Affect Treatment Choices Research Articles

The mutational landscape of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and its impact on prognosis and treatment.

The typical genome of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) carries ∼2000 molecular lesions. Few mutations recur across patients at a frequency >5%, whereas a large number of biologically and clinically uncharacterized genes are mutated at lower frequency. Approximately 80% of CLL patients carry at least 1 of 4 common chromosomal alterations, namely deletion 13q14, deletion 11q22-23, deletion 17p12, and trisomy 12. Knowledge of the CLL genome has translated into the availability of molecular biomarkers for prognosis and treatment prediction. Prognostic biomarkers do not affect treatment choice, and can be integrated into prognostic scores that are based on both clinical and biological variables. Molecular predictive biomarkers affect treatment choice, and currently include TP53 disruption by mutation and/or deletion and IGHV mutation status. TP53 disruption by gene mutation and/or deletion associates with chemoimmunotherapy failure and mandates treatment with innovative drugs, including ibrutinib, idelalisib, or venetoclax. The mutation status of IGHV genes represents a predictive biomarker for identifying patients that may benefit the most from chemoimmunotherapy with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab. Assessment of these biomarkers at the time of treatment requirement is recommended by most current guidelines for CLL management. Other molecular predictors are under investigation, but their application in clinical practice is premature.

Detection of cartilage invasion in laryngeal carcinoma with dynamic contrast-enhanced CT.

ObjectiveStaging of laryngeal cancer largely depends on cartilage invasion. Presence of cartilage invasion affects treatment choice and prognosis. On MRI and contrast‐enhanced CT (CECT) it may be challenging to differentiate cartilage invasion from inflammation. The purpose of this study is to compare the diagnostic properties of dynamic contrast‐enhanced CT (DCECT) and CECT for visual detection of cartilage invasion in laryngeal cancer.Study DesignProspective cohort study.MethodsPatients with T3 or T4 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with total laryngectomy were evaluated using 0.625 mm slice CT. DCECT derived permeability and blood volume maps and CECT images were visually evaluated for the presence of invasion of the cartilaginous T‐stage subsites of laryngeal cancer, by detecting continuity with the tumor‐bulk of increased permeability, increased blood volume, and enhancement. Histological evaluation of the surgical total laryngectomy specimen served as the gold standard. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value were calculated and compared using the McNemar and Chi‐squared test.ResultsFrom 14 included patients, a total of 462 subsites were available for T‐stage analysis, of which 84 were cartilage. The median time between CT imaging and total laryngectomy was 1 day (range 1–34 days). There was no significant difference in the detection of cartilage invasion between DCECT and CECT. The sensitivity of CECT was better for all subsites combined (0.85 vs. 0.75; p < 0.01).ConclusionDCECT does not improve visual detection of cartilage invasion in T3 and T4 laryngeal cancer compared to CECT.Level of Evidence2b, individual cohort study.

Outcomes and mortality after hip fractures treated in Kazakhstan.

Patients with hip fractures are usually treated operatively in Western Europe. However, in Mid-Asia different indications are used to decide whether this patient is suitable for operative treatment and those are related to specific traditions and rules in hospital. Thus, traditions and surgeon/patient fears seem to affect treatment choices in hip fractures and subsequent outcomes. The aim of our study was to investigate patients with hip fractures and compare outcome at 1-year follow-up in the operated and nonoperated patient groups. All patients over 50 years old who sustained a hip fracture, between January 2014 and December 2014, were included. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at 1-year follow-up, using questionnaires from National Swedish Hip Fracture Register and quality of life (Euroqol EQ-5D). Out of 398 included patients, 299 were operated on and 99 were not. 344 patients remained for our analysis before the end of 1-year follow-up. 51 patients (65%) deceased in the nonoperated group as compared to 55 (21%) in the operated group, p<0.001. Out of 27 patients in the nonoperated group hip function was evaluated at 1-year follow-up, 11 (41%) were walking independently or using 1 stick, as compared to 192 (91%) in the operated group. We conclude that nonoperative treatment of hip fracture patients is associated with higher mortality and worse functional outcome as compared to those who were treated operatively. We therefore advocate operative treatment of the hip fracture in the vast majority of cases.

