Health behaviors among head and neck cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: To determine to what extent head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors participate in health behaviors (HBs) recommended by the National Cancer Center Network (NCCN®). METHODS: Participants identified through the tumor registries at the Abramson Cancer Center (ACC), University of Pennsylvania and affiliated sites. Eligibility: (a) diagnosis and treatment HNC; (b) aged 18 to 70 years; (c) ≥ 1-year post-diagnosis; (d) human papillomavirus (HPV) status confirmed; (e) ability to understand written English. Potential participants received an explanation of the study, informed consent, self-reported questionnaire, and self-addressed stamped envelope. RESULTS: 451 individuals eligible, 102 (23%) agreed to participate, HPV positive (74%). Current smoking rare (7%), historical use common (48%). Current alcohol use common (65%), average 2.1 drinks/day, 12 days/month. 22% binge drank with an average of 3.5 binge-drinking sessions per month. Nutritional behavior mean 7.1 (range 0-16), lower scores indicating better nutrition. Body mass index (BMI) 59% overweight/obese. Adequate aerobic exercise 59%, adequate strength and flexibility 64%. Leisure time activity, 18% sedentary, 19% moderately active, 64% active. All participants reported having a primary care physician, 92% seen in the previous 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Most HNC survivors participated in some HBs. Current smoking rarely reported, binge drinking and high BMI most common negative HBs. Opportunities remain to improve dietary and exercise behaviors. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: The NCCN® has outlined HBs that decrease likelihood of cancer survivors developing comorbidities that could impact overall survival. It is incumbent on healthcare providers to educate and encourage cancer survivors to participate in these HBs.

Patient Experience of Photobiomodulation Therapy in Head and Neck Chronic Lymphedema.

Purpose: Lymphedema is a common late effect of head and neck cancer treatment that causes various symptoms, functional impairment, and poor quality of life. We completed a pilot, prospective, single-arm clinical trial to determine the feasibility and potential efficacy of the use of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy for head and neck lymphedema. In this study, we report patients' perceived treatment experience of PBM therapy and provide suggestions to better understand head and neck cancer survivors' experience of PBM therapy. Methods: Head and neck cancer patients who underwent PBM therapy completed face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded and then transcribed verbatim. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the transcriptions from the interviews. Results: Among 12 participants who consented for the study, 11 (91.7%) completed the PBM therapy. Participants described positive experiences and unique benefits about the PBM therapy, for example, decreased swelling, reduced tightness, increased range of motion, increased saliva production, and improved ability to swallow. Some participants (n = 5, 45.5%) delineated challenges related to traffic, travel time, and distance from study location. Many participants proposed suggestions for future research on PBM therapy, for example, research on internal edema and its relationship with swallowing, and indicated patients with severe lymphedema and fibrosis may be more likely to benefit. Conclusions: Findings from this study suggested the potential benefits of PBM therapy in treatment of chronic head and neck lymphedema. Rigorously designed clinical trials are needed to evaluate the effect of PBM therapy for head and neck cancer-related lymphedema. Trial Registration Number and Date of Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03738332; date of registration: November 13, 2018.

Predictors of Nurse Practitioner Prescription of Opioids for Cancer Pain: Quantitative Results.

