Side Effects of Cancer Therapeutics in Clinical Practice

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Oncology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 June 2022) | Viewed by 33996

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
Interests: chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity; pharmacogenetics; risk prediction; personalized medicine; mouse models of doxorubicin-induced heart failure; novel cardioprotective therapies

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Significant advances in cancer therapeutics have translated into remarkable reduction in cancer mortality. However, these improvements come with the caveat of a range of side effects that affect different patients with different severities that clinicians and researchers have to manage and understand. Anthracycline-related heart failure and peripheral neuropathies related to taxane have been known since the 1970s, but progress in the prediction and prevention of these side effects and understanding the mechanisms of toxicity is poor. With the rise in new therapeutics and cancer survivors, improving our understanding of therapy-related side effects is an important and worthwhile goal. This Special Issue on “Side Effects of Cancer Therapeutics in Clinical Practice” aims to update researchers and clinicians by summarizing the acute and chronic side effects observed in the field and the progress made in the management, prediction, and mitigation thereof. 

Dr. Nadine Norton
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Cardiotoxicity
  • Neuropathy
  • Fatigue
  • Gastro-intestinal
  • Hot flashes
  • Nephrotoxicity
  • Immune-related
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Cognitive changes
  • Alopecia
  • Risk factors and risk prediction
  • Preventative/mitigation strategies
  • Pharmacogenetics/pharmacogenomics

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3597 KiB  
Article
Upregulation of Endothelin-1 May Predict Chemotherapy-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Women with Breast Cancer
by Krithika Krishnarao, Katelyn A. Bruno, Damian N. Di Florio, Brandy H. Edenfield, Emily R. Whelan, Logan P. Macomb, Molly M. McGuire, Anneliese R. Hill, Jordan C. Ray, Lauren F. Cornell, Winston Tan, Xochiquetzal J. Geiger, Gary R. Salomon, Erika J. Douglass, DeLisa Fairweather and Mohamad H. Yamani
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(12), 3547; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11123547 - 20 Jun 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1933
Abstract
As survival in breast cancer patients from newer therapies increases, concerns for chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity (CIC) have offset some of these benefits, manifesting as a decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Patients receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy followed by trastuzumab are at risk for CIC. [...] Read more.
As survival in breast cancer patients from newer therapies increases, concerns for chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity (CIC) have offset some of these benefits, manifesting as a decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Patients receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy followed by trastuzumab are at risk for CIC. Previous research evaluating whether clinical biomarkers predict cardiotoxicity has been inconsistent. Recently, angiotensin II type 1 receptor (ATR1) and endothelin 1 (ET1) have been shown to play a role in breast tumor growth. We evaluated ATR1 and ET1 expression in breast cancer tissue and its association with CIC. A total of 33 paraffin-embedded breast tissue specimens from women with breast cancer treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy and trastuzumab were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and qRT-PCR. We found that ET1 expression was increased in patients with an LVEF ≤ 50% (p = 0.032) with a lower LVEF correlating with higher ET1 expression (r = 0.377, p = 0.031). In patients with a change in LVEF of greater than 10%, greater ET1 expression was noted compared to those without a change in LVEF (p = 0.017). Increased ET1 expression in breast tumor tissue is associated with reduced LVEF. Future studies need to examine whether ET1 may be a tissue biomarker that helps predict the risk of developing CIC in women with breast cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Side Effects of Cancer Therapeutics in Clinical Practice)
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10 pages, 829 KiB  
Article
Renin-Angiotensin-System Inhibitors for the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: OncoToxSRA, a Preliminary Cohort Study
by Simon Frachet, Aurore Danigo, Marc Labriffe, Flavien Bessaguet, Bianca Quinchard, Nicolas Deny, Kim-Arthur Baffert, Elise Deluche, Franck Sturtz, Claire Demiot and Laurent Magy
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(10), 2939; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11102939 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1624
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a frequent and dose-limiting adverse side effect of treatment. CIPN affects the oncological prognosis of patients, as well as their quality of life. To date, no specific pharmacological therapy has demonstrated effectiveness in preventing CIPN. Accumulating preclinical evidence [...] Read more.
