Dimethyl Sulfoxide–Sodium Bicarbonate Infusion for Palliative Care and Pain Relief in Patients With Metastatic Prostate Cancer

ABSTRACT

Prostate cancer (adenocarcinoma of the prostate) is the most widespread cancer in men. It causes significant suffering and mortality due to metastatic disease. The main therapy for metastatic prostate cancer (MPC) includes androgen manipulation, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy and/or radioisotopes. However, these therapeutic approaches are considered palliative at this stage, and their significant side effects can cause further decline in patients’ quality of life and increase non–cancer-related morbidity/mortality. In this study, the authors have used the infusion of dimethyl sulfoxide–sodium bicarbonate (DMSO-SB) to treat 18 patients with MPC. The 90-day follow-up of the patients having undergone the proposed therapeutic regimen showed significant improvement in clinical symptoms, blood and biochemistry tests, and quality of life. There were no major side effects from the treatment. In searching for new and better methods for palliative treatment and pain relief, this study strongly suggested therapy with DMSO-SB infusions could provide a rational alternative to conventional treatment for patients with MPC.     

Prostate Cancer Patients' Preferences for Intermittent vs. Continuous Androgen Deprivation—A Pilot Institutional Study

IntroductionWith locally advanced, recurrent, and metastatic prostate cancer patients, patient preference between intermittent (IAD) and continuous (CAD) androgen deprivation therapy has not been investigated. The goal of the study was to determine patients' preference for IAD vs. CAD therapy. The secondary aim was to elucidate demographic or treatment variables that may affect a patient's preference for one type of hormonal treatment.Materials and MethodsUsing a tradeoff model that demonstrates the difference in outcome between IAD and CAD, a survey questionnaire was developed and administered to prostate cancer patients at the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Only patients who had (1) locally advanced prostate cancer, (2) been previously treated for prostate cancer with relapsing prostate-specific antigen, or (3) slow metastatic disease were asked to participate. Data related to patients' demographic information and their decisional preference factors were collected.Results and ConclusionsOverall, 36 of 53 (68%) patients completed the survey. Most patients favoured IAD (n = 32) over CAD (n = 4). Patients currently on radical treatment (adjuvant hormone therapy and radiation therapy) preferred CAD compared with patients who were not on radical treatment (P = .044). Patients with high (>20 ng/L) pretreatment prostate-specific antigen showed preference for CAD; however, this was not statistically significant (P = 0.07). Patients from both groups viewed quality of life as the strongest influence on their treatment preference, but had diverging opinions on side effects and general well being. The results of this pilot study could serve as a guide for future studies; a larger study combined with qualitative methodology may better address patients' needs and minimize any regret over their hormonal treatment.     

Immunotherapy for prostate cancer - recent progress in clinical trials

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy affecting men in the United States. Traditional therapy with radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy can be curative for localized disease, but metastatic prostate cancer is currently incurable. The only treatments known to prolong survival in patients with metastatic disease are androgen-deprivation therapy and chemotherapy, both of which have significant side effects. Immunotherapy approaches offer hope in providing new treatments to delay disease progression, ideally with fewer side effects. The results from nearly all early immunotherapy clinical trials for prostate cancer conducted to date have shown minimal toxicity, and many have suggested clinical benefit in terms of delaying disease progression. Several phase III clinical trials are currently under way in patients with metastatic, androgen-independent prostate cancer. The current article reviews recent trials evaluating immune-modulating agents, antigen-specific active immunotherapy, and combination therapies in clinical development for the treatment of prostate cancer.     