Background: Nurse practitioners (NPs) have assumed a greater role in the management of pain related to cancer. Several studies have associated adequate management of cancer pain with improved survival. Opioids are an essential treatment for cancer pain management and thus it is important to understand influences on prescribing these substances. However, due to a lack of previous studies on this topic, little is known about the influences on NP prescription of opioids for patients with pain due to cancer. Purpose: Competent decision-making is highly correlated with dominant personality characteristics and dominant decision-making styles in everyday life. The rational approach to decision-making has demonstrated superior performance with different daily tasks, including career-related tasks. However, it is unknown whether dominant personality and/or decision-making style impacts the decisions of medical professionals. Using the Diffusion of Innovations theoretical framework, this study evaluated whether dominant personality, dominant decision style, advanced specialty certification, and/or demographic factors influenced oncology NP opioid prescribing proficiency (termed opioid decision score, or ODS) according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines. Other advanced practice providers (APPs) were excluded from the study due to controlled substance prescribing limitations. Methods: An internet-based descriptive comparative study was performed evaluating the dominant personality characteristic and dominant decision-making style as a predictor of opioid prescribing among NPs working in oncology. Participants were recruited using lists from the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). A nationwide convenience sample of NPs working with adult oncology patients was evaluated for opioid prescribing according to recommendations in the NCCN Cancer Pain Guidelines. Results: Univariate linear regression revealed a statistically significant increase in the ODS as the Big Five Inventory (BFI) Openness scale score increased (estimate = 0.36, standard error [SE] = 0.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.03-0.69). Nurse practitioners reporting advanced specialty certification in oncology and/or hospice or palliative care scored significantly higher on the ODS compared with those with no advanced specialty certification (n = 81, M = 2.86, 2.34, t = -2.75, df = 178, p = .0065). Conclusion: This study provides preliminary findings regarding the decision-making of NPs working with oncology patients and prescribing opioids for cancer pain. Nurse practitioners with a dominant personality characteristic of openness and those reporting an advanced specialty certification in oncology and/or hospice or palliative care were more likely to prescribe opioids for patients with cancer according to NCCN Guidelines. Further investigation is needed to determine additional factors impacting prescribing of controlled sub-stance by NPs and other prescribers.

Conducting a supportive oncology clinical trial during the COVID-19 pandemic: challenges and strategies.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in severe interruptions to clinical research worldwide. This global public health crisis required investigators and researchers to rapidly develop and implement new strategies and solutions to mitigate its negative impact on the progress of clinical trials. In this paper, we describe the challenges, strategies, and lessons learned regarding the continuation of a supportive oncology clinical trial during the pandemic. We hope to provide insight into the implementation of clinical trials during a public health emergency to be better prepared for future instances.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the US National Institute of Health (NCT03030859). Registered on 22 January 2017.

Photobiomodulation Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Pilot Feasibility Study.

PURPOSE: Lymphedema is a common debilitating late effect among patients post-head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment. Head and neck lymphedema was associated with symptom burden, functional impairment, and decreased quality of life. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility and potential efficacy of the use of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy for head and neck lymphedema, symptom burden, and neck range of motion among HNC survivors. METHODS: This was a single-arm, pre- and post-design clinical trial. Eligible patients included those with lymphedema after completion of complete decongestive therapy (CDT) and 3 to 18 months after completion of cancer therapy. The intervention included PBM therapy 2 times a week for 6 weeks for a total of 12 treatments. Lymphedema, symptom burden, and neck range of motion were measured at baseline, end-of-intervention, and 4-week post-intervention. RESULTS: Of the 12 patients enrolled in the study, 91.7% (n = 11) completed the study intervention and assessment visits, and no adverse events were reported. When comparing the baseline to 4-week post-intervention, we found statistically significant improvements in the severity of external lymphedema, symptom burden, and neck range of motion (all P < .05). CONCLUSION: PBM therapy was feasible and potentially effective for the treatment of head and neck lymphedema. Future randomized controlled trials are warranted to examine the efficacy of PBM therapy for HNC-related lymphedema. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER AND DATE OF REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03738332; date of registration: November 13, 2018.

Strengthening palliative care delivery in developing countries: a training workshop model in Botswana.

BACKGROUND: The persistent global unmet need for palliative care continues to be felt acutely in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the volume is growing and access to palliative services remains underdeveloped. Recognizing the increasing urgency of bolstering palliative care infrastructure, several countries, such as Botswana, have established national policies and strategies to enhance care delivery. Given that education and training are essential components in pursuing this goal, we present a model for a training workshop that was successful in increasing the palliative care knowledge base and skill set in a group of nurses. METHODS: A 2-day palliative care workshop was conducted for 15 nurses in Gaborone, Botswana in October 2014. Ten nurses completed pre- and post-workshop tests consisting of 21 questions spanning palliative care topics and delivery skills. RESULTS: The survey category with the highest pre-test score of 70% was principles of palliative care. Ninety percent of participants demonstrated statistically significant improvement in post-test scores in comparison to pre-test results. The greatest increase in scores were observed in the categories of communication, end-of-life care and syringe driver use for administration of analgesic medications. The lowest post-test score category was spirituality, though it consisted of one survey question. CONCLUSIONS: Here we provide quantitative data that supports the success of the training workshop model presented. Improvement in palliative care knowledge and treatment skills, as evidenced by the increased scores from pre- to post-test results, suggests the efficacy of this 2-day training program in advancing palliative care education of nurses. Given the unmet need for healthcare workers trained in palliative care, this model could serve as a valuable tool for expanding and strengthening the delivery of care in settings where patients have limited access to palliative care services.

