Marianne Jensen Hjermstad

• Yule, Michael S.; Thompson, Joshua; Leesahatsawat, Khachonphat; Sousa, Mariana S.; Anker, Stefan D. & Arends, Jann [Show all 26 contributors for this article] (2024). Biomarker endpoints in cancer cachexia clinical trials: Systematic Review 5 of the cachexia endpoint series. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle. ISSN 2190-5991. doi: 10.1002/jcsm.13491.
• Brown, Leo R.; Sousa, Mariana S.; Yule, Michael S.; Baracos, Vickie E.; McMillan, Donald C. & Arends, Jann [Show all 24 contributors for this article] (2024). Body weight and composition endpoints in cancer cachexia clinical trials: Systematic Review 4 of the cachexia endpoints series. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle. ISSN 2190-5991. doi: 10.1002/jcsm.13478.
• Karlsson, Astrid Telhaug; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Skovlund, Eva; Kaasa, Stein & Yri, Olav Erich (2024). Overall Survival after Radiotherapy for Brain Metastases According to ECOG Status—A Prospective Study of 294 NSCLC Patients. Cancers. ISSN 2072-6694. 16(8). doi: 10.3390/cancers16081486.
• Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Jakobsen, Gunnhild; Arends, Jann; Balstad, Trude Rakel; Brown, Leo R. & Bye, Asta [Show all 26 contributors for this article] (2024). Quality of life endpoints in cancer cachexia clinical trials: Systematic review 3 of the cachexia endpoints series. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle. ISSN 2190-5991. doi: 10.1002/jcsm.13453.
• Huynh, Thuy-Tien Maria; Falk, Ragnhild Sørum; Hellebust, Taran Annette Paulsen; Dale, Einar; Astrup, Guro Lindviksmoen & Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2024). Chronic fatigue in long-term survivors of head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy. Radiotherapy and Oncology. ISSN 0167-8140. 195. doi: 10.1016/j.radonc.2024.110231.
• Vagnildhaug, Ola Magne; Balstad, Trude Rakel; Ottestad, Inger ; Bye, Asta; Greil, Christine & Arends, Jann [Show all 24 contributors for this article] (2024). Appetite and dietary intake endpoints in cancer cachexia clinical trials: Systematic Review 2 of the cachexia endpoints series. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle. ISSN 2190-5991. doi: 10.1002/jcsm.13434.
• Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Pirnat, Aleksandra; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Andersen, Sigve; Astrup, Guro Lindviksmoen & Dajani, Olav [Show all 19 contributors for this article] (2024). PALLiative care in ONcology (PALLiON): A cluster-randomised trial investigating the effect of palliative care on the use of anticancer treatment at the end of life. Palliative Medicine. ISSN 0269-2163. 38(2), p. 229–239. doi: 10.1177/02692163231222391. Show summary

  Background: Effects on anticancer therapy following the integration of palliative care and oncology are rarely investigated. Thus, its potential effect is unknown. Aim: To investigate the effects of the complex intervention PALLiON versus usual care on end-of-life anticancer therapy. Design: Cluster-randomised controlled trial (RCT), registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (No. NCT01362816). The complex intervention consisted of a physician education program enhancing theoretical, clinical and communication skills, a patient-centred care pathway and patient symptom reporting prior to all consultations. Primary outcome was overall use, start and cessation of anticancer therapy in the last 3 months before death. Secondary outcomes were patient-reported outcomes. Mixed effects logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazard were used. Setting: A total of 12 Norwegian hospitals (03/2017-02/2021). Participants: Patients ⩾18 years, advanced stage solid tumour, starting last line of anticancer therapy, estimated life expectancy ⩽12 months. Results: A total of 616 (93%) patients were included (intervention: 309/control:307); 63% males, median age 69, 77% had gastrointestinal cancers. Median survival time from inclusion was 8 (IQR 3-14) and 7 months (IQR 3-12), and days between anticancer therapy start and death were 204 (90-378) and 168 (69-351) (intervention/control). Overall, 78 patients (13%) received anticancer therapy in the last month (intervention: 33 [11%]/control: 45 [15%]). No differences were found in patient-reported outcomes. Conclusion: We found no significant differences in the probability of receiving end-of-life anticancer therapy. The intervention did not have the desired effect. It was probably too general and too focussed on communication skills to exert a substantial influence on conventional clinical practice.

• McDonald, James; Sayers, Judith; Anker, Stefan D.; Arends, Jann; Balstad, Trude Rakel & Baracos, Vickie [Show all 29 contributors for this article] (2023). Physical function endpoints in cancer cachexia clinical trials: Systematic Review 1 of the cachexia endpoints series. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle. ISSN 2190-5991. doi: 10.1002/jcsm.13321. Full text in Research Archive
• Åsberg, Ragnhild Emilie; Nilsen, Marianne; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Reinertsen, Kristin Valborg; Karlsen, Jarle & Giskeødegård, Guro F. [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2023). Norwegian general population normative data for the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaires: the Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30, the Sexual Health Questionnaire QLQ-SHQ22 and the sexual domains of the QLQ-BR23/BR45. European Journal of Cancer. ISSN 0959-8049. 190. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.112943. Full text in Research Archive
• Rootwelt, Rebecca; Skovlund, Eva; Andreassen, Joakim Stray; Arvidsson, Lisa; Halvardson, Jonathan & Solheim, Ole Skeidsvoll [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2023). Preoperative Prognostic Index for Patients with Brain Metastases—A Population-Based Multi-Centre Study. Cancers. ISSN 2072-6694. 15(12). doi: 10.3390/cancers15123174. Full text in Research Archive
• Gulbrandsen, Monica; Nøding, Ane Steen; Smeland, Knut Bjøro; Eikeland, Siri Asheim; Kiserud, Cecilie E. & Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2023). Health-related quality of life, depressive symptoms, and chronic fatigue in long-term survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma. Leukemia and Lymphoma. ISSN 1042-8194. 64(6), p. 1139–1150. doi: 10.1080/10428194.2023.2198053. Full text in Research Archive
• Gudmundstuen, Anne Marte; Efficace, Fabio; Tjønnfjord, Geir Erland; Skaarud, Kristin Aneta Joan; Cottone, Francesco & Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2023). The prognostic value of patient-reported outcomes in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: exploratory analysis of a randomized nutrition intervention trial. Annals of Hematology. ISSN 0939-5555. 102(4), p. 927–935. doi: 10.1007/s00277-023-05149-x. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Whether patient-reported outcomes (PROs) can predict overall survival (OS) and non-relapse mortality (NRM) among recipients of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), is unclear. We performed an exploratory analysis of the prognostic value of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) among 117 recipients of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) who participated in a randomized nutrition intervention trial. Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate possible associations between PROs collected pre-allo-HSCT (baseline) using scores from the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30) and 1-year overall survival (OS), whereas logistic regression was used to study associations between these PROs and 1-year non-relapse mortality (NRM). Multivariable analyses indicated that only the Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) and the European Bone Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) risk score were associated with 1-year OS. In the multivariable model including clinical-sociodemographic factors for 1-year NRM, our analysis showed that living alone (p=0.009), HCT-CI (p=0.016), EBMT risk score (p=0.002), and stem cell source (p=0.046) could be associated with 1-year NRM. Moreover, in the multivariable model, our analysis showed that only appetite loss from the QLQ-C30 was associated with 1-year NRM (p=0.026). In conclusion, in this specific setting, our analysis suggests that the commonly used HCT-CI and EBMT risk scores could be predictive for both 1-year OS and 1-year NRM, whereas baseline PROs in general were not.

