Palliation Of Symptoms In Patients Research Articles

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TWO HYPOFRACTIONATED EXTERNAL BEAM RADIATION THERAPY SCHEDULES IN SYMPTOM PALLIATION IN UNRESECTABLE CARCINOMA GALLBLADDER

Introduction: Gallbladder cancer is a highly aggressive cancer, with majority of the patients presenting in advanced stage having a dismal prognosis. Objective: The aim of the study, is to compare the symptom relief, loco-regional tumour response and tolerance between the two different external beam radiation therapy schedules. Methods: A randomized study was conducted for two years including 60 patients. The patients were divided into two arms, with Arm-A receiving a total dose of 33Gy/15# and theArm-B receiving 30Gy/10#. Results: Early tumour response was slightly better in Arm-B than in Arm-A, with 50% patients showing partial response in Arm-B in comparison to 40% in Arm-A. Symptom relief was better and statistically significant in Arm-B with respect to Arm-A. At 3 and 6 month follow up, the symptomatic relief was comparable between the two arms, with 72% patients having relief of nausea/ vomiting in Arm-B with respect to 39.1% patients in Arm-A. The weekly toxicities were almost comparable between the arms, with haematological toxicities being slightly higher in Arm-A as compared to Arm-B. Late treatment related toxicities were also higher in Arm-A as compared to Arm-B. Conclusion: Palliative radiation therapy given to patients, over a short period of time is better in comparison to similarequivalent dose given over longer period of time in symptom palliationfor patients with unresectable gallbladder cancer.

OGC P36 The role of self-expanding metallic stents and surgical gastric bypass for palliation of gastric outlet obstruction caused by gastric cancer

Abstract Background The treatment of inoperable gastric cancer, causing gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is focused on palliation of symptoms. Self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) or surgical gastric bypass (SGB) are used to relieve GOO. Available data on SEMS and SGB are often unreliable as studies usually include patients with different causes of GOO including pancreatic or duodenal cancers or extrinsic disease. Their utility for GOO due to gastric cancer remains uncertain as gastric motility and function could be affected by the pathology. We aim to review outcomes of SEMS and SGB for GOO from gastric cancer in our unit over a 5-year period. Methods Retrospective review of all patients who have had SEMS or SGB for palliation of GOO from gastric cancer between 01/01/2018 and 31/12/2022. Data was collected on the pathology of the tumour, pre-intervention symptoms scoring, post-intervention symptoms scoring, length of stay, complications and survival. Thirty-five patients were identified and included in the study. Results Thirty patients with SEMS and five patients with SGB were analysed. Median survival was 16 weeks. Median length of stay after SEMS was 5.5 days (IQR: 1.2-12.7, range 1-83) and after SGB was 10 days (IQR: 9-11, range 8-32). 2/30 in the SEMS group had early complication requiring re-stenting and 1/5 in SGB group had early complication requiring further surgery and subsequent SEMS. Complete palliation of obstruction was achieved in 17/21 (70%) of SEMS and 4/9 (40%) of SGB patients. Complete palliation with SEMS was more likely when stomach cancer was localised (81%) rather than widespread (44%). Conclusions Self-expanding metallic stents are safe and effective in the palliation of symptoms in patients with gastric outlet obstruction due to gastric cancer and perhaps function better than surgical bypass. They are more effective when the obstructing gastric cancer is localised disease. Longer hospital stay associated with surgical bypass may compromise the palliative process when the survival is often limited.

Palliative Care Delivery Systems and Integration With Palliative Care Teams

Radiotherapy (RT) plays a critical role in the palliation of symptoms in patients with advanced or metastatic cancer. To address the growing need for these services, multiple dedicated palliative RT programs have been established. This article serves to highlight the novel ways in which palliative RT delivery systems support patients with advanced cancer. Through early integration of multidisciplinary palliative supportive services, rapid access programs facilitate best practices for oncologic patients at the end of life.