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a frequent and dose-limiting adverse side effect of treatment. CIPN affects the oncological prognosis of patients, as well as their quality of life. To date, no specific pharmacological therapy has demonstrated effectiveness in preventing CIPN. Accumulating preclinical evidence suggests that renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors may have neuroprotective effects. One hundred and twenty patients were included in this observational study and were followed from the beginning of their neurotoxic chemotherapy schedule until their final assessment, at least one month after its cessation. The National Cancer Institute’s common toxicity criteria 4.0 (NCI-CTC 4.0) were used to grade the severity of adverse events. Follow-ups also included electrochemical skin conductance and scales for pain, quality of life and disability. Among patients receiving a platinum-based regimen, the mean grade of sensory neuropathy (NCI-CTC 4.0) was significantly lower in the RAS inhibitor group after the end of their anticancer treatment schedule. Because of the observational design of the study, patients in the RAS inhibitor group cumulated comorbidities at risk of developing CIPN. Randomized controlled trials in platinum-based regimens would be worth conducting in the future to confirm the neuroprotective potential of RAS inhibitors during chemotherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Side Effects of Cancer Therapeutics in Clinical Practice)
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12 pages, 1444 KiB  
Article
Implementing and Evaluating the Impact of BoneRx: A Healthy Bone Prescription for Men with Prostate Cancer Initiating Androgen Deprivation Therapy
by Jennifer M. Jones, Derek S. Tsang, Shiyu Zheng, Ariel Yeheskel, Charles N. Catton, Angela M. Cheung, Robert Hamilton and Shabbir M. H. Alibhai
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(10), 2703; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11102703 - 11 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1682
Abstract
Background: The initiation of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) results in rapid and profound hypogonadism, resulting in significant bone and muscle loss, increasing the risk for osteoporosis (OP), falls, and fractures. Despite this, there exist very low rates of guideline adherent care regarding bone [...] Read more.
Background: The initiation of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) results in rapid and profound hypogonadism, resulting in significant bone and muscle loss, increasing the risk for osteoporosis (OP), falls, and fractures. Despite this, there exist very low rates of guideline adherent care regarding bone health in this population. We developed and implemented a healthy bone prescription tool entitled BoneRx to facilitate the uptake of guideline-concordant bone health care into practice and increase patient awareness and promote the uptake of health bone behaviours (HBBs). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional pre-BoneRx implementation (n = 143) vs. post-implementation (n = 149) cohort study to evaluate the impact on (i) bone health care, patient engagement in HBB, and patient knowledge and health beliefs regarding OP. Results: There was a significant difference pre- vs. post BoneRx implementation on receipt of baseline BMD (34.7% vs. 59.5%, p < 0.0001) and bone health counselling (32.4% vs. 59.9%, p < 0.0001). More participants in the post-BoneRx implementation cohort reported taking vitamin D supplements 57% vs. 81% (p < 0.001) and calcium supplements 39% vs. 61% (p < 0.001). Physical activity levels also significantly increased (p = 0.021). No differences were detected in OP knowledge or feelings of OP susceptibility, seriousness, or health motivation. Conclusion: BoneRx is a simple, cost-effective, and acceptable strategy that could improve the care of PCa survivors receiving ADT. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Side Effects of Cancer Therapeutics in Clinical Practice)
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10 pages, 5585 KiB  
Article
Estimation of the Surface Dose in Breast Irradiation by the Beam Incident Angle and the 1 cm Depth Dose
by Tsung-Yu Yen, Kai-Cheng Chuang, Hsiao-Mei Fu, Chen-Ju Feng, Ke-Yu Lien and Shih-Ming Hsu
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(8), 2154; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11082154 - 12 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1163
Abstract
To develop a method of estimating surface dose in whole breast irradiation, we used an anthropomorphic phantom with accessories for the simulation of different breast sizes. The surface points, which are measured by TLDs, are set along with two main directions, superior-inferior and [...] Read more.