Race and Ethnicity Have a Mixed Effect on the Treatment of Tibial Plateau Fractures

To determine whether racial or economic disparities are associated with short-term complications and outcomes in tibial plateau fracture care. Retrospective cohort study. All New York State hospital admissions from 2000 to 2014, as recorded by the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database. Thirteen thousand five hundred eighteen inpatients with isolated tibial plateau fractures (OTA/AO 44), stratified in 4 groups: white, African American, Hispanic, and other. Closed treatment and operative fixation of the tibial plateau. Hospital length of stay (LOS, days), in-hospital complications/mortality, estimated total costs, and 30-day readmission. There were no significant differences regarding in-hospital mortality, infection, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, or wound complications between races, even when controlling for income. There was a higher rate of nonoperatively treated fractures in the racial minority populations. Minority patients had on average 2 days longer LOS compared with whites (P < 0.001), costing on average $4000 more per hospitalization (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression found that neither race nor estimated median family income were independent risk factors for readmission. Although nature of initial injury, use of external fixator, comorbidity burden, age, insurance type, and LOS were independent risk factors for readmission, race and estimated median family income were not. In patients who sustained a tibial plateau fracture, race and ethnicity seemed to affect treatment choice, but once treated racial minority groups did not demonstrate worse short-term complications, including increased mortality and postoperative readmission rates. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Effects of a brief education and treatment-planning group on evidence-based PTSD treatment utilization and completion among veterans.

Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) presenting for care with Veterans Affairs Health Care System (VA) tend not to engage in evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) despite widespread availability of these treatments. Though there is little evidence that "readiness for treatment" affects treatment choice, many VA providers believe that interventions to increase readiness would be helpful. This naturalistic study examined the effects of a 4-session education/treatment-planning group on treatment choice among veterans in a VA outpatient PTSD treatment program. Treatment choices and completion rates of 114 veterans who received at least 1 session of the group (EG) were compared with those of 68 veterans who did not receive the group and received PTSD program treatment as usual (TAU). TAU and EG cases were matched on gender and service era. Of 114 EG cases, 52 (45.6%) chose to receive EBPs, compared with 10 of 68 TAU cases (14.7%). These rates were significantly different, χ2(1) = 18.1, p < .0001. Among cases choosing EBPs, 52.2% of EG cases completed the EBPs as planned, compared with 60% of TAU cases. These percentages were not significantly different. Among EG cases choosing EBPs, lower likelihood of treatment completion was related to psychiatric medication prescription, presence of PTSD service connection, and higher overall service-connection level. The education/treatment-planning group was associated with higher likelihood of selecting but not completing EBPs for PTSD. The decision to engage in trauma-focused treatment may be a different process from the decision to complete such treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record

Determinants of Last-line Treatment in Metastatic Breast Cancer

BackgroundIn metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients, the identification of factors helping clinicians in the choice between active therapy versus best supportive care is needed clinically. The aim of the present study was to identify the clinicopathologic factors that could improve the prognostic valuation of MBC patients and clinical decision-making at the end of life. Patients and MethodsThe present study analyzed data from a retrospective series of 522 MBC patients treated at the oncology department (University Hospital of Udine) from January 2004 to June 2014. The association between clinicopathologic features and death within 30 or 90 days since last-line treatment prescription was explored. Differences between lightly (≤ 3 lines) and heavily (> 3 lines) pretreated patients and the factors affecting treatment choice were investigated. ResultsThe event “death” occurred in 410 patients. The median last-line survival was 100 days. The median number of therapeutic lines was 3. On multivariate analysis, worse Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status was significantly associated with death within 90 and 30 days since last-line treatment prescription. Among the heavily pretreated patients, liver function impairment and evaluation by a breast cancer specialist were significantly associated with a greater and lower risk of death within 30 days, respectively. Among the lightly pretreated patients with luminal disease, age < 70 years, luminal B-like disease, and number of previous lines were associated with a greater chance of receiving chemotherapy. ConclusionIn the present study, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status was the most robust independent factor driving the last-line therapeutic choice for MBC patients. In addition, the molecular subtype and oncologist subspecialization also influenced the decision-making process.

