National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
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AHRQ Research Studies
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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
Results
1 to 25 of 25 Research Studies DisplayedKrouse RS, Anderson GL, Arnold KB
Surgical versus non-surgical management for patients with malignant bowel obstruction (S1316): a pragmatic comparative effectiveness trial.
The purpose of this study was to compare surgical versus non-surgical management with the goal of determining the optimal approach for managing malignant bowel obstruction. From May 11, 2015, to April 27, 2020, 221 patients were enrolled, with 199 evaluable participants. The study found no variation between surgery and non-surgery for the primary outcome of good days: mean 42·6 days in the randomized surgery group, 43·9 days (29·5) in the randomized non-surgery group, 54·8 days (27·0) in the patient choice surgery group, and 52·7 days (30·7) in the patient choice non-surgery group. During their initial hospital stay, six participants died, five due to cancer progression and one due to malignant bowel obstruction treatment complications The most common grade 3-4 malignant bowel obstruction treatment complication was anemia.
AHRQ-funded; HS021491.
Citation: Krouse RS, Anderson GL, Arnold KB .
Surgical versus non-surgical management for patients with malignant bowel obstruction (S1316): a pragmatic comparative effectiveness trial.
Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023 Oct; 8(10):908-18. doi: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00191-7..
Keywords: Cancer, Surgery, Treatments, Comparative Effectiveness, Evidence-Based Practice
Di M, Keeney T, Belanger E
Functional status and therapy for older adults with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in nursing homes: a population-based study.
The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of functional and cognitive impairments, and relationships between impairments and treatment in older patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) receiving nursing home (NH) care. The study found that of the eligible 649 NH patients 45% received chemoimmunotherapy; among the recipients, 47% received multi-agent, anthracycline-containing regimens. Those patients in a NH were less likely to receive chemoimmunotherapy, had higher 30-day mortality, and poorer OS compared with community-dwelling patients. NH patients with severe functional (61%) or any cognitive impairment (48%) were less likely to receive chemoimmunotherapy.
AHRQ-funded; HS000011.
Citation: Di M, Keeney T, Belanger E .
Functional status and therapy for older adults with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in nursing homes: a population-based study.
J Am Geriatr Soc 2023 Jul; 71(7):2239-49. doi: 10.1111/jgs.18302..
Keywords: Elderly, Nursing Homes, Medicare, Cancer, Treatments
Carroll CE, Landrum MB, Wright AA
Adoption of innovative therapies across oncology practices-evidence from immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy has emerged as a crucial development in cancer care, significantly enhancing patient outcomes for various cancer forms, yet limited information exists regarding the adoption of this innovative treatment by different practices or the speed of uptake. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adoption of immunotherapy across oncology practices in the United States and examine variations in adoption based on practice characteristics. This cohort investigation utilized Medicare fee-for-service data from beneficiaries undergoing six-month chemotherapy cycles between 2010 and 2017. Data analysis was conducted from January 19, 2021, to September 28, 2022, for patients diagnosed with cancers for which the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved immunotherapy during the study period: melanoma, kidney cancer, lung cancer, and head and neck cancer. The primary outcome assessed whether a practice adopted immunotherapy. The data included 71,659 episodes from 1,732 oncology practices. The study found that among these, 264 practices (15%) were rural, 900 (52%) were independent, and 492 (28%) had 1 to 5 physicians. The study also found that the majority of practices adopted immunotherapy within two years of FDA approval, but considerable variations in adoption rates existed across practice types. Following FDA approval, immunotherapy adoption was 11 percentage points lower in rural practices compared to urban practices and 27 percentage points lower in practices with 1 to 5 physicians than those with six or more physicians. Adoption rates were comparable between independent practices and nonacademic institutions; however, both practice types exhibited lower adoption than academic institutions (independent practice difference, -6 percentage points; nonacademic systems difference, -9 percentage points).
AHRQ-funded; HS024072
Citation: Carroll CE, Landrum MB, Wright AA .
Adoption of innovative therapies across oncology practices-evidence from immunotherapy.
JAMA Oncol 2023 Mar;9(3):324-33. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2022.6296.
