Quality of Life in Patients with Malignant Wounds Treated at a Wound Care Clinic.

Background: Malignant wounds can present in up to 14.5% of patients with advanced cancer, significantly reducing quality of life (QoL). Management of malignant wounds is generally palliative, with the goal of improving or maintaining QoL. There is a lack of data on the impact of wound care clinics on QoL in patients with malignant wounds. Objectives: We sought to assess the QoL in patients with malignant wounds attending a wound care clinic. We also aimed to describe the baseline QoL, trends in QoL, physical symptoms, and treatment modalities that affect QoL in patients with malignant wounds over time. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 36 patients attending a wound care clinic at an oncologic hospital from 1/1/2016-4/1/2023. As part of the standard of care, these patients complete a Skindex-16 QoL survey at each visit. The Skindex-16 is a validated instrument to measure the effects of skin diseases on QoL. Data were extracted from the electronic medical record. Descriptive statistics, graphical methods, and random effects models for change were used to describe the patient population and the QoL measures over time. Results: Of the 36 patients who completed at least one Skindex-16 questionnaire, 69.4% were female, and 50.0% developed malignant wounds from breast cancer, 30.5% from nonmelanoma skin cancer, and 8.3% from sarcoma. At the initial visit, 86.1% of patients had exudate associated with their malignant wound, 52.7% of patients had malodor, 63.9% had bleeding, 69.4% had pain, and 50% had pruritus. The mean baseline Skindex-16 score was 54.5, falling into the "extremely severe" category, with a mean score of 15.4, 18.8, and 20.3 for the symptoms, emotions, and functioning domains, respectively. Nineteen patients completed at least one additional Skindex-16 questionnaire at follow-up visits (visit two 52.8%, visit three 33.3%, visit four 19.4%, visit five or greater 13.9%). Compared to the mean Skindex-16 score at baseline, there was an 18.5 point improvement at visit 2 (95% CI: 3.3-33.7, p = 0.018). Conclusion: Malignant wounds severely adversely affect patients' quality of life. However, patients experienced improved quality of life after being treated at a dedicated wound clinic.

Therapeutic Management of Malignant Wounds: An Update.

OPINION STATEMENT: Malignant fungating wounds (MFW) are severe skin conditions generating tremendous distress in oncological patients with advanced cancer stages because of pain, malodor, exudation, pruritus, inflammation, edema, and bleeding. The classical therapeutic approaches such as surgery, opioids, antimicrobials, and application of different wound dressings are failing in handling pain, odor, and infection control, thus urgently requiring the development of alternative strategies. The aim of this review was to provide an update on the current therapeutic strategies and the perspectives on developing novel alternatives for better malignant wound management. The last decade screened literature evidenced an increasing interest in developing natural treatment alternatives based on beehive, plant extracts, pure vegetal compounds, and bacteriocins. Promising therapeutics can also be envisaged by involving nanotechnology due to either intrinsic biological activities or drug delivery properties of nanomaterials. Despite recent progress in the field of malignant wound care, the literature is still mainly based on in vitro and in vivo studies on small animal models, while the case reports and clinical trials (less than 10 and only one providing public results) remain scarce. Some innovative treatment approaches are used in clinical practice without prior extensive testing in fungating wound patients. Extensive research is urgently needed to fill this knowledge gap and translate the identified promising therapeutic approaches to more advanced testing stages toward creating multidimensional wound care strategies.

