Quality Of Life Considerations Research Articles

Patient-reported Quality of Life and Survival Outcomes in Prostate Cancer: Analysis of the ECOG-ACRIN E3805 Chemohormonal Androgen Ablation Randomized Trial (CHAARTED)

BackgroundChemohormonal therapy with androgen deprivation therapy and docetaxel (ADT + D) improves overall survival (OS) and quality of life (QOL) at 12 mo versus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) alone in men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). However, the prognostic role of QOL is unknown in this population. ObjectiveTo study the relationship between QOL, disease characteristics, and OS in men with mHSPC. Design, setting, and participantsIn this exploratory post hoc analysis, 790 patients with mHSPC completed the QOL instruments Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Prostate (FACT-P), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Fatigue (FACIT-F), and Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Outcome measurements and statistical analysisLog-rank test and Cox proportional hazard models tested the association between QOL and OS by clinical and disease characteristics. Results and limitationsBaseline higher FACT-P trended toward improved survival after accounting for clinical variables (hazard ratio [HR] 0.80 [0.62, 1.04], p = 0.09), while higher 3-mo FACT-P was independently associated with better survival (HR 0.76 [0.58, 1.0], p = 0.05). Patients with the poorest QOL (bottom quartile) at baseline and 3 mo had longer survival if they received ADT + D rather than ADT alone (median OS 45.2 vs 34.4 mo, HR 0.75 [0.53, 1.05], p = 0.09, and 48.3 vs 29.3 mo, HR 0.69 [0.48, 0.99], p = 0.05 respectively). In contrast, patients with the best QOL (top quartile) at baseline and 3 mo had comparable survival irrespective of whether or not docetaxel was added (median OS 72.1 vs 51.7 mo, HR 0.92 [0.63, 1.36], p = 0.69, and 69.9 vs 68.9 mo, HR 1.11 [0.73, 1.67], p = 0.63, respectively). Survival was linked with baseline FACIT-F (HR 0.76 [0.57, 1.0], p = 0.05), but not BPI (HR 0.98 [0.75, 1.28], p = 0.90). ConclusionsThree-month QOL had a stronger independent association with survival. The most symptomatic patients had longer survival with the addition of docetaxel; conversely, the least symptomatic patients did not appear to benefit. Consideration of QOL may enhance decision-making and patient selection when choosing chemohormonal treatment in mHSPC. Patient summaryQuality of life independently forecasted the survival of men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer in the CHAARTED study. Close tracking of quality of life could help patients and clinicians make decisions about the appropriate treatment in this setting.

Bibliometric analysis of systematic review and meta-analysis on diabetic foot ulcer

Many clinical management strategies have been proposed to deal with diabetic foot ulcers. However, the occurrence and recurrence of foot ulcers remain the major problems for diabetics. This study aims to identify, visualize, and characterize the meta-analyses on diabetic foot ulcer research. Articles published online were retrieved from the Web of Science core collection database using a search query incorporating MeSH terms and topics related to diabetic foot ulcers and meta-analysis. The publications were then analyzed for basic characteristics, including publication year, countries, topics covered, references, and keywords discussed in the articles. Data visualization was performed using CiteSpace. 334 meta-analyses and systematic reviews on diabetic foot ulcers were identified. The number of publications has experienced rapid growth in recent years (nearly 6-fold since 2016). The United States, China, Netherlands, England, and Australia had a strong collaboration in the contribution of publication. 7 primary topics were summarized from the top 100 highly cited publications: #1 Interventions (proportion: 59%), #2 Risk factors and Prevention (22%), #3 Epidemiology analysis (6%), #4 Cost-effectiveness of interventions (5%), #5 Long-term prognosis (3%), #6 Quality of life analysis (3%), and #7 Economic burden analysis (2%). Footwear and offloading interventions, multidisciplinary care, hyperbaric oxygen, platelet-rich plasma, and negative pressure wound therapies are highly regarded in terms of intervention. Diabetic foot osteomyelitis, peripheral diabetic neuropathy, chronic limb-threatening ischemia, and infections are the main comorbidities. In recent years, offloading interventions, debridement, telemedicine, long-term prognosis, and economic burden analyses have gradually received attention. Individualized treatment, multidisciplinary collaboration, quality of life considerations, and economic burden analyses are the long-term concerns.

