A Real-world Study of Anti-PD-1 Antibody Combination Therapy in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To explore the efficacy, safety, and factors that might influence the efficacy of antiPD-1 antibody-based therapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in the real world. Methods The clinical features, efficacy, and safety in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who received anti-PD-1 antibody-based therapy were retrospectively analyzed. The survival status was followed-up. Results The objective response and the disease control rate were 21.8% and 76.4%, respectively. The overall incidence of adverse events during treatment was 81.8%, of which the incidence of grade 3/4 adverse events was 14.5%. The incidence of immune-related adverse events was 58.2% and the incidence of grade 3/4 immune-related adverse events was 3.6%, and no treatment-related death was observed. The median PFS of the 55 patients was 5.0 (95%CI: 3.9-6.1) months, and the median OS was 11.4 (95%CI: 6.5-16.3) months. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that liver function Child-Pugh scores and performance status ECOG score were the influencing factors of the objective response rate and survival. Conclusion In the real world anti-PD-1 antibody-based therapy is safe and effective in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, in which the performance status ECOG score and liver function Child-Pugh score before treatment are independent prognostic factors influencing survival.

O desempenho físico funcional reduzido antes da hospitalização prediz limitações de suporte de vida e mortalidade em pacientes não cirúrgicos de unidade de terapia intensiva / Reduced physical functional performance before hospitalization predicts life support limitations and mortality in nonsurgical intensive care unit patients

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar se as escalas de desempenho físico funcional e a pergunta surpresa ("Eu ficaria surpreso se esse paciente morresse em 6 meses?") predizem limitações de suporte de vida e mortalidade em pacientes críticos não cirúrgicos. Metódos: Participaram desta coorte prospectiva 114 pacientes admitidos do serviço de emergência em uma unidade de terapia intensiva. O desempenho físico funcional foi avaliado pelo Palliative Prognostic Score, pela Escala de Desempenho de Karnofsky e pela escala de Atividades de Vida Diária de Katz. Dois intensivistas responderam à pergunta surpresa. Resultados: Os escores de desempenho físico funcional propostos foram significativamente menores em pacientes com limitações de suporte de vida e naqueles que vieram a óbito durante a hospitalização. A resposta negativa à pergunta surpresa foi mais frequente no mesmo subgrupo de pacientes. A análise univariada ajustada mostrou aumento da razão de chances para limitações de suporte de vida e morte em relação à escala de Atividades de Vida Diária (1,35 [1,01 - 1,78] e 1,34 [1,0 - 1,79], respectivamente) e uma resposta negativa para a pergunta surpresa (42,35 [11,62 - 154,43] e 47,79 [11,41 - 200,25], respectivamente), com p < 0,05 para todos os resultados. Conclusão: Todas as escalas de desempenho físico funcional apresentaram escores mais baixos em não sobreviventes e em pacientes com limitações de suporte de vida. A redução da capacidade funcional prévia à internação e a resposta negativa à pergunta surpresa aumentaram as chances de limitações de suporte de vida e mortalidade em nossa coorte de pacientes não cirúrgicos da unidade de terapia intensiva com entrada no serviço de emergência.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess whether scales of physical functional performance and the surprise question ("Would I be surprised if this patient died in 6 months?") predict life support limitations and mortality in critically ill nonsurgical patients. Methods: We included 114 patients admitted from the Emergency Department to an intensive care unit in this prospective cohort. Physical functional performance was assessed by the Palliative Prognostic Score, Karnofsky Performance Status, and the Katz Activities of Daily Living scale. Two intensivists responded to the surprise question. Results: The proposed physical functional performance scores were significantly lower in patients with life support limitations and those who died during the hospital stay. A negative response to the surprise question was more frequent in the same subset of patients. Adjusted univariable analysis showed an increased odds ratio for life support limitations and death regarding the activities of daily living scale (1.35 [1.01 - 1.78] and 1.34 [1.0 - 1.79], respectively) and a negative response for the surprise question (42.35 [11.62 - 154.43] and 47.79 [11.41 - 200.25], respectively); with a p < 0.05 for all results. Conclusion: All physical functional performance scales showed lower scores in nonsurvivors and patients with life support limitations. The activities of daily living score and the surprise question increased the odds of life support limitations and mortality in our cohort of nonsurgical intensive care unit patients admitted from the Emergency Department.