To develop a method of estimating surface dose in whole breast irradiation, we used an anthropomorphic phantom with accessories for the simulation of different breast sizes. The surface points, which are measured by TLDs, are set along with two main directions, superior-inferior and medial-lateral. The incident angle between the photon beam and the surface and the doses at 1 cm beneath the surface at every point are assessed by a computerized treatment planning system (cTPS). With the prescription dose of 200 cGy, the average surface doses under tangential irradiation are 97.73 (±14.96) cGy, 99.90 (±10.73) cGy, and 105.26 (±9.21) cGy for large, medium, and small breast volumes, respectively. The surface dose increased in the model of small breast volume without significance (p = 0.39). The linear analysis between surface dose and the incident angle is y = 0.5258x + 69.648, R2 = 0.7131 (x: incident angle and y: surface dose). We develop the percentage of skin surface dose with reference to a depth of 1 cm (PSDR1cm) to normalize the inhomogeneous dose. The relationship between incident angle and PSDR1cm is y = 0.1894x + 36.021, R2 = 0.6536 (x: incident angle and y: PSDR1cm) by linear analysis. In conclusion, the surface dose in whole breast irradiation could be estimated from this linear relationship between PSDR1cm and incident angle in daily clinical practice by cTPS. Further in vivo data should be studied to verify this formula. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Side Effects of Cancer Therapeutics in Clinical Practice)
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12 pages, 996 KiB  
Article
Addressing Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Using Multi-Frequency Vibrometry and Patient-Reported Outcomes
by Sebastian W. Nielsen, Sanne Lindberg, Christina Halgaard Bruvik Ruhlmann, Lise Eckhoff and Jørn Herrstedt
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(7), 1862; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11071862 - 27 Mar 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2341
Abstract
(1) The study evaluated correlations between multi-frequency vibrometry (MF-V) and the measure of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy developed by the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (CIPN18). (2) Patients with cancer scheduled to undergo treatment with capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) or [...] Read more.
(1) The study evaluated correlations between multi-frequency vibrometry (MF-V) and the measure of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy developed by the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (CIPN18). (2) Patients with cancer scheduled to undergo treatment with capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) or carboplatin and paclitaxel (Carbo-Tax) were recruited in a prospective, observational study with MF-V and the CIPN18 from baseline to one year after end of treatment. (3) The study recruited 31 evaluable patients. All MF-V measurements correlated significantly with the CIPN18 scores (r = 0.25–0.48, p > 0.003), with a low frequency (32 Hz) from metatarsals showing the best correlation coefficients (0.059 Z-score per CIPN18 point change, r = 0.48, CI-95 = [0.32; 0.60], p > 0.0001). The largest change in MF-V scores from baseline was seen in low-frequency VPTs taken from metatarsals at 8 Hz three months after end of treatment (from −0.26, CI-95 [−0.85, 0.38] to 1.15, CI-95 [0.53, 1.84]) for patients treated with oxaliplatin and at 32 Hz one year after end of treatment (from 0.09, CI-95 [−0.56, 0.77] to 0.88, CI-95 [0.34, 1.47]) for patients treated with paclitaxel. (4) Low-frequency vibration perception thresholds (8 and 32 Hz) correlated better with CIPN18 scores than high-frequency ones (128 and 250 Hz). If validated, this finding will advance CIPN pathophysiological understanding and inform the development of assessment methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Side Effects of Cancer Therapeutics in Clinical Practice)
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15 pages, 5302 KiB  
Article
Adrenal Gland Irradiation Causes Fatigue Accompanied by Reactive Changes in Cortisol Levels
by Yu-Ming Huang, Chih-Wen Chi, Pao-Shu Wu, Hung-Chi Tai, Ming-Nan Chien and Yu-Jen Chen
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(5), 1214; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11051214 - 24 Feb 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3075
Abstract
Background: Incidental radiotherapy (RT) to the adrenal gland may have systemic effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of adrenal RT on fatigue. Methods: BALB/c mice were surgically explored to identify the left adrenal gland and delivered intra-operative RT. The swimming endurance [...] Read more.