• Evensen, Helge; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Småstuen, Milada Cvancarova; Kristensen, Vendel Ailin; Larssen, Lene & Skattum, Jorunn Pettersen [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2022). Quality of life in patients with achalasia: Associations with Eckardt score and objective treatment outcomes after peroral endoscopic myotomy. Endoscopy International Open. ISSN 2196-9736. 10(12). doi: 10.1055/a-1968-7682. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background and study aims Knowledge on self-reported quality of life (QoL) in achalasia and QoL improvements after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is limited. Furthermore, the clinical role of QoL in achalasia follow-up has not been evaluated. The present study aimed to examine QoL in achalasia patients before and after POEM and assess associations between QoL, Eckardt score (ES) and objective results. Patients and methods This was a single-center prospective study of treatment-naïve achalasia patients with 12-month follow-up after POEM including manometry, upper endoscopy, 24-hour pH registration, and timed barium esophagogram. QoL data were registered using European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer core questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and esophageal module (QLQ-OES18). Comparison with a reference population was performed to assess impact of achalasia on QoL and effect of therapy. Mixed models for repeated measures were applied. Results Fifty patients (26 females) with a median age of 47 years (18-76) were included. Before treatment, all QoL domains were significantly impaired compared with an age- and gender-adjusted reference population ( P < 0.05). No significant QoL-differences were found after POEM, except for fatigue and nausea/vomiting. Clinically relevant QoL improvement was observed in ≥ 50 % of the patients in all QoL domains, except for physical and role functioning. QoL was significantly associated with ES ( P < 0.05) but not with objective results. Conclusions Achalasia is associated with severe QoL impairment. Following POEM, a significant and clinically relevant QoL improvement is observed. QoL is associated with ES, but not with objective results after POEM. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

• Jakobsen, Gunnhild; Sjue, Karin; Paulsen, Ørnulf; Kaasa, Stein; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen & Klepstad, Pål (2022). Zopiclone versus placebo for short-term treatment of insomnia in patients with advanced cancer-a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled clinical multicenter phase IV trial. Supportive Care in Cancer. ISSN 0941-4355. 31. doi: 10.1007/s00520-022-07537-x. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose: Insomnia is frequent in patients with advanced cancer, and a variety of pharmacological agents is used to treat this condition. Still, few clinical trials have investigated the effectiveness of pharmacological sleep therapies in this patient group. We aimed to study the short-term effectiveness of zopiclone on sleep quality in patients with advanced cancer who report insomnia. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter, phase IV clinical trial in adult patients with metastatic malignant disease and insomnia. Patients were treated with zopiclone or placebo for six subsequent nights. Primary end point was patient-reported sleep quality during the final study night (NRS 0-10). Secondary end points were patient-reported sleep onset latency (SOL) and total sleep time (TST). Results: Forty-one patients were randomized, with 18 being analyzed in the zopiclone group and 21 in the placebo group. Median age was 66, median Karnofsky performance score was 80, and 56% were male. Mean sleep quality at end of study was 2.9 (CI 2.3 to 3.8) in the zopiclone group and 4.5 (CI 3.6 to 5.4) in the placebo group (p = 0.021). At end of study, SOL was significantly different between the treatment groups: zopiclone 29 min (CI 13 to 51) and placebo 62 min (CI 40 to 87) (p = 0.045). TST was not significantly different across groups: zopiclone 449 min (403 to 496) and placebo 411 min (CI 380 to 440) (p = 0.167). Conclusion: Zopiclone improved short-term patient-reported sleep quality in this cohort of patients with advanced cancer.

• Smeland, Knut Bjøro; Holte, Harald; Fagerli, Unn-Merete; Bersvendsen, Hanne Skjerven; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen & Loge, Jon Håvard [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2022). Total late effect burden in long-term lymphoma survivors after high-dose therapy with autologous stem-cell transplant and its effect on health-related quality of life. Haematologica. ISSN 0390-6078. 107(11), p. 2698–2707. doi: 10.3324/haematol.2021.280413. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Lymphoma survivors after high-dose therapy with autologous stem-cell transplant (HDT-ASCT) are at risk of several late effects, which might impair their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We assessed the total late effect burden in this population, and how it affects HRQoL. All lymphoma survivors treated with HDT-ASCT as adults in Norway between 1987 and 2008 were identified, and 271 (68%) attended both a comprehensive clinical assessment and completed a questionnaire. Severity of 45 conditions in 12 organ-system categories were graded as mild, moderate, severe or life-threatening, according to a modified version of CTCAEv4.03. At a median of 8 years after HDT-ASCT, 98% of survivors had at least one moderate or more severe late effect and 56% had severe or life-threatening late effects. Fourteen percent had low, 39% medium and 47% high late effect burden, defined as having moderate or more severe late effects in 0-1, 2-3 and >3 organsystems, respectively. Female sex, increasing age, B-symptoms at diagnosis and >1 treatment line prior to HDT-ASCT were independently associated with having high late effect burden. The survivors had significantly poorer physical and mental HRQoL assessed by the Short Form-36 compared to age- and sex-matched controls. The prevalence of poor physical and mental HRQoL increased with higher late effect burden (both P<0.001), and the low burden group had better physical HRQoL than controls (P<0.001). In conclusion, lymphoma survivors after HDT-ASCT have impaired HRQoL, seemingly driven by a high late effect burden. This highlights the importance of prevention, regular assessments for early detection and treatment of late effects and modifiable risk factors.

• Bye, Asta; Bjerkeset, Ellen; Stensheim, Hanne; Loge, Jon Håvard; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen & Klepstad, Pål [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2022). Benefits of Study Participation for Patients with Advanced Cancer Receiving Radiotherapy: A Prospective Observational Study. Palliative Medicine Reports (PMR). 3(1), p. 264–271. doi: 10.1089/pmr.2022.0044. Full text in Research Archive
• Kosgallana, Shamini; Jayasekara, Prasanna; Abeysinghe, Prasad; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen & Lalloo, Ratilal (2022). Translation and validation of Sinhala version of modified EORTC QLQ-OH15 in oral cancer patients who receive radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy in Sri Lanka. BMC Oral Health. ISSN 1472-6831. 22(1). doi: 10.1186/s12903-022-02392-y. Full text in Research Archive
• Jakobsen, Gunnhild; Gjeilo, Kari Hanne; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen & Klepstad, Pål (2022). An Update on Prevalence, Assessment, and Risk Factors for Sleep Disturbances in Patients with Advanced Cancer—Implications for Health Care Providers and Clinical Research. Cancers. ISSN 2072-6694. 14(16). doi: 10.3390/cancers14163933. Full text in Research Archive
• Lundeby, Tonje; Finset, Arnstein; Kaasa, Stein; Wester, Torunn Elin; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen & Dajani, Olav [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2022). A complex communication skills training program for physicians providing advanced cancer care–content development and barriers and solutions for implementation. Journal of Communication in Healthcare. ISSN 1753-8068. doi: 10.1080/17538068.2022.2039468. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background : Early integration of oncology and patient-centered palliative care is the recommended clinical practice model for patients with advanced cancer. General and specific communication skills are necessary to achieve integrated patient-centered care, but require organized training to be adequately mastered. Challenges and barriers on several levels, i.e. organizational, professional and individual may, however, hamper implementation. The development, implementation, and evaluation of such an educational program focusing on communication skills contain many steps, considerations and lessons learned, which are described in this article. Methods : A multi-professional faculty developed, implemented, and evaluated an educational program through a 5-step approach. The program was part of a Norwegian cluster-randomized controlled trial aiming to test the effect of early integration of oncology and palliative care for patients with advanced cancer. Results : The result is the PALLiON educational program; a multi-faceted, evidence-based, and learner-centered program with a specific focus on physicians’ communication skills. Four modules were developed: lectures, discussion groups, skills training, and coaching. These were implemented at the six intervention hospitals using different teaching strategies. Evaluation in a subgroup of participants showed a positive appraisal of the group discussions and skills training.

