Oxaliplatin-related dysphagia: Mixed-methods study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate participant-reported atypical dysphagia symptoms and their association with oxaliplatin treatment. METHODS: This observational study recruited 73 adults with solid tumours outside the head, neck or upper gastrointestinal tract. All had dysphagia, were in hospital or hospice and were treated by Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology or Palliative Care. Participants reported their experiences of swallowing difficulties by semistructured interview. Oral Health Assessment Tool was used to ensure swallow difficulties were not due to mucositis. Responses were transcribed and analysed by content analysis. Atypical difficulties were examined for association with oxaliplatin treatment by Fischer's Exact. RESULTS: Oxaliplatin treatment was associated with three unusual dysphagia symptoms: problems with cold or hot bolus (p=0.01), pins and needles (p=0.001) and throat spasm (p=0.035). Carbonation was problematic for one participant. Chemotherapy commencement coincided with swallow problem onset for 67%. Dysphagia symptoms were unrelated to mucositis (p=0.165). CONCLUSIONS: Swallowing difficulties in oxaliplatin-treated patients are atypical and attributable to chemotherapy commencement. Previous research suggests that dysphagia is triggered by cold exposure, but hot and carbonated boluses also caused problems here. Dysphagia symptoms and triggers should be studied more fully to help patients safely enjoy their meals and prevent food avoidance, which could exacerbate malnutrition.

Cardiac dysfunction in solid tumours: scoping review.

Cardio-oncology is a dynamic field. Research has suggested that cancer itself can damage the heart, independent of cancer treatment-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). The aim of this study was to establish the nature of cardiovascular abnormalities reported in cancer, excluding CTRCD. Scoping review search included cardiovascular abnormalities in adults with solid tumour malignancies, and excluded CTRCD and thrombotic events. Three databases (CINAHL, Embase, Medline) were searched, supplemented by a handsearch. All screening and data extraction was done by two researchers with consensus reached for any conflicts. Given the heterogeneous nature of the studies identified, data synthesis was narrative. The search identified 42 366 studies. Following deduplication and title/abstract screening, 195 studies were assessed for full-text eligibility. Forty-four studies are included in the final analysis. There are 19 prospective observational studies, 13 retrospective studies, 9 case reports and 3 cross-sectional studies. Types of abnormality identified include cardiomyopathy (16, including Takotsubo (9)), autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction (10), biomarker disturbances (9), reduced myocardial strain (6) and others (3). Due to variable study design, the prevalence was not determined. Cardiovascular abnormalities were associated with morbidity (chest pain, dyspnoea, fatigue) and shortened prognosis. In conclusion: (1) There is evidence for cardiovascular dysfunction in patients with solid tumour malignancies, distinct from CTRCD. People with solid tumours have higher rates of cardiac disease, even when newly diagnosed and treatment naïve. (2) Abnormalities manifest mainly as cardiomyopathies, ANS dysfunction and raised biomarker levels and are associated with significant symptoms. (3) Treatment plans need to take account of these risks, and widen criteria for screening.

Opioid Monitoring Using Urine Toxicology Screens in Outpatient Oncology Palliative Medicine.

PURPOSE: There is a paucity of real-world data on opioid screening and urine toxicology testing in outpatient oncology palliative medicine. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of adult patients with cancer completing ≥ one outpatient palliative medicine visit and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS). Patient demographics, the Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain-Short Form (SOAPP-SF), ESAS, medications, and urine toxicology screens (UTSs) were collected at baseline and follow-up visits. The primary end point was the frequency and type(s) of noncompliant UTSs (ie, presence of a nonprescribed substance or absence of a prescribed substance). Secondarily, risk factors for noncompliant UTSs were evaluated using univariate and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 189 evaluable patients (632 clinic visits), 113 underwent ≥one UTSs, 125 SOAPP-SF, and 75 had both. The median age was 56 (range, 26-80) years, 56% were female, 58% were White, 40% were Black, 48% had stage IV disease, the median baseline pain score was 7, and the median SOAPP-SF was 3. Oxycodone was the most prescribed drug (n = 125). Of 113 patients who underwent UTSs, 54% (n = 61) had ≥one noncompliant result. Thirty-nine percent (n = 44) had a total of 128 noncompliant results for the presence of a nonprescribed substance; 29% (n = 33) had a total of 53 noncompliant results for the absence of a prescribed substance. SOAPP-SF Q4 (use of illegal drugs) (odds ratio [OR], 3.61; 95% CI, 1.81 to 7.19; P < .001) and prescription with nonopioid adjuvant medications (OR, 2.83; 95% CI, 1.12 to 7.19; P = .029) were associated with increased odds of a noncompliant UTS. CONCLUSION: More than half of the tested population had noncompliant UTS. Screening and evaluating risk factors for nonmedical opioid use is critical in oncology palliative medicine.