Keywords: Cancer, Treatments
Treadwell JR, Kessler SK, Wu M
Pharmacologic and dietary treatments for epilepsies in children aged 1-36 months: a systematic review.
The purpose of this systematic review study was to assess the effectiveness and harms of pharmacologic and dietary treatments for epilepsy in children aged 1-36 months without infantile spasms. The researchers searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library for studies published from 1/1/1999 to 8/19/21 to identify studies reporting data on children aged 1-36 months receiving pharmacologic or dietary treatments for epilepsy. Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. The study found that Levetiracetam leads to seizure freedom in some infants but the data on 6 other medications (lamotrigine, phenytoin, rufinamide, stiripentol, topiramate, and vigabatrin) were too limited to allow conclusions about their effectiveness. Three medications (lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and topiramate) were rarely discontinued due to adverse effects, and severe events were also rare. In the category of diets, the ketogenic diet lead to seizure freedom in some infants and both the ketogenic diet and modified Atkins diet reduced average seizure frequency.
AHRQ-funded; 75Q80120D00002.
Citation: Treadwell JR, Kessler SK, Wu M .
Pharmacologic and dietary treatments for epilepsies in children aged 1-36 months: a systematic review.
Neurology 2023 Jan 3;100(1):e16-e27. doi: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000201026..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Neurological Disorders, Newborns/Infants, Medication, Nutrition, Treatments, Evidence-Based Practice
Tsou AY, Kessler SK, Wu M
Surgical treatments for epilepsies in children aged 1-36 months: a systematic review.
The purpose of this article was to summarize the findings of a systematic review commissioned by the American Epilepsy Society to evaluate evidence and describe evidence gaps for surgical treatments for epilepsy in children aged 1 to 36 months without infantile spasms. The researchers searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library for studies published from 1/1/1999 to 8/19/21 and included studies reporting data on children aged 1 month to 36 months or less enrolled in surgical interventions or neurostimulation for epilepsy. Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria. The review found that seizure freedom for infants undergoing hemispherectomy/hemispherotomy ranged from 7% to 76% at 1 year after surgery. For non-hemispheric surgeries seizure freedom ranged from 40% to 70%. Over half of infants undergoing hemispherectomy/hemispherotomy achieved a favorable outcome (Engel I or II, ILAE I to IV, or >50% seizure reduction) at follow-up of over 1 year. The researchers note that the studies had important limitations. The researchers concluded that while evidence remains sparse and low quality, some infants achieve seizure freedom after surgery and 50% or greater achieve favorable outcomes.
AHRQ-funded; 75Q80120D00002.
Citation: Tsou AY, Kessler SK, Wu M .
Surgical treatments for epilepsies in children aged 1-36 months: a systematic review.
Neurology 2023 Jan 3;100(1):e1-e15. doi: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000201012..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Newborns/Infants, Surgery, Treatments, Evidence-Based Practice
Nguyen NH, Luo J, Paul P
Effectiveness and safety of biologic therapy in Hispanic vs non-Hispanic patients with inflammatory bowel diseases: a CA-IBD cohort study.
Researchers compared risk of hospitalization, surgery, and serious infection in Hispanic versus non-Hispanic adult patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) who were new recipients of biologic therapy. Their findings indicate that Hispanic patients experienced higher hospitalization, surgery, and serious infection rates. The researchers concluded that future studies should investigate the biological, social, and environmental drivers of these differences.
AHRQ-funded; HS019913.
Citation: Nguyen NH, Luo J, Paul P .
Effectiveness and safety of biologic therapy in Hispanic vs non-Hispanic patients with inflammatory bowel diseases: a CA-IBD cohort study.
Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023 Jan;21(1):173-81.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2022.05.008..
Keywords: Digestive Disease and Health, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Treatments
Rastogi V, Marcaccio CL, Kim NH
The effect of supraceliac versus infraceliac landing zone on outcomes following fenestrated endovascular repair of juxta-/pararenal aortic aneurysms.
The purpose of this study was to assess perioperative outcomes in patients in the Vascular Quality Initiative who underwent juxta-/pararenal FEVAR with supraceliac vs infraceliac sealing. 1,486 Patients who received an elective FEVAR for juxta-/pararenal aortic aneurysms in the Vascular Quality Initiative between 2014 and 2021were identified and included.
