Showing papers in "Journal of Oncology Practice in 2017"

REMAP: A Framework for Goals of Care Conversations.

Abstract: Conversations regarding goals of care with patients who have advanced cancer still occur too late, and oncologists say they lack the training to have these conversations effectively. Experts recommend a number of strategies when having these discussions, including discussing prognosis, responding to patient emotion, exploring values, and often making a recommendation for medical treatments that fit those values. To help learners, from residents to attending oncologists, learn these complex conversational skills, we have developed a framework with a mnemonic, REMAP: Reframe, Expect emotion, Map out patient goals, Align with goals, and Propose a plan. In the reframe step, the oncologist provides a big picture "headline" that lets the patient know things are in a different place. This is followed by actively attending to the patient's emotional response (expect emotion). Then, to map the patient's goals, the oncologist asks open-ended questions that are designed to help the patient think about the values that should guide his or her treatment. The oncologist then aligns with those values by explicitly reflecting them back to the patient. If the patient gives permission, the oncologist will then use those values to propose a medical plan that matches patient values. The processes underlying REMAP encourage oncologists and other clinicians to seek to understand and remain flexible, adapting their recommendations to what they hear from the patient, with ongoing revision based on the shared decision-making process. This will lead to patient-centered decisions that promote better end-of-life care.

Integration of palliative care into standard oncology care: Asco clinical practice guideline update summary

Abstract: The purpose of the ASCO guideline is to update the 2012ASCOProvisionalClinical Opinion (PCO) on the integration of palliative care into standard oncology care and transition the content into a guideline. The 2012 PCO was based on a review of the study by Temel et al by the National Cancer Institute’s Physicians Data Query and on additional randomized controlled trials (RCTs) chosen by ASCO showing the benefits of early palliative care when added to usual oncology care. As in the 2012 PCO, this document uses the definition of palliative care from the National Consensus Project (see Bottom Line Box). Patients with advanced cancer are defined as those with distantmetastases, latestage disease, cancer that is life-limiting, and/or prognosis of 6 to 24 months. This update includes nine RCTs, as well as one quasi-experimental study, and five secondary publications from previously reviewed RCTs. It reviews and analyzes newandupdated evidence on early palliative care, including for patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings, the components and triggers for offering patients palliative care, palliative care services for family caregivers, and how oncology professionals and other clinicians can provide palliative care, in addition to palliative care specialists. In this guideline, a family caregiver is defined as either a friend or relative who the patient describes as the primary caregiver; it may be someone who is not biologically related. The guideline also presents discussionsonhealthdisparities andon thebusiness case for palliative care. This update complements discussions on palliative care in recent ASCO guidelines on the treatment of patients with stage IV non–small-cell lung cancer and the treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer. We also suggest readers refer to ASCO’s suite of supportive care guidelines (at http:// www.asco.org/practice-guidelines/qualityguidelines/guidelines/supportive-care-andtreatment-related-issues) as well as the recently published ASCO chronic pain guideline. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/palliative-care-guideline. Patient information is available at www. cancer.net.

Pilot Feasibility Study of an Oncology Financial Navigation Program.

Abstract: Background:Few studies have reported on interventions to alleviate financial toxicity in patients with cancer. We developed a financial navigation program in collaboration with our partners, Consumer Education and Training Services (CENTS) and Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF), to improve patient knowledge about treatment costs, provide financial counseling, and to help manage out-of-pocket expenses. We conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility and impact of this program.Methods:Patients with cancer received a financial education course followed by monthly contact with a CENTS financial counselor and a PAF case manager for 6 months. We measured program adherence, self-reported financial burden and anxiety, program satisfaction, and type of assistance provided.Results:Thirty-four patients (median age, 60.5 years) were consented (85% white and 50% commercially insured). Debt, income declines, and loans were reported by 55%, 55%, and 30% of patients, respectively. CENTS counselors assisted most often...

Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Stage II Colon Cancer: A Clinical Dilemma.

Abstract: The decision to treat a patient with stage II colon cancer with adjuvant chemotherapy can be challenging. Although the benefit of treatment is clear in most patients with stage III disease, the decision to provide chemotherapy after surgical resection in stage II disease must be made on an individual basis. Several trials have demonstrated the small but absolute benefits of receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II colon cancer for disease-free survival and overall survival. In an attempt to better understand the role of chemotherapy, several studies were performed that identified high-risk characteristics that can be used prognostically and predictively to aid in the clinical decision making process. ASCO, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and the European Society of Medical Oncology have published guidelines describing these high-risk characteristics. Since then, several other molecular markers have emerged that may offer more information on a given patient's risk for recurrence. The decision to treat a patient with stage II colon cancer must be made on an individual basis, considering the risks and benefits of treatment. In this short review, we will present the available evidence and offer possible directions for future study.

