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Somnolence
induced by radiation therapy of brain tumor
Azita
E. Gilardi, H. Rodney Withers
UCLA
School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
Radiotherapy
is an important treatment for brain cancer.
The somnolence syndrome in radiation therapy is a condition of excessive
drowsiness that is thought to be as a result of central nervous system toxicity
following cranial irradiation.
An understanding of the time course and pattern of the phenomenon of somnolence
can improve the ability to cope with it and may provide a basis for
treatment.
Somnolence is often regarded somewhat lightly by radiation oncologists, because,
unlike the disease being treated, it is not life threatening, and is
reversible.
Nevertheless, it can be quite debilitating for the patient for several weeks at
a time when he or she is already compromised.
Our study investigates the relationship between somnolence and radiation therapy
for brain cancer, and establish the time course of its development.
Its incidence, severity, and time-course have been measured and correlated with
treatment parameters.
To measure somnolence, we assembled a questionnaire, which includes Epworth
Sleeping scale, Stanford Sleepiness scale, Visual analogue scale, Fact-Br and
additional questions to measure the frequency of these symptoms.
Besides having the patients complete the questionnaire to assess subjectively
the patients sleep pattern and physical, emotional, and functional well-being,
there is a section for physicians to give their point of view on severity of the
symptoms and a medical opinion on potential ancillary causes; we will also
maintain an anonymous record of treatment which describes location, dose, dose
per fraction, treated volume, duration of therapy, type of radiation treatment
(e.g. Stereotactic or Conformal) and also data regarding other treatments such
as chemotherapy and steroids.
In addition to all the above, an "acti- watch" (Actiwatches are small,
rugged, actigraphy-based data loggers from Mini Mitter company that record a
digitally integrated of activity.) will be worn like a wristwatch to measure
activity and characterize sleep accurately while the subject pursues normal
daily routines.
Our study shows that the somnolence exists among adult patients who received
radiation therapy for their brain tumor and it has a pattern.
Our study is opening a window to observe and measure the somnolence for the
patients with brain tumors who receive radiation therapy.
Better understanding of the "natural history" and treatment-dependence
of the timing and severity of somnolence may help in the design of interventions
to prevent it or at least decrease its intensity and/or duration.
Also improved understanding of the phenomenon will help to improve the patients
ability to cope with it, and this improves quality of life.
Copyright © 2003 American Association for Cancer Research. All
rights reserved.
Source: http://aacr03.agora.com/planner/displayabstract.asp?presentationid=10591 |
