The authors focused on the current surgical treatment of resectable gastric cancer, and significance of peri- and post-operative chemo or chemoradiation. Gastric cancer is the 4<sup>th</sup> most commonly ...The authors focused on the current surgical treatment of resectable gastric cancer, and significance of peri- and post-operative chemo or chemoradiation. Gastric cancer is the 4<sup>th</sup> most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Surgery remains the only curative therapy, while perioperative and adjuvant chemotherapy, as well as chemoradiation, can improve outcome of resectable gastric cancer with extended lymph node dissection. More than half of radically resected gastric cancer patients relapse locally or with distant metastases, or receive the diagnosis of gastric cancer when tumor is disseminated; therefore, median survival rarely exceeds 12 mo, and 5-years survival is less than 10%. Cisplatin and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy, with addition of trastuzumab in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive patients, is the widely used treatment in stage IV patients fit for chemotherapy. Recent evidence supports the use of second-line chemotherapy after progression in patients with good performance status展开更多
AIM:To identify prognostic factors from pretreatment variables of the initial transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)procedure in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). METHODS:One thousand and five hundred and six...AIM:To identify prognostic factors from pretreatment variables of the initial transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)procedure in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). METHODS:One thousand and five hundred and sixtynine patients with unresectable HCC underwent TACE as initial treatment were retrospectively studied.Pretreatment variables of the initial TACE procedure with a P value less than 0.05 by univariate analysis were subjected to Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS:The median overall survival time and 1-, 5-,10-year survival rates were 10.37 mo,47%,10%, and 7%,respectively.A Cox proportional hazard model showed that 8 pretreatment factors of regional lymphnodes metastasis,Child-Pugh class,macrovascular invasion,greatest dimension,α-fetoprotein(AFP), Hepatitis virus B,tumor capsule,and nodules were independent prognostic factors.Patients with multimodality therapy have better survival than those with TACE treatment only. CONCLUSION:Tumor status,hepatic function reserve,AFP,and hepatitis virus B status were independent prognostic factors for unresectable HCC.Distant metastasis might not be a contraindication to TACE. Multimodality therapy might improve survival.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on metal stent patency in patients with unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma (CC). METHODS:This was a retrospective analysis of patients with hilar CC referred...AIM:To evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on metal stent patency in patients with unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma (CC). METHODS:This was a retrospective analysis of patients with hilar CC referred to our institution from December, 1999 to January, 2011. Out of 232 patients, thirty-three patients with unresectable hilar CC were treated. Eighteen patients in the PDT group were treated with uncovered metal stents after one session of PDT. Fifteen patients in the control group were treated with metal stents alone. Porfimer sodium (2 mg/kg) was administered intravenously to PDT patients. Fortyeight hours later, PDT was administered using a diffusing fiber that was advanced across the tumor by either endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or percutaneous cholangiography. After performance of PDT, uncovered metal stents were inserted to ensure adequate decompression and bile drainage. Patient survival rates and cumulative stent patency were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis with the log-rank test. RESULTS:The PDT and control patients were comparable with respect to age, gender, health status, pretreatment bilirubin, and hilar CC stage. When compared to control, the PDT group was associated with significantly prolonged stent patency (median 244 ± 66 and 177 ± 45 d, respectively, P = 0.002) and longer patient survival (median 356 ± 213 and 230 ± 73 d, respectively, P = 0.006). Early complication rates were similar between the groups (PDT group 17%, control group 13%) and all patients were treated conservatively. Stent malfunctions occurred in 14 PDT patients (78%) and 12 control patients (80%). Of these 26 patients, twenty-two were treated endoscopically and four were treated with external drainage. CONCLUSION:Metal stenting after one session of PDT may be safe with acceptable complication rates. The PDT group was associated with a significantly longer stent patency than the control group in patients with unresectable hilar CC.展开更多
Colorectal cancer(CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in the elderly.However,elderly patients with CRC tend to be under-presented in clinical trials and undertreated in clinical practice.Advanced...Colorectal cancer(CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in the elderly.However,elderly patients with CRC tend to be under-presented in clinical trials and undertreated in clinical practice.Advanced age alone should not be the only criteria to preclude effective therapy in elderly patients with CRC.The best guide about optimal cancer treatment can be provided by comprehensive geriatric assessment.Elderly patients with stage Ⅲ colon cancer can enjoy the same benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin or capecitabine as younger patients,without a substantial increase in toxicity.With conflicting results of retrospective studies and a lack of data available from randomized studies,combined modality treatment should be used with great caution in elderly patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.Combination chemotherapy can be considered for older patients with metastatic CRC.For elderly patients who are frail or vulnerable,however,monotherapy or a stopand-go strategy may be desirable.The use of targeted therapies in older patients with metastatic CRC appears to be promising in view of their better efficacy and toxicity.Treatment should be individualized based on the nature of the disease,the physiologic or functional status,and the patient's preference.展开更多
