Do newly diagnosed cancer patients require palliative care? An audit at a regional cancer center in India.

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (31_suppl) ◽  
pp. 65-65
Author(s):  
Sushmita Ghoshal Chakrabarti ◽  
Raviteja Miriyala ◽  
Arun Elangovan ◽  
Bhavana RAI
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Statistical Correlation ◽  
Holistic Care ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Pain Anxiety ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Loss Of Appetite ◽  
Anxiety Depression

65 Background: The present study was planned to record the distressing symptoms of newly diagnosed cancer patients and to evaluate how the symptoms were addressed by the treating oncologists. Methods: All newly diagnosed cancer patients referred to the department of Radiotherapy during the month of May 2014 were asked to fill a questionnaire after taking their consent. The ESAS-r questionnaire was used to assess the frequency and intensity of distressing symptoms. The case records of these patients were then reviewed to compare the frequency and intensity documented by the treating physician. The difference in the two sets of symptoms documented were statistically analysed by non-parametric tests using SPSS. Results: Eighty-nine patients participated in this study out of which only 19 could fill the questionnaire on their own. Anxiety was the commonest symptom (97.8%) followed by depression (89.9%), tiredness (89.9%) and pain (86.5%). The treating physicians recorded pain in 83.1% while the other symptoms were either not documented or grossly under reported. Anxiety was documented in 3/87 patients but depression was not documented in any. Tiredness was documented in 12/80 patients, loss of appetite in 54/77 patients mentioning them in the questionnaire. Significant statistical correlation could be seen between the presence of pain, anxiety, depression, tiredness and loss of appetite in the patients. Conclusions: The study reveals that the distressing symptoms experienced by newly diagnosed cancer patients are grossly under reported and inadequately addressed by treating oncologists. Sensitizing the oncologists and incorporating palliative care principles early in the management of cancer patients could improve their holistic care.

Molecular tumor profiling ordering trends in cancer patients.

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (26_suppl) ◽  
pp. 165-165
Author(s):  
Joseph D. Ma ◽  
Winnie S Wang ◽  
Warren Yau ◽  
Chelsea Hagmann ◽  
Carolyn Revta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Palliative Care Consultation ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Diagnosis Date ◽  
Tumor Profiling

165 Background: Molecular tumor profiling may provide information as to whether to initiate or not initiate a targeted therapy. As to the timing of when the tumor profiling is ordered relative to date of diagnosis, date of death, and palliative care (PC) consultations are unknown. The primary objective of this study was to examine molecular tumor profiling ordering trends in the course of cancer illness. Methods: A preliminary, retrospective chart review was conducted in a cohort of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of cancer at an academic, NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. Patients were identified from a tumor registry and then matched to a next generation sequencing molecular tumor profiling database. The date of palliative care consultation was collected from the electronic medical record. Differences in the date of when tumor profiling was ordered and date of diagnosis, date of PC consultation, and/or date of death were determined. Data were compiled into a single database and descriptive statistical analyses were performed. Results: A cohort of 397 (205 women) cancer patients was included. Metastatic disease was present in 108 (27.2%) patients, with mean±SD age of 58.7 ± 13.5 yrs. One-hundred and nine (27.6%) patients received a PC consultation (n=60 inpatient, n = 49 outpatient). As of February 2016, 119 (30%) patients died, with 58 (48.7%) out of 119 receiving a PC consultation. The difference between date of cancer diagnosis and date of tumor profiling ordered was 2467.4 ± 6865.7 days (n = 376), while the difference between date of tumor profiling ordered and date of death was 229.1 ± 185.7 days (n = 111). The difference between date of cancer diagnosis and date of death was 1507.5 ± 2002.1 days (n = 119). In patients were the tumor profiling was ordered before the PC consultation (n = 29), the difference between date of PC consultation and date tumor profiling ordered was 157.3 ± 258.1 days. In contrast, in patients were the tumor profiling was ordered after the PC consultation (n = 76), the difference was 194.6 ± 168 days. Conclusions: This analysis suggests that molecular tumor profiling is ordered at the end and not at the beginning of a cancer illness. PC consultations are not routinely performed in patients who participate in tumor profiling.