Handheld Ultrasound (HHUS): Potential for Home Palliative Care

Due to the severity of their disease, palliative care patients often present complex clinical symptoms and complaints like pain, shortness of breath, nausea, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Solely relying on the information available from the history and physical examination often causes uncertainty among palliative care physicians regarding treatment decisions during home visits, potentially leading to unnecessary hospitalizations or transfer to cross-sectional imaging in radiological practices. A rational approach is essential to avoid diagnostic aggressiveness while still providing the imaging information required for optimal palliative care. Bedside use of handheld ultrasound (HHUS) has the potential to expand the diagnostic and therapeutic spectrum in the case of symptom exacerbation but is still underutilized. In this review, we evaluate the potential uses of HHUS in home care settings to provide a more accurate diagnosis of the most common symptoms in palliative patients and to guide bedside interventions such as bladder catheterization, thoracentesis, paracentesis, venous access, and regional anesthesia. Specific training programs for ultrasound in palliative care are currently not available. Adequate documentation is warranted but fraught with technological and privacy issues. Expert supervision and quality assurance are necessary. Despite its limitation and challenges, we suggest that HHUS leads to improved clinical decision-making, expedited symptom relief, and reduced complications without burdening of the patient and costly transfer to hospital or specialty consultations.

Association between tumor response to systemic therapy and patient-reported disease symptoms.

The association of treatment-induced tumor shrinkage with symptom palliation for patients with lung cancer remains unknown. We investigated this correlation using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System-Revised. Using the in-hospital cancer registry, we identified patients receiving chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy for newly diagnosed advanced or metastatic lung cancer. Tumor response and post-treatment Edmonton Symptom Assessment System-Revised were obtained after 2-3 treatment cycles. Patients were divided into groups with or without >30% unidirectional tumor shrinkage (objective response [OR] or non-OR [N-OR] groups, respectively). They were further classified as good-objective response (>50% unidirectional tumor shrinkage), moderate-objective response (30-50% shrinkage), progressive disease (>20% tumor growth or new lesion) or stable disease (SD; N-objective response and non-progressive disease). The primary endpoint was change in the total Edmonton Symptom Assessment System-Revised score from baseline. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for analysis. In total, 113 patients were enrolled. The total Edmonton Symptom Assessment System-Revised score was significantly more improved in the OR group versus the N-OR group (median: 5 vs. 2, respectively; P=0.013). This association was more prominent in patients with small-cell lung cancer and large-cell neuroendocrine tumor than those with other histology. Sensitivity analyses showed that the total Edmonton Symptom Assessment System-Revised score was more improved in the OR group versus the SD group (median: 5 vs. 3, respectively; P=0.029) and in the 'good-OR' group versus the 'moderate-OR and SD' group (median: 7.5 vs. 2, respectively; P=0.003), suggesting that greater tumor shrinkage led to more symptom amelioration. Tumor shrinkage was associated with Edmonton Symptom Assessment System-Revised score improvement in patients with lung cancer receiving systemic therapy.

Outcomes After Surgical Palliation of Patients With Gastric Cancer

IntroductionSurgery is an option for symptom palliation in patients with metastatic gastric cancer. Operative outcomes after palliative interventions are largely unknown. Herein, we assess the trends of surgical palliation use for patients with gastric cancer and describe outcomes of patients undergoing surgical palliation compared to nonsurgical palliation. MethodsPatients with clinical Stage IV gastric cancer in the National Cancer Database (2004-2015) who received surgical or nonsurgical palliation were selected. We identified factors associated with palliative surgery. Survival differences were assessed by Kaplan–Meier estimate, Cox proportional hazard regression, and log rank test. ResultsSix thousand eight hundred twenty nine patients received palliative care for gastric cancer. Most patients (87%, n = 5944) received nonsurgical palliation: 29% radiation therapy, 57% systemic treatment, and 14% pain management. The number of patients receiving palliative care increased between 2004 and 2015; however, use of surgical palliation declined significantly (22% in 2004, 8% in 2015; P < 0.001). Median overall survival (OS) for the cohort was 5.65 mo (95% confidence interval 5.45-5.85); 1-year and 2-year OS were 24% and 9%, respectively. Older age at diagnosis and diagnosis between 2004 and 2006 were significantly associated with undergoing surgical palliation. Patients who underwent surgical palliation had significantly shorter median OS and a 20% higher hazard of mortality than those who received nonsurgical palliation. ConclusionsPatients with metastatic gastric cancer experience very short survival. While palliative surgery is used infrequently, the observed association with shorter median OS underscores the importance of careful patient selection. Palliative surgery should be offered judiciously and expectations about outcomes clearly established.