Effect of Karnofsky performance status scale and lactate dehydrogenase as well as their interaction on the therapeutic efficacy of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective:To explore the factors influencing complete remission in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and to explore the effect of the interaction of Karnofsky performance status scale (KPS) scores and the level of lactate dehydrogenases (LDH) on whether patients with DLBCL are completely relieved.Methods:The clinical data of 373 DLBCL patients admitted to Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital from January 2014 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. SPSS 25.0 logistic regression model and Cox proportional risk regression models were used to explore the factors affecting complete remission in patients with DLBCL and to explore whether there was a multiplicative interaction between the factors. For factors with multiplicative interactions, the Matrix package, epiR package, and survival package in R 4.2.0 software were used to analyze whether there was an additive interaction. The relative excess risk of interaction (RERI), attributable proportion due to interaction (AP), and the synergy index (S) were used to evaluate the presence of additive interactions.Results:Elevated β 2 macroglobulin (β 2-MG), KPS scores below 80, and elevated LDH were risk factors for incomplete remission in patients with DLBCL (all P < 0.05). The risk of incomplete remission in patients with elevated β 2-MG, KPS scores below 80 and LDH was 1.971 times ( OR = 1.971, 95% CI 1.161-3.346), 2.056 times ( OR = 2.056, 95% CI 1.057-4.000) and 3.351 times ( OR = 3.351, 95% CI 1.783-6.300) higher than those in patients with normal β 2-MG, KPS scores above 80 and non-elevated LDH, respectively. There was a negative multiplicative interaction between the two risk factors of KPS scores below 80 and elevated LDH ( OR = 0.317, 95% CI 0.126-0.785). The estimated value of RERI, AP and S was -2.07 (95% CI -4.79-0.64),0.50 (95% CI -1.68-0.32),0.50 (95% CI 0.22-1.13), respectively; and there was no additive interaction among them. Conclusions:Elevated β 2-MG, KPS scores below 80, and elevated LDH are risk factors influencing incomplete remission for patients with DLBCL. The combined effect in patients with the combination of elevated LDH and KPS scores below 80 is lower than the single effect of the multiple of the both. There is a negative multiplicative interaction and no additive interaction in DLBCL patients with KPS scores below 80 and elevated LDH level.

Sobrevida e funcionalidade em idosos na atenção domiciliar / Survival and functionality in elderly in home care

Com o envelhecimento ocorrem complicações que afetam a funcionalidade e a independência dos indivíduos, muitas vezes sendo necessário o acompanhamento contínuo por profissionais da saúde, entre eles o fisioterapeuta. Diante disso, objetivou-se verificar a sobrevida, a funcionalidade e a ocorrência de comorbidades em indivíduos idosos acompanhados pelo serviço de Fisioterapia domiciliar. Um estudo com delineamento transversal foi realizado com 121participantes de um Serviço de Atenção Domiciliar, utilizando a Karnofsky Performance Scale para verificar a funcionalidade, e o Índice de Comorbidades de Charlson para avaliar as multimorbidades. Constatou-se que aproximadamente metade dos participantes apresentou cronicidade funcional, com condição potencialmente incapacitante, com piora dos índices de funcionalidade em indivíduos que sofreram alguma intercorrência. Os resultados demonstraram também que o acesso à Fisioterapia aumentou a taxa de sobrevida dos idosos e que o acompanhamento fisioterapêutico mais frequente possibilitou que a funcionalidade se mantivesse.

With aging, there are complications affecting the functionality and independence of individuals, often requiring continuous monitoring by health professionals, including the physical therapist. The objective was to analyze survival, functionality and the occurrence of comorbidities in elderly individuals monitored by the home physical therapy service. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 121 participants from a home care service, using the Karnofsky Performance Scale to check functionality, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index to assess multimorbidity. It was found that approximately half of the participants evaluated had functional chronicity, with potentially disabling condition, with worsening of functionality indices in individuals who have suffered some complication. The results also demonstrated that access to physical therapy increased the survival rate of the elderly and that the more frequent physical therapy follow-up enabled the functionality to be maintained.

Prognostic value of ECOG performance status and Gleason score in the survival of castration-resistant prostate cancer: a systematic review / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status and Gleason score are commonly investigated factors for overall survival (OS) in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, there is a lack of consistency regarding their prognostic or predictive value for OS. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to assess the associations of ECOG performance status and Gleason score with OS in CRPC patients and compare the two markers in patients under different treatment regimens or with different chemotherapy histories. A systematic literature review of monotherapy studies in CRPC patients was conducted in the PubMed database until May 2019. The data from 8247 patients in 34 studies, including clinical trials and real-world data, were included in our meta-analysis. Of these, twenty studies reported multivariate results and were included in our main analysis. CRPC patients with higher ECOG performance statuses (≥ 2) had a significantly increased mortality risk than those with lower ECOG performance statuses (<2), hazard ratio (HR): 2.10, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.68-2.62, and P < 0.001. The synthesized HR of OS stratified by Gleason score was 1.01, with a 95% CI of 0.62-1.67 (Gleason score ≥ 8 vs <8). Subgroup analysis showed that there was no significant difference in pooled HRs for patients administered taxane chemotherapy (docetaxel and cabazitaxel) and androgen-targeting therapy (abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide) or for patients with different chemotherapy histories. ECOG performance status was identified as a significant prognostic factor in CRPC patients, while Gleason score showed a weak prognostic value for OS based on the available data in our meta-analysis.

