Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Anna Zasowska-Nowak, Piotr Jan Nowak, Aleksandra Cialkowska-Rysz
Summary: While preclinical studies showed some efficacy of high-dose IVC on tumors, human studies on advanced-stage cancer patients did not find positive effects, indicating that the rationale for using IVC to enhance chemotherapy remains unproven.
Article
Oncology
Megan M. Farrell, Cherry Jiang, Gabriel Moss, Barbara Daly, Elizabeth Weinstein, Matthew Kemmann, Mona Gupta, Richard T. Lee
Summary: The study found that the assessments ESAS and FACT-G were associated with the utilization of palliative care, acute care, and death among advanced oncology patients. These assessments can be used to identify advanced oncology patients who would benefit from routine palliative care.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Myrte Zijlstra, J. van Roij, I. Henselmans, H. W. M. van Laarhoven, G. J. Creemers, G. Vreugdenhil, E. J. M. Kuip, L. V. van de Poll-franse, N. J. H. Raijmakers
Summary: More than half of the patients with advanced cancer have no perception of their prognosis. Patients with a perceived prognosis have lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but only in patients who perceived their prognosis as limited (< 1 year), which is potentially due to their proximity to the end of life, rather than the prognostic perception itself. However, lack of knowledge about prognosis does not affect HRQoL, but appropriate palliative care should still be provided.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Shuchita Dhwiren Patel, Andrew Davies, Emma Laing, Huihai Wu, Jeewaka Mendis, Derk-Jan Dijk
Summary: Combining sleep-wake parameters with routine clinical data can improve survival prediction in advanced cancer patients. Machine learning models identified both established and new predictors of survival. This study is significant for the development of prognostic tools.
Article
Oncology
Luca Porcu, Angela Recchia, Cristina Bosetti, Maria Vittoria Chiaruttini, Sara Uggeri, Giada Lonati, Paolo Ubezio, Barbara Rizzi, Oscar Corli
Summary: This study aimed to develop and validate a new multivariable predictive model for predicting short-term survival in cancer patients receiving palliative care. The model utilized clinical factors collected at the time of admission and was validated in both home care and hospice patients.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Shivani Sud, Brandon C. Gerringer, Brandon S. Wacaser, Xianming Tan, Sarah S. Tatko, Trevor J. Royce, Andrew Z. Wang, Ronald C. Chen
Summary: The study revealed the underascertainment of clinically meaningful symptoms in radiation therapy patients, with certain patient groups being more vulnerable to underascertainment. The importance of incorporating patient-reported outcomes in the clinical care of radiation therapy patients to ensure accurate toxicity assessment and management was highlighted.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RADIATION ONCOLOGY BIOLOGY PHYSICS
(2021)
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Maureen Metzger, Emaad M. Abdel-Rahman, Heather Boykin, Mi-Kyung Song
Summary: As attention to symptom management in advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) grows, there is increasing evidence regarding effective pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions to improve quality of life. However, research in this area is still limited, with major gaps including the lack of clinical practice guidelines and evidence for effective pharmacologic interventions.
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Ingebrigt Roen, Anne-Tove Brenne, Cinzia Brunelli, Hans Stifoss-Hanssen, Gunn Grande, Tora Skeidsvoll Solheim, Stein Kaasa, Anne Kari Knudsen
Summary: The study found that spiritual QoL in carers was low and negatively affected by several factors related to both carers and patients. Health care professionals should be aware of the known associated factors, as carers who hold these may need extra support.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Bui Thanh Huyen, Pham Thi Van Anh, Le Dai Duong, Than Ha Ngoc The, Ping Guo, Pham Van Thuc, Luong Ngoc Khue, Eric L. Krakauer, Richard Harding
Summary: The Vietnamese version of the WHOQOL-BREF demonstrates excellent internal consistency reliability and sound construct and discriminant validity in advanced cancer patients. Advanced cancer inpatients, those with dependent children, and those with poorer physical function seem to have the greatest palliative care needs.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eun Joo Yang, Keun Seok Lee, Myong Cheol Lim, Ji Yeon Baek, Ji-Youn Han, Eun-Seung Yu, Seung Hyun Chung
Summary: The study found that symptom perception significantly affects functioning, with experienced symptoms indirectly affecting somatic sensations but not directly associated with disability. A complex model with first-order (somatic sensation) and second-order (experienced symptoms) factors provided a good fit, better conceptualizing the structure of symptoms.
