetrexed Followed by Maintenance Pemetrexed Versus Carboplatin/Paclitaxel/Bevacizumab Followed by Maintenance Bevacizumab in Advanced Nonsquamous Lung Cancer: The GOIM (Gruppo Oncologico Italia Meridionale) ERACLE Phase III Randomized Trial

INTRODUCTION

Cisplatin with pemetrexed (CP) and carboplatin with paclitaxel and bevacizumab (CbTB) are standard first-line treatments for patients with advanced nonsquamous (NS) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Quality of life (QoL) is a key objective in the management of advanced NSCLC. Thus, effect on QoL could be an additional factor in the choice of treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with untreated stage IIIB/IV NS-NSCLC and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1 were randomized to receive first-line chemotherapy with cisplatin 75 mg/m(2) and pemetrexed 500 mg/m(2), every 3 weeks, for 6 cycles followed by maintenance pemetrexed; or carboplatin area under the curve 6, paclitaxel 200 mg/m(2), and bevacizumab 15 mg/kg, every 3 weeks, for 6 cycles followed by maintenance bevacizumab. The primary end point was the difference in QoL between the 2 treatment arms after 12 weeks of maintenance, measured using the EuroQoL 5 Dimensions-Index (EQ5D-I) and EQ5D-visual analogue scale (EQ5D-VAS).

RESULTS

One hundred eighteen patients were randomized to CP (n = 60) or CbTB (n = 58). Baseline characteristics were well balanced. The proportion of patients evaluable for the primary end point was lower than planned. After 12 weeks of maintenance, the difference between mean changes in EQ5D-I was 0.137, favoring CP (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.02 to 0.29, Wilcoxon P = .078), although not statistically significant; and the difference between mean changes in EQ5D-VAS was 0.97 (95% CI, -9.37 to 11.31, Wilcoxon P = .41).

CONCLUSION

Although the study was underpowered because of a small number of patients evaluable for the primary end point, QoL did not differ between treatment arms. Other factors such as comorbidities and schedule should be used when deciding on first-line treatment.

Are PTSD treatment choices and treatment beliefs related to depression symptoms and depression-relevant treatment rationales?

Given high rates of depression and low rates of treatment utilization among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), we examined how depression symptoms impact PTSD treatment beliefs and preference (prolonged exposure (PE), sertraline, or PE plus sertraline). We also examined whether PTSD treatment rationales tailored to individuals with symptoms of depression impact PTSD treatment preference/beliefs. Undergraduates (N = 439) were given an "imagine self" scenario where they either had symptoms of PTSD or PTSD and depression in the future. Trauma-exposed community members (N = 203) reported their own PTSD and depression symptoms. All participants watched standardized treatment rationales for PE and sertraline that were systematically manipulated to include information on depression or not. Across both samples, depression symptoms were associated with significantly increased odds of selecting combination treatment relative to PE alone. For those in the community sample who received the depression-relevant treatment rationale, higher depression symptoms were associated with significantly greater PE credibility and more positive reactions toward PE. Taken together, depression may be associated with a greater preference for combination treatment. However, treatment providers may be able to improve treatment beliefs about PE by offering a treatment rationale that explains that PE tends to help improve symptoms of PTSD and depression.

Client preferences affect treatment satisfaction, completion, and clinical outcome: a meta-analysis

We conducted a meta-analysis on the effects of client preferences on treatment satisfaction, completion, and clinical outcome. Our search of the literature resulted in 34 empirical articles describing 32 unique clinical trials that either randomized some clients to an active choice condition (shared decision making condition or choice of treatment) or assessed client preferences. Clients who were involved in shared decision making, chose a treatment condition, or otherwise received their preferred treatment evidenced higher treatment satisfaction (ESd=.34; p<.001), increased completion rates (ESOR=1.37; ESd=.17; p<.001), and superior clinical outcome (ESd=.15; p<.0001), compared to clients who were not involved in shared decision making, did not choose a treatment condition, or otherwise did not receive their preferred treatment. Although the effect sizes are modest in magnitude, they were generally consistent across several potential moderating variables including study design (preference versus active choice), psychoeducation (informed versus uninformed), setting (inpatient versus outpatient), client diagnosis (mental health versus other), and unit of randomization (client versus provider). Our findings highlight the clinical benefit of assessing client preferences, providing treatment choices when two or more efficacious options are available, and involving clients in treatment-related decisions when treatment options are not available.

Patients' preferences and trade-offs for the treatment of early stage hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Radio frequency ablation (RFA) and hepatic resection (HR) provide similar survival for early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (ES-HCC). Although RFA has a higher recurrence rate, HR is associated with an increased risk of complications and death. When multiple treatments are available, patients should be enabled to direct their preferred therapy. Yet there is lack of knowledge on patients' preferences for the treatment of ES-HCC. The objective of this study was to assess treatment preferences between HR and RFA for ES-HCC.

METHODS

A cohort of 75 cirrhotic adults was educated about the natural history of HCC, treatment options, and the risks and the benefits of HR and RFA. Probability trade-off interviews were used to elicit participants' preferences between the two treatments and strength of their decisions.

RESULTS

RFA was preferred by 70% of participants (P = 0.001) who identified the risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality of HR as the main reasons for their decision. Participants changed their minds if HR could provide better 5 (≥15%) and 3-y disease-free survival (≥10%) when compared with RFA. Their preference also changed when RFA had a median ≥8% risk for complications, ≥5% for mortality, ≥8% for nonradical therapy, and ≥5% for tumor seeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Informed cirrhotic patients prefer RFA for the treatment of ES-HCC. Participants who preferred RFA were more concerned about the risks of perioperative morbidity and mortality of HR than long-term cancer outcomes. Patients' values and attitudes toward risks and benefits for the treatment of ES-HCC should be explicitly elicited and included in multidisciplinary treatment decisions.