Factores pronóstico de supervivencia en adultos por gliomas de alto grado en un hospital de Lima, Perú / Prognostic Factors And Survival Study In High-Grade Glioma In A Hospital In Lima, Peru

Introducción: Los Gliomas son tumores primarios del sistema nervioso central. Son clasificados del I-IV grado, siendo los de alto grado el III y IV los más frecuentes y de pobre pronostico. Objetivo: Determinar los factores pronósticos de supervivencia en pacientes por gliomas de alto grado en un hospital de Lima, Perú. Métodos: Se revisaron retrospectivamente las historias clínicas con glioma de alto grado del 2010-2014, se analizaron diez variables; con graficas de supervivencia de Kaplan-Meiery Long-rank y el modelo de regresión de Cox. Resultados: De un total de 278 pacientes con gliomas de alto grado 136 fueron varones y 142 mujeres. El análisis de la Supervivencia Libre de Progresión(SLP) tuvo un rango de 5,6-80,3 (mediana 22,7) y el análisis de supervivencia global (PS) tuvo un rango de 4-83,2 (mediana 26,2) meses. La supervivencia global para el tumor de IV grado fue 15,7 meses (IC95% 14,2-17,1); el III grado fue de 38,4 meses (IC 95% 35,8-40,9). El grado (PS: HR 15; SLP: HR 25,1); el tratamiento quirúrgico (PS: HR 0,6; SLP: HR 0,49), edad (PS: HR 1,47; SLP: HR 1,7), tratamiento adyuvante(PS: HR 0,6; SLP: HR 0,58) y karnofsky (PS: HR 0,7) tuvieron correlación; mientras el Karnofsky para SLP no (P=0,146). Conclusión: La edad, el estado funcional, el tratamiento quirúrgico, el tratamiento adyuvante y el grado del tumor son factores pronósticos de PS; en contraste, para SLP los factores pronósticos fueron la edad, tratamiento quirúrgico, tratamiento adyuvante y el grado del tumor.

Introduction: Gliomas are primary tumors of the central nervous system. They are classifiedfrom grade I-IV, with high grade III and IV being the most frequent and with poor prognosis. Objective: To determine the prognostic factors of survival in patients with high-gradegliomas in a hospital in Lima, Peru. Methods: The medical records with high-grade gliomafrom 2010-2014 were retrospectively reviewed, ten variables were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier and Log Rank survival graphs and the Cox regression model. Results: Out of a total of278 patients with high-grade gliomas, 136 were men and 142 women. The analysis of Progression-Free Survival (SLP) had a range of 5.6-80.3 (median 22.7) and the analysis ofoverall survival (PS) had a range of 4-83.2 (median 26, 2 months. The overall survival for theIV grade tumor was 15.7 months (95% CI 14.2-17.1); the III degree was 38.4 months (95%CI 35.8-40.9). The grade (PS: HR 15; SLP: HR 25.1); surgical treatment (PS: HR 0.6; SLP:HR 0.49), age (PS: HR 1.47; SLP: HR 1.7), adjuvant treatment (PS: HR 0.6; SLP: HR 0 , 58)and karnofsky (PS: HR 0.7) were correlated; while the Karnofsky for SLP does not (P =0.146). Conclusion: age, functional status, surgical treatment, adjuvant treatment, and tumorgrade are prognostic factors for PS. In contrast, for SLP the prognostic factors were age,surgical treatment, adjuvant treatment, and tumor grade.

Investigation on nutrition status and clinical outcome of patients with common cancers in Chinese patients: a multicenter prospective study protocol

Background:Malnutrition is common in patients with cancer, whichadversely affectsthesurvival and quality of life ofcancer patients.However, there is no national data on the prevalence of malnutrition inChinese cancer patients. Thisstudy aims to evaluate the prevalenceof malnutrition and quality of life(QOL)ofChinese patients with localregional, recurrentor metastatic cancer,to address the prognostic value of nutritional status and QOLon the survival of cancer patients in China and to validate the patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) questionnaire in Chinese cancer patients.Methods:Thisisanobservational,multi-centered,and hospital-based prospective cohort study.We aimed to recruit 50,000 cancer patients (age 18and above)overan 8-year period.Data collection will occur within 48hrafter patientsare admitted to hospital, 30-days after hospital admission, and the follow-up will be conducted1-8years after enrolment. The primary outcomeisoverall survival, and secondaryoutcomes arelength of hospital stay and hospital costs. Factors measured are demographic characteristics, tumor characteristics, anthropometry measurements,hematological measurement, body composition, PG-SGAscores,Karnofsky performance status scores,and QLQ C30 scores. This protocol wasapproved by local ethical committees of all the participant hospitals.Conclusions: This multi-centered, large-scale, long-time follow-up prospective study will help diagnose malnutrition in cancer patients in China, and identify the related risk factors associated with the negative outcomes. The anticipated results will highlight the need for a truly scientific appraisal of nutrition therapy, and help to improve outcomes among cancer patients in China.Trial Registration: The trial has been registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800020329. Registered on 19 December 2018

Avaliação da Qualidade de Vida de Pacientes Oncológicos em Cuidados Paliativos / Evaluation of the Quality of Life of Oncological Patients in Palliative Care / Evaluación de la Calidad de Vida de los Pacientes Oncológicos en Atención Paliativa

Introdução: Os cuidados paliativos para pacientes oncológicos têm por finalidade promover a qualidade de vida por meio do controle de sinais e sintomas, melhoria do bem-estar físico, emocional, social e espiritual. Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida de pacientes oncológicos em cuidados paliativos. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, transversal, de abordagem quantitativa, realizada com 21 pacientes internados em uma unidade de cuidados paliativos. Foram coletados dados sobre aspectos sociodemográficos e clínicos, e utilizada a escala do European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire Core15 PAL (EORTC QLQ C-15 PAL) para avaliação da qualidade de vida. Resultados: A média de saúde global foi de 60,32, sendo a qualidade de vida considerada satisfatória. Na escala de sintomas, os domínios mais afetados foram dor (52,38), constipação (46,03) e fadiga (42,86). A função emocional (37,30) mostrou-se pior do que a avaliação da função física (59,79). Houve relação significativa do tempo de diagnóstico com a qualidade de vida geral e a dispneia do performance status de Karnofsky(KPS) com o funcionamento físico, bem como da presença de metástase com dispneia. Conclusão: A qualidade de vida deve ser avaliada diariamente, visto que os cuidados paliativos consideram, além dos sintomas, o conforto do próprio paciente durante o estado de doença que ameaça à vida e as intervenções efetivas de cuidados, permitindo assim o direcionamento da atuação da equipe multiprofissional.

