Monitoring oral anti-cancer therapy adherence in cancer patients using web based application guided communication compared with nurse counseling in a community cancer center.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 88-88
Author(s):  
Milana V. Dolezal ◽  
Vivian Leong ◽  
Rajesh Behl
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Effective Communication ◽  
Smart Device ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Communication Tools ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Electronic Alerts ◽  
Anti Cancer

88 Background: Smart phone web based applications (apps) can be effective communication tools for monitoring compliance and increasing adherence to oral anti-cancer therapy in the outpatient setting. Methods: Cancer patients age 18-90 treated with various oral anti-cancer therapies were recruited to this prospective, 3 month observational trial at our large community cancer center to determine feasibility of using an app for oral anti-cancer therapy compliance. Enrolled patients are randomized to either Arm 1 App arm and nurse counseling or Arm 2 nurse counseling only. The free apps MyMeds and Medisafe incorporate medication reminders and record doses. Patients complete the validated RAND 36- item quality of life (QOL) questionnaire and a free text feedback. Results: 91 patients were screened between 11/2015 to 9/2016 (45 declined enrollment due to various factors). 46 patients were randomized with 25 to Arm 1 and 21 to Arm 2. Demographics included 10 men (various tumor types but mostly multiple myeloma) and 36 women; 22 with breast cancer. MyMeds app lacked the necessary real-time communication so patients were switched to the MediSafe app which features email alerts. 15 patients have completed the study through Month 3. Four patients on Arm 1 missing their monthly visit or were non-compliant with the app. 23 patients remain active in the study. Differences are a higher QOL score in Arm 1 vs Arm 2 in measured domains of Energy/Fatigue (56% in Arm 1 compared to 44% for Arm 2) and Pain (72% in Arm 1 compared to 58% in Arm 2). Patients randomized to the app found the electronic alerts very helpful. Conclusions: Our limited pilot study demonstrated the potential of smart device apps as effective communication tools for improving patients’ adherence to oral anti-cancer therapy and QOL. Ultimately, convenient ways to monitor patients’ compliance with anti-cancer therapy will impact survival and facilitate provider-patient communication.

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 Immune Responses to COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines in Patients with Solid Tumors on Active, Immunosuppressive Cancer Therapy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachna T Shroff ◽  
Pavani Chalasani ◽  
Ran Wei ◽  
Daniel Pennington ◽  
Grace Quirk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Control Cohort ◽  
Tumor Patients ◽  
Specific Memory ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
B Cell Subsets

Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have shown high efficacy, but immunocompromised participants were excluded from controlled clinical trials. We evaluated immune responses to the Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA vaccine in solid tumor patients (n=52) on active cytotoxic anti-cancer therapy. These responses were compared to a control cohort that also received the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine (n=50). Using live SARS-CoV-2 assays, neutralizing antibodies were detected in 67% and 80% of cancer patients after the first and second immunizations, respectively, with a 3-fold increase in median titers after the booster. Similar trends were observed in serum antibodies against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and S2 regions of Spike protein, and in IFN𝛾+ Spike-specific T cells. The magnitude of each of these responses was diminished relative to the control cohort. We therefore quantified RBD- and Spike S1-specific memory B cell subsets as predictors of anamnestic responses to viral exposures or additional immunizations. After the second vaccination, Spike-specific plasma cell-biased memory B cells were observed in most cancer patients at levels similar to those of the control cohort after the first immunization. These data suggest that a third immunization might elevate antibody responses in cancer patients to levels seen in healthy individuals after the second dose. Trials should be conducted to test these predictions.

scholarly journals Do checkpoint inhibitors compromise the cancer patients’ immunity and increase the vulnerability to COVID-19 infection?

Immunotherapy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Kattan ◽  
Clarisse Kattan ◽  
Tarek Assi
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Survival Outcomes ◽  
Toxicity Profile ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Acquired Immunodeficiency ◽  
Improvement In Survival

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) has been declared a pandemic by the WHO that claimed the lives of thousands of people within a few months. Cancer patients represent a vulnerable population due to the acquired immunodeficiency associated with anti-cancer therapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have largely impacted the prognosis of a multitude of malignancies with significant improvement in survival outcomes and a different, tolerable toxicity profile. In this paper, we assess the safety of ICI administration in cancer patients during the coronavirus pandemic in order to guide the usage of these highly efficacious agents.

Advance directives: Cancer patients’ preferences and family-based decision making.

