Exploratory Study of Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (LORETA) Real-Time Z-Score Feedback in the Treatment of Pain in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer.

Acute pain from mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing radiation therapy (RT) is common, and may not respond well to narcotics. We used low resolution electromagnetic tomography z-score neurofeedback (LFBz) to investigate whether patients could modify brain wave activity associated with acute pain and whether this would reduce the experience of pain. HNC patients scheduled for RT had baseline pre-pain onset measures (EEG and numeric rating scale) collected before RT and then at pain onset before using analgesics, after each LFBz session and at the end of RT. Up to six sessions of LFBz training were offered over the remaining RT. Up to six 20-min sessions of LFBz were offered over the remaining RT. Data were collected before and after each LFBz session and at the end of RT. Seventeen patients recruited; fourteen were treated and reported decreased pain perception. LFBz allowed patients to modify their brain activity in predesignated areas of the pain matrix toward the direction of their baseline, pre-pain condition (including Brodmann areas (BAs) 3, 4, 5, 13, 24, and 33). LFBz can modify brain regions relevant for pain and these changes were associated with self-reported decreases in pain perception.

Insulin resistance and body composition in cancer patients.

Cancer cachexia, weight loss with altered body composition, is a multifactorial syndrome propagated by symptoms that impair caloric intake, tumor byproducts, chronic inflammation, altered metabolism, and hormonal abnormalities. Cachexia is associated with reduced performance status, decreased tolerance to chemotherapy, and increased mortality in cancer patients. Insulin resistance as a consequence of tumor byproducts, chronic inflammation, and endocrine dysfunction has been associated with weight loss in cancer patients. Insulin resistance in cancer patients is characterized by increased hepatic glucose production and gluconeogenesis, and unlike type 2 diabetes, normal fasting glucose with high, normal or low levels of insulin. Cancer cachexia results in altered body composition with the loss of lean muscle mass with or without the loss of adipose tissue. Alteration in visceral adiposity, accumulation of intramuscular adipose tissue, and secretion of adipocytokines from adipose cells may play a role in promoting the metabolic derangements associated with cachexia including a proinflammatory environment and insulin resistance. Increased production of ghrelin, testosterone deficiency, and low vitamin D levels may also contribute to altered metabolism of glucose. Cancer cachexia cannot be easily reversed by standard nutritional interventions and identifying and treating cachexia at the earliest stage of development is advocated. Experts advocate for multimodal therapy to address symptoms that impact caloric intake, reduce chronic inflammation, and treat metabolic and endocrine derangements, which propagate the loss of weight. Treatment of insulin resistance may be a critical component of multimodal therapy for cancer cachexia and more research is needed.

Insulin resistance and body composition in cancer patients.

Cancer cachexia, weight loss with altered body composition, is a multifactorial syndrome propagated by symptoms that impair caloric intake, tumor byproducts, chronic inflammation, altered metabolism, and hormonal abnormalities. Cachexia is associated with reduced performance status, decreased tolerance to chemotherapy, and increased mortality in cancer patients. Insulin resistance as a consequence of tumor byproducts, chronic inflammation, and endocrine dysfunction has been associated with weight loss in cancer patients. Insulin resistance in cancer patients is characterized by increased hepatic glucose production and gluconeogenesis, and unlike type 2 diabetes, normal fasting glucose with high, normal or low levels of insulin. Cancer cachexia results in altered body composition with the loss of lean muscle mass with or without the loss of adipose tissue. Alteration in visceral adiposity, accumulation of intramuscular adipose tissue, and secretion of adipocytokines from adipose cells may play a role in promoting the metabolic derangements associated with cachexia including a proinflammatory environment and insulin resistance. Increased production of ghrelin, testosterone deficiency, and low vitamin D levels may also contribute to altered metabolism of glucose. Cancer cachexia cannot be easily reversed by standard nutritional interventions and identifying and treating cachexia at the earliest stage of development is advocated. Experts advocate for multimodal therapy to address symptoms that impact caloric intake, reduce chronic inflammation, and treat metabolic and endocrine derangements, which propagate the loss of weight. Treatment of insulin resistance may be a critical component of multimodal therapy for cancer cachexia and more research is needed.