Introduction: Palliative care for cancer patients aims to promote quality of life, by controlling signs and symptoms, improving physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being. Objective: To evaluate the quality of life of cancer patients in palliative care. Method: Descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative approach study, conducted with 21 patients admitted to a palliative care unit. Data on sociodemographic and clinical aspects were collected, using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire Core15 PAL (EORTC QLQ C-15) PAL scale to assess quality of life. Results: The average global health was 60.32, with quality of life considered satisfactory. In the symptom scale, the most affected domains were pain (52.38), constipation (46.03) and fatigue (42.86). Emotional function (37.30) was assessed worse than physical function (59.79). There was a significant relationship between the time of diagnosis with the general quality of life and dyspnea, of Karnofsky(KPS) performance status, with physical functioning, and presence of metastasis with dyspnea. Conclusion: Quality of life should be assessed daily, as palliative care considers, in addition to symptoms, the patient's own comfort during a life-threatening illness and effective care interventions, helping the multiprofessional team to focus their action.

Introducción: Los cuidados paliativos para pacientes con cáncer tienen como objetivo promover la calidad de vida, controlando los signos y síntomas, mejorando el bienestar físico, emocional, social y espiritual. Objetivo: evaluar la calidad de vida de los pacientes con cáncer en cuidados paliativos. Método: Este es un enfoque descriptivo, transversal y cuantitativo, realizado con 21 pacientes ingresados en una unidad de cuidados paliativos. Se recopilaron datos sobre aspectos sociodemográficos y clínicos, utilizando la escala del European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire Core15 PAL (EORTC QLQ C-15 PAL) para evaluar la calidad de vida. Resultados: La salud global promedio fue de 60.32, con calidad de vida considerada satisfactoria, en la escala de síntomas los dominios más afectados fueron dolor (52.38), estreñimiento (46.03) y fatiga (42.86). La función emocional (37.30) se evaluó peor que la función física (59.79). Hubo una relación significativa entre el momento del diagnóstico y la calidad de vida general y la disnea, del performance status de Karnofsky(KPS) con el funcionamiento físico, así como la presencia de metástasis con disnea. Conclusión: La calidad de vida debe evaluarse diariamente, como lo consideran los cuidados paliativos, además de los síntomas, así como la propia comodidad del paciente durante una enfermedad potencialmente mortal e intervenciones de atención efectivas, lo que permite la dirección del desempeño del equipo multiprofesional.

Palliative radiotherapy in locally advanced and metastatic carcinoma of lung with two radiotherapy regimens: A randomized comparative study from tertiary health-care cancer center

Background: Worldwide, leading cause of cancer mortality is lung cancer. Approximately 63,000/year new lung cancer cases reported in India. Around 80–85% of patients of lung cancer is non-small cell histology (non-small cell lung cancer) and over >90% of patients presented locally advanced and metastatic disease. Hence, in these patients, population curative treatment approach with radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy in most of the time is non-viable option yielding short survival and relatively poor prognosis. In majority of such cases, the only aim of treatment remains palliative, the main aim is to improve quality of life. Although there are other medical management of symptoms palliation, radiation therapy is the cheapest option, quite effective, time efficient, and well tolerated in providing relief from symptoms. The rate of palliation of symptoms is quite high for chest pain and hemoptysis at 60–80%, whereas cough and dyspnea are improved in only 50–70%. For intrathoracic disease with obstructive symptoms, 30 Gy/10# over 2 weeks are generally recommended. Patients with poor performance status, advanced age, and associated comorbidity at the time of diagnosis, for which daily RT over 2–3 weeks is logistically difficult, 1–2 fractions have been utilized with good results. There are multiple randomized trials showed that both short and long RT course were equally effective for symptoms control. Aims and Objectives: The aims of our study are to compare the outcome, symptom control and assess toxicity profile in locally advanced lung cancer patient with 17 Gy/2 fractions (8.5 Gy/fraction, × 2 fractions) only on Saturdays over 2 weeks versus 30 Gy/10 fractions (3 Gy/fraction) over 2 weeks and to compare quality of life. Materials and Methods: This study was a single-institutional, prospective, open-labeled, randomized controlled study. Eligible patients were age ≥18 years with histopathologically proven lung carcinoma which was inoperable Stage III or IV disease and too locally advanced to curative concurrent chemoradiation, pulmonary symptoms attributable to the primary tumor, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≤3, and adequate hematologic (hemoglobin >10 g/dl; absolute neutrophil count >1500; platelet count >100,000/ml; and hepatic and renal function calculated creatinine >60 ml/min). Patients with bleeding diathesis, emphysematous bullae, poor respiratory function or reserve, pregnancy, and ECOG performance status >3 were excluded from the study. Results: Age, stage, histopathology, and pre-treatment symptoms score between two groups were comparable and statistically not significant. Pain in chest due to lung cancer was decreased in both arms due to treatment (at treatment completion Arm A = 47.62 and Arm B = 38.09). However, at the 2nd follow-up, difference between two arms was statistically significant where Arm A = 27.78 and Arm B = 15.00; P = 0.005. Global health status of patients in this study was improved in both arms due to treatment. Physical functioning emotional functioning, role functioning, global health status, cognitive functioning, and social functioning were improved in both arms due to treatment and kept improving during follow-up, but difference between two arms was not significance. Conclusions: Although overall symptom palliation, toxicity profile, and quality of life parameters are almost equal in both arms, patients with short expected survival, 8.5 Gy × 2 fractions would be preferable, limiting the number of hospital visit to a minimum. On the other hand, 3 Gy × 10 fractions schedule can be chosen for those patients with longer expected survival and better ECOG status, due to prolong duration of palliative response.