Article
Oncology
Satoko Ito, Tatsuya Morita, Yu Uneno, Tomohiko Taniyama, Yosuke Matsuda, Hiroyuki Kohara, Isseki Maeda, Takeo Nakayama, Masanori Mori
Summary: This study aimed to clarify the incidence and associated factors of sudden unexpected death in advanced cancer patients. The results showed that sudden unexpected death is not uncommon, with male sex, liver metastasis, dyspnea, and other factors significantly increasing the risk of occurrence.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Koji Amano, Tatsuya Morita, Tomofumi Miura, Naoharu Mori, Ryohei Tatara, Takaomi Kessoku, Yoshinobu Matsuda, Keita Tagami, Hiroyuki Otani, Masanori Mori, Tomohiko Taniyama, Nobuhisa Nakajima, Erika Nakanishi, Jun Kako, Hiroto Ishiki, Hiromichi Matsuoka, Eriko Satomi, Jane B. Hopkinson, Vickie E. Baracos, Mitsunori Miyashita
Summary: This study aimed to validate tools for evaluating eating-related distress (ERD) among advanced cancer patients and family caregivers. The researchers developed and validated questionnaires through exploratory factor analysis, face validity, and content validity. The tools showed good concurrent validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. The developed tools can effectively measure ERD experienced by patients and family caregivers.
JOURNAL OF CACHEXIA SARCOPENIA AND MUSCLE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Silvia Allende-Perez, Georgina Dominguez-Ocadio, Veronica Velez-Salas, David Isla-Ortiz, Adriana Pena-Nieves, Emma Verastegui
Summary: The study revealed that patients with advanced cervical cancer have a heavy symptom burden, with palliative care only being considered towards the end of life. Efforts should be made to strengthen early referral to palliative care.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Meaghan A. Molloy, Elizabeth S. DeWitt, Emily Morell, Jeffrey R. Reichman, David W. Brown, Ryan Kobayashi, Lynn A. Sleeper, Eleni G. Elia, Chase Samsel, Elizabeth D. Blume
Summary: Parents of children hospitalized with advanced heart disease reported a high symptom burden, with pain, fatigue, and breathing difficulties being the most frequently reported symptoms. Treatment effectiveness was perceived as least likely for symptoms such as sleep disturbance, depression, and fatigue. Parental perception of symptom burden was in line with their understanding of their child's functional status.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Stefanie Solar, Johannes Wieditz, Florian Lordick, Anja Mehnert-Theuerkauf, Karin Oechsle, Birgitt van Oorschot, Michael Thomas, Thomas Asendorf, Friedemann Nauck, Bernd Alt-Epping
Summary: This study compared two different strategies for detecting physical symptoms and psychosocial burden in patients with newly diagnosed incurable cancer, and evaluated their effects on disease progression. The results showed no significant differences in quality of life between the comprehensive assessment and the brief screening. These findings have a positive impact on the implementation of low-threshold screening programs for supportive and palliative needs.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Margriet IJzerman-Korevaar, Alexander de Graeff, Steffie Heijckmann, Danielle Zweers, Bernard H. Vos, Marloes Hirdes, Petronella O. Witteveen, Saskia C. C. M. Teunissen
Summary: This study implemented the Utrecht Symptom Diary (USD) in oncology wards and evaluated the key facilitators for successful implementation from patients' and professionals' perspectives. The implementation significantly improved Symptom Management Performance in both patients and professionals, with more symptoms, working hypotheses, treatment plans, and interventions reported after the implementation. The study recommends specific strategies for successful implementation of symptom diaries in oncology wards.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Tom Lormans, Everlien de Graaf, Joep van de Geer, Frederieke van der Baan, Carlo Leget, Saskia Teunissen
Summary: By exploring the needs of patients with life-limiting illnesses, it was found that social and spiritual needs exhibit great similarities and overlap in various aspects; it is suggested that instead of distinguishing social from spiritual needs based solely on patients' linguistic expressions, a thorough exploration of each need should be conducted to provide patient-tailored care.
PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Eline M. Kochen, Paul A. Boelen, Saskia C. C. M. Teunissen, Floor Jenken, Roos R. de Jonge, Martha A. Grootenhuis, Marijke C. Kars
Summary: This study explores healthcare professionals' experiences in providing support to parents during their child's end of life, aiming to alleviate parental grief. Healthcare professionals employ strategies to help parents, but face challenges such as uncertainty and the emotional impacts of the child's imminent death. A more robust approach based on theory, evidence, and training is needed to improve preloss care in pediatrics.
