Correlates of health-related quality of life in African Americans diagnosed with cancer: a review of survivorship studies and the Detroit research on cancer survivors cohort.

Advances in cancer screening and treatment have improved survival after a diagnosis of cancer. As the number of cancer survivors as well as their overall life-expectancy increases, investigations of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are critical in understanding the factors that promote the optimal experience over the course of survivorship. However, there is a dearth of information on determinants of HRQOL for African American cancer survivors as the vast majority of cohorts have been conducted predominantly among non-Hispanic Whites. In this review, we provide a review of the literature related to HRQOL in cancer survivors including those in African Americans. We then present a summary of published work from the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) cohort, a population-based cohort of more than 5000 African American cancer survivors. Overall, Detroit ROCS has markedly advanced our understanding of the unique factors contributing to poorer HRQOL among African Americans with cancer. This work and future studies will help inform potential interventions to improve the long-term health of this patient population.

Vortioxetine for the treatment of post-COVID-19 condition: a randomized controlled trial.

Hitherto no therapeutic has received regulatory approval for the treatment of post-COVID-19 condition (PCC). Cognitive deficits, mood symptoms and significant reduction in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are highly replicated and debilitating aspects of PCC. We sought to determine the impact of vortioxetine on the foregoing symptoms and HRQoL in persons living with PCC. An 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of adults ≥ 18 years of age residing in Canada and who are experiencing symptoms of World Health Organization (WHO)-defined PCC, with a history of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, was conducted. Recruitment began November 2021 and ended January 2023. Of the 200 participants enrolled (487 invited: 121 ineligible and 59 eligible but declined participation; 307 cleared pre-screening stage), a total of 149 participants were randomized (1:1) to receive either vortioxetine (5-20 mg, n = 75) or placebo (n = 74) daily for 8 weeks of double-blind treatment (i.e. end point). The primary outcome was the change from baseline-to-end point in the Digit Symbol Substitution Test. Secondary outcomes included the effect on depressive symptoms and HRQoL, as measured by changes from baseline-to-end point on the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology 16-item and WHO Wellbeing Scale 5-item, respectively. A total of 68 (90.7%) participants randomized to vortioxetine and 73 (98.6%) participants randomized to placebo completed all 8 weeks. Between-group analysis did not show a significant difference in the overall change in cognitive function [P = 0.361, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-0.179, 0.492)]. However, in the fully adjusted model, a significant treatment × time interaction was observed in favour of vortioxetine treatment with baseline c-reactive protein (CRP) as a moderator (P = 0.012). In addition, a significant improvement in Digit Symbol Substitution Test scores were observed in vortioxetine versus placebo treated participants in those whose baseline CRP was above the mean (P = 0.045). Moreover, significant improvement was obtained in measures of depressive symptoms [P < 0.001, 95% CI (-4.378, -2.323)] and HRQoL [P < 0.001, 95% CI (2.297, 4.647)] in vortioxetine-treated participants and between the treatment groups [depressive symptoms: P = 0.026, 95% CI (-2.847, -0.185); HRQoL: P = 0.004, 95% CI (0.774, 3.938)]. Although vortioxetine did not improve cognitive function in the unadjusted model, when adjusting for CRP, a significant pro-cognitive effect was observed; antidepressant effects and improvement in HRQoL in this debilitating disorder were also noted.