Factors Affecting Choice of Treatment for Early-Stage Breast Cancer in West Virginia: A 10-Year Experience from a Rural Tertiary Care Center

Recent literature shows changing trends in use of breast conservation surgery (BCS), mastectomy, and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) in women with early-stage breast cancer (ESBC). We analyzed factors associated with selection of these treatment modalities in a rural West Virginia tertiary care hospital. We conducted a 10-year analysis of women treated for ESBC at our institution from the institutional cancer registry. Variables were compared between patients choosing BCS versus mastectomy. In women who chose mastectomy, predictors for choice of CPM were also examined. Variables with P < 0.05 on univariate analysis were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model to define independent predictors of treatment choice. The mastectomy rate increased from 18.0 per cent in 2006 to 40.2 per cent in 2013. On multivariate analysis, insurance status (P < 0.001), comorbidities (P = 0.001), and surgeon graduation after 1987-a surrogate for surgeon age-(P = 0.010) predicted receipt of mastectomy. Of those receiving mastectomy, 106 (25.1%) elected CPM. CPM rates increased from 8.0 per cent in 2006 to 45.0 per cent in 2013. Younger age at diagnosis (P < 0.001) and use of preoperative MRI (P = 0.012) independently predicted use of CPM versus unilateral mastectomy. Rates of mastectomy and CPM in ESBC have increased in West Virginia over time. Independent predictors of selecting mastectomy over BCS included insurance status, surgeon age, and associated comorbidities. Younger patients and patients receiving preoperative MRI were more likely to choose CPM. Awareness of these factors will aid in counseling women with ESBC and allow clinicians to address potential biases or disparities that may affect treatment choices. Further prospective study of these findings is warranted.

Discretionary decisions and disparities in receiving drug-eluting stents under a universal healthcare system: A population-based study.

ObjectivesOne of the main objectives behind the expansion of insurance coverage is to eliminate disparities in health and healthcare. However, researchers have not yet fully elucidated the reasons for disparities in the use of high-cost treatments among patients of different occupations. Furthermore, it remains unknown whether discretionary decisions made at the hospital level have an impact on the administration of high-cost interventions in a universal healthcare system. This study investigated the adoption of drug-eluting stents (DES) versus bare metal-stents (BMS) among patients in different occupations and income levels, with the aim of gauging the degree to which the inclination of health providers toward treatment options could affect treatment choices at the patient-level within a universal healthcare system.Design and participantsWe adopted a cross-sectional observational study design using hierarchical modeling in conjunction with the population-based National Health Insurance database of Taiwan. Patients who received either a BMS or a DES between 2007 and 2010 were included in the study.ResultsDuring the period of study, 42,124 patients received a BMS (65.3%) and 22,376 received DES (34.7%). Patients who were physicians or the family members of physicians were far more likely to receive DES (OR: 3.18, CI: 2.38–4.23) than were patients who were neither physicians nor in other high-status jobs (employers, other medical professions, or public service). Similarly, patients in the top 5% income bracket had a higher probability of receiving a DES (OR: 2.23, CI: 2.06–2.47, p < .001), than were patients in the lowest income bracket. After controlling for patient-level factors, the inclination of hospitals (proportion of DES>50% or between 25% and 50%) was shown to be strongly associated with the selection of DESs (OR: 3.64 CI: 3.24–4.09 and OR: 2.16, CI: 2.01–2.33, respectively).ConclusionsEven under the universal healthcare system in Taiwan, socioeconomic disparities in the use of high-cost services remain widespread. Differences in the care received by patients of lower socioeconomic status may be due to the discretionary decisions of healthcare providers.

Long-term efficacy and safety of prophylaxis with recombinant factor VIII in Chinese pediatric patients with hemophilia A: a multi-center, retrospective, non-interventional, phase IV (ReCARE) study