Use of a large-diameter 30-French venting gastrostomy tube is effective and safe for symptom palliation in patients with malignant bowel obstruction

BackgroundTreatment options for malignant bowel obstruction are limited, particularly in poor surgical candidates. Standard percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes used for venting are of small caliber, limiting success. This study examines outcomes in patients who received larger-caliber 30-Fr PEGs for treatment of malignant bowel obstruction.MethodRetrospective chart review for all patients who received a large-caliber venting PEGs for malignant bowel obstruction in a series of patients at a single institution.ResultsThirty-six patients were included. The most common primary cancer diagnoses were ovarian (22%), mucinous appendiceal (19%), and colorectal (17%). Symptom relief was achieved in all patients (100%). Four patients (11%) sought medical care for recurrent symptoms due to an incorrect venting technique. Large-caliber venting PEGs were placed on the first admission for obstruction in 17 patients (47%), and were used to replace standard caliber PEGs in 8 patients because of persistent symptoms (22%). Significant ascites was observed in 12 patients (33%), but paracenteses were performed in only 3 of these patients prior to PEG placement. Most large-caliber venting PEGs were placed during hospital admission (34/36, 94%), and facilitated hospital discharge (33/34, 97%). Two significant (6%) and 2 minor adverse events (6%) occurred.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the efficacy and safety of large-caliber venting PEGs for malignant bowel obstruction. This facilitated hospital discharge in almost all patients and prevented readmissions when a correct venting technique was utilized; these PEGs were also effective in patients who had failed standard PEG tube venting.

558 OUTCOMES OF PER ORAL ENDOSCOPIC MYOTOMY IN ACHALASIA IN PATIENTS WITH END-STAGE ESOPHAGUS

Abstract Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has emerged as a favorable alterative to Heller myotomy for achalasia. However data is limited on the effectiveness in palliation of symptoms in patients who have an esophagus with a sigmoid/tortuous configuration, or a mega-esophagus with width more than 5 cm, due to long-standing achalasia. Our objective is to investigate the outcomes after POEM procedure in patients diagnosed with achalasia and considered end-stage. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a large hospital between April 2014 and July 2019. A total of 504 patients were identified with 218 undergoing POEM during the study time period of which 57 patients had a sigmoid or tortuous esophagus, and/or had a barium column width of more than 5 cm on timed barium esophagograms (TBE). Primary outcome was symptom relief during follow-up, defined as a post-operative Eckardt score ≤ 3. We also explored integrated resting pressure (IRP) on manometry, barium column height and width on TBE, complications and procedure related parameters. Statistical analyses were performed using R. Results Significant decrease in median Eckardt scores were observed, 7.5 [6,8.8] pre-operatively to 0 [0,1] at 2 months (p &amp;lt; 0.001). At 2 years, 12 of 14 patients (85%), reported scores of ≤3. Improvements at 2 months were noted in median IRP (25.4 mmHg [15.5, 35.9] vs. 4.0 mmHg [2.2,9.0]), 1 min TBE height (11.5 cm [7.5,15.0] vs. 6.8 cm [4.7,9.0]) and width (5.0 cm [4.1,6.1] vs. 2.8 cm [1.9,3.1]), p &amp;lt; 0.001. At 2 years, they were 9.5 cm [5,12.8] and 3.0 cm [2.4,4.5], respectively. Post-operative pH studies in 35(61%) patients demonstrated a DeMeester score ≥ 14.72 in 17(49%) patients. Almost all patients reported return to activities of daily living within 7 days. Conclusion POEM is an effective and safe modality in achalasia patients with end-stage esophagus. Patients in this cohort historically have had poor outcome to interventions and our data shows excellent short-to-medium term outcome with low morbidity after POEM. Given its efficacy, minimal invasiveness and short return to function, POEM is a reasonable first and gold standard palliative therapy in this difficult cohort and should be attempted before considering esophagectomy.

