Major depression, adjustment disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder in terminally ill cancer patients: associated and predictive factors.

PURPOSE: Few studies have been conducted to elucidate the psychological distress of terminally ill cancer patients. This study attempted to determine the prevalence of adjustment disorders (AD), major depression (MD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among terminally ill cancer patients, to identify factors that contribute to them, and to determine how they change longitudinally. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive terminally ill cancer patients were recruited. Patients were assessed for psychiatric disorders by structured clinical interview twice: once at the time of their registration with a palliative care unit (baseline), and again at the time of their palliative care unit admission (follow-up). Possible contributed biomedical and psychosocial factors were evaluated. RESULTS :The proportions of patients diagnosed with AD, MD, and PTSD at baseline (n = 209) were 16.3%, 6.7%, and 0% respectively, whereas at follow-up (n = 85), 10.6% were diagnosed with AD and 11.8% with MD. Lower performance status, concern about being a burden to others, and lower satisfaction with social support were significantly associated with AD/MD at baseline. There were changes in the diagnosis of AD and MD in 30.6% of the patients. Only the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at the baseline was significantly predictive of AD/MD at follow-up. CONCLUSION: The factors underlying psychological distress are multifactorial. Early intervention to treat subclinical anxiety and depression may prevent subsequent psychological distress.     

Depressive illness and lung cancer. I. Depression before diagnosis

Twenty-two (16%) of 134 lung cancer patients had symptoms of a major depressive illness at the time they first presented to hospital. This was a higher prevalence than that found in patients with non-malignant chest conditions, or in controls without serious disease. A past history of psychiatric illness, and the presence of metastatic disease, were the most significant correlates of depression. The depressive symptoms had often preceded the physical ones and apparently arisen in reaction to social stress.     

Social support adequacy and depression in older patients with metastatic cancer

Although the highest proportion of cancer patients are over 55 years, the psychosocial aspects of cancer in this age group has received little systematic attention. Many older patients who report psychological distress, especially depressive symptoms, also report a perception of inadequate social support. The primary aim of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived adequacy of social support and depression in a group of older patients with metastatic cancer. The association of social support network variables (e.g. number in household, etc.) with depression was also evaluated. A second study aim was to evaluate the reliability and validity of a measure of social support adequacy, that had been originally developed with college students, for its usefulness with a cancer population. The measure of perceived adequacy of social support used in this study was found to be a reliable and valid measure with older cancer patients. Total perceived adequacy and each of three subtypes (significant other, family and friends) were significantly associated with lower levels of depression. In a multiple regression procedure, both perceived adequacy and network characteristics were significantly associated with less depression. These findings suggest that older cancer patients who are depressed may be good candidates for psychosocial interventions aimed at improving social support and subsequently quality of life.     

The needs of patients with advanced, incurable cancer

Background:

Limited research has investigated the specific needs of patients with advanced incurable cancer. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of perceived needs among this population.

Methods:

Medical specialists from two regions in New South Wales, Australia, identified patients with advanced, incurable cancer, who were estimated to have a life expectancy of <2 years and were not receiving formal palliative care. Of the 418 eligible patients, 246 (59%) consented to participate. Consenting patients completed the Needs Assessment for Advanced Cancer Patients questionnaire, which has demonstrable validity and reliability. Patients'' perceived needs were assessed across the seven domains of the questionnaire: psychological, daily living, medical communication and information, symptom related, social, spiritual and financial needs.

Results:

Patients identified the greatest areas of need in relation to psychological and medical communication/information domains. Patients'' specific needs were highest in dealing with a lack of energy and tiredness, coping with fears about the cancer spreading, and coping with frustration at not being able to do the things they used to do.

Conclusion:

This study indicates that patients with advanced, incurable cancer have high levels of unmet needs, especially in relation to the areas of psychological and medical communication/information needs. The data have the potential to guide the development of interventions aimed at meeting the current unmet needs of patients with advanced, incurable cancer.     