INTERVENTIONS AFFECTING PROGNOSIS AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PEDIATRIC MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis, autoimmune disease of the central nervous system primarily affecting young adults. The number of individuals suffering from multiple sclerosis under the age of 18 is gradually increasing. Early interventions in the form of pharmacotherapy have proven to be beneficial in reducing the severity of disease and thereby preventing disability. Furthermore, cognitive impairment affecting working memory, attention, and other domains is concerning in children. Methodology: We identified papers by searching various electronic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Europe PMC, Scopus, Web of Science). Search terms included: Pediatric multiple sclerosis OR pediatric MS AND interventions AND prognosis OR disease progression OR disability OR quality of life OR QoL. Papers were included in this review if they were published in English, referenced interventions and their effects on quality of life of the patients, and included pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis as a primary population. Results: Seventeen papers were identified via the literature search that addressed interventions made in the field of pediatric multiple sclerosis and their effects on the quality of life of the patients. The current study extracted data from a diverse range of articles focusing on various aspects of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) treatment, outcomes, and associated factors. The data provided valuable insights into the clinical characteristics, treatment approaches, and quality of life considerations for POMS patients. Discussion: Interventions include first line drugs (interferon beta-1a and glatiramer acetate) and disease modifying therapies like fingolimod, teriflunomide, natalizumab and rituximab. Potential modifiable factors like breastfeeding, vitamin D levels, exercise and diet were identified. CSF Neurofilament levels and various inflammatory genes are helpful in diagnosis. Conclusion: The data extraction from diverse studies on POMS shed light on various treatment approaches, disease progression markers and psychosocial factors. The findings underscore the importance of early intervention, tailored treatment strategies, and multidisciplinary care to enhance outcomes for pediatric MS patients.

Do Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors Increase the Risk of Biochemical Recurrence After Radical Prostatectomy?

There have been conflicting studies on the association between phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i) use and biochemical recurrence (BCR) following radical prostatectomy (RP). Our aim was to determine whether PDE5i drug exposure after RP increases the risk of BCR in patients undergoing RP. An institutional database of prostate cancer patients treated between January 2009 and December 2020 was reviewed. BCR was defined as 2 PSA measurements greater than 0.1 ng/mL. PDE5i exposure was defined using a 0 to 3 scale, with 0 representing never use, 1 sometimes use, 2 regularly use, and 3 routinely use. The risk of BCR with any PDE5i exposure, the quantity of exposure, and the duration of PDE5i exposure were assessed by multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. The sample size included 4630 patients to be analyzed, with 776 patients having BCR. The median follow-up for patients without BCR was 27 (IQR 12, 49) months. Eighty-nine percent reported taking a PDE5i at any time during the first 12 months after RP, and 60% reported doing so for 6 or more months during the year after RP. There was no evidence of an increase in the risk of BCR associated with any PDE5i use (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.84, 1.31, P = .7) or duration of PDE5i use in the first year (HR 0.98 per 1 month duration, 95% CI 0.96, 1.00, P = .055). Baseline oncologic risk was lower in patients using PDE5i, but differences between groups were small, suggesting that residual confounding is unlikely to obscure any causal association with BCR. Prescription of PDE5i to men after RP can be based exclusively on quality of life considerations. Patients receiving PDE5is can be reassured that their use does not increase the risk of BCR.

Running alone or in groups? Social capital and quality of life considerations

ABSTRACT This study examines how running participant exercise behaviours such as running alone or in groups moderate the relationship between social capital and quality of life (QoL) along with how demographics characteristics of the participants influence QoL. We analysed 539 running participants’ responses collected on-site in Taiwan. The analysis employed structural equation modelling. The findings suggested whether runners train alone or in groups they see positive benefits from the social capital dimensions of collective action and social connections on their QoL. Demographic characteristics such as age, income and current education status were significant predictors of QoL while running alone was better for males and improved their QoL. Older participants and students running in groups had higher QoL perceptions than the reference groups of their category. Sport managers should boost the opportunities for collective engagement among runners and pursue programmes for enhanced social connections among runners.