Effect of Music on Pain in Cancer Patients in Palliative Care Service: A Randomized Controlled Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 003022282110598
Author(s):  
Gönül Düzgün ◽  
Ayfer Karadakovan
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Functional Capacity ◽  
Classical Music ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Palliative Care Service ◽  
Palliative Care Unit ◽  
Pain Anxiety ◽  
Randomized Controlled

This study aimed to investigate the effect of music on pain, anxiety, comfort, and functional capacity of cancer patients who received care in a palliative care unit. The population of this randomized controlled trial consisted of cancer patients hospitalized in the palliative care service between July 2018 and July 2019. The study included 60 patients (30 interventions/30 controls). The patients in the intervention group were given a total of six music sessions, 10 minutes each with the Turkish classical music in maqams of their choice (Hejaz or Rast accompanied by an expert tambour (drum) player). There was a significant difference between the mean total pain scores, anxiety, comfort, and functional capacity scores of the patients in the intervention and control groups before and after music therapy. Music therapy decreased the level of pain. It is demonstrated that Turkish classical music therapy improved the pain, anxiety, comfort, and functional capacity in the palliative care unit.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID 19 pandemic on pattern of cancer mortality in Najran, Saudi Arabia: a single-cancer center experience

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed M Badheeb ◽  
Mohamed A Badheeb ◽  
Hamdi A Alhakimi
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Mortality ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: The aim of this paper is to compare the patterns and determinants of cancer mortality in Najran region before and after the COVID-19 epidemics. The association between cancer mortality and each of age, sex, site of cancer, stage, and the 30-days survival rate after the last dose of chemotherapy were assessed.Materials & Methods: Adult cancer patients who died of cancer in King Khalid Hospital in Najran Saudi Arabia, were included in this retrospective observational study. We compared mortality patterns in a period of 6 months in 2020 (March to August) with the corresponding period of 2019.Results: 50 dead adult cancer patients were included, 24 in 2019 and 26 in 2020. Among them, 21% vs 42% were younger than 65 years of age; 61% vs 62% were males, for the years 2019 & 2020 respectively. The top three killers in 2019 were colorectal, gastro-esophageal cancers, and hepatocellular carcinoma, while in 2020 were colorectal, hepatocellular carcinoma, and lymphomas. About 16.7% of patients died within 30 days of receiving anti-cancer treatment in 2019 in comparison with 7.7% in 2020. The difference in the 30-days mortality after receiving anti-cancer treatment was not statistically significant between 2019 and 2020 (p = 0.329).Conclusion: The Year 2020, the time of the COVID-19pandemic, was not associated with a significant increase in short-term mortality among patients with malignancy in Najran, Saudi Arabia. Our results generally reflect the crucial role of strict preventive national measures in saving lives and warrants further exploration.

scholarly journals The Use of Massage Therapy for Reducing Pain, Anxiety, and Depression in Oncological Palliative Care Patients: A Narrative Review of the Literature

ISRN Nursing ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Falkensteiner ◽  
Franco Mantovan ◽  
Irene Müller ◽  
Christa Them
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Complementary Medicine ◽  
Massage Therapy ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Literature Analysis ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Pain Anxiety

A considerable number of cancer patients use complementary medicine therapies in order to alleviate different symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and depression, occurring in connection with cancer. This paper explores the question to what extent massage therapies are able to reduce the amount of pain, anxiety, and depression. For this purpose, a systematic literature analysis was carried out in the electronic databases and specialist journals. There is already evidence that massage therapies can influence the symptoms of pain, anxiety, and depression in a positive way.