The contribution of attachment security and social support to depressive symptoms in patients with metastatic cancer

The present study examines the association between disease-related factors, perceived social support, attachment security (i.e. attachment anxiety and avoidance), and the occurrence of depressive symptoms in a sample of patients with metastatic gastrointestinal or lung cancer. Results from a sample of 326 cancer outpatients with advanced disease indicate that disease-related factors are significantly associated with the occurrence of depressive symptoms, and the latter are inversely related to the degree of attachment anxiety and avoidance, and perceived social support. Attachment security (on the dimension of anxious attachment) significantly buffered the effect of disease-related factors on depressive symptoms, and perceived social support mediated the relationship between attachment security and depressive symptoms. The buffering effect of attachment security on depressive symptoms and its partial mediation through social support suggest that the interaction of individual, social, and disease-related factors contribute to the emergence of depressive symptoms in patients with metastatic cancer.     

Frühe palliative Intervention

Background

Many patients with metastatic lung cancer suffer from physical and psychological symptoms as well as of social and spiritual concerns. The goals of therapy are usually palliative. Factors like symptom control and quality of life are important in addition to prolonged survival in these circumstances. The randomised trial by Temel et al. presented here shows that early palliative care can reduce symptoms, improve quality of life and prolong survival.

Objectives

The effect of early palliative care on quality of life and end-of-life care among ambulatory patients with newly diagnosed metastatic lung cancer was evaluated.

Materials and methods

Patients with newly diagnosed metastatic lung cancer were randomised to treatment with standard therapy or standard therapy plus early palliative care. Quality of life and mood were assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung (FACT-L) scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The primary outcome was the change in quality of life at 12 weeks. The data of end-of-life care were collected from electronic medical records.

Results

The palliative care group had significantly better quality of life and less depression. The end-of-life care was less aggressive and hospice care was integrated earlier and more often. The survival time was significantly prolonged.

Conclusion

These data support the approach to integrate palliative care by a multiprofessional team early in the therapeutic concept for patients with newly diagnosed metastatic lung cancer.     

Translation and validation of Brief Edinburgh Depression Scale (BEDS) in French

BackgroundDepression is an important symptom for many palliative care patients but is rarely identified. It's known to reduce quality of life and impact on palliation of physical symptom. These physical symptoms can be improved by an adequate treatment of depression. Many depressed cancer patients are not treated due to the difficulty in assessment. The Brief Edinburgh Depression Scale (BEDS) is widely used within the UK and also in other countries but its use is limited by the lack of translations. In this study, we report the translation and validation of the BEDS in French.MethodA group of experts translate the BEDS using back-to-back translation and the standard procedures of the EORTC. All the patients admitted to our Palliative Care Unit between November 2007 and April 2008 were eligible to take part in the study. The French BEDS was validated against the gold standard, a semi structured psychiatric interview (according to the SADS ou Schedule for Affective Disorders Scale). For this study full regional ethical approval was obtained.ResultsForty-eight patients participated in the validation study. The prevalence of depression according to psychiatric interview was found to be 56.3% and the optimum cut-off of the French BEDS was 7, which yielded a sensitivity of 82.4% and a specificity of 68.4%.ConclusionWe believe that the French BEDS is a valid and sensitive tool for screening depression, and that it can be used within the palliative care population. Further work might be necessary to extend its use to the wider oncology population.     

The prevalence and detection of psychiatric morbidity in patients with metastatic breast cancer

This study monitored the prevalence and detection of psychiatric morbidity in 80 women newly diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer from diagnosis of metastatic disease over a 16-month period. Patients were interviewed at home every 8 weeks using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and an interview schedule compiled by the author to monitor contact with members of the multidisciplinary team, demographic details, current treatment and sites of metastatic spread. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) comparing the mean anxiety and depression scores at each interview demonstrated that there were no statistically significant differences in mood across the eight interviews, though there was a trend over the course of the eight interviews for mean anxiety and depression to decrease. Using the cut off scores suggested by the authors of the HADS, the scores were then categorized into case, borderline and normal. These analyses illustrated the relatively large proportion of patients who fell into the borderline and case ranges for anxiety and/or depression with, for example, 39% of women scoring in the case range for anxiety and 31% for depression at diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Detection of these mood problems was extremely low with referral to appropriate services not in evidence. The results of this study are consistent with those of other studies monitoring the psychological needs of women with breast cancer and the detection of mood disturbance. The clinical relevance of the results of the present study are discussed and future research avenues suggested.     