The outcomes of social capital among event runners: quality of life considerations

PurposeMass participation sport events, such as running events, have the potential to foster social capital among event participants. The purpose of this study is to investigate the interrelationships among sport event participation, social capital and various (behavioral, psychological, informational and negative) outcomes.Design/methodology/approachFollowing Putnam's social capital approach, a research model was developed and tested using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling, based on survey data from 301 runners with varied running histories and event experiences.FindingsResults showed a limited impact of sport event participation on participants' social capital, indicating that the temporary interactions within the event timeframe were insufficient to generate sustainable social capital among event participants. Nevertheless, significant relationships were found between social capital and behavioral, psychological and informational outcomes of social capital, suggesting that social capital can be converted to a range of benefits for participants and the event community.Practical implicationsEvent marketers and sponsors should take strategic actions to enhance participants' social experience and cultivate social capital, which may help them gain support from the event community irrespective of past experiences with participation.Originality/valueThis study extends Putnam's social capital framework into mass participation sport event context. As an initial effort to quantitatively test the linkage among event participation, social capital and various outcomes, this study offers empirical insights into the role of sport event participation in generating long-term social benefits for event participants.

Quality of life and cost-effectiveness of different breast cancer surgery procedures: a Markov decision tree-based approach in the framework of Predictive, Preventive, and Personalized Medicine.

Breast cancer is a complex disease with heterogeneous outcomes that may benefit from the implementation of Predictive, Preventive, and Personalized Medicine (PPPM/3PM) strategies. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential of PPPM approaches by investigating the 10-year trends in quality of life (QOL) and the cost-effectiveness of different types of surgeries for patients with breast cancer. This prospective cohort study recruited 144 patients undergoing breast conserving surgery (BCS), 199 undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM), and 44 undergoing total mastectomy with transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (TRAMF) from three medical centers in Taiwan between June 2007 and June 2010. All patients exhibited a significant decrease in most QOL dimension scores from before surgery to 6months postoperatively (p < 0.05); however, from postoperative year 1 to 2, improvement in most QOL dimension scores was significantly better in the TRAMF group than in the BCS and MRM groups (p < 0.05). At 2, 5, and 10years after surgery, the patients' QOL remained stable. In the Markov decision tree model, the TRAMF group had higher total direct medical costs than the MRM and BCS groups (US$ 32,426, US$ 29,487, and US$ 28,561, respectively) and higher average QALYs gained (7.771, 6.773, and 7.385, respectively), with an incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) of US$ 2,944.39 and US$ 10,013.86 per QALY gained. TRAMF appeared cost effective compared with BCS and MRM, and it has been proved with considerable QOL improvements in the framework of PPPM. Future studies should continue to explore the potential of PPPM approaches in breast cancer care. By incorporating predictive models, personalized treatment plans, and preventive strategies into routine clinical practice, we can further optimize patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs associated with breast cancer treatment. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13167-023-00326-4.

Patient reported quality of life (QOL) and survival outcomes: Analysis of ECOG-ACRIN E3805 chemohormonal androgen ablation randomized trial (CHAARTED) in prostate cancer (PCa).

5014 Background: Chemohormonal therapy with androgen deprivation therapy and docetaxel (ADT+D) improves overall survival (OS) and quality of life (QOL) at 12 months compared to ADT alone in metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). However, the prognostic relationship between QOL, disease characteristics, and OS has not been described in this population. Methods: In this post-hoc exploratory analysis of the CHAARTED trial, the QOL instrument Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P) was completed by patients treated with ADT and ADT+D. Log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards models were used to test the association between QOL and OS by clinical and disease characteristics. Results: 790 men were included in the study (ADT+D, n = 397; ADT, n = 393). Baseline higher QOL by FACT-P (n = 790) was associated with better OS in univariate regression (HR 0.70 [0.55,0.90], p = 0.005), however the association was not significant in multivariate analysis (HR 0.80 [0.62-1.04], p = 0.09). There was a trend towards improved survival for patients with the lowest baseline QOL (lowest quartile) treated with ADT+D compared to ADT (HR 0.75 [0.53, 1.05], p = 0.09). In contrast, patients with the highest baseline QOL (highest quartile, 63% high volume disease) had similar survival regardless of treatment arm (HR 0.92 [0.63-1.36], p=0.69). Higher 3-month QOL by FACT-P (n = 654) was associated with survival in the multivariate analysis independently of treatment arm (HR 0.76 [0.58, 1.0], p = 0.05). Patients with the highest 3-month QOL had comparable survival regardless of treatment arm (HR 1.11 [0.73, 1.67], p = 0.63), while patients with the lowest 3-month QOL experienced a survival benefit with ADT+D compared to ADT (HR 0.69 [0.48, 0.99], p = 0.047). Conclusions: In this analysis, 3-month QOL by FACT-P was significantly associated with survival for patients with mHSPC. Patients with the poorest QOL ("most symptomatic”) appeared to experience survival benefit from ADT+D regardless of disease volume. Conversely, patients reporting the highest QOL (“least symptomatic”) did not seem to benefit from ADT+D despite a predominance of patients with high volume disease in that cohort. These findings suggest that consideration of QOL may enhance decision making and patient selection when considering chemohormonal treatment for mHSPC. [Table: see text]