Taste and smell abnormalities in advanced cancer: Negative impact on subjective food intake.

BACKGROUND: Taste and smell abnormalities (TSAs) are present in all cancer stages and may contribute to malnutrition. Despite this, they are rarely screened for. This study examined the prevalence and characteristics of TSAs and their influence on subjective food intake in advanced cancer. METHODS: Consecutive patients with advanced cancer were recruited. A modified Taste and Smell Survey assessed subjective TSAs. Objective TSAs were assessed with validated taste strips and "Sniffin Sticks." A six-item food intake questionnaire identified any effect TSAs had on food preferences/aversions. Nutrition status was evaluated with the abridged Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment. RESULTS: All 30 participants had either subjective or objective TSAs. The prevalence of TSAs varied based on the assessment tool used. Participants were more aware of taste changes (TCs) than smell changes (SCs). TCs caused reduced food intake in 13 participants. Six reported SCs affected food intake. Food choices caused by TSAs were inconsistent. Some foods preferred because of TSAs were avoided by other participants. None received nutrition counseling on TSA management. Almost all were at malnutrition risk (97%). Almost half (47%) felt TSAs reduced quality of life (QoL). Participants reported "not looking forward to meals" and "can't sit down and eat anything" because of TSAs. CONCLUSION: TSAs were highly prevalent and impactful on food intake. Both TCs and SCs were complex and varied on an individual basis. Despite the effect on health and QoL, no patients received any nutrition counseling on TSA management. Individualized screening and advice are needed for TSAs in advanced cancer.

Myocardial strain: a clinical review.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial strain-change in myocardial fibre length over the cardiac cycle-is a measure of cardiac muscle function. It is obtained using conventional techniques such as echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging, adding additional clinical information to augment the current techniques. METHODS: A narrative review of the current relevant literature with respect to myocardial strain, with a focus on strain measured by echocardiography. RESULTS: Myocardial strain identifies global and regional abnormalities in myocardial function and differentiates types of cardiomyopathy. It is an earlier marker of myocardial disease than ejection fraction and is predictive of cardiovascular adverse events. Accurate measurement requires high-quality images and experienced practitioners. CONCLUSION: This review explains advantages and disadvantages of myocardial strain imaging and explains why, through adding increased precision without additional burden, it should be a standard part of cardiac assessment.

Application of the 2011 international consensus cancer cachexia classification in routine oncology dietetic practice: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer cachexia (CC) is highly prevalent and associated with significant morbidity and mortality, yet underrecognized. In 2011, an international cachexia consensus (ICC) proposed a definition, assessment framework, and stages for classification: cancer precachexia, cachexia, and refractory cachexia. The authors anticipated that a "more practical classification approach for clinical practice" would be required, which we interpreted as a bedside assessment based on clinical data. We investigated whether the ICC classification could be employed in routine dietetic practice without access to objective muscle mass measures. METHODS: Data from 200 consecutive patients with solid tumors were collected as part of clinical practice by oncology dietitians in five tertiary referral hospitals. Dietitians used information gathered during their routine assessment and applied the ICC framework to assign a stage. When the dietitian was unable to assign a stage, the reason was noted. RESULTS: Based on available data, classification was possible in 177 (88%); 23 (12%) could not be staged. The reasons cited were as follows: unknown C-reactive protein (n = 14), complex clinical situation (n = 5), unknown weight loss (n = 2), and acute illness (n = 2). Thirty (17%) of the 177 participants were judged to be noncachectic.  One hundred twelve (83%) met the criteria for 1 of the 3 ICC stages: 92 (52%) were cachectic; 35 (20%) precachectic, and 20 (11%) refractory. CONCLUSIONS: CC staging based on the ICC classification was feasible and practical in routine dietetic practice even without access to objective muscle mass measures. Once validated and operationalized, expert clinical assessment by a dietitian could be a cost-effective means to identify and stage CC, with more resource-intensive means used when there is clinical doubt.

