Good Long-term Quality Of Life Research Articles

QOL-24. NEUROLOGIC AND NEUROCOGNITIVE OUTCOMES AMONG SURVIVORS OF INFANT-TYPE HEMISPHERIC GLIOMA (IHG)

Abstract IHGs are large, hemorrhagic cerebral tumors associated with hydrocephalus, increased intracranial pressure, and herniation. Commonly diagnosed during early infancy, children with IHGs have an approximately 90% chance of overall survival when treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and, more recently, molecularly targeted therapies. However, there is limited understanding of long-term quality-of-life following treatment. Our study investigated long-term neurological and neurocognitive outcomes among IHG survivors. The medical database was reviewed for neurological sequelae and neurocognitive outcomes (intelligence [IQ], adaptive function, academic readiness) for 21 survivors. Median age of diagnosis and last follow-up were 0.8 (0.0-4.4) and 10.3 (4.8-17.6) years, respectively. Sixteen patients (76%) experienced atleast one neurological sequelae: 38% (8/21) had paresis/plegia; 24% (5/21) had spasticity, 26% (5/19) had abnormal speech, and 57% (12/21) had a long-term seizure disorder. Nine patients diagnosed with IHG at < 0.5 years had significantly higher rates of dysarthria (p = 0.019) and seizure disorders (p = 0.035) in follow-up in comparison to patients diagnosed at 0.5-1 year (n=4) and >1 year (n=8). Neurocognitive outcomes were available for 19 patients at a median of 6 years after diagnosis. Median IQ for the entire cohort was 68.0 (47.0-114.0), compared to normative expectations of 100 (SD = 15), with younger age at diagnosis associated with lower IQ (r = 0.36). Ten survivors experiencing seizures particularly had worse IQ scores (median 69.4 [47-101]). Survivors also had inferior outcomes in school readiness (median 46.0 [40.0-98.0]), compared to normative expectations of 100 (SD = 15), and adaptive function (median 48.0 [34.0-67.0]), compared to normative expectations of 50 (SD= 10), with younger age at diagnosis associated with lower performance for adaptive function (r = 0.45). CONCLUSION Children diagnosed with IHG have a high survival rate but experience substantial tumor-associated and treatment-related long-term morbidity. Future clinical trials should aim for better long-term quality of life for survivors through scientifically driven treatment modification.

Reconsidering the role of prophylactic pancreaticojejunostomy in pancreatic enucleation: balancing the benefits and risks.

The incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) following enucleation is high, and prophylactic pancreaticojejunostomy (PPJ) is frequently performed. Minimally invasive enucleation (MEN) has been demonstrated to be safe and feasible, leaving most enucleation wounds exposed. The clinical data of 40 patients who underwent open enucleation with PPJ at our center between 2012 and 2021 were compared with those of 80 patients who underwent MEN. The MEN group had better outcomes than the PPJ group in terms of intraoperative bleeding (50.0 versus 100.0 mL), postoperative semi-liquid diet recovery (2.0 versus 5.0 days), and postoperative length of stay (7.7 versus 12.5 days). While the MEN group had higher rates of complex enucleation (60.0% versus 40.0%), main pancreatic duct repair (32.5% versus 10.0%), discharge with drains (48.8% versus 25.0%), and grade B POPFs (47.5% versus 17.5%). Both surgical methods effectively preserved pancreatic function; however, two patients in the PPJ group experienced severe haemorrhaging and died. Additionally, during the follow-up period, gastrointestinal bleeding was found and discomfort in the surgical area was reported. Pancreatic enucleation combined with PPJ should be avoided, and although a biochemical or grade B POPF may develop after MEN, it can be compensated for by preserving pancreatic function and ensuring a good long-term quality of life in the patients.

Outcomes after fixation of rib fractures sustained during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A retrospective single center analysis.