Background: The first recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) product was launched in China in 2007. However, until now, no study has been conducted to describe the efficacy and safety of prophylaxis with rFVIII in Chinese pediatric patients with hemophilia A (HA).Objective: To summarize the efficacy and safety data on prophylaxis with rFVIII in Chinese pediatric patients with HA.Methods: ReCARE (Retrospective study in Chinese pediatric hemophilia A patients with rFVIII contained regular prophylaxis) was a retrospective study conducted in 12 hemophilia treatment centers (HTCs) across China. The primary endpoints included reduction in annualized bleeding rate (ABR); the secondary endpoints included evaluation of joint function (number and sites of target joints) using Gilbert score and Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS), quality of life (QoL) and factors affecting treatment choices. Safety assessment of rFVIII was also conducted.Results: We analyzed a total of 183 male pediatric patients (mean age, 7.1 ± 4.23 years) who received prophylaxis between 1 November 2007 and 31 May 2013. Compared with baseline, prophylaxis with rFVIII significantly reduced overall annualized joint bleed rate (AJBR) (p < .001) and ABR (p < .001). Inhibitor formation was reported in 5 (2.7%) patients and hemarthrosis was reported in 1 patient. The mean number of target joints was positively related to age (p < .001) and weight (p = .003) at baseline. Responses from survey questionnaires reported that effective bleeding control, joint protection, improvement in quality of life, favorable medical insurance policies, and economic capability were reasons for choosing prophylaxis.Conclusion: Prophylaxis with rFVIII reduced bleeding and number of target joints, even with a low-dose regimen, in Chinese pediatric patients with HA. Other than the efficacy and safety, factors such as poor disease control, improved economic stability and stable financial support made prophylaxis as an attractive treatment option.ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02263066.

Understanding patient and physician perceptions of male androgenetic alopecia treatments in Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

This survey aimed to explore patient and physician attitudes towards male androgenetic alopecia (AGA), satisfaction with currently available male AGA treatments and investigate the factors affecting treatment choice. The survey was carried out in five countries (Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Mexico and Brazil) between November and December 2015 using a standard market research methodology. Questionnaires were completed by patients with male AGA or hair loss/thinning and practicing physicians who were responsible for prescribing AGA treatment. In total, 835 patients and 338 physicians completed the questionnaire. Overall, 37.6% of patients reported satisfaction with the treatments they had used. The highest patient satisfaction was reported for 5‐alpha‐reductase inhibitors (53.9% of patients satisfied). In all countries, physicians were more likely than patients to think that male AGA has a major impact on patient confidence (89.3% vs 70.4%, respectively). There was agreement by physicians and patients that male AGA patients who are involved in their treatment decisions have better outcomes. Patients who were satisfied with AGA treatments were more likely to have the level of involvement they desired in treatment decisions (69.1% of satisfied patients) than dissatisfied patients (56.4% of dissatisfied patients). This survey provides valuable insights into the attitudes of patients and physicians in Asia and Latin America about male AGA and its treatments. The survey identified areas of disconnect between physicians and patients regarding the impact of male AGA, treatment consultations and the importance of treatment attributes. It also highlights the need for physicians to spend sufficient time with patients discussing AGA treatment approaches.

Reducing the rehospitalization risk after a manic episode: A population based cohort study of lithium, valproate, olanzapine, quetiapine and aripiprazole in monotherapy and combinations

BackgroundData on real-world rehospitalization risks in patients using different drugs and combination therapies for relapse prevention after a manic episode is limited. MethodsWe conducted a nationwide population based cohort study using data from Swedish national registers. Swedish residents aged 18–75 years who were hospitalized for a manic episode between July 1, 2006 and December 2, 2014 were included. Prescription fills of lithium, valproate, olanzapine, quetiapine and aripiprazole were recorded throughout the first four weeks after hospital discharge, after which the patients were followed for up to one year. General and treatment specific rehospitalization risks were determined and results were adjusted for clinical and sociodemographic factors. ResultsThe study included follow-up data from 6 502 hospitalizations for mania. Pharmacologic relapse prevention was used after 78% of these hospitalizations. Monotherapies and combination therapies were equally common. The average one-year rehospitalization risk for patients who did versus did not initiate prophylactic treatment was 39% and 46%, respectively. The lowest rehospitalization risks were seen in patients on combination therapy with olanzapine and valproate or olanzapine and lithium, experiencing one year rehospitalization risks of 32% and 34% (adjusted hazard ratios 0.76 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62–0.93) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.70–0.98), compared to lithium monotherapy). LimitationsRegister data does not provide information on all clinical parameters affecting treatment choices. ConclusionsOne-year rehospitalization rates after a manic episode are considerable also for patients who initiate prophylactic treatment. Combination therapies including olanzapine and a classic mood-stabilizer may be beneficial for reducing rehospitalization risks after a manic episode.