Symptoms and Prognoses of Patients With Breast Cancer and Malignant Wounds in Palliative Care Units: The Multicenter, Prospective, Observational EASED Study.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to investigate the symptoms and prognoses of patients with breast cancer and malignant wounds in the palliative care unit setting. METHODS: This study was a sub-group analysis of a multicenter, prospective, observational study. Patients admitted to 23 palliative care units in Japan between January and December 2017 were enrolled. Data of patients with breast cancer were extracted. We compared demographic characteristics, symptoms, and prognoses by breast cancer malignant wound status. The primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes included Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI) score, malignant wound characteristics, and symptom burden. RESULTS: Of 1896 patients, 131 (6.9%) had breast cancer. In this cohort, 44 (33.6%) patients had malignant wounds. Most malignant wounds (88%) were on the back and chest. Malignant wounds were associated with skin redness, erosion, necrosis, or fistula. Symptoms included bleeding, exudate, odor, and pain. Twenty-eight patients (63.6%) needed dressing changes and 14 (31.8%) patients experienced bleeding. None died due to bleeding. In the malignant wounds group, 32 (72.8%) patients had used an opioid dose equivalent to 38 mg of oral morphine daily, compared to 25 mg by 57 (65.5%) patients in the non-malignant wounds group (P = .26). Median PPI scores at hospital admission were 4.5 vs 6.5 (P = .08). Median survival was 23 vs 21 days (P = .48). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with malignant wounds had a distinct symptom burden profile and tended to use a higher dose of opioids. The effect of malignant wounds on survival was unclear.

Effect of bacterium in the malignant wounds of soft tissue sarcoma.

Malignant wounds (MWs) are rare skin lesions, which accompany ulceration, necrosis and infection caused by infiltration or damage by malignant tumor. The present study aimed to investigate the bacterial etiology implicated in MW in soft tissue sarcoma (STS), and the effectiveness of culture-guided perioperative antibacterial administration. A retrospective evaluation was conducted on medical records of patients who presented with MW between 2006 and 2020. A total of seven patients were included in the present study, in whom all tumors were relatively large (>5 cm) and high-grade. Subsequently, five patients underwent limb-sparing surgery, and three patients had distant metastases with a 5-year overall survival of 71%. Preoperative microbiological sampling from the wound identified 11 different bacterial strains in five patients. The infections were polymicrobial with an average of 2.6 strains isolated per patient (1 aerobic, 1.6 anaerobic bacteria). They were predominantly methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Patients with MWs from STS reported symptoms, including bleeding (71%), exudation (71%) and malodorous wound (43%) at the initial presentation; these completely resolved after surgery. All but one patient reported pain at the MW site with an average numeric rating scale of 4.4 at presentation that decreased to 1.4 (P=0.14) and 0.6 (P=0.04) one and two weeks after surgery, respectively. The patients had elevated C-reactive protein (71%), anemia (57%), low albumin (86%) and renal/liver dysfunction (14-29%). One patient was diagnosed with sepsis. Surgical resection afforded symptomatic relief and resolution of abnormal laboratory values. Although selected antibiotics were administered in four patients based on the preoperative antibiotic sensitivity test, surgical site infection (SSI) occurred in three patients. Therefore, the effectiveness of the selected antibiotics based on the results of the preoperative culture in preventing SSI needs to be investigated in the future. In conclusion, physicians should keep in mind that although surgical resection can improve the symptoms and abnormal values in laboratory examination form MW, it is accompanied with a high rate of SSI and poor prognosis.

Candidemia in patients with head and neck cancer: mortality and a novel risk factor.

PURPOSE: Candidemia is a bloodstream infection (BSI) by Candida spp. and is associated with high mortality. However, there have been few reports about BSI in head and neck cancer (HNC). We aimed to evaluate the impact of candidemia in patients with HNC and compared it with bacteremia. STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter retrospective study. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 83 BSI episodes in HNC (2011 to 2020) and divided them into the candidemia and bacteremia groups. We then compared the survival rate and risk factors for candidemia between the groups. RESULTS: The overall cumulative incidence (risk) of candidemia in BSI was 12 out of 83 episodes (14.5%). The 1-year mortality for the bacteremia and candidemia groups was 33.3% and 58.3%, respectively (log-rank p = 0.041). Broad-spectrum antibiotics (odds ratio [OR]: 29.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.49-350), mucositis (OR 11.0; 95% CI, 1.52-80.1), and malignant wounds (OR 79.5; 95% CI 1.33-4737) were significant risk factors for candidemia in HNC. CONCLUSIONS: Candidemia causes high mortality in patients with HNC. To our knowledge, malignant wounds have not been previously reported as a risk factor for candidemia. For early diagnosis and treatment of candidemia, risk factors should be considered, and antifungal therapy started earlier.

