scholarly journals Characteristics Associated With Functional Changes During Systemic Cancer Treatments: A Systematic Review Focused on Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (9) ◽  
pp. 1055-1062
Author(s):  
Kah Poh Loh ◽  
Vivian Lam ◽  
Katey Webber ◽  
Simran Padam ◽  
Mina S. Sedrak ◽  
...  

Background: Maintaining functional status is important to older adults with cancer, but data are limited on how systemic treatments affect functional status. We systematically reviewed changes in functional status during systemic cancer treatments and identified characteristics associated with functional decline and improvement. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials for articles examining characteristics associated with functional changes in older adults during systemic cancer treatment published in English between database inception and January 11, 2019 (PROSPERO CRD42019123125). Findings were summarized with descriptive statistics. Study characteristics between older adult–specific and non–older adult–specific studies were compared using the Fisher exact test. Results: We screened 15,244 titles/abstracts and 519 full texts. The final analysis included 44 studies, which enrolled >8,400 patients; 39% of studies focused on older adults (1 study enrolled adults aged ≥60 years, 10 enrolled adults aged ≥65 years, and 6 enrolled adults aged ≥70 years). Almost all studies (98%) used patient-reported outcomes to measure functional status; only 20% used physical performance tests. Reporting of functional change was heterogeneous, with 48% reporting change scores. Older adult–specific studies were more likely to analyze functional change dichotomously (29% vs 4%; P=.008). Functional decline ranged widely, from 6% to 90%. The most common patient characteristics associated with functional decline were older age (n=7 studies), worse performance status (n=4), progressive disease status (n=4), pain (n=4), anemia (n=4), and worse nutritional status (n=4). Twelve studies examined functional improvement and identified 11 unique associated characteristics. Conclusions: Functional decline is increasingly recognized as an important outcome in older adults with cancer, but definitions and analyses are heterogeneous, leading to a wide range of prevalence. To identify patients at highest risk of functional decline during systemic cancer treatments, trials need to routinely analyze functional outcomes and measure characteristics associated with decline (eg, nutrition).

Author(s):  
Carolyn J. Presley ◽  
Craig H. Reynolds ◽  
Corey J. Langer

The management of advanced lung cancer is changing rapidly, with new drug approvals occurring almost monthly. The average age of a newly diagnosed patient with advanced lung cancer remains around age 70. Caring for the older adult with advanced cancer differs from the care of younger adults. Chronologic age often does not accurately reflect the physiologic and functional status of older adults. Selecting treatment based on age alone results in undertreatment and overtreatment of many older adults. Addressing issues such as multiple chronic conditions, polypharmacy, geriatric syndromes, and heterogeneity in functional status among an expanding menu of treatment options for advanced disease is increasingly difficult, particularly among older adults historically underrepresented in clinical trials. In this article, we highlight key issues in caring for the older adult with advanced non–small cell lung cancer and the continued need for data supporting current and emerging treatment options. Key issues include the unique challenges of managing advanced lung cancer and a summary of the current treatment evidence as they apply to the elderly lung cancer population including supportive care strategies, risk stratification, and patient-reported outcomes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e24022-e24022
Author(s):  
Vivian Lam ◽  
Kah Poh Loh ◽  
Katey R Webber ◽  
Simran Padam ◽  
Mina S. Sedrak ◽  
...  

e24022 Background: Maintaining function and preventing functional decline during cancer treatment is critically important to older adults. This systematic review characterized and identified patient factors associated with functional change during systemic cancer therapy in older adults. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for articles examining changes in function during systemic cancer treatment published in English through 1/11/19. Studies were eligible if they included adults age >65 and analyzed associations between patient factors and change in function. At least two independent investigators reviewed each article with discrepancies resolved by consensus. Major findings were summarized; no meta-analysis was planned a priori given the heterogeneity in studies. Results: We screened 15,244 titles/abstracts and 519 full texts. The final analysis included 69 studies, which enrolled > 11,000 patients with cancer. Most studies enrolled adults of all ages; 20% included only adults age >65 and 13% only adults age >70. A quarter of studies enrolled patients with lung cancer while 22% included all solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. The majority of studies evaluated function during chemotherapy (96%) with 9% including targeted therapy and 4% immunotherapy. Function was primarily measured with patient-reported outcomes (93% of studies). Reporting of functional change was heterogeneous with many reporting change scores or means at multiple time points. Among studies that reported the percentage of patients who developed functional decline, results ranged widely from 6% to 90%. Functional improvement occurred among 2% to 57% of patients. The most common patient factors associated with functional decline during systemic cancer therapy were older age (n = 8 studies), fatigue (n = 8), worse baseline performance status (n = 8) and physical activity (n = 5), and anemia (n = 5). Only 10 studies examined factors associated with functional recovery, identifying 12 unique patient factors. Conclusions: Among older adults with cancer, functional changes during systemic cancer therapy are common. Interventions to target modifiable patient factors associated with functional decline are needed to help patients maintain or improve function during treatment. Additionally, evaluating both functional decline and improvement is necessary to better characterize functional trajectories during systemic cancer therapy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 153331752096087
Author(s):  
Kalpana P. Padala ◽  
Christopher M. Parkes ◽  
Prasad R. Padala

