-
Cancer Treatment Reviews Jan 2021The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has become standard therapy in many tumor sites. The aim of this study is to systematically review the literature to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has become standard therapy in many tumor sites. The aim of this study is to systematically review the literature to determine whether the incidence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) after the use of ICIs is associated with clinical outcomes in all solid malignancies.
METHODS
Embase and PubMed were searched from January 1st, 2000 until March 14, 2020 for relevant studies assessing the relationship between irAEs and treatment efficacy. Outcome measures of interest included: incidence of irAEs, objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).
RESULTS
Of 3384 unique citations, 51 studies met inclusion criteria. Studies included melanoma (n = 21), lung (n = 19), renal (n = 4), urothelial (n = 1), head and neck (n = 2) and gastrointestinal cancers (n = 1). In patients with metastatic melanoma (n = 1474), the development of irAEs (irAE + versus irAE-) was associated with better weighted average OS (15.24 months (95% CI 9.95 to 20.5) versus 8.94 months (95% CI 7.76 to 10.1), HR = 0.46 (n = 640, CI 0.35-0.62, p < 0.00001), PFS (17.61 months (95% CI 10.1 to 25.1) versus 2.23 months (95% CI 1.77 to 2.68), HR = 0.51 (n = 1763, CI 0.42-0.63, p < 0.00001), and ORR (37.67% (95% CI 32.8 to 42.5) versus. 23.44% (95% CI 17.8 to 29.1). Similarly, in lung cancer patients, the ORR (irAE + versus. irAE-) was 41.49% (95% CI 36.5 to 46.5) versus 18.01% (95% CI 13.5 to 22.6). The weighted average PFS and OS were 8.97 months (95% CI 7.14 to 10.8) versus 3.06 months (95% CI 2.4 to 3.72) with HR = 0.46 (n = 1575, CI 0.39-0.54, p < 0.00001) and 19.07 months (95% CI 14.3 to 23.8) versus 7.45 months (95% CI 5.34 to 9.56) HR = 0.40 (n = 1085, CI 0.30-0.51, p < 0.00001), respectively. Improved treatment efficacy in patients who developed irAEs was also seen in renal cell carcinoma, urothelial and head and neck cancers. Notably, grade 3 or 4 irAEs were associated with increased ORR but worse OS.
CONCLUSION
A positive association was noted between the development of irAEs and ORR, PFS, and OS in patients treated with ICIs, irrespective of disease site, type of ICI and irAE. Grade 3 or higher toxicities resulted in better ORR, but worse OS.
Topics: Humans; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Immunotherapy; Neoplasms; Survival Analysis
PubMed: 33302134
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2020.102134 -
JAMA Network Open Mar 2021Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30, is associated with a significant increase in the risk of many cancers and in overall mortality. However,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30, is associated with a significant increase in the risk of many cancers and in overall mortality. However, various studies have suggested that patients with cancer and no obesity (ie, BMI 20-25) have worse outcomes than patients with obesity.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the association between obesity and outcomes after a diagnosis of cancer.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were searched from inception to January 2020.
STUDY SELECTION
Studies reporting prognosis of patients with obesity using standard BMI categories and cancer were included. Studies that used nonstandard BMI categories, that were limited to children, or that were limited to patients with hematological malignant neoplasms were excluded. Screening was performed independently by multiple reviewers. Among 1892 retrieved studies, 203 (17%) met inclusion criteria for initial evaluation.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
The Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines were reporting guideline was followed. Data were extracted by multiple independent reviewers. Risk of death, cancer-specific mortality, and recurrence were pooled to provide an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% CI . A random-effects model was used for the retrospective nature of studies.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcome of the study was overall survival (OS) in patients with cancer, with and without obesity. Secondary end points were cancer-specific survival (CSS) and progression-free survival (PFS) or disease-free survival (DFS). The risk of events was reported as HRs with 95% CIs, with an HR greater than 1 associated with a worse outcome among patients with obesity vs those without.
RESULTS
A total of 203 studies with 6 320 365 participants evaluated the association of OS, CSS, and/or PFS or DFS with obesity in patients with cancer. Overall, obesity was associated with a reduced OS (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.09-1.19; P < .001) and CSS (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.12-1.23; P < .001). Patients were also at increased risk of recurrence (HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.07-1.19; P < .001). Conversely, patients with obesity and lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, or melanoma had better survival outcomes compared with patients without obesity and the same cancer (lung: HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76-0.98; P = .02; renal cell: HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.53-0.89; P = .02; melanoma: HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57-0.96; P < .001).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this study, obesity was associated with greater mortality overall in patients with cancer. However, patients with obesity and lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and melanoma had a lower risk of death than patients with the same cancers without obesity. Weight-reducing strategies may represent effective measures for reducing mortality in these patients.
