Efficacy of fluoxetine for anorexia nervosa caused by chemotherapy in patients with cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Fluoxetine has been reported to treat anorexia nervosa (AN) caused by chemotherapy in patients with cholangiocarcinoma effectively. However, no study systematically investigated its efficacy and safety. Thus, this study will systematically assess its efficacy and safety for AN caused by chemotherapy in patients with cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search for relevant studies will be conducted from the following databases from inception to the present: MEDILINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PSYCINFO, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. All randomized controlled trials on assessing the efficacy and safety of fluoxetine for AN caused by chemotherapy in patients with cholangiocarcinoma will be considered for inclusion in this study. RevMan V.5.3 software will be used for risk of bias assessment and statistical analysis. RESULTS: This study will summarize the latest evidence of fluoxetine for AN caused by chemotherapy in patients with cholangiocarcinoma through assessing outcomes of weight, depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Additionally, any adverse events will also be analyzed. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study will provide most recent evidence of fluoxetine for AN caused by chemotherapy in patients with cholangiocarcinoma. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42019131583.

Effect of Educational Intervention Based on the Health Belief Model and Self-Efficacy in Promoting Preventive Behaviors in a Cholangiocarcinoma Screening Group.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a neoplasm known as one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. Prevention and health education are required. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of an educational intervention to prevent CCA among a rural population in Thailand based on the health belief model (HBM) and self-efficacy frameworks. In this quasi-experimental study, 60 participants (30 participants in the experimental group and 30 participants in the control group) were selected in 2017. The educational intervention for the experimental group consisted of seven training sessions (introduction to CCA, risk factors, complications, benefits and barriers to proper consumption of cooked fish, carcinogenic agents, behavioral protection, and self-efficacy in applying preventive behaviors). A questionnaire that consisted of demographic information, knowledge, and HBM constructs (perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy) was used to measure CCA preventive behaviors before and 3 months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS-22 via chi-squared, paired t-tests, and independent samples t tests at a significance level of 0.5. Three months after the intervention, the experimental group showed a significant increase in the knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, self-efficacy, and CCA preventive behaviors compared to the control group. This study showed the effectiveness of the intervention based on the HBM constructs and self-efficacy in the adoption of CCA preventive behaviors 3 months post intervention in the risk group. Thus, these models may serve as a framework for designing and implementing educational interventions for the prevention of CCA.

Health-related quality of life and anxiety and depression in patients diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare cancer associated with a poor prognosis. Psychosocial challenges may negatively affect daily functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The primary aim was to evaluate HRQOL, and to assess anxiety and depression in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 93 eligible patients diagnosed with CCA, 76 were included in a prospective cohort over a period of 15 months. Patients answered the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ C30 (EORTC QLQ C30) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires at baseline, one, three and six months after initial treatment; defined as radical operation, explorative laparotomy, chemotherapy or drainage of the bile ducts. Scores were compared between the radically operated patients (n = 25) and palliative patients (n = 51; 12 of these had explorative laparotomy), using repeated measures ANOVA and unpaired ANOVA. RESULTS: The groups were similar in demographic characteristics, except for fewer radically operated men (p = 0.015). There was no significant change over time in HRQOL in total or between groups. At baseline nausea and vomiting scores were higher in the palliative group (p = 0.035), and at one month follow-up, the radical group had higher pain scores (p = 0.009). The majority reported normal/mild anxiety and depression throughout the study; there were no differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: It was not possible to measure any differences between the groups, regarding HRQOL, anxiety or depression, despite the fact that one of the groups had the prospect of total cure. In clinical settings, observed mean changes in HRQOL scores are generally small; probably due to psychological adaptation by patients to changing health status over time.

Validation of the EORTC QLQ-BIL21 questionnaire for measuring quality of life in patients with cholangiocarcinoma and cancer of the gallbladder.