We present a case report to showcase that behavioral, cognitive, and functional decline may be associated with COVID-19 stay-home guidance among older adults with pre-existent cognitive impairment. In a functionally independent and physically active older adult with Mild Cognitive Impairment, there was worsening in depression and anxiety symptoms associated with the restrictions of COVID-19. Functional decline was also noted as assessed by Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. We discuss solutions to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 restrictions in this vulnerable population.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S529-S530
Author(s):  
Ilana J Engel ◽  
Tamara A Baker

Abstract Social isolation is often associated with smaller social networks, bereavement, and chronic health problems. In addition, underserved neighborhoods, without the resources and social support of other areas, may further promote social isolation among older adults. This study utilized data from the 2nd wave of the nationally representative National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) to examine if perceived neighborhood danger mediates the relationship between social isolation and functional impairment. We hypothesized that those who are less socially connected and feel less safe in their communities may experience worse health outcomes. Data for the total sample (N=1,804; 62-91 years of age) showed that partial mediation was supported, (F 2, 1801 = 22.91, p<0.01). Similar statistics were found by gender (men, F 2, 985 = 8.20, p<0.01; women, F 2, 813 = 14.79, p<0.01). This relationship, however, showed a stronger association among women (β = -.39, p<.01) than men (β = -.26, p<.05). Findings indicate that the relationship between perceived social isolation and impaired functional status may be partially explained by perceived neighborhood danger. These findings suggest that older adults who perceive their neighborhoods as dangerous, may be more socially isolated, and at risk for functional decline. These results support the Reserve Capacity Model, which posits that social resources are of increased importance for socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals. Additional research is needed to examine how such factors as stress, environment, and access to care contribute to our understanding of health outcomes among this population of adults.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 10038-10038
Author(s):  
Mackenzi Pergolotti ◽  
Allison Mary Deal ◽  
Grant Richard Williams ◽  
Ashley Leak Bryant ◽  
Lauren McCarthy ◽  
...  

10038 Background: Limitations in functional status and reduced health status are common among older adults with cancer, yet occupational and physical therapy (OT/PT) remain underutilized (Pergolotti, et.al. JGO,2015). For this population, we evaluated an outpatient CAncer REhabilitation (CARE) program and compared it to usual care (UC). Methods: We recruited adults 65 years and older who had a diagnosis of cancer or recurrence within 5 years and had at least one functional limitation as measured by a geriatric assessment (GA). Participants were then randomized to OT/PT (CARE) or UC. CARE delivered individualized outpatient intervention; OT addressed functional activities, and PT strength/endurance needs. UC participants received a brochure on supportive care services. Primary outcome was functional status (Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale [NEADL] (range 0-22)) and secondary outcomes were global Mental and Physical Health, and ability to participate in Social Roles (SR) and activities (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS] (range 0-100)), for all measures, higher scores indicate better health. We used t-tests to compare groups. Results: 51 adults were randomized: median age 73 years, 55% male, 92% White, 33% with Leukemia/lymphoma, 26% Breast, 22% Colorectal, 67% in active treatment, and 37% with Stage 3 or 4. After 3 months, both groups experienced a significant decline in functional status ( p = .046; p = .005), but change in functional status (-1.5 UC, -1.1 CARE, p = .637) , physical health status (0.0 UC, 2.4 CARE, p = .121) and participation in SR (.11 in UC, 3.71 CARE, p = .088) between UC and CARE were not significant. However, change in mental health (-1.0 in UC, 3.0 CARE, p= .032) significantly different between groups. Conclusions: CARE was associated with a significant improvement in participant’s mental health status compared to a decline in UC. Results suggest CARE may influence ability to participate in social roles and activities and physical health, but further study is needed with larger sample sizes. We demonstrated that for older adults with cancer, OT/PT are promising interventions to improve mental health. Clinical trial information: NCT02306252.