Pain Prevention Using Head and Neck Cancer as a Model.

Pain is a common and often debilitating consequence of cancer and its treatment. Efforts to improve pain management for patients diagnosed with cancer have not resulted in widespread patient reports of acceptable management of pain. Patients and providers alike remain opiophobic due to a number of issues, resulting in suboptimal management of pain. Recent literature has revealed that it may be possible to prevent pain related to cancer and its treatment and therefore avoid or decrease the amount of opioids used to treat pain. This may result in better quality of life for patients. Several newer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been found to decrease the perception of pain in a number of patient populations, including those with head and neck cancer. The side-effect profile for the newer AEDs is mild and well tolerated. Future efforts should focus on the use of newer AEDs to prevent pain in other cancer populations, with a focus on ideal dose and scheduling. Once established, recommendations regarding the prevention of pain in patients with cancer can be incorporated into national guidelines.

Palliative radiotherapy and oncology nursing.

OBJECTIVES: To describe indications and expected outcomes for palliative radiotherapy and to highlight opportunities for nurse involvement in palliative radiotherapy. DATA SOURCE: Journal articles, clinical guidelines, case studies. CONCLUSION: Palliative radiotherapy is a safe, effective treatment modality for many symptoms of advanced cancer. Opportunities exist to help patients and families opt for shorter palliative radiotherapy courses when quality of life is the goal. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses involved in the care of patients receiving palliative radiotherapy must be aware of the indications and expected outcomes associated with therapy. Nurses can play an important role in the management of symptoms, education, and communication between the team and the patient and family.

African Americans with cancer pain are more likely to receive an analgesic with toxic metabolite despite clinical risks: a mediation analysis study.

PURPOSE: Renal impairment is highly prevalent among patients with cancer, and many patients have undiagnosed chronic kidney disease (CKD) from underlying disease, treatment, or both. African American individuals have disproportionate risk factors (diabetes, hypertension) predisposing them to CKD. We investigated whether African American patients are more likely than white patients to receive morphine with 3- and 6-glucuronide metabolites, which are known to be neurotoxic and accumulate in CKD; whether insurance type mediates the relationship between race and the prescriber's opioid selection; and whether the chosen opioid has a resultant negative effect according to race. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients (N = 182) were recruited from oncology clinics within the University of Pennsylvania Health System. Inclusion was based on self-identified African American or white race, age older than 18 years, and the presence of cancer-related pain plus a prescription for morphine or oxycodone. Kidney function was estimated using the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. RESULTS: Patients with CKD who received morphine reported a greater severity of analgesic-related adverse effects than patients with CKD who received oxycodone (P = .010). Controlling for health insurance type, African American patients had 71% lower odds of receiving a prescription of oxycodone than white patients (P < .001). Limiting analysis to those with CKD, the effect of private insurance became insignificant. However, race still remained a significant predictor of the prescribed opioid selection. Race was a strong predictor of adverse effect severity in the presence of CKD, and the type of opioid selection partially mediated this relationship. CONCLUSION: Reducing racial disparities in the type of opioid prescription and understanding mechanisms of disproportionate opioid-related adverse effects in African American patients might decrease the clinical disparities in cancer pain outcomes.

Late consequential surgical bed soft tissue necrosis in advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas treated with transoral robotic surgery and postoperative radiation therapy.

