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Acta Medica Okayama Jun 2024We report a case of a large vestibular schwannoma in an 80-year-old female patient that shrank after palliative Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKS). Neurological symptoms...
We report a case of a large vestibular schwannoma in an 80-year-old female patient that shrank after palliative Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKS). Neurological symptoms included hearing deterioration and facial palsy. The tumor volume was 21.9 mL. Craniotomy was considered high-risk, and conventional GKS was risky, owing to the risk of transient enlargement. Therefore, GKS was performed on only a portion of the tumor. The marginal dose (12 Gy) volume was 3.8 mL (17.4%). The tumor began to shrink after transient enlargement. Sixty months later, the tumor volume was only 3.1 mL, and the patient was able to maintain independent activities of daily living without salvage treatment.
Topics: Humans; Radiosurgery; Female; Aged, 80 and over; Neuroma, Acoustic; Palliative Care
PubMed: 38902220
DOI: 10.18926/AMO/67207 -
Chest Jun 2024Cognitive and physical limitations are common in individuals with chronic lung diseases, but their interactions with physical function and activities of daily living are... (Review)
Review
Translating the Interplay of Cognition and Physical Performance in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Interstitial Lung Disease: Meeting Report and Literature Review.
TOPIC IMPORTANCE
Cognitive and physical limitations are common in individuals with chronic lung diseases, but their interactions with physical function and activities of daily living are not well characterized. Understanding these interactions and potential contributors may provide insights on disability and enable more tailored rehabilitation strategies.
REVIEW FINDINGS
This review summarizes a 2-day meeting of patient partners, clinicians, researchers, and lung associations to discuss the interplay between cognitive and physical function in people with chronic lung diseases. This report covers four areas: 1) cognitive-physical limitations in patients with chronic lung diseases, 2) cognitive assessments, 3) strategies to optimize cognition and motor control and 4) future research directions. Cognitive and physical impairments have multiple effects on quality of life and daily function. Meeting participants acknowledged the need for a standardized cognitive assessment to complement physical assessments in patients with chronic lung diseases. Dyspnea, fatigue, and age were recognized as important contributors to cognition that can affect motor control and daily physical function. Pulmonary rehabilitation was highlighted as a multidisciplinary strategy that may improve respiratory and limb motor control through neuroplasticity, and has the potential to improve physical function and quality of life.
SUMMARY
There was consensus that cognitive function and the cognitive interference of dyspnea in people with chronic lung diseases contribute to motor control impairments that can negatively impact daily function, which may be improved with pulmonary rehabilitation. The meeting generated several key research questions related to cognitive-physical interactions in individuals with chronic lung diseases.
PubMed: 38901488
DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2024.05.027 -
Cureus May 2024In "graying" populations with extended lifespans and survivable forms of cancer, palliative services become increasingly important but may be difficult to introduce into... (Review)
Review
In "graying" populations with extended lifespans and survivable forms of cancer, palliative services become increasingly important but may be difficult to introduce into public discourse, public policy, and healthcare systems. Latin America (LATAM) faces many challenges as it introduces and, in some cases, develops its palliative care programs; though the challenges faced here are in many ways universal ones, LATAM approaches may be unique and based on the region's specific culture, politics, and economics. This narrative review based on a literature search identified 10 main themes that can be interpreted as challenges and opportunities for palliative care in LATAM. These challenges are integrating palliation into healthcare systems; public policy and funding; therapeutic obstinacy; changing demographics; access to services; analgesia; the role of religion, spirituality, and folk medicine; social determinants of palliative care; low health literacy; and limited clinician training. Some of the LATAM nations have palliative programs and palliative care training in place while others are developing these systems. Integrating this care into existing healthcare and reimbursement systems has been a challenge. A notable challenge in LATAM is also access to care since palliative programs tend to cluster in metropolitan areas and create hardships for rural citizens to access them. The better-defined role of familial caregivers and telehealth may be important factors in the expansion of palliative care in LATAM and beyond.
PubMed: 38899235
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60698 -
Kidney International Reports Jun 2024[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2024.02.1225.].
Erratum to "WCN24-966 THE EFFECT OF HOME-BASED TELE-EXERCISE ON ANEMIA IN PERITONEAL DIALYSIS PATIENTS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL" [ Volume 9, Issue 4, Supplement, April 2024, Page S584].
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2024.02.1225.].
PubMed: 38899209
DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2024.04.032 -
Cancer Medicine Jun 2024Nutritional impairment is associated with treatment toxicity and worse overall survival in patients with cancer. We aimed to (1) evaluate the association of nutritional... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Nutritional impairment is associated with treatment toxicity and worse overall survival in patients with cancer. We aimed to (1) evaluate the association of nutritional impairment with psychological health and quality of life (QOL) and (2) examine which measures of nutrition had the strongest association with psychological health and QOL among older adults receiving cancer treatment with palliative intent.
