What is the prevalence of fear of cancer recurrence in cancer survivors and patients?:A systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: Care for fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is considered the most common unmet need among cancer survivors. Yet the prevalence of FCR and predisposing factors remain inconclusive. To support targeted care, we provide a comprehensive overview of the prevalence and severity of FCR among cancer survivors and patients, as measured using the short form of the validated Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI-SF). We also report on associations between FCR and clinical and demographic characteristics. METHODS: This is a systematic review and individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis on the prevalence of FCR. In the review, we included all studies that used the FCRI-SF with adult (≥18 years) cancer survivors and patients. Date of search: 7 February 2020. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. RESULTS: IPD were requested from 87 unique studies and provided for 46 studies comprising 11,226 participants from 13 countries. 9311 respondents were included for the main analyses. On the FCRI-SF (range 0-36), 58.8% of respondents scored ≥13, 45.1% scored ≥16 and 19.2% scored ≥22. FCR decreased with age and women reported more FCR than men. FCR was found across cancer types and continents and for all time periods since cancer diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: FCR affects a considerable number of cancer survivors and patients. It is therefore important that healthcare providers discuss this issue with their patients and provide treatment when needed. Further research is needed to investigate how best to prevent and treat FCR and to identify other factors associated with FCR. The protocol was prospectively registered (PROSPERO CRD42020142185)

Assessment of the management of carcinomatous meningitis from breast cancer globally: a study by the Breast International Group Brain Metastasis Task Force

Background: Carcinomatous meningitis (CM) is a severe complication of breast cancer. The Breast International Group (BIG) carried out a survey to describe the approach to CM internationally. Patients and methods: A questionnaire on the management of CM was developed by the Brain Metastases Task Force of BIG and distributed to its groups, requesting one answer per group site. Results: A total of 241 sites responded, 119 from Europe, 9 from North America, 39 from Central/South America, 58 from Asia, and 16 in Australia/New Zealand, with 24.5% being general hospitals with oncology units, 44.4% university hospitals, 22.4% oncology centers, and 8.7% private hospitals. About 56.0% of sites reported seeing <5 cases annually with 60.6% reporting no increase in the number of cases of CM recently. Nearly 63.1% of sites investigate for CM when a patient has symptoms or radiological evidence, while 33.2% investigate only for symptoms. For diagnosis, 71.8% of sites required a positive cerebrospinal fluid cytology, while magnetic resonance imaging findings were sufficient in 23.7% of sites. Roughly 97.1% of sites treat CM and 51.9% also refer patients to palliative care. Intrathecal therapy is used in 41.9% of sites, mainly with methotrexate (74.3%). As many as 20 centers have a national registry for patients with breast cancer with central nervous system metastases and of those 5 have one for CM. Most (90.9%) centers would be interested in participating in a registry as well as in studies for CM, the latter preferably (62.1%) breast cancer subtype specific. Conclusions: This is the first study to map out the approach to CM from breast cancer globally. Although guidelines with level 1 evidence are lacking, there is a high degree of homogeneity in the approach to CM globally and great interest for conducting studies in this area

Simplified phenotyping of CYP2D6 for tamoxifen treatment using the N-desmethyl-tamoxifen/ endoxifen ratio

Introduction: CYP2D6 protein activity can be inferred from the ratio of N-desmethyl-tamoxifen (NDMT) to endoxifen (E). CYP2D6 polymorphisms are common and can affect CYP2D6 protein activity and E level. Some retrospective studies indicate that E < 16 nM may relate to worse outcome. Materials and methods: A target NDMT/E ratio was defined as associated with an E level of 15 nM in the 161 patient Test cohort of tamoxifen-treated patients, dichotomizing them into ‘Normal’ (NM) and ‘Slow’ (SM) CYP2D6 metabolizer groups. This ratio was then tested on a validation cohort of 52 patients. Patients were phenotyped based on the standard method (ultrarapid/extensive, intermediate or poor metabolizers; UM/EM, IM, PM) or a simplified system based on whether any variant allele (V) vs wildtype (wt) was present (wt/wt, wt/V, V/V). Comprehensive CYP2D6 genotyping was undertaken on germline DNA. Results: A target NDMT/E ratio of 35 correlated with the 15 nM E level, dichotomizing patients into NM (35; N ¼ 44) groups. The ratio was independently validated by a validation cohort. The simplified system was better in predicting patients without slow metabolism, with specificity and sensitivity of 96% and 44% respectively, compared with the standard method - sensitivity 81% and specificity 83%. Conclusions: The simplified classification system based on whether any variant was present better identified patients who were truly not CYP2D6 slow metabolizers more accurately than the current system. However, as CYP2D6 genotype is not the only determinant of endoxifen level, we recommend that direct measurement of endoxifen should also be considered

What is the prevalence of fear of cancer recurrence in cancer survivors and patients? A systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis

This study was supported by the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF) grant number 10936.Objective Care for fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is considered the most common unmet need among cancer survivors. Yet the prevalence of FCR and predisposing factors remain inconclusive. To support targeted care, we provide a comprehensive overview of the prevalence and severity of FCR among cancer survivors and patients, as measured using the short form of the validated Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI-SF). We also report on associations between FCR and clinical and demographic characteristics. Methods This is a systematic review and individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis on the prevalence of FCR. In the review, we included all studies that used the FCRI-SF with adult (≥18 years) cancer survivors and patients. Date of search: 7 February 2020. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. Results IPD were requested from 87 unique studies and provided for 46 studies comprising 11,226 participants from 13 countries. 9311 respondents were included for the main analyses. On the FCRI-SF (range 0–36), 58.8% of respondents scored ≥13, 45.1% scored ≥16 and 19.2% scored ≥22. FCR decreased with age and women reported more FCR than men. FCR was found across cancer types and continents and for all time periods since cancer diagnosis. Conclusions FCR affects a considerable number of cancer survivors and patients. It is therefore important that healthcare providers discuss this issue with their patients and provide treatment when needed. Further research is needed to investigate how best to prevent and treat FCR and to identify other factors associated with FCR. The protocol was prospectively registered (PROSPERO CRD42020142185).Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Administration of chemotherapy with palliative intent in the last 30 days of life:The balance between palliation and chemotherapy

BACKGROUND: Appropriately timed cessation of chemotherapy is an important aspect of good quality palliative care. There is wide variation in the reported rates of chemotherapy administration within the last 30 days of life. AIMS: To identify predictors of death within 30 days of receiving palliative chemotherapy, and to propose a standard definition by which oncologists and cancer centres can be compared. METHODS: Patients who received palliative chemotherapy at a regional cancer centre and its rural outreach unit between 2009 and 2011 were included. An adjusted logistic regression model, including all variables, was fit to identify predictors of death within 30 days of receiving palliative chemotherapy. RESULTS: Over a 3-year period, 1131 patients received palliative chemotherapy, 138 (12%) died within 30 days of receiving palliative chemotherapy. Predictors of death within 30 days of palliative chemotherapy were: less than 30 days contact with palliative care (odds ratio 3.30 (95% confidence interval 2.04-5.34), P &lt;0.001) and male gender (odds ratio 2.02 (95% confidence interval 1.24-3.31), P = 0.0049), but treating clinician, tumour chemoresponsiveness, age, body mass index and survival from initial diagnosis were not. CONCLUSION: Patients who received chemotherapy in the last 30 days of life were more likely to be male and have a shorter duration of palliative care team involvement. In this study, the observed rate of death within 30 days of chemotherapy is within the range of published data. It is recommended that a standard definition be used to benchmark medical oncology centres and individual oncologists, and to allow comparison over time

Facilitating High Quality Cancer Care: A Qualitative Study of Australian Chairpersons' Perspectives on Multidisciplinary Team Meetings.

AIM: Multidisciplinary team meetings (MDMs) are a critical element of quality care for people diagnosed with cancer. The MDM Chairperson plays a significant role in facilitating these meetings, which are often time-poor environments for clinical decision making. This study examines the perceptions of MDM Chairpersons including their role and the factors that determine the quality of a Chair, as well as the Chairperson's perception of the value of personally attending meetings. METHODS: This qualitative study used telephone interviews to explore the experiences of MDM Chairpersons from metropolitan and regional New South Wales, Australia. Using a state-wide register, 43 clinicians who chaired lung, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, and breast cancer meetings were approached to participate. Thematic data analysis was used to develop and organise themes. RESULTS: Themes from the 16 interviews identified the perceived need for an expert and efficient MDM Chairperson with emphasis on personal rather than technical skills. The remaining themes related to the benefits of meetings to ensure quality and consistency of care; improve inter-professional relationships; and provide communication with and reassurance for patients. CONCLUSION: The role of the MDM Chairperson requires expert management and leadership skills to ensure meetings support quality patient-centred care. MDMs are perceived to provide multiple benefits to both clinicians and patients. Efforts to train Chairs and to maximise clinician and patient benefits may be warranted given the costly and time-consuming nature of MDMs

Abstract P3-11-02: Women's experiences with a decision aid for neoadjuvant systemic therapy for operable breast cancer