Dysphagia in Solid Tumors Outside the Head, Neck or Upper GI Tract: Clinical Characteristics.

CONTEXT: Dysphagia is common in cancer, but underlying pathophysiology and manifestations within patients are unknown. OBJECTIVES: To examine dysphagia characteristics in those with solid malignancies outside the head, neck and upper gastrointestinal tract. METHODS: Seventy-three individuals with dysphagia (46 male, 27 female, aged 37-91) were recruited from a parent trial conducted in two acute hospitals and one hospice. Cranial nerve function, Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT), Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability (MASA) and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) evaluated swallow profile. RESULTS: Only 9/73 (12%) had documented dysphagia prior to study enrollment. MASA risk ratings found n=61/73 (84%) with dysphagia risk and n=22/73 (30%) with aspiration risk. Food texture modification was required for n=34/73 (47%), fluid texture modification for n=1/73 (1%). Compensatory strategies for food were needed by n=13/73 (18%) and for fluids by n=24/73 (33%). Cranial nerve deficits were present in n=43/73 (59%). Oral health problems were common, with xerostomia in two-thirds. Worse dysphagia on MASA was associated with disease progression, affecting hospice, and palliative care the most. Worse performance status was indicative of poorer MASA raw score (P<0.001, OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.5-3.4), greater risk of aspiration (P=0.005, OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.6) and lower FOIS (P=0.004, OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.2). CONCLUSION: Dysphagia management in those with cancer requires robust assessment to uncover clinically important needs like food texture modification and safe swallowing advice. Better assessment tools should be developed for this purpose. Oral health problems should be routinely screened in this population since they exacerbate dysphagia.

Spray Pattern and Plume Geometry Testing and Methodology: An IPAC-RS Working Group Overview.

Plume characterization for orally inhaled and nasal drug products (OINDP) provides valuable information during OINDP development. Spray pattern and plume geometry techniques, methods, and technology have evolved over the past 20 years since the publication of the original 1998 FDA MDI DPI draft guidance. The International Pharmaceutical Aerosol Consortium on Regulation and Science (IPAC-RS) discusses the historical context and background to plume geometry and spray pattern characterization studies; provides an analysis of the current regulatory context; addresses results from its industry surveys on application and value of such testing; and presents case studies and best practices-seeking to provide insights to regulatory bodies and other stakeholders. Assessment and consideration of published studies and industry experience note the value of plume geometry and spray pattern in development, and that further data is needed regarding their use in assessing formulation characteristics. Continued dialogue between industry and regulatory bodies is needed to establish the optimum use of these techniques.

C-Reactive Protein and C-Reactive Protein-Based Scores to Predict Survival in Esophageal and Junctional Adenocarcinoma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) has a poor prognosis; predictive markers of prognosis would facilitate advances in personalized therapy. C-reactive protein (CRP) and CRP-based scores are increasingly recommended across oncology; however, their role and value in EAC is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined CRP cut-point and scores and how they may best be applied in predicting survival in EAC. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in EMBASE, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus and CINAHL databases, from inception to 1st October 2020. Studies reporting data from adults with EAC including adenocarcinoma of the gastro-esophageal junction (AEG), pre-treatment CRP or CRP-based score and Hazard Ratio (HR) for survival were included. QUIPS tool assessed risk of bias. Meta-analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: A total of 819 records were screened. Eight papers were included, with data for 1475 people. CRP cut-points ranged from 2.8 to 10 mg/L. The Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) and modified GPS were the most commonly reported scores. On meta-analysis, elevated preoperative GPS/mGPS was significantly associated with worse overall survival (hazards ratio [HR] 1.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25-2.62, p = 0.002); results were similar in subgroup analyses of multimodal treatment, M0 disease, and R0 resection. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first review to evaluate comprehensively the evidence for CRP and CRP-based scores in EAC. Meta-analysis demonstrated that elevated preoperative GPS or mGPS was significantly associated with reduced overall survival in EAC, including AEG. There is insufficient evidence to support use of CRP alone. Future studies should examine GPS/mGPS in EAC prospectively, alone and combined with other prognostic markers.