Palliative treatment with high-dose-rate endobronchial interventional radiotherapy (Brachytherapy) for lung cancer patients

to report on the use of high-dose-rate (HDR) endobronchial interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy, EBIRT) for palliation of symptoms in patients with lung cancer. retrospective review of lung cancer patients treated with HDR-EBIRT at our institution (1995-2017). Treatment results and treatment related toxicity were recorded. Clinical response was subjectively evaluated within 3 months after treatment. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed. 347 patients were identified. The median age was 69 years and the median follow-up time was 13.4 months. Most patients received externalbeamradiationtherapy during the primary treatment. Within 3 months, 87.7% of the patients had complete or major response of their presenting symptoms. OS was 55.2% at 1 year, 18.3% at 2 years. Patients who had complete or major response had a longer median survival than other patients (13 versus 7 months, p = 0.03). Chronic bronchitis wasfound in 26.8%, while 7.8% of the patients died due to uncontrollable hemoptysis. HDR-EBIRT is a safe and effective treatment option for the palliative treatment of lung cancer patients. HDR-EBIRT is most suitable as a re-irradiation technique. Further clinical studies are needed to validate its role.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy as palliative management for incurable thoracic malignancies.

e24097 Background: Radiation therapy plays an important role in symptom palliation for patients with incurable cancer. Currently limited data exists regarding the role of SBRT vs conformal radiation for the palliation of symptoms due to malignancy. We report the symptom management and local control of palliative SBRT for incurable thoracic malignancies at a single institution. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients who underwent palliative SBRT between Jan 1st, 2009 and March 26th, 2019. Patients all had thoracic tumors that were not candidates for curative radiation due to age, stage, comorbidity, and/or prior treatment. We identified courses with total doses between 25-50 Gy (median 40) and total fractions between 3-10 (median 5). Symptoms such as cough, chest pain, hemoptysis, and shortness of breath were assessed at time of consult and first follow-up between 1-6 months post treatment. We also reviewed follow-up CT imaging to evaluate for local control using RECIST criteria. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate patients’ clinicopathologic data and symptom palliation. Local control was analyzed via Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Of the 76 patients who completed palliative SBRT to 92 total lung lesions, 45 patients reported symptoms at consult and completed 50 courses of radiation to 55 lesions. Within this symptomatic cohort, average age was 71 (range, 42-93), 32 were female (58%), and most were stage IV (n = 42, 76%). Most lesions treated were non-small cell lung cancer (n = 34, 62%) while the most common primary site of metastatic lesions was colorectal (n = 6, 11%). Additional primary sites included breast, renal, sarcoma, and others (n = 15, 27%). Of the 53 lesions treated with follow-up within 6 months, 21 (40%) showed relief of at least 1 symptom and 31 (58%) showed stable symptoms. Only 1 patient (2%) showed symptom progression. All patients with hemoptysis at presentation achieved hemostasis following SBRT. Among 48 treated lesions with follow-up CT imaging, 1 (2%) showed complete response, 28 (58%) showed partial response (PR), 15 (31%) showed stable disease (SD), and 4 (8%) showed progressive disease. With further follow-up (median 23 months), 30 of the 53 lesions with initial PR or SD demonstrated local control until death. Conclusions: There is conflicting literature regarding the ideal palliative radiation dose for thoracic tumors. SBRT has the advantage of allowing a higher biologic dose without protracted treatment courses in the setting of palliation of symptoms. Our symptomatic cohort showed good symptom palliation and long-term local control of treated lesions. Prospective studies are required to further confirm the role of palliative SBRT for symptomatic thoracic tumors.

