Do physical symptoms predict psychological issues in patients with cancer?: the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine if individual physical symptoms were predictive of psychological disorders. METHODS: This study was a secondary analysis of data from two studies which used the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form (MSAS-SF) to assess both physical and psychological symptoms. Correlation between individual symptoms and the validated psychological subscale (MSAS-PSYCH) were performed using Spearman's coefficient. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess whether correlated symptoms predicted the presence of psychological disorders. RESULTS: 1507 patients' data were analysed. The physical symptoms of pain, lack of energy, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, 'feeling bloated' and 'I don't look like myself' were correlated with MSAS-PSYCH. Other physical symptoms existed independently to psychological symptoms. None of these physical symptoms were independently predictive of a mood disorder. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents a large data set evaluating psychological symptom correlations. There are certain physical symptoms which correlate with mood disorders, but these are not independently predictive. It is not known whether the correlative data are cause or effect. Comprehensive assessment remains essential to assess all problems. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The trial registered was at National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network Portfolio (Central Portfolio Management System (CPMS) ID 30723) Integrated Research Application System Identification (IRAS) ID 198753.

Decision-making in palliative care: patient and family caregiver concordance and discordance-systematic review and narrative synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Decision-making in palliative care usually involves both patients and family caregivers. However, how concordance and discordance in decision-making manifest and function between patients and family caregivers in palliative care is not well understood. OBJECTIVES: To identify key factors and/or processes which underpin concordance and/or discordance between patients and family caregivers with respect to their preferences for and decisions about palliative care; and ascertain how patients and family caregivers manage discordance in decision-making in palliative care. METHODS: A systematic review and narrative synthesis of original studies published in full between January 2000 and June 2021 was conducted using the following databases: Embase; Medline; CINAHL; AMED; Web of Science; PsycINFO; PsycARTICLES; and Social Sciences Full Text. RESULTS: After full-text review, 39 studies were included in the synthesis. Studies focused primarily on end-of-life care and on patient and family caregiver preferences for patient care. We found that discordance between patients and family caregivers in palliative care can manifest in relational conflict and can result from a lack of awareness of and communication about each other's preferences for care. Patients' advancing illness and impending death together with open dialogue about future care including advance care planning can foster consensus between patients and family caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: Patients and family caregivers in palliative care can accommodate each other's preferences for care. Further research is needed to fully understand how patients and family caregivers move towards consensus in the context of advancing illness.

Symptom prevalence and severity in palliative cancer medicine.

OBJECTIVES: To establish symptom prevalence and associated distress in a large cohort of UK patients with cancer referred to a palliative care team. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of two large data sets of patients with advanced cancer. Each patient had completed the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form to assess 32 symptoms and related distress. Data frequencies were conducted in Excel. RESULTS: 1507 patients were recruited. The most common symptoms were lack of energy (89%), pain (83%), feeling drowsy (77%) and dry mouth (70%). 67% of patients had psychological symptoms, with 31% of all patients having significant psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS: Symptom burden is significant in palliative patients with cancer. Structured symptom assessment with access to relevant supportive services is recommended.

Opioid-induced constipation: a stepwise treatment algorithm feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is frequently undertreated in patients with advanced cancer. Our hypothesis is that the use of a stepwise treatment algorithm, supported by regular patient-reported outcome measures, should improve the management of OIC. The aim of this feasibility study was to determine whether a definitive study could be successfully completed. METHODS: Patients with OIC (Rome Foundation diagnostic criteria positive), and a Bowel Function Index (BFI) score of ≥30, were recruited to the study. The study involved weekly assessments, and decisions about management were based on the current BFI score (and the tolerability of the current treatment). Management was based on a four-step treatment algorithm, developed from recent international guidelines. RESULTS: One hundred patients entered the study, and 79 patients completed the study. Fifty-seven (72%) participants responded to treatment, with 34 (43%) participants having a 'complete' response (ie, final BFI<30) and 23 (29%) participants having a 'partial' response (ie, change in BFI≥12). In participants with a complete response, 73.5% were prescribed conventional laxatives, 12% were prescribed a peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist (PAMORA) and 14.5% were prescribed a PAMORA and conventional laxative. DISCUSSION: The feasibility study suggests that a definitive study can be successfully completed. However, we will amend the methodology to try to improve participant recruitment, participant retention and adherence to the treatment algorithm. The feasibility study also suggests that the use of the BFI to monitor OIC, and the use of a treatment algorithm to manage OIC, can result in clinically important improvements in OIC.Trial registration number NCT04404933.

Alcohol and drug use disorders in patients with cancer and caregivers: effects on caregiver burden.