Malnutrition risk at solid tumor diagnosis: the malnutrition screening tool in a large US cancer institute.

BACKGROUND: In cancer, malnutrition is common and negatively impacts tolerance and outcomes of anti-tumor therapies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of malnutrition risk and compare the clinicodemographic features between those with high malnutrition screening tool (MST) scores (i.e., ≥ 2 of 5 = high risk for malnutrition, H-MST) to low scores (L-MST). METHODS: A cohort of 3585 patients (May 2017 through December 2018), who completed the MST at least once at the time of diagnosis of any stage solid tumor, were analyzed. Logistic regression tested for associations between clinicodemographic factors, symptom scores, and H-MST prevalence. RESULTS: The median age was 64 years (25-75 IQR, 55-72), with 62% females and 81% White. Most common tumor primary sites were breast (28%), gastrointestinal (GI) (21%), and thoracic (13%). Most had non-metastatic disease (80%). H-MST was found in 28%-most commonly in upper (58%) and lower GI (42%), and thoracic (42%) tumors. L-MST was most common in breast (90%). Multivariable regression confirmed that Black race (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.5-2.4, p = < 0.001), cancer primary site (OR 1.6-5.7, p = < 0.001), stage IV disease (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4-2.2, p = < 0.001), low BMI (OR 4.2, 95% CI 2.5-6.9 p = < 0.001), and higher symptom scores were all independently associated with H-MST. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-eight percent of solid tumor oncology patients at diagnosis were at high risk of malnutrition. Patients with breast cancer rarely had malnutrition risk at diagnosis. Significant variation was found in malnutrition risk by cancer site, stage, race, and presence of depression, distress, fatigue, and trouble eating/swallowing.

State of the science: cannabis and cannabinoids in palliative medicine-the potential.

Cannabinoids are chemicals derived naturally from the cannabis plant or are synthetically manufactured. They interact directly with cannabinoid receptors or share chemical similarity with endocannabinoids (or both). Within palliative medicine, cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) may modulate some cancer symptoms: appetite, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and mood, pain and sleep disorders. Opioid and cannabinoid receptors have overlapping neuroanatomical receptor distribution, particularly at the dorsal horn, dorsal striatum and locus coeruleus. They have a favourable safety profile compared with opioids, and cannabis-based medicines help chronic pain. While cannabidiol (CBD) has anti-inflammatory properties, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive substance for issues such as mood and sleep. Nabiximols (Sativex), a CBD:THC combination, is Food and Drug Administration approved for some multiple sclerosis symptoms and epilepsy. There has been a swift societal evolution in attitudes about use of cannabis and cannabinoid medicines for chronic pain. In the USA, 33 states have now legalised prescription-based medical cannabis for several medical conditions; Canada has had legislation since 2001 authorising medical use. The European Union (EU) recently declared all EU citizens must have access to medical cannabis over the next 4 years. The integration into medicine and routine clinical use of cannabis is fraught with information gaps, regulatory issues and scarcity of research. Each patient should have a comprehensive assessment and risk-benefit discussion before any cannabis-based intervention to avoid possible complications such as hallucinations, psychosis and potential cardiac harm.

Pharmacogenomics-guided supportive oncology: A tale of two trials.

Cancer-related symptoms, like depression, nausea, and pain, are common and negatively affect quality of life. Unfortunately, there is large inter-individual variability in response to supportive care medications for these symptoms. Pharmacogenomics may inform prescribing by identification of those genetically at risk for drug related adverse events or therapeutic failure. While such information can be applied to many drugs, there are specific oncology populations that could greatly benefit from pharmacogenomics-guided supportive care management due to high symptom burden, including those receiving palliative medicine and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The goal of this paper is to provide an overview of, and lessons learned from, the development of two prospective pharmacogenomics-guided interventional trials ("Supportive Care PGx Trial" and "Transplant PGx Trial") across two different clinical settings at the Levine Cancer Institute: the Department of Supportive Oncology and the Transplant and Cellular Therapy section. Key considerations included the appropriate study design and endpoints (balancing study goals and resources), dissemination and application of individual pharmacogenetics results, technical details about assay development, and overall care coordination to minimize clinic disruption.

Potentially actionable pharmacogenetic variants and symptom control medications in oncology.