Understanding Quality of Life for Palliative Patients With Dysphagia Using the Swallowing Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL) Questionnaire.

There are few studies concerning the differences in quality-of-life (QOL) between palliative care patients with and without dysphagia to date. We aimed to compare the QOL and symptoms in palliative patients with and without dysphagia using Swallowing Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL). Eighty-one palliative patients with and without dysphagia underwent the SWAL-QOL questionnaire. A series of Mann Whitney U tests were performed between non-dysphagic and dysphagic groups for the total SWAL-QOL score and the 11 SWAL-QOL domains. Dysphagia significantly impacted patients' QOL in the dysphagic group (mean, 69.5; SD 21.9) than non-dysphagic group (mean, 83.2; SD 14.8) (P = 0.006). Significant differences were observed between both groups for the domains of burden, eating desire, eating duration, symptoms, food selection, communication and mental health. The results also showed that the dysphagic group had lower symptom score across all symptoms, suggesting higher symptom burdens. This study is the first to examine QOL and swallow symptoms in palliative care patients with and without dysphagia. Dysphagia causes significantly worse QOL in palliative care patients. Screening for dysphagia and managing its impact on symptoms and QOL domains is important in palliative care.

A Randomized Phase 3 Trial of Palliative Radiation Therapy Versus Concurrent Chemotherapy and Palliative Radiation Therapy in Patients With Good Performance Status, Locally Advanced, or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With Symptoms due to Intrathoracic Disease Who are Not Suitable for Radical Chemo-radiation Therapy: Results of the Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group 11.03 Trial

PurposeWe compared intrathoracic symptom response rate, quality of life (QOL) and toxicity in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) not suitable for radical chemo-radiation therapy, experiencing symptoms from intrathoracic disease, who were randomized to receive palliative radiation therapy (PRT36/12) or concurrent chemotherapy and PRT (C-PRT40/20). Methods and MaterialsWe included patients with stage III or IV NSCLC, with a Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance status 0 to 1, who were experiencing at least one of the following: dyspnea, cough, hemoptysis, or chest pain. The primary outcome was a change in intrathoracic response rate from baseline to 6 weeks post completion of therapy using (1) a composite measure, the Intrathoracic Symptom Burden Index(ISBI), and (2) individual symptom scores measured by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and Quality of Life Questionnaire - Lung Cancer 13 item (QLQ-LC 13) instruments. ResultsSeventy-six patients were recruited with 68 eligible for analysis. In addition, 42.6% and 57.4% had stage III and IV disease, respectively. The Intrathoracic Symptom Burden Index was significantly lower at 6 weeks posttreatment than at baseline (adjusted mean difference −8.77, standard error 2.67; 95% confidence interval, −13.97% to −3.58%; P < .01) for the entire cohort with no difference between trial arms (P = .34). Both treatments provided effective palliation of individual symptoms with no significant difference between trial arms. QOL during treatment was significantly better for patients receiving C-PRT(40/20). There was no difference between arms in overall QOL between baseline and 6 weeks posttreatment. There was no difference in toxicity between treatment arms during treatment nor between baseline and 6 weeks posttreatment. There was no difference in progression-free survival. A nonstatistically significant 3-month improvement in median survival favored C-PRT(40/20). ConclusionPRT(36/12) and C-PRT(40/20) provide effective symptom palliation in patients with stage III NSCLC not suitable for radical chemo-radiation therapy and in patients with stage IV disease. Chemotherapy added to PRT(40/20) does not provide superior symptomatic relief in this patient cohort.