Background: Incidental radiotherapy (RT) to the adrenal gland may have systemic effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of adrenal RT on fatigue. Methods: BALB/c mice were surgically explored to identify the left adrenal gland and delivered intra-operative RT. The swimming endurance test was used for endurance assessment to represent fatigue. Plasma levels of stress hormones and histopathological features were examined. Three patients with inevitable RT to the adrenal gland were enrolled for the preliminary study. Serum levels of cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were measured before and after RT. Fatigue score by using the fatigue severity scale and RT dosimetric parameters were collected. Results: In the experimental mouse model, adrenal RT decreased baseline cortisol from 274.6 ± 37.8 to 193.6 ± 29.4 ng/mL (p = 0.007) and swimming endurance time from 3.7 ± 0.3 to 1.7 ± 0.6 min (p = 0.02). In histopathological assessment, the irradiated adrenal glands showed RT injury features in the adrenal cortex. In the enrolled patients, baseline cortisol significantly declined after RT. There were no significant differences in the levels of morning cortisol, aldosterone, and ACTH before and after RT. Conclusions: The RT dose distributed to the adrenal gland may correlate with unwanted adverse effects, including fatigue and adrenal hormone alterations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Side Effects of Cancer Therapeutics in Clinical Practice)
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12 pages, 1046 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Follow-Up of Fractional CO2 Laser Therapy for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause in Breast Cancer Survivors
by Allison M. Quick, Andrew Hundley, Cynthia Evans, Julie A. Stephens, Bhuvaneswari Ramaswamy, Raquel E. Reinbolt, Anne M. Noonan, Jeffrey Bryan Van Deusen, Robert Wesolowski, Daniel G. Stover, Nicole Olivia Williams, Sagar D. Sardesai, Stephanie S. Faubion, Charles L. Loprinzi and Maryam B. Lustberg
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(3), 774; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11030774 - 31 Jan 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2711
Abstract
(1) Background: The objective of this study was to determine the long-term efficacy of fractional CO2 laser therapy in breast cancer survivors. (2) Methods: This was a single-arm study of breast cancer survivors. Participants received three treatments of fractional CO2 laser [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The objective of this study was to determine the long-term efficacy of fractional CO2 laser therapy in breast cancer survivors. (2) Methods: This was a single-arm study of breast cancer survivors. Participants received three treatments of fractional CO2 laser therapy and returned for a 4 week follow-up. Participants were contacted for follow-up at annual intervals. The Vaginal Assessment Scale (VAS), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Female Sexual Distress Scare Revised (FSDS-R), the Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI), and adverse events were collected and reported for the two-year follow-up. The changes in scores were compared between the four-week and two-year and the one-year and two-year follow-ups using paired t-tests. (3) Results: In total, 67 BC survivors were enrolled, 59 completed treatments and the four week follow-up, 39 participated in the one-year follow-up, and 33 participated in the two-year follow-up. After initial improvement in the VAS from baseline to the four week follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference in the VAS score (mean Δ 0.23; 95% CI [−0.05, 0.51], p = 0.150) between the four week follow-up and the two-year follow-up. At the two-year follow-up, the FSFI and FSDS-R scores remained improved from baseline and there was no statistically significant change in the FSFI score (mean Δ −0.83; 95% CI [−3.07, 2.38] p = 0.794) or the FSDS-R score (mean Δ −2.85; 95% CI [−1.88, 7.59] p = 0.227) from the one to two-year follow-up. The UDI scores approached baseline at the two-year follow-up; however, the change between the one- and two-year follow-ups was not statistically significant (mean Δ 4.76; 95% CI [−1.89, 11.41], p = 0.15). (4) Conclusions: Breast cancer survivors treated with fractional CO2 laser therapy have sustained improvement in sexual function two years after treatment completion, suggesting potential long-term benefit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Side Effects of Cancer Therapeutics in Clinical Practice)
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9 pages, 655 KiB  
Article
N-Terminal Pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide, sST2, and Galectin-3 Levels in Breast Cancer Survivors
by Shruti Rajesh Patel, Joerg Herrmann, Robert A. Vierkant, Janet E. Olson, Fergus J. Couch, Antonious Hazim, Jeff A. Sloan, Charles L. Loprinzi and Kathryn J. Ruddy
J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(15), 3313; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10153313 - 27 Jul 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1929
Abstract
NT-proBNP, soluble ST2 (sST2), and galectin-3 are biomarkers of cardiac dysfunction that have been proposed as identifiers of patients experiencing asymptomatic cardiac dysfunction after anthracycline-based chemotherapy. This study aimed to compare the proportion of breast cancer (BC) survivors with elevated serum levels of [...] Read more.