BACKGROUND: There is no specific quality of life (QoL) measurement tool to quantify QoL in patients with biliary tract cancer. Quality of life measurement is an increasingly crucial trial end point and is now being incorporated into clinical practice. METHODS: This International Multicentre Phase IV Validation Study assessed the QLQ-BIL21 module in 172 patients with cholangiocarcinoma and 91 patients with cancer of the gallbladder. Patients completed the questionnaire at baseline pretherapy and subsequently at 2 months. Following this, the psychometric properties of reliability, validity, scale structure and responsiveness to change were analysed. RESULTS: Analysis of the QLQ-BIL21 scales showed appropriate reliability with Cronbach's α-coefficients >0.70 for all scales overall. Intraclass correlations exceeded 0.80 for all scales. Convergent validity >0.40 was demonstrated for all items within scales, and discriminant validity was confirmed with values <0.70 for all scales compared with each other. Scale scores changed in accordance with Karnofsky performance status and in response to clinical change. CONCLUSIONS: The QLQ-BIL21 is a valid tool for the assessment of QoL in patients with cholangiocarcinoma and cancer of the gallbladder.

Modifying Health Behavior for Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Prevention with the Health Belief Model and Social Support Theory.

The liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini is a serious health problem in Thailand. Infection is associated with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), endemic among human populations in northeast and north Thailand where raw fish containing fluke metacercariae are frequently consumed. Recently, Thailand public health authorities have been organized to reduce morbidity and mortality particularly in the northeast through O. viverrini and CCA screening projects. Health modfication is one of activities included in this campaign, but systemic guidelines of modifying and developing health behavior for liver flukes and CCA prevention in communities towards health belief and social support theory are still various and unclear. Here we review the guidelines for modifying and developing health behavior among populations in rural communities to strengthen understanding regarding perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers to liver fluke and CCA prevention. This model may be useful for public health of cancers and related organizations to further health behavior change in endemic areas.

Behavioral Modification Regarding Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma with a Health Belief Model Using Integrated Learning.

This study aimed to modify behavior regarding liver fluke and cholangiocarcinoma prevention in Chumphuang district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand through integrated learning. A total of 180 participants were included through purposive selection of high-risk scores on verbal screening. Participants attended the health education program which applied the health belief model included family based, knowledge station based, academic merit based and community based learning. Data were collected using a questionnaire composed of 4 parts: 1) personal information, 2) knowledge, 3) perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers, 4) practice regarding liver fluke and cholangiocarcinoma prevention. The result revealed that the majority were female (79.9%), age ≥60 years old (33.2%), primary school educational level (76.1%), and agricultural occupation (70.1%). The mean scores of knowledge, perception, and practice to liver fluke and cholangiocarcinoma prevention, before participated the integrative learning were low, moderate, and low, respectively. Meanwhile, the mean score of knowledge, perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers, and practice regarding liver fluke and cholangiocarcinoma prevention, were higher with statistical significance after participation in the integrated learning. This finding indicates that health education programs may successfully modify health behavior in the rural communities. Therefore they may useful for further work behavior modification in other epidemic areas.

Development of a Health Education Modification Program Regarding Liver Flukes and Cholangiocarcinoma in High Risk Areas of Nakhon Ratchasima Province Using Self-Efficacy and Motivation Theory.

A quasi-experimental study was conducted to develop a health education modification program based on self-efficacy and motivation regarding liver flukes and cholangiocarcinoma development in Keang Sanam Nang district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand. A total of 36 individuals were invited to participate in the program and were screened for population at risk of liver fluke infection and cholangiocarcinoma using SUT-OV-001 and SUT-CCA-001. Development of health education modification program regarding liver fluke and cholangiocarcinoma prevention included 3 steps: (1) preparation, (2) health education program, and (3) follow-up and evaluation. The study was implemented for 10 weeks. Pre-and-post-test knowledge was measured with questionnaires, Kuder-Richardson-20: KR-20 = 0.718,and Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient = 0.724 and 0.716 for perception and outcome expectation questionnaires. Paired and independent t-tests were applied for data analysis. The majority of the participants were female (55.6%), aged between ≤50 and 60 years old (36.1%), married (86.1%), education level of primary school (63.9%), agricultural occupation (80.6%), and income <4,000 Baht (44.4%). The results revealed that after the health education program, the experimental group had a mean score of knowledge, perception, and outcome expectation regarding liver fluke and cholangiocarcinoma prevention significantly higher than before participation and in the control group. In conclusion, this successful health education modification program for liver fluke and cholangiocarcinoma, therefore may useful for further work behavior modification in other epidemic areas.