JOURNAL OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Josephine J. Koldenhof, Frederieke H. van der Baan, Elisabeth G. Verberne, Annemarleen M. Kamphuis, Rik J. Verheijden, Erwin H. Tonk, Anne S. van Lindert, Janneke van der Stap, Saskia C. Teunissen, Petronella O. Witteveen, Karjin P. Suijkerbuijk
Summary: This study examined the symptoms and impact of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with melanoma or non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). The results showed that the prevalence of symptoms decreased during treatment, and patients generally reported a low influence of side effects on HRQL. However, a higher number of clinically relevant symptoms was associated with poorer wellbeing in patients.
JOURNAL OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Everlien de Graaf, Matthew Grant, Frederieke van de Baan, Marijke Ausems, Cathelijne Verboeket-Crul, Carlo Leget, Saskia Teunissen
Summary: This study aims to examine the clinical practices in palliative care through different types of hospices in the Netherlands and identifies variations in care. The data demonstrate that care practices are not standardized throughout the Dutch hospices and exhibit significant variations between types of hospices.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Manon S. Boddaert, Joep Douma, Anne-Floor Q. Dijxhoorn, Rene A. C. L. Heman, Carin C. D. van der Rijt, Saskia S. C. M. Teunissen, Peter C. Huijgens, Kris C. P. Vissers
Summary: Providing optimal, person-centred palliative care is challenging in a biomedical healthcare model focused on cure. Lack of awareness, poor interdisciplinary teamwork, limited communication, and late identification of patients in need of palliative care contribute to sub-optimal care provision. This study aimed to develop a national quality framework for improving access to high-quality palliative care in the Netherlands. By employing a modified Delphi technique and a whole-sector approach, an expert panel developed a consensus-based quality framework that was endorsed by various stakeholders.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Marc Haufe, Carlo Leget, Tina Glasner, Saskia Teunissen, Marieke Potma
Summary: This study validates the Diamond spiritual conversation model in different palliative care settings and professional and educational levels. The model provides a validated framework for addressing relevant spiritual themes for patients and loved ones in palliative care, which is scarce in the field.
BMJ SUPPORTIVE & PALLIATIVE CARE
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Everlien de Graaf, Frederieke van der Baan, Matthew Paul Grant, Cathelijne Verboeket, Merel van Klinken, Adri Jobse, Marieke Ausems, Carlo Leget, Saskia Teunissen
Summary: Hospice care in the Netherlands is provided in three different types of facilities. The study aimed to characterize the patient populations accessing Dutch hospices and describe the patient profiles in different hospice types. The results showed that cancer patients are the majority and have various physical, psychological, social, and existential needs. There were no significant differences in patient needs between hospice types. Patients with non-malignant diseases and non-Dutch cultural backgrounds were less likely to access hospice care, and policies should focus on facilitating their involvement.
BMJ SUPPORTIVE & PALLIATIVE CARE
(2022)
Review
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Tamara van Schaik, Marije A. Brouwer, Nico E. Knibbe, Hanneke J. J. Knibbe, Saskia C. C. M. Teunissen
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted grief experiences of bereaved relatives and altered accustomed ways of coping with loss. This review examines the emotional responses, changes in grief, the effect of absence during final moments, a lack of involvement in the caring process, the impact on communities and social support systems, and the alteration of funerals among bereaved relatives. The study also highlights the poor bereavement outcomes and health implications associated with death during COVID-19, as well as signs of resilience and coping among the bereaved.
OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Eline M. Kochen, Martha A. Grootenhuis, Saskia C. C. M. Teunissen, Paul A. Boelen, Maria-Luisa Tataranno, Jurrianne C. Fahner, Roos R. de Jonge, Michiel L. Houben, Marijke C. Kars, emBRACE working grp
Summary: This study aims to understand how parents cope with grief during their child's end of life. Through semi-structured interviews, data were collected and analyzed from parents during the child's end of life and recently bereaved parents. The results show that parents strive to sustain family life and ensure a full life for their child, but their grief increases due to hypervigilance towards signs of loss. Healthcare professionals should support parents in their search for balance and creating emotional space.