AIM:To perform a meta-analysis of palliative stent placement vs palliative surgical decompression for management of incurable malignant colorectal obstructions.METHODS:The databases of Medline,Web of Science,Embase,an...AIM:To perform a meta-analysis of palliative stent placement vs palliative surgical decompression for management of incurable malignant colorectal obstructions.METHODS:The databases of Medline,Web of Science,Embase,and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from their inception to July 2012 for studies(prospective,retrospective,randomized controlled trials,and case-control trials)designed as comparative analyses of patients with incurable malignant colorectal obstructions treated by selfexpanding metallic stents(SEMS)or palliative surgery.No language restrictions were imposed.The main outcome measures were hospital stay,intensive care unit admission,clinical success rate,30-d mortality,stoma formation,complications,and overall survival time.The data extraction was conducted by two investigators working independently and using a standardized form.The Mantel-Haenszel 2method was used to estimate the pooled risk ratios with 95%CI under a fixed-effects model;when statistical heterogeneity existed in the pooled data(as evaluated by Q test and I2statistics,where P<0.10 and I2<25%indicated heterogeneity),a random-effects model was used.RESULTS:Thirteen relevant articles,representing837 patients(SEMS group,n=404;surgery group,n=433),were selected for analysis.Compared to the surgery group,the SEMS group showed lower clinical success(99.8%vs 93.1%,P=0.0009)but shorter durations of hospital stay(18.84 d vs 9.55 d,P<0.00001)and time to initiation of chemotherapy(33.36 d vs15.53 d,P<0.00001),and lower rate of stoma formation(54.0%vs 12.7%,P<0.00001).Additionally,the SEMS group experienced a significantly lower rate of30-d mortality(4.2%vs 10.5%,P=0.01).Stent-related complications were not uncommon and included perforation(10.1%),migration(9.2%),and occlusion(18.3%).Surgery-related complications were slightly less common and included wound infection(5.0%)and anastomotic leak(4.7%).The rate of total complications was similar between these two groups(SEMS:34.0%vs surgery:38.1%,P=0.60),but the surgeryre展开更多
The concept of End-of-Life Care(EOLC)came into China in the late1980s.However,hospice and palliative care in medical practice develope slowly.In recent years,profesionals,patients and their families,as well as governm...The concept of End-of-Life Care(EOLC)came into China in the late1980s.However,hospice and palliative care in medical practice develope slowly.In recent years,profesionals,patients and their families,as well as government begin to attach importance to it.There is a hospice and palliative care movement now in China.This article gives an overview of the progress and the current status in multiple aspects of hospice and palliative care in China's Mainland,and points out the barriers and challenges for its further development in the future.展开更多
Spine tumors comprise a small percentage of reasons for back pain and other symptoms originating in the spine.The majority of the tumors involving the spinal column are metastases of visceral organ cancers which are m...Spine tumors comprise a small percentage of reasons for back pain and other symptoms originating in the spine.The majority of the tumors involving the spinal column are metastases of visceral organ cancers which are mostly seen in older patients.Primary musculoskeletal system sarcomas involving the spinal column are rare.Benign tumors and tumor-like lesions of the musculoskeletal system are mostly seen in young patients and often cause instability and canal compromise.Optimal diagnosis and treatment of spine tumors require a multidisciplinary approach and thorough knowledge of both spine surgery and musculoskeletal tumor surgery.Either primary or metastatic tumors involving the spine are demanding problems in terms of diagnosis and treatment.Spinal instability and neurological compromise are the main and critical problems in patients with tumors of the spinal column.In the past,only a few treatment options aiming short-term control were available for treatment of primary and metastatic spine tumors.Spine surgeons adapted their approach for spine tumors according to orthopaedic oncologic principles in the last 20 years.Advances in imaging,surgical techniques and implant technology resulted in better diagnosis and surgical treatment options,especially for primary tumors.Also,modern chemotherapy drugs and regimens with new radiotherapy and radiosurgery options caused moderate to long-term local and systemic control for even primary sarcomas involving the spinal column.展开更多
AIM: To analyze through meta-analyses the benefits of two types of stents in the inoperable malignant biliary obstruction.METHODS: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials(RCT) was conducted, with the last up...AIM: To analyze through meta-analyses the benefits of two types of stents in the inoperable malignant biliary obstruction.METHODS: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials(RCT) was conducted, with the last update on March 2015, using EMBASE, CINAHL(EBSCO), MEDLINE, LILACS/CENTRAL(BVS), SCOPUS, CAPES(Brazil), and gray literature. Information of the selected studies was extracted in sight of six outcomes: primarily regarding dysfunction, complication and reintervention rates; and secondarily costs, survival, and patency time. The data about characteristics of trial participants, inclusion and exclusion criteria and types of stents were also extracted. The bias was mainly assessed through the JADAD scale. This meta-analysis was registered in the PROSPERO database by the number CRD42014015078. The analysis of the absolute risk of the outcomes was performed using the software Rev Man, by computing risk differences(RD) of dichotomous variables and mean differences(MD) of continuous variables. Data on RD and MD for each primary outcome were calculated using the MantelHaenszel test and inconsistency was qualified and reported in χ2 and the Higgins method(I2). Sensitivity analysis was performed when heterogeneity was higher than 50%, a subsequent assay was done and other findings were compiled. Student's t-test was used for the comparison of weighted arithmetic means regarding secondary outcomes.RESULTS: Initial searching identified 3660 studies; 3539 were excluded through title, repetition, and/or abstract, while 121 studies were fully assessed and were excluded mainly because they did not compare self-expanding metal stents(SEMS) and plastic stents(PS), leading to thirteen RCT selected, with 13 articles and 1133 subjects meta-analyzed. The mean age was 69.5 years old, that were affected mostly by bile duct(proximal) and pancreatic tumors(distal). The preferred SEMS diameter used was the 10 mm(30 Fr) and the preferred PS diameter used was 10 Fr. In the metaanalysis, SEMS had lower overall stent dysfunction comp展开更多