Historically rib fractures have been typically treated non-operatively. Recent studies showed promising results after osteosynthesis of rib fractures in trauma patients with flail segments or multiple rib fractures. However, there is a paucity of data on rib fixation after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This study evaluated the outcomes of patients who received rib fixation after CPR. Adult patients who received surgical fixation of rib fractures sustained during CPR between 2010 and 2020 were eligible for inclusion in this retrospective study. Outcome measures included complications, quality of life (EQ 5D 5L) and level of dyspnea. Nineteen patients were included with a mean age of 66.8 years. The mean number of fractured ribs was ten, seven patients additionally had a sternum fracture. Pneumonia occurred in 15 patients (74%), of which 13 were diagnosed preoperatively and 2 post-operatively. Six patients developed a postoperative pneumothorax, none of which required revision surgery. One patient showed persistent flail chest after rib fixation and required additional fixation of a concomitant sternum fracture. One infection of the surgical site of sternal plate occurred, while no further surgery related complications were reported. Mean EQ-5D-5L was 0.908 and the average EQ VAS was 80. One patient reported persisting dyspnea. To date, this is the largest reported cohort of patients who received rib fixation for fractures sustained during CPR. No complications associated with rib fixation were reported whereas one infection after sternal fixation did occur. Current follow-up demonstrated a good long-term quality of life after fixation, warranting further studies on this topic. Deeper knowledge on this subject would be beneficial for a wide spectrum of physicians.

Survivors of veno-arterial membrane oxygenation have good long-term quality of life.

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) is used for the management of acute cardiogenic shock with improving short term survival. However, the long-term quality of life (QOL) of this patient population is not well characterized. We prospectively evaluated the QOL of adult patients who survived VA ECMO support for cardiogenic shock at our institution between October 2011 and January 2018 with the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLWHFQ). We surveyed survivors at 3, 6, and 9 months after discharge, and annually for up to 5 years thereafter. A total of 64 patients were evaluated: mean age 54 ± 13 years, 73% male. There were 178 total surveys completed. MLWHFQ total scores significantly improved over time and this pattern was sustained (51.7 ± 25.3 at 3 months, vs 37.7 ± 23.6 at 6 months, vs 25.4 ± 21.3 at ⩾9 months (p < 0.01, p-trend < 0.01)). Most patients supported with VA ECMO for cardiogenic shock who survive to discharge demonstrate excellent quality of life, 6 months since index hospitalization, which is maintained over subsequent years.

Long-term functional outcomes in tumour stage T2 glottic carcinoma after radiotherapy.

To evaluate the long-term functional outcomes in patients who received primary radiotherapy for tumour-node stage T2N0 glottic carcinoma, stratified for tumour extension. A cross-sectional study was performed on patients who were treated with radiotherapy for T2N0 glottic carcinoma. Four questionnaires were used to measure different aspects of functional outcome. In addition, objective evaluation and perceptual analysis were performed. Fourteen patients were included in this study. The median time between the start of radiotherapy and assessment was 42 months (range, 26-143 months). Patients reported high-level functioning, with low symptom scores and good swallowing function, and showed a median dysphonia grade of 1.5. The median Voice Handicap Index-30 score was 17.5. Patients with T2N0 glottic carcinoma treated with radiotherapy had good long-term quality of life, with low symptom scores, good swallowing functioning and slightly elevated voice outcome parameters.

What If Endoscopic Eradication Therapy for Esophageal Neoplasia Is Not Good Enough?

Endoscopic eradication therapies have become the standard of care for most cases of Barrett’s esophagus with high-grade dysplasia or intramucosal adenocarcinoma, largely replacing esophagectomy. While associated with high rates of complete elimination of dysplastic mucosa and superficially invasive esophageal cancer, as well as an excellent complication profile, endoscopic eradication requires strict adherence to established diagnostic and treatment protocols as well as disciplined follow-up. Even with appropriate attention to detail, esophageal neoplasia can persist or recur following endoscopic resection or ablation. The managing physician must remain cognizant of the limitations of endoscopic approaches and consider surgical alternatives to treatment when they fail or are exceeded. Esophagectomy, performed at experienced centers on appropriately selected patients with early-stage neoplasia, can be undertaken with the expectation of cure, low perioperative mortality, acceptable morbidity, and good long-term quality of life. Prompt surgical referral should occur when endoscopic eradication has been ineffective so as not to deprive the patient with early esophageal neoplasia the chance of cure.