Development of a new health-related quality of life measure for people with diabetes who experience hypoglycaemia: the Hypo-RESOLVE QoL.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Valid and reliable patient-reported outcome measures are vital for assessing disease impact, responsiveness to healthcare and the cost-effectiveness of interventions. A recent review has questioned the ability of existing measures to assess hypoglycaemia-related impacts on health-related quality of life for people with diabetes. This mixed-methods project was designed to produce a novel health-related quality of life patient-reported outcome measure in hypoglycaemia: the Hypo-RESOLVE QoL. METHODS: Three studies were conducted with people with diabetes who experience hypoglycaemia. In Stage 1, a comprehensive health-related quality of life framework for hypoglycaemia was elicited from semi-structured interviews (N=31). In Stage 2, the content validity and acceptability of draft measure content were tested via three waves of cognitive debriefing interviews (N=70 people with diabetes; N=14 clinicians). In Stage 3, revised measure content was administered alongside existing generic and diabetes-related measures in a large cross-sectional observational survey to assess psychometric performance (N=1246). The final measure was developed using multiple evidence sources, incorporating stakeholder engagement. RESULTS: A novel conceptual model of hypoglycaemia-related health-related quality of life was generated, featuring 19 themes, organised by physical, social and psychological aspects. From a draft version of 76 items, a final 14-item measure was produced with satisfactory structural (χ2=472.27, df=74, p<0.001; comparative fit index =0.943; root mean square error of approximation =0.069) and convergent validity with related constructs (r=0.46-0.59), internal consistency (α=0.91) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient =0.87). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: The Hypo-RESOLVE QoL is a rigorously developed patient-reported outcome measure assessing the health-related quality of life impacts of hypoglycaemia. The Hypo-RESOLVE QoL has demonstrable validity and reliability and has value for use in clinical decision-making and as a clinical trial endpoint. DATA AVAILABILITY: All data generated or analysed during this study are included in the published article and its online supplementary files ( https://doi.org/10.15131/shef. DATA: 23295284.v2 ).

Improvement in Health-Related Quality of Life Following Antibiotic Treatment in Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease: Initial Analysis of the NTM-KOREA Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Improving health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has emerged as a priority in the management of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD). We aimed to evaluate HRQOL and its changes after 6 months' treatment in patients with NTM-PD. METHODS: The NTM-KOREA is a nationwide prospective cohort enrolling patients initiating treatment for NTM-PD in 8 institutions across South Korea. We conducted the Quality of Life-Bronchiectasis (QOL-B) at 6-month intervals and evaluated baseline scores (higher scores indicate better quality of life) and changes after 6 months' treatment. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with improvement in the QOL-B physical functioning and respiratory symptoms domains. RESULTS: Between February 2022 and August 2023, 411 patients were included in the analysis. Baseline scores (95% confidence interval [CI]) for physical functioning and respiratory symptoms were 66.7 (46.7-86.7) and 81.5 (70.4-92.6), respectively. Among 228 patients who completed the QOL-B after 6 months' treatment, improvements in physical functioning and respiratory symptoms were observed in 61 (26.8%) and 71 (31.1%) patients, respectively. A lower score (adjusted odds ratio; 95% CI) for physical functioning (0.93; 0.91-0.96) and respiratory symptoms (0.92; 0.89-0.95) at treatment initiation was associated with a greater likelihood of physical functioning and respiratory symptom improvement, respectively; achieving culture conversion was not associated with improvement in physical functioning (0.62; 0.28-1.39) or respiratory symptoms (1.30; 0.62-2.74). CONCLUSIONS: After 6 months of antibiotic treatment for NTM-PD, HRQOL improved in almost one-third, especially in patients with severe initial symptoms, regardless of culture conversion. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03934034.

Longitudinal associations of plasma kynurenines and ratios with fatigue and quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors up to 12 months post-treatment.

Fatigue is prevalent in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors, impacting their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Inflammation-induced activation of the kynurenine pathway may play a role in cancer-related fatigue and HRQoL, but evidence is scarce. Therefore, we aimed to investigate longitudinal associations of plasma tryptophan, kynurenines, and ratios with fatigue and HRQoL in CRC survivors up to 12 months post-treatment. Repeated measurements at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months post-treatment were performed in 249 stage I-III CRC survivors. Plasma tryptophan and eight kynurenines were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). Fatigue and HRQoL outcomes were evaluated using validated questionnaires. Confounder-adjusted linear mixed models were conducted to analyze longitudinal associations, with false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Higher tryptophan (Trp), kynurenic acid (KA), and xanthurenic acid (XA) concentrations, as well as a higher kynurenic acid-to-quinolinic acid ratio (KA/QA), were associated with less fatigue and better functioning, while a higher kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio (KTR) and 3-hydroxykynurenine ratio (HKr) were associated with more fatigue and worse functioning. Finally, higher KA and XA concentrations and a higher KA/QA ratio were associated with a higher overall HRQoL summary score, while a higher HKr was associated with a lower overall HRQoL summary score. In conclusion, we observed that tryptophan and several kynurenines were longitudinally associated with fatigue and HRQoL in CRC survivors up to 12 months post-treatment. Future research is needed to validate our findings and explore the potential of the kynurenine pathway as intervention target for reducing fatigue and enhancing HRQoL after CRC treatment.