PURPOSE: We estimated the prevalence of potentially actionable pharmacogenetic (PGx) variants related to symptom control medications (SCMs) based on institutional prescribing patterns and correlated presenting symptoms with SCM prescribing. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of adult ambulatory cancer patients undergoing electronic distress screening (EDS) within 90 days of intake to the cancer hospital. We estimated the proportion prescribed SCM(s) with PGx evidence within 90 days of intake. Those with potentially actionable variants were estimated using population frequency data from 1000 genomes. The expected number at risk of altered drug response was estimated. The associations between symptom scores and SCM(s) were estimated with logistic regression and threshold analyses performed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: Of 6985 patients, 3222 (46%) received ≥ one SCM. Of these, 2760 (86%) received SCM(s) with PGx evidence for CYP2B6, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, or SLC6A4; 2719 (84%) received a drug metabolized by CYP2D6, most commonly hydrocodone (40.4%), ondansetron (35.6%), oxycodone (24.2%), and/or tramadol (7.1%). Based on this, about one quarter were expected to have altered metabolism and/or drug response. One third were prescribed two or more SCMs with PGx evidence. About half reported at least one severe symptom, which significantly correlated with SCM prescribing (p < 0.001). Threshold scores were identified that highly correlated with SCM prescribing for anxiety, depression, nausea, neuropathy, pain, and sleep. CONCLUSION: About half presented with significant symptom burden, which highly correlated with SCM prescribing. Most received SCMs with PGx evidence. Preemptive PGx testing for these variants should be evaluated in prospective trials to evaluate the impact on symptom control.

Management of Dyspnea in Advanced Cancer: ASCO Guideline.

PURPOSE: To provide guidance on the clinical management of dyspnea in adult patients with advanced cancer. METHODS: ASCO convened an Expert Panel to review the evidence and formulate recommendations. An Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) systematic review provided the evidence base for nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions to alleviate dyspnea. The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies with a concurrent comparison group published through early May 2020. The ASCO Expert Panel also wished to address dyspnea assessment, management of underlying conditions, and palliative care referrals, and for these questions, an additional systematic review identified RCTs, systematic reviews, and guidelines published through July 2020. RESULTS: The AHRQ systematic review included 48 RCTs and two retrospective cohort studies. Lung cancer and mesothelioma were the most commonly addressed types of cancer. Nonpharmacologic interventions such as fans provided some relief from breathlessness. Support for pharmacologic interventions was limited. A meta-analysis of specialty breathlessness services reported improvements in distress because of dyspnea. RECOMMENDATIONS: A hierarchical approach to dyspnea management is recommended, beginning with dyspnea assessment, ascertainment and management of potentially reversible causes, and referral to an interdisciplinary palliative care team. Nonpharmacologic interventions that may be offered to relieve dyspnea include airflow interventions (eg, a fan directed at the cheek), standard supplemental oxygen for patients with hypoxemia, and other psychoeducational, self-management, or complementary approaches. For patients who derive inadequate relief from nonpharmacologic interventions, systemic opioids should be offered. Other pharmacologic interventions, such as corticosteroids and benzodiazepines, are also discussed.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/supportive-care-guidelines.

Diet and Nutrition Advice After a Solid Tumor Diagnosis.

PURPOSE: Credible evidence-based diet and nutrition advice is essential for patients with cancer. This study aimed to explore what advice patients with cancer obtained before a formal dietetic visit. METHODS: A multicenter, observational study was conducted in seven hospital-based oncology services. Consecutive patients were recruited at first dietetic assessment. In addition to routine dietetic assessment, participants completed a four-item questionnaire describing diet and nutrition advice obtained since diagnosis. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients participated. More than 80% had multiple nutrition-impact symptoms. In total, 53 (69%) obtained advice from professional and nonprofessional sources before dietetic visit. Family and friends were the most common sources of advice. More than one third got advice from (nondietetic) healthcare professionals. Most advice related to "foods to include" (61%) and "foods to avoid" (54%) in the diet. Many of the "foods to avoid" were important sources of micro- and macronutrients. Advice about dietary supplements (31%) and specific diets (28%) was common, rarely evidence-based, and frequently contradictory. Participants found it difficult to discern what advice was trustworthy and reliable. Despite this, most followed the advice. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients received diet and nutrition advice before first dietetic visit. Most of this came from nonprofessional sources. Any advice from nondietetic healthcare professionals was inconsistent or vague. This was mainly related to the avoidance and/or inclusion of particular foods and was often contradictory. Nevertheless, patients usually followed such advice fully. To help manage their frequent nutrition-impact symptoms and resolve the contradictory advice they had received, many expressed the need for earlier professional dietetic consultation.