Comparison of extracorporeal photopheresis and alemtuzumab for the treatment of chronic lung allograft dysfunction

Survival after lung transplantation is limited by chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). Immunomodulatory therapies such as extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) and alemtuzumab (AL) have been described for refractory CLAD, but comparative outcomes are not well defined. We retrospectively reviewed spirometric values and clinical outcomes after therapy with ECP, AL, or no treatment (NT) in patients with CLAD who underwent transplant between January 2005 and December 2014. We used inverse probability-weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA) to adjust for potential confounders affecting treatment choice. Of 267 patients, 31 received immunomodulatory therapies for CLAD, and 78 received NT. The slope of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) decline significantly improved after treatment with AL and with ECP compared with pre-treatment FEV1 slope; however, there was no significant change in slope of forced vital capacity (FVC). Comparison with NT was limited because of clinical differences in treatment groups. After IPWRA, we found no significant difference in mean difference of FEV1 slope (ml/month) when comparing treatment with NT, suggesting stabilization of lung function in the treatment group. We found no difference between the 2 immunomodulatory therapies 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment (-49.9 [95% CI -581.8, +482.0], p = 0.85; +27.7 [95% CI -167.6, +223.0], p = 0.78; -9.6 [95% CI -167.5, +148.2], p = 0.91). We found no difference in mean FVC slope or differences between ECP and AL in infection rates or survival after treatment. Immunomodulatory therapy for CLAD with ECP or AL was associated with a significant change in FEV1 slope post-treatment compared with pre-treatment slope, with minimal effect on FVC. There was no difference between the 2 therapies in their effect on pulmonary function.

Open Finger Fractures: Incidence, Patterns of Injury and the Influence of Social Deprivation.

This study investigates the patterns and epidemiology of open finger fractures. There is little good data about these injuries. Data were collected prospectively in a single trauma unit serving a well-defined population. Over a 15 year period 1090 open finger fractures were treated in 1014 patients. These made up the vast majority of open fractures treated in the trauma unit during this period. The incidence of open finger fractures was 14.0 per 100,000 patients per year. Deprivation did not influence the incidence of open finger fractures but did affect treatment choices for women. Most open finger fractures resulted from crush injuries or falls and required only simple operative treatments: debridement, lavage and early mobilization. Open finger fractures formed the majority of the workload of open fractures at our trauma centre but usually required simple treatments only. Social deprivation was not shown to influence the patterns or epidemiology of these injuries but did affect treatment choices for women.

96-72: Gender Differences in Atrial Fibrillation Patient's Knowledge and Perceptions about Oral Anticoagulation Therapy: Results from an International Survey

Background: Stroke knowledge and perception of stroke risk are likely to affect oral anticoagulant (OAC) treatment preferences in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This international prospective study investigated the influence of gender on patient perceptions of AF, stroke knowledge, preferences for oral anticoagulation (OAC) treatment decisions, and attributes of OAC affecting treatment choice. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 937 AF patients receiving OAC [overall mean (SD) age 54.3(16.6) years; 37.1% female; mean(SD) CHA2 DS2 -VASc score 2.6(1.7)] recruited from 5 countries (USA, Canada, Germany, Japan, France). Results: Overall AF was perceived as a serious condition, with women significantly more likely to perceive AF as extremely serious than men (Table). Men were more likely to report never being concerned about stroke risk compared to women. No gender differences in stroke knowledge and self-reported adherence to OAC. Stroke prevention was the most important factor when choosing OAC for both men and women, followed by risk of major bleeding and other side effects. Dosing frequency was significantly less important than stroke prevention. Conclusion: Women perceived AF as more serious than men, with men more likely to report not being concerned about stroke risk. Both men and women valued stroke prevention as the most important factor when choosing OAC Table *p < 0.05; **p < 0.001 vs. men Table *p < 0.05; **p < 0.001 vs. men

Factors Impacting Treatment Choice in the First-Line Treatment of Colorectal Cancer.