Quality of Life Considerations in Patients Treated for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Clinical ThyroidologyVol. 35, No. 4 Thyroid CancerQuality of Life Considerations in Patients Treated for Differentiated Thyroid CancerJie LiuJie LiuDepartment of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China.Search for more papers by this authorPublished Online:11 Apr 2023https://doi.org/10.1089/ct.2023;35.160-162AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB Permissions & CitationsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail View articleFiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 35Issue 4Apr 2023 Information© Copyright 2023, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.To cite this article:Jie Liu.Quality of Life Considerations in Patients Treated for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.Clinical Thyroidology.Apr 2023.160-162.http://doi.org/10.1089/ct.2023;35.160-162Published in Volume: 35 Issue 4: April 11, 2023PDF download

Solid Organ Transplantation for Children With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities—Ethical Considerations and a Call for Clarity

Pediatric transplant centers are faced with the difficult task of maximizing the benefit of organs donated for transplantation while also ensuring that all patients undergoing transplant evaluation are fairly considered for this life-saving therapy. Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities are a complex patient population that on occasion may face the need for a solid organ transplant. Several concerns exist regarding transplantation in this population, yet standard transplant inclusion and exclusion criteria do not exist. Here we explore important factors regarding organ transplantation for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including patient outcomes, quality of life considerations, and the fundamental ethical principles underlying this complex medical decision-making.

A survey of quality-of-life tools used in the routine care of patients with multiple myeloma.

New treatment options have significantly improved the life expectancy of myeloma patients such that their cause of death is increasingly likely to be from something other than myeloma. Furthermore, the adverse effects of short- or long-term treatments as well as the disease are impacting on quality of life (QoL) for longer periods of time. Understanding people's QoL and what is important to them, is part of providing holistic care. Although QoL data has been collected for many years in myeloma studies, they have not been used to inform patient outcomes. There is growing evidence that supports the assessment of 'fitness' and consideration of QoL as part of routine myeloma care. A national survey was carried out to discover which QoL tools are currently being used in the routine care of myeloma patients, by whom and at which time point. An online survey using SurveyMonkey was adopted for flexibility and accessibility. The link to the survey was circulated via Bloodwise, Myeloma UK and Cancer Research UK contact lists. Paper questionnaires were circulated at the UK Myeloma Forum. Data about practices in 26 centres were collected. This included sites across England and Wales. Three out of 26 centres collect QoL data as part of standard care. QoL tools used include EORTC QLQ-My20/24, MyPOS, FACT-BMT and Quality of Life Index. Questionnaires were completed by patients before, during or after a clinic appointment. Clinical nurse specialists calculate the scores and create a care plan. Despite growing evidence to support an holistic approach to management of myeloma patients, there is a lack of evidence to confirm that health-related QoL is being addressed in standard care. This is an area that needs further research.

Quality of Life Considerations in Endoscopic Endonasal Management of Anterior Cranial Base Tumors.

Considering quality of life (QOL) is critical when discussing treatment options for patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery (EESBS) for cancers at the base of the skull. Several questionnaires have been developed and validated in the last 20 years to explore QOL in this patient population, including the Anterior Skull Base Questionnaire, Skull Base Inventory, EESBS Questionnaire, and the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test for Neurosurgery. The Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test-22 and Anterior Skull Base Nasal Inventory-12 are other tools that have been used to measure sinonasal QOL in anterior cranial base surgery. In addition to pathology-related perturbations in QOL endoscopic surgical options (transsellar approaches, anterior cranial base surgery, and various reconstructive techniques) all have unique morbidities and QOL implications that should be considered. Finally, we look ahead to new and emerging techniques and tools aimed to help preserve and improve QOL for patients with anterior cranial base malignancies.