Fatigue

2021 ◽  
pp. 685-697
Author(s):  
Sriram Yennurajalingam ◽  
Eduardo Bruera
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Common Factors ◽  
Symptomatic Treatment ◽  
Shortness Of Breath ◽  
Initial Management ◽  
Pain Anxiety ◽  
Underlying Causes ◽  
Recent Activity ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Fatigue is the most frequent, complex, multidimensional, and debilitating symptom in patients with advanced life-limiting diseases. In cancer patients, it is defined as ‘distressing persistent, subjective sense of physical, emotional, and/or cognitive tiredness or exhaustion related to cancer or cancer treatment that is not proportional to recent activity and interferes with usual functioning’. In the majority of patients receiving palliative care, the aetiology of fatigue is multifactorial. The most common factors associated with fatigue include anorexia/cachexia, pain, anxiety, depression, shortness of breath, sleep disturbances, anaemia, and inflammation. Routine screening for fatigue is essential for optimal assessment of fatigue. Initial management should aim towards identification and treatment of the reversible/underlying causes However, if there are no reversible causes identified or if the fatigue is not responsive to specific treatments, symptomatic treatment should be considered.

HSR19-076: A Prospective Study of the Usage of Pain Medication, Cost, Alternative Medication Use, and Outcome by Cancer Patients in Real World

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (3.5) ◽  
pp. HSR19-076
Author(s):  
Praveen Adusumilli ◽  
Vidya Viswanath ◽  
Raghunadha Rao Digumarthi
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Average Cost ◽  
Pain Medication ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Medication Cost ◽  
Palliative Care Specialist ◽  
Care Specialist ◽  
A Prospective Study

Introduction: Perception of pain and the need to treat it is highly variable, even amongst oncologists. Availability of pain specialists is an added advantage. This is an analysis of prescription patterns of pain medication and its outcome in cancer patients. Materials and Methods: The center has 8 oncologists and a pain and palliative care specialist. All the patients presenting to the outpatient department of our institute with a diagnosis of cancer were prospectively analyzed for usage of pain medication using a structured questionnaire. Data on diagnosis, stage, treatment given, and outcomes were analyzed. Pain intensity was recorded on visual analogue scale, types of pain medicines used, and their side effects were noted. The average cost of the pain medication purchased in our pharmacy was calculated. Use of alternative medicines was also noted. Results: A total of 1,098 cancer patients were evaluated. Pain was a prominent complaint in 64.6% of patients. Of these, only 89.5% received pain medication. Mild, moderate, and severe pain was seen in 52.1%, 26.7%, and 21.2% respectively. The 3 most common diagnoses were breast cancer in 19.7%, gastrointestinal cancer in 14%, and 12.1% with head and neck cancers. Weak opioids and NSAIDS were most commonly prescribed analgesics in 44.2% and 42.1%, respectively. Morphine was prescribed for 13.7% of patients. The average cost of pain medicines is Re 148 (US $2.25 a month). Side effects from medication were seen in 13.5% of patients, with constipation being the most common. Alternative forms of medicine were reportedly used by 148 patients: Ayurveda by 20.8%, and homeopathy by 12.9%, native medication by 6.1%, Unani by 1.8%. Good relief of pain was reported by 66%, fair relief by 27%, no relief by 6.1%, and worsening by <1%. Conclusion: Pain management is near ideal with the availability of services of pain and palliative care specialist in a cancer center.