METHODS
This secondary analysis was performed on baseline data from a nationwide cluster randomized clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02107443; PI: Mohile). Adults age ≥70 with advanced cancer and ≥1 geriatric assessment (GA) impairment were enrolled from 2014 to 2017. In line with geriatric oncology standards, we defined nutritional impairment as Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF) ≤11, body mass index (BMI) <21 kg/m, or >10% involuntary weight loss in the past 6 months. We conducted multivariable linear regressions to evaluate the association of nutritional impairment with each measure of psychological health and QOL: Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15, range 0-15), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7, range 0-21), NCCN Distress Thermometer (NCCN DT, range 0-10), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G, range 0-108). Analyses were adjusted for patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and GA.
RESULTS
Among 541 patients, the mean age was 77 (range 70-96) and 60% had nutritional impairment. Mean baseline scores: GDS-15 3.1 (SD 2.7), GAD-7 2.9 (SD 4.0), NCCN DT 2.9 (SD 2.7), and FACT-G 80 (SD 15). In the adjusted model, compared to those with no nutritional impairment, older adults with nutritional impairment had greater depression (β = 0.79, 95% CI 0.36-1.23) and anxiety severity (β = 0.86, 95% CI 0.19-1.53), and worse QOL (β = -6.31, 95% CI -8.62 to -4.00). Of the measures of nutrition, MNA-SF ≤11 demonstrated the strongest associations with depression, anxiety, distress, and QOL.
CONCLUSION
Nutritional impairment is associated with impaired psychological health and worse QOL. Clinicians should use the MNA-SF to screen older adults for nutritional impairment and offer tailored supportive interventions.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Aged; Male; Female; Neoplasms; Geriatric Assessment; Aged, 80 and over; Nutritional Status; Mental Health; Nutrition Assessment; Malnutrition; Palliative Care; Depression
PubMed: 38898664
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7348 -
Palliative Medicine Jun 2024Palliative care for people experiencing homelessness is a complex field. Due to the intricate nuances and heterogeneity in the experience of palliative care for people...
Development of the TIFFIN recommendations for co-producing palliative and end-of-life care research with individuals with lived experience of homelessness: A qualitative study.
BACKGROUND
Palliative care for people experiencing homelessness is a complex field. Due to the intricate nuances and heterogeneity in the experience of palliative care for people without secure housing, it is essential that research is informed by people with lived experience of homelessness. However, as homelessness is often associated with loss, trauma and high levels of exposure to death, any co-production of research, particularly in the field of palliative and end-of-life-care, must be trauma-informed.
AIM
To produce recommendations for co-producing palliative and end-of-life-care research with people with lived experience of homelessness.
DESIGN
A qualitative study comprising semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Data were analysed using iterative, reflexive thematic analysis.
SETTING/PARTICIPANTS
Twenty-seven participants were recruited. Sixteen professionals with experience of co-producing research with people with lived experience of homelessness; eleven people with lived experience of homelessness.
RESULTS
Six key themes were developed: transparency, importance of engagement and rapport, facilitating equitable involvement via person centred approach, financial recognition of involvement, involvement and growth through a trauma-informed approach and navigating institutional resistance and attitudes. Recommendations corresponding to the core themes were developed (TIFFIN recommendations).
CONCLUSIONS
Co-production of palliative care research with people with lived experience of homelessness is essential, but must be done carefully and sensitively. As a population with high levels of premature morbidity and mortality yet low access to palliative care, the TIFFIN recommendations could help to support the involvement of people with lived experience of homelessness in palliative and end-of-life-care care research.
PubMed: 38898648
DOI: 10.1177/02692163241259667 -
Cell Reports. Medicine Jun 2024Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most fatal form of lung cancer. Intratumoral heterogeneity, marked by neuroendocrine (NE) and non-neuroendocrine (non-NE) cell...
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most fatal form of lung cancer. Intratumoral heterogeneity, marked by neuroendocrine (NE) and non-neuroendocrine (non-NE) cell states, defines SCLC, but the cell-extrinsic drivers of SCLC plasticity are poorly understood. To map the landscape of SCLC tumor microenvironment (TME), we apply spatially resolved transcriptomics and quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics to metastatic SCLC tumors obtained via rapid autopsy. The phenotype and overall composition of non-malignant cells in the TME exhibit substantial variability, closely mirroring the tumor phenotype, suggesting TME-driven reprogramming of NE cell states. We identify cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) as a crucial element of SCLC TME heterogeneity, contributing to immune exclusion, and predicting exceptionally poor prognosis. Our work provides a comprehensive map of SCLC tumor and TME ecosystems, emphasizing their pivotal role in SCLC's adaptable nature, opening possibilities for reprogramming the TME-tumor communications that shape SCLC tumor states.