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (29_suppl) ◽  
pp. 18-18
Author(s):  
Xing Li ◽  
Zhi-Huan Lin ◽  
Ying-Fen Hong ◽  
Xiao-kun Ma ◽  
Dong-hao Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Advance Directives ◽  
Correlational Analysis ◽  
Invasive Treatment ◽  
Medical Decisions ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Family Based ◽  
Chinese Cancer Patients

18 Background: Advance directives (ADs) are a sensitive issue among traditional Chinese people, who usually refrain from mentioning this topic until it is imperative. Medical decisions for cancer patients are made by their families, which might violate patients’ personal will. This study was aimed to examine the acceptance of ADs among Chinese cancer patients and their families and patient participation in this procedure. Finally, to analyze the moral risk involved. Methods: Participants included 412 adult cancer patients from 9 leading hospitals across China. An AD was introduced to the main decision makers for each patient; if they wished to sign it, the AD would be systematically discussed. A questionnaire was given to the oncologists in charge of each patient to evaluate the interaction between families and patients, patients’ awareness of their disease, and participation in an AD. Results: A total of 246 patients and their family members rejected systematic discussion of AD, the majority (95.5%) of whom were under anti-cancer treatment. An additional 166 patients or their families accepted the concept of an AD and signed an AD to give up invasive treatment. This decision was make shortly after termination of anti-cancer therapy. Correlational analysis revealed that patients living in villages and who were subordinate members in their families tended to accept an AD. Of these, only 24 patients participated in the decision making. Correlational analysis revealed that patients with a better financial situation, living in cities, and superordinate status in their families tended to participate in the AD discussion, as well as those who usually made medical decisions themselves. Nearly all the patients deciding their own AD knew their entire situation, including diagnosis and prognosis. For 101 patients, anti-cancer therapy was ended prematurely, with as many as 37 patients not told about their potential loss of health interests. Conclusions: ADs were widely accepted among Chinese cancer patients when anti-cancer therapy was terminated. Most cancer patients were excluded from the discussion of an AD. Thus, AD could be formally introduced to the family of Chinese cancer patients after termination of anti-cancer therapy.

Tako-tsubo syndrome and use of paclitaxel.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e14012-e14012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dana Ionescu ◽  
Danielle Stone ◽  
James Stone ◽  
Jean-Bernard Durand ◽  
Gloria Iliescu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chest Pain ◽  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Diagnostic Criteria ◽  
Beta Blockers ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Acute Chest Pain ◽  
Cardiac Biomarkers ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Published Data

e14012 Background: Vasospasm and arrhythmias are the main cardiac toxic effects of cancer treatment with Paclitaxel. Chemotherapy induced stress cardiomyopathy (SC) (Tako-tsubo syndrome) has been linked to antineoplastic agents associated with abnormal vasoreactivity. We aimed to identify if there is a causal relationship between SC and Paclitaxel administration. Methods: All cancer patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for SC at MD Anderson Cancer Center over a 6–year period were included in the study. We selected and retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all the patients who had chemotherapy induced SC. Clinical presentation, ECG, laboratory data, transthoracic echocardiogram and coronary angiography results were reviewed. Results: Out of30 patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for SC, 5 patients (16.6%) had SC triggered by chemotherapy. Three patients (2 females, 1 male, mean age 71.3 yo) had Paclitaxel induced SC (60%); two patients received a combination of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin for ovarian cancer, and one patient had combination of Paclitaxel and Cyclophosphamide for prostate cancer. Two patients had cardiac manifestations in the first day of Paclitaxel administration. All three patients presented with chest pain; T wave inversion was the main finding on the electrocardiography. All patients had changes in the cardiac biomarkers (BNP mean 1459.7 pg/dl, TN I mean 1.36 ng/dl, CK-MB mean 8.6 ng/dl) and significant LV dysfunction (LVEF < 50%). Characteristic apical ballooning pattern was identified in all cases from left ventriculogram. Chemotherapy was interrupted ; aspirin and beta blockers were initiated in all patients. Two patients were rechallenged with chemotherapy after 10 days, respectively 20 days after SC. None of the patients experienced recurrence of SC, nor arrhythmias while on aspirin and beta blockers. Conclusions: To our knowledge there are no published data on the association of Paclitaxel administration and SC. In cancer patients who develop acute chest pain after administration of Paclitaxel, evaluation for SC is important to exclude NSTEMI diagnosis, which can impact further cancer therapy. Cancer patients with SC whom have complete recovery may early resume cancer therapy.

Midcavitary Tako-Tsubo syndrome in cancer patients.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e14011-e14011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dana Ionescu ◽  
Danielle Stone ◽  
James Stone ◽  
Jean-Bernard Durand ◽  
Juan Lopez-Mattei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Diagnostic Criteria ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Cardiac Biomarkers ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Left Ventriculography