Cancer clinical trials available in the community setting: A 5-year analysis from 1999–2004

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6056-6056
Author(s):  
J. K. Keller ◽  
J. Bowman ◽  
J. A. Lee ◽  
M. A. Mathiason ◽  
K. A. Frisby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Community Setting ◽  
Disease Stage ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Major Barrier

6056 Background: Less than 5% of newly diagnosed cancer patients are accrued into clinical trials. In the community setting, the lack of appropriate clinical trials is a major barrier. Our prospective study in 2004 determined that 58% of newly diagnosed adult cancer patients at our community-based cancer center didn’t have a clinical trial available appropriate for their disease stage. Among those with clinical trials, 23% were subsequently found to be ineligible (Go RS, et al. Cancer 2006, in press). However, the availability of clinical trials may vary from year to year. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to determine what clinical trials were available for newly diagnosed adult cancer patients at our institution from June 1999-July 2004. The study also investigated the proportions of newly diagnosed patients who had a clinical trial available appropriate for type and stage of disease and patients accrued. Results: Over the 5-year period, 207 (82, 87, 99, 102, 117, years 1–5, respectively) trials were available. Most (50.7%) trials were for the following cancers: breast (15.5%), lung (13.5%), head and neck (7.7%), colorectal (7.2%) and lymphoma (6.8%). ECOG (53%), RTOG (26%), and CTSU (9%) provided the majority of the trials. A total of 5,776 new adult cancer patients were seen during this period. Overall, 60% of the patients had a trial available appropriate for type and stage of their cancer, but only 103 (3%) were enrolled. There was a significant upward trend in the proportions of patients with available trials over the years (60.2%, 55.9%, 59.2%, 60.7%, 63.9%, years 1–5, respectively; Mantel-Haenszel P=.008). The proportion of patients with a trial available was highest for prostate (97.3%), lung (90.9%), and breast (73.9%), and lowest for melanoma (17.1%), renal (11.6%), and bladder (7.2%). The majority of patients accrued to trials had the following cancers: breast (32%), lung (17%), lymphoma (9%), colon (7%), and prostate (5%). Conclusions: Nearly half of the newly diagnosed adult patients at our center had no trials available appropriate for type and stage of their cancers. It is likely that if strict clinical trial eligibility criteria were applied, approximately 2/3 of our patients would not be eligible for a clinical trial. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Utilization of antineoplastic therapy (ANT) in advanced cancer patients admitted to an acute palliative care unit (APCU) at a comprehensive cancer center

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9590-9590
Author(s):  
D. Hui ◽  
E. Bruera ◽  
Z. Li ◽  
J. L. Palmer ◽  
M. de la Cruz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Palliative Care Unit ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Targeted Agents ◽  
Cox Regression Analysis ◽  
Younger Age

9590 Background: Cancer patients admitted to a palliative care unit generally have a poor prognosis. The role of ANT (chemotherapy and targeted agents) in these patients is unclear. We examined the frequency, trends, factors and survival associated with ANT use in hospitalized patients who required an APCU stay. Methods: All patients admitted to APCU between September 1, 2003 and August 31, 2008 were included. Demographics, cancer diagnosis and ANTs utilization from day of hospitalization to discharge, and survival information were retrieved retrospectively. Results: 2604 cancer patients had the following characteristics: median age 59 (range 18–101), male 51%, hematologic malignancy 11%, median hospital stay 11 (Q1-Q3 8–17) days, median APCU stay 7 (Q1-Q3 4–10) days and median survival 22 days. During hospitalization, 393 patients (15%) received ANTs, including chemotherapy (N=297, 11%) and targeted therapy (N=155, 6%). No significant change in frequency of ANTs was detected over the 5 year period. Multivariate logistic regression analysis ( Table ) revealed that younger age, cancer primaries and longer admissions were associated with ANT use. Patients with hematologic malignancies received more chemotherapy (38% vs. 8%, p<0.001) and targeted agents (18% vs. 4%, p<0.001) compared to patients with solid tumors. ANT use was associated with longer overall survival in univariate analysis (median 25 days vs. 21 days, p=0.001); however, this was no longer significant in multivariate Cox regression analysis. Conclusions: The use of ANT during hospitalization that included an APCU stay was limited to a highly selected group of patients, and did not increase overtime. ANT use was associated with younger age, specific cancer primaries, longer admissions, and no significant improvement in survival. The APCU at our cancer center facilitates simultaneous care where patients access palliative care while on ANT. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.

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