• Nielsen, Hans Jørgen; Nedrebø, Bjørn Gunnar; Fosså, Alexander; Andersen, John Roger; Assmus, Jörg & Dagsland, Vigdis Halvorsen [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2022). Seven-year trajectories of body weight, quality of life and comorbidities following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. International Journal of Obesity. ISSN 0307-0565. 46(4), p. 739–749. doi: 10.1038/s41366-021-01028-5. Full text in Research Archive
• Rootwelt, Rebecca; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Skovlund, Eva; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Helseth, Eirik & Kaasa, Stein [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2022). Surgery for brain metastases—impact of the extent of resection. Acta Neurochirurgica. ISSN 0001-6268. 164, p. 2773–2780. doi: 10.1007/s00701-021-05104-7. Full text in Research Archive
• Schei, Stine; Solheim, Ole; Salvesen, Øyvind; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Bouget, David Nicolas Jean-Marie & Sagberg, Lisa Millgård (2022). Pretreatment patient-reported cognitive function in patients with diffuse glioma. Acta Neurochirurgica. ISSN 0001-6268. 164, p. 703–711. doi: 10.1007/s00701-022-05126-9. Full text in Research Archive
• Rootwelt, Rebecca; Vik-Mo, Einar Osland; Yri, Olav Erich; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Kaasa, Stein & Skovlund, Eva [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2021). Surgery for brain metastases – real-world prognostic factors’ association with survival. Acta Oncologica. ISSN 0284-186X. 60(9), p. 1161–1168. doi: 10.1080/0284186X.2021.1930150. Full text in Research Archive
• Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Hamfjord, Julian; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Dajani, Olav; Lundeby, Tonje & Wester, Torunn Elin [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2021). Using process indicators to monitor documentation of patient-centred variables in an integrated oncology and palliative care pathway—results from a cluster randomized trial. Cancers. ISSN 2072-6694. 13(9), p. 1–16. doi: 10.3390/cancers13092194. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background. Despite robust evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrating clinical and patient-reported benefits of integrated oncology and palliative care, the tumour-centred focus is predominant. This single–centre process evaluation monitors documentation of required patient-centred variables during an RCT. Methods. Performance status, patient self-reported symptoms, weight and summaries to general practitioners were assessed from June 2017 to July 2020 in three consultation types: first oncological after study inclusion and palliative and oncological consultations during chemotherapy. Descriptive statistics were used to monitor if the pre-defined program fulfilment of ≥85% documentation was reached. Results. 435 consultations were monitored in 76 patients; 60.5% males, 86.8% with GI cancers; 76 (17.5%) were from the first oncological consultations, 87 (20.0%) and 272 (62.5%) from palliative or subsequent oncological consultations. Program fulfilment differed across consultation types with 94.8% in the palliative consultations (83.3–100%), relative to 65.8% (62.5–75.0%) and 69.2% (57.0–84.3%) for first and subsequent oncological consultations over time, respectively. Use of self-reported symptoms was consistently lower in the oncological consultations. Conclusions. The documentation level of required core variables was not satisfactory, notwithstanding their high clinical relevance and continuous reminders during study. Pre-trial optimization strategies are paramount to promote integration and reduce professional and personal barriers towards a more patient-centred focus.

• Karlsson, Astrid Telhaug; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Omdahl, Therese; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Skovlund, Eva & Hellebust, Taran Paulsen [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2021). Overall survival after initial radiotherapy for brain metastases; a population based study of 2140 patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Acta Oncologica. ISSN 0284-186X. 60(8), p. 1054–1060. doi: 10.1080/0284186X.2021.1924399.
• Gullhaug, Anna; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Yri, Olav Erich; Svestad, Jørund Graadal; Aass, Nina Kathrine & Johansen, Safora (2021). Use of radiotherapy in breast cancer patients with brain metastases: a retrospective 11-year single center study. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences. ISSN 1939-8654. 52(2), p. 214–222. doi: 10.1016/j.jmir.2021.01.002. Full text in Research Archive
• Jakobsen, Gunnhild; Engstrøm, Morten; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Rosland, Jan Henrik; Aass, Nina Kathrine & Albert, Eva [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2021). The short-term impact of methylprednisolone on patient-reported sleep in patients with advanced cancer in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Supportive Care in Cancer. ISSN 0941-4355. 29(4), p. 2047–2055. doi: 10.1007/s00520-020-05693-6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose: Although corticosteroids are frequently used in patients with advanced cancer, few studies have examined the impact of these drugs on patient-reported sleep. We aimed to examine the short-term impact of methylprednisolone on patient-reported sleep in patients with advanced cancer. Methods: Patient-reported sleep was a predefined secondary outcome in a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial that evaluated the analgesic efficacy of corticosteroids in advanced cancer patients (18+), using opioids, and having pain ≥ 4 past 24 h (NRS 0-10). Patients were randomized to the methylprednisolone group with methylprednisolone 16 mg × 2/day or placebo for 7 days. The EORTC QLQ-C30 (0-100) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire (PSQI) (0-21) were used to assess the impact of corticosteroids on sleep at baseline and at day 7. Results: Fifty patients were randomized of which 25 were analyzed in the intervention group and 22 in the control group. Mean age was 64 years, mean Karnofsky performance status was 67 (SD 13.3), 51% were female, and the mean oral daily morphine equivalent dose was 223 mg (SD 222.77). Mean QLQ-C30 sleep score at baseline was 29.0 (SD 36.7) in the methylprednisolone group and 24.2 (SD 27.6) in the placebo group. At day 7, there was no difference between the groups on QLQ-C30 sleep score (methylprednisolone 20.3 (SD 32.9); placebo 28.8 (SD 33.0), p = 0.173). PSQI showed similar results. Conclusions: Methylprednisolone 16 mg twice daily for 7 days had no impact on patient-reported sleep in this cohort of patients with advanced cancer.