The Role of Palliative External Beam Radiation Therapy in Boney Metastases Pain Management

ABSTRACT

Bone is the third most common organ affected by neoplastic metastases, and about 70% of patients with breast cancer or prostate cancer that develop metastases will have osseous involvement. As part of a multi-pronged approach to pain management in these patients, external beam radio therapy (EBRT) continues to be a mainstay of treatment for metastatic bone pain. This article reviews the role of radiation therapy in palliative management strategies for patients with bone metastases, including the clinical and cost-effectiveness of single fraction (SFRT) versus multiple fraction (MFRT) EBRT in pain relief. Studies indicate that SFRT is more cost-effective than MFRT, yet both are clinically effective in pain management. Therefore, EBRT use retains an important place among analgesia, bone modifying agents, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy in improving quality of life (QoL) and reducing morbidity from metastatic bone pain.     

坦索罗辛在晚期前列腺癌伴膀胱出口梗阻中的应用价值

目的探讨坦索罗辛治疗晚期前列腺癌伴发膀胱出口梗阻的临床疗效及安全性。方法 44例存在膀胱出口梗阻的下尿路症状(LUTS)症状晚期前列腺癌患者,22例(A组)最大限度雄激素阻断治疗(MAB)联合应用超选择性α1A受体阻滞剂坦索罗辛0.2mg,qn;22例(B组)单纯性MAB治疗。前瞻性地从国际前列腺症状评分(IPSS)、生活质量指数评分(QOL)、最大尿流率(Qmax)、残余尿、前列腺体积、前列腺特异性抗原(PSA)等多个角度进行评估。结果两组间治疗前所有参数比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),治疗后两组IPSS、QOL、Qmax、残余尿等参数的改变均有统计学差异(P<0.05),A组患者IPSS、Qmax、QOL、残余尿等指标较B组更好,具有统计学差异(P<0.05),但前列腺体积及PSA指标未见明显差异,无统计学差异(P>0.05),两组未观察到明显的毒副作用。结论坦索罗辛可有效改善晚期前列腺癌伴膀胱出口梗阻患者下尿路症状,对无法耐受姑息性TURP患者明显提高生活质量,MAB联合坦索罗辛是一种安全而有效的治疗选择。     

Pain palliation using unsealed radionuclides

Chronic pain is one of the most frequent and distressing symptoms in patients suffering from bone metastases due to malignant disease. Besides pharmacological therapy using analgesics according to the WHO scheme and local surgical or radiotherapeutic treatment options, systemic radionuclide therapy is available, particularly for patients with multilocular metastatic disease. This palliative pain treatment is almost free of severe side effects and is thus indicated as a complementary therapy as part of an interdisciplinary approach in pain treatment. Moreover, preliminary data indicate a favorable cost:utility ratio. Positive clinical effects with marked reduction of pain are described in 70-80% of patients with breast or prostate cancer. However, complete analgesia is uncommon and, thus, most patients require analgesic treatment during the further course of their disease.     

Pain management of cancer patients with transdermal fentanyl: a study of 1828 step I, II, & III transfers.

The aim of this observational study was to examine pain management outcomes and quality of life (QoL) measures in cancer patients with intolerable or chronic severe pain transferring from World Health Organization's step I, II, and III analgesics to the transdermal therapeutic fentanyl system (TTS-F). This study examines the safety and efficacy of TTS-F in long-term pain management, addressing the role of TTS-F in cancer pain. Pain measures were assessed in 1828 patients (step I [na?ve], 268; step II [codeine], 1239; and step III [morphine], 321) on the basis of selected questions from the Greek-Brief Pain Inventory. Overall treatment satisfaction (scale, 1 to 4), QoL, and European Collaborative Oncology Group (ECOG) status were also recorded. These were assessed in relation to TTS-F dose, stratified by transfer step, primary cancer, metastases, type of pain, and concomitant use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Of 1828 patients, 100 (5.5%) withdrew, and an addition 14 (0.8%) discontinued because of side effects. A total of 1714 continued on study; 744 patients died, and 970 departed during the study period. In total, 93.8% were satisfied with their pain relief, and complete patient satisfaction was obtained within 2 months. Pain, QoL, and treatment satisfaction measures demonstrated statistically significant improvements over time, independent of the step transfer. Although doses of TTS-F were higher for step III > II > I and for metastatic than nonmetastatic, the median dose for all groups remained 50 microg/h throughout the study period. Pain and QoL improvements were independent of patient characteristic(s). Direct transfer to TTS-F for patients with intolerable or chronic moderate to severe cancer pain offers an efficient and safe long-term analgesic option for palliative care patients. Careful selection and follow-up by experienced palliative care specialists are mandatory. TTS-F as a first-line analgesic approach for severe cancer pain should be considered a viable option because of its durable efficacy and low incidences of side effects. PERSPECTIVE: At a fairly constant dose of 50 microg/h, the transdermal therapeutic fentanyl system offers a safe, well-tolerated pain relief treatment for carefully monitored patients with cancer pain. The authors stress that this includes patients who experience difficulties in their pain management while progressing through the WHO's ladder for pain management.     