The researchers defined supraceliac sealing as proximal sealing in aortic zone 5, or zone 6 with a celiac scallop/fenestration/branch or celiac occlusion. The study’s primary outcomes were perioperative and 3-year mortality, and secondary outcomes were completion endoleaks, in-hospital complications, and variables related with 3-year mortality. The study found that of the included patients, 84% underwent infraceliac sealing, and 16% underwent supraceliac sealing. Of the supraceliac patients, 60% had a celiac fenestration/branch, 31% had a celiac scallop, and 9.2% had a celiac occlusion (intentional or unintentional). Compared with infraceliac sealing, there were no differences after risk-adjusted analysis in perioperative mortality following supraceliac sealing. Supraceliac sealing was associated with lower odds of type-IA completion endoleaks, but higher odds of any complication including cardiac complications, lower extremity ischemia and acute kidney injury when compared with infraceliac sealing. The researchers concluded that supraceliac sealing was associated with lower risk of type IA endoleaks and similar mortality compared with sealing at an infraceliac level. The researchers advise that providers should be aware that supraceliac sealing was related with higher perioperative morbidity.
The researchers defined supraceliac sealing as proximal sealing in aortic zone 5, or zone 6 with a celiac scallop/fenestration/branch or celiac occlusion. The study’s primary outcomes were perioperative and 3-year mortality, and secondary outcomes were completion endoleaks, in-hospital complications, and variables related with 3-year mortality. The study found that of the included patients, 84% underwent infraceliac sealing, and 16% underwent supraceliac sealing. Of the supraceliac patients, 60% had a celiac fenestration/branch, 31% had a celiac scallop, and 9.2% had a celiac occlusion (intentional or unintentional). Compared with infraceliac sealing, there were no differences after risk-adjusted analysis in perioperative mortality following supraceliac sealing. Supraceliac sealing was associated with lower odds of type-IA completion endoleaks, but higher odds of any complication including cardiac complications, lower extremity ischemia and acute kidney injury when compared with infraceliac sealing. The researchers concluded that supraceliac sealing was associated with lower risk of type IA endoleaks and similar mortality compared with sealing at an infraceliac level. The researchers advise that providers should be aware that supraceliac sealing was related with higher perioperative morbidity.
AHRQ-funded; HS027285.
Citation: Rastogi V, Marcaccio CL, Kim NH .
The effect of supraceliac versus infraceliac landing zone on outcomes following fenestrated endovascular repair of juxta-/pararenal aortic aneurysms.
J Vasc Surg 2023 Jan;77(1):9-19.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2022.08.007..
Keywords: Cardiovascular Conditions, Surgery, Evidence-Based Practice, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Outcomes, Comparative Effectiveness, Treatments
Rhee TG, Sint K, Olfson M
Association of ECT with risks of all-cause mortality and suicide in older Medicare patients.
This observational study examined the effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on suicide and all-cause mortality risk in Medicare psychiatric patients age 65 or older. Patients receiving ECT were exact matched to control subjects in a 1-to-3 ratio on age, gender, principal hospital diagnosis, past-year psychiatric hospitalizations, past-year suicide attempts, and Elixhauser comorbidity index. A total of 10,46 patients were in the ECT group and 31,160 in the control group. Compared with the control group, patients receiving ECT had lower all-cause mortality for up to 1 year following hospital discharge. For death by suicide, ECT was associated with short-lived effects which waned over time.
AHRQ-funded; HS023000.
Citation: Rhee TG, Sint K, Olfson M .
Association of ECT with risks of all-cause mortality and suicide in older Medicare patients.
Am J Psychiatry 2021 Dec;178(12):1089-97. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2021.21040351..
Keywords: Elderly, Behavioral Health, Mortality, Treatments
Andreae SJ, Andreae LJ, Richman JS
Peer-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy-based intervention reduced depression and stress in community dwelling adults with diabetes and chronic pain: a cluster randomized trial.
Researchers examined whether a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based program intended to increase physical activity despite chronic pain in patients with diabetes delivered by community members trained as peer coaches also improved depressive symptoms and perceived stress. They found that this peer-delivered CBT-based program improved depressive symptoms and stress in individuals with diabetes and chronic pain. They recommended training community members as a feasible strategy for offering CBT-based interventions in rural and under-resourced communities.