Radiation Therapy for Advanced Mucinous Carcinoma of the Breast With a Malignant Wound: A Case Report.

Patients with breast cancer who refuse standard treatment often suffer from malignant wounds due to the growth of local tumors. However, treatment strategies for patients with unresectable locally advanced breast cancer who refuse standard treatment remain unclear. Usually, such cases are treated with palliative irradiation and do not achieve local control by irradiation alone. This is the first case report discussing the role of high-dose local irradiation and the treatment course for a patient with a massive breast tumor (mucinous adenocarcinoma) who refused standard treatment. A 44-year-old female was diagnosed with mucinous carcinoma of the breast in the right breast (cT1N0M0, cStage I). She refused standard treatment for six years. She visited the emergency department because of acute bleeding from the right breast with malignant wounds. Macroscopically, the tumor in the right breast measured over 20 cm in diameter. The tumor was exudative, exhibited ulceration and slight bleeding, and emitted an odor. Imaging findings showed multiple lymph nodes and bone metastases, and the final diagnosis was stage IV breast cancer (cT4bN1M1). Although the surgeon recommended chemotherapy for breast cancer, the patient refused chemotherapy or other therapy due to concerns regarding treatment-related complications. Considering the symptoms of advanced breast cancer with malignant wounds, she finally agreed to receive radiation therapy (RT). We performed RT at 70 Gy in 35 fractions over seven weeks. The tumor-associated symptoms disappeared after RT. Three months after RT, the tumor had almost disappeared. We administered luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists after RT. Two years after RT, she died due to multiple liver metastases and ascites; however, there was no disease progression in the right breast. High-dose RT for locally advanced mucinous carcinoma of the breast with malignant wounds is considered an effective therapeutic option.

Fatal Tetanus in a Patient with Carcinoma of the Breast - A Case Report.

Tetanus in patients with malignant wounds can be fatal. We report a case of a patient with carcinoma of the breast, with a malignant wound. She had applied native medication and approached us for pain management. She developed typical features of tetanus which despite prompt detection and management by the palliative care team, turned fatal. We further discuss the need to keep the possibility of the diagnosis in mind, educate the caregivers to be aware of the possibility of a toxic infection like tetanus that can occur in patients with open wounds, ascertain the immunisation status if possible and conclude by reiterating the conclusions of other authors that prophylactic tetanus immunisation for those with malignant wounds could be effective in reducing the resultant morbidity-mortality.

Frequency and Management of Hemorrhagic Malignant Wounds: A Retrospective, Single-Center, Observational Study.

CONTEXT: The prevalence of bleeding episodes in malignant wounds (MW) is poorly documented, with no distinction between minor and potentially severe bleedings. This affects the quality of care. OBJECTIVES: Assessing the frequency and management of hemorrhagic malignant wounds at Institut Curie hospital, an anti cancer center. METHODS: Retrospective study conducted from the medical records of patients followed up by the Research and Wound Care Unit from Curie Institute (Paris, France), between 2017 and 2018. Patients >18 years of age, seen at least once by the Unit, and with an MW > 10 cm2 were included. RESULTS: Ninety patients were included, 74.4% female and 25.6% male, with a median age of 64 years (32-92). The most frequent etiologies were breast cancer (52.2%), sarcomas (12.2%), squamous cell carcinoma ear, nose and throat (11%), and pelvic cancer (8.9%). The median survival of patients after their first consultation was 5.6 months (95% CI: 4.6-8.4). Minor bleedings were observed in 38.9% of situations. Bleedings were significantly higher in malignant fungating wounds (P < 0.01). They were treated by the application of alginate or nonadherent dressings. The presence of at least one minor bleeding significantly increased the risk of more severe bleedings (P < 0.001). Hemorrhagic episodes were reported in 18.9% of patients, and 2.2% of patients died as a result of these bleeding episodes. Hemorrhages were fully controlled by hemostatic dressings in 70.6% of cases. The appearance of bleeding (minor or hemorrhagic) was significantly associated with survival (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: MWs with bleedings appear to be associated with a poor prognosis and could be a reason for early palliative care even if the patient's general condition is preserved. Palliative care must incorporate wound care skills to provide the most appropriate solutions to this anxiety-provoking symptom.