The CONVINCE randomized trial found positive effects on quality of life for patients with chronic kidney disease treated with hemodiafiltration.

In the CONVINCE trial, the primary analysis demonstrated a survival benefit for patients receiving high-dose hemodiafiltration (HDF) as compared with high-flux hemodialysis (HD). A secondary objective was to evaluate effects on health-related quality of life (HRQoL); assessed in eight domains (physical function, cognitive function, fatigue, sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, pain interference, social participation) applying instruments from the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) before randomization and every three months thereafter. In total 1360 adults with dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease, eligible to receive high-flux HDF (23 liters or more), were randomized (1:1); 84% response rate to all questionnaires. Both groups reported a continuous deterioration in all HRQoL domains. Overall, raw score changes from baseline were more favorable in the HDF group, resulting in a significant omnibus test after a median observation period of 30 months. Most relevant single raw score differences were reported for cognitive function. Patients receiving HDF reported a decline of -0.95 units (95% confidence interval - 2.23 to +0.34) whereas HD treated patients declined by -3.90 units (-5.28 to - 2.52). A joint model, adjusted for mortality differences, utilizing all quarterly assessments, identified a significantly slower HRQoL decline in physical function, cognitive function, pain interference, and social participation for the HDF group. Their physical health summary score declined -0.46 units/year slower compared to the HD group. Thus, the CONVINCE trial showed a beneficial effect of high-dose hemodiafiltration for survival as well as a moderate positive effect on patients' quality of life, most pronounced with respect to their cognitive function. REGISTRATION: NTR7138 on the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform.

Correlation analyses of radiographic progression-free survival with clinical and health-related quality of life outcomes in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: Analysis of the phase 3 VISION trial.

BACKGROUND: [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 (177Lu-PSMA-617) plus protocol-permitted standard of care (SOC) prolonged overall survival (OS) and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) versus SOC in patients with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in the phase 3 VISION study, in addition to beneficial effects on symptomatic skeletal events (SSEs) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). METHODS: Post hoc analyses used the full analysis set from the VISION study (N = 831) overall and by randomized treatment arm (177Lu-PSMA-617 plus SOC, n = 551; SOC, n = 280). Correlations were determined between OS and rPFS and between rPFS or OS and time to SSE or to worsening HRQOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate [FACT-P] and 5-level EQ-5D [EQ-5D-5L]). Correlation analyses used an iterative multiple imputation copula-based approach (correlation coefficients [rho] of <0.3 were defined as weak, ≥0.3 and <0.5 as mild, ≥0.5 and <0.7 as moderate, and ≥0.7 as strong). RESULTS: In the overall population, rPFS correlated strongly with OS (rho, ≥0.7). Correlations between rPFS or OS and time to SSE without death were weak or mild. Time to worsening in the FACT-P total score and emotional and physical well-being domains correlated mildly or moderately with rPFS and moderately with OS. Correlation coefficients for time-to-worsening EQ-5D-5L scores were mild to moderate for both rPFS and OS. Correlation coefficients were similar between treatment arms. CONCLUSIONS: In this analysis of the VISION study, rPFS correlated strongly with OS but not with time to SSE or worsening HRQOL. These findings require further investigation.