Comparison of safety, efficacy, and long-term follow-up between "one-step" and "step-up" approaches for infected pancreatic necrosis.

BACKGROUNDAlthough the “Step-up” strategy is the primary surgical treatment for infected pancreatic necrosis, it is not suitable for all such patients. The “One-step” strategy represents a novel treatment, but the safety, efficacy, and long-term follow-up have not yet been compared between these two approaches.AIMTo compare the safety, efficacy, and long-term follow-up of two surgical approaches to provide a reference for infected pancreatic necrosis treatment.METHODSThis was a retrospective analysis of infectious pancreatic necrosis patients who underwent “One-step” or “Step-up” necrosectomy at Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital Medical University, from May 2014 to December 2020. The primary outcome was the composite endpoint of severe complications or death. Patients were followed up every 6 mo after discharge until death or June 30, 2021. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0 and GraphPad Prism 8.0, and statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.RESULTSOne-hundred-and-fifty-eight patients were enrolled, of whom 61 patients underwent “One-step” necrosectomy and 97 patients underwent “Step-up” necrosectomy. During the long-term follow-up period, 40 patients in the “One-step” group and 63 patients in the “Step-up” group survived. The time from disease onset to hospital admission (53.69 ± 38.14 vs 32.20 ± 20.75, P < 0.001) and to initial surgical treatment was longer in the “Step-up” than in the “One-step” group (54.38 ± 10.46 vs 76.58 ± 17.03, P < 0.001). Patients who underwent “Step-up” necrosectomy had a longer hospitalization duration (65.41 ± 28.14 vs 52.76 ± 24.71, P = 0.02), and more interventions (4.26 ± 1.71 vs 3.18 ± 1.39, P < 0.001). Postoperative inflammatory indicator levels were significantly lower than preoperative levels in each group. Although the incisional hernia incidence was higher in the “One-step” group, no significant difference was found in the composite outcomes of severe complications or death, new-onset organ failure, postoperative complications, inflammatory indicators, long-term complications, quality of life, and medical costs between the groups (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONCompared with the “Step-up” approach, the “One-step” approach is a safe and effective treatment method with better long-term quality of life and prognosis. It also provides an alternative surgical treatment strategy for patients with infected pancreatic necrosis.

Disorders/Differences of Sex Development Presenting in the Newborn With 46,XY Karyotype

Differences/disorders of sex development (DSD) are a heterogeneous group of congenital conditions, resulting in discordance between an individual's sex chromosomes, gonads, and/or anatomic sex. The management of a newborn with suspected 46,XY DSD remains challenging. Newborns with 46,XY DSD may present with several phenotypes ranging from babies with atypical genitalia or girls with inguinal herniae to boys with micropenis and cryptorchidism. A mismatch between prenatal karyotype and female phenotype is an increasing reason for presentation. Gender assignment should be avoided prior to expert evaluation and possibly until molecular diagnosis. The classic diagnostic approach is time and cost-consuming. Today, a different approach may be considered. The first line of investigations must exclude rare life-threatening diseases related to salt wasting crises. Then, the new genetic tests should be performed, yielding increased diagnostic performance. Focused imaging or endocrine studies should be performed on the basis of genetic results in order to reduce repeated and invasive investigations for a small baby. The challenge for health professionals will lie in integrating specific genetic information with better defined clinical and endocrine phenotypes and in terms of long-term evolution. Such advances will permit optimization of counseling of parents and sex assignment. In this regard, society has significantly changed its attitude to the acceptance and expansion beyond strict binary male and female sexes, at least in some countries or cultures. These management advances should result in better personalized care and better long-term quality of life of babies born with 46,XY DSD.