Early-onset pancreatic cancer: an institutional series evaluating end-of-life care.

PURPOSE: Little is known about the use of palliative and hospice care and their impact on healthcare utilization near the end of life (EOL) in early-onset pancreatic cancer (EOPC). METHODS: Patients with EOPC (≤ 50 years) were identified using the institutional tumor registry for years 2011-2018, and demographic, clinical, and rates of referral to palliative and hospice services were obtained retrospectively. Predictors of healthcare utilization, defined as use of ≥ 1 emergency department (ED) visit or hospitalization within 30 days of death, place of death (non-hospital vs. hospital), and time from last chemotherapy administration prior to death, were assessed using descriptive, univariable, and multivariable analyses including chi-square and logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 112 patients with EOPC with a median age of 46 years (range, 29-50) were studied. Forty-four percent were female, 28% were Black, and 45% had metastatic disease. Fifty-seven percent received palliative care at a median of 7.8 weeks (range 0-265) following diagnosis. The median time between last chemotherapy and death was 7.9 weeks (range 0-102). Seventy-four percent used hospice services prior to death for a median of 15 days (range 0-241). Rate of healthcare utilization at the EOL was 74% in the overall population. Black race and late use of chemotherapy were independently associated with increase in ED visits/hospitalization and hospital place of death. CONCLUSIONS: Although we observed early referrals to palliative care among patients with newly diagnosed EOPC, short duration of hospice enrollment and rates of healthcare utilization prior to death were substantial.

We report performance status in oncology-but not nutritional status?

Performance status (PS) scales are used routinely in clinical oncology to evaluate functional status and help direct treatment decisions. PS is also used to determine research protocol eligibility, indicate treatment response, and evaluate toxicity in oncology clinical trials. Malnutrition (like poor PS) is associated with adverse outcomes such as lower tolerance to anti-tumor treatment, poor quality of life, and decreased survival. Nutritional status is therefore arguably as important as PS for cancer outcomes. Despite well-documented adverse consequences for patients, malnutrition also often goes undiagnosed until severe depletion is evident. If the predictive importance of nutritional status is comparable to PS, why is nutritional status not routinely used along with PS to guide treatment decisions? There is compelling evidence to support the predictive abilities of both PS and nutritional status in cancer outcomes and treatment decision-making. Perhaps, PS may be a proxy for nutritional status. Nutritional status might also serve as an effective tool for patient selection and stratification in oncology trials. Together with PS, it might provide important and distinct prognostic information; we propose both should be routinely included in outcome studies. The extent to which impaired PS may be a surrogate for malnutrition warrants investigation. Given its comparable importance to PS, it is inexcusable that nutritional status is not given the prominence it deserves as a key patient-reported outcome.

Diet and nutrition information on nine national cancer organisation websites: A critical review.

INTRODUCTION: National Cancer Organisations (NCO) provide web-based diet and nutrition information for patients with all types and stages of cancer. We examined diet and nutrition information provided by nine NCO in English-speaking countries. METHODS: Diet and nutrition information was examined under four headings: disease phases, treatment modalities, nutrition impact symptoms and cancer primary sites. We also examined the degree of concordance between NCO websites and appraised the readability of materials. RESULTS: Nine NCO websites from six English-speaking countries were included: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. All provided general healthy eating advice. Information at diagnosis and pre-treatment was inadequate, but well-addressed for survivorship. Specific treatment modalities such as biological and hormone therapy were largely ignored. Symptom management was well-addressed, with some exceptions. Cancer site-specific advice was readily available. All recommended consultation with a dietitian/healthcare professional for personalised guidance. Only one met the universal health literacy standard. CONCLUSIONS: NCO websites provided important general diet and nutrition information for cancer patients. The information was reliable and safe, but more in-depth, evidence-based and health-literate information is required. There is an urgent need for an international consensus for consistent cancer diet and nutrition advice.