According to the American Cancer Society and Colorectal Cancer Statistics 2017,colorectal cancer(CRC) is one of the most common malignancies in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer death in the wor...According to the American Cancer Society and Colorectal Cancer Statistics 2017,colorectal cancer(CRC) is one of the most common malignancies in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer death in the world in 2018.Previous studies demonstrated that 8%-29% of patients with primary CRC present malignant colonic obstruction(MCO). In the past, emergency surgery has been the primary treatment for MCO, although morbidity and surgical mortality rates are higher in these settings than in elective procedures. In the 1990 s, selfexpanding metal stents appeared and was a watershed in the treatment of patients in gastrointestinal surgical emergencies. The studies led to high expectations because the use of stents could prevent surgical intervention, such as colostomy, leading to lower morbidity and mortality, possibly resulting in higher quality of life. This review was designed to provide present evidence of the indication, technique, outcomes, benefits, and risks of these treatments in acute MCO through the analysis of previously published studies and current guidelines.展开更多
In spite of advances made in the management of the other more common cancers of the gastrointestinal tract,significant progress in the treatment of pancreatic cancer remains elusive.Nearly as many deaths occur from pa...In spite of advances made in the management of the other more common cancers of the gastrointestinal tract,significant progress in the treatment of pancreatic cancer remains elusive.Nearly as many deaths occur from pancreatic cancer as are diagnosed each year reflecting the poor prognosis typically associated with this disease.Until recently,the only treatment with an impact on survival was surgery.In the palliative setting,gemcitabine(Gem) has been a standard treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer since it was shown a decade ago to result in a superior clinical benefit response and survival compared with bolus 5-fluorouracil.Since then,clinical trials have explored the pharmacokinetic modulation of Gem by fixed dose administration and the combination of Gem with other cytotoxic or the biologically"targeted"agents.However,promising trial results in small phaseⅡtrials have not translated into survival improvements in larger phaseⅢrandomized trials in the advanced disease setting.Two trials have recently reported modest survival improvements with the use of combination treatment with Gem and capecitabine(United Kingdom National Cancer Research GEMCAP trial) or erlotinib(National Cancer Institute of CanadaClinical Trials Group PA.3 trial) .This review will focus on the use of systemic therapy for advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer,summarizing the results of several recent clinical trials and discuss their implications for clinical practice.We will also discuss briefly the second-line chemotherapy options for advanced pancreatic cancer.展开更多
Health related quality of life(HRQOL) is increasingly recognized as an important clinical parameter and research endpoint in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). HRQOL in HCC patients is multifaceted and affec...Health related quality of life(HRQOL) is increasingly recognized as an important clinical parameter and research endpoint in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). HRQOL in HCC patients is multifaceted and affected by medical factor which encompasses HCC and its complications, oncological and palliative treatment for HCC, underlying liver disease, as well as the psychological, social or spiritual reaction to the disease. Many patients presented late with advanced disease and limited survival, plagued with multiple symptoms, rendering QOL a very important aspect in their general well being. Various instruments have been developed and validated to measure and report HRQOL in HCC patients, these included general HRQOL instruments, e.g., Short form(SF)-36, SF-12, Euro Qo L-5D, World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment 100(WHOQOL-100), World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment abbreviated version; general cancer HRQOL instruments, e.g., the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer(EORTC) QLQ-C30, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy(FACT)-General, Spitzer Quality of Life Index; and liver-cancer specific HRQOL instruments, e.g., EORTC QLQ-HCC18, FACT-Hepatobiliary(FACT-Hep), FACT-Hep Symptom Index, Trial Outcome Index. Important utilization of HRQOL in HCC patients included description of symptomatology and HRQOL of patients, treatment endpoint in clinical trial, prognostication of survival, benchmarking of palliative care service and health care valuation. In this review, difficulties regarding the use of HRQOL data in research and clinical practice, including choosing a suitable instrument, problems of missing data, data interpretation, analysis and presentation are examined. Potential solutions are also discussed.展开更多
目的观察高龄晚期胃癌患者两种不同姑息性介入治疗对生活质量及焦虑状态的影响,探索对其身心双重治疗的最佳策略。方法入选62例≥75岁确诊晚期胃癌患者,根据患者及家属治疗意愿,分为动脉灌注化疗栓塞组(TACE组)37例和金属支架置入组(支...目的观察高龄晚期胃癌患者两种不同姑息性介入治疗对生活质量及焦虑状态的影响,探索对其身心双重治疗的最佳策略。方法入选62例≥75岁确诊晚期胃癌患者,根据患者及家属治疗意愿,分为动脉灌注化疗栓塞组(TACE组)37例和金属支架置入组(支架组)25例。记录基本临床资料,所有患者术前及术后3、7、28 d进行肿瘤患者生活质量评分(QOL)及汉密尔顿焦虑量表(HAMA)评分。结果①与术前比较,化疗栓塞组术后3 d QOL评分无统计学差异(P=0.05),术后7、28 d均升高(P<0.05);支架组,术后QOL评分均升高(P<0.05)。组间比较,术后3 d QOL评分TACE组低于支架组(P<0.05);28 d则高于支架组(P<0.05)。②与术前比较,TACE组术后3 d HAMA评分变化不显著,术后7、28 d显著下降(P<0.05);支架组,术后HAMA评分均下降(P<0.05)。组间比较,术后3 d TACE组HAMA评分高于支架组(P<0.05);而28 d则低于支架组(P<0.05)。结论两种姑息性介入治疗对高龄晚期胃癌患者在躯体、心理两方面均可获益。支架组患者生活质量和焦虑状态在短期内可迅速改善,而TACE组患者更受益于远期疗效。展开更多