• Ekström, Magnus P.; Palmqvist, Sebastian; Currow, David C.; Sjøgren, Per; Kurita, Geana Paula & Jakobsen, Gunnhild [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2020). Mild to Moderate Cognitive Impairment Does Not Affect the Ability to Self-Report Important Symptoms in Patients With Cancer: A Prospective Longitudinal Multinational Study (EPCCS). Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. ISSN 0885-3924. 60(2), p. 346–354.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.03.007. Full text in Research Archive
• Koller, Michael; Shamieh, Omar; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; HORNSLIEN, KJERSTI; Young, Teresa & Chalk, Tara [Show all 25 contributors for this article] (2020). Psychometric properties of the updated EORTC module for assessing quality of life in patients with lung cancer (QLQ-LC29): an international, observational field study. The Lancet Oncology. ISSN 1470-2045. 21(5), p. 723–732. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(20)30093-0. Full text in Research Archive
• Koch, Myriam; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Tomaszewski, Krzysztof A.; Tomaszewska, Iwona M.; Hornslien, Kjersti & Harle, Amelie [Show all 20 contributors for this article] (2020). Gender effects on quality of life and symptom burden in patients with lung cancer: Results from a prospective, cross-cultural, multi-center study. Journal of Thoracic Disease (JTD). ISSN 2072-1439. 12(8), p. 4253–4261. doi: 10.21037/jtd-20-1054.
• Dahl, Alv A; Grotmol, Kjersti Støen; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Kiserud, Cecilie E. & Loge, Jon Håvard (2020). Norwegian reference data on the Fatigue Questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and their interrelationship. Annals of General Psychiatry. ISSN 1744-859X. 19:60, p. 1–9. doi: 10.1186/s12991-020-00311-5. Full text in Research Archive
• Beisland, Elisabeth Grov; Hauge, Elen Martine; Aarstad, Anne Kari Hersvik; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Aarstad, Hans Jørgen & Beisland, Christian (2020). Personality and educational level determine self-reported health-related quality-of-life and distress in patients with renal tumors awaiting radical surgery. Scandinavian Journal of Urology. ISSN 2168-1805. 54(4), p. 304–312. doi: 10.1080/21681805.2020.1773528. Full text in Research Archive
• Krogstad, Hilde; Loge, Jon Håvard; Grotmol, Kjersti S.; Kaasa, Stein; Kiserud, Cecilie E. & Salvesen, Øyvind [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2020). Symptoms in the general Norwegian adult population - prevalence and associated factors. BMC Public Health. ISSN 1471-2458. 20. doi: 10.1186/s12889-020-09109-2. Full text in Research Archive
• Boland, Jason W.; Allgar, Victoria; Boland, Elaine G.; Bennett, Mike I; Kaasa, Stein & Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2019). The relationship between pain, analgesics and survival in patients with advanced cancer; a secondary data analysis of the international European palliative care Cancer symptom study. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. ISSN 0031-6970. doi: 10.1007/s00228-019-02801-2. Full text in Research Archive
• Verkissen, Mariëtte N.; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; van Belle, Simon; Kaasa, Stein; Deliens, Luc & Pardon, Koen (2019). Quality of life and symptom intensity over time in people with cancer receiving palliative care: Results from the international European Palliative Care Cancer Symptom study. PLOS ONE. ISSN 1932-6203. 14:e022988(10), p. 1–16. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222988. Full text in Research Archive
• Jakobsen, Gunnhild; Engstrøm, Morten; Thronæs, Morten; Løhre, Erik Torbjørn; Kaasa, Stein & Fayers, Peter [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2019). Sleep quality in hospitalized patients with advanced cancer: an observational study using self-reports of sleep and actigraphy. Supportive Care in Cancer. ISSN 0941-4355. p. 1–9. doi: 10.1007/s00520-019-04998-5. Full text in Research Archive
• Vagnildhaug, Ola Magne; Brunelli, Cinzia; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Strasser, Florian; Baracos, Vickie & Wilcock, Andrew [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2019). A prospective study examining cachexia predictors in patients with incurable cancer. BMC Palliative Care. ISSN 1472-684X. 18:46, p. 1–10. doi: 10.1186/s12904-019-0429-2. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Early intervention against cachexia necessitates a predictive model. The aims of this study were to identify predictors of cachexia development and to create and evaluate accuracy of a predictive model based on these predictors. Methods A secondary analysis of a prospective, observational, multicentre study was conducted. Patients, who attended a palliative care programme, had incurable cancer and did not have cachexia at baseline, were amenable to the analysis. Cachexia was defined as weight loss (WL) > 5% (6 months) or WL > 2% and body mass index< 20 kg/m2. Clinical and demographic markers were evaluated as possible predictors with Cox analysis. A classification and regression tree analysis was used to create a model based on optimal combinations and cut-offs of significant predictors for cachexia development, and accuracy was evaluated with a calibration plot, Harrell’s c-statistic and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results Six-hundred-twenty-eight patients were included in the analysis. Median age was 65 years (IQR 17), 359(57%) were female and median Karnofsky performance status was 70(IQR 10). Median follow-up was 109 days (IQR 108), and 159 (25%) patients developed cachexia. Initial WL, cancer type, appetite and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were significant predictors (p ≤ 0.04). A five-level model was created with each level carrying an increasing risk of cachexia development. For Risk-level 1-patients (WL < 3%, breast or hematologic cancer and no or little appetite loss), median time to cachexia development was not reached, while Risk-level 5-patients (WL 3–5%) had a median time to cachexia development of 51 days. Accuracy of cachexia predictions at 3 months was 76%. Conclusion Important predictors of cachexia have been identified and used to construct a predictive model of cancer cachexia.

• Nordvik, Øyvind; Heggdal, Peder Olaf Laugen; Brännström, Jonas; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Aarstad, Anne Kari Hersvik & Aarstad, Hans Jørgen (2019). Quality of life in persons with hearing loss: a study of patients referred to an audiological service. International Journal of Audiology. ISSN 1499-2027. 58(11), p. 696–703. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2019.1627010.
• Kirkhus, Lene; Harneshaug, Magnus; Saltyte Benth, Jurate; Grønberg, Bjørn Henning; Rostoft, Siri & Bergh, Sverre [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2019). Modifiable factors affecting older patients' quality of life and physical function during cancer treatment. Journal of Geriatric Oncology. ISSN 1879-4068. 10(6), p. 904–912. doi: 10.1016/j.jgo.2019.08.001. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  BACKGROUND: Maintaining physical function and quality of life (QoL) are prioritized outcomes among older adults. We aimed to identify potentially modifiable factors affecting older patients' physical function and QoL during cancer treatment. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter study of 307 patients with cancer ≥70 years, referred for systemic treatment. Pre-treatment, a modified geriatric assessment (mGA) was performed, including registration of comorbidities, medications, nutritional status, cognitive function, depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale-15 [GDS]), and mobility (Timed Up and Go [TUG]). Patient-reported physical function (PF)-, global QoL-, and symptom scores were assessed at baseline, two, four, and six months by the EORTC Quality of Life Core Questionnaire-C30. The impact of mGA components and symptoms on patients' PF and global QoL scores during six months was investigated by linear mixed models. To identify groups following distinct PF trajectories, a growth mixture model was estimated. RESULTS: 288 patients were eligible, mean age was 76.9 years, 68% received palliative treatment. Higher GDS-scores and poorer TUG were independently associated with an overall level of poorer PF and global QoL throughout follow-up, as were more pain, dyspnea, and appetite loss, and sleep disturbance. Three groups with distinct PF trajectories were identified: a poor group exhibiting a non-linear statistically (p < .001) and clinically significant decline (≥10 points), an intermediate group with a statistically (p = .003), but not clinically significant linear decline, and a good group with a stable trajectory. Higher GDS-scores and poorer TUG, more pre-treatment pain and dyspnea were associated with higher odds of belonging to the poor compared to the good PF group. CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms, reduced mobility, and more physical symptoms increased the risk of decrements in older patients' PF and global QoL scores during cancer treatment, and represent potential targets for interventions aiming at improving these outcomes.