PROFILE OF GASTRIC MALIGNANCIES PRESENTING AS GASTRIC OUTLET OBSTRUCTION – A ONE AND A HALF YEAR PROSPECTIVE STUDY FROM KASHMIR VALLEY

Background: Gastric adenocarcinoma is one of the frequent cancers seen in Kashmir valley. Patients often present with advanced disease and Gastric Outlet obstruction (GOO). We studied the profile and management of patients presenting with malignant GOO due to Gastric cancer at our center.&#x0D; Methods: A prospective one and half year study from May 2018 to Dec 2019 was done in the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Government Medical College, Srinagar. All adult patients with clinical and endoscopic evidence of malignant gastric outlet obstruction and features of gastric cancer were included.&#x0D; Results: Twenty three patients with GOO due to Gastric malignancies were noted in this period with a M:F ratio of 1.9:1 and age range of 32 to 79 years. Vomiting was the most common symptom present in 83 % patients followed by early satiety which was present in 74% of cases. Though patients gave history suggestive of weight loss but only 17 % patients had a documented weight loss. Palliative gastrojejunostomy was done in 21 patients and Radical Distal gastrectomy was done in 2 patients. Surgical site infection was the most common (06 cases; 26%) complication in our group followed by delayed gastric emptying (04 cases; 17.4%) and pulmonary complications (03 cases; 13%).&#x0D; Conclusion: Gastrojejunostomy offers good palliation of symptoms in patients with GOO due to GC. It can be offered with equally good results by laparoscopic access.

A Concise Review of Pelvic Radiation Therapy (RT) for Rectal Cancer with Synchronous Liver Metastases.

Background and Objective Colorectal cancer is a major health concern as a very common cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The liver is a very common site of metastatic spread for colorectal cancers, and, while nearly half of the patients develop metastases during the course of their disease, synchronous liver metastases are detected in 15% to 25% of cases. There is no standardized treatment in this setting and no consensus exists on optimal sequencing of multimodality management for rectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases. Methods Herein, we review the use of pelvic radiation therapy (RT) as part of potentially curative or palliative management of rectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases. Results There is accumulating evidence on the utility of pelvic RT for facilitating subsequent surgery, improving local tumor control, and achieving palliation of symptoms in patients with stage IV rectal cancer. Introduction of superior imaging capabilities and contemporary RT approaches such as Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) offer improved precision and toxicity profile of radiation delivery in the modern era. Conclusion Even in the setting of stage IV rectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases, there may be potential for extended survival and cure by aggressive management of primary tumor and metastases in selected patients. Despite lack of consensus on sequencing of treatment modalities, pelvic RT may serve as a critical component of multidisciplinary management. Resectability of primary rectal tumor and liver metastases, patient preferences, comorbidities, symptomatology, and logistical issues should be thoroughly considered in decision making for optimal management of patients.

Symptom Palliation in Patients with Bone Metastases Treated with Radiotherapy

Abstract Context: Skeleton is the most common organ affected by metastases. Bone pain is the most common symptom of metastatic bone disease. The treatment of bone metastasis is primarily palliative requiring multidisciplinary therapies; radiotherapy (RT), however, remains the cornerstone of the treatment. Aims: The aim of this study is to measure the effectiveness of RT in terms of symptomatic relief in pain and insomnia, improvement in stability/movement, and decrease in the requirement of analgesics by patients using the Hundred Paisa Pain Scale. Subjects and Methods: The RT records of 226 patients with bone metastasis treated at the department of Radiotherapy, SMS Medical College, Jaipur; from July 2015 to December 2016 over cobalt-60 teletherapy unit were analyzed. The RT dose fractionation ranged from 30 Gy in 10 daily fractions, 20 Gy in 5 daily fractions, 12.5 Gy in 2 weekly fractions, and 8 Gy in single fraction. Results: The median age of the cohort was 54 (range, 29–84) years. The most common site of primary tumor was lung (30.1%), followed by breast (12.4%) and prostate (11.9%). The most common bone involved was vertebrae (71.2%), followed by pelvis (14.6%); among vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae were most commonly involved (63.9%), followed by lumbar vertebrae (57.8%). The maximum relief in pain was seen with 6.25 Gy/fraction schedule, whereas the maximum improvement in stability/movement was noted with 3 Gy/fraction schedule. The 8 Gy single-fraction schedule was associated with maximum relief in insomnia and decrease in analgesic requirement. Conclusion: The current institutional protocol of weekly hypofractionated palliative RT of 6.25 Gy per fraction up to a maximum of four fractions given on Saturday has shown results comparable with other schedules with well tolerance and achievement of acceptable symptom palliation. This weekly schedule is practically convenient to both the patients who mostly came from far-flung areas and the institute as it spares the already overburdened machine to carry on conventional RT from Monday to Friday.