Article
Oncology
Roos Enzlin, Sigrid C. J. M. Vervoort, Britt B. M. Suelmann, Richard P. Meijer, Saskia C. C. M. Teunissen, Danielle Zweers
Summary: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and intensity of late effects in patients with testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT), in order to improve follow-up care. Through literature review, expert assessment, and patient survey, the prevalence and intensity of late effects in different domains were identified. The survey results showed that fatigue, disturbed overall well-being, concentration problems, and neuropathy were the most common and highest scored late effects.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY NURSING
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
E. H. Huele, J. M. van der Velden, N. Kasperts, W. S. C. Eppinga, J. P. C. Grutters, B. B. M. Suelmann, A. A. Weening, D. Delawi, S. C. C. M. Teunissen, H. M. Verkooijen, J. J. Verlaan, R. Gal
Summary: The BLEND RCT aims to evaluate the effectiveness of same-day stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and stabilizing surgery compared to standard of care for the treatment of symptomatic, unstable spinal metastases. It is expected to achieve better functional outcomes, faster pain relief, and continuation of systemic oncological therapy.
Article
Primary Health Care
Anne Antonisse, Frederieke H. van der Baan, Matthew Grant, Gon Uyttewaal, Cathelijne Verboeket, Hanneke Smits-Pelser, Saskia C. C. M. Teunissen, Eric C. T. Geijteman
Summary: This study aimed to assess the use of inappropriate preventive medications and supplements in adult patients with a life-limiting illness in the home-care setting. The study found that many patients in their last phase of life used inappropriate medications and supplements, and timely medication review may help optimize medication use in the last year of life.
Article
Pediatrics
Eline M. Kochen, Saskia C. C. M. Teunissen, Paul A. Boelen, Floor Jenken, Roos R. de Jonge, Martha A. Grootenhuis, Marijke C. Kars
Summary: The study aims to explore the challenges healthcare professionals encounter while providing care for parents during their child's end-of-life. The findings reveal three dyadic dimensions in preloss care delivery, which include sustaining hope versus realistic prospects, obtaining emotional closeness versus emotional distance, and exploring emotions versus containing emotions.
ACADEMIC PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Dieuwke C. Bos, Everlien de Graaf, Alexander de Graeff, Saskia C. C. M. Teunissen
Summary: The study analyzed determinants of unbearable suffering in hospice patients who died due to euthanasia, finding that most patients experienced a combination of physical and existential factors, with fatigue, anorexia, and dry mouth being the most prevalent and severe symptoms. Psychological and social determinants were less frequently described. The results may help in assessing factors involved in euthanasia requests.
Review
Oncology
Rui Wang, Aashiq Hussain, Quanquan Guo, Meimei Ma
Summary: DNA is highly immunogenic and can activate the cGAS-STING pathway, which plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of neoplastic diseases. The modulation of cGAS-STING signaling holds great promise for cancer therapy, although there are disagreements on whether to activate or inhibit this pathway.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ONCOLOGY HEMATOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Oncology
Ali Zarezadeh Mehrabadi, Faezeh Shahba, Hossein Khorramdelazad, Nazanin Aghamohammadi, Milad Karimi, Kowsar Bagherzadeh, Majid Khoshmirsafa, Ramin Massoumi, Reza Falak
Summary: IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAP) plays a crucial role in inflammatory conditions and tumorigenesis in the tumor microenvironment. It is involved in the progression, metastasis, and angiogenesis of solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ONCOLOGY HEMATOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Oncology
Xiao Tang, Yujie Niu, Jinli Jian, Yuancheng Guo, Yin Wang, Yu Zhu, Bei Liu
Summary: Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of cell death that promotes tumor cell death by causing cell membrane rupture and accumulation of lipid peroxides. Extensive research has been conducted to explore the mechanism of ferroptosis inducers, but its role in hematological tumors is still limited.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ONCOLOGY HEMATOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Oncology
Tanwei Yuan, Dominic Edelmann, Jakob N. Kather, Ziwen Fan, Katrin E. Tagscherer, Wilfried Roth, Melanie Bewerunge-Hudler, Alexander Brobeil, Matthias Kloor, Hendrik Blaeker, Barbara Burwinkel, Hermann Brenner, Michael Hoffmeister
Summary: The study aimed to analyze and validate previously published CpG-methylation-based prognostic biomarkers and prediction models for colorectal cancer (CRC) prognosis. The results showed that the discrimination ability of the models was insufficient and lacked clinical relevance.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ONCOLOGY HEMATOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Oncology
Zhihui Duan, Dandan Yang, Ping Yuan, Xiaoming Dai, Guodong Chen, Daichao Wu
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive overview of therapeutic cancer vaccines, including their classification, clinical application, efficacy, and combination strategies with other therapies. It offers a valuable theoretical basis for the future clinical application and development of therapeutic cancer vaccines.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ONCOLOGY HEMATOLOGY
(2024)