Einsatz offener Radionuklide in der Schmerztherapie

Chronic pain is one of the most frequent and distressing symptoms in patients suffering from bone metastases due to malignant disease. Besides pharmacological therapy using analgesics according to the WHO scheme and local surgical or radiotherapeutic treatment options, systemic radionuclide therapy is available, particularly for patients with multilocular metastatic disease. This palliative pain treatment is almost free of severe side effects and is thus indicated as a complementary therapy as part of an interdisciplinary approach in pain treatment. Moreover, preliminary data indicate a favorable cost:utility ratio. Positive clinical effects with marked reduction of pain are described in 70–80% of patients with breast or prostate cancer. However, complete analgesia is uncommon and, thus, most patients require analgesic treatment during the further course of their disease.     

Octreotide for palliative treatment of hepatic metastases from non-neuroendocrine primary tumours: evaluation of quality of life using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire

BACKGROUND AND AIM: While octreotide has been used in palliative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and neuroendocrine tumours with good results, little is known about the possible role of this in palliative treatment of hepatic metastases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present our experience from the use of octreotide in palliative treatment of symptomatic liver metastases in 16 patients (11 males, five females, age ranged 43-69 years) with proven hepatic metastases from different primary tumours (six with non-small lung cancer, four with colon carcinoma, two with primary pancreatic head carcinoma, two with prostate cancer and two with adenocarcinoma of the stomach). All patients were administered 20 mg long-acting octreotide IM (octreotide LAR) once the first day, octreotide SC 0.5 mg three times daily on days 2-14 and then 20 mg long-acting octreotide IM every month. Quality of life was assessed by using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30). Tumour response was evaluated by using ultrasonography. RESULTS: One month after baseline, octreotide resulted in significant (P < 0.01, Wilcoxon test) improvement and stabilization of all major related EORTC QLQ-C30 parameters such as global quality of life, pain, fatigue, insomnia, appetite loss as well as physical, emotional, cognitive, social and role functioning. Except for mild hyperglycaemia in six out of 16 patients and mild gastrointestinal complications in one patient, no other severe side effect due to octreotide was reported. Two patients died two months after the initiation of the study due to generalized metastatic disease, while the remaining 14 patients were still alive seven months after the initiation of the study. The hepatic metastases were stabilized and no new lesions were detected by ultrasonography. CONCLUSIONS: Although further studies are warranted, we consider the use of octreotide a good alternative in palliative treatment of symptomatic liver metastases in patients with end-stage malignant disease.     

Indications and Complications of Androgen Deprivation Therapy

ObjectiveTo review the indications for and side effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men affected by prostate cancer.Data SourcesNational guidelines, evidence-based summaries, peer-reviewed studies, and websites.ConclusionIndications for ADT include men with (1) intermediate- to high-risk localised prostate cancer undergoing radiation therapy, (2) biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy treated with salvage radiation therapy, or (3) metastatic prostate cancer. Several forms of ADT are available. To support self-management, body weight, diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking should be discussed during clinical consultations. Important side effects of ADT may include flare-up phenomena of GnRH analogues, local reactions at injection sites, cardiovascular events, bone loss/fractures, drug-drug interactions, urinary tract dysfunction, hot flashes, cognitive impairment, seizure falls, and liver impairment.Implications for Nursing PracticeNurses have a role in personalized cancer care and should be familiar with indications, side effects, and interventions to optimize quality of life for men affected by prostate cancer receiving ADT.     