The management of malignant lower limb ulcers: clinical considerations.

Lower limb malignant ulcers are an uncommon finding, making diagnosis complex and their management costly. Yet, despite this, the increase in skin cancers over the past 30 years means that clinicians require an awareness and understanding of their existence, particularly in the primary care setting. Familiarity with common aetiologies and presentations is vital for prompt recognition, diagnosis and referral of wounds suspicious for malignancy. Lower limb malignant wounds often develop insidiously, with a wide variation in clinical presentation that overlaps between entities. Therefore, a fundamental algorithm for approaching lower limb ulcers that raise suspicion of malignancy should be possessed by all clinicians. This article reviews the clinical features of malignant wounds that should alert clinicians to the need for further evaluation, such as atypical location and appearance. The authors also highlight the various diagnostic and therapeutic modalities available and review current clinical guidelines for the referral and follow-up of suspicious lesions.

[Management of malignant wounds]. / Management maligner Wunden.

Malignant wounds arise either primary or secondary in the context of a malignant transformation of already existing wounds. A plethora of skin tumors, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, lymphoma as well as cutaneous metastases of other malignancies can ulcerate and be the cause of malignant wounds. Ulcerating tumors or metastases of the skin can however mimic chronic wounds from other causes and remain unrecognized over a longer period. In patients with chronic ulcerations, the correct and timely diagnosis is paramount. Based on this, the stage and disease-oriented treatment should be chosen in harmony with the wishes of the patient. In addition, general measures, such as atraumatic dressing changes to reduce pain and bleeding and the use of antiseptic dressing materials to prevent bacterial colonization and associated odors should be considered.

Holistic management of malignant wounds in palliative patients.

Malignant wounds are a complication of cancer, and usually occur in those individuals with advanced disease. When healing ceases to be the goal, treatment is centred around symptom control and improving quality of life. Caring for individuals with malignant wounds presents challenges for patients, their families and nurses alike. This article discusses the holistic management of malignant wounds, with an emphasis on the control of both physical and psychosocial symptoms of wound management, as well as the impact that this may have on all those involved. Common physical symptoms of malignant wounds include malodour, bleeding, pain, exudate and pruritis. Psychosocial symptoms may result in social isolation and depression. All these symptoms have a huge impact, not only on patients and their families, but also on healthcare professionals both during and after care. Managing these symptoms requires a multidisciplinary approach to facilitate the best possible outcomes for patients and their caregivers.

Managing tissue viability issues in patients with cancer approaching the end of life.

This article provides an overview of tissue viability issues related to the care of patients with cancer who are approaching the end of life. Altered physiology as a result of various factors, including nutrition, medication and radiotherapy, is identified. The article discusses the presentation and treatment of cutaneous radiation injury, malignant wounds, pressure ulcers and Skin Changes At Life's End (SCALE), an acronym used to describe a set of clinical phenomena associated with skin changes in patients approaching the end of life, and makes recommendations for practice.

Palliative Wound Care for Malignant Fungating Wounds: Holistic Considerations at End-of-Life.

Timely, holistic interventions aimed at easing the despair of patients with advanced cancer and malignant fungating wounds (MFWs) must incorporate patient and family goals of care in all aspects of decision-making. People with MFWs suffer from a devastating and often crippling symptom burden including disfigurement, pain, pruritus, malodor, exudates, and bleeding. These symptoms may lead to psychosocial and/or spiritual distress, isolation, and diminished quality of life. The complexity of caring for hospice patients with MFWs requires a pragmatic and holistic interdisciplinary approach guided by specialist-level palliative wound care. This article introduces a framework to assist clinicians in the assessment and management of terminally ill patients with MFWs.