Topics: Global Health; Humans; Incidence; Neoplasms; Obesity; Survival Rate
PubMed: 33779745
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.3520 -
Clinical Infectious Diseases : An... Jun 2020Bacteremia and other invasive bacterial infections are common among children with cancer receiving intensive chemotherapy and in pediatric recipients of hematopoietic...
BACKGROUND
Bacteremia and other invasive bacterial infections are common among children with cancer receiving intensive chemotherapy and in pediatric recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Systemic antibacterial prophylaxis is one approach that can be used to reduce the risk of these infections. Our purpose was to develop a clinical practice guideline (CPG) for systemic antibacterial prophylaxis administration in pediatric patients with cancer and those undergoing HSCT.
METHODS
An international and multidisciplinary panel was convened with representation from pediatric hematology/oncology and HSCT, pediatric infectious diseases (including antibiotic stewardship), nursing, pharmacy, a patient advocate, and a CPG methodologist. The panel used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to generate recommendations based on the results of a systematic review of the literature.
RESULTS
The systematic review identified 114 eligible randomized trials of antibiotic prophylaxis. The panel made a weak recommendation for systemic antibacterial prophylaxis for children receiving intensive chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia and relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Weak recommendations against the routine use of systemic antibacterial prophylaxis were made for children undergoing induction chemotherapy for ALL, autologous HSCT and allogeneic HSCT. A strong recommendation against its routine use was made for children whose therapy is not expected to result in prolonged severe neutropenia. If used, prophylaxis with levofloxacin was recommended during severe neutropenia.
CONCLUSIONS
We present a CPG for systemic antibacterial prophylaxis administration in pediatric cancer and HSCT patients. Future research should evaluate the long-term effectiveness and adverse effects of prophylaxis.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Bacteremia; Child; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Levofloxacin; Neoplasms
PubMed: 31676904
DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz1082 -
Seminars in Oncology Nursing Apr 2024This manuscript aims to provide an extensive review of the literature, synthesize findings, and present substantial insights on the current state of transitional care... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
This manuscript aims to provide an extensive review of the literature, synthesize findings, and present substantial insights on the current state of transitional care navigation. Additionally, the existing models of care, pertaining to the concept and approach to transitional care navigation, will be highlighted.
METHODS
An extensive search was conducted though using multiple search engines, topic-specific key terminology, eligibility of studies, as well as a limitation to only literature of existing relevance. Integrity of the evidence was established through a literature review matrix source document. A synthesis of nursing literature from organizations and professional publications was used to generate a comparison among various sources of evidence for this manuscript. Primary evidence sources consisted of peer-reviewed journals and publications from professional organizations such as the AHRQ, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, and the Talbot research library.
RESULTS
A total of five systematic reviews (four with meta-analysis) published between 2016 and 2022 and conducted in several countries (Brazil, Korea, Singapore, and the US) were included in this review. A combined total of 105 studies were included in the systematic reviews with 53 studies included in meta-analyses. The review of the systematic reviews identified three overarching themes: care coordination, care transition, and patient navigation. Care coordination was associated with an increase in care quality rating, increased the health-related quality of life in newly diagnosed patients, reduced hospitalization rates, reduced emergency department visits, timeliness in care, and increased appropriateness of healthcare utilization. Transitional care interventions resulted to reduced average number of admissions in the intervention (I) group vs control (C) (I = 0.75, C = 1.02) 180 days after a 60-day intervention, reduced readmissions at 6 months, and reduced average number of visits 180 days after 60-day intervention (I = 2.79, C = 3.60). Nurse navigators significantly improved the timeliness of care from cancer screening to first-course treatment visit (MD = 20.42, CI = 8.74 to 32.10, P = .001).
CONCLUSION
The care of the cancer patient entails treatments, therapies, and follow-up care outside of the hospital setting. These transitions can be challenging as they require coordination and collaboration among various health care sites. The attributes of transitional care navigation overlap with care coordination, care transition, and patient navigation. There is an opportunity to formally develop a transitional care navigation model to effectively addresses the challenges in care transitions for patient including barriers to health professional exchange of information or communication across care settings and the complexity of coordination between care settings. The transitional care navigation and clinic model developed at a free-standing NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center is a multidisciplinary approach created to close the gaps in care from hospital to home.
IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE
A transitional care navigation model aims to transform the existing perspectives and viewpoints of hospital discharge and transition of care to home or post-acute care settings as two solitary processes to that of a collective approach to care. The model supports provides an integrated continuum of quality, comprehensive care that supports patient compliance with treatment regimens, reinforces patient and caregiver education, and improves health outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Continuity of Patient Care; Neoplasms; Oncology Nursing; Patient Navigation; Transitional Care
PubMed: 38290928
DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2024.151580 -
European Journal of Surgical Oncology :... May 2022Complex surgery and radiotherapy are the central pillars of loco-regional oncology treatment. This paper describes the reimbursement schemes used in radiation and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Complex surgery and radiotherapy are the central pillars of loco-regional oncology treatment. This paper describes the reimbursement schemes used in radiation and complex surgical oncology, reports on literature and policy reviews.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic review of the literature of the reimbursement models has been carried out separately for radiotherapy and complex cancer surgery based on PRISMA guidelines. Using searches of PubMed and grey literature, we identified articles from scientific journals and reports published since 2000 on provider payment or reimbursement systems currently used in radiation oncology and complex cancer surgery, also including policy models.
RESULTS
Most European health systems reimburse radiotherapy using a budget-based, fee-for-service or fraction-based system; while few reimburse services according to an episode-based model. Also, the reimbursement models for cancer surgery are mostly restricted to differences embedded in the DRG system and adjustments applied to the fees, based on the complexity of each surgical procedure. There is an enormous variability in reimbursement across countries, resulting in different incentives and different amounts paid for the same therapeutic strategy.
CONCLUSION
A reimbursement policy, based on the episode of care as the basic payment unit, is advocated for. Innovation should be tackled in a two-tier approach: one defining the common criteria for reimbursement of proven evidence-based interventions; another for financing emerging innovation with uncertain definitive value. Relevant clinical and economic data, also collected real-life, should support reimbursement systems that mirror the actual cost of evidence-based practice.
Topics: Fee-for-Service Plans; Humans; Neoplasms; Radiation Oncology; Reimbursement Mechanisms; Surgical Oncology
PubMed: 34479744
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2021.08.018 -
Radiotherapy and Oncology : Journal of... Apr 2022Complex surgery and radiotherapy are the central pillars of loco-regional oncology treatment. This paper describes the reimbursement schemes used in radiation and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Complex surgery and radiotherapy are the central pillars of loco-regional oncology treatment. This paper describes the reimbursement schemes used in radiation and complex surgical oncology, reports on literature and policy reviews.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic review of the literature of the reimbursement models has been carried out separately for radiotherapy and complex cancer surgery based on PRISMA guidelines. Using searches of PubMed and grey literature, we identified articles from scientific journals and reports published since 2000 on provider payment or reimbursement systems currently used in radiation oncology and complex cancer surgery, also including policy models.
RESULTS
Most European health systems reimburse radiotherapy using a budget-based, fee-for-service or fraction-based system; while few reimburse services according to an episode-based model. Also, the reimbursement models for cancer surgery are mostly restricted to differences embedded in the DRG system and adjustments applied to the fees, based on the complexity of each surgical procedure. There is an enormous variability in reimbursement across countries, resulting in different incentives and different amounts paid for the same therapeutic strategy.
CONCLUSION
A reimbursement policy, based on the episode of care as the basic payment unit, is advocated for. Innovation should be tackled in a two-tier approach: one defining the common criteria for reimbursement of proven evidence-based interventions; another for financing emerging innovation with uncertain definitive value. Relevant clinical and economic data, also collected real-life, should support reimbursement systems that mirror the actual cost of evidence-based practice.
Topics: Fee-for-Service Plans; Humans; Neoplasms; Radiation Oncology; Surgical Oncology
PubMed: 34461186
DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2021.08.002 -
Critical Reviews in Oncology/hematology Aug 2023Folate metabolism is a target for various chemotherapeutic drugs. Folate and its synthetic variant folic acid are B-vitamins. To what extent these vitamins impact... (Review)
Review
Folate metabolism is a target for various chemotherapeutic drugs. Folate and its synthetic variant folic acid are B-vitamins. To what extent these vitamins impact treatment tolerance in patients with cancer remains unclear. A systematic literature review was conducted on intake and status of folate and folic acid in relation to chemotherapy-induced toxicities in children and adults with cancer. A total of 6231 publications were identified, of which 40 publications met the inclusion criteria. In 12 out of 22 studies focusing on antifolates, a deficient folate status and lower folate and folic acid intake were associated with a higher risk of toxicities. In 8 out of 14 studies focusing on fluoropyrimidine treatments, a higher folate status and intake were associated with a higher risk of toxicities. These findings might explain interindividual differences in treatment tolerance and highlight the importance of evaluating nutritional status in oncology care.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Folic Acid; Vitamin B Complex; Nutritional Status; Neoplasms; Antineoplastic Agents; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 37353179
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104061 -
Critical Reviews in Oncology/hematology Jan 2023Dyspnea is a common and distressing symptom for oncology patients.However, dyspnea is not well-characterized and often underestimated by clinicians. This systematic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Dyspnea is a common and distressing symptom for oncology patients.However, dyspnea is not well-characterized and often underestimated by clinicians. This systematic review summarizes the prevalence, intensity, distress, and impact of dyspnea in oncology patients and identifies research gaps.