Patient-reported outcomes in chronic hepatitis delta: An exploratory analysis of the Phase III MYR301 trial of bulevirtide.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Once-daily treatment of chronic hepatitis delta (CHD) with bulevirtide is well tolerated and associated with significant reductions in HDV RNA in the blood and in biochemical liver disease activity. This study explored the effects of 48-week bulevirtide treatment on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with CHD. METHODS: In an open-label, randomised, Phase 3 trial, 150 patients with CHD and compensated liver disease were stratified by liver cirrhosis status and randomised 1:1:1 to no treatment (control), bulevirtide 2 mg/day, or bulevirtide 10 mg/day for 48 weeks. HRQoL was evaluated by the following patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments at baseline, 24 weeks, and 48 weeks: EQ-5D-3L, Hepatitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (HQLQ), and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). RESULTS: Patient characteristics and HRQoL scores were balanced at baseline between the treatment (2 mg, n = 49; 10 mg, n = 50) and control (n = 51) groups. Patients receiving 2-mg bulevirtide reported significant improvements compared with controls on the HQLQ domains of role physical, hepatitis-specific limitations, and hepatitis-specific health distress. Numerically higher scores for general health, hepatitis-specific limitations, and hepatitis-specific health distress domains were reported by patients with cirrhosis who received bulevirtide vs control. FSS scores remained stable across treatment groups throughout. At week 48, patients in the 2-mg group showed greater mean improvement from baseline in health status compared with controls on the EQ-5D-3L visual analogue scale. CONCLUSION: PROs indicate that 48-week treatment with bulevirtide monotherapy may improve aspects of HRQoL in patients with CHD. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS: Bulevirtide 2 mg is the only approved treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis delta (CHD) in the EU. Patients with CHD have worse quality of life scores than those with chronic hepatitis B. Bulevirtide treatment for 48 weeks reduced HDV RNA and alanine aminotransferase levels and was well tolerated among patients with CHD. For the first time, this study shows that patients who received bulevirtide therapy for 48 weeks reported improvements in physical and hepatitis-related quality of life domains compared to those who did not receive therapy (control group). CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier, NCT03852719.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Predominantly Antibody Deficiency.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures individual well-being across physical, psychological, and social domains. Patients with predominantly antibody deficiency (PAD) are at risk for morbidity and mortality, however, the effect of these complications on HRQoL requires additional study. Patients with PAD were asked to voluntarily complete the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) HRQoL-14 Healthy Days Measure questionnaire. These results were compared to data from the CDC-initiated Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a cross-sectional questionnaire including questions from CDC-HRQOL-14. Statistical analyses included two-proportion Z-test, t-tests, and analysis of variance. 83 patients with PAD completed the survey. Patients were sub-stratified into mild (23.7%), moderate (35.5%), severe (40.8%), and secondary (8.4%) PAD. "Fair or poor" health status was reported in 52.6% of PAD patients. Mental health challenges ≥ 14 days/month occurred in 25% of patients. Physical health issues ≥ 14 days/month was reported in 44.7% of patients. Activity limitations were noted by 80.3% of patients. There were no statistically significant differences by PAD severity. Patients with autoimmune and inflammatory disease co-morbidities reported more mental health challenges compared to those without (78% vs. 54.3%, p = 0.02). Compared to the CDC-BRFSS data, significantly more patients with PAD reported "fair or poor" health status (53% vs 12.0%; p < 0.0001), mental health challenges (24.1% vs 14.7%; p = 0.02), and poor physical health (44.6% vs 8.0%; p < 0.0001). Patients with PAD had significantly reduced HRQoL compared to CDC-BRFSS respondents from a similar geographical region. Decreased HRQoL was prevalent across all PAD severity levels. Additional research is needed to improve HRQoL for patients with PAD.

Patient-Reported Outcomes in KEYNOTE-564: Adjuvant Pembrolizumab Versus Placebo for Renal Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: In patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) enrolled in the phase III KEYNOTE-564 trial (NCT03142334), disease-free survival (DFS) following nephrectomy was prolonged with use of adjuvant pembrolizumab therapy versus placebo. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provide an important measure of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and can complement efficacy and safety results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In KEYNOTE-564, 994 patients were randomly assigned to receive pembrolizumab 200 mg (n = 496) or placebo (n = 498) intravenously every 3 weeks for ≤17 cycles. Patients who received ≥1 dose of treatment and completed ≥1 HRQoL assessment were included in this analysis. HRQoL end points were assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30, FKSI-DRS, and EQ VAS. Prespecified and exploratory PRO end points were mean change from baseline in EORTC QLQ-C30 GHS/QoL score, EORTC QLQ-C30 physical function subscale score, and FKSI-DRS score. RESULTS: No clinically meaningful difference in least squares mean scores for pembrolizumab versus placebo were observed at week 52 for EORTC QLQ-C30 GHS/QoL (-2.5; 95% CI -5.2 to 0.1), EORTC QLQ-C30 physical functioning (-0.87; 95% CI -2.7 to 1.0), and FKSI-DRS (-0.7; 95% CI -1.2 to -0.1). Most PRO scores remained stable or improved for the EORTC QLQ-C30 GHS/QoL (pembrolizumab, 54.3%; placebo, 67.5%), EORTC QLQ-C30 physical functioning (pembrolizumab, 64.7%; placebo, 68.8%), and FKSI-DRS (pembrolizumab, 58.2%; placebo, 66.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant treatment with pembrolizumab did not result in deterioration of HRQoL. These findings together with the safety and efficacy findings support adjuvant pembrolizumab treatment following nephrectomy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03142334.