Health Behavior Regarding Liver Flukes among Rural People in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

Opisthorchiasis is a health problem in Thailand particularly in northeast and north regions where have been reported the highest of cholangiocarcinoma. Active surveillance is required, therefore a cross-sectional surveyed was conducted in Nong Bunnak sub-district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand. A total of 367 participants were selected by multistage sampling from 5 villages located near natural water resources. Participants completed a predesigned questionnaire containing behavior questions regarding liver fluke disease, covering reliability and validity knowledge (Kuder-Richardon-20) = 0.80, attitude and practice (Cronbach's alpha coefficient) = 0.82 and 0.79, respectively. Descriptive statistics included frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The majority of the participants were female (58.3%), age group between 21-30 years old (42.5%), with primary school education (59.9%), occupation in agriculture (38.1%), and married (80.9%). They had past histories of raw fish consumption (88.3%), stool examination (1.4%), anti-parasite medication used (4.6%). Heads of villages, village health volunteers, television, and village newstations were the main sources for disease information. Participants had a moderate level of behavior regarding liver fluke disease. The mean scored of knowledge regarding liver fluke life cycle, transmission, severities, treatment, prevention and control was 10.9 (SD=0.5), most of them had a moderate level, 95.1%. The mean score for attitude regarding liver fluke prevention and control was 45.7 (SD=9.7), and for practice was 30.6 (SD=10.5). Participants had a moderate level of attitude and practice, 94.5% and 47.7, respectively. This study indicates that health education is required in this community including stool examination for liver fluke as further active surveillance screening.

Community Participation in Cholangiocarcinoma Prevention in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand: Relations with Age and Health Behavior.

A high prevalence of Opisthorchis viverrini infection is usually found in wetland geographical areas of Thailand where people have traditional behavior of eating uncooked freshwater fish dishes which results in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) development. There were several approaches for reducing opisthorchiasis-linked CCA, but the prevalence remains high. To develop community participation as a suitable model for CCA prevention is, firstly, to know what factors are related. We therefore aimed to investigate factors associated with the community participation in CCA prevention among rural residents in wetland areas of Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. This was a cross-sectional analytic study. All participants were 30-69 years of age, and only one member per house was invited to participate. A total of 906 participants were interviewed and asked to complete questionnaires. Independent variables were socio-demographic parameters, knowledge, health belief and behavior to prevent CCA. The dependent variable was community participation for CCA prevention. Descriptive statistics were computed as number, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Associations were assessed using logistic regression analysis with a P-value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Of all the participants, more than 60% had regularly participated in activities to prevent CCA following health officials advice. Age and health behavior to prevent CCA were factors associated with community participation for CCA (p<0.001). Both factors will be taken into consideration for community participation approaches for CCA prevention through participatory action research (PAR) in future studies.

Excellent quality of life after liver transplantation for patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma who have undergone neoadjuvant chemoradiation.

Patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by liver transplantation (LT) have excellent survival. However, little is known about their quality of life (QOL). We assessed the QOL of these patients and compared it to the QOL of patients who underwent transplantation for other liver diseases. From 1993 to 2010, 129 CCA patients underwent LT, and 93 (72%) were alive as of November 2010. All recipients were sent a previously validated QOL questionnaire composed of disease-specific QOL metrics (liver disease symptoms, Karnofsky score, health perception, and index of well-being) and generic QOL metrics [Short Form 36 (SF-36) and European Quality of Life (EuroQol)]. These recipients were compared to 110 transplant recipients with other liver diseases (excluding hepatitis C). Among the recipients with CCA, the response rate was 85% (n = 79). Patients with CCA did significantly better on liver disease symptoms (3.3 versus 3.2, P = 0.05), the Karnofsky score (90.8 versus 86.6, P = 0.03), the SF-36 Physical Functioning domain (52.0 versus 46.3, P < 0.001), and the EuroQol Mobility category (10% versus 33%, P = 0.001), and they rated their overall health better in comparison with non-CCA patients (85.9 versus 80.7, P = 0.02). CCA patients scored consistently higher on all other domains, albeit without significant differences. The observed differences in QOL remained unchanged when adjustments were made for demographic factors, including the level of education. In conclusion, patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by LT for perihilar CCA reported excellent QOL that was equal to or better than that of recipients with other liver diseases. These results are important in light of the continued debate about the feasibility of this aggressive treatment in patients with perihilar CCA.