METHODS
A search of all of the relevant databases was done from 2009 to May 2022. A qualitative synthesis of the extant literature was performed using established guidelines.
RESULTS
One hundred-seventeen studies met inclusion criteria. Weighted grand mean prevalence of dyspnea in patients with advanced cancer was 58.0%. Intensity of dyspnea was most common dimension evaluated, followed by the impact and distress. Depression and anxiety were the most common symptoms that co-occurred with dyspnea.
CONCLUSION
Numerous methodologic challenges were evident across studies. Future studies need to use valid and reliable measures; evaluate the impact of dyspnea; and determine biomarkers for dyspnea.
Topics: Humans; Anxiety; Dyspnea; Neoplasms; Prevalence
PubMed: 36375635
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103870 -
Seminars in Oncology Nursing Jun 2023Psychosocial care is essential in oncology to address specific cancer-related fatigue dimensions. Psychosocial interventions have been defined as nonpharmacologic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Psychosocial care is essential in oncology to address specific cancer-related fatigue dimensions. Psychosocial interventions have been defined as nonpharmacologic interventions that address psychological or social factors rather than biological mechanisms and might positively influence symptoms, quality of life, and social functioning. This systematic review of systematic reviews pooled the effects from the recent systematic reviews describing the relationships between psychosocial interventions and fatigue in adult patients with cancer, providing an overall estimate of their effect on cancer-related fatigue.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PEDro, and PsycINFO were searched from 2010 through 2022. The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The risk of bias in eligible systematic reviews was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool (ROBIS).
PROTOCOL REGISTRATION
Prospero (CRD42020194254).
CONCLUSION
Psychosocial interventions are a promising option to reduce cancer-related fatigue, albeit with short-term effects. However, further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of specific interventions within population clusters and to examine their long-term effectiveness.
IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE
Nurses play a crucial role in promoting psychosocial dimensions in cancer care. This study provides clinicians and researchers with up-to-date information on the efficacy of psychosocial interventions for reducing cancer-related fatigue overcoming the limits of several separate systematic reviews. The results might guide future research and facilitate the translation of the evidence into clinical practice, acknowledging that a gap between the unmet needs of patients with cancer and appropriate health care services still needs addressing.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Psychosocial Intervention; Quality of Life; Neoplasms; Fatigue
PubMed: 36379818
DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2022.151354 -
Cancer Medicine Dec 2023The American College of Sports Medicine provided guidelines for exercise prescriptions in cancer survivors for specific cancer- and treatment-related health outcomes.... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The American College of Sports Medicine provided guidelines for exercise prescriptions in cancer survivors for specific cancer- and treatment-related health outcomes. However, there was insufficient evidence to generate exercise prescriptions for 10 health outcomes of cancer treatment. We sought to update the state of evidence.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of these 10 understudied health outcomes (bone health, sleep, cardiovascular function, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), cognitive function, falls and balance, nausea, pain, sexual function, and treatment tolerance) and provided an update of evidence.
RESULTS
While the evidence base for each outcome has increased, there remains insufficient evidence to generate exercise prescriptions. Common limitations observed across outcomes included: variability in type and quality of outcome measurement tools, variability in definitions of the health outcomes, a lack of phase III trials, and a majority of trials investigating breast or prostate cancer survivors only.
CONCLUSION
We identified progress in the field of exercise oncology for several understudied cancer- and treatment-related health outcomes. However, we were not able to generate exercise prescriptions due to continued insufficient evidence base. More work is needed to prescribe exercise as medicine for these understudied health outcomes, and our review highlights several strategies to aid in research acceleration within these areas of exercise oncology.
Topics: Male; Humans; Cancer Survivors; Exercise; Neoplasms; Exercise Therapy; Prostatic Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38018376
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6753