Current medical research and opinion
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Inadequate communication about endometriosis symptom burden between women and healthcare providers is a barrier for optimal treatment. This study describes the development of the EndoWheel, a patient-reported assessment tool that visualizes the multi-dimensional burden of endometriosis to facilitate patient-provider communication. ⋯ Similar to visual circular tools used in burden assessment of other chronic diseases, the tool may facilitate improved patient dialogue with providers around endometriosis treatment goals and options.
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To better understand treatment patterns in US patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) initiating generic glatiramer acetate (GA), this study examined adherence, discontinuation and switching patterns from generic follow-on glatiramer acetate (FOGA) therapy in real-world patient cohorts. ⋯ Adherence to FOGA therapy was reasonably high across cohorts; however, most patients discontinued their initial FOGA within four months of the index date and most switches from FOGA were to branded GA products.
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The aim of the study was to determine the trend of first blood prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test prescription in France between 2011 and 2017, based on the assumption that prostate cancer (PCa) screening is expected to decline over the years. ⋯ Our results suggest that in France, PCa screening is a primary care issue. Although PCa screening remains controversial and confusion exists about the best practice, our study showed a linear decrease of blood PSA test prescriptions for 50-52-year-old men between 2011 and 2017, although the reason for screening was unknown. As clinical information was not available, additional evidence is needed to determine the real impact of this decrease on the cancer-specific and overall mortality.
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Esophageal cancer (EC) makes up 3.2% of all cancers but ranks sixth among cancer-related deaths worldwide. This real-world analysis determined the use of PD-1/PD-L1 (PD[L]1) inhibitors in EC patients after receiving first-line therapy. ⋯ Findings from this real-world study suggest that PD(L)1 inhibitors are increasingly used after first-line therapies in EC, especially among patients initially receiving chemotherapy only. New immunological therapies such as PD(L)1 inhibitors hold great promise for patients with solid tumors. A clearer understanding of their real-world utilization is critical.
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Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare neurological condition, with an estimated global prevalence of 1:32,000 to 1:90,000 live births. AADC deficiency is associated with a range of symptoms and functional impairments, but these have not previously been explored qualitatively. This study aimed to understand the symptoms of AADC deficiency and its impact on individuals' health-related quality of life. ⋯ This is the first qualitative study to report on the experience of living with AADC deficiency. Caregivers report individuals with AADC deficiency experience a wide range of symptoms and functional impairments, which have a substantial impact on their health-related quality of life.