Cost of Cancer-Related Neutropenia or Fever Hospitalizations, United States, 2012.

Abstract: Purpose:Neutropenia and subsequent infections are life-threatening treatment-related toxicities of chemotherapy. Among patients with cancer, hospitalizations related to neutropenic complications result in substantial medical costs, morbidity, and mortality. Previous estimates for the cost of cancer-related neutropenia hospitalizations are based on older and limited data. This study provides nationally representative estimates of the cost of cancer-related neutropenia hospitalizations.Methods:We examined data from the 2012 National Inpatient Sample and Kids’ Inpatient Database. Hospitalizations for cancer-related neutropenia were defined as those with a primary or secondary diagnosis of cancer and a diagnosis of neutropenia or a fever of unknown origin. We examined characteristics of cancer-related neutropenia hospitalizations among children (age < 18 years) and adults (age ≥ 18 years). Adjusted predicted margins were used to estimate length of stay and cost per stay.Results:There were 91,560 and 16,859 ca...

Treatment of glioblastoma

Abstract: Glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive form of primary brain tumor in adults and contributes to high social and medical burden as a result of its incurable nature and significant neurologic morbidity. Despite ongoing research, there has not been improvement in survival in glioblastoma. This review discusses recent advances in clinically significant molecular profiling, including IDH mutation status and O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase ( MGMT) promoter methylation. We review updates in management of newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma, as well as common difficulties in management, such as pseudoprogression and pseudoresponse. Ongoing translational research in targeted therapy and immunotherapy is briefly discussed.

Standardized Criteria for Palliative Care Consultation on a Solid Tumor Oncology Service Reduces Downstream Health Care Use

Abstract: Purpose:Hospitalized patients with advanced cancer have a high symptom burden and need for support. Integration of palliative care (PC) improves symptom control and decreases unwanted health care use, yet many patients are never offered these services. In 2016, ASCO called for incorporation of PC into oncologic care for all patients with metastatic cancer. To improve the quality of cancer care, we developed standardized criteria, or triggers, for PC consultation on the inpatient solid tumor service.Methods:Patients were eligible for this prospective cohort study if they met at least one of the following eligibility criteria: had an advanced solid tumor; prior hospitalization within 30 days; hospitalization > 7 days; and active symptoms. During the intervention, patients who met the criteria received automatic PC consultation.Results:When we compared patients in the intervention group with control subjects, there were increases in PC consultations (19 of 48 [39%] to 52 of 65 [80%]; P ≤ .001) and hospice re...

Treatment Satisfaction and Adherence to Oral Chemotherapy in Patients With Cancer

Abstract: Purpose:Although patients with cancer overwhelming prefer oral to intravenous chemotherapy, little is known about adherence to oral agents. We aimed to identify the rates and correlates of adherence in patients with diverse malignancies.Materials and Methods:Ninety patients with chronic myeloid leukemia or metastatic renal cell carcinoma, non–small-cell lung cancer, or breast cancer enrolled in this prospective, single-group, observational study of medication-taking behaviors. Adherence was measured via self-report and with an electronic pill cap (Medication Event Monitoring System cap). Patients completed surveys regarding symptom distress, mood, quality of life, cancer-specific distress, and satisfaction with clinician communication and treatment at baseline and 12-week follow-up.Results:As measured by the Medication Event Monitoring System, patients took, on average, 89.3% of their prescribed oral chemotherapy over the 12 weeks. One quarter of the sample was less than 90% adherent, and women were more ...

Supporting the Supporters: What Family Caregivers Need to Care for a Loved One With Cancer

Abstract: Patients with cancer who live at home often require help with activities of daily living, basic medical care (eg, injections), social needs, and patient advocacy. Most of that support comes from intimate caregivers, typically members of the patient's family. These family caregivers themselves require support so that they can be effective and maintain their own well-being while caring for the patient with cancer. Research shows that support for caregivers contributes to achieving these goals. We propose a four-part framework for supporting family caregivers: (1) assess caregivers' needs using formal measures, just as the cancer patient's own needs are assessed, (2) educate caregivers for their caregiving roles, most notably, with training in the low-level medical support that cancer patients require at home, (3) empower caregivers to become full-fledged members of the patient's cancer team, all working toward common goals, and (4) assist caregivers proactively in their duties, so that they retain a sense of control and self-efficacy rather than having to react to imminent medical crises without sufficient resources at their disposal. Funding support for family caregivers requires refocusing on the overall well-being of the patient-caregiver dyad rather than just on the patient. It will necessitate a paradigm shift in reimbursement that recognizes the need for holistic cancer care.