BACKGROUND: The estimated prevalence of alcohol use disorders in patients with advanced cancer is reported as 4%-38%. There are limited data regarding alcohol and drug use disorders in caregivers of patients with cancer and the effects on other issues. AIM: To establish the prevalence of alcohol and drug use disorders in a large cohort of patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers.To evaluate the relationship between alcohol and drug use disorders and patient symptoms and caregiver burden. DESIGN: The patient with cancer and caregiver completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Tool, CAGE questionnaire and Drug Abuse Screening Test. The patient completed the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form, and the caregiver completed the Zarit Burden Questionnaire.Statistical analysis compared cases and non-cases of alcohol and drug use disorders with symptom and burden score. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Patients with cancer, and their caregivers, were recruited from 11 UK sites, 6 hospices and 5 hospitals. RESULTS: Five hundred and seven patients and their caregivers were recruited. Twenty-seven patients (5%) and 44 caregivers (9%) screened positively for alcohol use disorders on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Tool. Thirty patients (6%), and 16 caregivers (3%), screened positively for drug abuse problems on the Drug Abuse Screening Test.There was a significantly higher carer burden score in caregivers screening positively for alcohol and drug abuse problems. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of alcohol use disorders in patients with cancer and caregivers was lower than reported in previous studies. Caregiver burden scores were significantly higher in carers screening positively for alcohol and drug use disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Trial registered National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network Portfolio (CPMS ID 30723) IRAS ID 198753.

Clinical nurse specialist prescribing in a cancer centre supportive and palliative care team.

OBJECTIVE: To provide insight into the prescribing practices of three independent nurse prescribers (INPs)/clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) working in a supportive and palliative care team (SPCT) in a district general hospital and a specialist tertiary cancer centre in the UK. METHODS: A prospective review of all consultations and the prescribing activity arising from the consultations (and reasons for non-prescribing following a consultation) of 3 INPs/CNSs between 1 August 2018 and 31 October 2018. RESULTS: Four hundred ninety-three consultations were undertaken on 186 individual patients. Two hundred forty-seven consultations representing 50% resulted in changes to a prescription, and 123 of those consultations representing 50% of prescriptions written resulted in the prescribing of an opioid for moderate-to-severe pain. CONCLUSIONS: This service evaluation demonstrates the potential for INPs in SPCTs to provide comprehensive symptom control while enabling CNSs to practice with a greater degree of autonomy leading to enhanced job satisfaction. On the basis of our experience, we would encourage all palliative care CNSs to undergo training to become INPs (if available).

Naloxegol for opioid-induced sphincter of Oddi spasm/dysfunction.

The paper describes a case report of a patient with a significant history of opioid-induced dysfunction of the sphincter of Oddi, who required morphine sulfate to manage oral mucositis pain, and who was successfully treated with concomitant oral naloxegol (Moventig: Kyowa Kirin, Galashiels, UK).

Breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) management: a review of international and national guidelines.

OBJECTIVE: Breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) is common and has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients with cancer. This review compares current national/international BTcP guidelines in order to identify disparities and priorities for further research. METHODS: Relevant guidelines were identified using searches of PubMed, the National Guideline Clearinghouse, the internet (commercial search engines), and correspondence with key opinion leaders and relevant pharmaceutical companies. Identified guidelines were compared, using the Association for Palliative Medicine of Great Britain and Ireland recommendations as the 'reference' guideline. RESULTS: Ten specific BTcP guidelines were identified/reviewed, as well as major international generic cancer pain guidelines. In general, there was good agreement between the specific BTcP guidelines, although there remain some differences in terms of definition, diagnostic criteria and treatment of BTcP. Disparities between the different BTcP guidelines invariably reflect personal opinion rather than research evidence. Generic cancer pain guidelines continue to support the use of oral opioids as rescue medication, while specific BTcP guidelines invariably endorse the use of transmucosal opioids as rescue medication. CONCLUSION: Current guidelines agree on many aspects of the management of BTcP. However, the evidence to support current guidelines remains low grade, and so more research is needed in this area of care. Moreover, there needs to be an international consensus on the definition and diagnosis criteria of BTcP.

Observational study of sleep disturbances in advanced cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of nightmares, sleep terrors and vivid dreams in patients with advanced cancer (and the factors associated with them in this group of patients). METHODS: The study was a multicentre, prospective observational study. Participants were patients with locally advanced/metastatic cancer, who were under the care of a specialist palliative care team. Data were collected on demographics, cancer diagnosis, cancer treatment, current medication, performance status, sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), dreams and nightmares, and physical and psychological symptoms (Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form). RESULTS: 174 patients completed the study. Sleep quality was poor in 70.5% participants and was worse in younger patients and in inpatients (hospital, hospice). 18% of patients reported nightmares, 8% sleep terrors and 34% vivid dreams. Nightmares were associated with poor sleep quality and greater sleep disturbance; nightmares were also associated with greater physical and psychological burden. Nightmares (and vivid dreams) were not associated with the use of opioid analgesics. CONCLUSIONS: Nightmares do not seem to be especially common in patients with advanced cancer, and when they do occur, there is often an association with sleep disturbance, and/or physical and psychological burden.