Dealing with a troublesome body: A qualitative interview study of men’s experiences living with prostate cancer treated with endocrine therapy

PurposeEndocrine therapy for prostate cancer causes substantial side effects, and previous studies have focused on the impacts on sexuality and masculinity. Little is known about how men experience bodily alterations in everyday life through the course of the prostate cancer and treatment. The aim of this study was to show how men with prostate cancer experience bodily changes and how these alterations influence daily life.MethodThe study was conducted via qualitative interviews with a phenomenological hermeneutic approach. We interviewed ten men (aged 58–83) with prostate cancer who received endocrine therapy as the primary treatment method.ResultsThe results showed that five themes were important for the men’s experiences of their bodily alterations throughout the course of the illness: “something is ‘wrong’”, “when the body becomes troublesome”, “to be well or to be ill”, “dealing with the alterations” and “to talk about cancer and the intimate details”. Initially, the shock of receiving a cancer diagnosis and the physical changes in their bodies were at the forefront of many patients’ minds. Eventually, the impact of the side effects became more evident, which caused problems in everyday life. Yet, the men were able to reflect on the impact of treatment on their everyday lives.ConclusionThis study showed that hormone treatment has a significant influence, both directly and indirectly, on the bodies of prostate cancer patients. The experiences of men with prostate cancer may lead to feelings of loss of identity on an existential level.     

Quality of life in patients with prostate cancer

OBJECTIVES: Quality of life (QOL) issues are important for patients with prostate cancer because side effects from treatment are substantial, while the disease itself may be indolent. This article reviews prostate cancer QOL studies. DATA SOURCES: Selected studies published on QOL in prostate cancer using validated patient-assessed tools from the last 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Prostate cancer treatments are associated with side effects: prostatectomy has more urinary and sexual side effects, while external radiation therapy has more bowel symptoms. Side effects are not highly correlated with overall QOL. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Patients must be made aware of potential gains in life expectancy as well as side effects of treatments to make informed decisions about treatment.     

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Although the mortality rate for prostate cancer has remained unchanged for 50 years, new advances have changed classic concepts in the diagnosis and management of patients with this disease. Our understanding of the anatomy and natural history of patients with prostate cancer has been enhanced. The ability to diagnose early stage prostate tumors has been improved by the introduction of prostate-specific antigen and transrectal ultrasound. Clinical staging of patients with prostate cancer has been refined, which has decreased adverse effects of inappropriate treatment. Modifications in the technique of radical prostatectomy have minimized the morbidity associated with this procedure, making it a more attractive therapeutic option. DNA ploidy analysis holds promise as a predictor of response to hormonal therapy. New agents are available to reduce adverse effects of hormonal therapy. In addition, traditional ideas about the timing of hormonal therapy and the use of total androgen blockade are being challenged. These changes may presage an improved quality of life and improve survival for patients with prostate cancer.     

Effects of exercise training programs on physical performance and quality of life in patients with metastatic lung cancer undergoing palliative chemotherapy—A study protocol