Health-related quality-of-life analysis from KEYNOTE-590: pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy for advanced esophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND: In the KEYNOTE-590 study, first-line pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy provided statistically significant improvement in overall survival, progression-free survival, and objective response rate compared with chemotherapy, with a manageable safety profile in patients with advanced esophageal cancer. Prespecified health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) outcomes are reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Change from baseline to week 18 in the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30) global health status/QoL (GHS/QoL) and QLQ-Esophageal cancer module (OES18) dysphagia, pain, and reflux scales were evaluated. RESULTS: The HRQoL analysis included 730 patients who received treatment and completed ≥1 HRQoL assessment. Least squares mean (LSM) change from baseline to week 18 was similar between treatment groups for QLQ-C30 GHS/QoL and physical functioning and QLQ-OES18 reflux scales. The QLQ-OES18 dysphagia (LSM difference, -5.54; 95% CI, -10.93 to -0.16) and pain (LSM difference, -2.94; 95% CI, -5.86 to -0.02) scales favored pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy over placebo plus chemotherapy. Median time to confirmed deterioration (TTD) was similar between treatment groups for QLQ-C30 GHS/QoL and physical functioning and QLQ-OES18 dysphagia and reflux scales. Compared with chemotherapy, pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy prolonged median TTD, as seen on the QLQ-OES18 pain scale (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.95). CONCLUSION: The use of pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy maintained HRQoL at week 18 relative to baseline and was comparable with placebo plus chemotherapy. These HRQoL results together with published reports of efficacy, support the use of pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy as first-line therapy for advanced/metastatic esophageal cancer. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV ID: NCT03189719.

The Relationship Between Health-Related Quality of Life and Overall Survival in Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma in CheckMate 214.

BACKGROUND: In CheckMate 214 (median follow-up, 25.2 months), nivolumab plus ipilimumab yielded greater overall survival (OS) benefit than sunitinib in patients with intermediate-/poor-risk advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC). Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Kidney Symptom Index-19 (FKSI-19) was also more favorable for the nivolumab plus ipilimumab group than the sunitinib group. We investigated whether HRQoL scores can predict OS of patients with 5 years follow-up in CheckMate 214. PATIENTS AND METHODS: CheckMate 214 was an open-label, phase III trial in previously untreated aRCC (N = 1096). Patients with intermediate-/poor-risk disease (International mRCC Database Consortium prognostic score ≥ 1; n = 847) were randomized to either nivolumab plus ipilimumab or sunitinib monotherapy. Pooled data for OS and FKSI-19 total and subscales (disease-related symptoms [DRS], DRS-physical [DRS-P], and function/well-being [FWB]) were analyzed. Relationships between HRQoL and OS were assessed using Cox proportional hazard models with baseline and longitudinal scores. Associations between HRQoL changes and OS were assessed by landmark analyses. RESULTS: Patients with higher FKSI-19 total and subscale scores at baseline had longer OS than patients with lower scores (HR ≤ 0.834; P < .0001). Longitudinal models indicated stronger associations between HRQoL and OS (HR ≤ 0.69; P < .001 for each). At 3 months after randomization, patients with stable/improved HRQoL versus baseline had longer median OS than patients with worsened/unobserved HRQoL versus baseline (55.9 and 26.0 months, respectively; HR = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.46-0.67; P < .0001). Results at 6-, 9-, and 12-month landmarks were consistent with these findings. CONCLUSION: In aRCC, patient-reported outcomes are important for HRQoL and prognostic evaluation. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT02231749; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02231749.

