scholarly journals Quality of life outcomes for brain metastasis patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery: pre-procedural predictive factors from a prospective national registry

2019 ◽  
Vol 131 (6) ◽  
pp. 1848-1854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason P. Sheehan ◽  
Inga Grills ◽  
Veronica L. Chiang ◽  
Huamei Dong ◽  
Arthur Berg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Brain Metastasis ◽  
Brain Metastases ◽  
Stereotactic Radiosurgery ◽  
National Registry ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Anxiety Depression

OBJECTIVEStereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is increasingly used for the treatment of brain metastasis. To date, most studies have focused on survival, radiological response, or surrogate quality endpoints such as Karnofsky Performance Scale status or neurocognitive indices. The current study prospectively evaluated pre-procedural factors impacting quality of life in brain metastasis patients undergoing SRS.METHODSUsing a national, cloud-based platform, patients undergoing SRS for brain metastasis were accrued to the registry. Quality of life prior to SRS was assessed using the 5-level EQ-5D (EQ5D-L) validated tool; additionally, patient and treatment attributes were collected. Patient quality of life was assessed as part of routine follow-up after SRS. Factors predicting a difference in the aggregate EQ5D-L score or the subscores were evaluated. Pre-SRS covariates impacting changes in EQ5D-L were statistically evaluated. Statistical analyses were conducted using multivariate linear regression models.RESULTSEQ5D-L results were available for 116 patients. EQ5D-L improvement (average of 0.387) was noted in patients treated with earlier SRS (p = 0.000175). Worsening overall EQ5D-L (average of 0.052 per lesion) was associated with an increased number of brain metastases at the time of initial presentation (p = 0.0399). Male sex predicted a risk of worsening (average of 0.347) of the pain and discomfort subscore at last follow-up (p = 0.004205). Baseline subscores of pain/discomfort were not correlated with pain/discomfort subscores at follow-up (p = 0.604), whereas baseline subscores of anxiety/depression were strongly positively correlated with the anxiety/depression follow-up subscores (p = 0.0039).CONCLUSIONSAfter SRS, quality of life was likely to improve in patients treated early with SRS and worsen in those with a greater number of brain metastases. Sex differences appear to exist regarding pain and discomfort worsening after SRS. Those with high levels of anxiety and depression at SRS may benefit from medical treatment as this particular quality of life factor generally remains unchanged after SRS.

Quality of Life following Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Single and Multiple Brain Metastases

Neurosurgery ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 147-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob A. Miller ◽  
Rupesh Kotecha ◽  
Gene H. Barnett ◽  
John H. Suh ◽  
Lilyana Angelov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Brain Metastasis ◽  
Brain Metastases ◽  
Stereotactic Radiosurgery ◽  
Minimum Clinically Important Difference ◽  
Clinically Important Difference ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Appropriate Therapy

Abstract BACKGROUND: Given the neurological morbidity and poor prognosis associated with brain metastases, it is critical to deliver appropriate therapy while remaining mindful of patient quality of life (QOL). For many patients, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) effectively controls intracranial disease, but QOL outcomes have not been characterized. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of number of brain metastases upon QOL preservation following SRS. METHODS: The EuroQol 5 Dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 instruments were prospectively collected from a cohort of patients undergoing SRS for brain metastasis between 2008 and 2015. These instruments served as measures of overall QOL and depression. QOL deterioration exceeding the minimum clinically important difference was considered failure. Freedom from 12-month EQ-5D index failure was the primary outcome. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-two SRS treatments (67 patients, 421 lesions) were eligible for inclusion. Intracranial failure (local or distant) occurred following 61% of treatments. Among 421 lesions, 8% progressed locally. Median follow-up was 12 months. All subscores of the EQ-5D instrument expectantly worsened at last follow-up; however, the magnitude of this difference (0.079) did not exceed the EQ-5D index minimum clinically important difference (mean 0.752 vs 0.673, P < .01). Twelve-month EQ-5D index QOL preservation was 79%. Patients with more than 3 brain metastases had a greater rate of EQ-5D index deterioration (hazard ratio 4.14, P < .01) than those with a single metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with brain metastasis, QOL preservation must remain paramount as multimodality therapy continues to improve. In the present investigation, 12-month QOL preservation was 79%. However, patients with more than 3 brain metastases were at significantly greater risk for QOL decline.

scholarly journals Quality-of-life trajectories after stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Adomas Bunevicius ◽  
Karen Lavezzo ◽  
Leah Shabo ◽  
Jesse McClure ◽  
Jason P. Sheehan
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Brain Metastasis ◽  
Brain Metastases ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Whole Brain Radiation ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
Brain Radiation