NT-proBNP, soluble ST2 (sST2), and galectin-3 are biomarkers of cardiac dysfunction that have been proposed as identifiers of patients experiencing asymptomatic cardiac dysfunction after anthracycline-based chemotherapy. This study aimed to compare the proportion of breast cancer (BC) survivors with elevated serum levels of these three putative biomarkers by prior receipt of anthracycline (yes vs. no). Five-hundred-eighty survivors of BC who had received anthracycline-based chemotherapy were matched by age and time between diagnosis and serum storage to 580 who had not. Cardiac biomarker levels were analyzed using immunoassays. Analyses were carried out using linear and logistic regression models. Anthracycline recipients had higher values of NT-proBNP than non-recipients (mean 116.0 ng/L vs. 97.0 ng/L, respectively; p < 0.001). Values for ST2 and galectin-3 did not significantly differ by receipt of anthracycline. After further adjustment for age at breast cancer diagnosis, ethnicity, and receipt of trastuzumab, associations between receipt of anthracycline and higher NT-proBNP persisted (p < 0.001), showing that NT-proBNP may be a biomarker of cardiovascular toxicity after receipt of anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Further research to assess the clinical utility of NT-proBNP testing after receipt of anthracycline is recommended. sST2 and galectin-3 do not appear to differentiate between anthracycline recipients and non-recipients amongst breast cancer survivors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Side Effects of Cancer Therapeutics in Clinical Practice)
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Review

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21 pages, 355 KiB  
Review
Sexual Health after a Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Addressing a Forgotten Aspect of Survivorship
by Suneela Vegunta, Carol L. Kuhle, Jennifer A. Vencill, Pauline H. Lucas and Dawn M. Mussallem
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(22), 6723; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11226723 - 14 Nov 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6483
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. The life expectancy after a breast cancer diagnosis is improving steadily, leaving many more persons with the long-term consequences of treatment. Sexual problems are a common concern for breast cancer survivors yet remain overlooked [...] Read more.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. The life expectancy after a breast cancer diagnosis is improving steadily, leaving many more persons with the long-term consequences of treatment. Sexual problems are a common concern for breast cancer survivors yet remain overlooked in both the clinical setting and the research literature. Factors that contribute to sexual health concerns in breast cancer survivors are biopsychosocial, as are the barriers to addressing and treating these health concerns. Sexual health needs and treatment may vary by anatomy and gender. Multidisciplinary management may comprise lifestyle modifications, medications, sexual health aids such as vibrators, counseling, and referrals to pelvic health physical therapy and specialty care. In this article, we review the contributing factors, screening, and management of sexual difficulties in cisgender female breast cancer survivors. More information is needed to better address the sexual health of breast cancer survivors whose sexual/gender identity differs from that of cisgender women. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Side Effects of Cancer Therapeutics in Clinical Practice)
11 pages, 282 KiB  
Review
Living with Advanced Breast Cancer: A Descriptive Analysis of Survivorship Strategies
by Michael Grimm, Lindsey Radcliff, Mariann Giles, Ryan Nash, Erin Holley, Shannon Panda, Lynne Brophy, Nicole Williams, Mathew Cherian, Daniel Stover, Margaret E. Gatti-Mays, Robert Wesolowski, Sagar Sardesai, Preeti Sudheendra, Raquel Reinbolt, Bhuvaneswari Ramaswamy and Ashley Pariser
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(14), 3992; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11143992 - 10 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1937
Abstract
Survivors of advanced breast cancer (ABC), also known as metavivors, are often left with fewer treatment options in the landscape of a cure culture. Metavivors have unique psychosocial and physical needs distinct from patients with early-stage breast cancer. This analysis delves into side [...] Read more.
Survivors of advanced breast cancer (ABC), also known as metavivors, are often left with fewer treatment options in the landscape of a cure culture. Metavivors have unique psychosocial and physical needs distinct from patients with early-stage breast cancer. This analysis delves into side effects commonly experienced by patients with ABC, such as fatigue, anxiety, and cardiotoxicity; how these side effects impact caregiver support, financial toxicity, emotional strain, and spiritual and emotional distress; as well as current strategies for mitigation, including nutrition, exercise, and participation in clinical research. Overall, this analysis is a mandate for additional research to explore novel treatments and implement strategies to maintain and improve patients’ quality of life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Side Effects of Cancer Therapeutics in Clinical Practice)
21 pages, 1299 KiB  
Review
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Clinical Use of Megestrol Acetate for Cancer-Related Anorexia/Cachexia
by Yu Liang Lim, Seth En Teoh, Clyve Yu Leon Yaow, Daryl Jimian Lin, Yoshio Masuda, Ming Xuan Han, Wee Song Yeo and Qin Xiang Ng
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(13), 3756; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11133756 - 28 Jun 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3116
Abstract
Cancer-related anorexia/cachexia is known to be associated with worsened quality of life and survival; however, limited treatment options exist. Although megestrol acetate (MA) is often used off-label to stimulate appetite and improve anorexia/cachexia in patients with advanced cancers, the benefits are controversial. The [...] Read more.
