Effect of a Complementary/Integrative Medicine Treatment Program on Taxane-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Brief Report

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 1045-1049 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eran Ben-Arye ◽  
Yaron River ◽  
Yael Keshet ◽  
Ofer Lavie ◽  
Pesi Israeli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Integrative Medicine ◽  
Gynecological Cancer ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Moderate Improvement ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivePeripheral neuropathy is a common complication of cancer treatment impairing quality of life and function. This study explored the impact of a complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) program on taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN).Materials and MethodsTaxane-treated female patients with breast and gynecological cancer reporting TIPN-related symptoms were referred to an integrative physician, followed by patient-tailored CIM treatments (acupuncture with/without other modalities). Assessment of study outcomes at 6 to 12 weeks was conducted using the Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing, which documented free-text narratives about patients’ experience during the CIM treatment process. Content was analyzed using ATLAS.Ti software.ResultsOf the 125 patients treated with taxanes, 69 had been referred for CIM treatment of TIPN-associated symptoms. Multidisciplinary narrative analysis identified 2 groups of CIM-treated patients: those with an apparently moderate improvement in symptoms (n = 35) and those with either only an apparent mild or no improvement at all. For 10 patients, assessment of their response to treatment was unclear. The 2 identified groups had similar demographic, cancer-related, and quality of life–related parameters at baseline. Content analysis of patients with an apparent moderate improvement suggested a short-term (24–48 hours) effect with acupuncture treatment, either alone or combined with manual, mind-body, and anthroposophic music therapies. Symptoms showing improvement included paresthesia and numbness.ConclusionsAcupuncture and other CIM therapies may result in a short-term and transitory reduction in TIPN-related symptoms.

scholarly journals The course of peripheral neuropathy and its association with health-related quality of life among colorectal cancer patients

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia S. Bonhof ◽  
Lonneke V. van de Poll-Franse ◽  
Dareczka K. Wasowicz ◽  
Laurens V. Beerepoot ◽  
Gerard Vreugdenhil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Eortc Qlq ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Purpose To gain more insight into the course of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a population-based sample of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients up to 2 years after diagnosis. Methods All newly diagnosed CRC patients from four hospitals in the Netherlands were eligible for participation in an ongoing prospective cohort study. Patients (n = 340) completed questions on CIPN (EORTC QLQ-CIPN20) and HRQoL (EORTC QLQ-C30) before initial treatment (baseline) and 1 and 2 years after diagnosis. Results Among chemotherapy-treated patients (n = 105), a high sensory peripheral neuropathy (SPN) level was reported by 57% of patients at 1 year, and 47% at 2-year follow-up, whereas a high motor peripheral neuropathy (MPN) level was reported by 47% and 28%, at years 1 and 2, respectively. Linear mixed model analyses showed that SPN and MPN symptoms significantly increased from baseline to 1-year follow-up and did not return to baseline level after 2 years. Patients with a high SPN or MPN level reported a worse global quality of life and a worse physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning compared with those with a low SPN or MPN level. Conclusions Future studies should focus on understanding the mechanisms underlying CIPN so targeted interventions can be developed to reduce the impact of CIPN on patient’s lives. Implications for cancer survivors Patients need to be informed of both CIPN and the impact on HRQoL.

Outcomes

2013 ◽  
pp. 221-226
Author(s):  
David L. Scott
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Organ Damage ◽  
Confounding Factors ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
The Impact