PurposeThe aims of the study protocol are to investigate different adapted physical training programs in patients with advanced lung cancer undergoing palliative chemo- or radiotherapy and to evaluate their effects on physical performance, quality of life, symptom burden, and efficacy of oncologic treatment.MethodsPatients will be randomized into three study arms: interventional group 1 performing aerobic exercise, interventional group 2 performing resistance training, and a control group without specific physical training. Interventional training will be performed for 12 weeks consisting of two supervised and one self-instructed training sessions per week each. Respiratory therapy over 12 weeks is provided in all three study arms as an established supportive therapy in lung cancer patients.Primary efficacy endpoint is physical performance measured by peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak). Secondary efficacy endpoints include additional parameters of physical performance (resistance, lung function, perceived exertion, level of physical activity and IPAQ-questionnaire), health-related quality of life (EORTC QLQ C30-questionnaire), disease and treatment related symptoms (Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale), biologic parameter (e.g. body composition, blood values of immune system, chronic inflammation, glucose and lipid metabolisms), and parameter of efficacy of oncologic treatment.DiscussionThe results of this study will offer an overview over possible effects of specific training interventions on health related quality of life, physical and psychological symptoms, and on the efficacy of oncologic treatment. The primary aim of this study is to detect adapted intervention programs for metastatic lung cancer undergoing palliative chemotherapy.     

Issues in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer

OBJECTIVES: To provide a discussion of the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, nursing interventions, and quality of life issues for women with advanced breast cancer. DATA SOURCES: Journal articles and internet web sites. CONCLUSIONS: Advances in the discovery of new chemotherapeutic regimens, monoclonal antibodies, and bisphosphonates have offered more options for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Treatment is aimed at improving survival while maintaining quality of life. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses can use this information to educate patients about their cancer treatment. It provides nurses with strategies for management of treatment side effects and will enhance their understanding of quality of life issues for women with metastatic breast cancer.     

Quality of life in men receiving radiotherapy and neo‐adjuvant androgen deprivation for prostate cancer: results from a prospective longitudinal study

Aim. To report a study measuring the quality of life and side effects in men receiving radiotherapy and hormone ablation for prostate cancer up to 1 year after treatment. Background. Prostate cancer incidence is increasing with the result that more men are living longer with the disease and the side effects of treatment. It is important to know the effects this has on their quality of life. Design. Survey. Method. Between September 2006–September 2007, all men who were about to undergo radical conformal radiotherapy ± neo‐adjuvant androgen deprivation for localized prostate cancer were invited to participate in the study; 149 men were recruited. They completed the European Organization on Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire C‐30 and Prostate Cancer module PR25 at four time‐points. Results. At 4–6 weeks after radiotherapy, participants experienced the biggest relative decline in global quality of life, social, physical, and role functioning and an increase in treatment side effects. At 6 months postradiotherapy the majority of men experienced an improvement in their side effects. However, a minority of men were experiencing severe side effects of radiotherapy at 1 year post‐treatment. Single men and men who had a low quality of life prior to radiotherapy, reported a lower quality of life at 1 year after treatment in comparison to married men. Conclusion. Men with prostate cancer suffer limitations due to the symptoms they experience and disruption to their quality of life. It is essential that nurses develop and deliver follow‐up care which is flexible and appropriate to the individual needs of these men.     

Duration of therapy in advanced, metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer

Advanced, metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a challenge to oncologists. There is little doubt that platinum-based combination chemotherapy improves survival and has a palliative effect by improved patients' symptoms and quality of life. Yet chemotherapy is not curative, is associated with toxicity, and can be costly. In most recent phase III trials, the median survival time is 8 to 10 months. Therefore, the optimal duration of therapy-one that balances survival and palliative effects against toxicity, cost, and intrusiveness on patients' lives-remains an important issue. Three recent randomized trials that addressed this in stage IIIB/IV NSCLC are reviewed. Two evaluated brief durations of first-line therapy (3 cycles in one, 4 in the other) versus longer-duration therapy (6 cycles and continuous therapy, respectively). No benefit in response rate, symptom relief, quality of life, or survival was noted for the longer-duration therapy. In addition, cumulative toxicities occurred more frequently in patients who received longer treatment durations. The third trial administered 4 cycles of first-line platinum-based therapy and then randomized responding patients to observation or 6 months of further therapy with vinorelbine. No survival benefit was noted for vinorelbine. There trials suggest that duration of first-line therapy in advanced, metastatic NSCLC should be brief (3 to 4 cycles). Prolonged therapy does not appear to improve survival and carries the risk of cumulative toxicity. Second-line therapy considered in those patients fit enough to receive it at the time of disease progression.     