OBJECTIVEQuality of life (QOL) is an important endpoint measure of cancer treatment. The authors’ goal was to evaluate QOL trajectories and prognostic value in cancer patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastases.METHODSPatients who underwent Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) between January 2016 and November 2019 were prospectively evaluated for QOL using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire before SRS and at follow-up visits. Only patients who had pre-SRS and at least 1 post-SRS QOL assessment were considered.RESULTSFifty-four cancer patients underwent 109 GKRS procedures. The first post-SRS visit was at a median of 2.59 months (range 0.13–21.08 months), and the last post-SRS visit was at 14.72 months (range 2.52–45.21 months) after SRS. There was no statistically significant change in the EQ-5D index score (p = 0.539) at the first compared with last post-SRS visit. The proportion of patients reporting some problems on the EQ-5D dimension of self-care increased during the course of follow-up from 9% (pre-SRS visit) to 18% (last post-SRS visit; p = 0.03). The proportion of patients reporting problems on the EQ-5D dimensions of mobility, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression remained stable during the course of follow-up (p ≥ 0.106). After adjusting for clinical variables, a higher recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) class (i.e., worse prognostic category) was independently associated with greater odds for EQ-5D index score deterioration (p = 0.050). Upfront whole-brain radiation therapy predicted deterioration of the EQ-5D self-care (p = 0.03) and usual activities (p = 0.024) dimensions, while a greater number of lesions predicted deterioration of the EQ-5D anxiety/depression dimension (p = 0.008). A lower pre-SRS EQ-5D index was associated with shorter survival independently from clinical and demographic variables (OR 18.956, 95% CI 2.793–128.64; p = 0.003).CONCLUSIONSQOL is largely preserved in brain metastasis patients treated with SRS. Higher RPA class, upfront whole-brain radiation therapy, and greater intracranial disease burden are independent predictors of post-SRS QOL deterioration. Worse pre-SRS QOL predicts shorter survival. Assessment of QOL is recommended in brain metastasis patients managed with SRS.

Quality of life is maintained using Gamma Knife radiosurgery: a prospective study of a brain metastases patient cohort

2017 ◽  
Vol 126 (3) ◽  
pp. 708-725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bente Sandvei Skeie ◽  
Geir Egil Eide ◽  
Marianne Flatebø ◽  
Jan Ingeman Heggdal ◽  
Elisabeth Larsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Brain Metastases ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Local Control ◽  
Radiation Therapy Oncology Group ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
Patient Cohort

OBJECTIVE Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is increasingly used in the management of brain metastases (BMs), but few studies have evaluated how GKRS impacts quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to monitor QOL as the primary end point following GKRS in a patient cohort with BM. METHODS The study included 97 consecutive patients with 1–6 BMs treated with GKRS between May 2010 and September 2011. QOL was assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Brain (FACT-BR) questionnaire with the brain cancer subscale (BRCS) questionnaire. Factors predicting QOL were identified by mixed linear regression analyses. Local control and toxicity were evaluated according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (EORTC/RTOG) criteria of late effects, respectively. RESULTS Compliance was high from baseline (97%) to 12-month follow-up (78%). Mean BRCS scores remained high during follow-up: they improved in 66% of patients and remained unchanged in 6% at 9 months. Local control (p = 0.018), improved symptoms (p = 0.005), and stable extracerebral disease (p = 0.001) correlated with high QOL-BRCS score. High baseline recursive partitioning analysis class predicted improved QOL (p = 0.031), whereas high Karnofsky Performance Scale score (p = 0.017), asymptomatic BMs (p = 0.001), and no cognitive deficits (p = 0.033) or seizures (p = 0.040) predicted high, stable QOL-BRCS during the 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS QOL remained stable for up to 12 months following GKRS for the total cohort. High QOL was reported if local control occurred, cerebral symptoms improved/stabilized, or the need for steroids declined, which all reflected successful GKRS. Conversely, low QOL accompanied progression of intra- and extracerebral disease. Based on the study findings, GKRS appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with BMs.

scholarly journals Z-score neurofeedback, heart rate variability biofeedback, and brain coaching for older adults with memory concerns