A Retrospective Analysis of Precision Medicine Outcomes in Patients With Advanced Cancer Reveals Improved Progression-Free Survival Without Increased Health Care Costs

Abstract: Purpose:The advent of genomic diagnostic technologies such as next-generation sequencing has recently enabled the use of genomic information to guide targeted treatment in patients with cancer, an approach known as precision medicine. However, clinical outcomes, including survival and the cost of health care associated with precision cancer medicine, have been challenging to measure and remain largely unreported.Patients and Methods:We conducted a matched cohort study of 72 patients with metastatic cancer of diverse subtypes in the setting of a large, integrated health care delivery system. We analyzed the outcomes of 36 patients who received genomic testing and targeted therapy (precision cancer medicine) between July 1, 2013, and January 31, 2015, compared with 36 historical control patients who received standard chemotherapy (n = 29) or best supportive care (n = 7).Results:The average progression-free survival was 22.9 weeks for the precision medicine group and 12.0 weeks for the control group (P = .00...

Promise of Wearable Physical Activity Monitors in Oncology Practice.

Abstract: Commercially available physical activity monitors provide clinicians an opportunity to obtain oncology patient health measures to an unprecedented degree. These devices can provide objective and quantifiable measures of physical activity, which are not subject to errors or bias of self-reporting or shorter duration of formal testing. Prior work on so-called quantified-self data was based on older-generation, research-grade accelerometers, which laid the foundation for consumer-based physical activity monitoring devices to be validated as a feasible and reliable tool in patients with cancer. Physical activity monitors are being used in chronic conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. Differing demographics, compounded with higher symptom and treatment burdens in patients with cancer, imply that additional work is needed to understand the unique strengths and weaknesses of physical activity monitors in this population. Oncology programs can systematically implement these tools into their workflows in an adaptable and iterative manner. Translating large amounts of data collected from an individual physical activity monitoring device into clinically relevant information requires sophisticated data compilation and reduction. In this article, we summarize the characteristics of older- and newer-generation physical activity monitors, review the validation of physical activity monitors with respect to health-related quality-of-life assessments, and describe the current role of these devices for the practicing oncologist. We also highlight the challenges and next steps needed for physical activity monitors to provide relevant information that can change the current state of oncology practice.

Practical Approach to Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Abstract: Triple negative is a term applied to breast cancers that do not meaningfully express the estrogen or progesterone hormone receptors or overexpress the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 tyrosine kinase. At present, the only proven method for systemic management of triple-negative breast cancer for both early-stage and metastatic settings is cytotoxic chemotherapy. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of management strategies that are best supported by available data. We also review recent advances most likely to affect treatment of triple-negative breast cancer in the coming years with particular emphasis on targeted agents, biologics, and immunotherapy.

Implementation of Advance Care Planning in Oncology: A Review of the Literature.

Abstract: Advance care planning (ACP) should be initiated early and be readdressed often for patients with cancer. This directive is expressed in the Institute of Medicine's report, "Dying in America," and is a component of several quality metrics, including ASCO's Quality Oncology Practice Initiative and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Oncology Care Model. Although simple in concept, implementation in practice is challenging. A variety of patient education tools exist in several different forms, including pamphlets, guidebooks, and question prompt lists, with the strongest data supporting the use of video decision aids that depict cardiopulmonary resuscitation. These educational tools should address topics that include anticancer treatment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and health care surrogates. Physician prompts in the electronic health record to discuss ACP should be considered. Health care provider training should be offered to meet the needs and comfort level of the practitioners who conduct the intervention. Intervention studies that assessed ACP documentation rates as the primary end point increased documentation from 15% to 30% to 40%. Additional well-conducted randomized studies are needed to understand the intervention characteristics that can further improve the completion and documentation of ACP. Further research is needed to determine if there is a difference in outcome based on which provider conducts ACP as well as how to maximize the benefits of the electronic health record, such as prompts to readdress ACP.