The Point Prevalence of Malignancy in a Wound Clinic.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of malignant leg ulcers and to identify the most frequent characteristics of such wounds. This study was a retrospective investigation of patients with chronic leg ulcers in a North American tertiary wound clinic. Between January 2011 and September 2013, a total of 1189 patients with lower extremity wounds, including 726 patients with leg wounds, were identified. A total of 124 of the 726 had undergone a biopsy of their atypical wound, 16.1% (20/124) of which were malignant. Patients with malignant wounds were older than patients with nonmalignant leg wounds (P < .0001), and the common location of the malignant wound was the anterior shin (odds ratio = 3.5). The limitation of this analysis is the lack of distinction between malignant transformation of wounds and de novo presentation of malignancies as chronic nonhealing wounds. Three distinguishing morphological features in malignant wounds were irregular borders (P = .0002), presence of hypergranulation tissue (P < .0001), and friable/bleeding wound surface (P < .0001). The frequency of malignant wounds in patients with chronic leg ulcers highlights the need for a systematic approach, which would involve biopsy of wounds to identify malignancy in this patient population early on.

A Gestão da ferida maligna em cuidados paliativos: práticas de enfermagem / Management of the malignant wound in palliative care: nursing practices

Cada ferida, assim como cada pessoa, é única e por isso requer uma valorização.Neste pressuposto, consideramos de todo o interesse realizar um estudo direcionado para a gestão da ferida maligna em cuidados paliativos com o objetivo de compreender as práticas de enfermagem na gestão da ferida maligna em cuidados paliativos, contribuindo para melhores práticas de cuidados e consequentemente um melhor controlo de sintomas e bem-estar psicossocial do doente e família. Optamos por um estudo de natureza qualitativa, do tipo exploratório/descritivo e como instrumento de recolha de dados utilizamos a entrevista semi-estruturada. Dos resultados encontrados destacam-se: a avaliação do doente como um todo, tendo em atenção as características físicas, psicológicas, sociais e espirituais; que existe falta de uniformização da avaliação das feridas; as intervenções realizadas pelos enfermeiros são dirigidas ao doente no seu todo e à ferida, no sentido de promover o autocuidado, a comunicação, prestar apoio e controlar sintomas emergentes de ferida; um conjunto de dificuldades relacionadas com complicações da ferida, com o doente (comunicação e alterações de imagem) e com os próprios enfermeiros (transmissão de más notícias e falta de formação), assim como as estratégias mobilizadas para as ultrapassar e que se direcionam para o trabalho em equipa, a gestão de recursos existentes, a gestão de emoções e a atualização de conhecimentos. Os resultados obtidos pretendem ainda constituir um ponto de reflexão para a mudança/inovação das práticas de Enfermagem.

Each wound, like each person, is unique and therefore requires appreciation and individualized treatment, and this causes problems of the physical, psychological, social and spiritual nature. The symptoms should be treated in a palliative way to decrease complications and improve quality of life. With this assumption, it was considered of great interest to conduct a study directed at the management of the malignant wound in palliative care, with the objective of understanding the practices of nursing in the management of the malignant wound in palliative care, contributing to better practices of care and consequently, a better a control of the symptoms and psycho-social well-being of the patient and their family. A study of a qualitative nature was chosen, of the exploratory/descriptive type and as an instrument for data collection, we used a semi-structured interview.Of the results obtained, the following stood out: the evaluation of the patient as a whole, taking into account the physical, psychological, social and spiritual characteristics; that there was a lack of uniformity in the evaluation of the wounds; the intervention performed by nurses are directed at the patient as a whole and the wound, in order to promote self-care, communication, provide support and control of emerging symptoms of the wound; a number of difficulties related to the complications of the wound, with the patient (communication and change of image) and with the nurses themselves (conveyance of bad news and lack of training), as well as the strategies mobilized to overcome them and which are directed at teamwork, the management of existing resources, the management of emotions and the updating of knowledge. The results obtained also plan to constitute a point of reflection for change/innovation in the practices of nursing.