Quality of life and survival analysis of patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization for primary hepatic malignancies: a prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is indicated for primary hepatic tumours when resection or local ablation are not feasible. Patients undergoing TACE have a better survival than best supportive therapy. However, there is paucity of prospective studies on the quality of life (QOL) after TACE for primary hepatic malignancies, especially in the Western world. PURPOSE: The primary aim of the present study was to determine if TACE impacts on the QOL of patients affected by primary hepatic tumours, and to assess treatment efficacy in a prospective cohort of patients treated at a tertiary Canadian university medical centre. METHODS: From September 2005 to December 2010, 48 candidates for TACE underwent at least one TACE session. Data on their QOL, tumour response, serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and survival were prospectively collected every 3-4 months. RESULTS: The overall QOL of patients undergoing TACE did not decline during the first 12 months after treatment. A decline was observed in the physical health domain after the third TACE that coincided with the increasing size of the largest tumour and a rise in the serum AFP levels. Psychological, social and environmental domains remained stable throughout the treatment period. Multivariate analysis revealed that tumour focality, AFP levels and model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores were associated with long-term survival (P= 0.001, P= 0.01, P= 0.02, respectively). The overall survival at 12, 36 and 48 months were 72%, 28% and 12%, respectively. CONCLUSION: TACE is an effective palliative intervention for unresectable and non-ablatable primary liver tumours without affecting the QOL of patients even when repeated interventions are performed.

The influence of symptoms, social support, uncertainty, and coping on health-related quality of life among cholangiocarcinoma patients in northeast Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important outcome for evaluating the effectiveness of cancer care. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a major public health problem in northeast Thailand. There is little information regarding factors influencing HRQOL in CCA patients. Understanding the factors affecting HRQOL in CCA patients is necessary to develop nursing interventions to improve the HRQOL. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop and test a model that explained the influence of symptoms, social support, uncertainty, and coping on the HRQOL in CCA patients. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional descriptive design, a convenience sample of 260 CCA patients were consecutively recruited from a regional hospital and a university hospital in northeast Thailand. All participants responded to a set of 6 questionnaires in structured interview format. A linear structural relationship was used to test the hypothesized model. RESULTS: Findings revealed the hypothesized model fit the empirical data and explained 69.4% of the variance of HRQOL. Symptoms were the most influential factor affecting HRQOL directly and indirectly through uncertainty. Social support had a direct effect on HRQOL and an indirect effect on HRQOL through uncertainty. Uncertainty had a direct effect on coping and HRQOL. Coping had a nonsignificant direct effect on HRQOL. CONCLUSION: Symptoms, social support, and uncertainty were important factors influencing HRQOL in CCA patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Cholangiocarcinoma is a unique yet understudied condition. Further work in developing CCA-specific HRQOL interventions is warranted.

Development of a questionnaire (EORTC module) to measure quality of life in patients with cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer, the EORTC QLQ-BIL21.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life measurement in cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer involves the assessment of patient-reported issues related to the symptoms, disease and treatment of these tumours. This study describes the development of the disease-specific quality of life (QoL) questionnaire for patients with cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer to supplement the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)-QLQ C30 core cancer questionnaire. METHODS: Phases 1-3 of the guidelines for module development published by the EORTC were followed, with adaptations for incorporation of questions from existing modules. RESULTS: A total of 47 QoL issues (questions) were identified; 44 questions from the two related validated questionnaires, the EORTC QLQ-PAN26 (pancreatic module) and the EORTC QLQ-LMC21 (liver metastases module), two from the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy hepatobiliary module questionnaire in the literature search and one from healthcare professional interviews. Following phase 1 and 2 interviews with patients (n=101) and health care professionals (n=6), a 23-question provisional questionnaire was formulated. There were five questions from PAN26, 15 from LMC21 and three extra questions. In phase 3, the provisional item list was pre-tested in 52 patients in four languages and this resulted in a 21-item module. CONCLUSION: This is the only disease-specific QoL questionnaire for patients with cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer, and initial assessments show it to be accurate and acceptable to patients in reflecting QoL in these diseases.