Cancer-related anorexia/cachexia is known to be associated with worsened quality of life and survival; however, limited treatment options exist. Although megestrol acetate (MA) is often used off-label to stimulate appetite and improve anorexia/cachexia in patients with advanced cancers, the benefits are controversial. The present meta-analysis aimed to better elucidate the clinical benefits of MA in patients with cancer-related anorexia/cachexia. A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, OVID Medline, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar databases found 23 clinical trials examining the use of MA in cancer-related anorexia. The available randomized, controlled trials were appraised using Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2) and they had moderate-to-high risk of bias. A total of eight studies provided sufficient data on weight change for meta-analysis. The studies were divided into high-dose treatment (>320 mg/day) and low-dose treatment (≤320 mg/day). The overall pooled mean change in weight among cancer patients treated with MA, regardless of dosage was 0.75 kg (95% CI = −1.64 to 3.15, τ2 = 9.35, I2 = 96%). Patients who received high-dose MA tended to have weight loss rather than weight gain. There were insufficient studies to perform a meta-analysis for the change in tricep skinfold, midarm circumference, or quality of life measures. MA was generally well-tolerated, except for a clear thromboembolic risk, especially with higher doses. On balance, MA did not appear to be effective in providing the symptomatic improvement of anorexia/cachexia in patients with advanced cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Side Effects of Cancer Therapeutics in Clinical Practice)
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14 pages, 758 KiB  
Review
A Systematic Review of Nutritional Lab Correlates with Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
by Cindy Tofthagen, Mary Tanay, Adam Perlman, Jason Starr, Pooja Advani, Katharine Sheffield and Tara Brigham
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(2), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11020355 - 12 Jan 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2649
Abstract
Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a dose-limiting side effect of chemotherapy for which no prevention or cure exists. Cancer and cancer treatments can adversely affect nutritional status. Nutrition may play a role in development of CIPN, yet the relationship between nutrition and [...] Read more.
Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a dose-limiting side effect of chemotherapy for which no prevention or cure exists. Cancer and cancer treatments can adversely affect nutritional status. Nutrition may play a role in development of CIPN, yet the relationship between nutrition and CIPN is not well understood. Common laboratory values measuring various aspects of nutrition (hemoglobin/hematocrit, vitamin B12, calcium, and magnesium) may be associated with CIPN. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the empirical evidence surrounding the relationship between laboratory measures of nutrition and CIPN among persons with cancer who received neurotoxic chemotherapy drugs. We conducted an extensive review of the literature to identify articles that evaluated relationships between laboratory measures of nutrition and CIPN. A total of eleven articles satisfied the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Participants in the studies had breast or colorectal cancer, lymphoma or multiple myeloma and were receiving a variety of neurotoxic drugs. Hemoglobin/hematocrit, vitamin D, albumin, and magnesium were associated with CIPN. The quality of the studies ranges from fair to good. Evidence suggests that low levels of the above-mentioned tests could be associated with CIPN but additional research is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Side Effects of Cancer Therapeutics in Clinical Practice)
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16 pages, 495 KiB  
Review
Inter-Individual Variation and Cardioprotection in Anthracycline-Induced Heart Failure
by Nadine Norton, Raegan M. Weil and Pooja P. Advani
J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(18), 4079; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10184079 - 09 Sep 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2231
Abstract
Anthracyclines are one of the most widely used and effective chemotherapies in oncology, but their most important side effect is the cumulative, dose-related cardiotoxicity leading to congestive heart failure in ~5% of individuals. Methodology and pharmacogenetic studies for predicting which individuals are at [...] Read more.
Anthracyclines are one of the most widely used and effective chemotherapies in oncology, but their most important side effect is the cumulative, dose-related cardiotoxicity leading to congestive heart failure in ~5% of individuals. Methodology and pharmacogenetic studies for predicting which individuals are at high risk and subsequently the development of targeted and individualized cardioprotective plans are beginning to make progress. Here, we review current putative risk genes and variants, the strength of evidence for each genetic association and the interaction between risk genes, in the context of known clinical risk factors and potential novel cardioprotective strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Side Effects of Cancer Therapeutics in Clinical Practice)
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