• Sigurdardottir, Katrin Rut; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Filbet, Marilene; Tricou, Colombe; McQuillan, Regina & Costantini, Massimo [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2019). Pilot testing of the first version of the European Association for Palliative Care basic dataset: A mixed methods study. Palliative Medicine. ISSN 0269-2163. 33(7), p. 832–849. doi: 10.1177/0269216319844439. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Inadequate description of palliative care cancer patients in research studies often leads to results having limited generalizability. To standardize the description of the sample, the European Association for Palliative Care basic data set was developed, with 31 core demographic and disease-related variables. Aim: To pilot test the data set to check acceptability, comprehensibility and feasibility. Design: International, multi-centre pilot study at nine study sites in five European countries, using mixed methods. Setting/participants: Adult cancer patients and staff in palliative care units, hospices and home care. Results: In all, 191 patients (544 screened) and 190 health care personnel were included. Median time to fill in the patient form was 5 min and the health care personnel form was 7 min. Ethnicity was the most challenging item for patients and requires decisions at a national level about whether or how to include. Health care personnel found weight loss, principal diagnosis, additional diagnoses and stage of non-cancer diseases most difficult to respond to. Registration of diagnoses will be changed from International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th version code to a predefined list, while weight loss and stage of non-cancer diseases will be removed. The pilot study has led to rewording of items, improvement in response options and shortening of the data set to 29 items. Conclusion: Pilot testing of the first version of the European Association for Palliative Care basic data set confirmed that patients and health care personnel understand the questions in a consistent manner and can answer within an acceptable timeframe. The pilot testing has led to improvement, and the new version is now subject to further testing. Keywords Neoplasms, palliative care, patient outcome assessment, questionnaire design, standards, data set, pilot study

• Kirkhus, Lene; Saltyte Benth, Jurate; Grønberg, Bjørn Henning; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Rostoft, Siri & Harneshaug, Magnus [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2019). Frailty identified by geriatric assessment is associated with poor functioning, high symptom burden and increased risk of physical decline in older cancer patients: Prospective observational study. Palliative Medicine. ISSN 0269-2163. 33(3), p. 312–322. doi: 10.1177/0269216319825972. Full text in Research Archive
• Boland, Jason W.; Allgar, Victoria; Boland, Elaine G.; Kaasa, Stein; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen & Johnson, Miriam J. (2019). Predictors and trajectory of performance status in patients with advanced cancer: A secondary data analysis of the international European Palliative Care Cancer Symptom study . Palliative Medicine. ISSN 0269-2163. 33(2), p. 206–2012. doi: 10.1177/0269216318811011. Full text in Research Archive
• Habberstad, Ragnhild H; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Brunelli, Cinzia; Kaasa, Stein; Bennett, Michael I & Pardon, Koen [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2019). Which factors can aid clinicians to identify a risk of pain during the following month in patients with bone metastases? A longitudinal analyses. Supportive Care in Cancer. ISSN 0941-4355. 27(4), p. 1335–1343. doi: 10.1007/s00520-018-4405-9. Full text in Research Archive
• Jakobsen, Gunnhild; Engstrøm, Morten; Paulsen, Ørnulf; Sjue, Karin; Raj, Sunil Xavier & Thronæs, Morten [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2018). Zopiclone versus placebo for short-term treatment of insomnia in patients with advanced cancer: study protocol for a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical multicenter trial. Trials. ISSN 1745-6215. 19:707, p. 1–9. doi: 10.1186/s13063-018-3088-3. Full text in Research Archive
• Kaasa, Stein; Loge, Jon Håvard; Aapro, Matti S.; Albreht, Tit; Anderson, Rebecca & Bruera, Eduardo [Show all 30 contributors for this article] (2018). Integration of oncology and palliative care: a Lancet Oncology Commission. The Lancet Oncology. ISSN 1470-2045. 19(11), p. e588–e653. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(18)30415-7. Full text in Research Archive
• Løhre, Erik Torbjørn; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Brunelli, Cinzia; Knudsen, Anne Kari; Kaasa, Stein & Klepstad, Pål (2018). Pain Intensity Factors Changing Breakthrough Pain Prevalence in Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Secondary Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Observational International Study . Pain and Therapy. ISSN 2193-8237. 7(2), p. 193–203. doi: 10.1007/s40122-018-0107-8. Full text in Research Archive
• Habberstad, Ragnhild H; Frøseth, Trude Camilla Salvesen; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Abramova, Tatiana Mikhailovna; Baas, Theo & Mørkeset, Siri Tessem [Show all 24 contributors for this article] (2018). The Palliative Radiotherapy and Inflammation Study (PRAIS) - Protocol for a longitudinal observational multicenter study on patients with cancer induced bone pain. BMC Palliative Care. ISSN 1472-684X. 17(110). doi: 10.1186/s12904-018-0362-9. Full text in Research Archive
• Grønberg, Bjørn Henning; Sjøblom, Bjørg; Wentzel-Larsen, Tore; Baracos, Vickie Elaine; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen & Aass, Nina Kathrine [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2018). A comparison of CT based measures of skeletal muscle mass and density from the Th4 and L3 levels in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. ISSN 0954-3007. p. 1–8. doi: 10.1038/s41430-018-0325-5. Full text in Research Archive
• Krogstad, Hilde; Sundt-Hansen, Stine Marie; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Hågensen, Liv Ågot; Kaasa, Stein & Loge, Jon Håvard [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2018). Usability testing of EirV3-a computer-based tool for patient-reported outcome measures in cancer. Supportive Care in Cancer. ISSN 0941-4355. p. 1–10. doi: 10.1007/s00520-018-4435-3. Full text in Research Archive
• Jakobsen, Gunnhild; Engstrøm, Morten; Fayers, Peter; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Kaasa, Stein & Kloke, Marianne [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2018). Sleep quality with WHO Step III opioid use for cancer pain. BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care. ISSN 2045-435X. doi: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2017-001399. Full text in Research Archive
• Skaarud, Kristin Aneta Joan; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Bye, Asta; Veierød, Marit Bragelien; Gudmundstuen, Anne Marte & Lundin, Knut Erik Aslaksen [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2018). Effects of individualized nutrition after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation following myeloablative conditioning; a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. ISSN 2405-4577. 28, p. 59–66. doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.08.002.
• Baekelandt, Bart Maria Gilbert; Fagerland, Morten; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Heiberg, Turid; Labori, Knut Jørgen & Buanes, Trond (2018). Survival, Complications and Patient Reported Outcomes after Pancreatic Surgery. HPB. ISSN 1365-182X. doi: 10.1016/j.hpb.2018.07.023. Full text in Research Archive
• Petersen, Morten Aa.; Aaronson, Neil K.; Arraras, Juan I; Chie, Wei-Chu; Conroy, Thierry & Costantini, Anna [Show all 29 contributors for this article] (2018). The EORTC CAT Core?The computer adaptive version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. European Journal of Cancer. ISSN 0959-8049. 100, p. 8–16. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2018.04.016. Full text in Research Archive
• Grotmol, Kjersti Støen; Lie, Hanne Cathrine; Loge, Jon Håvard; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Haugen, Dagny Faksvåg & Stone, Patrick C [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2018). Patients with advanced cancer and depression report a significantly higher symptom burden than non-depressed patients. Palliative & Supportive Care. ISSN 1478-9515. p. 1–7. doi: 10.1017/S1478951517001183. Full text in Research Archive
• Paque, Kristel; Elseviers, Monique; Vander Stichele, Robert H; Pardon, Koen; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen & Kaasa, Stein [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2017). Changes in medication use in a cohort of patients with advanced cancer: The international multicentre prospective European Palliative Care Cancer Symptom study. Palliative Medicine. ISSN 0269-2163. doi: 10.1177/0269216317746843.
• Grotmol, Kjersti Støen; Lie, Hanne Cathrine; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Currow, David & Kaasa, Stein [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2017). Depression-A Major Contributor to Poor Quality of Life in Patients With Advanced Cancer. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. ISSN 0885-3924. 54(6), p. 889–897. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.04.010. Full text in Research Archive
• Koller, Michael Theodor; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Tomaszewski, Krzysztof A.; Tomaszewska, Iwona M.; HORNSLIEN, KJERSTI & Harle, Amelie [Show all 20 contributors for this article] (2017). An international study to revise the EORTC questionnaire for assessing quality of life in lung cancer patients. Annals of Oncology. ISSN 0923-7534. 28(11), p. 2874–2881. doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdx453.
• Thomas, Shirley; Walsh, Declan; Shrotriya, Shiva; Aktas, Aynur; Hullihen, Barbara & Estfan, Bassam [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2017). Symptoms, quality of life, and daily activities in People with newly diagnosed solid tumors presenting to a medical oncologist. The American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AJHPM). ISSN 1049-9091. 34(7), p. 611–621. doi: 10.1177/1049909116649948.
• Mulvey, Matthew R.; Boland, Elaine G.; Bouhassira, Didier; Freynhagen, Rainer; Hardy, J. & Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2017). Neuropathic pain in cancer: Systematic review, performance of screening tools and analysis of symptom profiles. British Journal of Anaesthesia. ISSN 0007-0912. 119(4), p. 765–774. doi: 10.1093/bja/aex175.
• Bye, Asta; Sjøblom, Bjørg; Wentzel-Larsen, Tore; Grønberg, Bjørn Henning; Baracos, Vickie E. & Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2017). Muscle mass and association to quality of life in non-small cell lung cancer patients. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle. ISSN 2190-5991. 8, p. 759–767. doi: 10.1002/jcsm.12206. Full text in Research Archive
• Vagnildhaug, Ola Magne; Blum, David; Wilcock, Andrew; Fayers, Peter; Strasser, Florian & Baracos, Vickie E. [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2017). The applicability of a weight loss grading system in cancer cachexia: a longitudinal analysis. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle. ISSN 2190-5991. 8(5), p. 789–797. doi: 10.1002/jcsm.12220. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background A body mass index (BMI) adjusted weight loss grading system (WLGS) is related to survival in patients with cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the applicability of the WLGS by confirming its prognostic validity, evaluating its relationship to cachexia domains, and exploring its ability to predict cachexia progression. Methods An international, prospective observational study of patients with incurable cancer was conducted. For each patient, weight loss grade was scored 0–4. Weight loss grade 0 represents a high BMI with limited weight loss, progressing through to weight loss grade 4 representing low BMI and a high degree of weight loss. Survival analyses were used to confirm prognostic validity. Analyses of variance were used to evaluate the relationship between the WLGS and cachexia domains [anorexia, dietary intake, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), and physical and emotional functioning]. Cox regression was used to evaluate if the addition of cachexia domains to the WLGS improved prognostic accuracy. Predictive ability of cachexia progression was assessed by estimating proportion of patients progressing to a more advanced weight loss grade. Results One thousand four hundred six patients were analysed (median age 66 years; 50% female, 63% KPS ≤ 70). The overall effect of the WLGS on survival was significant as expressed by change in −2 log likelihood (P