Abstract Background: Neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NAST) is a treatment option for selected patients with highly proliferative and/or large operable breast cancer. Whilst survival outcomes are equivalent between up-front surgery and NAST, the decision about treatment sequence can be difficult due to complexity and perceived urgency of the decision. Patients may value the outcomes of these options, such as down staging and prognostication, differently. Involving patients in decisions about their healthcare reduces anxiety, increases quality of life and satisfaction with care. Decision aids can improve patient involvement in health care decisions, but one is not available for the decision about NAST. Aims/Methods: We conducted a prospective, single-arm pre-post study to evaluate a custom-designed decision aid developed for women who have been offered NAST. Eligible patients were: female; aged ≥18 years; diagnosed with an operable invasive breast cancer; considered for NAST with curative intent. Here, we report on the grounded theory qualitative analysis of a convenience sample of 16 semi-structured phone interviews to explore patient experience with this decision aid. Results: Participants' median age was 52 (IQR=41-63), median time since breast cancer diagnosis was 5 months (IQR=2-8). Most were married or living with a partner (81.3%) and had a University level degree (68.8%). Patients perceived the decision aid to be useful for becoming more informed and involved in deciding on NAST. Specifically, the decision aid enhanced patients' understanding of their type of breast cancer and the treatment options available to them by summarising and extending the information they received during the consultation with their doctor. Some women perceived the included graphs and statistics to be particularly helpful to understand potential risks and benefits of their treatment options. All patients described the provided information as reliable, relevant and tailored to their needs. They found the decision aid easy to understand and balanced (not in favour of NAST or surgery). The amount of the information provided was seen to be just right. Most women received the decision aid after the initial consultation with their surgeon and perceived this as the right delivery timing. Reading and rereading the decision aid at home in between two consultations allowed women to easily integrate the decision aid into their care. They appreciated the opportunity to reconsider their options after consulting their doctor. A number of women reported that their family members used the decision aid as well and thus became more informed and involved in the decision making process. Some women took the decision aid to the next consultation with their doctor to discuss their preferences and concerns further. All patients followed their doctors' treatment recommendation. The decision aid seemed to confirm but not change women's decisions on NAST. Discussion: These initial results suggest that this decision aid is a useful tool to assist breast cancer patients' involvement in the decision about NAST. A quantitative analysis of the decision aid's acceptability, feasibility and efficacy will be reported subsequently.Background: Neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NAST) is a treatment option for selected patients with highly proliferative and/or large operable breast cancer. Whilst survival outcomes are equivalent between up-front surgery and NAST, the decision about treatment sequence can be difficult due to complexity and perceived urgency of the decision. Patients may value the outcomes of these options, such as down staging and prognostication, differently. Involving patients in decisions about their healthcare reduces anxiety, increases quality of life and satisfaction with care. Decision aids can improve patient involvement in health care decisions, but one is not available for the decision about NAST. Aims/Methods: We conducted a prospective, single-arm pre-post study to evaluate a custom-designed decision aid developed for women who have been offered NAST. Eligible patients were: female; aged ≥18 years; diagnosed with an operable invasive breast cancer; considered for NAST with curative intent. Here, we report on the grounded theory qualitative analysis of a convenience sample of 16 semi-structured phone interviews to explore patient experience with this decision aid. Results: Participants' median age was 52 (IQR=41-63), median time since breast cancer diagnosis was 5 months (IQR=2-8). Most were married or living with a partner (81.3%) and had a University level degree (68.8%). Patients perceived the decision aid to be useful for becoming more informed and involved in deciding on NAST. Specifically, the decision aid enhanced patients' understanding of their type of breast cancer and the treatment options available to them by summarising and extending the information they received during the consultation with their doctor. Some women perceived the included graphs and statistics to be particularly helpful to understand potential risks and benefits of their treatment options. All patients described the provided information as reliable, relevant and tailored to their needs. They found the decision aid easy to understand and balanced (not in favour of NAST or surgery). The amount of the information provided was seen to be just right. Most women received the decision aid after the initial consultation with their surgeon and perceived this as the right delivery timing. Reading and rereading the decision aid at home in between two consultations allowed women to easily integrate the decision aid into their care. They appreciated the opportunity to reconsider their options after consulting their doctor. A number of women reported that their family members used the decision aid as well and thus became more informed and involved in the decision making process. Some women took the decision aid to the next consultation with their doctor to discuss their preferences and concerns further. All patients followed their doctors' treatment recommendation. The decision aid seemed to confirm but not change women's decisions on NAST. Discussion: These initial results suggest that this decision aid is a useful tool to assist breast cancer patients' involvement in the decision about NAST. A quantitative analysis of the decision aid's acceptability, feasibility and efficacy will be reported subsequently. Citation Format: Zdenkowski N, Herrmann A, Hall A, Boyle FM, Butow P. Women's experiences with a decision aid for neoadjuvant systemic therapy for operable breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-11-02.</jats:p

The implementation of a decision aid for women with early-stage breast cancer considering contralateral prophylactic mastectomy: A pilot study

Objective: Despite little survival benefit and potential for harm, contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) rates are increasing amongst early-stage breast cancer patients at low contralateral breast cancer risk. We developed a CPM decision aid (DA) and conducted a pilot implementation. Methods: Surgeons and oncologists recruited eligible patients considering CPM. Consenting patients re-ceived the DA, completed a questionnaire and participated in a semi-structured interview. Clinicians were interviewed at study close. Results: Eleven clinicians and 31 patients participated. Three themes emerged: perceived utility and impact of the DA, disagreement regarding timing of delivery and target population, and implementation strategies. Both women and clinicians found the DA valuable, indicating it confirmed rather than changed preferences. Women (all of whom raised CPM themselves), preferred offering the DA early in treatment discussions whilst clinicians favoured targeting women who enquired about CPM. Conclusion: A DA about CPM is feasible and acceptable, but questions remain about the role of DAs in these types of decisions where one option has limited medical benefit. Practice implications: Some women have a high need to make an informed choice about CPM. Tools to support this could include a DA with a clear recommendation against CPM and an explanation why. (c) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V