唑来磷酸联合（89）Sr治疗前列腺癌骨转移

目的评价唑来磷酸联合89Sr治疗前列腺癌骨转移的临床疗效及不良反应。方法将去势治疗后的前列腺癌骨转移伴不同程度骨痛的39例患者随机分为两组,唑来磷酸组（A组,n=18）：唑来磷酸4mg加生理盐水100ml,静脉滴注30min以上,每28d1次,2～3次;唑来磷酸联合89Sr组（B组,n=21）：唑来磷酸4mg（方法同上）,89Sr148～222MBq/kg体重。分别观察镇痛效果、骨转移灶的变化、前列腺特异性抗原（PSA）及不良反应等。结果治疗前后A组疼痛评分分别为6.05±3.55和3.61±1.97,tPSA分别为（66.32±24.21）和（24.53±9.94）μg/L（P〈0.001）;B组疼痛评分分别为5.93±3.71和1.66±0.91,tPSA分别为（67.41±23.85）和（20.56±8.64）μg/L（P〈0.001）。两组骨转移灶消失或减少率分别为55.56%和71.43%。均未出现严重的不良反应。B组止痛和减少骨转移灶效果优于A组（P〈0.05）。结论唑来磷酸联合89Sr对去势治疗后的前列腺癌骨转移骨痛的止痛效果明显,可显著减少骨转移灶,较单独应用唑来磷酸效果好,是一种治疗晚期前列腺癌的有效方法。     

Hormone-refractory prostate cancer: a shifting paradigm in treatment

Prostate cancer, the most common male cancer, affects one in eight American men. Risk factors for the disease include increased age, race, and family history of prostate cancer. To date, surgery, radiation, and hormonal therapy have been the mainstays of treatment. In the past, chemotherapy served only a palliative role for men with prostate cancer and failed to produce a survival advantage or any significant measurable disease response. However, for the first time, docetaxel-based regimens have demonstrated improved survival in men with hormone-refractory prostate cancer in two different, large, phase III studies. Additionally, a number of novel agents are being developed with the hope that treatment for men with hormone-refractory prostate cancer will be improved. Oncology nurses provide critical symptom management strategies as well as education to men with prostate cancer and their partners. Therefore, maintaining current state of the knowledge about best practices and treatment for prostate cancer is crucial. This, in turn, directs efforts to educate patients and family members about treatments and management of side effects.     

健脾养胃方联合化疗对胃癌Ⅱ、Ⅲ期术后干预作用的临床研究

目的研究健脾养胃方联合化疗对胃癌Ⅱ、Ⅲ期术后患者的临床干预作用。方法将255例胃癌Ⅱ、Ⅲ期术后患者随机分为2组,试验组115例给予健脾养胃方联合FOLFOX4方案化疗,对照组140例给予单纯化疗。研究2组无病生存期、生命质量、中医征候疗效和胃癌相关肿瘤指标。结果试验组患者半年和1年复发转移率、治疗3个月后骨髓抑制总发生率低于对照组,但差异无统计学意义;2组患者无病生存期比较差异有统计学意义;与治疗前比较,试验组治疗3个月后社会领域评分显著提高,治疗6个月后功能及恶心领域评分显著提高,与治疗3个月比较,治疗6个月后功能及经济领域评分显著提高;治疗6个月后,试验组骨髓抑制总发生率显著低于对照组。治疗3个月后,2组中医证候疗效分布相似,试验组治疗6个月后总有效率显著高于3个月后及对照组,而对照组治疗3、6个月后无变化。结论健脾养胃方联合化疗治疗胃癌Ⅱ、Ⅲ期术后患者在延长无病生存期、降低复发转移率、提高生命质量、减轻化疗毒副反应等方面均具有不可替代的优势。