AHRQ-funded; HS019239.
Citation: Andreae SJ, Andreae LJ, Richman JS .
Peer-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy-based intervention reduced depression and stress in community dwelling adults with diabetes and chronic pain: a cluster randomized trial.
Ann Behav Med 2021 Oct 4;55(10):970-80. doi: 10.1093/abm/kaab034..
Keywords: Depression, Behavioral Health, Diabetes, Chronic Conditions, Treatments, Pain, Lifestyle Changes
Moazzezi M, Rose B, Kisling K
Prospects for daily online adaptive radiotherapy via ethos for prostate cancer patients without nodal involvement using unedited CBCT auto-segmentation.
This study’s objective was to assess the new online adaptive radiation therapy technology called Ethos for treating prostate cancer. Twenty-five prostate patients previously treated at the author’s clinic were re-planed using an Ethos emulator. Clinical margins of 3 mm posterior, 5 mm left/right/anterior, and 7 mm superior/inferior were used. Dose metrics were compared to unadapted plans to evaluate clinical target volumes (CTV) and online adaptive radiation (OAR) dose changes. Overall, 96% of fractions required auto-segmentation edits, although they were mostly minor. Adaptation improved CTV 98% for the 24 patients with minor auto-segmentation corrections. However, for one in 25 patients, large contour edits were required.
AHRQ-funded; HS025440.
Citation: Moazzezi M, Rose B, Kisling K .
Prospects for daily online adaptive radiotherapy via ethos for prostate cancer patients without nodal involvement using unedited CBCT auto-segmentation.
J Appl Clin Med Phys 2021 Oct;22(10):82-93. doi: 10.1002/acm2.13399..
Keywords: Cancer: Prostate Cancer, Cancer, Treatments, Imaging
Garsa A, Jang JK, Baxi S
Radiation therapy for brain metastases: a systematic review.
This systematic review synthesizes the available evidence on radiation therapy for brain metastases. A literature search was conducted using the major medical databases and included randomized controlled trials and large observational studies which evaluated whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) alone or in combination as initial or postoperative treatment, with or without systemic therapy for adults with brain metastases due to lung cancer, breast cancer, or melanoma. No statistically significant difference in overall survival was found with a combination of SRS plus WBRT compared with SRS alone or WBRT alone. Radiation therapy after surgery did not improve overall survival compared with surgery alone. WBRT plus systemic therapy was associated with increased risks for vomiting compared with WBRT alone. There was not enough data on patient-relevant outcomes such as quality of life, functional status, and cognitive effects.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500010I.
Citation: Garsa A, Jang JK, Baxi S .
Radiation therapy for brain metastases: a systematic review.
Pract Radiat Oncol 2021 Sep-Oct;11(5):354-65. doi: 10.1016/j.prro.2021.04.002..
Keywords: Cancer, Surgery, Treatments, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Evidence-Based Practice
Crits-Christoph P, King C, Goldstein E
Use of cognitive techniques is associated with change in positive compensatory skills in the treatment of major depressive disorder in a community mental health setting.
Investigators sought to examine the association between adherence and competence in cognitive therapy (CT) techniques and change in positive compensatory skills and depressive symptoms within a community mental health setting. They found that adherence and competence were both significantly associated with linear change in positive compensatory skills from baseline to month 5. They concluded that their results support the hypothesis that use of CT techniques is associated with change in compensatory skills in a community mental health setting.
AHRQ-funded; HS018440.
Citation: Crits-Christoph P, King C, Goldstein E .
Use of cognitive techniques is associated with change in positive compensatory skills in the treatment of major depressive disorder in a community mental health setting.
Psychother Res 2021 Sep;31(7):909-20. doi: 10.1080/10503307.2020.1866785..
Keywords: Depression, Behavioral Health, Treatments
Xu L, Xie D, Griffin KS
Objective adherence to dental device versus positive airway pressure treatment in adults with obstructive sleep apnea.