European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) position paper on supportive and palliative care.

Oncology has come a long way in addressing patients' quality of life, together with developing surgical, radio-oncological and medical anticancer therapies. However, the multiple and varying needs of patients are still not being met adequately as part of routine cancer care. Supportive and palliative care interventions should be integrated, dynamic, personalised and based on best evidence. They should start at the time of diagnosis and continue through to end-of-life or survivorship. ESMO is committed to excellence in all aspects of oncological care during the continuum of the cancer experience. Following the 2003 ESMO stand on supportive and palliative care (Cherny N, Catane R, Kosmidis P. ESMO takes a stand on supportive and palliative care. Ann Oncol 2003; 14(9): 1335-1337), this position paper highlights the evolving and growing gap between the needs of cancer patients and the actual provision of care. The concept of patient-centred cancer care is presented along with key requisites and areas for further work.

Differences in attitudes and beliefs toward end-of-life care between hematologic and solid tumor oncology specialists.

BACKGROUND: Patients with hematologic malignancies often receive aggressive care at the end-of-life. To better understand the end-of-life decision-making process among oncology specialists, we compared the cancer treatment recommendations, and attitudes and beliefs toward palliative care between hematologic and solid tumor specialists. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We randomly surveyed 120 hematologic and 120 solid tumor oncology specialists at our institution. Respondents completed a survey examining various aspects of end-of-life care, including palliative systemic therapy using standardized case vignettes and palliative care proficiency. RESULTS: Of 240 clinicians, 182 (76%) clinicians responded. Compared with solid tumor specialists, hematologic specialists were more likely to favor prescribing systemic therapy with moderate toxicity and no survival benefit for patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 4 and an expected survival of 1 month (median preference 4 versus 1, in which 1 = strong against treatment and 7 = strongly recommend treatment, P < 0.0001). This decision was highly polarized. Hematologic specialists felt less comfortable discussing death and dying (72% versus 88%, P = 0.007) and hospice referrals (81% versus 93%, P = 0.02), and were more likely to feel a sense of failure with disease progression (46% versus 31%, P = 0.04). On multivariate analysis, hematologic specialty [odds ratio (OR) 2.77, P = 0.002] and comfort level with prescribing treatment to ECOG 4 patients (OR 3.79, P = 0.02) were associated with the decision to treat in the last month of life. CONCLUSIONS: We found significant differences in attitudes and beliefs toward end-of-life care between hematologic and solid tumor specialists, and identified opportunities to standardize end-of-life care.

Indicators of integration of oncology and palliative care programs: an international consensus.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the concept of integrating oncology and palliative care has gained wide professional and scientific support; however, a global consensus on what constitutes integration is unavailable. We conducted a Delphi Survey to develop a consensus list of indicators on integration of specialty palliative care and oncology programs for advanced cancer patients in hospitals with ≥100 beds. METHODS: International experts on integration rated a list of indicators on integration over three iterative rounds under five categories: clinical structure, processes, outcomes, education, and research. Consensus was defined a priori by an agreement of ≥70%. Major criteria (i.e. most relevant and important indicators) were subsequently identified. RESULTS: Among 47 experts surveyed, 46 (98%), 45 (96%), and 45 (96%) responded over the three rounds. Nineteen (40%) were female, 24 (51%) were from North America, and 14 (30%) were from Europe. Sixteen (34%), 7 (15%), and 25 (53%) practiced palliative care, oncology, and both specialties, respectively. After three rounds of deliberation, the panelists reached consensus on 13 major and 30 minor indicators. Major indicators included two related to structure (consensus 95%-98%), four on processes (88%-98%), three on outcomes (88%-91%), and four on education (93%-100%). The major indicators were considered to be clearly stated (9.8/10), objective (9.4/10), amenable to accurate coding (9.5/10), and applicable to their own countries (9.4/10). CONCLUSIONS: Our international experts reached broad consensus on a list of indicators of integration, which may be used to identify centers with a high level of integration, and facilitate benchmarking, quality improvement, and research.