Effect of Palliative Care on Aggressiveness of End-of-Life Care Among Patients With Advanced Cancer

Abstract: Purpose:Palliative care’s role in oncology has expanded, but its effect on aggressiveness of care at the end of life has not been characterized at the population level.Methods:This matched retrospective cohort study examined the effect of an encounter with palliative care on health-care use at the end of life among 6,580 Medicare beneficiaries with advanced prostate, breast, lung, or colorectal cancer. We compared health-care use before and after palliative care consultation to a matched nonpalliative care cohort.Results:The palliative care cohort had higher rates of health-care use in the 30 days before palliative care consultation compared with the nonpalliative cohort, with higher rates of hospitalization (risk ratio [RR], 3.33; 95% CI, 2.87 to 3.85), invasive procedures (RR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.62 to 1.88), and chemotherapy administration (RR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.45 to 1.78). The opposite pattern emerged in the interval from palliative care consultation through death, where the palliative care cohort had lowe...

Management of Malignant Bowel Obstruction Associated With GI Cancers.

Abstract: For many patients with GI malignancies, the seeding of the abdominal cavity with tumor cells, called peritoneal carcinomatosis, is a common mode of metastases and disease progression. Prognosis for patients with this aspect of their disease remains poor, with high disease-related morbidity and complications. Uniform and proven practices that provide optimal palliative care and quality of life for these patients are needed. The objective of this review is to critically assess the current literature regarding palliative strategies in the management of peritoneal carcinomatosis and associated symptoms in patients with advanced GI cancers. Despite encouraging results in the select population where cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy are indicated, the majority of patients who develop peritoneal carcinomatosis in the setting of GI cancers have poor prognosis, with malignant bowel obstruction representing a common terminal phase of their disease process. For all patients with peritoneal carci...

Opioid Prescription Trends Among Patients With Cancer Referred to Outpatient Palliative Care Over a 6-Year Period

Abstract: Introduction:In the United States, opioid regulations have become increasingly stringent in recent years. Increased regulatory scrutiny, in part, is related to heightened awareness through literature and a recent media blitz on the opioid prescription epidemic. These regulations have the potential to impact prescription trends by health care providers. Our objective was to evaluate changes in the type and dose of opioid prescriptions among patients who are referred by oncologists to an outpatient palliative care clinic.Materials and Methods:We reviewed the electronic health records of 750 patients who were seen as new consultations at MD Anderson Cancer Center’s outpatient palliative care clinic between January 1 and April 30 each year from 2010 through 2015. Data collected included demographics, cancer type and stage, symptom assessment, performance status, opioid type, and opioid dose defined as the morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD).Results:Median age was 59 years (interquartile range [IQR], 51 to 6...

Discussing Health Care Expenses in the Oncology Clinic: Analysis of Cost Conversations in Outpatient Encounters.

Abstract: Purpose:ASCO identified oncologist-patient conversations about cancer costs as an important component of high-quality care. However, limited data exist characterizing the content of these conversations. We sought to provide novel insight into oncologist-patient cost conversations by determining the content of cost conversations in breast cancer clinic visits.Methods:We performed content analysis of transcribed dialogue from 677 outpatient appointments for breast cancer management. Encounters featured 677 patients with breast cancer visiting 56 oncologists nationwide from 2010 to 2013.Results:Cost conversations were identified in 22% of visits (95% CI, 19 to 25) and had a median duration of 33 seconds (interquartile range, 19 to 62). Fifty-nine percent of cost conversations were initiated by oncologists (95% CI, 51 to 67), who most commonly brought up costs for antineoplastic agents. By contrast, patients most frequently brought up costs for diagnostic tests. Thirty-eight percent of cost conversations ment...

Potential Drug-Drug and Herb-Drug Interactions in Patients With Cancer: A Prospective Study of Medication Surveillance.

Abstract: Purpose:Patients with cancer frequently use herbal supplements and concomitant medications along with antineoplastic agents. These patients are at high risk of herb-drug interactions (HDIs) and drug-drug interactions (DDIs). We aimed to determine clinically relevant DDIs and HDIs leading to pharmaceutical intervention.Methods:Patients starting a new anticancer therapy were asked to complete a questionnaire to identify concomitant use of any over-the-counter drug or herbal supplement. Potential DDIs and HDIs were identified using two different databases. If a potentially clinically relevant DDI was recognized by the clinical pharmacist, a notification was sent to the prescribing oncologist, who decided whether to carry out a suggested intervention. Regression analyses were performed to identify variables associated with clinically relevant DDIs.Results:A total of 149 patients were included in this study, with 36 potentially clinically relevant DDIs identified in 26 patients (17.4%; 95% CI, 11.3% to 23.5%),...