Objective To investigate doctors'feelings when providing medical care to end-stage patients,and their understanding as well as reflection about theoretical concepts of palliative medicine.Methods Questionnaires we...Objective To investigate doctors'feelings when providing medical care to end-stage patients,and their understanding as well as reflection about theoretical concepts of palliative medicine.Methods Questionnaires were delivered through a social networking platform to1500clinicians of different specialties in10proviences of China.It covered issues of background information,self-assessment of familiarity to palliative care,prior training history,emotional attitude toward end-stage patients,and the reflections on clinical practice.Logistic regression analysis and chi-square test were used to analyse the categorical variables.Results There were379clinicians who completed the questionnaires and submitted successfully.Among them,66.8%(253/379)had attended palliative care training courses more than twice;66.8%(253/379)clinicians percieved powerless feeling when facing end-stage patients.We found that the education on palliative medicine was significantly associated to doctors'better comprehension on the concept of palliative care(OR=6.923,P=0.002).Doctors who were more familiar with palliative medicine were less likely to perceive powerless feelings(χ^2=13.015,P<0.001),and would be more likely to concern about patients and their family members in their clinical work(χ^2=28.754,P<0.001,χ^2=24.406,P<0.001).Conclusion The powerless feeling is prevalent in Chinese doctors when facing end-stage patients.Palliative care help them overcome the negative feelings and act more caring in clinic.More careful designed educational strategies that adapt to Chinese actual situation are needed to improve doctors'cognition on palliative care.展开更多
Objectives To identify symptom clusters among patients with advanced heart failure （HF） and the independent relationships with their quality of life （QoL）. Methods This is the secondary data analysis of a cross-se...Objectives To identify symptom clusters among patients with advanced heart failure （HF） and the independent relationships with their quality of life （QoL）. Methods This is the secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional study which interviewed 119 patients with advanced HF in the geriatric unit of a regional hospital in Hong Kong. The symptom profile and QoL were assessed by using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale （ESAS） and the McGill QoL Questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the symptom clusters. Hier- archical regression analysis was used to examine the independent relationships with their QoL, after adjusting the effects of age, gender, and comorbidities. Results The patients were at an advanced age （82.9± 6.5 years）. Three distinct symptom clusters were identified： they were the distress cluster （including shortness of breath, anxiety, and depression）, the decondition cluster （fatigue, drowsiness, nausea, and reduced appetite）, and the discomfort cluster （pain, and sense of generalized discomfort）. These three symptom clusters accounted for 63.25% of variance of the patients＇ symptom experience. The small to moderate correlations between these symptom clusters indicated that they were rather independent of one another. After adjusting the age, gender and comorbidities, the distress （β = -0.635, P 〈 0.001）, the decondition （β = -0.148, P = 0.01）, and the discomfort （β = -0.258, P 〈 0.001） symptom clusters independently predicted their QoL. Conclusions This study identified the distinctive symptom clusters among patients with advanced HF. The results shed light on the need to develop palliative care interventions for optimizing the symptom control for this life-limiting disease.展开更多
Objectives The in-hosptial palliative care consultation(PCC) is emerging as a routine service in some medical center in China. The current study evaluated how physicians in primary care team and consultation team perc...Objectives The in-hosptial palliative care consultation(PCC) is emerging as a routine service in some medical center in China. The current study evaluated how physicians in primary care team and consultation team perceive the PCC service for the purpose of investigating the effectiveness of this consultation model in a general hospital.Methods In-hosptial palliative care consultations have been carried out at Peking Union Medical College Hosptial by a dedicated consultation team, and 37 consultations were completed in 2016. A questionnaire was designed for physicians in terms of its benefits to patients,their family as well as the primary care team. Physicians who applied for consultation in 2016 formally(requested from the department other than the Geriatrics) and informally(by rotating residents and unemployed visiting doctors in geriatric department) were invited to participate in the survey by scanning a two dimentional code on social networking platform.Results There were 103 physicians participated in the survey, including primary care physicians from the department of Internal Medicine(n=8), Gynaecology(n=16) and Surgery(n=13), rotating residents(n=30), visiting doctors(n=16) in Geriatric department, and PCC team members(n=20). 94.0% of the non-PCC physicians agreed that PCC relieved the suffering of patients; 89.2% thought PCC improved the quality of patients' life; there were 91.6%, 95.2%, 90.4% physicians who felt it relieved the anxiety of patients, of family members and of care providers, respectively. There were 96.4% physicians who felt it could ease the tension in physician-patient relationship; 97.6% felt it lower the risk for medical negligence, and 96.4% of doctors who applied for PPC felt satisfied with PCC service in terms of process and achieving objectives of consultation. More primary-team physician agree "PCC service helps the physicians better understand palliative care" than PCC members(97.6% vs. 80%, P<0.05), while both were interested in learning more on palliative medicine(100% vs. 96展开更多
Objective： To critically evaluate the currently available randomized clinical trials regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture in palliative care for cancer patients, hence, to provide sufficient evidences for the w...Objective： To critically evaluate the currently available randomized clinical trials regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture in palliative care for cancer patients, hence, to provide sufficient evidences for the widespread use of acupuncture in cancer treatment. Methods： Two independent reviewers extracted data from all of the randomized clinical trials （RCTs） that assessed the efficacy of acupuncture in palliative care for cancer patients. Seven databases were searched from their respective inception to December 2010. All eligible trials identified were evaluated by two independent reviewers using the Jadad scale, and data from the articles were validated and extracted. Results： In total, 33 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The effects of acupuncture on different cancer-related aspects were shown, including chemotherapy or radiotherapy-induced side effects （13/33, 39.4%）, cancer pain （6/33, 18.2%）, post-operative urinary retention （4/33, 12.1%）, quality of life （2/33, 6.1%）, vasomotor syndrome （2/33, 6.1%）, post-operative gastrointestinal dysfunction （2/33, 6.1%）, prevention of prolonged postoperative ileus （2/33, 6.1%）, joint symptoms （1/33, 3.0%）, and immunomodulation （1/33, 3.0%）. Conclusions： The result of our systematic review suggested that the effectiveness of acupuncture in palliative care for cancer patients is promising, especially in reducing chemotherapy or radiotherapy- induced side effects and cancer pain. Acupuncture may be an appropriate adjunctive treatment for palliative care.展开更多