Outcomes evaluate the impact of disease. In rheumatology they span measures of disease activity, end-organ damage, and quality of life. Some outcomes are categorical, such as the presence or absence of remission. Other outcomes involve extended numeric scales such as joint counts, radiographic scores, and quality of life measures. Outcomes can be measured in the short term—weeks and months—or over years and decades. Short-term outcomes, though readily related to treatment, may have less relevance for patients. Clinical trials focus on short-term outcomes whereas observational studies explore longer-term outcomes. The matrix of rheumatic disease outcomes is exemplified by rheumatoid arthritis. Its outcomes span disease activity assessments like joint counts, damage assessed by erosive scores, quality of life evaluated by disease-specific measures like the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) or generic measures like the Short Form 36 (SF-36), overall assessments like remission, and end result such as joint replacement or death. Outcome measures capture the impact of treating rheumatic diseases. They are influenced by disease severity and effective treatment. They also reflect many confounding factors. These include demographic factors like age, gender, and ethnicity and also deprivation, as poverty worsens outcomes. Comorbidities affect outcomes and patients with multiple comorbid conditions have worse quality of life with poorer outcomes. Patient self-assessment has grown in importance; it is simple and understandable. However, self-assessment can vary over time and does not always reflect assessors’ perspectives. Caution is needed comparing outcomes across units; the various confounding factors and measurement complexities make such comparative analyses challenging.

scholarly journals Short-term fasting accompanying chemotherapy as a supportive therapy in gynecological cancer: protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial

Trials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Koppold-Liebscher ◽  
Christian S. Kessler ◽  
Nico Steckhan ◽  
Vanessa Bähr ◽  
Cornelia Kempter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Tumor Progression ◽  
Gynecological Cancer ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Refined Carbohydrates

Abstract Background/objectives A few preliminary studies have documented the safety and feasibility of repeated short-term fasting in patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, there is a lack of data from larger randomized trials on the effects of short-term fasting on quality of life, reduction of side effects during chemotherapy, and a possible reduction of tumor progression. Moreover, no data is available on the effectiveness of fasting approaches compared to so-called healthy diets. We aim to investigate whether the potentially beneficial effects of short-term fasting can be confirmed in a larger randomized trial and can compare favorably to a plant-based wholefood diet. Methods This is a multicenter, randomized, controlled, two-armed interventional study with a parallel group assignment. One hundred fifty patients, including 120 breast cancer patients and 30 patients with ovarian cancer, are to be randomized to one of two nutritional interventions accompanying chemotherapy: (1) repeated short-term fasting with a maximum energy supply of 350–400 kcal on fasting days or (2) repeated short-term normocaloric plant-based diet with restriction of refined carbohydrates. The primary outcome is disease-related quality of life, as assessed by the functional assessment of the chronic illness therapy measurement system. Secondary outcomes include changes in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score and as well as frequency and severity of chemotherapy-induced side effects based on the Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Events. Explorative analysis in a subpopulation will compare histological complete remissions in patients with neoadjuvant treatments. Discussion/planned outcomes Preclinical data and a small number of clinical studies suggest that repeated short-term fasting may reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, enhance quality of life, and eventually slow down tumor progression. Experimental research suggests that the effects of fasting may partly be caused by the restriction of animal protein and refined carbohydrates. This study is the first confirmatory, randomized controlled, clinical study, comparing the effects of short-term fasting to a short-term, plant-based, low-sugar diet during chemotherapy on quality of life and histological tumor remission. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03162289. Registered on 22 May 2017

Integrative medicine, quality of life and gynecological cancer

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 1455-1456
Author(s):  
Cristiana Alves Cesar-Netto ◽  
Ana Elisa Colombo ◽  
Cristina Frange ◽  
Monica Levy Andersen ◽  
Sergio Tufik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Integrative Medicine ◽  
Gynecological Cancer ◽  
Medicine Quality

Determining the impact of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A survey of cancer survivors.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e24080-e24080
Author(s):  
Eva Battaglini ◽  
David Goldstein ◽  
Susanna Park
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Side Effect ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
The Impact