Behavioral Therapy for Functional Heartburn: Recommendation Statements.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Brain-gut behavior therapies (BGBT) are increasingly recognized as effective therapeutic interventions for functional heartburn. However, recommendations regarding candidacy for treatment, initial treatment selection, and navigating treatment non-response have not been established for functional heartburn specifically. The aim of this study was to establish expert-based recommendations for behavioral treatment in patients with functional heartburn. METHODS: The validated RAND/University of California, Los Angeles Appropriateness Method was applied to develop recommendations. A 15-member panel composed of 10 gastrointestinal psychologists and 5 esophageal specialists ranked the appropriateness of a series of statements on a 9-point interval scale over 2 ranking periods. Statements were within the following domains: pre-therapy evaluation, candidacy criteria for BGBT, selection of initial BGBT, role of additional therapy for initial non-response to BGBT, and role of pharmacologic neuromodulation. The primary outcome was appropriateness of each intervention based on the recommendation statements. RESULTS: Recommendations for psychosocial assessment (eg, hypervigilance, symptom-specific anxiety, health-related quality of life), candidacy criteria (eg, motivated for BGBT, acknowledges the role of stress in symptoms), and treatment were established. Gut-directed hypnotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy were considered appropriate BGBT for functional heartburn. Neuromodulation and/or additional BGBT were considered appropriate in the context of non-response. CONCLUSIONS: Gut-directed hypnotherapy and/or cognitive behavioral therapy are recommended as appropriate behavioral interventions for heartburn symptoms, depending on clinical indication, specific gut-brain targets, and preferred treatment modality (pharmacologic vs non-pharmacologic). Pre-therapy evaluation of psychosocial processes and candidacy for BGBT are important to determine eligibility for referral to psychogastroenterology services.

The short-term impact of Schistosoma mansoni infection on health-related quality of life: implications for current elimination policies.

The WHO aims to eliminate schistosomiasis as a public health problem by 2030. However, standard morbidity measures poorly correlate to infection intensities, hindering disease monitoring and evaluation. This is exacerbated by insufficient evidence on Schistosoma's impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We conducted community-based cross-sectional surveys and parasitological examinations in moderate-to-high Schistosoma mansoni endemic communities in Uganda. We calculated parasitic infections and used EQ-5D instruments to estimate and compare HRQoL utilities in these populations. We further employed Tobit/linear regression models to predict HRQoL determinants. Two-thirds of the 560 participants were diagnosed with parasitic infection(s), 49% having S. mansoni. No significant negative association was observed between HRQoL and S. mansoni infection status/intensity. However, severity of pain urinating (ß = -0.106; s.e. = 0.043) and body swelling (ß = -0.326; s.e. = 0.005), increasing age (ß = -0.016; s.e. = 0.033), reduced socio-economic status (ß = 0.128; s.e. = 0.032), and being unemployed predicted lower HRQoL. Symptom severity and socio-economic status were better predictors of short-term HRQoL than current S. mansoni infection status/intensity. This is key to disentangling the link between infection(s) and short-term health outcomes, and highlights the complexity of correlating current infection(s) with long-term morbidity. Further evidence is needed on long-term schistosomiasis-associated HRQoL, health and economic outcomes to inform the case for upfront investments in schistosomiasis interventions.

Health utility assessments in individuals undergoing diagnostic and surveillance colonoscopy: improved discrimination with a cancer-specific scale.

PURPOSE: To compare the sensitivity and discriminant validity of generic and cancer-specific measures for assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for individuals undergoing diagnostic or surveillance colonoscopy for colorectal cancer. METHODS: HRQoL was assessed using EQ-5D-5L (generic), and EORTC QLQ-C30 (cancer-specific) scales, 14 days after (baseline) and one-year following colonoscopy (follow-up). Utility scores were calculated by mapping EORTC-QLQ-C30 onto QLU-C10D. Differences between participants with different indications for colonoscopy (positive faecal occult blood test (FOBT), surveillance, or symptoms) and colonoscopy findings (no polyps, polyps, or cancer) were tested using Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis H tests. Sensitivity was assessed by calculating the ceiling effects (proportion reporting the best possible level). RESULTS: 246 adults completed the survey, including those undergoing colonoscopy for symptoms (n = 87), positive FOBT (n = 92) or surveillance (n = 67). Those with symptoms had the lowest HRQoL at both baseline and follow-up, with differences observed within the HRQoL domains/areas of role function, appetite loss and bowel function on the QLU-C10D. No differences were found in HRQoL when stratified by findings at colonoscopy with both measures or when comparing baseline and follow-up responses. Participants reporting full health with EQ-5D-5L (21% at baseline and 16% at follow-up) still had problems on the QLU-C10D, with fatigue and sleep at baseline and with role function and fatigue at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing colonoscopy for symptoms had lower HRQoL compared to surveillance or positive FOBT. The cancer-specific QLU-C10D was more sensitive and had greater discriminant ability between patients undergoing colonoscopy for different indications.