Patient-Reported Outcomes of Surgical Management of Functional Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome

Patient-Reported Outcomes of Surgical Management of Functional Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome

Open-heart techniques and mitral valve plasty for mitral regurgitation in toy- and small-breed dogs: A review

In human medicine, in the past, open-heart techniques for low-bodyweight children and newborn babies with congenital heart disease were more difficult than high-bodyweight adults. In toy- and small-breed dogs with mitral regurgitation (MR), an acquired heart disease, these techniques are more difficult to perform than for congenital heart diseases in young medium-sized or large dogs because of old age and low body weight. Therefore, improved open-heart techniques and mitral valve surgery for severe MR in older toy- and small-breed dogs are essential. Through our surface-cooling hypothermia (sHT) studies, we designed a new, improved open-heart method, namely, “the low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) combined with deep sHT in toy- and small-breed dogs (Japan method)”; sHT was later replaced by blood-cooling hypothermia (bHT). At the same time, we devised a new, improved mitral valve plasty (MVP) applicable to severe MR, instead of mitral valve replacement, in toy- and small-breed dogs. This MVP technique was combined with artificial chordal reconstruction, semi-circular suture annuloplasty (AP), and direct scallop-suture valvuloplasty. These MVP techniques are simple, durable, and lead to good long-term quality of life in toy- and small-breed dogs. This review highlights the benefits of our improved CPB and MVP techniques (Japan method) for severe MR in toy-and small-breed dogs, which have led to a high success rate for MVP in severe clinical MR cases in Japan. It may further contribute to the development of more robust techniques for MR in toy- and small-breed dogs. This also represents the first comprehensive review of the history of open-heart surgery, CPB techniques, and MVP methods for MR in toy- and small-breed dogs.

Use of laparoscopic technique in the treatment of ulcerative colitis

An estimated 20-30% of patients with ulcerative colitis need surgery. The generally accepted procedure for the surgical treatment is total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Nowadays laparoscopic technique is used more frequently. Our aim was to compare the last 13 years results of patients treated with conventional and laparoscopic methods. Between 01. 01. 2005 and 31. 05. 2018, 89 patients (n = 48 female, n = 41 male) received surgery. The mean age of the patients was 45.06 ± 14.4 and 39.8 ± 13.4 years in the laparoscopy and the open surgery groups. General status of patients, early and late results of surgical treatment, mainly complications and quality of life, were analyzed. There was no difference between the groups in hospital stay (10.3 ± 3.3 vs. 11.2 ± 3.7 days) and need for transfusion (2.6 ± 2.2 vs. 2.8 ± 1.7 units). During the follow-up period, the time to the recovery of the bowel function (1.2 ± 0.5 vs. 1.6 ± 0.7 days), the number of days spent in the intensive care unit (2.1 ± 0.9 vs. 2.5 ± 1.6 days) and the occurrence of late complications, such as intestinal obstruction, septic condition, postoperative hernias and 'other' complications were significantly lower in the laparoscopically operated group of patients. In the case of acute operations, the laparoscopic technique provided significantly better recovery of the bowel function (1.2 ± 0.4 vs. 1.8 ± 0.7 days). During the surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis, the minimally invasive technique provided more favourable perioperative results and a better long-term quality of life due to the lower rate of late complications and the more stable psychic status. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(33): 1363-1372.

Less Is More: Superior Graft-versus-Host Disease-Free/Relapse-Free Survival with Reduced-Intensity Conditioning and Dual T Cell Depletion in Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.

In this study, we compared the outcomes of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) in complete remission treated with myeloablative conditioning (MAC) and those treated with reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT). In addition, we explored the efficacy of dual T cell depletion using anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) and post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) for the prevention of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in patients undergoing RIC allo-HCT. Our study cohort comprised 356 adults with AML in complete remission who underwent allo-HCT between 2013 and 2018. One hundred eleven patients (31.2%) received a MAC regimen, and 245 (68.8%) received an RIC regimen. One hundred seventy-one of the patients who received an RIC regimen (68.4%) received ATG, PTCy, and cyclosporine (ATG-PTCY-CsA) for GVHD prophylaxis in accordance with our institutional protocol. Data were collected retrospectively and updated in July 2019. With a median follow-up of 14.5 months (range, 0 to 76 months), 161 patients (45.2%) died, and 66 (18.5%) relapsed. Two-year overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and GVHD-free/RFS (GRFS) were 55%, 52.6%, and 35%, respectively. The intensity of the conditioning regimen, with or without ATG-PTCY-CsA, did not have a significant impact on OS and RFS. However, RIC in combination with ATG-PTCY-CsA was associated with a significantly lower cumulative incidence of acute GVHD and chronic GVHD. The use of RIC with ATG-PTCy-CsA was a significant predictor for higher GRFS secondary to the reduction of clinically relevant GVHD (P= .0001). In patients with AML, RIC allografts and dual T cell modulation with ATG and PTCy led to superior GRFS. The use of this GVHD prophylaxis strategy, along with mitigation of conditioning toxicity using RIC, may result in better long-term quality of life for allo-HCT recipients.