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-29
Author(s):  
Kyle D. Meeuwsen ◽  
Kayleah M. Groeneveld ◽  
Linda A. Walker ◽  
Anna M. Mennenga ◽  
Rachel K. Tittle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Boot Camp ◽  
Relative Power ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Subjective Memory Complaints ◽  
Subjective Memory ◽  
Memory Complaints ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Background: The three-month, multidomain Memory Boot Camp program incorporates z-score neurofeedback (NFB), heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback, and one-on-one coaching to teach memory skills and encourage behavior change in diet, sleep, physical fitness, and stress reduction. Objective: This prospective trial evaluates the Memory Boot Camp program for adults ages 55 to 85 with symptoms of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and subjective memory complaints. Methods: Participants were evaluated via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), NeuroTrax Global Cognitive Index, measures of anxiety, depression, sleep, quality of life, quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG), and HRV parameters at four timepoints: baseline, pre-program, post-program, and follow-up. The trial included a three-month waiting period between baseline and pre-program, such that each participant acted as their own control, and follow-up took place six months after completion of the program. Results: Participants’ MoCA scores and self-reported measures of anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and quality of life improved after treatment, and these changes were maintained at follow-up. Physiological changes in HRV parameters after treatment were not significant, however, breathing rate and QEEG parameters were improved at post-program and maintained at follow-up. Finally, participants’ improvement in MoCA score over the treatment period was correlated with their improvement in two brain oscillation parameters targeted by the z-score NFB protocol: relative power of delta and relative power of theta. Conclusions: Trial results suggest that the Memory Boot Camp program is a promising treatment strategy for older adults with symptoms of MCI and subjective memory complaints.

TREATMENT OF SPINAL TUMORS USING CYBERKNIFE FRACTIONATED STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY

Neurosurgery ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 297-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory J. Gagnon ◽  
Nadim M. Nasr ◽  
Jay J. Liao ◽  
Inge Molzahn ◽  
David Marsh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Stereotactic Radiosurgery ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Postoperative Treatment ◽  
Spinal Tumors ◽  
Radiation Toxicity ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Component Scores

Abstract OBJECTIVE Benign and malignant tumors of the spine significantly impair the function and quality of life of many patients. Standard treatment options, including conventional radiotherapy and surgery, are often limited by anatomic constraints and previous treatment. Image-guided stereotactic radiosurgery using the CyberKnife system (Accuray, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) is a novel approach in the multidisciplinary management of spinal tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery on pain and quality-of-life outcomes of patients with spinal tumors. METHODS We conducted a prospective study of 200 patients with benign or malignant spinal tumors treated at Georgetown University Hospital between March 2002 and September 2006. Patients were treated by means of multisession stereotactic radiosurgery using the CyberKnife as initial treatment, postoperative treatment, or retreatment. Pain scores were assessed by the Visual Analog Scale, quality of life was assessed by the SF-12 survey, and neurological examinations were conducted after treatment. RESULTS Mean pain scores decreased significantly from 40.1 to 28.6 after treatment (P < 0.001) and continued to decrease over the entire 4-year follow-up period (P < 0.05). SF-12 Physical Component scores demonstrated no significant change throughout the follow-up period. Mental Component scores were significantly higher after treatment (P < 0.01), representing a quality-of-life improvement. Early side effects of radiosurgery were mild and self-limited, and no late radiation toxicity was observed. CONCLUSION CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery is a safe and effective modality in the treatment of patients with spinal tumors. CyberKnife offers durable pain relief and maintenance of quality of life with a very favorable side effect profile.

scholarly journals Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Individual Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Patients With Advanced Cancer

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (12) ◽  
pp. 1304-1309 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Breitbart ◽  
Shannon Poppito ◽  
Barry Rosenfeld ◽  
Andrew J. Vickers ◽  
Yuelin Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Treatment Assessment ◽  
Spiritual Well Being ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Purpose Spiritual well-being and sense of meaning are important concerns for clinicians who care for patients with cancer. We developed Individual Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (IMCP) to address the need for brief interventions targeting spiritual well-being and meaning for patients with advanced cancer. Patients and Methods Patients with stage III or IV cancer (N = 120) were randomly assigned to seven sessions of either IMCP or therapeutic massage (TM). Patients were assessed before and after completing the intervention and 2 months postintervention. Primary outcome measures assessed spiritual well-being and quality of life; secondary outcomes included anxiety, depression, hopelessness, symptom burden, and symptom-related distress. Results Of the 120 participants randomly assigned, 78 (65%) completed the post-treatment assessment and 67 (56%) completed the 2-month follow-up. At the post-treatment assessment, IMCP participants demonstrated significantly greater improvement than the control condition for the primary outcomes of spiritual well-being (b = 0.39; P <.001, including both components of spiritual well-being (sense of meaning: b = 0.34; P = .003 and faith: b = 0.42; P = .03), and quality of life (b = 0.76; P = .013). Significantly greater improvements for IMCP patients were also observed for the secondary outcomes of symptom burden (b = −6.56; P < .001) and symptom-related distress (b = −0.47; P < .001) but not for anxiety, depression, or hopelessness. At the 2-month follow-up assessment, the improvements observed for the IMCP group were no longer significantly greater than those observed for the TM group. Conclusion IMCP has clear short-term benefits for spiritual suffering and quality of life in patients with advanced cancer. Clinicians working with patients who have advanced cancer should consider IMCP as an approach to enhance quality of life and spiritual well-being.