Role of physical function in predicting short-term treatment outcome in Egyptian acute myeloid leukemia patients: a single center experience

Abstract Background Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a potentially fatal hematological disease. Along with disease-related factors, patient-related factors, in particular age, are a strong predictor of outcome that influence treatment decisions. Many acute myeloid leukemia risk stratification models have been developed to predict the outcome of intensive chemotherapy. However, these models did not include physical function assessments. Methods This study investigated the impact of several factors, namely the performance status, physical function and age on the short-term outcomes of intensive chemotherapy in a cohort of 50 Egyptian patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia. Results Complete remission after intensive chemotherapy in these myeloid leukemia patients at Day 28 was 56% and the mortality rate was 12% and 34% at Day 28 and Day 60, respectively. The pretreatment Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score was significantly correlated with outcomes on Day 28 and Day 60 (p-value = 0.041 and p-value = 0.032, respectively). There were significant correlations between the two-minute walk test and outcomes of therapy on Day 28 and 60 (p-value = 0.032 and p-value = 0.047, respectively) and between grip strength test and outcomes of therapy on Day 28 and 60 (p-value = 0.046 and p-value = 0.047 respectively). Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between chair stand test and outcome of therapy on Day 28 (p-value = 0.023). Conclusion Performance status and physical function assessments were strong predictors of outcome of intensive chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia and we recommend the incorporation of these variables in risk stratification models for the personalization of therapy before treating acute myeloid leukemia patients with intensive chemotherapy.

Efectividad del bloqueo neurolítico simpático abdominal en una serie de casos descriptiva en pacientes con dolor oncológico / Effectiveness of neurolytic sympathetic plexus block in a descriptive case series of patients with oncological pain / Efetividade do bloqueio neurolítico simpático abdominal em uma série descritiva de casos em pacientes com dor oncológica

Introducción. El dolor es el principal síntoma que se presenta en el 40% de los pacientes oncológicos en tratamiento y en entre el 80% y el 85% de pacientes con la enfermedad avanzada. Dentro de las herramientas farmacológicas, los opioides son una opción con los consecuentes efectos secundarios, momento en el cual los procedimientos intervencionistas adquieren su importancia. El objetivo del artículo es mostrar el impacto sobre el control del dolor y la calidad de vida en paciente con dolor oncológico abdominal sometido a bloqueo celíaco o hipogástrica en un periodo de 3 meses, con el fin de generar conocimiento del tema en el área de la salud. Metodología. Se realizó una serie descriptiva de casos en un período de 3 meses. Se incluyeron 34 pacientes adultos con dolor abdominal de origen oncológico, con propuesta de bloqueo neurolítico de plexos celíacos o hipogástrico superior como método de control del dolor y se realizó un análisis de las variables en el programa estadístico IBM SPSS Versión 19. Resultados. Se encontró alivio del dolor en el 79.4% de los pacientes intervenidos al poco tiempo del procedimiento y de 33.3% a los 3 meses. No se encontró significante mejoría en la calidad de vida evaluada con el cuestionario SF-36. Conclusiones. Se encontró en este estudio que pacientes con índice de Karnofsky <50 tuvieron alta tasa de mortalidad posterior al bloqueo. La técnica de fenolización más radiofrecuencia podrían tener mejor respuesta terapéutica. Son necesarios más estudios para evaluar posibles asociaciones. Cómo citar. Jaimes J, Leotau MA, Rangel GW, Miranda N, García-Salazar N, Rangel-Vera JA. Efectividad del bloqueo neurolítico simpático abdominal en una serie de casos descriptiva en pacientes con dolor oncológico. MedUNAB. 2019;22(3):330-340. doi: 10.29375/01237047.3337