文摘The authors focused on the current surgical treatment of resectable gastric cancer, and significance of peri- and post-operative chemo or chemoradiation. Gastric cancer is the 4<sup>th</sup> most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Surgery remains the only curative therapy, while perioperative and adjuvant chemotherapy, as well as chemoradiation, can improve outcome of resectable gastric cancer with extended lymph node dissection. More than half of radically resected gastric cancer patients relapse locally or with distant metastases, or receive the diagnosis of gastric cancer when tumor is disseminated; therefore, median survival rarely exceeds 12 mo, and 5-years survival is less than 10%. Cisplatin and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy, with addition of trastuzumab in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive patients, is the widely used treatment in stage IV patients fit for chemotherapy. Recent evidence supports the use of second-line chemotherapy after progression in patients with good performance status
基金Supported by The Eleventh Five-Year Key Plan of the China National Science and Technique Foundation,No.2006BAI02A04the 5010 Foundation of Sun Yat-sen University,No.2007043
文摘AIM:To identify prognostic factors from pretreatment variables of the initial transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)procedure in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). METHODS:One thousand and five hundred and sixtynine patients with unresectable HCC underwent TACE as initial treatment were retrospectively studied.Pretreatment variables of the initial TACE procedure with a P value less than 0.05 by univariate analysis were subjected to Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS:The median overall survival time and 1-, 5-,10-year survival rates were 10.37 mo,47%,10%, and 7%,respectively.A Cox proportional hazard model showed that 8 pretreatment factors of regional lymphnodes metastasis,Child-Pugh class,macrovascular invasion,greatest dimension,α-fetoprotein(AFP), Hepatitis virus B,tumor capsule,and nodules were independent prognostic factors.Patients with multimodality therapy have better survival than those with TACE treatment only. CONCLUSION:Tumor status,hepatic function reserve,AFP,and hepatitis virus B status were independent prognostic factors for unresectable HCC.Distant metastasis might not be a contraindication to TACE. Multimodality therapy might improve survival.
文摘AIM:To evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on metal stent patency in patients with unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma (CC). METHODS:This was a retrospective analysis of patients with hilar CC referred to our institution from December, 1999 to January, 2011. Out of 232 patients, thirty-three patients with unresectable hilar CC were treated. Eighteen patients in the PDT group were treated with uncovered metal stents after one session of PDT. Fifteen patients in the control group were treated with metal stents alone. Porfimer sodium (2 mg/kg) was administered intravenously to PDT patients. Fortyeight hours later, PDT was administered using a diffusing fiber that was advanced across the tumor by either endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or percutaneous cholangiography. After performance of PDT, uncovered metal stents were inserted to ensure adequate decompression and bile drainage. Patient survival rates and cumulative stent patency were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis with the log-rank test. RESULTS:The PDT and control patients were comparable with respect to age, gender, health status, pretreatment bilirubin, and hilar CC stage. When compared to control, the PDT group was associated with significantly prolonged stent patency (median 244 ± 66 and 177 ± 45 d, respectively, P = 0.002) and longer patient survival (median 356 ± 213 and 230 ± 73 d, respectively, P = 0.006). Early complication rates were similar between the groups (PDT group 17%, control group 13%) and all patients were treated conservatively. Stent malfunctions occurred in 14 PDT patients (78%) and 12 control patients (80%). Of these 26 patients, twenty-two were treated endoscopically and four were treated with external drainage. CONCLUSION:Metal stenting after one session of PDT may be safe with acceptable complication rates. The PDT group was associated with a significantly longer stent patency than the control group in patients with unresectable hilar CC.
文摘Colorectal cancer(CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in the elderly.However,elderly patients with CRC tend to be under-presented in clinical trials and undertreated in clinical practice.Advanced age alone should not be the only criteria to preclude effective therapy in elderly patients with CRC.The best guide about optimal cancer treatment can be provided by comprehensive geriatric assessment.Elderly patients with stage Ⅲ colon cancer can enjoy the same benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin or capecitabine as younger patients,without a substantial increase in toxicity.With conflicting results of retrospective studies and a lack of data available from randomized studies,combined modality treatment should be used with great caution in elderly patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.Combination chemotherapy can be considered for older patients with metastatic CRC.For elderly patients who are frail or vulnerable,however,monotherapy or a stopand-go strategy may be desirable.The use of targeted therapies in older patients with metastatic CRC appears to be promising in view of their better efficacy and toxicity.Treatment should be individualized based on the nature of the disease,the physiologic or functional status,and the patient's preference.