Oligorecurrence Non-small Cell Lung Cancer After Failure of First-Line Chemotherapy: Computed Tomography-Guided 125I Seed Implantation vs. Second-Line Chemotherapy.

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of computed tomography (CT)–guided 125I seed implantation with second-line chemotherapy in treatment of oligorecurrence non–small cell lung cancer after failure of first-line chemotherapy.Methods: Data of oligorecurrence non–small cell lung cancer patients after failure of first-line chemotherapy at two institutions were retrospectively reviewed from January 2013 to July 2018. A total of 53 patients who received the treatment of 125I seed implantation or second-line chemotherapy were eligible for this study. In group A, 25 patients, 84 lesions, received CT-guided permanent 125I seed implantation, whereas in group B, 28 patients, 96 lesions, received second-line chemotherapy. The outcomes were measured in terms of disease control rate, overall survival, quality of life, and complications.Results: The median follow-up period was 13 months (range, 5–42 months). Disease control rate in group A was higher than that in group B (70.8 vs. 42.3%, P = 0.042) at 6 months after treatment. The median overall survival was 12.8 months (95% confidence interval, 10.5–15.1 months) in group A and 15.2 months (95% confidence interval, 12.2–18.2 months) in group B, with no significant difference (P = 0.847). Since the fourth month, the number of patients in group A with a non-decreasing Karnofsky Performance Scale score was more than that in group B (P < 0.05). The incidence of grade 3 or higher complications especially hematologic toxicity in group A was significantly lower than that in group B (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Radioactive 125I seed implantation is safe and feasible in selected non–small cell lung cancer patients with oligorecurrence after failure of first-line chemotherapy and seems to provide a better long-term quality of life in these patients compared with second-line chemotherapy.

Propensity score analysis of outcomes between the transabdominal preperitoneal and open Lichtenstein repair techniques for inguinal hernia repair: a single-center experience

The mechanism of persistent chronic pain after TAPP and OLR remains controversial. Therefore, more prospective and well-designed studies are needed to determine the predictive risk factors that will lead to better pain prevention and possibly elimination. The aim of the present study was to investigate the risk factors of chronic pain after TAPP repair and OLR in a single institution. A single-center, retrospective study of propensity score-matched patients who underwent TAPP or OLR surgery between 2008 and 2018 was conducted. To overcome selection bias, we performed 1:1 matching using 6 covariates to generate the propensity score. A total of 400 patients treated with TAPP and 424 patients treated with OLR were balanced to 400 pairs of matched patients. The patients' age (P < 0.001), BMI (P < 0.001), foreign body sensation within 3months after surgery (P < 0.001), and persistent sensation loss (P = 0.002) were different between the two groups. The OLR group had a shorter operative time than did the TAPP group (P < 0.001). The univariate analysis of factors predicting a difference in VAS between the preoperative assessment and the assessment 3months after surgery showed that the type of surgery (P = 0.004), hernia grade (P = 0.001), type of mesh (P < 0.001), presence of scrotal invasion (P = 0.024), and foreign body sensation within 3months (P = 0.047) were risk factors. The multivariate analysis revealed that only hernia grade III (CI - 8.524, - 2.783; P < 0.001), OLR operation type (CI 1.069, 4.987; P = 0.002), and the use of polypropylene mesh (CI - 5.400, - 1.489; P = 0.001) were independently associated with chronic pain. These results suggest that compared to OLR, TAPP leads to less postoperative pain and a better long-term quality of life.