Sociodemographic characteristics and health-related quality of life of individuals undergoing antidepressant therapy

An important factor for averting depression and creating awareness about clinical treatment is patient preference. Therefore, investigating health-related quality of life associated with different antidepressants is necessary. A retrospective cohort study was performed using the 2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. The MEPS is a nationally representative database of the civilian and noninstitutionalized population spanning different ages, both sexes, and a wide range of sociodemographic and economic backgrounds. Differences in clinical and sociodemographic characteristics among patients using different antidepressant classes were explored. The differences in Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) results among groups were examined. The VR-12 metric was used since it measures a patient’s overall perspective of their health. Approximately 34.6 million of the patients reported using at least one antidepressant during 2018. Most patients receiving tricyclic therapy reported substantially better mental HRQoL than patients receiving selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), or combination therapy. Patients receiving atypical antidepressants reported substantially better mental HRQoL than those receiving other types of antidepressants. Most patients reported a substantial decline in HRQoL after SNRIs or combination therapy. This study found that HRQoL varied across antidepressant users. Thus, health care providers could benefit from taking into consideration quality of life when prescribing antidepressant agents. Moreover, further research is needed to explore other factors that could contribute to the quality of care for patients with depression.

Facilitating personal hygiene choices for renal patients with central venous lines: a multi-phase study

This study explored personal hygiene options of renal patients that maintain the integrity of central venous catheter exit site dressings between dialysis sessions. Background: Infection is a major life-limiting risk for patients undergoing haemodialysis via a central venous catheter. Meticulous attention to keeping the exit site dressings clean and dry is an essential defence in preventing local and systemic infections. It is difficult to maintain the integrity of water-resistant dressings in tropical environments. Study Design: A three-phase exploratory study was conducted in a northern Australian Renal Service. Methods: Phase 1 employed a cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey of renal nurses about the acceptability and feasibility of two hygiene options for patients: bathing wipes and a waterproof dressing cover. The survey also canvassed their concerns about the options. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise Likert-scale responses and content analysis was used for responses to open-ended survey questions. Phase 2 used conversational-style interviews with patients about their hygiene preferences, how they endeavoured to keep their dressings dry, and their impressions regarding the proposed options. Phase 3 was a series of case studies of patients trialling the provided options over a six-week period. Participants were progressively recruited to this phase and were provided with the product/s of their choice at each dialysis session; renal nurses also assessed the integrity of the dressings at each dialysis session. Research nurses discussed with the participants their experiences with the options. Results: Phase 1: Nurses (N=37, response rate 58.7%) considered both options acceptable and feasible for patients, noting some practical concerns related to their use. Phase 2: Patients (N=27, 100% participation rate) described hygiene preferences and difficulties they encountered with keeping dressings dry. Only one participant had a bath, as per written advice. All were enthusiastic about trying the proposed options. Phase 3: Patients (N=22) appreciated being able to shower without wetting their exit site dressings. Individuals were inventive in modifying the application and use of the waterproof cover according to their body shape and the central venous catheter exit site location. Although participants liked both options, the waterproof covering was most popular and most frequently used. Intactness of the dressings was 83% during the trial; there were no central venous catheter-associated infections during the study. Conclusion: Self-management and choice were motivating factors for participants. Patients embraced being able to keep their dressings dry and intact during personal hygiene in a tropical environment. Implications for research, policy, and practice: Patients demonstrated their willingness to undertake a more active role in their dressing care, while exercising choice with respect to personal hygiene. Studies that further increase patients’ participation in other aspects of their self-care warrant further investigation. The organisation is pursuing options for the ongoing provision of the products used in this study and how their use can be monitored in clinical practice. What is already known about the topic? Intact dressings provide an important line of defence against infection in the vulnerable population of patients receiving dialysis via central lines. Hygiene needs are also an important consideration for quality of life, empowerment, and autonomy. Patients’ current attempts to meet their own hygiene needs often result in a disruption to the intactness of the dressing site and predispose them to systemic infections. What this paper adds This study facilitated exploration of two feasible hygiene options in an open and culturally safe manner, from both patients’ and nurses’ perspectives. The opportunity to perform personal hygiene according to individual preferences resulted in a willingness of participants to undertake a more active role in the care of their dressing. The identification of two acceptable and feasible personal hygiene options has the potential of removing one of the many lifestyle modifications faced by people who undergo haemodialysis via a central venous catheter.