• Jacobsen, Ellisiv Lærum; Bye, Asta; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Fosså, Sophie Dorothea; Grotmol, Kjersti Støen & Kaasa, Stein [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2017). Norwegian reference values for the Short-Form Health Survey 36: development over time. Quality of Life Research. ISSN 0962-9343. p. 1–12. doi: 10.1007/s11136-017-1684-4. Full text in Research Archive
• Krogstad, Hilde; Brunelli, Cinzia; Sand, Kari; Andersen, Eivind; Garresori, Herish & Halvorsen, Tarje Onsøien [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2017). Development of EirV3: A computer-based tool for patient-reported outcome measures in cancer. JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics. ISSN 2473-4276. 2017(1), p. 1–14. doi: 10.1200/CCI.17.00051. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background. Immediate transfer of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) for use in medical consultations is facilitated by electronic assessments. Objective. Describe the rationale and development towards Eir version3 (V3), a computer-based symptom assessment tool for cancer; with emphasis on content and user-friendliness. Methods. Eir’s specifications and content were developed through multi-professional, stepwise and iterative processes (2013-16), with literature reviews on traditional and electronic assessment and classification methods, formative iterative usability tests with end-users and patient preferences for paper versus electronic assessments. Results. EirV3 has two modules: Eir-Patient for PROMs registration on tablets and Eir-Doctor for presentation of PROMs in a user-friendly interface on computers. Eir-Patient starts with 19 common cancer symptoms followed by specific, in-depth questions for endorsed symptoms. The pain section includes a body map for pain location and intensity, whereas physical functioning, nutritional intake and wellbeing are standard questions for all. Data are wirelessly transferred to Eir-Doctor. Symptoms with intensity scores >3 (0-10 scale) are marked in red, with brighter colors corresponding to higher intensity, supplemented with graphs displaying symptom development over time. Usability results showed that patients and health care providers found Eir intuitive, easy to use and relevant. When comparing PROM-assessments on paper versus tablets (N=114), 19% preferred paper, 41% and 40% preferred tablets or had no preference. Median intraclass-correlation coefficients between paper and tablets was excellent (0.815). Conclusions. Iterative test-rounds followed by continuous improvements led to a user-friendly, applicable EirV3, developed for and by end-users. EirV3 is undergoing international testing of clinical and cross-cultural adaptability. Keywords: Patient reported outcome measures, PROMS, computers, usability, feasibility

• Thomsen, Maria; Guren, Marianne; Skovlund, Eva; Glimelius, Bengt; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen & Johansen, Julia S. [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2017). Health-related quality of life in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, association with systemic inflammatory response and RAS and BRAF mutation status. European Journal of Cancer. ISSN 0959-8049. 81, p. 26–35. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2017.04.026.
• Kirkhus, Lene; Saltyte Benth, Jurate; Kristjansson, Siri Rostoft; Grønberg, Bjørn Henning; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen & Selbæk, Geir [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2017). Geriatric assessment is superior to oncologists’ clinical judgement in identifying frailty. British Journal of Cancer. ISSN 0007-0920. 117(4), p. 470–477. doi: 10.1038/bjc.2017.202. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Frailty is a syndrome associated with increased vulnerability and an important predictor of outcomes in older cancer patients. Systematic assessments to identify frailty are seldom applied, and oncologists’ ability to identify frailty is scarcely investigated. Methods: We compared oncologists’ classification of frailty (onc-frail) based on clinical judgement with a modified geriatric assessment (mGA), and investigated associations between frailty and overall survival. Patients X70 years referred for medical cancer treatment were eligible. mGA-frailty was defined as impairment in at least one of the following: daily activities, comorbidity, polypharmacy, physical function or at least one geriatric syndrome (cognitive impairment, depression, malnutrition, falls). Results: Three hundred and seven patients were enroled, 288 (94%) completed the mGA, 286 (93%) were rated by oncologists. Median age was 77 years, 56% had metastases, 85% performance status (PS) 0–1. Overall, 104/286 (36%) were onc-frail and 140/288 (49%) mGA-frail, the agreement was fair (kappa value 0.30 (95% CI 0.19; 0.41)), and 67 mGA-frail patients who frequently had localised disease, good PS and received curative treatment, were missed by the oncologists. Only mGA-frailty was independently prognostic for survival (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.14; 2.27; P¼0.007). Conclusions: Systematic assessment of geriatric domains is needed to aid oncologists in identifying frail patients with poor survival.