Topics: Tumor Microenvironment; Humans; Small Cell Lung Carcinoma; Lung Neoplasms; Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts; Neuroendocrine Tumors; Neuroendocrine Cells; Female; Male; Prognosis
PubMed: 38897168
DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101610 -
Breast (Edinburgh, Scotland) May 2024This manuscript describes the Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC) international consensus guidelines updated at the last two ABC international consensus conferences (ABC 6 in...
This manuscript describes the Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC) international consensus guidelines updated at the last two ABC international consensus conferences (ABC 6 in 2021, virtual, and ABC 7 in 2023, in Lisbon, Portugal), organized by the ABC Global Alliance. It provides the main recommendations on how to best manage patients with advanced breast cancer (inoperable locally advanced or metastatic), of all breast cancer subtypes, as well as palliative and supportive care. These guidelines are based on available evidence or on expert opinion when a higher level of evidence is lacking. Each guideline is accompanied by the level of evidence (LoE), grade of recommendation (GoR) and percentage of consensus reached at the consensus conferences. Updated diagnostic and treatment algorithms are also provided. The guidelines represent the best management options for patients living with ABC globally, assuming accessibility to all available therapies. Their adaptation (i.e. resource-stratified guidelines) is often needed in settings where access to care is limited.
PubMed: 38896983
DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2024.103756 -
Health Expectations : An International... Jun 2024To explore the experiences, acceptability and utility of a decision aid for family carers of people with dementia towards the end of life.
OBJECTIVES
To explore the experiences, acceptability and utility of a decision aid for family carers of people with dementia towards the end of life.
METHODS
We conducted semi-structured interviews with a sample of family carers enroled into a 6-month feasibility study in England, sampling to gain a range of experiences and views, based on relationship to person they cared for (e.g., spouse, adult child), age, gender, and self-reported use of the decision aid during the feasibility study. Interviews were conducted in March 2021-July 2021 and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. We used COREQ checklist to report our methods and results.
RESULTS
Family carers found the decision aid acceptable, describing it as comprehensive, accessible with relevant information and its presentation enabled good engagement. Experiences of the decision aid covered four main themes which demonstrated the perceived acceptability and utility: 1. A source of support and reassurance; 2. Empowering conversations and confidence; 3. Including the person living with dementia; and 4. Breaking down complexity.
CONCLUSIONS
An aid focussing on decisions about dementia end of life care supported family carers break down complex and emotive decisions, not only with making decisions in the moment but also in future planning.
PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION
Our three Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) members (all former family carers) were crucial throughout the wider study. PPI supported development of the topic guides, supported trialling the topic guide and interview procedures and finally supported the development of themes as part of the analysis.
Topics: Humans; Dementia; Female; Male; Caregivers; Qualitative Research; Terminal Care; Aged; Middle Aged; Decision Support Techniques; Interviews as Topic; England; Decision Making; Feasibility Studies; Adult; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38896012
DOI: 10.1111/hex.14123 -
EJHaem Jun 2024Understanding the impact of induction and maintenance therapy on patients' quality of life (QoL) is important for treatment selection. This study aims to compare...
QoL during KTd or KRd induction followed by K maintenance or observation in transplant noneligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: Longitudinal and cross-sectional analysis of the randomized AGMT 02 study.
Understanding the impact of induction and maintenance therapy on patients' quality of life (QoL) is important for treatment selection. This study aims to compare patient-reported QoL between patients treated with KTd or KRd induction therapy and K maintenance therapy or observation. QoL was assessed using the EORTC QOL-C 30 and QOL-MY20 questionnaires in the AGMT-02 study, in which 123 patients with newly diagnosed transplant ineligible multiple myeloma were randomized to nine cycles of either KTd or KRd induction therapy, followed by 12 cycles of K maintenance therapy, or observation. Longitudinal assessments showed statistically significant improvements in global health-related QoL, various disease symptoms and pain for both treatment regimens. KTd improved insomnia and fatigue, and KRd improved physical functioning. Cross-sectional comparisons indicated a "slight" superiority of KTd over KRd in several scales, with the exception of higher neuropathy scores with KTd. During maintenance, longitudinal comparisons showed no statistically significant changes. Cross-sectional comparisons revealed a "slight" improvement in cognitive functioning during carfilzomib therapy, but a worsening in most other QoL scales. Induction therapy led to improvements in most QoL items, while maintenance therapy with K maintenance was associated with "slight" or "moderate" impairments in several QoL scales compared with the observation group.
PubMed: 38895059
DOI: 10.1002/jha2.925