Introduction. Pain is the main symptom that occurs in 40% of cancer patients undergoing treatment and between 80% and 85% of patients with advanced cancer. Out of the pharmacological tools, opioids are an option with secondary effects, which makes interventional procedures important. The objective of the article is to demonstrate the impact of celiac or hypogastric plexus block in a three-month period on the pain control and quality of life of patients with abdominal oncological pain in order to generate knowledge of this topic in the healthcare sector. Methodology. A descriptive case series was conducted in a three-month period. Thirtyfour adult patients with oncological abdominal pain with proposed celiac or superior hypogastric plexus block as a method of pain control were included and an analysis was conducted of the variables in the statistical program IBM SPSS Version 19. Results. Pain relief was found in 79.4% of the treated patients shortly after the procedure and in 33.3% of the treated patients after 3 months. No significant improvement was evidenced in the quality of life evaluated with the SF-36 questionnaire. Conclussions. The study found that patients with a Karnofsky performance score of < 50 had a high mortality rate after the block. The technique of phenolization and radiofrequency could have a better therapeutic response. More studies are needed to assess possible associations. Cómo citar. Jaimes J, Leotau MA, Rangel GW, Miranda N, García-Salazar N, Rangel-Vera JA. Efectividad del bloqueo neurolítico simpático abdominal en una serie de casos descriptiva en pacientes con dolor oncológico. MedUNAB. 2019;22(3):330-340. doi: 10.29375/01237047.3337

Introdução. A dor é o principal sintoma que ocorre em 40% dos pacientes oncológicos em tratamento e entre 80% e 85% dos pacientes com a doença avançada. Dentro das ferramentas farmacológicas, os opióides são uma opção com consequentes efeitos colaterais, momento em que os procedimentos intervencionistas se tornam importantes. Objetivo. O objetivo do artigo é mostrar o impacto no controle da dor e na qualidade de vida em pacientes com dor oncológica abdominal submetido a bloqueio celíaco ou do plexo hipogástrico em um período de 3 meses, a fim de gerar conhecimento sobre o assunto na área da saúde. Métodos. Foi feita uma série descritiva de casos durante um período de 3 meses. Foram incluídos 34 pacientes adultos com dor abdominal de origem oncológica, com proposta de bloqueio neurolítico do plexo celíaco ou hipogástrico superior como método de controle da dor e a análise das variáveis foi realizada no programa SPSS statistic 19 IBM. Resultados. Observou-se alívio da dor em 79.4% dos pacientes operados logo após o procedimento e em 33.3% 3 meses depois. Não houve melhora significativa na qualidade de vida avaliada com o questionário SF-36. Discussão. Encontrou-se neste estudo que pacientes com índice de Karnofsky > 50 apresentaram alta taxa de mortalidade após o bloqueio. A técnica de fenolização e a radiofrequência poderiam ter melhor resposta terapêutica. Mais estudos são necessários para avaliar possíveis associações. Cómo citar. Jaimes J, Leotau MA, Rangel GW, Miranda N, García-Salazar N, Rangel-Vera JA. Efectividad del bloqueo neurolítico simpático abdominal en una serie de casos descriptiva en pacientes con dolor oncológico. MedUNAB. 2019;22(3):330-340. doi: 10.29375/01237047.3337

Influence of fire needle stimulation at Sihua acupoints on performance status and Th1/Th2 ba-lance in the patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer after chemotherapy / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of fire needle stimulation at Sihua acupoints combined with chemotherapy on Th1/Th2 imbalance and performance status in the patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) so as to investigate its immunological mechanism underlying the improvement of lung cancer. METHODS: Sixty eligible NSCLC inpatients were randomly assigned to a control group and a treatment group (n＝30 cases in each one). The control group was treated with paclitaxel combined with cisplatin (TP) or gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GP) of chemotherapy, and the treatment group was treated with fire needle stimulation at Sihua acupoints (i.e. bilateral Geshu [BL17] and Danshu [BL19]) and with chemotherapy simultaneously. The fire needle stimulation was given once daily for successive 7 days. One day before and 14 days after chemotherapy, the patients' blood samples were collected for assaying the concentrations of Th1 related cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ) and Th2 related cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) with ELISA. The Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score was used to assess the patient's physical conditions before and 14 days after chemotherapy. RESULTS: Compared with the results before treatment, the levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ concentration increased obviously and the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 concentration as well as KPS score decreased significantly in the treatment group and the control group after treatment (all P<0.01). After treatment, compared with the control group, the levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ concentration in the treatment group increased and the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 concentration decreased (P<0.01); and the decrease amplitude of KPS score in the treatment group was less than that in the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Fire needle stimulation at Sihua acupoints improves the function of Th1 cells, and reduces the function of Th2 cells. As a result, the balance between Th1 and Th2 has been modified and the deterioration degree of the performance status been alleviated in the patients after chemotherapy.

Safety Profile and Therapeutic Efficacy of One Cycle of Lu177-PSMA in End-Stage Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients with Low Performance Status / 대한핵의학회잡지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate safety and therapeutic efficacy of lutetium 177 prostate-specific membrane antigen (Lu-177-PSMA) in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients with low performance status.METHODS: Twenty-two patients already treated with anti-androgens and docetaxel were enrolled for one cycle of Lu-177-PSMA therapy. Haemoglobin, total leukocyte counts, platelets and serum creatinine for toxicity profile while prostate specific antigen (PSA), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, visual analogue scale (VAS) and analgesic quantification scale (AQS) for therapeutic efficacy were recorded pre and 8 weeks post therapy. Wilcoxon signed-rank and ANOVA tests were used for statistical analysis.RESULTS: Partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD) for PSAwere seen in 5 (22.7%), 13 (59.1%) and 4 (18.2%) patients respectively treated with mean 6.88 GBq dose of Lu-177-PSMA. 8/22 (36.4%) patients showed ≥ 30% drop in PSA. Grade 3 haemoglobin toxicity was seen in 5/22 (22.7%) patients. No patient developed grade 4 haemoglobin toxicity. No patients had grade 3 or 4 leukocytopenia or thrombocytopenia. Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed statistical significant (P < 0.05) difference in pre and post treatment ECOG, VAS, and AQS scores. The ANOVA test showed statistically significant difference in mean doses of Lu-177-PSMA used in three PSA response groups while difference was non-significant for other variables.CONCLUSION: We concluded that Lu-177-PSMA therapy has adequate pain palliation in end-stage mCRPC patients with low performance status and it has a potential to become effective therapeutic option in properly selected patients.