Although mandibular advancement device (MAD) treatment of adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is generally less efficacious than positive airway pressure (PAP), the two treatments are associated, with similar clinical outcomes. As a sub-analysis of a randomized trial comparing the effect of MAD versus PAP on blood pressure, this study compared objectively measured adherence to MAD versus PAP treatment in adults with OSA.
AHRQ-funded; HS019738.
Citation: Xu L, Xie D, Griffin KS .
Objective adherence to dental device versus positive airway pressure treatment in adults with obstructive sleep apnea.
J Sleep Res 2021 Aug;30(4):e13240. doi: 10.1111/jsr.13240..
Keywords: Sleep Problems, Patient Adherence/Compliance, Treatments, Dental and Oral Health, Respiratory Conditions
Vemulakonda VM, Sevick C, Juarez-Colunga E
Treatment of infants with ureteropelvic junction obstruction: findings from the PURSUIT network.
Studies based on administrative databases show that infant pyeloplasty is associated with minority race/ethnicity but lack clinical data that may influence treatment. The objective of this study was to identify clinical and demographic factors associated with pyeloplasty in infants from three large tertiary centers. The investigators found that infant pyeloplasty rates varied between sites. In addition, they found that prolonged T½ was associated with surgery despite prior studies suggesting this was a poor predictor of worsening dilation or function.
AHRQ-funded; HS024597.
Citation: Vemulakonda VM, Sevick C, Juarez-Colunga E .
Treatment of infants with ureteropelvic junction obstruction: findings from the PURSUIT network.
Int Urol Nephrol 2021 Aug;53(8):1485-95. doi: 10.1007/s11255-021-02866-y..
Keywords: Newborns/Infants, Treatments, Practice Patterns
Ibrahim S, Lowe JR, Bramante CT
Metformin and Covid-19: focused review of mechanisms and current literature suggesting benefit.
In the current Covid-19 pandemic, four observational studies have been published showing reduced mortality among individuals with home metformin use. This article discusses these studies.
AHRQ-funded; HS026379.
Citation: Ibrahim S, Lowe JR, Bramante CT .
Metformin and Covid-19: focused review of mechanisms and current literature suggesting benefit.
Front Endocrinol 2021 Jul 22;12:587801. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.587801..
Keywords: COVID-19, Medication, Treatments
Wilkinson ST, Kitay BM, Harper A
Barriers to the implementation of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): results from a nationwide survey of ECT practitioners.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for major depressive disorder; yet, its use is confined to <1% of individuals with this disorder. In this study, the authors aimed to examine barriers to ECT from the perspective of the provider. The investigators concluded that coordinated efforts to overcome identified barriers may allow ECT to be more broadly implemented. Investments in education may increase the number of competent practitioners.
AHRQ-funded; HS023000.
Citation: Wilkinson ST, Kitay BM, Harper A .
Barriers to the implementation of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): results from a nationwide survey of ECT practitioners.
Psychiatr Serv 2021 Jul;72(7):752-57. doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.202000387..
Keywords: Depression, Behavioral Health, Treatments
Caram MEV, Burns J, Kumbier K
Factors influencing treatment of veterans with advanced prostate cancer.
This study examined factors influencing treatment of veterans with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Clinician and nonclinical factors associated with the first-line treatment for CPRC using data from the Veterans Health Administration was used. Almost 5000 patients who received abiraterone, enzalutamide, docetaxel, or ketoconazole from 2010 through 2017 were identified. Increasing age was associated with receipt of abiraterone or enzalutamide versus docetaxel. Greater preexisting comorbidity was associated with enzalutamide versus abiraterone. Patients with higher PSA values at the start of treatment were more likely to receive docetaxel than the other three treatments. African American men were more likely to receive ketoconazole.
AHRQ-funded; HS025707.
Citation: Caram MEV, Burns J, Kumbier K .
Factors influencing treatment of veterans with advanced prostate cancer.
Cancer 2021 Jul 1;127(13):2311-18. doi: 10.1002/cncr.33485..
Keywords: Cancer: Prostate Cancer, Cancer, Men's Health, Treatments
Bramante CT, Buse J, Tamaritz L
Outpatient metformin use is associated with reduced severity of COVID-19 disease in adults with overweight or obesity.
