Symptom Burden in Patients With Oligometastases at the Start of Palliative Radiotherapy

Anticancer Research
Carsten Nieder, Thomas A Kämpe

Abstract

Recent studies suggested that patients with oligometastases have a better prognosis compared with those who have widespread dissemination. In both groups, radiotherapy is a commonly applied treatment. Patient-reported symptoms might depend on the burden of disease. Possibly, oligometastatic patients report lower scores for symptoms, such as fatigue or reduced appetite, which tend to worsen as the disease progresses to a later stage. Therefore, we analyzed the symptom scores in two groups of patients with or without oligometastatic disease. A retrospective study was performed in 83 patients who received palliative, non-ablative radiotherapy for distant metastases. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) was employed to assess the pre-radiotherapy symptoms. The oligometastatic group was smaller than anticipated (n=11). The ESAS score differences were not statistically significant. However, oligometastatic patients reported less fatigue, pain and dry mouth (p<0.2). They also had a better performance status. The median survival of oligometastatic patients was longer (8.1 vs. 5.5 months, p=0.17), in the absence of ablative metastases-directed treatment. The oligometastatic state is not a major contributor to the variable patien...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.