A Proposal for Modification of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Staging System Considering the Prognostic Implication of Performance Status

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) C stage demonstrates considerable heterogeneity because it includes patients with either symptomatic tumors (performance status [PS], 1–2) or with an invasive tumoral pattern reflected by the presence of vascular invasion (VI) or extrahepatic spread (EHS). This study aimed to derive a more relevant staging system by modification of the BCLC system considering the prognostic implication of PS. METHODS: A total of 7,501 subjects who were registered in the Korean multicenter hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) registry database from 2008 to 2013 were analyzed. The relative goodness-of-fit between staging systems was compared using the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and integrated area under the curve (IAUC). Three modified BCLC (m-BCLC) systems (#1, #2, and #3) were devised by reducing the role of PS. RESULTS: As a result, the BCLC C stage, which includes patients with PS 1–2 without VI/EHS, was reassigned to stage 0, A, or B according to their tumor burden in the m-BCLC #2 model. This model was identified as the most explanatory and desirable model for HCC staging by demonstrating the smallest AIC (AIC=70,088.01) and the largest IAUC (IAUC=0.722), while the original BCLC showed the largest AIC (AIC=70,697.17) and the smallest IAUC (IAUC=0.705). The m-BCLC #2 stage C was further subclassified into C1, C2, C3, and C4 according to the Child-Pugh score, PS, presence of EHS, and tumor extent. The C1 to C4 subgroups showed significantly different overall survival distribution between groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: An accurate and relevant staging system for patients with HCC was derived though modification of the BCLC system based on PS.

Efficacy and safety of therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with native papillae with a performance status score of 3 or 4: A single-center retrospective study / Journal of Rural Medicine

Objective: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS) score of 3 or 4.Patients and Methods: We reviewed the data of 287 patients with native papillae who underwent therapeutic ERCP for biliary disease at our hospital between October 2016 and October 2018. The patients were divided into two groups; those with an ECOG-PS score of 3 or 4 (group A; n=78) and those with an ECOG-PS score of 0–2 (group B; n=209).Results: The rate of technical success was not significantly different between the two groups (95% versus 89%, P=0.13). Although the occurrence rate of overall adverse events (10% versus 11%, P=0.95) was not significantly different between the groups, the occurrence rates of aspiration pneumonia (3.8% versus 0%, P=0.0044) and heart failure (2.6% versus 0%, P=0.020) were significantly higher in group A.Conclusion: The rates of technical success and overall adverse events did not significantly differ between patients with an ECOG-PS score of 3 or 4 and those with a score of 0–2; however, aspiration pneumonia and heart failure were more likely to occur among patients with an ECOG-PS score of 3 or 4.

Clinical regularities in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of cancer pain in recent 30 years / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To explore the clinical regularities in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of cancer pain by reviewing the relevant studies published between 1985 and 2017.Methods:Based on the Chinese Medicine Acupuncture-moxibustion Information Database,quantitative analysis,correlation analysis and Chi-square test were applied to analyze the commonly used acupoints,meridian affiliations and body region distributions,commonly used methods and acupoint correlations,treatment method correlations,the efficacy of acupuncture-moxibustion plus the three-step analgesic ladder for cancer pain,and indicators.Results:Zusanli (ST 36),Ashi point and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) ranked the top on the list of frequency;points from Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang and Stomach Meridian of Foot Yangming were often used;points from the lower limbs and back had high frequencies.The most commonly used treatment method was acupuncture-moxibustion plus medication.Acupuncture-moxibustion plus the three-step analgesic ladder showed certain advantage compared with the two methods used separately,and among the integrated methods,acupoint application plus the three-step analgesic ladder produced the most significant efficacy.It took (44.77±55.54) min for the analgesic effect to act and the effect lasted for (12.81±14.59) h.Numerical rating scale (NRS),visual analog scale (VAS) and Karnofsky performance status (KPS) scores all showed significant changes after interventions (all P＜0.01);there was no significant change in the score of quality of life (QOL) after interventions (P＞0.05).Conclusion:Zusanli (ST 36),Ashi point and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) are commonly selected in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of cancer pain;acupuncture and acupoint application are often used;acupuncture-moxibustion plus the three-step analgesic ladder can boost the treatment efficacy.