Testosterone replacement for fatigue in hypogonadal ambulatory males with advanced cancer: a preliminary double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Uncontrolled studies show fatigue, anorexia, depression, and mortality are associated with low testosterone in men with cancer. Testosterone replacement improves quality of life and diminishes fatigue in patients with non-cancer conditions. The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of testosterone replacement on fatigue in hypogonadal males with advanced cancer, by the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue subscale (FACIT-Fatigue) at day 29. METHODS: This is a randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled trial. Outpatients with advanced cancer, bioavailable testosterone (BT) <70 ng/dL and fatigue score >3/10 on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale were eligible. Intra-muscular testosterone or sesame seed oil placebo was administered every 14 days to achieve BT levels 70-270 ng/dL. RESULTS: Sixteen placebo and 13 testosterone-treated subjects were evaluable. No statistically significant difference was found for FACIT-fatigue scores between arms (-2 ± 12 for placebo, 4 ± 8 for testosterone, p = 0.11). Sexual Desire Inventory score (p = 0.054) and performance status (p = 0.02) improved in the testosterone group. Fatigue subscale scores were significantly better (p = 0.03) in those treated with testosterone by day 72. CONCLUSIONS: Four weeks of intramuscular testosterone replacement in hypogonadal male patients with advanced cancer did not significantly improve quality of life. Larger studies of longer duration are warranted.

Heart rate variability as a measure of autonomic dysfunction in men with advanced cancer.

Autonomic dysfunction is common in patients with cancer and may have considerable negative effects on quality of life and mortality. This study retrospectively compared heart rate variability measured by the standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) to Ewing test score, a composite score from a battery of five defined autonomic tests, in detection of autonomic dysfunction in 47 men with advanced cancer. The Ewing test score has been validated for diagnosis of autonomic dysfunction but is time-consuming and requires considerable patient co-operation; we hypothesised that SDNN, a much simpler test, is a useful alternative. The patients were categorised into three groups according to Ewing score: ≤ 2 (mild or no autonomic dysfunction), 2.5-3 (moderate) and ≥ 3.5 (severe). The SDNN (mean ± SD) for the three groups were 57.1 ± 26.9 ms 62.3 ± 22.4 ms and 37.7 ± 20.3 ms respectively. A significant negative correlation was found between Ewing score and SDNN (r = -0.40, P = 0.005). A SDNN of ≤ 40 ms had 63% sensitivity and 75% specificity in the diagnosis of severe autonomic dysfunction (i.e. Ewing score ≥ 3.5). The positive predictive value of SDNN ≤ 40 ms in predicting moderate/severe autonomic dysfunction was 89%.

The role of empathic nursing telephone interventions with advanced cancer patients: A qualitative study.

PURPOSE: Effective symptom management and provider-patient communication are critical components of quality palliative cancer care. Studies suggest nurse-telephone-interventions are feasible, acceptable and may improve the provision and satisfaction with care. However, little is known about what specific elements of nurse-telephone-interventions are most beneficial. The study's purpose was to describe the nature and key elements of therapeutic calls made by nurses to advanced cancer patients to understand what may have previously contributed to improvement in patients who received the intervention. METHODS: As part of a larger study on methylphenidate and/or a nurse-telephone-intervention for fatigue in advanced cancer patients from a tertiary hospital, nurse calls were made to 95 patients. This qualitative descriptive study used thematic analysis of transcribed telephone calls between nurses and advanced cancer patients. RESULTS: The overarching theme of these calls was supporting patients with empathy. Empathy in these conversations included nurses' efforts to understand patients' experiences, nurses communicating their understanding back to patients and nurses taking action in response to their understanding of patients' experiences. While humor and validation were used to communicate empathy, problem solving and providing support constituted the content of empathic communication. CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrates a nurse-telephone-interventions that embraced multiple components of clinical empathy. Nurse-telephone-interventions are feasible and acceptable with diverse, advanced cancer patients. The growing evidence base underscoring the numerous benefits of medical empathy may serve as a basis for adopting simple, feasible and accessible approaches such as empathic nurse-telephone-interventions in both research and clinical practice.