基金Supported by A grant from the Innovative Team ProjectNo.CX11to Shi RH
文摘AIM:To perform a meta-analysis of palliative stent placement vs palliative surgical decompression for management of incurable malignant colorectal obstructions.METHODS:The databases of Medline,Web of Science,Embase,and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from their inception to July 2012 for studies(prospective,retrospective,randomized controlled trials,and case-control trials)designed as comparative analyses of patients with incurable malignant colorectal obstructions treated by selfexpanding metallic stents(SEMS)or palliative surgery.No language restrictions were imposed.The main outcome measures were hospital stay,intensive care unit admission,clinical success rate,30-d mortality,stoma formation,complications,and overall survival time.The data extraction was conducted by two investigators working independently and using a standardized form.The Mantel-Haenszel 2method was used to estimate the pooled risk ratios with 95%CI under a fixed-effects model;when statistical heterogeneity existed in the pooled data(as evaluated by Q test and I2statistics,where P<0.10 and I2<25%indicated heterogeneity),a random-effects model was used.RESULTS:Thirteen relevant articles,representing837 patients(SEMS group,n=404;surgery group,n=433),were selected for analysis.Compared to the surgery group,the SEMS group showed lower clinical success(99.8%vs 93.1%,P=0.0009)but shorter durations of hospital stay(18.84 d vs 9.55 d,P<0.00001)and time to initiation of chemotherapy(33.36 d vs15.53 d,P<0.00001),and lower rate of stoma formation(54.0%vs 12.7%,P<0.00001).Additionally,the SEMS group experienced a significantly lower rate of30-d mortality(4.2%vs 10.5%,P=0.01).Stent-related complications were not uncommon and included perforation(10.1%),migration(9.2%),and occlusion(18.3%).Surgery-related complications were slightly less common and included wound infection(5.0%)and anastomotic leak(4.7%).The rate of total complications was similar between these two groups(SEMS:34.0%vs surgery:38.1%,P=0.60),but the surgeryre
基金supported by the Educational Reform Project of Peking Union Medical College(2015zlgc0120)
文摘The concept of End-of-Life Care(EOLC)came into China in the late1980s.However,hospice and palliative care in medical practice develope slowly.In recent years,profesionals,patients and their families,as well as government begin to attach importance to it.There is a hospice and palliative care movement now in China.This article gives an overview of the progress and the current status in multiple aspects of hospice and palliative care in China's Mainland,and points out the barriers and challenges for its further development in the future.
文摘Spine tumors comprise a small percentage of reasons for back pain and other symptoms originating in the spine.The majority of the tumors involving the spinal column are metastases of visceral organ cancers which are mostly seen in older patients.Primary musculoskeletal system sarcomas involving the spinal column are rare.Benign tumors and tumor-like lesions of the musculoskeletal system are mostly seen in young patients and often cause instability and canal compromise.Optimal diagnosis and treatment of spine tumors require a multidisciplinary approach and thorough knowledge of both spine surgery and musculoskeletal tumor surgery.Either primary or metastatic tumors involving the spine are demanding problems in terms of diagnosis and treatment.Spinal instability and neurological compromise are the main and critical problems in patients with tumors of the spinal column.In the past,only a few treatment options aiming short-term control were available for treatment of primary and metastatic spine tumors.Spine surgeons adapted their approach for spine tumors according to orthopaedic oncologic principles in the last 20 years.Advances in imaging,surgical techniques and implant technology resulted in better diagnosis and surgical treatment options,especially for primary tumors.Also,modern chemotherapy drugs and regimens with new radiotherapy and radiosurgery options caused moderate to long-term local and systemic control for even primary sarcomas involving the spinal column.
文摘AIM: To analyze through meta-analyses the benefits of two types of stents in the inoperable malignant biliary obstruction.METHODS: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials(RCT) was conducted, with the last update on March 2015, using EMBASE, CINAHL(EBSCO), MEDLINE, LILACS/CENTRAL(BVS), SCOPUS, CAPES(Brazil), and gray literature. Information of the selected studies was extracted in sight of six outcomes: primarily regarding dysfunction, complication and reintervention rates; and secondarily costs, survival, and patency time. The data about characteristics of trial participants, inclusion and exclusion criteria and types of stents were also extracted. The bias was mainly assessed through the JADAD scale. This meta-analysis was registered in the PROSPERO database by the number CRD42014015078. The analysis of the absolute risk of the outcomes was performed using the software Rev Man, by computing risk differences(RD) of dichotomous variables and mean differences(MD) of continuous variables. Data on RD and MD for each primary outcome were calculated using the MantelHaenszel test and inconsistency was qualified and reported in χ2 and the Higgins method(I2). Sensitivity analysis was performed when heterogeneity was higher than 50%, a subsequent assay was done and other findings were compiled. Student's t-test was used for the comparison of weighted arithmetic means regarding secondary outcomes.RESULTS: Initial searching identified 3660 studies; 3539 were excluded through title, repetition, and/or abstract, while 121 studies were fully assessed and were excluded mainly because they did not compare self-expanding metal stents(SEMS) and plastic stents(PS), leading to thirteen RCT selected, with 13 articles and 1133 subjects meta-analyzed. The mean age was 69.5 years old, that were affected mostly by bile duct(proximal) and pancreatic tumors(distal). The preferred SEMS diameter used was the 10 mm(30 Fr) and the preferred PS diameter used was 10 Fr. In the metaanalysis, SEMS had lower overall stent dysfunction comp
基金Supported by the Research Ethics Committee of the University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine Hospital das Clínicas
文摘According to the American Cancer Society and Colorectal Cancer Statistics 2017,colorectal cancer(CRC) is one of the most common malignancies in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer death in the world in 2018.Previous studies demonstrated that 8%-29% of patients with primary CRC present malignant colonic obstruction(MCO). In the past, emergency surgery has been the primary treatment for MCO, although morbidity and surgical mortality rates are higher in these settings than in elective procedures. In the 1990 s, selfexpanding metal stents appeared and was a watershed in the treatment of patients in gastrointestinal surgical emergencies. The studies led to high expectations because the use of stents could prevent surgical intervention, such as colostomy, leading to lower morbidity and mortality, possibly resulting in higher quality of life. This review was designed to provide present evidence of the indication, technique, outcomes, benefits, and risks of these treatments in acute MCO through the analysis of previously published studies and current guidelines.