Treatment and Palliation of Symptoms in Patients With Advanced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex disease in which the illness as well as the associated treatment can be particularly burdensome. Previously considered to be uniformly fatal, PAH treatment and management has improved with an extended survival. However, this can come with symptom burden. Burden can be associated with the disease itself in addition to the treatment aimed at ameliorating these symptoms. This article explores both the use of PAH-directed therapy as well as traditionally supportive treatment strategies for palliation of symptoms in those with PAH. As highlighted in the patient case described throughout this issue, patients are constantly weighing the benefits and burdens of treatment during each step of their journey.

Randomized controlled trial of percutaneous transesophageal gastrotubing for symptom palliation in patients with malignant gastrointestinal obstruction.

10090Background: Malignant gastrointestinal obstruction occurs in approximately 10-16% of end-stage cancer patients. Nasogastric tubing (NGT) is a standard palliative treatment; however, NGT causes...

Profile of patients undergoing palliative radiotherapy: A single-institute study from a tertiary care oncology center.

Background:Palliative radiotherapy (PRT) plays a significant role in the palliation of symptoms in patients with cancer and constitutes nearly 50% of the workload in different settings.Aims:The aim is to study patient-, disease-, and treatment-related characteristics in locoregionally advanced and metastatic malignancies meriting palliative management.Setting and Design:This was a retrospective observational study in a tertiary care government institute with academic and research potential.Methodology:The electronic medical records, medical documents, and radiotherapy (RT) treatment charts were retrieved and studied.Observations:A total of 460 patients were included in the study over 2 years, forming 30% of the total number of patients treated during the study period. Three hundred and ninety-six patients received PRT to the metastatic sites, while 64 patients received extremely hypofractionated PRT to the primary for symptomatic relief. Totally 442 patients showed good symptomatic response to PRT. One hundred and thirty-eight patients underwent re-irradiation. Lung was the most common primary site seen in 155 cases. The most common indication for PRT was palliation of pain from painful metastases as seen in 240 cases, and the next common indication was palliative whole-brain RT for brain metastases as seen in 159 cases.Conclusion:PRT forms an integral and important aspect of palliative care to the vast number of patients harboring metastatic disease that warrants some form of treatment for symptomatic relief. Short course of PRT in outdoor setting is a preferred mode of treatment to improve the quality of life of these distressed patients.

TCT-596 Transradial access for Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) is used as bridge to aortic valve replacement or for palliation of symptoms in patients not eligible for SAVR or TAVR. Regularly femoral acces is used, nevertheless complication rate is not negligible. The aim of our study was to establish the safety and the

Radiotherapy for renal cell carcinoma: renaissance of an overlooked approach.

Conventional radiotherapy previously had a limited role in the definitive treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), owing to the disappointing outcomes of several trials and the perceived radioresistance of this type of cancer. In this context, radiotherapy has been relegated largely to the palliation of symptoms in patients with metastatic disease, with variable rates of response. Following the availability of newer technologies that enable safe delivery of high-dose radiotherapy, stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) has become increasingly used in patients with RCC. Preclinical evidence demonstrates that RCC cells are sensitive to ablative doses of radiotherapy (≥8-10 Gy). Trials in the setting of intracranial and extracranial oligometastases, as well as primary RCC, have demonstrated excellent tumour control using this approach. Additionally, an awareness of the capacity of high-dose radiation to stimulate antitumour immunity has resulted in novel combinations of SABR with immunotherapies. Here we describe the historical application of conventional radiotherapy, the current biological understanding of the effects of radiation, and the clinical evidence supporting the use of ablative radiotherapy in RCC. We also explore emerging opportunities to combine systemic targeted agents or immunotherapies with radiation. Radiotherapy, although once an overlooked approach, is moving towards the forefront of RCC treatment.