IntroductionTo investigate the factors that affect the choice of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or its oral alternative, capecitabine, as first-line treatment in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).MethodsPatients treated with 5-FU or capecitabine for CRC between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2013 in a teaching hospital in the Sydney metropolitan area, Australia were identified using the hospital’s database MOSAIQ®. The electronic medical record of each patient was manually reviewed to extract factors potentially affecting treatment choice. Logistic regression was used to assess which patient and/or treatment factors could explain the choice between 5-FU or capecitabine. Where it was available in the medical correspondence, the explicit reason for the choice made was extracted.Results170 CRC patients were included; 119 on 5-FU, and 51 on capecitabine. The odds of receiving capecitabine as a first-line treatment were positively associated with giving patients a choice in the decision (OR = 17.51, 95% CI: 5.37–57.08). Qualitative data suggest treatment choices were motivated by convenience (oral administration) and tolerability. Time from diagnosis to treatment commencement (OR = 1.02 per month, 95% CI 1.00–1.04) was also found to be positively associated with the choice of capecitabine. The odds of being treated with capecitabine were lower for patients who lived further from the treating hospital (OR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.05–0.94).ConclusionThis study suggests that patient choice, favoring oral capecitabine over i.v. 5-FU, was a key factor influencing first-line treatment for CRC in this cohort. To respect their autonomy, patients should be involved in the clinical decision making process.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40487-016-0020-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

How to model temporal changes in comorbidity for cancer patients using prospective cohort data.

BackgroundThe presence of comorbid conditions is strongly related to survival and also affects treatment choices in cancer patients. This comorbidity is often quantified by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) using specific weights (1, 2, 3, or 6) for different comorbidities. It has been shown that the CCI increases at different times and with different sizes, so that traditional time to event analysis is not adequate to assess these temporal changes. Here, we present a method to model temporal changes in CCI in cancer patients using data from PCBaSe Sweden, a nation-wide population-based prospective cohort of men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Our proposed model is based on the assumption that a change in comorbidity, as quantified by the CCI, is an irreversible one-way process, i.e., CCI accumulates over time and cannot decrease.MethodsCCI was calculated based on 17 disease categories, which were defined using ICD-codes for discharge diagnoses in the National Patient Register. A state transition model in discrete time steps (i.e., four weeks) was applied to capture all changes in CCI. The transition probabilities were estimated from three modelling steps: 1) Logistic regression model for vital status, 2) Logistic regression model to define any changes in CCI, and 3) Poisson regression model to determine the size of CCI change, with an additional logistic regression model for CCI changes ≥ 6. The four models combined yielded parameter estimates to calculate changes in CCI with their confidence intervals.ResultsThese methods were applied to men with low-risk prostate cancer who received active surveillance (AS), radical prostatectomy (RP), or curative radiotherapy (RT) as primary treatment. There were large differences in CCI changes according to treatment.ConclusionsOur method to model temporal changes in CCI efficiently captures changes in comorbidity over time with a small number of regression analyses to perform – which would be impossible with tradition time to event analyses. However, our approach involves a simulation step that is not yet included in standard statistical software packages. In our prostate cancer example we showed that there are large differences in development of comorbidities among men receiving different treatments for prostate cancer.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12911-015-0217-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of an Interactive On-line Tool on Therapeutic Decision-Making for Patients with Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Treatment guidelines provide recommendations but cannot account for the wide variability in patient-tumor characteristics in individual patients. We developed an on-line interactive decision tool to provide expert recommendations for specific patient scenarios in the first-line and maintenance settings for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. We sought to determine how providing expert feedback would influence clinical decision-making. Five lung cancer experts selected treatment for 96 different patient cases based on patient and/or tumor-specific features. These data were used to develop an on-line decision tool. Participant physicians entered variables for their patient scenario with treatment choices, and then received expert treatment recommendations for that scenario. To determine the impact on decision-making, users were asked whether the expert feedback impacted their original plan. A total of 442 individual physicians, of which 88% were from outside the United States, entered 653 cases, with report on impact in 389 cases. Expert feedback affected treatment choice in 73% of cases (23% changed and 50% confirmed decisions). For cases with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion, all experts selected targeted therapy whereas 51% and 58% of participants did not. Greater variability was seen between experts and participants for cases involving EGFR or ALK wild-type tumors. Participants were 2.5-fold more likely to change to expert recommended therapy for ALK fusions than for EGFR mutations (p = 0.017). This online tool for treatment decision-making resulted in a positive influence on clinician's decisions. This approach offers opportunities for improving quality of care and meets an educational need in application of new therapeutic paradigms.