scholarly journals Health-Related Quality of Life in Survivors of Severe COVID-19 of a University Hospital in Northern Portugal

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (9) ◽  
pp. 601
Author(s):  
Joana Fernandes ◽  
Liliana Fontes ◽  
Isabel Coimbra ◽  
José Artur Paiva
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Critical Illness ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Whodas 2.0 ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Introduction: Long-term health impairments are often experienced among survivors of critical illness, which may have a negative impact on their quality of life. The aim of this study was to characterize COVID-19 survivors of critical illness and to evaluate health-related quality of life and disability following hospital discharge.Material and Methods: This is a retrospective case-series study that included COVID-19 survivors admitted to the Intensive Care Medicine Department of a University Hospital. Follow-up evaluation was performed between the 30th and the 90th day after discharge. Quality of life was explored using the five-level version of the EQ-5D instrument (EQ-5D-5L) and functionality using the 12-question World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0).Results: Forty-five survivors were enrolled, 28 (62.2%) men, median age 63.0 years. The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire showed moderate to extreme problems in some dimension in 29 patients (64.4%): mobility in six (13.3%), self-care in seven (13.3%), usual activities in 23 (51.1%), pain/discomfort in 14 (31.1%) and anxiety/depression in 17 (37.8%). When using the 12-question WHODAS 2.0 questionnaire, moderate to extreme disability was reported in some question in 37 patients (82.2%): 19 (42.2%) in standing for long periods, 18 (40.0%) in long-distance walking; 14 (31.1%) on taking care of household responsibilities and 17 (37.8%) in their day-to-day work; 23 (51.1%) felt emotionally affected by their health problems.Discussion: Based on COVID-19 survivors-reported outcomes after critical illness, mobility, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression were the main problems that persisted one to three months after hospital discharge.Conclusion: An organized follow-up structure is crucial to improve health-related quality of life in critical COVID-19 survivors.

Impact of incident age-related macular degeneration and associated vision loss on vision-related quality of life

2021 ◽  
pp. bjophthalmol-2020-318269
Author(s):  
Ryan Eyn Kidd Man ◽  
Alfred Tau Liang Gan ◽  
Eva K Fenwick ◽  
Kelvin Yi Chong Teo ◽  
Anna C S Tan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Related Quality

BackgroundWe examined the associations between the 6-year incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and vision-related quality of life (VRQoL), and the contribution of presenting visual acuity (VA), in an Asian population.MethodsFundus images from the Singapore Chinese Eye Study, a population-based cohort study (baseline: 2009–2011; follow-up: 2015–2017), were graded using a modified Wisconsin age-related maculopathy grading system. Incident AMD was defined as no baseline AMD in both eyes and early/late AMD in the worse eye at follow-up. Presenting VA was assessed using the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution chart at 4 m under standard lighting conditions with habitual correction. Multiple linear regression models determined the associations between AMD incidence with changes in the Rasch-transformed scores of the Reading, Mobility and Emotional VRQoL domains of the 32-item Impact of Visual Impairment (IVI-32) questionnaire, adjusted for traditional confounders. The contribution of presenting VA to changes in VRQoL was also estimated.ResultsOf the 2251 participants without AMD at baseline (mean age (SD): 57.7 (9) years, 51.4% women), 101 (4.5%) and 11 (0.5%) developed incident early and late AMD at follow-up, respectively. Incident late AMD was associated with significant 30.3%, 32.5% and 30.9% decrements in Reading, Mobility and Emotional IVI scores, respectively. The contribution of presenting VA ranged between 1.62% and 4.35% of the observed decrements. No significant associations were noted with incident early AMD.ConclusionIncident late AMD had a substantial impact on all aspects of VRQoL, with presenting VA contributing only minimally to this longitudinal relationship.

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