Mental Health and Quality of Life Considerations: Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Plastic surgery incorporates procedures ranging from in-office injections to full-body reconstruction. Many of these procedures have been correlated with increasing overall mental health and quality of life. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) effectively ended plastic surgery operations, temporarily, to prevent disease transmission and conserve personal protective equipment (PPE) for patients and forefront physicians with most need. While safety precautions and mental health have remained the primary concerns, this review aims to summarize and explore the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures and its future demand, with emphasis on patient mental health and quality of life, all while bringing potential improvements to the surgical subspecialty. Methods: A critical interpretive review involved thorough searches of Google Scholar and the National Library of Medicine’s MEDLINE/PubMed databases using the following search terms: “plastic surgery,” “COVID-19,” “aesthetic surgery,” and “coronavirus” in conjunction with “mental health,” “economic hardships,” and “post-operative complications.” Results: A total of 34 manuscripts were incorporated into this critical interpretive review. Discussion: The trend in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery’s frequency of procedures was expected to continue in 2020 but was derailed by COVID-19. Patient motivations for aesthetic surgery vary from visible function-impairing deformities to perceived psychological dysphoria. During COVID-19 restrictions, mental health has declined considerably for many, especially those with body dysmorphia; however, continuing cosmetic elective procedures, following public health guidelines, can have numerous mental health benefits. Conclusions: Cosmetic plastic surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic is justified to support the mental health of patients that suffer from body dysmorphia and can abide by the safety precautions to prevent infection. Aesthetic surgery after the pandemic will continue the positive trend from previous years, but with an increased focus on the mental health of patients and an increased quality of care inspired by the pandemic.

Insights into the advanced non-small cell lung cancer patient journey: Treatment decision-making, preferences, and quality of life considerations.

e21129 Background: Individuals with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) who have undergone multiple lines of prior therapy face a poor prognosis and limited treatment options, significantly impacting quality of life (QoL). This exercise explored European, North, and South American patient advocate perspectives on QoL and its relation to treatment decision-making and preferences in aNSCLC. Methods: A global aNSCLC patient advocacy advisory board was convened with organizations from Europe, US, Canada, and Brazil, asking participants about QoL and treatment side effects, and how these relate to subsequent care and treatment decision-making. The discussion was moderated by an oncologist, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Preserving one’s independence was highlighted as a key component of QoL, with advocates noting that tumor-related symptoms and treatment toxicities have a substantial negative impact on an individual’s ability to engage in daily activities. Fatigue – both physical and psychological – is especially burdensome, particularly for those who have undergone multiple lines of therapy. Participants also noted the need for more accessible care (e.g., telehealth appointments, oral therapies) that fits into the routines of individuals and caregivers. The importance of palliative care and its ability to improve QoL was noted, showing the need for health systems to better integrate palliative care into treatment regimens. Finally, participants noted that treatment priorities change as individuals undergo subsequent lines of therapy, with participants noting the importance of independence and QoL in later stages of therapy, and thus must be assessed regularly by the care team. Conclusions: Individuals with aNSCLC place importance on consideration of QoL when making treatment decisions, particularly those related to maintaining independence. While there remains a need for additional and more effective therapies, an integrated and accessible care approach, with patient-provider communication focusing on maintaining QoL and independence, should be a priority.

Effectiveness and Cost-Utility Analysis of Different Doses of Irinotecan Plus Bevacizumab in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Long-Term and Prospective Cohort Study.