The Integration of Multimodality Care for the Treatment of Small Cell Lung Cancer in a Rural Population and Its Impact on Survival

Many factors and disparities contribute to the multidisciplinary management of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Our objective was to conduct a cancer registry analysis of patients with SCLC in Kentucky to identify factors affecting treatment choice and mortality. Database collection was done through the Kentucky Cancer Registry, which is part of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. Patients diagnosed between 1995 and 2008, diagnosed with SCLC, and AJCC stage I through IV were included. Statistical analyses were performed to identify variables affecting initial treatment choice and survival. Analysis evaluated 4814 patients from the Kentucky Cancer Registry. For extensive stage, age (P<0.001) and urban versus rural county (P=0.03) were significantly associated with the type of treatment received. Age was the only variable impacting treatment choice in limited-stage patients. Limited stage patients were more likely to receive chemotherapy and radiation (chemoRT; 54.6% vs. 46.5%). On multivariate analysis, for extensive stage patients, age at diagnosis, male sex, and treatments other than chemoRT were variables associated for increased risk of death. In limited stage patients, increasing age, and treatments other than chemoRT were variables associated with increased risk of death. Survival was significantly improved in both limited stage and extensive stage patients that received chemoRT compared with chemotherapy only, radiation only, or no treatment. Treatment with chemoRT was associated with improved survival in patients with limited and extensive stage SCLC. In these patients, socioeconomic, racial, or geographic factors did not impact the type of treatment received or survival.

Charge Awareness Affects Treatment Choice: Prospective Randomized Trial in Pediatric Appendectomy.

To determine whether charge awareness affects patient decisions. Pediatric uncomplicated appendicitis can be treated with open or laparoscopic techniques. These 2 operations are considered to have clinical equipoise. In a prospective, randomized clinical trial, nonobese children admitted to a children's hospital with uncomplicated appendicitis were randomized to view 1 of 2 videos discussing open and laparoscopic appendectomy. Videos were identical except that only one presented the difference in surgical materials charges. Patients and parents then choose which operation they desired. Videos were available in English and Spanish. A postoperative survey was conducted to examine factors that influenced choice. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 01738750). Of 275 consecutive cases, 100 met enrollment criteria. In the group exposed to charge data (n = 49), 63% chose open technique versus 35% not presented charge data (P = 0.005). Patients were 1.8 times more likely to choose the less expensive option when charge estimate was given (95% confidence interval, 1.17-2.75). The median total hospital charges were $1554 less for those who had open technique (P < 0.001) and $528 less for the group exposed to charge information (P = 0.033). Survey found that 90% of families valued having input in this decision and 31% of patients exposed to charge listed it as their primary reason for their choice in technique. Patients and parents tended to choose the less expensive but equally effective technique when given the opportunity. A discussion of treatment options, which includes charge information, may represent an unrealized opportunity to affect change in health care spending.

Treating COPD in Older and Oldest Old Patients.

The treatment of older and oldest old patients with COPD poses several problems and should be tailored to specific outcomes, such as physical functioning. Indeed, impaired homeostatic mechanisms, deteriorated physiological systems, and limited functional reserve mainly contribute to this complex scenario. Therefore, we reviewed the main difficulties in managing therapy for these patients and possible remedies. Inhaled long acting betaagonists (LABA) and anticholinergics (LAMA) are the mainstay of therapy in stable COPD, but it should be considered that pharmacological response and safety profile may vary significantly in older patients with multimorbidity. Their association with inhaled corticosteroids is recommended only for patients with severe or very severe airflow limitation or with frequent exacerbations despite bronchodilator treatment. In hypoxemic patients, long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) may improve not only general comfort and exercise tolerance, but also cognitive functions and sleep. Nonpharmacological interventions, including education, physical exercise, nutritional support, pulmonary rehabilitation and telemonitoring can importantly contribute to improve outcomes. Older patients with COPD should be systematically evaluated for the presence of risk factors for non-adherence, and the inhaler device should be chosen very carefully. Comorbidities, such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, osteoporosis, obesity, cognitive, visual and auditory impairment, may significantly affect treatment choices and should be scrutinized. Palliative care is of paramount importance in end-stage COPD. Finally, treatment of COPD exacerbations has been also reviewed. Therapeutic decisions should be founded on a careful assessment of cognitive and functional status, comorbidity, polypharmacy, and agerelated changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in order to minimize adverse drug events, drug-drug or drug-disease interactions, and non-adherence to treatment.