文摘In spite of advances made in the management of the other more common cancers of the gastrointestinal tract,significant progress in the treatment of pancreatic cancer remains elusive.Nearly as many deaths occur from pancreatic cancer as are diagnosed each year reflecting the poor prognosis typically associated with this disease.Until recently,the only treatment with an impact on survival was surgery.In the palliative setting,gemcitabine(Gem) has been a standard treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer since it was shown a decade ago to result in a superior clinical benefit response and survival compared with bolus 5-fluorouracil.Since then,clinical trials have explored the pharmacokinetic modulation of Gem by fixed dose administration and the combination of Gem with other cytotoxic or the biologically"targeted"agents.However,promising trial results in small phaseⅡtrials have not translated into survival improvements in larger phaseⅢrandomized trials in the advanced disease setting.Two trials have recently reported modest survival improvements with the use of combination treatment with Gem and capecitabine(United Kingdom National Cancer Research GEMCAP trial) or erlotinib(National Cancer Institute of CanadaClinical Trials Group PA.3 trial) .This review will focus on the use of systemic therapy for advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer,summarizing the results of several recent clinical trials and discuss their implications for clinical practice.We will also discuss briefly the second-line chemotherapy options for advanced pancreatic cancer.
文摘Health related quality of life(HRQOL) is increasingly recognized as an important clinical parameter and research endpoint in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). HRQOL in HCC patients is multifaceted and affected by medical factor which encompasses HCC and its complications, oncological and palliative treatment for HCC, underlying liver disease, as well as the psychological, social or spiritual reaction to the disease. Many patients presented late with advanced disease and limited survival, plagued with multiple symptoms, rendering QOL a very important aspect in their general well being. Various instruments have been developed and validated to measure and report HRQOL in HCC patients, these included general HRQOL instruments, e.g., Short form(SF)-36, SF-12, Euro Qo L-5D, World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment 100(WHOQOL-100), World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment abbreviated version; general cancer HRQOL instruments, e.g., the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer(EORTC) QLQ-C30, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy(FACT)-General, Spitzer Quality of Life Index; and liver-cancer specific HRQOL instruments, e.g., EORTC QLQ-HCC18, FACT-Hepatobiliary(FACT-Hep), FACT-Hep Symptom Index, Trial Outcome Index. Important utilization of HRQOL in HCC patients included description of symptomatology and HRQOL of patients, treatment endpoint in clinical trial, prognostication of survival, benchmarking of palliative care service and health care valuation. In this review, difficulties regarding the use of HRQOL data in research and clinical practice, including choosing a suitable instrument, problems of missing data, data interpretation, analysis and presentation are examined. Potential solutions are also discussed.
文摘目的观察高龄晚期胃癌患者两种不同姑息性介入治疗对生活质量及焦虑状态的影响,探索对其身心双重治疗的最佳策略。方法入选62例≥75岁确诊晚期胃癌患者,根据患者及家属治疗意愿,分为动脉灌注化疗栓塞组(TACE组)37例和金属支架置入组(支架组)25例。记录基本临床资料,所有患者术前及术后3、7、28 d进行肿瘤患者生活质量评分(QOL)及汉密尔顿焦虑量表(HAMA)评分。结果①与术前比较,化疗栓塞组术后3 d QOL评分无统计学差异(P=0.05),术后7、28 d均升高(P<0.05);支架组,术后QOL评分均升高(P<0.05)。组间比较,术后3 d QOL评分TACE组低于支架组(P<0.05);28 d则高于支架组(P<0.05)。②与术前比较,TACE组术后3 d HAMA评分变化不显著,术后7、28 d显著下降(P<0.05);支架组,术后HAMA评分均下降(P<0.05)。组间比较,术后3 d TACE组HAMA评分高于支架组(P<0.05);而28 d则低于支架组(P<0.05)。结论两种姑息性介入治疗对高龄晚期胃癌患者在躯体、心理两方面均可获益。支架组患者生活质量和焦虑状态在短期内可迅速改善,而TACE组患者更受益于远期疗效。
基金supported by the Educational Reform Project of Peking Union Medical College(2015zlgc0120)~~
文摘Objective To investigate doctors'feelings when providing medical care to end-stage patients,and their understanding as well as reflection about theoretical concepts of palliative medicine.Methods Questionnaires were delivered through a social networking platform to1500clinicians of different specialties in10proviences of China.It covered issues of background information,self-assessment of familiarity to palliative care,prior training history,emotional attitude toward end-stage patients,and the reflections on clinical practice.Logistic regression analysis and chi-square test were used to analyse the categorical variables.Results There were379clinicians who completed the questionnaires and submitted successfully.Among them,66.8%(253/379)had attended palliative care training courses more than twice;66.8%(253/379)clinicians percieved powerless feeling when facing end-stage patients.We found that the education on palliative medicine was significantly associated to doctors'better comprehension on the concept of palliative care(OR=6.923,P=0.002).Doctors who were more familiar with palliative medicine were less likely to perceive powerless feelings(χ^2=13.015,P<0.001),and would be more likely to concern about patients and their family members in their clinical work(χ^2=28.754,P<0.001,χ^2=24.406,P<0.001).Conclusion The powerless feeling is prevalent in Chinese doctors when facing end-stage patients.Palliative care help them overcome the negative feelings and act more caring in clinic.More careful designed educational strategies that adapt to Chinese actual situation are needed to improve doctors'cognition on palliative care.