Postoperative MRI Evaluation of a Radiofrequency Cordotomy Lesion for Intractable Cancer Pain.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There are limited data on the use of postoperative imaging to evaluate the cordotomy lesion. We aimed to describe the cordotomy lesion by using postoperative MR imaging in patients after percutaneous cordotomy for intractable cancer pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Postoperative MR imaging and clinical outcomes were prospectively obtained for 10 patients after percutaneous cordotomy for intractable cancer pain. Area, signal intensity, and location of the lesion were recorded. Clinical outcomes were measured by using the Visual Analog Scale and the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form, and correlations with MR imaging metrics were evaluated. RESULTS: Ten patients (5 men, 5 women; mean age, 58.5 ± 9.6 years) were included in this study. The cordotomy lesion was hyperintense with central hypointense foci on T2-weighted MR imaging, and it was centered in the anterolateral quadrant at the C1-C2 level. The mean percentage of total cord area lesioned was 24.9% ± 7.9%, and most lesions were centered in the dorsolateral region of the anterolateral quadrant (66% of the anterolateral quadrant). The number of pial penetrations correlated with the percentage of total cord area that was lesioned (r = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.44-0.89; P = .008) and the length of T2-weighted hyperintensity (r = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.54-0.89; P = .002). No significant correlations were found between early clinical outcomes and quantitative MR imaging metrics. CONCLUSIONS: We describe qualitative and quantitative characteristics of a cordotomy lesion on early postoperative MR imaging. The size and length of the lesion on MR imaging correlate with the number of pial penetrations. Larger studies are needed to further investigate the clinical correlates of MR imaging metrics after percutaneous cordotomy.

Muscle electrophysiology in patients with advanced breast cancer.

Sixty-one consecutive patients with advanced breast cancer (defined as metastatic disease) and 20 normal age- and sex-matched controls were admitted to a prospective study designed to assess muscle electrophysiology. Nutritional status, lean body mass, and ultrasonographic measurement of the triceps brachialis, sternomastoid, and adductor pollicis muscles were determined in patients and controls. In addition, tumor mass and performance status were determined in the patient group. Electrophysiology of the adductor pollicis muscle was assessed during isometric voluntary maximum effort and during electrical stimulation via the ulnar nerve (80-120 V, 50-100 msec). Nutritional status, lean body mass, and ultrasonographic measurements of the triceps brachialis, sternomastoid, and adductor pollicis were not significantly different between patients and controls. Maximum strength after supramaximal stimulation at 50 Hz was 34 +/- 15 N in patients, versus 40 +/- 9 (P less than .01) N in controls. Relaxation velocity was 336 +/- 149 N/sec in patients, versus 507 +/- 251 (P = .02) N/sec in controls. Fatigue (% of initial strength after 30 sec of stimulation) was 67% +/- 22% in patients, versus 79% +/- 17% (P = .03) in controls. Muscle electrophysiology did not correlate with tumor mass or performance status. It was concluded that patients with advanced breast cancer have abnormal muscle electrophysiology that is not due to abnormal nutritional status or decreased muscle mass. More research is needed to better characterize this disorder and to better define its cause.

Patient-controlled subcutaneous hydromorphone versus continuous subcutaneous infusion for the treatment of cancer pain.