The impact of Karnofsky performance status of posttreatment on survival with concurrent chemotherapy and thoracic three-dimensional radiotherapy for stage Ⅳ non-small cell lung cancer / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To investigate the impact of the changes of posttreatment karnofsky performance status (KPSpost) on the overall survival (OS) for patients with stage Ⅳ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) underwent concurrent chemoradiation.Methods A total of 279 patients (male 198 and female 81) with histological confirmed stage Ⅳ NSCLC were enrolled in this study with a median age of 58 years old (range 22 to 80 years old).There were 166 cases of squamous carcinoma,87 cases of adenocarcinoma,and 22 cases of unclassified carcinoma,respectively.All enrolled patients received more than 2 cycles of chemotherapy and more than 36 Gy of concurrent radiotherapy.Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test were applied to evaluate OS.Multivariate analyses were carried out by the Cox proportionalhazard model.Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to explore the related factors of KPSpost.Results There were 198 patients with improved KPSpost and 81 patients with decreased KPSpost,respectively.Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that the improvement of KPSpost was associated with longer OS.Logistic regression analysis showed that the improvement of KPSpost was positively related with treatment of more than 4-6 cycles chemotherapy concurrent with over 63 Gy radiation to primary tumor.The improvement of KPSpost also correlated positively with disease control rate (DCR),but negatively with PLT toxicity and radiation esophagitis.Conclusions KPSpost was an independent prognostic factor of OS for patients with stage Ⅳ NSCLC underwent concurrent chemoradiation.Chemotherapy of 4-6 cycles and concurrent over 63 Gy radiotherapy dose to primary tumor,as well as DCR were positive factors for KPSpost improvement.However,stage 3-4 PLT toxicities and radiation esophagitis decreased the KPSpost.

A prospective observational study on drug safety monitoring and Pharmacoeconomics in patients with locally advanced unresectable NSCLC in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Lung cancer is the deadliest type of cancer for both men and women. The study was aimed at learning and comparing the toxicities of various chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of carcinoma lung, which will help in the implementation of counter measures to avoid development of toxicities, with a constant vigil on the patients during chemotherapeutic cycles. This study also aimed at searching into the added economic burden to the unfortunate patient, who is already suffering from a deadly disease. Study also targeted at evaluating the performance status of the patients receiving the chemotherapy.Methods: The Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) data was collected from 40 patients receiving chemotherapy for locally advanced unresectable carcinoma lung from the cancer wards of a tertiary care hospital over a period of 2 months. ADRs were graded according to WHO guidelines and their performance statuses were assessed using the Zubrod抯 performance scale. Cost analysis of chemotherapeutic regimens was also carried out.Results: On comparison, alopecia and peripheral neuropathy were significantly more common with carboplatin-paclitaxel combination compared to other regimens (p value<0.005). Cost analysis reveals that the most commonly employed carboplatin-paclitaxel combination is more affordable when compared to the newer highly expensive agents but is costlier than cisplatin based chemotherapy. Also, carboplatin-paclitaxel combination offers a reasonably good performance status.Conclusions: Thus, carboplatin-paclitaxel combination is the preferred regimen for palliation in advanced NSCLC, especially in the older patients.

A comparative study of comprehensive geriatric assessment in elder patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma / 中华内科杂志

Objective To measure the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in elder non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) patients in a cross-sectional study;to compare the differences between Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG)-performance status (PS) and CGA.Methods CGA stratification included the following 3 instrument assessments:activity of daily living (ADL);instrumental activity of daily living (IADL);comorbidity score according to the modified cumulative illness rating score for geriatrics (MCIRS-G).According to CGA and age,NHL patients,aged ≥60 years,were classified as "fit","unfit" and "frail" groups.ECOG-PS was evaluated and compared with CGA.Results According to CGA,51.6％ senior NHL patients (33 cases) were classified as "fit",12.5％(8 cases) as " unfit" and 35.9％ (23 cases) as "frail".Several comorbidities were observed in majority patients,such as cardiovascular disease,diabetes nellitus and hypertension.In the "younger aged" patients between 60 to 64ys,25％(3/12) was considered as "frail".However,this proportion increased to 42.9％ (6/14) in patients older than 80ys.Moreover,impaired CGA was observed in 38.9％(21/54) of ECOG-PS ≤1 patient.Conclusions Impaired CGA is as common as approximately half in elderly NHL patients and more than one third even in ECOG-PS ≤ 1 patients.ECOG-PS may underestimate the impaired fitness function in elder NHL patients.

Prediction of Patient Discharge Status Based on Indicators on Admission / 한국호스피스완화의료학회지

PURPOSE: To provide effective palliative care, it is important to predict not only patients' life expectancy but their discharge status at a time of inpatient admission to a hospice care facility. This study was aimed to identify meaningful life expectancy indicators that can be used to predict patients' discharge status on admission to the facility. METHODS: Among 568 patients who were admitted to the hospice ward of P hospital from April 1, 2016 through December 31, 2017, 377 terminal cancer patients were selected. This retrospective cohort study was performed by using performance status, symptoms and signs, socioeconomic status, laboratory findings on admission. RESULTS: Alive discharge was associated with a good performance status that was measured with the Karnofsky and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scales and the Global health and Mental status. Less anorexia, dyspnea, dysphagia and fatigue were also associated with symptoms and signs. Associated laboratory findings were close to normal Complete Blood Cell (CBC) count, Liver Function Test (LFT) and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), ECOG, Global health, Mental status, anorexia, dyspnea, dysphagia, fatigue, CBC, LFT, BUN are meaningful indicators when predicting discharge status for inpatients. Further investigation is warranted.