e24080 Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major yet poorly understood side effect of cancer treatment, leading to symptoms including numbness, tingling and pain. It can lead to cessation of effective treatment, long-term functional disability and reduced quality of life. Despite this, there is currently little understanding of its impact. Methods: The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of neurotoxic chemotherapy side effects on the lives of cancer survivors. Data was collected via an online survey covering demographics, cancer diagnosis and treatment, CIPN and other side effects of chemotherapy, using standardised measures to assess comorbidities, quality of life, physical activity, pain and CIPN symptoms. Results: Data was analysed from 986 respondents who were treated with neurotoxic therapies (83% female, 16% male), with mean age 59 years ( SD 10.7 years). A majority of respondents were treated for breast cancer (59%), 14% for colorectal cancer and 11% for multiple myeloma. Chemotherapy types received included paclitaxel (32%), docetaxel (32%) and oxaliplatin (13%), and respondents completed treatment a mean of 3.6 years ago. The majority of respondents (80%) reported experiencing neuropathic symptoms after finishing chemotherapy, with 77% reporting current CIPN. Those with CIPN reported functional impacts, with 23% reporting moderate to severe problems with hand function and 28% reporting moderate to severe walking difficulties. CIPN was second most commonly rated as the treatment side effect having the greatest impact, following fatigue. Respondents with high levels of current CIPN symptoms had poorer quality of life, more comorbid health conditions, higher BMI and more often received multiple neurotoxic chemotherapies than those with low levels of CIPN symptoms. In addition, respondents who reported meeting government physical activity guidelines had lower CIPN and higher quality of life scores than those who did not meet the guidelines. Regression analyses investigating the association between quality of life and clinical and sociodemographic characteristics resulted in a model with comorbid health conditions, CIPN symptoms, years since treatment, age and physical activity as significant predictors of quality of life. Conclusions: These findings suggest that CIPN has a lasting impact on cancer survivors, leading to decreases in quality of life, often occurring alongside poorer general health. This impact supports the need for further research to improve assessment, prevention and treatment.

Short-Term Impact of Cancer Prevention and Screening Activities on Quality of Life

2004 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 943-952 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Cullen ◽  
Marc D. Schwartz ◽  
William F. Lawrence ◽  
Joe V. Selby ◽  
Jeanne S. Mandelblatt
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Short Term ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Short Term Effects

Purpose There are few data on the short-term effects of participating in cancer prevention activities, undergoing genetic risk assessment, or having routine screening. The objective of this article is to systematically review existing research on short-term effects of prevention, genetic counseling and testing, and screening activities on quality of life. Methods We conducted a MEDLINE search for original research studies that were published between January 1, 1985, and December 31, 2002, and conducted in North America or Western Europe. Data were abstracted and summarized using a standardized format. Results We reviewed 210 publications. Most studies focused on psychological states (anxiety, depression), symptoms, or general health status. One hundred thirty-one studies used 51 previously validated noncancer instruments. Many researchers (12.6%) also added cancer-specific measures, such as perceived cancer risk or symptom indices. Only one study measured satisfaction or quality of provider-client communication. While one report examined lost workdays, no other economic consequences of short-term outcomes were evaluated. Among seven studies that assessed short-term outcomes preferences, only four specifically used time trade-off or linear rating scale methods. No study used standard gamble or willingness-to-pay methods. The overwhelming majority of research indicated that short-term effects were transient. Only two studies linked short-term effects to long-term cancer-related health behaviors such as repeat screening. Conclusion There is considerable heterogeneity in short-term outcome measurement. Clinicians need to be aware of potential for short-term, transient adverse effects. The impact of short-term experiences should to be linked to long-term health status and use of services.

Health-Related Quality of Life Under Six Months' Treatment of Migraine-An Open Clinic-Based Longitudinal Study

Cephalalgia ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 414-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
CGH Dahlöf
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Term Treatment ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Short Term Treatment ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Impact

Health-related quality of life (HQL) assessment in the clinical setting have distinguished subjective perceptions (e.g. well-being), signs/symptoms of the disease, and functional capacity as three major components. The impact of short-term treatment for migraine attacks on these variables was evaluated in an open prospective 6-month study at the Gothenburg Migraine Clinic. Socio-economic factors, subjective symptoms, and general well-being/quality of life were evaluated by self-administered questionnaires in 99 patients with migraine with or without aura in accordance with the classification of the International Headache Society. Short-term treatment comprising conventional therapy or subcutaneous sumatriptan reduced number of days per month with migraine and absenteeism from work, migraine-associated symptoms, but did not significantly improve general well-being between attacks. Future assessment of the patients' HQL in accordance with this approach would enable us to consider all the advantages and disadvantages of current therapies of particular interest in the field of migraine.

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