e14011 Background:Variants of the classic Tako-tsubo syndrome or stress induced cardiomyopathy (SC) includes mid ventricular or basal left ventricular wall motion abnormalities. Midcavitary dyskinesia and ballooning is considered a unique presentation, and there is no published data showing midcavitary involvement in cancer patients. Methods: All cancer patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for SC at MD Anderson Cancer Center over a 6–year period were included in the study. We selected and retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 8 patients who had midcavitary SC. Clinical presentation, ECG, laboratory data, transthoracic echocardiogram and left ventriculography results were reviewed. Results: Out of30 cancer patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for SC, 8 patients (26.7%) (4 females, 4 men, mean age 57.37 yo) had midcavitary SC. 62,5 % patients were diagnosed with a solid malignancy. Trigger factors for midcavitary SC were: systemic infection (3 patients with neutropenia), emotional stress (2 patients), chemotherapy (1 patient undergoing treatment with Ibrutinib), and surgical interventions (3 patients). Clinical presentation included chest pain (37.5%), shortness of breath (50%) and non specific symptoms (12.5%). T wave inversion was the most common electrocardiographic presentation (37.5 %), followed by ST elevation (25 %). All patients had changes of the cardiac biomarkers (BNP mean 2224. 4 pg/dl, TN I mean 2. 8 ng/dl, CK-MB mean 14 ng/dl) and significant LV dysfunction (LVEF < 50%). All patients underwent coronary angiography which showed no obstructive CAD; left ventriculography identified basilar and apical hyperkinesis and midventricular hypokinesia. Cancer therapy was interrupted; aspirin and beta blockers were initiated in all patients. The most common complications of midcavitary SC were: respiratory failure requiring intubation (37, 5%), pulmonary edema (25%), and hypotension (25%). No cardiac deaths were registered. None of the patients experienced recurrence of SC. Conclusions: Mid cavitary SC remains a rare entity, and raises further questions about the causal association between the mid cavitary involvement and cancer, and its impact on cancer therapy and overall survival in this cohort of patients.

Comprehensive distress screening and referral at a tertiary cancer center.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (31_suppl) ◽  
pp. 134-134
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Trice Loggers ◽  
Stephen Duane Watkins King ◽  
Jesse R Fann ◽  
Kerry K McMillin ◽  
Jodie HN David ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Screening Methods ◽  
Distress Screening ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Existential Crisis ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
English Speaking

134 Background: Addressing distress in cancer patients is now broadly recognized as critical to well-being and associated with increased survival. Cancer centers are developing innovative distress screening methods; we describe our novel process and results. Methods: New patients from 9/2015 to 3/2017 received an email requesting completion of a 44-item web-based survey assessing depression (2-item Patient Health Questionnaire), anxiety (2-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder), quality of life (QOL, 28-item Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment-General), malnutrition (3-item Malnutrition Screening Tool), and 9 items addressing existential crisis, physical function, symptoms, tangible needs and concerns for dependent children. Results were computer scored, with positive screens resulting in direct, automated referrals to supportive care services (SCR). Analysis includes descriptive statistics and logistic regression using SAS 9.4. Results: 71% (n = 2629 of 3724) of those approached provided an email and completed the survey; 73% reporting no survey burden. Non-responders were more likely to be minority, non-English speaking, with non-commercial insurance (all p < 0.001). 59% (n = 1543) of responders screened positive for one or more SCR, including 6% to palliative care for poor QOL or symptoms. Receipt of SCR was more likely with Medicaid insurance (1.36 odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.76, p = .0061); plan to receive care (1.27 OR, CI 1.07-1.50, p = .0061); and any report of survey burden (2.26 OR, CI 1.83-2.80, p < .0001). Conclusions: Web-based distress screening is feasible, efficient and not burdensome for the majority of cancer patients. Those who find this screening burdensome are two-fold more likely to have distress. Future efforts should address screening of vulnerable populations.

scholarly journals Anti-Mullerian hormone levels in female cancer patients of reproductive age in Indonesia: A cross-sectional study

F1000Research ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 159
Author(s):  
Achmad Kemal Harzif ◽  
Budi Wiweko ◽  
Putri Addina ◽  
Kartika Iswaranti ◽  
Melisa Silvia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Cancer Treatments ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cancer Group ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Female Cancer Patients

Background: Efforts in reproductive preservation for cancer patients have become one of the important aspects of cancer management. In fact, decline in reproductive function is known to occur after exposure to anti-cancer treatments. Measuring anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels is known to be the best parameter in predicting ovarian reserves, which indicates reproductive function. In total, 68% of cancer survivors of reproductive age who underwent anti-cancer treatments suffer from infertility. Meanwhile, ovarian reserves also decrease with increasing age. There is ongoing debate on whether the ovarian reserves of cancer patients could be reduced long before exposure to anti-cancer therapy. Therefore, it is important to know whether ovarian reserves in cancer patients decrease before or after anti-cancer therapy. This can help predict the reproductive function in such cases and the effectiveness of ovarian preservation efforts. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, comparing the AMH levels of 44 female cancer patients of reproductive age before cancer therapy, to 44 non-cancer patients of reproductive age (age matched). The biological ages from both groups were adjusted using the Indonesian Kalkulator of Oocytes. Results: The median age in both groups was 28 years old. The AMH levels in the cancer group were found to be significantly lower in contrast to those in the non-cancer group (1.11 [0.08-4.65] ng/ml vs. 3.99 [1.19- 8.7]; p- value <0.001). Therefore, the biological age in the cancer group was 10 years older than that of the non-cancer group, indicating that ovarian aging occurs earlier in cancer patients. Conclusions: AMH levels of cancer patients of reproductive age were already reduced before cancer therapy, given an older biological age, in contrast to that of the non-cancer patients. Proper counseling and implementation of fertility-preserving methods is highly recommended in this group of patients.

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