Supportive care versus supportive care and combination chemotherapy in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Does chemotherapy make a difference?

Current chemotherapy treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer has demonstrated some objective responses, but is still largely palliative. This report reviews the results of a randomized trial in patients with advanced metastatic non-small cell lung cancer which compared treatment with supportive care (treatment with palliative radiation, psychosocial support, analgesics, nutritional support) to supportive care plus combination chemotherapy with cisplatin and vinblastine. Although the patients receiving combination chemotherapy had a slightly longer median survival (20.43 weeks versus 13.57 weeks), it was not statistically significant (P = 0.09). In addition, the patients receiving chemotherapy experienced serious toxicity, and showed no significant benefit in terms of quality of life as measured by Karnofsky performance status score. The authors conclude that contemporary combination chemotherapy provides only modest survival benefit to patients with advanced metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and should not be considered standard therapy. Future investigations of chemotherapy in patients with unresectable non-small cell lung cancer should continue to utilize control arms which provide high-quality supportive care.     

Prostate cancer patients' support and psychological care needs: Survey from a non-surgical oncology clinic

While there are numerous uncertainties surrounding prostate cancer's detection and treatment, more research focusing on the psychological needs of prostate patients is required. This study investigated the support and psychological care needs of men with prostate cancer. Patients were approached during urological oncology clinics and asked to complete the: Support Care Needs Survey (SCNS), Support Care Preferences Questionnaire, EORTC QLQ-C30 (Version 3) Measure plus Prostate Module, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Of the 249 patients meeting study entry criteria, there was an 89% response rate resulting in a cohort of 210 patients. The data showed that significant unmet need exists across a number of domains in the areas of psychological and health system/information. The more commonly reported needs were 'fears about cancer spreading (44%),' 'concerns about the worries of those close to you (43%),' and 'changes in sexual feelings (41%).' Half of all patients reported some need in the domain of sexuality, especially men younger than 65 years. Needs were being well met in the domain of patient care and support. A significant number of patients reported having used or desiring support services, such as information about their illness, brochures about services and benefits for patients with cancer (55%), a series of talks by staff members about aspects of prostate cancer (44%), and one-on-one counselling (48%). Quality of life (QoL) was most negatively impacted in those who: were < or =65 years old, had been diagnosed within one year, or had metastatic disease. Men < or =65 had decreased social functioning, greater pain, increased sleep disturbance, and were more likely to be uncomfortable about being sexually intimate. Patients recently diagnosed had increased fatigue, more frequent urination, greater disturbance of sleep, and were more likely to have hot flushes. Those with advanced disease scored lower on 12 out of 15 QoL categories. PSA level had no effect on QoL or anxiety/depression scores. Men with advanced disease had greater levels of depression and those < or =65 years old were more likely to be anxious. Although most men with prostate cancer seem to function quite well, a substantial minority report areas of unmet need that may be targets for improving care.     

Identifying the palliative care needs of patients living with cerebral tumors and metastases: a retrospective analysis

Primary tumors and metastatic involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) lead to a multitude of symptoms and care needs. Patients and caregivers struggle with physical and psychological impairments, a shortened life expectancy and diverse palliative care needs. This study assesses the symptom burden and palliative care needs of patients with primary brain tumors and with metastatic brain tumors requiring inpatient hospital care. It is a retrospective analysis of patients with primary CNS tumors or cerebral metastases over a 6 month period. The data analysed included physical symptom burden and end of life care decisions such as health care proxy, transition to hospice and do-not-resuscitate orders. Hundred and sixty eight patients were included. The most common symptoms were gait impairment (65.5 %), cognitive/personality change (61.9 %), motor deficits (58.3 %), seizures (57.1 %) and delirium (27.4 %). Of the patients that died, 79 % had an appointed health care proxy, 79 % had hospice discussions, 70 % had a do-not-resuscitate order and 24 % received cancer directed therapy in the last month of life. There is a role for more aggressive palliative care support in patients living with primary or metastatic brain tumors.     