Twenty-five patients with pain due to advanced cancer were randomized to receive patient-controlled sc injections (PCIs) of hydromorphone (HM) versus continuous sc infusion (CSCI) of HM by means of a Pharmacia 5200 pump. Each self-injection of HM during PCI was equivalent to 4 hours of CSCI. After 3 days, a crossover occurred, and patients received the alternate treatment for 3 days. During both phases of the study, patients could request extra doses of HM from their nurses. In 22 patients able to be evaluated, pain intensity (visual analogue, 0-100 mm) at 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. was 31 +/- 23 and 28 +/- 18 mm, respectively, on PCI versus 28 +/- 18 and 27 +/- 17 mm, respectively, on CSCI [P = not significant (NS)]. The total dose of HM was 168 +/- 197 and 181 +/- 234 mg on PCI and CSCI, respectively (P = NS). No significant difference was found in nausea, drowsiness, or number of hours of sleep. The total number of extra doses of HM was 6 +/- 7 on CSCI versus 2 +/- 3 on PCI (P = .007). At the end of the study, patients chose PCI and CSCI in seven and 10 cases, respectively (P = NS; 5 patients expressed no preference). We conclude that both methods were similar in regard to effectiveness and toxic effects in short-term hospital use.

Drug interactions in palliative care.

PURPOSE: This review of drug interactions in palliative care examines the relevant literature in this area and summarizes the information on interactions of drugs, nutrients, and natural products that are used in the palliative care setting. Particular emphasis is placed on describing the newer information on the cytochrome P450 (CYP) system and the interactions of opioids, antidepressants, and the antitussive, dextromethorphan. METHODS: We performed a search of the MEDLINE database of the time period from 1966 until April 1998, using medical subject headings such as the names of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other relevant medications in palliative care. Literature reviewed included both human and animal articles as well as non-English literature. Bibliographies of these articles and the personal libraries of several palliative care specialists were reviewed. Software developed by The Medical Letter-The Drug Interaction Program was also used. RESULTS: Drug interactions can be categorized in several ways. Drug-drug interactions are the most well known and can be kinetic, dynamic, or pharmaceutical. Pharmacokinetic interactions can involve CYP 2D6, which acts on drugs such as codeine and is responsible for its conversion to morphine. Poor metabolizers, either genotypic or due to phenocopying, are at risk for undertreatment if not recognized. Pharmacodynamic interactions with dextromethorphan may produce serotonin syndrome. CONCLUSION: Drug interactions are important in palliative care as in other aspects of medicine. These interactions are similar to those seen in other areas of medical care but have significant consequences in pain management. Failure to recognize these interactions can lead to either overdosing or undertreatment.

Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide: a comparative survey of physicians, terminally ill cancer patients, and the general population.

PURPOSE AND METHODS: There is an ongoing debate about the legalization of euthanasia. The attitudes and beliefs of the general public and physicians appear to differ; the views of patients have not been adequately explored. During 1995, we conducted a simultaneous survey in the province of Alberta, Canada, of a random sample of 1,240 individuals from the general population, 179 physicians, and 62 consecutive patients with terminal cancer. The same instrument was administered to the public and physicians through telephone interview, and to patients in a face-to-face interview. Statements related to the legalization of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide were scored using 1-to-7 Likert agreement scales. RESULTS: A slight majority of members of the public and terminally ill patients (50% to 60%) agreed with the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide, while most physicians (60% to 80%) opposed it. In multivariate analysis, independent associations with support of active end of life measures included the following: group surveyed, strength of religious beliefs, religion (highest support by individuals with no religion), education (lower education associated with higher support), and the perception of burden on families, and physical and emotional suffering by cancer patients. CONCLUSION: In all groups, a marked polarization of attitudes was observed, with most individuals either strongly agreeing or strongly disagreeing with the statements in the survey. Although a slight majority of the public supported euthanasia, one third opposed it. Most physicians opposed these interventions and appeared not to be willing to perform these procedures if legalized. Our findings suggest that legalization at this time could be highly divisive and controversial from a societal perspective.

Patient preferences versus physician perceptions of treatment decisions in cancer care.