Survival and quality of life of cholangiocarcinoma patients: a prospective study over a 4 year period.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cholangiocarcinomas (CCAs) are tumors with a poor prognosis and a lower quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival rate and quality of life in CCA patients. METHOD: We prospectively enrolled 133 patients diagnosed with CCA in the 3rd Medical Clinic, Cluj Napoca, over a 4-year period (2005-2009). The QoL was evaluated by means of a QoL questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 65 +/- 10.6 years: 55% were males. 71% of the patients had hilar tumor (Klatskin), 23% distal and 6% intrahepatic CCA (IH). Only 11.3% of the patients were eligible to receive curative treatment. The 1-year overall survival was 22.3 +/- 4.4% and the 2-year survival was 3.4 +/- 2.1%. The patients receiving metallic stents had better survival than those receiving plastic stents (40.4% vs 12.5% at 1 year, 9.1% vs 5.0% at 2 years, respectively). The 1-year survival was significantly improved for patients who underwent surgery plus adjuvant chemotherapy. The post-therapy QoL demonstrated a less improvement in Klatskin tumor patients than in patients with other types of tumors. Endoscopic palliative therapy allowed a faster community reintegration, but with variable evolution. CONCLUSIONS: The highest 2-year survival rate was 5.5%. Slightly longer survival was recorded when chemotherapy was added and also after endoscopic placement of metallic stents. Endoscopic biliary decompression improved the QoL faster than surgery.

Right trisectionectomy of the liver for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with bile duct invasion in a Jehovah's Witness.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is well known to have a very poor prognosis. Aggressive surgical strategies in the treatment of ICC, including major hepatectomy, have been reported to afford patients the best chance for significant survival. Recent advancements in surgical techniques concerning live donor liver transplantation have dramatically improved the results of major hepatectomy. However, surgical treatment of biliary malignancy is complex and is known to increase the likelihood of blood transfusion. We describe a Jehovah's Witness patient with ICC and concomitant bile duct invasion who had a successful right trisectionectomy with bile duct resection, lymph node dissection, and Rouxen-Y hepatico-jejunostomy without blood transfusion. A multidisciplinary preparation was crucial in obtaining this positive outcome. Importantly, bloodless liver transection techniques with inflow clamping, meticulous dissection, and hemostasis should be utilized for major hepatectomy in a Jehovah's Witness. The success of this case may alert clinicians to consider a hepatectomy as a possible option in the treatment of ICC in a Jehovah's Witness.

Cholangiocarcinoma: a nursing perspective.

Primary cancer of the bile duct (cholangiocarcinoma [CC]) is a rare malignancy that presents many nursing challenges. This article focuses on disease presentation, treatment options, quality of life, and the nurse's unique role in caring for this patient population. Surgical resection is the only treatment modality that offers a potential cure and prolonged survival. In patients with unresectable disease, biliary bypass or nonoperative biliary drainage procedures can provide palliation. Other palliative treatment modalities include chemotherapy, radiation, and photodynamic therapy. The sudden onset, limited treatment options, and overall poor prognosis add to the challenge of caring for patients with CC.

Photodynamic therapy of nonresectable cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Successful treatment in nonresectable Bismuth type III and IV cholangiocarcinoma is seldom achieved. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy on cholestasis, quality of life, and survival in these patients. METHODS: Nine patients with advanced nonresectable cholangiocarcinomas Bismuth type III and IV, who showed no sufficient drainage (bilirubin decrease <50%) after endoscopic stent insertion, underwent photodynamic therapy. Two days after intravenous application of a hematoporphyrin derivate, intraluminal photoactivation was performed cholangioscopically. Serum bilirubin, quality of life, and survival time were assessed in two monthly intervals after photodynamic therapy. RESULTS: After photodynamic therapy, bilirubin serum levels declined from 318 +/- 72 to 103 +/- 35 micromol/L (P = 0.0039) with no significant increase during the two monthly follow-ups. Quality of life indices improved dramatically and remained stable (e.g., Karnofsky index from 32.2% +/- 8.13% to 68.9% +/- 6.1%; P = 0.0078). Thirty-day mortality was 0%, and median survival time was 439 days. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides clear evidence that photodynamic therapy is effective in restoring biliary drainage and improving quality of life in patients with nonresectable disseminated cholangiocarcinomas Bismuth type III and IV. Compared with published data, survival time seems to be prolonged.