晚期恶性肿瘤患者心理状况初步分析

背景与目的：晚期肿瘤患者的生活质量、心理状况等正在受到广泛的关注和重视,本研究初步评估晚期恶性肿瘤患者的心理状况,并分析其影响因素。方法：对2011年9月-2013年3月于复旦大学附属肿瘤医院综合治疗科住院治疗的晚期肿瘤患者,在家属陪同及医师的指导下,分别完成焦虑自评量表(self-ratinganxiety scale,SAS)、抑郁自评量表(self-rating depression scale,SDS)、生活质量调查问卷(EORTCQLQ-C30)、社会支持评定量表、90项症状清单(symptom checklist 90,SCL-90)等调查量表,并对各量表的结果进行统计学分析。结果：共56例患者入组。所有患者中,18例有抑郁倾向,24例有焦虑倾向,16例焦虑合并抑郁。分析显示,有心理障碍组,除认知功能外,躯体、角色、情绪、社会功能评分明显较无心理障碍组低,而SCL-90评分及疲倦、疼痛、呼吸困难、失眠、食欲丧失、经济困难等方面,有心理障碍组评分较无心理障碍组明显升高。患者SAS、SDS评分与整体生活质量呈负相关,而与患者的症状评分呈正相关。结论：晚期恶性肿瘤患者中,存在心理障碍的患者比例较高,且心理障碍会严重影响患者的生活质量。对于主诉症状较多或者自觉生活质量较差的患者,需要更多地关注其心理状况,必要时进行一定的干预,以缓解症状,提高生活质量。     

Depression and tumor stage in cancer of the head and neck

A study was undertaken to explore the relationship between depression and tumor invasiveness in a group of 45 patients with cancer of the head and neck at different stages. Patients were assessed for depression at the time of their first visit to a tertiary care cancer center, before definitive diagnosis was made and treatment initiated. Depression was assessed by using the DSM-III derived dysthymia scale of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory and by clinical interview which elicited symptoms of major depression. We hypothesized that if depression were related to the physical effects of the tumor then patients with more advanced cancer would be more depressed due to associated pain, discomfort and nutritional deficits. Contrary to expectations, results showed that depression scores were distributed equally throughout all stages. However, stage × gender analysis showed a significant effect with females having early stage (1 and 2) cancer being most depressed. Physical symptoms and nutritional factors were not associated with depressed affect but marital status (unmarried) and stress scores were. The high frequency of depression reported in head and neck cancer patients is not necessarily the result of the malignant process or a response to treatment but may be related to premorbid factors of which social support is one variable.     

Self-Perceived Competence Among Medical Residents in Skills Needed to Care for Patients with Advanced Dementia Versus Metastatic Cancer

To examine medical residents' perceived competence in caring for patients with dementia we conducted an online survey of all 120 second, third and fourth-year residents in Internal Medicine, Medicine/Pediatrics, and Family Medicine at University of Michigan. A structured survey elicited residents' training, experience, confidence, and perceived career needs for skills in estimating prognosis, symptom management, and communication in caring for patients with dementia, compared to patients with metastatic cancer. Among the 61 (51?%) respondents, a majority report lower confidence in assessing prognosis and eliciting treatment wishes in patients with dementia (vs. metastatic cancer), and in performing skills integral to the care of patients with dementia, including the ability to assess caregiver needs, decisional capacity, advise on place of care, and manage agitation, despite viewing these skills as important to their future careers. These findings support the need for enhanced education on optimal care of patients with advanced dementia.     