文摘Objectives To identify symptom clusters among patients with advanced heart failure （HF） and the independent relationships with their quality of life （QoL）. Methods This is the secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional study which interviewed 119 patients with advanced HF in the geriatric unit of a regional hospital in Hong Kong. The symptom profile and QoL were assessed by using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale （ESAS） and the McGill QoL Questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the symptom clusters. Hier- archical regression analysis was used to examine the independent relationships with their QoL, after adjusting the effects of age, gender, and comorbidities. Results The patients were at an advanced age （82.9± 6.5 years）. Three distinct symptom clusters were identified： they were the distress cluster （including shortness of breath, anxiety, and depression）, the decondition cluster （fatigue, drowsiness, nausea, and reduced appetite）, and the discomfort cluster （pain, and sense of generalized discomfort）. These three symptom clusters accounted for 63.25% of variance of the patients＇ symptom experience. The small to moderate correlations between these symptom clusters indicated that they were rather independent of one another. After adjusting the age, gender and comorbidities, the distress （β = -0.635, P 〈 0.001）, the decondition （β = -0.148, P = 0.01）, and the discomfort （β = -0.258, P 〈 0.001） symptom clusters independently predicted their QoL. Conclusions This study identified the distinctive symptom clusters among patients with advanced HF. The results shed light on the need to develop palliative care interventions for optimizing the symptom control for this life-limiting disease.
基金supported by the Educational Reform Project of Peking Union Medical College(2015zlgc012)~~
文摘Objectives The in-hosptial palliative care consultation(PCC) is emerging as a routine service in some medical center in China. The current study evaluated how physicians in primary care team and consultation team perceive the PCC service for the purpose of investigating the effectiveness of this consultation model in a general hospital.Methods In-hosptial palliative care consultations have been carried out at Peking Union Medical College Hosptial by a dedicated consultation team, and 37 consultations were completed in 2016. A questionnaire was designed for physicians in terms of its benefits to patients,their family as well as the primary care team. Physicians who applied for consultation in 2016 formally(requested from the department other than the Geriatrics) and informally(by rotating residents and unemployed visiting doctors in geriatric department) were invited to participate in the survey by scanning a two dimentional code on social networking platform.Results There were 103 physicians participated in the survey, including primary care physicians from the department of Internal Medicine(n=8), Gynaecology(n=16) and Surgery(n=13), rotating residents(n=30), visiting doctors(n=16) in Geriatric department, and PCC team members(n=20). 94.0% of the non-PCC physicians agreed that PCC relieved the suffering of patients; 89.2% thought PCC improved the quality of patients' life; there were 91.6%, 95.2%, 90.4% physicians who felt it relieved the anxiety of patients, of family members and of care providers, respectively. There were 96.4% physicians who felt it could ease the tension in physician-patient relationship; 97.6% felt it lower the risk for medical negligence, and 96.4% of doctors who applied for PPC felt satisfied with PCC service in terms of process and achieving objectives of consultation. More primary-team physician agree "PCC service helps the physicians better understand palliative care" than PCC members(97.6% vs. 80%, P<0.05), while both were interested in learning more on palliative medicine(100% vs. 96
文摘Objective： To critically evaluate the currently available randomized clinical trials regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture in palliative care for cancer patients, hence, to provide sufficient evidences for the widespread use of acupuncture in cancer treatment. Methods： Two independent reviewers extracted data from all of the randomized clinical trials （RCTs） that assessed the efficacy of acupuncture in palliative care for cancer patients. Seven databases were searched from their respective inception to December 2010. All eligible trials identified were evaluated by two independent reviewers using the Jadad scale, and data from the articles were validated and extracted. Results： In total, 33 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The effects of acupuncture on different cancer-related aspects were shown, including chemotherapy or radiotherapy-induced side effects （13/33, 39.4%）, cancer pain （6/33, 18.2%）, post-operative urinary retention （4/33, 12.1%）, quality of life （2/33, 6.1%）, vasomotor syndrome （2/33, 6.1%）, post-operative gastrointestinal dysfunction （2/33, 6.1%）, prevention of prolonged postoperative ileus （2/33, 6.1%）, joint symptoms （1/33, 3.0%）, and immunomodulation （1/33, 3.0%）. Conclusions： The result of our systematic review suggested that the effectiveness of acupuncture in palliative care for cancer patients is promising, especially in reducing chemotherapy or radiotherapy- induced side effects and cancer pain. Acupuncture may be an appropriate adjunctive treatment for palliative care.