• Karlsen, Tom; Sandvik, Lorentz; Heimdal, John-Helge; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Aarstad, Anne Kari Hersvik & Aarstad, Hans Jørgen (2017). Health-related Quality of Life as Studied by EORTC QLQ and Voice Handicap Index Among Various Patients With Laryngeal Disease. Journal of Voice. ISSN 0892-1997. 31(2), p. 251.e17–251.e26. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2016.07.009.
• Sjøblom, Bjørg; Saltyte Benth, Jurate; Grønberg, Bjørn Henning; Baracos, Vickie E.; Sawyer, Michael & Fløtten, Øystein [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2017). Drug Dose Per Kilogram Lean Body Mass Predicts Hematologic Toxicity From Carboplatin-Doublet Chemotherapy in Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Clinical Lung Cancer. ISSN 1525-7304. 18(2), p. e129–e136. doi: 10.1016/j.cllc.2016.09.008. Show summary

  Background Variations in lean body mass (LBM) have been suggested to explain variations in toxicity from systemic cancer treatment. We investigated if drug doses per kilogram of LBM were associated with severe hematologic toxicity (HT) in patients with stage IIIB/IV non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) enrolled onto randomized trials comparing first-line carboplatin-doublets. Patients and Methods Patients received carboplatin (AUC [area under the plasma concentration vs. time curve] = 5) plus either pemetrexed 500 mg/m2, gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2, or vinorelbine 60 mg/m2. LBM was estimated from the cross-sectional muscle area at the third lumbar vertebra on computed tomographic scans. Administered doses on day 1, first cycle, were recalculated as milligram of drug per kilogram of LBM. Primary outcome was Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 grade 3/4 HT after cycle 1. Results Data from 424 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 65 years, 57% were men, and 78% had stage IV disease. Despite dose individualization by body surface area for the nonplatinum drugs, mean (range) doses expressed as mg/kg LBM showed ∼3-fold range: gemcitabine 38.0 (22.5-61.7) mg/kg LBM, pemetrexed 19.1 (8.1-27.9) mg/kg LBM, and vinorelbine 2.4 (1.4-3.6) mg/kg LBM. For these drugs, dose per kilogram of LBM was associated with HT in adjusted multivariate models (P = .004). Taking mean dose per kilogram LBM for each drug as reference, a 1% increase (odds ratio [OR] = 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.06) or 1% decrease (OR = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99) was associated with altered risk of grade 3/4 HT. For doses > 20% above and below mean (14% and 15% of patients, respectively) the risk of grade 3/4 HT was almost doubled (OR = 1.93, 95% CI, 1.21-3.10) and halved (OR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.32-0.83), respectively. Conclusion Dose per kilogram of LBM varied considerably and was an independent predictor of HT. Computed tomography–defined LBM may provide a future basis for better dose individualization. Keywords Body composition; Chemotherapy dosing; Chemotherapy toxicity; Muscle wasting; Skeletal muscle

• Kurita, Geana Paula; Benthien, Kirstine Skov; Sjøgren, Per; Kaasa, Stein & Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen (2017). Identification of the predictors of cognitive impairment in patients with cancer in palliative care: a prospective longitudinal analysis. Supportive Care in Cancer. ISSN 0941-4355. 25(3), p. 941–949. doi: 10.1007/s00520-016-3485-7.
• Fredheim, Olav Magnus Søndenå; Brelin, Siri; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Loge, Jon Håvard; Aass, Nina Kathrine & Johannessen, Tom Børge [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2017). Prescriptions of analgesics during complete disease trajectories in patients who are diagnosed with and die from cancer within the five-year period 2005-2009. European Journal of Pain. ISSN 1090-3801. 21(3), p. 530–540. doi: 10.1002/ejp.956.
• Loge, Jon Håvard; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen & Løhre, Erik Torbjørn (2016). Delirium. In Kaasa, Stein & Loge, Jon Håvard (Ed.), Palliasjon. Nordisk lærebok. 3. utgave. Gyldendal Akademisk. ISSN 9788205488403. p. 501–510.

View all works in Cristin

• Lillekroken, Daniela; Bye, Asta; Halvorsrud, Liv Torill; Yri, Olav Erich; Wester, Torunn Elin & Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2024). Living with brain metastases - A qualitative study about patient-and family members' coping strategies.
• Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Pirnat, Aleksandra; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Andersen, Sigve; Astrup, Guro Lindviksmoen & Dajani, Olav [Show all 19 contributors for this article] (2023). 1592MO Anticancer therapy at the end-of-life: A cluster-randomized trial. Annals of Oncology. ISSN 0923-7534. 34, p. S886–S886. doi: 10.1016/j.annonc.2023.09.789.
• Lundeby, Tonje; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Andersen, Sigve; Hanssen, Sjur Bjørnar; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen & Kaasa, Stein [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2023). Family carers' experiences with brain metastases: A longitudinal study.
• Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Gravli, Trine H.; Smeland, Sigbjørn & Kaasa, Stein (2023). Pasientsentrert kreftbehandling. Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening. ISSN 0029-2001. 143(1). doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.22.0668.
• Yri, Olav Erich; Astrup, Guro Lindviksmoen; Karlsson, Astrid Telhaug; Paulsen, Ørnulf; van Helvoirt, Rene & Lund, Jo-Åsmund [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2022). Brain metastases: Real-life treatment patterns, survival and patient-reported outcomes – Results from a population-based, prospective study in 914 patients. Annals of Oncology. ISSN 0923-7534. 33, p. S668–S668. doi: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.07.416.
• Urrizola, Amaia; Dajani, Olav; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Kaasa, Stein & Klepstad, Pål [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2022). Nutrition Impact Symptoms in Oncology –Why should we address them?
• Lundeby, Tonje; Wester, Torunn Elin; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Yri, Olav Erich & Bye, Asta [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2022). Living with brain metastases: A longitudinal qualitative study of patient experiences from time of diagnosis.
• Jakobsen, Gunnhild; Sjue, Karin; Paulsen, Ørnulf; Kaasa, Stein; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen & Klepstad, Pål (2022). Medikamentell behandling av insomni hos kreftpasienter.
• Lundereng, Elias David; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Lundeby, Tonje; Fallon, Marie & Velikova, Galina [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2022). Developing Innovative Digital Patient Centered Care Pathways for Cancer Patients using Agile Design: A pre pilot study.
• Astrup, Guro Lindviksmoen; Kaasa, Stein; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Lundeby, Tonje & van Helvoirt, Rene [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2021). Patient-reported outcomes in cancer patients newly diagnosed with brain metastases. Annals of Oncology. ISSN 0923-7534. 32, p. S1076–S1076. doi: 10.1016/j.annonc.2021.08.206.
• Yri, Olav Erich; Astrup, Guro Lindviksmoen; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Lund, Jo-Åsmund & van Helvoirt, Rene [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2021). Brain metastases: Extracranial disease status as a prognostic factor after whole brain radiotherapy. Results from a prospective, population-based study. Annals of Oncology. ISSN 0923-7534. 32, p. S526–S526. doi: 10.1016/j.annonc.2021.08.037.
• Jakobsen, Gunnhild; Kaasa, Stein; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Klepstad, Pål & Paulsen, Ørnulf (2021). Kortikosteroider påvirker ikke søvn hos alvorlig syke kreftpasienter med smerte .
• Kirkhus, Lene; Saltyte-Benth, Jurate; Grønberg, Bjørn Henning; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Rostoft, Siri & Harneshaug, Magnus [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2020). Reply to the letter to the editor ‘Geriatric-oncology and palliative care: cautionary on using geriatric assessment as a sole basis to limit care’. Palliative Medicine. ISSN 0269-2163. 34(2), p. 255–256. doi: 10.1177/0269216319888987.
• Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Andersen, Sigve; Brunelli, Cinzia; Dajani, Olav & Ahmed, Herish [Show all 20 contributors for this article] (2020). PALLiON - PALLiative care Integrated in ONcology: Study protocol for a Norwegian national cluster-randomized control trial with a complex intervention of early integration of palliative care. Trials. ISSN 1745-6215. 21:303, p. 1–17. doi: 10.1186/s13063-020-4224-4. Full text in Research Archive
• Sigurdardottir, Katrin Rut; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Filbet, Marilene; Tricou, Colombe; McQuillan, Regina & Costantini, Massimo [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2019). Pilot Testing of the First Version of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) Basic Dataset. Palliative Medicine. ISSN 0269-2163. 33, p. 319–320.
• Sigurdardottir, Katrin Rut; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Filbet, Marilene; Tricou, Colombe; McQuillan, Regina & Costantini, Massimo [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2019). Pilot Testing of the First Version of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) Basic Dataset.
• Kirkhus, Lene; Benth, Jurate Saltyte; Grønberg, Bjørn Henning; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Rostoft, Siri & Harneshaug, Magnus [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2019). Reply to the letter to the editor 'Geriatric-oncology and palliative care: cautionary on using geriatric assessment as a sole basis to limit care'. Palliative Medicine. ISSN 0269-2163. doi: 10.1177/0269216319888987.
• Bjerkeset, Ellen; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Bye, Asta; Hamfjord, Julian; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen & Loge, Jon Håvard [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2018). Identified palliative care needs at start of radiotherapy for painful bone metastases.
• Bye, Asta; Seljelid, Berit; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Wester, Torunn & Loge, Jon Håvard (2018). Can we rely on reports on preferences for place of death? .
• Krogstad, Hilde; Sundt-Hansen, Stine Marie; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Hågensen, Liv Ågot; Kaasa, Stein & Loge, Jon Håvard [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2018). Usability testing of EirV3 - a computer-based tool for patient reported outcome measures in cancer. Annals of Oncology. ISSN 0923-7534. 29, p. viii625–viii625. doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdy300.068.
• Krogstad, Hilde; Sundt-Hansen, Stine Marie; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Hågensen, Liv Ågot; Kaasa, Stein & Loge, Jon Håvard [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2018). Usability testing of EirV3 - a computer-based tool for patient reported outcome measures in cancer.
• Jakobsen, Gunnhild; Engstrøm, Morten; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Løhre, Erik Torbjørn; Fayers, Peter & Thronæs, Morten [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2018). Sleep Quality in advanced cancer.
• Vagnildhaug, Ola Magne; Brunelli, Cinzia; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Strasser, Florian; Baracos, Vickie E. & Wilcock, Andrew [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2018). A prospective study examining cachexia predictors in patients with incurable cancer. Show summary