Patient research partner involvement in rheumatology research: a systematic literature review informing the 2023 updated EULAR recommendations for the involvement of patient research partners.

BACKGROUND: Patient research partners (PRPs) are people with a disease who collaborate in a research team as partners. The aim of this systematic literature review (SLR) was to assess barriers and facilitators to PRP involvement in rheumatology research. METHODS: The SLR was conducted in PubMed/Medline for articles on PRP involvement in rheumatology research, published between 2017 and 2023; websites were also searched in rheumatology and other specialties. Data were extracted regarding the definition of PRPs, their role and added value, as well as barriers and facilitators to PRP involvement. The quality of the articles was assessed. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and principles of thematic content analysis was applied to qualitative data. RESULTS: Of 1016 publications, 53 articles were included; the majority of these studies were qualitative studies (26%), opinion articles (21%), meeting reports (17%) and mixed-methods studies (11%). Roles of PRPs ranged from research partners to patient advocates, advisors and patient reviewers. PRPs were reported/advised to be involved early in the project (32% of articles) and in all research phases (30%), from the conception stage to the implementation of research findings. The main barriers were challenges in communication and support for both PRPs and researchers. Facilitators of PRP involvement included more than one PRP per project, training of PRPs and researchers, a supportive environment for PRPs (including adequate communication, acknowledgement and compensation of PRPs) and the presence of a PRP coordinator. CONCLUSION: This SLR identified barriers and facilitators to PRP involvement, and was key to updating the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology recommendations for PRP-researcher collaboration based on scientific evidence.

Effect of avalglucosidase alfa on disease-specific and general patient-reported outcomes in treatment-naïve adults with late-onset Pompe disease compared with alglucosidase alfa: Meaningful change analyses from the Phase 3 COMET trial.

BACKGROUND: The Phase 3 COMET trial (NCT02782741) comparing avalglucosidase alfa and alglucosidase alfa included health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessments in treatment-naïve patients with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD). Here, we further characterize results from disease-specific and general patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures. METHODS: Adults who participated in the COMET trial receiving avalglucosidase alfa or alglucosidase alfa (both 20 mg/kg biweekly) during the 49-week double-blind treatment period were included in the analysis. Proportions of patients exceeding meaningful change thresholds at Week 49 were compared post hoc between treatment groups. PROs and their meaningful change thresholds included: Pompe Disease Severity Scale (PDSS; decrease 1.0-1.5 points), Pompe Disease Impact Scale (PDIS; decrease 1.0-1.5 points), Rasch-built Pompe-specific Activity Scale (R-PAct; change from unable to able to complete activity), 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12; physical component summary [PCS] score: increase ≥6 points, mental component summary [MCS] score: increase ≥7 points), EuroQol 5 Dimension 5 Level (EQ-5D-5L; improvement of ≥1 category), and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC; any improvement). RESULTS: The analysis included 99 adult patients (avalglucosidase alfa n = 50; alglucosidase alfa n = 49). Patients who received avalglucosidase alfa had significantly greater odds of achieving a meaningful change versus alglucosidase alfa for the PDSS Shortness of Breath (OR [95% CI] 11.79 [2.24; 62.18]), Fatigue/Pain (6.24 [1.20; 32.54]), Morning Headache (13.98 [1.71; 114.18]), and Overall Fatigue (5.88 [1.37; 25.11]) domains, and were significantly more likely to meet meaningful change thresholds across multiple PDSS domains (all nominal p < 0.05). A numerically greater proportion of patients in the avalglucosidase alfa group were able to complete selected activities of the R-PAct compared with the alglucosidase alfa group. Significantly greater proportions of patients who received avalglucosidase alfa achieved meaningful improvements for EQ-5D-5L usual activities dimension, EQ visual analog scale, and all four PGIC domains. The proportion of patients with improvements in SF-12 PCS and MCS was greater in the avalglucosidase alfa group versus alglucosidase alfa group, but was not significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These analyses show that avalglucosidase alfa improves multiple symptoms and aspects of daily functioning, including breathing and mobility. This supports the clinical relevance of the effects of avalglucosidase alfa on HRQoL for patients with LOPD.

