White Paper Diarrhea Assessment and Control: Critical to Patient Quality of Life and Treatment Outcomes Diarrhea can commonly be observed in patients diagnosed with cancer, with the reported prevalence varying based on the type of cancer.1 In colorectal cancer, for example, chronic recurrent diarrhea is reported in approximately 50% of patients.2 Diarrhea is also observed in 30% to 66% of patients with advanced medullary thyroid cancer (MTC).3,4 In addition to being associated with the underlying disease, diarrhea may also be related to cancer treatment. In the case of colorectal cancer, for instance, the incidence of diarrhea of all grades may reach 82% during chemotherapy.5,6 In advanced MTC, the frequency of diarrhea of any grade is reported up to 63% with targeted therapy.7,8 Impact of Diarrhea T he sequela of effects resulting from persistent diarrhea can be physiologically and psychologically challenging, affecting overall quality of life (Table 1).1,9-13 If diarrhea is inadequately managed, secondary effects may be life-threatening.1,10 Diarrhea related to anticancer treatment may result in dose reductions, treatment delays, or discontinuation of treatment—which can ultimately affect survival.14,15 This was demonstrated by studies in different tumor types, which showed a relationship between decreased overall and diseasefree survival and reductions in medication dose intensity.16,17 Assessment of Diarrhea Because of the numerous significant clinical implications, thorough assessment is imperative to minimize the effects of diarrhea and its potentially serious consequences.1,18 Given that various factors can contribute to diarrhea in cancer patients, this assessment should include careful evaluation of the underlying cause. In the case of advanced MTC, it is important to distinguish whether diarrhea is a manifestation of the disease or is related to treatment with targeted therapy.14 To this end, a baseline assessment of bowel patterns prior to initiation of treatment is imperative in advanced MTC.1,10,12 Role of the Oncology Nurse The oncology nurse can play an important role in optimizing assessment of diarrhea, and thereby potentially minimize the worsening of symptoms and/or avoid discontinuation of therapy.14 Key steps in this optimization may include obtaining a detailed medical history of the patient, performing a physical examination, and conducting laboratory tests.1,12 Patient medical history and evaluation A detailed medical history of the patient should be obtained, along with1: • Background information about the patient’s disease (eg, type and extent of cancer) • Anticancer therapy •Comorbidities • Coexisting symptoms • Complete medication list, including1,19,20: –Laxatives – Regular/as needed prescription medications – Over-the-counter medications – Recent antibiotic therapy – Opioids (gastrointestinal function modulators) – Herbal and vitamin supplements The hallmark assessment tool is a patient’s report. The practitioner must probe for specific information, including1,10,13,21: • Onset of diarrhea 1 Diarrhea Assessment and Control • Summer 2014 • Frequency of diarrhea over the last 24 hours • Volume of diarrhea • Duration of diarrhea • Consistency and color of stool • Presence of blood • Distinct odor change •Incontinence Published guidelines can aid in the appropriate assessment of cancer- or cancer treatment-related diarrhea. Guidelines available from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)10 and the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)22 provide a standardized approach for diagnosis and management of diarrhea. The National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI CTCAE)23 provide the standard classification and severity grading scale for adverse events.12 NCI CTCAE define diarrhea as an abnormal increase in the liquidity and frequency of stools.23 This standardized scale grades diarrhea by the number of stools per day, incontinence, and increase in ostomy output compared to baseline (Table 2).23 In addition to being assigned a clinical grade, diarrhea may be categorized as uncomplicated or complicated (typically applied to treatment-related diarrhea)19 to guide decisions on appropriate interventions.10,12 • Uncomplicated diarrhea is described as grade 1 or 2 diarrhea with no other complicating signs or symptoms1,10 • Complicated diarrhea is described as grade 3 or 4 or grade 1 or 2 with additional symptoms, such as fever, sepsis, neutropenia, dehydration, and moderate-to-severe cramping1,10 Physical assessment allows for the identification of potential causes of diarrhea and its complications.10 Abdominal examination includes1,19: • Palpation for tenderness, distension • Percussion for dullness, which may indicate obstruction, fecal impaction • Auscultation for bowel sound The patient should also be assessed for abdominal pain or cramping, nausea, vomiting, and fever.1,10 Additionally, hydration status should be evaluated because it can be compromised in a person experiencing diarrhea. Table 1. Potential Consequences of Diarrhea1,12,13 Fatigue/lethargy Fluid depletion Dehydration Electrolyte imbalances Malnutrition Renal insufficiency Cardiovascular compromise Hospitalization Subjective symptoms of dizziness, weakness, excessive thirst, and decreased urination are potential indicators of dehydration.1,10,13 These dehydration indicators may be confirmed by objective assessment for orthostatic hypertension, weight loss, skin turgor, and dry mucous membranes.1,10 It is recommended that patients be evaluated for dehydration throughout their treatment.13 Laboratory analyses should include stool cultures to assess for bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens, as well as urinalysis to aid in evaluating hydration status. In addition, a complete chemistry panel and hematologic