This study investigated whether outpatient metformin use is associated with reduced severity of COVID-19 in adults with overweight or obesity. Metformin can decrease interleukin-6 and tumor-necrosis factor- α, which appears to contribute to COVID-19 mortality. The authors conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of electronic health record (EHR) data that was pooled across multiple EHR systems from 12 hospitals and 60 primary care clinics in the Midwest between March and December 2020. Inclusion criteria included data for BMI > 25 kg/m(2); age range 30-85 years; and a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test. Metformin was associated with a decrease in mortality from COVID-19 and a nonsignificant decrease in hospital admission in the overall cohort.
AHRQ-funded; HS026379.
Citation: Bramante CT, Buse J, Tamaritz L .
Outpatient metformin use is associated with reduced severity of COVID-19 disease in adults with overweight or obesity.
J Med Virol 2021 Jul;93(7):4273-79. doi: 10.1002/jmv.26873..
Keywords: COVID-19, Infectious Diseases, Obesity, Medication, Treatments, Outcomes
VanderPluym JH, Halker Singh RB, Urtecho M
Acute treatments for episodic migraine in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Migraine is common and can be associated with significant morbidity, and several treatment options exist for acute therapy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the benefits and harms associated with acute treatments for episodic migraine in adults. The investigators concluded that there are several acute treatments for migraine, with varying strength of supporting evidence. Use of triptans, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, dihydroergotamine, calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists, lasmiditan, and some nonpharmacologic treatments were associated with improved pain and function.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500013I.
Citation: VanderPluym JH, Halker Singh RB, Urtecho M .
Acute treatments for episodic migraine in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
JAMA 2021 Jun 15;325(23):2357-69. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.7939..
Keywords: Neurological Disorders, Pain, Chronic Conditions, Treatments
Pasalic D, Barocas DA, Huang LC
Five-year outcomes from a prospective comparative effectiveness study evaluating external-beam radiotherapy with or without low-dose-rate brachytherapy boost for localized prostate cancer.
This retrospective cohort study’s objective was to determine if there were differences in treatment-related regret or survival between prostate cancer patients who received external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) with or without a brachytherapy boost (EBRT-LDR), over a 5-year period. The cohort included 695 men who met inclusion criteria and received either EBRT (n=583) or EBRT-LDR (n=112). Men who received either treatment reported clinically worse urinary irritation and bowel function through 3 years but resolved after 5 years. Men who received EBRT-LDR continued to report moderate- to-big problems with urinary function bother and frequent urination at 5 years. There was no difference in treatment-related regret or survival between patients who received either treatment.
AHRQ-funded; HS019356; HS022640.
Citation: Pasalic D, Barocas DA, Huang LC .
Five-year outcomes from a prospective comparative effectiveness study evaluating external-beam radiotherapy with or without low-dose-rate brachytherapy boost for localized prostate cancer.
Cancer 2021 Jun 1;127(11):1912-25. doi: 10.1002/cncr.33388..
Keywords: Cancer: Prostate Cancer, Cancer, Comparative Effectiveness, Evidence-Based Practice, Outcomes, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Treatments
Campbell JI, Sandora TJ, Haberer JE
A scoping review of paediatric latent tuberculosis infection care cascades: initial steps are lacking.
This literature review looked at current studies on the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric latent tuberculosis infection (TB infection), commonly known as the TB infection care cascade. The authors conducted a systematic search of several medical databases and included articles and meeting abstracts that studied children and adolescents 21 years or younger who were screened for or diagnosed with TB infection. They identified 146 studies examining steps in the pediatric TB infection care cascade, including 31 in children living in low- and middle-income countries. Most literature described the final cascade step, which is treatment initiation to completion. Strengths and gaps were identified and future research in examining cascade steps upstream of treatment initiation was recommended.
AHRQ-funded; HS000063.
Citation: Campbell JI, Sandora TJ, Haberer JE .
A scoping review of paediatric latent tuberculosis infection care cascades: initial steps are lacking.
BMJ Glob Health 2021 May;6(5). doi: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004836..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Respiratory Conditions, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Treatments, Care Management, Evidence-Based Practice
Maduekwe UN, Herb JN, Esther RJ
Pathologic nodal staging for clinically node negative soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities.