PURPOSE: A subset of patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OP-SCC) managed with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) developed soft tissue necrosis (STN) in the surgical bed months after completion of PORT. We investigated the frequency and risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 170 consecutive OP-SCC patients treated with TORS and PORT between 2006 and 2012, with >6 months' of follow-up. STN was defined as ulceration of the surgical bed >6 weeks after completion of PORT, requiring opioids, biopsy, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy. RESULTS: A total of 47 of 170 patients (28%) had a diagnosis of STN. Tonsillar patients were more susceptible than base-of-tongue (BOT) patients, 39% (41 of 104) versus 9% (6 of 66), respectively. For patients with STN, median tumor size was 3.0 cm (range 1.0-5.6 cm), and depth of resection was 2.2 cm (range 1.0-5.1 cm). Median radiation dose and dose of fraction to the surgical bed were 6600 cGy and 220 cGy, respectively. Thirty-one patients (66%) received concurrent chemotherapy. Median time to STN was 2.5 months after PORT. All patients had resolution of STN after a median of 3.7 months. Multivariate analysis identified tonsillar primary (odds ratio [OR] 4.73, P=.01), depth of resection (OR 3.12, P=.001), total radiation dose to the resection bed (OR 1.51 per Gy, P<.01), and grade 3 acute mucositis (OR 3.47, P=.02) as risk factors for STN. Beginning May 2011, after implementing aggressive avoidance of delivering >2 Gy/day to the resection bed mucosa, only 8% (2 of 26 patients) experienced STN (all grade 2). CONCLUSIONS: A subset of OP-SCC patients treated with TORS and PORT are at risk for developing late consequential surgical bed STN. Risk factors include tonsillar location, depth of resection, radiation dose to the surgical bed, and severe mucositis. STN risk is significantly decreased with carefully avoiding a radiation dosage of >2 Gy/day to the surgical bed.

Development and evaluation of an international, interdisciplinary palliative care workshop in Botswana.

AIM: This paper reports the development and evaluation of an interdisciplinary, international palliative care workshop presented in Gaborone, Botswana. METHOD: A 5-day workshop was held in June 2009 at the University of Botswana. Clinicians, faculty, and students from throughout Botswana were invited to attend at no cost. Participants included nurses, social workers, physicians, pharmacists, chaplains and volunteers. Learning activities included lectures, case studies, and group discussion. RESULTS: Evaluation indicated high satisfaction with the workshop and significant, though modest, gains in knowledge and self-evaluation of palliative care skills. Discussion revealed important clinical issues for attendees and underscored the need to coordinate national efforts to enhance palliative care in Botswana. CONCLUSION: The international collaborative palliative care workshop increased the knowledge and commitment of attendees. Additional collaborative efforts to educate providers, coordinate care, and change policies and practices are needed to integrate palliative care fully into health care in Botswana.

Pain management in palliative care oncology patients.

Palliative care is an interdisciplinary approach to relieving aversive symptoms in people with life-threatening illnesses; it aims to improve the lives of patients and their loved ones, the "patient-family unit." Palliative care should occur in parallel with all other medical interventions. Indeed, good symptom management is important in helping patients cope with the unpleasantness associated with potentially curative or life-prolonging interventions; it is absolutely essential near the end of life. Unrelieved pain is the symptom that people fear the most. In most cases, adequate pain relief can be achieved with systemic medications alone. When systemic medications fail, due to inadequate analgesia or burdensome side effects, invasive techniques may complement, or replace, systemic therapy. Using a case-based format, we illustrate some complex issues that clinicians face and offer strategies to improve the lives of oncology patients with pain.

Derivation of malignancy status from ICD-9 codes.

To assess the severity of illness of oncology patients, it is necessary to distinguish patients with a single primary tumor from patients with metastatic disease occurring at a secondary location remote from the primary site. We developed a ranked list of cancer groupings and an algorithm that could distinguish patients with primary and metastatic cancer even if no specific code for secondary cancer was recorded. In patients with metastatic disease, the algorithm should also distinguish the primary site from the secondary site.

Oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate: a novel agent for breakthrough pain related to cancer.

Pain is problematic for many cancer patients. As more experience has been gained in treating cancer pain, breakthrough pain has been recognized as a phenomenon that occurs frequently in this population. Breakthrough pain is generally treated with a variety of short-acting opioids via a number of routes. Actiq (oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate) is a formulation of fentanyl citrate delivered via the transmucosal route in a sucrose base. Patients using this agent are instructed to paint the unit on the buccal mucosa in order to achieve relief. The onset of Actiq is reported to be equal to intravenous morphine. There are a wide variety of dosage forms available, allowing 74% of patients involved in clinical studies of the agent to titrate to an appropriate dose. The proper use, side effect profile and advantages/disadvantages will be reviewed for this agent.