Radiological changes on CT after stereotactic body radiation therapy to non-spine bone metastases: a descriptive series.

Background: In recent years, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has become increasingly used for the management of non-spine bone metastases. Few studies have examined the radiological changes in bone metastases after treatment with SBRT and there is no consensus about what constitutes radiologic response to therapy. This article describes various changes on CT after SBRT to non-spine bone metastases in eight selected cases.

Towards an optimal multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer treatment for older women.

The treatment of breast cancer presents specifc concerns that are unique to the needs of older female patients. While treatment of early breast cancer does not vary greatly with age, the optimal management of older women with breast cancer often requires complex interdisciplinary supportive care due to multiple comorbidities. This article reviews optimal approaches to breast cancer in women 65 years and older from an interdisciplinary perspective.

A definition of "uncomplicated bone metastases" based on previous bone metastases radiation trials comparing single-fraction and multi-fraction radiation therapy.

The most recent systematic review of randomized trials in patients with bone metastases has shown equal efficacy of single fraction (SF) and multiple fraction (MF) palliative radiation therapy in pain relief. It is important to determine the patient population to which the evidence applies. This study aims to examine the eligibility criteria of the studies included in the systematic review to define characteristics of "uncomplicated" bone metastases.

Tumor Response After Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy to Nonspine Bone Metastases: An Evaluation of Response Criteria.

Purpose: To evaluate the applicability of the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST 1.1) and University of Texas MD Anderson (MDA) Cancer Center criteria in the setting of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to nonspine bone metastases.

Methods: Patients who were treated with SBRT to nonspine bone metastases were identified by retrospective chart review.

Computed Tomography Evaluation of Density Following Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy of Nonspine Bone Metastases.

Introduction: Stereotactic body radiation therapy allows for the precise delivery of high-dose radiation to disease sites and is becoming increasingly used to treat nonspine bone metastases. Previous studies have shown that remineralization of lytic bone metastases follows after conventional radiotherapy. The objective of this study was to investigate changes in bone density in nonspine bone metastases following stereotactic body radiation therapy.

Empowering Patients through Education: Exploring Patients' Needs about Postoperative Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer at the Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre.

Introduction: There is currently no consensus regarding the optimal treatment for postprostatectomy prostate cancer patients. The primary objective of this study was to investigate patient opinions regarding the questions that should be discussed between health care professionals and postprostatectomy patients who may require radiation therapy with adjuvant or salvage intent, to help facilitate the decision-making process.

Methods: Patients who were consulted for treatment of prostate cancer at the Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre and who had undergone a prostatectomy were invited to complete a survey.

Retrospective review of the incidence of monitoring blood glucose levels in patients receiving corticosteroids with systemic anticancer therapy.

Background: Corticosteroids are used adjuvant to certain chemotherapy regimens, either as an antiemetic, to reduce other side effects, or to enhance cancer treatment. Additionally, they are frequently used for symptom control in cancer patients with end stage disease. Corticosteroid use may induce hyperglycemia in approximately 20-50% of patients, which may negatively affect patient outcomes.

Minimal clinically important differences in the EORTC QLQ-BN20 in patients with brain metastases.

Introduction: Quality of life (QOL) is an important treatment endpoint in advanced cancer patients with brain metastases. In clinical trials, statistically significant changes can be reached in a large enough population; however, these changes may not be clinically relevant.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire brain module (EORTC QLQ-BN20) in patients with brain metastases.

Psychometric validation of the Brain Symptom and Impact Questionnaire (BASIQ) version 1.0 to assess quality of life in patients with brain metastases.

Objective: To test the reliability, clinical and psychometric validity of the Brain Symptom and Impact Questionnaire (BASIQ) in patients with brain metastases.

Methods: Brain metastases patients were interviewed using the BASIQ, Functional Assessment of Cancer-Brain (FACT-Br) and FACT-General (FACT-G) at baseline, with a follow-up assessment at 1 month.

Results: Forty patients had complete one data and the median age was 64 years.

Fatigue scores in patients receiving palliative radiotherapy for painful bone metastases.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine changes in fatigue scores for patients receiving radiation therapy for bone metastases and its impact on quality of life (QOL).

Methods: Fatigue and QOL scores were prospectively collected in patients for up to 3 months following radiation therapy for bone metastases using three questionnaires: group 1, Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) (0-10); group 2, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30); and Core 15 Palliative (EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL) (1-4).

Results: Average fatigue score in group 1 (399 patients) was 4.

Fatigue scores in patients with brain metastases receiving whole brain radiotherapy.

Purpose: Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is a treatment strategy used commonly to relieve burdensome symptoms and improve quality of life (QOL) in patients with multiple brain metastases. The purpose of this study is to determine changes in fatigue score following WBRT as it is a common symptom experienced in this population.

Methods: Fatigue and overall QOL scores were collected prospectively in patients for up to 3 months post-WBRT by several questionnaires at different times including the following: Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), Brain Symptom and Impact Questionnaire (BASIQ), Spitzer Questionnaire, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), EORTC brain module (EORTC QLQ-BN20+2), EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G).

Psychometric validation of the functional assessment of cancer therapy--brain (FACT-Br) for assessing quality of life in patients with brain metastases.

Objective: This study aimed to test the reliability, psychometric, and clinical validity of the use of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy--Brain (FACT-Br) in patients with brain metastases.

Methods: Patients with brain metastases were interviewed using the FACT-Br (including the FACT-general) 1 week prior to treatment. All patients completed a follow-up assessment 1 month post-treatment.

Preliminary results of the generation of a shortened quality-of-life assessment for patients with advanced cancer: the FACIT-Pal-14.

Objective: Shortened quality-of-life (QOL) tools are advantageous in palliative care patients. Development of such tools begins with the identification of issues relevant to a population. The purpose of this study was to identify the most important items of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Palliative Care (FACIT-Pal) to create an abbreviated questionnaire for future palliative care trials.

Pain Management Needs Assessment: A Survey of Radiation Therapists at a Large Academic Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

Objective: To determine the knowledge of pain management among the radiation therapists (RTs) at the Odette Cancer Centre (OCC) to aid in the development of a formalized education strategy.

Methods: A needs assessment survey comprising eight topics pertaining to pain management was distributed to 130 RTs at the OCC. Survey topics were ranked using a 4-point Likert scale based on preference for further education, familiarity with the topic, and relevance to practice.

Symptom clusters in patients with metastatic cancer: a literature review.

This article reviews the literature reporting empirically determined symptom clusters in patients with metastatic cancer. A literature search was conducted on symptom clusters within heterogeneous metastatic cancer patient populations using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Studies examining predetermined symptom clusters were excluded.

Patients' and Health Care Providers' Evaluation of Quality of Life Issues in Advanced Cancer Using Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Palliative Care Module (FACIT-Pal) Scale.

Background: To examine the agreement of Health Care Providers (HCPs) and patients' evaluation of quality of life on the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness therapy - Palliative care module (FACIT-Pal) scale.

Methods: Sixty advanced cancer patients and fifty-six health care providers involved in their care at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre completed a modified version of the FACIT- Pal. In the survey, patients and HCPs indicated the 10 top issues affecting the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer most profoundly.

Comparing prognostic factors in patients with spinal metastases: a literature review.

For cancer patients with spinal metastases, palliative treatments are directed toward improving the patient's symptoms and quality of life. The expected prognosis of patients plays a large role in guiding treatment decisions, particularly when deciding between surgical management and conservative treatments, such as radiotherapy. This study aims to review the factors that can accurately predict the survival of patients with spinal metastases.