Prospective Observational Trial of an Absorbable Hydrogel Spacer in Prostate Cancer Radiotherapy: Quality of Life and Dosimetric Outcomes

A hydrogel spacer is an FDA approved medical device designed to increase the distance between the rectum and the prostate during radiotherapy to minimize morbidity. Its use provides favorable dosimetry for conventional radiotherapy and has become a standard at our institution. We therefore sought to prospectively observe the quality of life (QOL) outcomes and dosimetric profiles for patients receiving hydrogel spacers. We prospectively enrolled 30 patients between 10/2016 and 10/2018. Inclusion criteria required low risk or favorable-intermediate risk patients as defined by clinical stage T1-T2, Gleason ≤ 3+3 or select 3+4 with low volume disease. Patients completed baseline Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC-26) and American Urological Association symptom index (AUA-SI) questionnaires. A hydrogel spacer was placed for all patients who then received stereotactic body radiation therapy, low dose rate brachytherapy, conventionally fractionated radiation therapy, or moderately hypofractionated radiation therapy. We evaluated post-implant dosimetry to critical structures, and prospectively collected follow-up surveys. For inferential statistics we performed a repeated measures analysis of variance to compare patient specific response and correlated survey data with dosimetric metrics by generating linear regression models. During two years, thirty patients are evaluable for study: 17 patients received prostate SBRT, 5 LDR brachytherapy, 7 moderately hypofractionated IMRT, and one with conventionally fractionated IMRT. Data was collected at median intervals of 30, 95, and 294 days after therapy. Median bowel QOL scores at first, second and third follow-up time points for EPIC-26 bowel score 100, 95, and 100 respectively. For EPIC-26 urinary incontinence score was were 100, 90, and 90. There was no difference across survey participants for EPIC-26 bowel (p=0.52) or urinary bother (p=0.58) or AUA-SI total score (p=0.44) across all time points. Dosimetric variables were not associated with any decline in QOL scores at these time points. We achieved favorable dosimetry for all patients. Within the SBRT patients, dose to 50% of the rectum was a median of 656 cGy (IQR 727) and dose to 50% of the bladder was 215 cGy (245) which far exceeds the recommended constraints. Dose to 25% of the rectum for SBRT patients was 1153 (IQR 869). Within the hypofractionated group dose to 50% of the rectum the median was 2301(IQR 519). A hydrogel spacer results in relatively favorable dosimetry for all prostate radiotherapy modalities given to patients with favorable-intermediate or low risk prostate cancer. Hydrogel spacer placement also portends stable good long-term QOL outcomes.

IP045. Endovascular Repair Leads to a Better Long-Term Quality of Life Compared With Open Surgery in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

IP045. Endovascular Repair Leads to a Better Long-Term Quality of Life Compared With Open Surgery in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Quality of life and voice outcome of patients treated with transoral CO2 laser microsurgery for early glottic carcinoma (T1\u2013T2): a 2-year follow-up study

PurposeLongitudinal studies in laryngeal cancer can provide clinicians information about short-term and long-term functional outcomes, like quality of life (QoL) and voice outcome. This information is important when counseling patients or choosing a primary treatment modality. The present study assessed long-term (2 years) QoL and voice outcome in patients with extended T1 and limited T2 glottic carcinoma treated with transoral CO2 laser microsurgery (TLM) (unilateral type III or bilateral type II resections).MethodsThree questionnaires were administered: the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QoL questionnaire (QLQ)-C30, the EORTC QLQ-HN35. A perceptual voice evaluation at six different time points was conducted: preoperatively, and postoperatively at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Fluctuations over time were investigated.ResultsSixty-one patients were included in the analysis. Patients reported high-level functioning and low symptom scores 2 years postoperatively. Gender significantly affected the VHI scores at 2 years (mean VHI scores: female 8.7 vs. male, 23.9; p = 0.023). The major improvement in VHI scores was observed within the first 6 months. The tumor stage (T1a, T1b, and T2) significantly impacted the grade (mean scores at 2 years: 1.0, 1.9, and 1.7; p = 0.001). These scores stabilized at 6 months.ConclusionsPatients show good long-term QoL with low symptom scores, a low voice handicap, and mild to moderate dysphonia, 2 years postoperatively. Scores stabilize at 6 months and provide a clear indication of status at 1 and 2 years.