  Background A predictive model of cachexia development would help identify those at greatest risk for early therapeutic intervention. The aims of this study were to identify predictors of cachexia development and to use these to create and evaluate the accuracy of a predictive model. Methods A secondary analysis of an international, prospective, observational multicentre study was conducted. Patients with incurable cancer and without cachexia, who attended a palliative care unit were amenable to the analysis. Cachexia was defined as weight loss (WL) >5% (6 months) or WL>2% and body mass index<20kg/m2. Disease related, demographic and patient reported markers were evaluated as possible predictors with Cox analysis. The predictor “cancer type” was divided into high risk (pancreatic or gastric cancer), low risk (sarcoma, breast or hematologic cancer) or neutral risk (all others). A classification and regression tree analysis was used to create a model based on optimal combinations and cut-offs of significant predictors for cachexia development, and accuracy was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results 628 patients, 57% female, were included in the analysis. Median (IQR) age was 65 (17) years and Karnofsky performance status 70 (10). Median (IQR) follow-up was 109 (108) days, and 159 (25%) patients developed cachexia. Initial WL, cancer type, appetite and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were significant predictors (p≤0.04). A four-level model was created with each level carrying an increasing risk of cachexia development. Level 1-patients (WL<3%, low risk cancer type and no or little appetite loss) had a relative hazard ratio (RHR) of 0.27 of cachexia development, while level 4-patients (WL 3-5%) had a RHR of 4.9. Accuracy of cachexia predictions at 3 months was 76%, and a risk level ≥3 (1-3% WL and neutral risk cancer type OR <3% weight loss and high risk cancer type) yielded a sensitivity of 46% and a specificity of 90% of cachexia development. Conclusion Important predictors of cachexia have been identified and used to construct a predictive model of cancer cachexia. Patients with a risk level ≥3 have a high risk of cachexia development, and should be targeted for therapeutic intervention.

• Jacobsen, Ellisiv Lærum; Bye, Asta; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Fosså, Sophie Dorothea; Grotmol, Kjersti Støen & Kaasa, Stein [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2017). Correction to: Norwegian reference values for the Short-Form Health Survey 36: development over time. Quality of Life Research. ISSN 0962-9343. p. 1–3. doi: 10.1007/s11136-017-1708-0. Full text in Research Archive
• Krogstad, Hilde; Brunelli, Cinzia; Garresori, Herish; Kaasa, Stein; Kristensen, Are Korsnes & Loge, Jon Håvard [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2017). A pilot study of electronic vs. paper-and-pencil completion of PROMs in cancer care.
• Krogstad, Hilde; Brunelli, Cinzia; Garresori, Herish; Kaasa, Stein; Kristensen, Are Korsnes & Loge, Jon Håvard [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2017). A pilot study of electronic vs. paper-and-pencil completion of PROMs in cancer care. European Journal of Palliative Care. ISSN 1352-2779. p. 210–210. Show summary

  Background: Systematic use of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures (PROMs) is essential for optimal patient care. Electronic PROMs collection may improve symptom assessment due to more efficient data capturing, immediate presentation of results and less response burden as opposed to paper forms. Aims: Aims were to 1) investigate the equivalence of PROMs scores on common cancer symptoms collected in randomized order by paper forms and iPads, 2) assess patient preferences for one of the two assessment modes Methods: A parallel form agreement study was done at six Norwegian hospitals. Patients were approached when coming for a scheduled appointment at the cancer outpatient clinics. After consent they were asked to score the intensity of 19 common cancer symptoms on 0-10 numerical rating scales; 0: no pain, nausea etc. and 10: worst imaginable on paper and iPads. The symptoms were identical to the initial ones used in Eir, an electronic PROMs tool currently undergoing international validation. Patients were randomised to start with either the paper or iPad version, followed by the other version 30 minutes later. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to examine equivalence of paper/iPad scores. Results: Of the included 114 patients, 110 (97%) completed both versions; 59 (54%) on iPad first, 51 (46%) on paper first. Mean age was 64.5 (27-86), median Karnofsky 90 (50-100). GI-cancer was most common (47%) followed by prostate (10%), breast and malignant melanoma (both 9%). 89% had metastatic disease. Overall, the median ICC was 0.815,>0.75 for 14 items and ranging from 0.64 (vomiting) to 0.92 (tiredness). Interquartile range was 0.145. Overall 41% of the patients preferred assessment on iPads, 19% preferred paper, while 40% had no preference. Conclusion: The equivalence of PROMs scores was good, and the majority of patients preferred iPads or had no preference. This is promising, considering the many advantages of electronic assessments.

• Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen; Aass, Nina Kathrine; Grotmol, Kjersti Støen; Kaasa, Stein; Lundeby, Tonje & Seljelid, Berit [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2017). Integration of oncology and palliative care - findings from the PALLiON pre-study survey.
• Jakobsen, Gunnhild & Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen (2016). Systematisk registrering av smerte og symptomer kan gi bedre lindrende behandling.
• Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen & Herlofson, Bente Brokstad (2016). Tann- og munnhuleproblemer. In Kaasa, Stein & Loge, Jon Håvard (Ed.), Palliasjon. Nordisk lærebok. 3. utgave. Gyldendal Akademisk. ISSN 9788205488403. p. 653–670.
• Kirkhus, Lene; Saltyte Benth, Jurate; Rostoft, Siri; Grønberg, Bjørn Henning; Hjermstad, Marianne Jensen & Selbæk, Geir [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2016). P111 "Frailty and survival in old patients with cancer; clinical judgment and systematic geriatric assessments" JGO Volume 7/6 Supplement 1 Nov 16 S131-132.

View all works in Cristin