This study looked at the need for pathological nodal staging in patients with extremity synovial, clear cell, angiosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and epithelioid (SCARE) soft tissue sarcoma. Patients included were without clinical nodal involvement undergoing surgical resection in the National Cancer Database (2004-2017). The cohort included 4158 patients, with 669 patients (16%) undergoing regional lymph node surgery (RLNS). Patients with epithelioid and clear cell sarcomas were most likely to undergo RLNS. Forty-five (7%) had positive nodes with clear cell sarcoma (14%) and angiosarcoma (13%) having the highest rates of nodal positivity. Five-year survival was reduced in patients with positive nodes.
AHRQ-funded; HS000032.
Citation: Maduekwe UN, Herb JN, Esther RJ .
Pathologic nodal staging for clinically node negative soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities.
J Surg Oncol 2021 May;123(8):1792-800. doi: 10.1002/jso.26465..
Keywords: Cancer, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Treatments
Heneghan MB, Hussain T, Barrera L
Access to technology and preferences for an mHealth intervention to promote medication adherence in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia: approach leveraging behavior change techniques.
This study’s objectives were to examine access to mobile technology and preferences for an mHealth intervention to improve medication adherence in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Parents of children with ALL as well as adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with ALL who received maintenance chemotherapy were given a cross-sectional survey. Findings showed that parents, adolescents, and AYAs reported ubiquitous access to mobile technology and strong interest in multiple adherence-specific mHealth app features. Parents and AYAs provided valuable insight into preferred features for a multifunctional behavioral intervention to promote medication adherence in pediatric ALL.
AHRQ-funded; HS023011.
Citation: Heneghan MB, Hussain T, Barrera L .
Access to technology and preferences for an mHealth intervention to promote medication adherence in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia: approach leveraging behavior change techniques.
J Med Internet Res 2021 Feb 18;23(2):e24893. doi: 10.2196/24893..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Young Adults, Caregiving, Cancer, Medication, Patient Adherence/Compliance, Health Information Technology (HIT), Treatments
Gupta A, Sedhom R, Sharma R
Nonpharmacological interventions for managing breathlessness in patients with advanced cancer: a systematic review.
The purpose of this review was to evaluate the advantages and harms of nonpharmacological interventions for managing breathlessness in adults with advanced cancer. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for English-language studies about randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials, controlled trials, and observational studies. Findings included the safety and association with improved breathlessness of several nonpharmacological interventions for adults with advanced cancer. Recommendations included incorporating nonpharmacological interventions as first-line treatment for adults with advanced cancer and breathlessness.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500006I.
Citation: Gupta A, Sedhom R, Sharma R .
Nonpharmacological interventions for managing breathlessness in patients with advanced cancer: a systematic review.
JAMA Oncol 2021 Feb;7(2):290-98. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2020.5184..
Keywords: Cancer, Respiratory Conditions, Treatments, Evidence-Based Practice, Comparative Effectiveness, Quality of Life, Outcomes, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
Feliciano JL, Waldfogel JM, Sharma R
Pharmacologic interventions for breathlessness in patients with advanced cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the use of pharmacological interventions for breathlessness in patients with advanced cancer. Studies were identified from database inception to May 2020 using predefined eligibility criteria. Pharmacologic intervention benefits and harms were compared, focusing on breathlessness, anxiety, exercise capacity and health-related quality of life. Out of 7729 unique citations, 19 studies with a total of 1424 patients were included. Opioids were not associated with more effectiveness than placebo for improving breathlessness or exercise capacity. Anxiolytics were also not associated with more effectiveness than placebo for breathlessness or anxiety. There was limited evidence for other pharmacologic interventions. There was some harm, but it was minimal in those short-term studies.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500006I.
Citation: Feliciano JL, Waldfogel JM, Sharma R .
Pharmacologic interventions for breathlessness in patients with advanced cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
JAMA Netw Open 2021 Feb;4(2):e2037632. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.37632..
Keywords: Cancer: Lung Cancer, Cancer, Respiratory Conditions, Medication, Treatments, Opioids, Evidence-Based Practice, Comparative Effectiveness, Quality of Life, Outcomes, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research