Predictors of poor health-related quality of life among people living with HIV aged ≥60 years in the PISCIS cohort: Findings from the Vive+ project.

INTRODUCTION: Advancements in and accessibility to effective antiretroviral therapy has improved the life expectancy of people living with HIV, increasing the proportion of people living with HIV reaching older age (≥60 years), making this population's health-related quality of life (HRQoL) more relevant. Our aim was to identify the determinants of poor HRQoL in people living with HIV aged ≥60 years and compare them with those of their younger counterparts. METHODS: We used data from the 'Vive+' study, a cross-sectional survey conducted between October 2019 and March 2020, nested within the PISCIS cohort of people living with HIV in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, Spain. We used the 12-item short-form survey (SF-12), divided into a physical component summary (PCS) and a mental component summary (MCS), to evaluate HRQoL. We used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator for variable selection and used multivariable regression models to identify predictors. RESULTS: Of the 1060 people living with HIV (78.6% males) who participated in the study, 209 (19.7%) were aged ≥60 years. When comparing older people living with HIV (≥60 years) and their younger counterparts, older people exhibited a worse PCS (median 51.3 [interquartile range {IQR} 46.0-58.1] vs. 46.43 [IQR 42.5-52.7], p < 0.001) but a similar MCS (median 56.0 [IQR 49.34-64.7] vs. 57.0 [IQR 48.9-66.3], p = 0.476). In the multivariable analysis, cognitive function correlated with a PCS (ß correlation factor [ß] -0.18, p = 0.014), and depressive symptoms and satisfaction with social role correlated with an MCS (ß 0.61 and ß -0.97, respectively, p < 0.001) in people living with HIV aged ≥60 years. CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms, poor cognitive function, and lower satisfaction with social roles predict poorer HRQoL in older people living with HIV. These factors need to be considered when designing targeted interventions.

Network analysis to prioritize issues for intervention to improve the health-related quality of life of people with HIV in Spain.

OBJECTIVES: The objective is to assess the interconnectedness of a network of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) variables among people with HIV (PHIV) to identify key areas for which clinical interventions could improve HRQoL for this population. METHODS: Between 2021 and 2023, we carried out a cross-sectional study within the Spanish CoRIS cohort. We conducted a weighted and undirected network analysis, which examines complex patterns of relationships and interconnections between variables, to assess a network of eight HRQoL dimensions from the validated Clinic Screening Tool for HIV (CST-HIV): anticipated stigma, psychological distress, sexuality, social support, material deprivation, sleep and fatigue, cognitive problems and physical symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 347 participants, predominantly male (93.1%), currently working (79.0%), self-reported homosexual (72.6%) and college-educated (53.9%), were included in the study. Psychological distress showed the highest centrality in the network, indicating its strong connections with sleep and fatigue, cognitive problems and social support within the HRQoL network. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological distress, sleep and fatigue, cognitive issues and social support were identified as key factors in an HRQoL network, indicating that interventions focused on these areas could significantly enhance overall well-being.

Developmental drugs for sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis is a multi-organ granulomatous inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. Over 50% of patients will require treatment at some point in their disease and 10%-30% will develop a chronic progressive disease with pulmonary fibrosis leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Recently published guidelines recommend immunosuppressive therapy for sarcoidosis patients at risk of increased disease-related morbidity and mortality, and in whom disease has negatively impacted quality of life. Prednisone the currently recommended first line therapy is associated with significant toxicity however none of the other guideline recommended steroid sparing therapy is approved by regulatory agencies for use in sarcoidosis, and data in support of their use is weak. For patients with severe refractory disease requiring prolonged therapy, treatment options are limited. The need for expanding treatment options in sarcoidosis has been emphasized. Well conducted large, randomized trials evaluating currently available therapeutic options as well as novel pathways for targeting disease are necessary to better guide treatment decisions. These trials will not be without significant challenges. Sarcoidosis is a rare disease with heterogenous presentation and variable progression and clinical outcome. There are no universally agreed upon biomarkers of disease activity and measurement of outcomes is confounded by the need to balance patient centric measures and objective measures of disease activity. Our paper provides an update on developmental drugs in sarcoidosis and outlines several novel pathways that may be targeted for future drug development. Currently available trials are highlighted and ongoing challenges to drug development and clinical trial design are briefly discussed.