The Impact of Chemotherapy on the Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Patients

One hundred and thirty-seven breast cancer patients, 102 receiving adjuvant chemotherapy and 35 receiving palliative chemotherapy for metastatic disease underwent a 37-item quality-of-life questionnaire to evaluate the impact of disease and treatment on physical, psychological and social well being. Patient groups were designated as follows — Adj CT: patients undergoing the questionnaire during their adjuvant chemotherapy program; Post Adj CT: patients evaluated 3 to 8 months after termination of adjuvant chemotherapy; Mts CT: patients assessed during palliative chemotherapy for metastatic disease, and Post Mts CT: patients 3 to 8 months after termination of palliative chemotherapy. Physical and social activities were reported as unaltered or normal by 64 to 70% and 52 to 67% of patients, respectively. Psychological status was judged normal by 39 to 45% of patients. No significant differences were observed between the patient groups. In 83 to 90% of cases the patient normally took care of herself. In 62 to 87% of cases time dedicated to recreational activities was reported as unaltered. The majority of patients (84%) judged that their relationship with partner and/or family were good. Severe anxiety was reported in 19 to 28% of patients and severe depression was infrequent (3.9%). Information regarding disease and treatment given by health professionals was considered satisfactory by 80 to 100% of patients. This pilot experience indicates that the majority of breast cancer patients respond normally to the stresses of both adjuvant and palliative chemotherapy; quality of life does not appear to improve 3-8 months after termination of chemotherapy; family support is good in the majority of cases and that a subset of patients with severe anxiety who could benefit from pharmacological and/or psychological intervention can be identified.     

Living and dying with metastatic bowel cancer: Serial in‐depth interviews with patients

Colorectal cancer is the second highest cause of cancer deaths. There are significant physical and psycho‐social effects on quality of life with advanced disease. Despite this, there are few accounts of the patient experience from advanced illness through to dying. We elicited the longitudinal experiences of living and dying with incurable metastatic colorectal cancer by conducting serial interviews with patients for 12 months or until they died. The interviews were analysed, using a narrative approach, longitudinally as case studies and then together. Thirty‐six interviews with 16 patients were conducted. Patients experience metastatic colorectal cancer in three phases; (1) Diagnosis and initial treatment; (2) Deterioration and social isolation and (3) Death and dying. Many patients initially said they hoped to survive, but, as “private” and in‐depth accounts of the experience emerged in further interviews, so did the understanding that this hope co‐existed with the knowledge that death was near. Palliative chemotherapy and the challenge of accessing private accounts of patient experience can inhibit care planning and prevent patients benefitting from an active holistic palliative care approach earlier in the disease trajectory. This study has immediate clinical relevance for health care professionals in oncology, palliative care and primary care.     

Relationships between supportive care needs and perceived burden in breast cancer survivor–caregiver dyads

While burden in cancer caregivers is high and associated with poor outcomes, little is known about significance of specific supportive care needs’ domains in determining survivors’ or caregivers’ perceived caregiver burden. This cross‐sectional study explored which domains of survivor‐ and caregiver‐reported supportive care needs were most associated with survivor‐ and caregiver‐reported caregiver burden, in breast cancer survivor–caregiver dyads. Cancer survivors (N = 55) and their caregivers (N = 44) completed measures of supportive care needs, anxiety, depression, functional well‐being and perceived caregiver burden. Correlation and linear regression analyses were used to determine relative significance of survivor and caregiver supportive care needs in accounting for variance in survivor and caregiver perceptions of burden. Higher survivor‐perceived caregiver burden and higher caregiver‐perceived difficulty of caregiving were associated with higher levels of survivor and caregiver supportive care needs. Survivors’ psychological needs uniquely contributed to survivors’ self‐perceived burden, and survivors’ sexual needs and caregivers’ work and social needs uniquely contributed to caregivers’ perceived difficulty of caregiving. Caregiver's perceived time spent caregiving was associated with access to services needs but not other needs. Survivor and caregiver supportive care needs and burden appear interdependent. Longitudinal research with larger samples is warranted to examine these relationships.