profile should be done to provide information about the effect of diarrhea on kidney function and electrolytes. It can also identify changes in white blood cell count in response to infection.1 Upon diagnosis and initiation of treatment, patients should understand the definition of diarrhea and when to report their symptoms to their healthcare provider.24 Oncology nurses should encourage patients to maintain a self-care log or diary that tracks1,12: • The number and consistency of stools • Dietary intake • Medications to manage diarrhea • Associated symptoms This information can provide additional clues regarding the etiology of the diarrhea and its severity, assisting in the choice of optimal treatment measures. Prompt reporting of symptoms by the patient can also help minimize worsening of symptoms and/or interruptions in therapy.14 Oncology nurses not only play a vital role in assessing cancer patients at risk for diarrhea, but also in implementing early management and treatment approaches. With the appropriate evidence-based practice and multidisciplinary approach, diarrhea in cancer patients may be managed effectively.12 Management of Diarrhea Current evidence-based guidelines on the management of treatment-related diarrhea are provided by ASCO and ONS. While ONS guidelines outline only pharmacologic interventions for the management of diarrhea,13 ASCO guidelines provide pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions for uncomplicated and complicated diarrhea.10 Both guidelines recommend dietary modifications and loperamide as first-line treatment of diarrhea.12 Loperamide is also recommended by the American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines for firstline management of MTC-related diarrhea.9 Alternative therapies may include treatment with somatostatin analogs or local therapy to treat advanced MTC, which is often associated with development of repetitive diarrhea.9 While guideline recommendations are summarized below, the reader is encouraged to refer to the original guidelines for further details. Additionally, it is important to note that these guidelines address the management of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. Clinical research in management of targeted therapy-related diarrhea is lacking and could produce relevant management results.13 Uncomplicated mild-to-moderate diarrhea. The initial, nonpharmacologic management of cancer-related, uncomplicated mild-to-moderate diarrhea is often empiric and non- 2 Diarrhea Assessment and Control • Summer 2014 specific. In addition to being advised to eat frequent, small meals,24 patients experiencing diarrhea should modify their diet and fluid intake. • Foods to avoid include all lactose-containing products, alcohol, and sorbitol-containing products (eg, sugar-free gum and candy) because they can cause diarrhea.10,13,24 Additional foods to eliminate are those that are spicy, fried, greasy, or gas-inducing24,25 • Foods to eat: The patient may follow the BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) diet to decrease the frequency of stools1,24,25 • Fluids to avoid include alcoholic beverages, as well as caffeinated and acidic drinks24 • Fluid intake: For rehydration and electrolyte repletion, the patient should be instructed to increase clear fluid intake (eg, water, apple juice, clear broth, sports drinks) to about 3 L each day1,13,24 As previously mentioned, aside from dietary modifications, loperamide is recommended as the standard first-line therapy for diarrhea.9,10,13,25 Loperamide may be given as a loading dose of 4 mg followed by 2 mg every 4 hours. According to ASCO guidelines, treatment with loperamide may be discontinued when the patient is diarrhea-free for 12 hours.10 If, however, mild-to-moderate diarrhea persists for: • >24 hours, the loperamide dose may be increased to 2 mg every 2 hours. Oral antibiotics may also be initiated as prophylaxis for infection10 • >48 hours while on loperamide (24 hours on high-dose), treatment should be discontinued and a second-line antidiarrheal agent, such as octreotide (a somatostatin analog) should be started.10 Depending on the type of anticancer therapy and the patient’s constellation of symptoms, further evaluation may be required with a complete stool and blood workup to test for infections and electrolyte imbalances, respectively10 Complicated or severe cases of diarrhea require aggressive management. Patients with complicated or severe cases of diarrhea are at high risk for dehydration, infection, and other potentially life-threatening complications.10 If the patient is severely dehydrated, administration of intravenous (IV) fluids is recommended.10,26 Therapy with octreotide (100 to 150 µg subcutaneous 3 times a day or IV [25 to 50 µg/hour] with dose escalation up to 500 µg until diarrhea is controlled) and antibiotics (eg, fluoroquinolone) may be appropriate.10 Any patient who progresses to grade 3 or 4 diarrhea after 24 or 48 hours on loperamide should be treated as described above.10 Depending on the type of anticancer treatment and the patient’s symptoms, a full workup that includes a complete blood count, electrolyte profile, and stool studies may be conducted. For select patients, hospitalization may also be necessary, or alternatively, intensive home nursing or management in an outpatient facility.10 Additional management approaches. Anticancer therapy dose modifications or discontinuations may be necessary in severe (ie, grade 3 or higher) cases of diarrhea.25 Careful monitoring of serum electrolytes and electrocardiograms may also minimize risks associated with diarrhea, such as dehydration Table 2. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (v.4.03): Diarrhea23 GradeCharacteristic 1 Increase of <4 stools per day over baseline; mild increase in ostomy output compared to baseline 2 Increase of 4 to 6 stools per day over baseline; moderate increase in ostomy output compared to baseline 3 Increase of >7 stools per day over baseline; incontinence; hospitalization indicated; severe increase in ostomy output compared to baseline; limited self-care activities of daily living 4 Life-threatening consequences; urgent intervention indicated 5Death Adapted from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.03.2011 or cardiovascular morbidity. In addition, there is emerging evidence for the potential efficacy of probiotics as pharmacologic intervention in patients with treatment-related diarrhea.13,27 Further studies are needed, however, to determine the probiotic strain(s), dosage, and timing of administration that would be most effective. Similarly, studies suggest that fiber supplementation may be an effective approach for the management of diarrhea but additional research is warranted to assess the type and dosage of fiber.13 In summary, diarrhea can be an ongoing challenge for cancer patients and may be life-threatening if inadequately managed. Despite the high incidence and potential severity of diarrhea in cancer patients, the condition is often underrecognized. Oncology nurses are at the forefront of patient care and play a vital role in the assessment and management of diarrhea. A thorough evaluation of the patient combined with nutritional management and pharmacologic measures may effectively reduce complications associated with cancer- and treatmentrelated diarrhea. Vigilant monitoring and early intervention can also minimize dose modifications or discontinuations of anticancer therapies. Finally, patient education, an open dialogue between the patient and the healthcare team, and consistent incorporation of evidence-based guidelines into clinical practice can further optimize the management of diarrhea. ©2014 MedImmune, Specialty Care Division of AstraZeneca. All rights reserved. 2988915 Last Updated 7/14 Expert content review was provided by Carolyn M. Grande, CRNP, AOCNP, Nurse Practitioner, University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA. 3 Diarrhea Assessment and Control • Summer 2014 References 1 National Cancer Institute. Gastrointestinal complications (PDQ®). 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Curr Oncol. 2007;14(1):13-20. 6 Kabbinavar F, Hurwitz HI, Fehrenbacher L, et al. Phase II, randomized trial comparing bevacizumab plus fluorouracil (FU)/leucovorin (LV) with FU/LV alone in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2003;21(1):60-65. 7 Elisei R, Schlumberger MJ, Muller SP, et al. Cabozantinib in progressive medullary thyroid cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2013;31(29):3639-3646. 8 Wells SA, Jr, Robinson BG, Gagel RF, et al. Vandetanib in patients with locally advanced or metastatic medullary thyroid cancer: a randomized, double-blind phase III trial. J Clin Oncol. 2012;30(2):134-141. 9 Kloos RT, Eng C, Evans DB, et al. Medullary thyroid cancer: management guidelines of the American Thyroid Association. Thyroid. 2009;19(6):565-612. 10 Benson AB, III, Ajani JA, Catalano RB, et al. Recommended guidelines for the treatment of cancer treatment-induced diarrhea. J Clin Oncol. 2004;22(14):2918-2926. 11 Tong H, Isenring E, Yates P. 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Safety, compliance, and predictive parameters for dosage modification in adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy for gastric cancer. Cancer Sci. 2013;104(1):116-123. 17 Landgren O, Algernon C, Axdorph U, et al. Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the elderly with special reference to type and intensity of chemotherapy in relation to prognosis. Haematologica. 2003;88(4):438-444. 18 Morturano R. Management of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. http:// www.oncolink.org/resources/article.cfm?id=1055. Accessed June 9, 2014. 19 Furlow B. Assessing and treating radiotherapy-associated diarrhea. Oncol Nurse Advisor. 2013;January/February):41-44. 20 Chan LN. Opioid analgesics and the gastrointestinal tract. Pract Gastroenterol. 2008;32(8):37-50. 21 American Society of Clinical Oncology. Cancer.net. Diarrhea. http:// www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/side-effects/diarrhea. Accessed June 9, 2014. 22 Oncology Nursing Society. Preventing and treating diarrhea related to chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy: Systematic review/metaanalysis table. http://www.ons.org/Research/PEP/media/ons/docs/ research/outcomes/diarrhea/review-table.pdf. Accessed June 9, 2014. 23 US Department of Health and Human Services. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v4.0. http://evs.nci.nih.gov/ftp1/ CTCAE/About.html. Accessed June 9, 2014. 24 American Cancer Society. Caring for the Patient With Cancer at Home: A Guide for Patients and Families. http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/ cid/documents/webcontent/002818-pdf.pdf. Accessed June 9, 2014. 25 Hirsh V. Managing treatment-related adverse events associated with egfr tyrosine kinase inhibitors in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Curr Oncol. 2011;18(3):126-138. 26 Cascinu S, Bichisao E, Amadori D, et al. High-dose loperamide in the treatment of 5-fluorouracil-induced diarrhea in colorectal cancer patients. Support Care Cancer. 2000;8(1):65-67. 27 FAO/WHO Joint Working Group. Guidelines for the Evaluation of Probiotics in Food. http://www.who.int/foodsafety/fs_management/en/ probiotic_guidelines.pdf?ua=1. Accessed June 9, 2014. 4 Diarrhea Assessment and Control • Summer 2014 ONS:Edge A subsidiary of the Oncology Nursing Society 125 Enterprise Drive, Suite 110 Pittsburgh, PA 15275 1-877-588-EDGE www.onsedge.com 5 Diarrhea Assessment and Control • Summer 2014
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