Analysis of the Use and Impact of Twitter During American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meetings From 2011 to 2016: Focus on Advanced Metrics and User Trends.

Abstract: Purpose:The use of social media, in particular Twitter, has substantially increased among health care stakeholders in the field of hematology and oncology, with an especially sharp increase in the use of Twitter during times of major national meetings. The most attended meeting in the oncology field is the ASCO annual meeting. Little is known about the detailed metrics involved in the use, volume, and impact of Twitter during the ASCO annual meeting.Methods:We conducted a retrospective review of tweets during the ASCO annual meetings from 2011 to 2016. The total data set encompassed 190,732 tweets from 39,745 authors over six consecutive ASCO meetings from 2011 to 2016 (inclusive). Tweets, all publically available, were collected by Nephrology On-Demand Analytics.Results:The number of individual authors increased from 1,429 during the 2011 ASCO meeting to 15,796 during the 2016 ASCO meeting, an 11-fold increase over the total 5-year period. There was a notable increase in tweets from the 2011 ASCO meeting...

Renal Medullary Carcinoma: Establishing Standards in Practice

Abstract: Although renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is a rare subtype of kidney cancer, it is particularly devastating in that it is nearly uniformly lethal. No established guidelines exist for the diagnosis and management of RMC. In April 2016, a panel of experts developed clinical guidelines on the basis of a literature review and consensus statements. The goal was to propose recommendations for standardized diagnostic and management approaches and to establish an international clinical registry and biorepository for RMC. Published data are limited to case reports and small retrospective reviews. The RMC Working Group prepared recommendations to inform providers and patients faced with a low level of medical evidence. The diagnosis of RMC should be considered in all patients younger than 50 years with poorly differentiated carcinoma that arises from the renal medulla. These patients should be tested for sickle cell hemoglobinopathies, and if positive, SMARCB1/INI1 loss should be confirmed by immunohistochemistry. ...

Interruptions of Head and Neck Radiotherapy Across Insured and Indigent Patient Populations

Abstract: Purpose:Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer is a cornerstone of care, requiring 30 to 35 days of treatment over 6 to 7 weeks. Diligent patient compliance is crucial, and unplanned treatment interruptions reduce cure rates. We studied interruption rates in private carrier–insured and Medicare-insured populations versus indigent populations served by a single academic health system.Materials and Methods:A retrospective cohort study of electronic medical and billing records was performed analyzing treatment interruptions between January 2011 and December 2014. The study included 564 patients with head and neck cancer prescribed radiotherapy and referred from clinics run by University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) and the Parkland Health and Hospital System (PHHS), which provides indigent care to Dallas County, Texas.Results:Three-hundred sixteen patients (56%) had a treatment break; 114 patients missed a single session, and 202 patients missed multiple treatments. Seventy percent of PHHS pati...

Redesigning Cancer Care Delivery: Views From Patients and Caregivers.

Abstract: Introduction:Cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States. Although treatments have improved, patients and caregivers continue to report significant gaps in their care. The objective of this study was to examine the views of patients and caregivers on their experiences with current cancer care delivery and identify key strategies to improve the delivery of care.Methods and Materials:Semistructured interviews were conducted with 75 patients and 45 caregivers across the United States. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using constant comparative method of qualitative analysis.Results:Participants reported multiple gaps in care delivery, including barriers in health communication with health care providers, lack of elucidation of care goals, lack of care coordination, and challenges in accessing care. Participants identified that greater use of nonphysician providers and alternative formats, such as telephone-based care and home and community-based care, would narrow these gap...

Design Challenges of an Episode-Based Payment Model in Oncology: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Oncology Care Model

Abstract: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services developed the Oncology Care Model as an episode-based payment model to encourage participating practitioners to provide higher-quality, better-coordinated care at a lower cost to the nearly three-quarter million fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries with cancer who receive chemotherapy each year Episode payment models can be complex They combine into a single benchmark price all payments for services during an episode of illness, many of which may be delivered at different times by different providers in different locations Policy and technical decisions include the definition of the episode, including its initiation, duration, and included services; the identification of beneficiaries included in the model; and beneficiary attribution to practitioners with overall responsibility for managing their care In addition, the calculation and risk adjustment of benchmark episode prices for the bundle of services must reflect geographic cost variations and diverse