Differential use of medical versus surgical androgen deprivation therapy for patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

Surgical and medical androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) strategies are comparable in their ability to suppress serum testosterone levels as treatment in patients with metastatic prostate cancer but differ with regard to cost and impact on quality of life. Medical ADT is associated with better long-term quality of life due to the flexibility of possible therapy interruption but comes with a higher cumulative cost. In the current study, the authors examined whether surgical ADT (ie, bilateral orchiectomy) was used differentially by race/ethnicity and other social factors. The authors identified patients with metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis through the California Cancer Registry. The association between race/ethnicity and receipt of surgical ADT was modeled using multivariable Firth logistic regression adjusting for age, Gleason score, prostate-specific antigen level, clinical tumor and lymph node classification, neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES), insurance, marital status, comorbidities, initial treatment (radiotherapy, chemotherapy), location of care, rural/urban area of residence, and year of diagnosis. The authors examined a total of 10,675 patients with metastatic prostate cancer, 11.4% of whom were non-Hispanic black, 8.4% of whom were Asian/Pacific Islander, 18.5% of whom were Hispanic/Latino, and 60.5% of whom were non-Hispanic white. In the multivariable model, patients found to be more likely to receive surgical ADT were Hispanic/Latino (odds ratio [OR], 1.32; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.01-1.72), were from a low neighborhood SES (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.34-2.89) or rural area (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.15-1.92), and had Medicaid/public insurance (OR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.58-3.10). Patients with military/Veterans Affairs insurance were significantly less likely to receive surgical ADT compared with patients with private insurance (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.13-0.88). Race/ethnicity, neighborhood SES, and insurance status appear to be significantly associated with receipt of surgical ADT. Future research will need to characterize other differences in initial treatments among men with advanced prostate cancer based on race/ethnicity and aim to better understand what factors drive the association between surgical ADT among men of Hispanic origin or those from areas with low neighborhood SES.

Good Long-term Quality of Life (QOL) Preservation after Pulmonary Stereotactic Fractionated Radiation Therapy (SBRT) in Frail Patients: Prospective Phase II Stripe Trial

Good Long-term Quality of Life (QOL) Preservation after Pulmonary Stereotactic Fractionated Radiation Therapy (SBRT) in Frail Patients: Prospective Phase II Stripe Trial

Comparison of Long-term Quality of Life in Patients with Esophageal Cancer after Ivor-Lewis, Mckeown, or Sweet Esophagectomy

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare the long-term quality of life (QoL) in patients after Sweet, Ivor-Lewis, or Mckeown esophagectomy. MethodsEsophageal cancer patients after Sweet, Ivor-Lewis, or Mckeown esophagectomy from 2010 to 2012 were included. QoL was assessed according to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer general questionnaire: QLQ-C30 and esophagus-specific questionnaire: QLQ-OES18. ResultsA total of 126 qualified patients who have been alive for more than 3 years without tumor recurrence were divided into three groups: the Sweet group (n = 40), Ivor-Lewis group (n = 38), and Mckeown group (n = 48). Among these three groups, the QLQ-C30 mean scores of global health status, functional and symptom scales, and general QoL were similar. The symptom scales of QLQ-OSE18 showed that patients who had a Mckeown operation experienced more problem of eating (P = 0.029), choking when swallowing (P = 0.010) and coughing (P = 0.016), while patients undergoing Sweet operation complained more symptom of reflux (P = 0.003) and pain (P = 0.000). ConclusionsAll three types of esophagectomy provided a generally good long-term QoL. However, patients in Sweet and Mckeown group tend to suffer from a higher symptomatic burden as compared to Ivor-Lewis approach.