ObjectivePatients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) had oncological benefits with irinotecan dose escalation of FOLFIRI regimen combined with bevacizumab according to UGT1A1 genotypes in our previous study. In the current study, we performed a quality of life (QOL) outcome evaluation and cost-utility analysis of different irinotecan dose regimens in patients with mCRC.Materials and MethodsWith inverse probability-of-treatment weighting (IPTW) matching on all covariates, 75 patients with dose escalation of irinotecan (study group) and 121 patients with the recommended dose of irinotecan (control group) were recruited between October 2015 and December 2019. The QOL outcome measures were Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and SF-36; cost-utility outcome measures were medical direct costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-utility ratios (ICURs).ResultsAll mCRC patients exhibited a significant decrease in both emotional wellbeing and depression from pretherapeutic period to posttherapeutic 6th month (P < 0.05); however, from the posttherapeutic 1st year to the 2nd year, improvement in most QOL measures was significantly better in the study group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Over a 2-year time period, the study group had higher total medical direct costs than the control group (US$ 54,742 ± 14,013 vs. US$ 54,608 ± 9,673) and higher average QALYs gained (1.88 vs. 1.65), with an ICUR of US$ 583 per QALY gained.ConclusionFor patients with mCRC, irinotecan dose escalation appeared cost-effective with considerable QOL improvements during the study period. Further randomized, multi-institutional controlled trials are warranted to corroborate these results.

POS-744 QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE MANAGED WITH OR WITHOUT DIALYSIS

The prevalence of end stage kidney disease (ESKD) increases with age. Decisions regarding dialysis are now becoming increasingly relevant in older populations. Emerging research suggests many patients with ESKD prioritise patient-centred outcomes, such as quality of life (QOL) and maintenance of independence, rather than length of life. Therefore, there is a need to focus on QOL considerations for older patients with ESKD undergoing all treatment modalities, including conservative, non-dialysis, management (CKM).

Prevalence and burden of multiple sclerosis-related fatigue: a systematic literature review

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that results in progressive and irreversible disability. Fatigue is one of the most common MS-related symptoms and is characterized by a persistent lack of energy that impairs daily functioning. The burden of MS-related fatigue is complex and multidimensional, and to our knowledge, no systematic literature review has been conducted on this subject. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review on the epidemiology and burden of fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS).MethodsSystematic searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews to identify relevant studies of fatigue in pwMS. English-language records published from 2010 to January 2020 that met predefined eligibility criteria were included. We initially selected studies that reported quality of life (QoL) and economic outcomes according to categories of fatigue (e.g., fatigued vs non-fatigued). Studies assessing associations between economic outcomes and fatigue as a continuous measure were later included to supplement the available data.ResultsThe search identified 8147 unique records, 54 of which met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 39 reported epidemiological outcomes, 11 reported QoL, and 9 reported economic outcomes. The supplementary screen for economic studies with fatigue as a continuous measure included an additional 20 records.Fatigue prevalence in pwMS ranged from 36.5 to 78.0%. MS-related fatigue was consistently associated with significantly lower QoL. Results on the economic impact of fatigue were heterogeneous, but most studies reported a significant association between presence or severity of fatigue and employment status, capacity to work, and sick leave. There was a gap in evidence regarding the direct costs of MS-related fatigue and the burden experienced by caregivers of pwMS.ConclusionFatigue is a prevalent symptom in pwMS and is associated with considerable QoL and economic burden. There are gaps in the evidence related to the direct costs of MS-related fatigue and the burden of fatigue on caregivers. Addressing fatigue over the clinical course of the disease may improve health and economic outcomes for patients with MS.

How to Establish the Outer Limits of Reperfusion Therapy.

Reperfusion therapy with intravenous alteplase and endovascular therapy are effective treatments for selected patients with acute ischemic stroke. Guidelines for treatment are based upon randomized trials demonstrating substantial treatment effects for highly selected patients based on time from stroke onset and imaging features. However, patients beyond the current established guidelines might benefit with lesser but still clinically significant treatment effects. The STAIR (Stroke Treatment Academic Industry Roundtable) XI meeting convened a workgroup to consider the "outer limits" of reperfusion therapy by defining the current boundaries, and exploring optimal parameters and methodology for determining the outer limits. In addition to statistical significance, the minimum clinically important difference should be considered in exploring the limits of reperfusion therapy. Societal factors and quality of life considerations should be incorporated into assessment of treatment efficacy. The threshold for perception of benefit in the medical community may differ from that necessary for the Food and Drug Administration approval. Data from alternative sources such as platform trials, registries and large pragmatic trials should supplement randomized controlled trials to improve generalizability to routine clinical practice. Further interactions between industry and academic centers should be encouraged.