PURPOSE: To examine patient preferences as well as physician perceptions of these preferences for decision making and communication in palliative care. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical decision-making preferences (DMPs) were prospectively studied in 78 assessable cancer patients after initial assessment at a palliative care outpatient clinic. DMPs were assessed with a questionnaire using five possible choices ranging from 1 (patient prefers to make the treatment decision) to 5 (patient prefers the physician to make the decision). In addition, the physician's perception of this preference was assessed. RESULTS: Full concordance between the physician and the patient was seen in 30 (38%) of 78 cases; when the five original categories were recombined to cover active, shared, and passive decision making, there was concordance in 35 (45%) of 78 cases. The kappa coefficient for agreement between physician and patient was poor at 0.14 (95% confidence limit, -0.01 to 0.30) for simple kappa and 0.17 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.00 to 0.34) for weighted kappa (calculated on the three regrouped categories). Active, shared, and passive DMPs were chosen by 16 (20%) of 78, 49 (63%) of 78, and 13 (17%) of 78 patients, and by 23 (29%) of 78, 30 (39%) of 78, and 25 (32%) of 78 physicians, respectively. The majority of patients (49 [63%] of 78; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.74) preferred a shared approach with physicians. Physicians predicted that patients preferred a less shared approach than they in fact did. Patient age or sex did not significantly alter DMP. CONCLUSION: An individual approach is needed and each patient should be assessed prospectively for DMP.

A randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, crossover trial comparing the safety and efficacy of oral sustained-release hydromorphone with immediate-release hydromorphone in patients with cancer pain. Canadian Palliative Care Clinical Trials Group.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new slow-release preparation of hydromorphone (SRH) in the treatment of cancer pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-five adult patients from three Canadian Palliative Care Centers with no evidence of mental impairment received treatment for cancer pain with an oral opioid analgesic. After informed consent was obtained, patients underwent titration to a stable dose of immediate-release hydromorphone (IRH) for 48 hours, and were then randomized to receive IRH or SRH for 5 days in a double-blind basis. During day 6, a crossover took place, and patients received the alternate drug for 5 days. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and ordinal scale (OS). Side effects were assessed using VAS. Patients and investigators made a blinded global rating of efficacy a blinded final choice between SRH and IRH. RESULTS: In 75 assessable patients, pain intensity of the VAS and OS were (mean +/- SD) 27 +/- 21 and 1.3 +/- 0.6 on IRH, versus 29 +/- 21 (P = .13) and 1.3 +/- 0.6 (P = .19) on SRH, respectively. The total number of extra doses of opioids, global rating, and final blinded choice by both patients and investigators were not significantly different between IRH and SRH. Differences in side effects were not significant. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that SRH is as safe and effective as IRH in the treatment of cancer pain.

Communication between primary care physicians and radiation oncologists regarding patients with cancer treated with palliative radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the satisfaction and information needs of primary care physicians (PCPs) regarding communication with radiation oncologists (ROs), with respect to patients who receive palliative radiotherapy (RT). A selected objective was to evaluate the agreement between PCPs' expectations and the content of the RO letter sent after completion of RT. PCPs' knowledge of the role of palliative RT and their awareness of available patient support services were also determined. METHODS: The PCPs of patients discharged from the Cross Cancer Institute after receiving palliative RT were surveyed using a mail-out questionnaire. Questions regarding communication, RT knowledge, and awareness of support services were asked. The corresponding RO letter was reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 148 PCPs were identified and were mailed questionnaires, with 114 (77%) responding. Overall, 80% (87 of 109) of PCPs found the RO letter to be useful in patient management. However, there was poor (< 53%) agreement between PCPs' expectations and the actual content of the RO letter. Knowledge of the indications and effectiveness of palliative RT was limited, with PCPs obtaining a median score of 4 of a possible 8. Only 27% (31 of 114) of PCPs were aware of all five of the patient support services listed. CONCLUSION: Results show that although the majority of PCPs found the RO letter useful, they believed that the letter lacked important information while containing unnecessary details. Communication between PCPs and ROs needs improvement, especially considering that PCPs seem to have limited knowledge of palliative RT.