Multifaceted role of lymphatic mapping by SPECT/CT hybrid imaging in the multimodality management of patients with cancer

Abstract. The present study aimed at evaluating if the three-item sense of coherence (SOC) scale developed by Lundberg and Nystrom Peck (1995) can be effectively used for research purpose in both nonclinical and clinical samples. To provide evidence that it represents adequately the measured construct we tested its validity in a nonclinical (N = 658) and clinical sample (N = 764 patients with cancer). Results obtained in the nonclinical sample attested a positive relation of SOC – as measured by the three-item SOC scale – with Antonovsky’s 13-item and 29-item SOC scales (convergent validity), and with dispositional optimism, sense of mastery, anxiety, and depression symptoms (concurrent validity). Results obtained in the clinical sample confirmed the criterion validity of the scale attesting the positive role of SOC – as measured by the three-item SOC scale – on the person’s capacity to respond to illness and treatment. The current study provides evidence that the three-item SOC scale is a valid, low-loading, and time-saving instrument for research purposes on large sample.

Download Full-text

Novel FAP ligands enable improved imaging contrast in sarcoma patients due to FAPI-PET/CT

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging ◽

10.1007/s00259-021-05374-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Stefan A. Koerber ◽

R. Finck ◽

K. Dendl ◽

M. Uhl ◽

T. Lindner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hybrid Imaging ◽

Background Activity ◽

The Novel ◽

Malignant Tissue ◽

Primary Tumors ◽

Aggressive Disease ◽

Standardized Uptake Values ◽

Pet Ct ◽

Pet Scans

Abstract Purpose A high expression of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) was observed in multiple sarcomas, indicating an enormous potential for PET/CT using 68Ga-radiolabeled inhibitors of FAP (FAPI). Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to evaluate the role of the novel hybrid imaging probe for sarcomas as a first clinical evaluation. Methods A cohort of 15 patients underwent 68Ga-FAPI-PET/CT for staging or restaging. The acquisition of PET scans was performed 60 min after administration of 127 to 308 MBq of the tracer. The uptake of 68Ga-FAPI in malignant tissue as well as in healthy organs was quantified by standardized uptake values SUVmean and SUVmax. Results Excellent tumor-to-background ratios (> 7) could be achieved due to low background activity and high SUVmax in primary tumors (median 7.16), local relapses (median 11.47), and metastases (median 6.29). The highest uptake was found for liposarcomas and high-grade disease (range 18.86–33.61). A high SUVmax (> 10) was observed for clinically more aggressive disease. Conclusion These preliminary findings suggest a high potential for the clinical use of 68Ga-FAPI-PET/CT for patients diagnosed with sarcoma.

Download Full-text

The role of EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL scores and inflammatory biomarkers in predicting survival in terminally ill patients with cancer

BMC Cancer ◽

10.1186/s12885-021-08049-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Nanako Koyama ◽

Chikako Matsumura ◽

Yoshihiro Shitashimizu ◽

Morito Sako ◽

Hideo Kurosawa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Terminally Ill ◽

Inflammatory Biomarkers ◽

Survival Curves ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Terminally Ill Patients ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Eortc Qlq

Abstract Background The clinical use of patient-reported outcomes as compared to inflammatory biomarkers for predicting cancer survival remains a challenge in palliative care settings. We evaluated the role of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative scores (EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL) and the inflammatory biomarkers C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin (Alb), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for survival prediction in patients with advanced cancer. Methods This was an observational study in terminally ill patients with cancer hospitalized in a palliative care unit between June 2018 and December 2019. Patients’ data collected at the time of hospitalization were analyzed. Cox regression was performed to examine significant factors influencing survival. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to estimate cut-off values for predicting survival within 3 weeks, and a log-rank test was performed to compare survival curves between groups divided by the cut-off values. Results Totally, 130 patients participated in the study. Cox regression suggested that the QLQ-C15-PAL dyspnea and fatigue scores and levels of CRP, Alb, and NLR were significantly associated with survival time, and cut-off values were 66.67, 66.67, 3.0 mg/dL, 2.5 g/dL, and 8.2, respectively. The areas under ROC curves of these variables were 0.6–0.7. There were statistically significant differences in the survival curves between groups categorized using each of these cut-off values (p < .05 for all cases). Conclusion Our findings suggest that the assessment of not only objective indicators for the systemic inflammatory response but also patient-reported outcomes using EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL is beneficial for the prediction of short-term survival in terminally ill patients with cancer.

Download Full-text

Have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patients an Increased Cancer Risk?

Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases ◽

10.3233/jnd-210676 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Gian Luca Vita ◽

Luisa Politano ◽

Angela Berardinelli ◽

Giuseppe Vita

Keyword(s):

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy ◽

Muscular Dystrophy ◽

Systematic Investigation ◽

Mdx Mice ◽

True Incidence ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Dmd Gene ◽

Age Range ◽

Prevalence Of Cancer

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene is involved in the occurrence of different types of cancer. Moreover, development of sarcomas was reported in mdx mice, the murine model of DMD, in older age. So far, nine isolated DMD patients were reported with concomitant cancer, four of whom with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), but no systematic investigation was performed about the true incidence of cancer in DMD. Methods: All members of the Italian Association of Myology were asked about the occurrence of cancer in their DMD patients in the last 30 years. Results: Four DMD patients with cancer were reported after checking 2455 medical records. One developed brain tumour at the age of 35 years. Two patients had alveolar RMS at 14 and 17 years of age. The fourth patient had a benign enchondroma when 11-year-old. Conclusion: Prevalence of cancer in general in the Italian DMD patients does not seem to be different from that in the general population with the same age range. Although the small numbers herein presented do not allow definitive conclusion, the frequent occurrence of RMS in DMD patients raises an alert for basic researchers and clinicians. The role of DMD gene in cancer merits further investigations.

Download Full-text

The Role of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy to Support Patients With Cancer: A Critical Scoping Review of the Research

Journal of Holistic Nursing ◽

10.1177/08980101211039086 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 089801012110390

Author(s):

Rebecca H. Lehto ◽

Megan Miller ◽

Jessica Sender

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Issues ◽

Mushroom Species ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Existential Suffering ◽

Vulnerable Patients ◽

Scoping Literature Review ◽

Life Threatening ◽

Self Transcendence

Treatments for addressing psychiatric mental health issues in vulnerable patients with cancer are established. Yet, many patients persist with unrelenting psychological difficulties despite intervention. There is growing interest in the role of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for managing treatment-resistant mental health challenges in patients with cancer. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound derived from certain mushroom species that can induce entheogenic experiences or an altered state of consciousness. Reed's Self-Transcendence Theory provides a holistic lens to examine existential concerns and mental health in individuals who perceive their illness as potentially life threatening, such as those with cancer. This scoping literature review used Arksey and O’Malley's template to evaluate research examining psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for patients with cancer. Eight articles met inclusion/exclusion criteria (four quantitative, two mixed methods, and two qualitative). Review findings indicated that the majority of patient experiences were positive, centering on themes of death acceptance, reflection, and broadened spirituality. Although psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy is in early stages of clinical testing, it thus shows promise for carefully screened patients with cancer who have persistent existential suffering. It will be critical for investigators to tailor this emerging intervention to select patients and for clinicians to be engaged in assessment of outcomes and efficacy.

Download Full-text