Author(s):  
Vanessa C. Dannenberg ◽  
Gabrielle C. Borba ◽  
Paula M. E. Rovedder ◽  
Paulo R. A. Carvalho

AbstractSurvivors of pediatric critical illnesses develop temporary or permanent functional impairments. We do not have enough data on Brazilian children, however, and the available evidence mainly shows results from high-income countries. Our objective was to assess changes in children and adolescents' functional status surviving critical illnesses in Brazil, and to identify which factors contribute to these functional changes at pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) discharge. To develop this cross-sectional study, two researchers blinded to previous patient information applied the Functional Status Scale (FSS) with patients and caregivers at two different times in a tertiary PICU. The FSS examines six function domains as follows: (1) mental status, (2) sensory functioning, (3) communication, (4) motor functioning, (5) feeding, and (6) respiratory status. The functional decline/poor outcome was defined as an increase in points sufficient to alter the FSS total scores at discharge when comparing to the total baseline score. A total of 303 patients completed the study. Of these, 199 (66%) were with previous chronic conditions. The prevalence of functional decrease was 68% at PICU discharge. Young age (<12 months) and mechanical ventilation time ≥11 days increased by 1.44 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20–1.74, p < 0.001) and 1.74 (95% CI: 1.49–2.03, p < 0.001), respectively, the chances of poor functional results at PICU discharge. This study is the first in Brazil to show that during the episode of critical illness, young age (≤12 months) and duration of invasive mechanical ventilation independently increased the chances of functional impairment in children.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S336-S337
Author(s):  
Leighanne Jarvis ◽  
Sarah Moninger ◽  
Chandra Throckmorton ◽  
Juliessa M Pavon ◽  
Kevin Caves

Abstract Health and fitness are contributing factors to physical resilience, or the ability to resist or recover from functional decline following health stressors. Accelerometer based activity monitors have been used in both the in-patient and outpatient setting to monitor mobility. While using sensors to track mobility is increasing, most clinical settings rely on patient reported outcomes. These measures often under or overestimate movement. The lack of a clinically meaningful way to measure mobility in the in-patient setting is a barrier to improving the mobility of hospitalized individuals. This is especially important when considering that over one-third of hospitalized older adults are discharged with a major new functional disability in performing activities of daily living. Our goal was to automatically determine if the subject is laying, reclining, sitting, standing, and walking to better reflect actual activity. Other platforms and studies indicate the ability to determine a difference in activity vs. inactivity or laying and reclining vs. standing and walking, but not all five phases of movement defined here. The aim of this study was to use accelerometer data to train a machine learning algorithm to automatically classify the postural changes (i.e. laying, reclining, sitting, standing, and walking). Preliminary results demonstrate that our trained algorithm is overall 95% accurate in determining each position from unlabeled data from the subject population. Additionally, this algorithm will be applied to in-patient hospitalized older adults for tracking of positions throughout the day.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 298-311
Author(s):  
Jeannine Therese Moreau ◽  
Trudy Rudge

Purpose This paper examines how certain care values permeate, legitimize and authorize hospitalized-older-adults’ care, technologies and practices. The purpose of this paper is to expose how values are not benign but operate discursively establishing “orders of worth” with significant effect on the ethics of the care-setting. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws from a discursive ethnography to see “up close” on a surgical unit how values influence nurse/older-adult-patient care occasions in the domain of older-adults and functional decline. Data are from participant observations, conversations, interviews, chart reviews and reviewed literature. Foucauldian discursive analytics rendered values recognizable and analyzable as discursive practices. Discourse is a social practice of knowledge production constituting and giving meaning to what it represents. Findings Analysis reveals how care values inhere discourses like measurement, efficiency, economics, risk and functional decline (loss of capacity for independent living) pervading care technologies and practices, subjugating older adults’ bodies to techniques, turning older persons into measurable objects of knowledge. These values determine social conditions of worth, objectifying, calculating, normalizing and homogenizing what it means to be old, ill and in hospital. Originality/value Seven older adult patients and attendant nurses were followed for their entire hospitalization. The ethnography renders visible how care values as discursive practices rationalize the social order and operations of everyday care. Analytic outcomes offer insights of how dominant care values enabled care technologies and practices to govern hospitalized-older-adults as a population to be ordered, managed and controlled, eliding possibilities of engaging humanistic patient-centered care.


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