A literature review to understand the burden of disease in people living with tumour‑induced osteomalacia

Summary

This study reviews publications to describe the signs, symptoms and impact of tumour-induced osteomalacia (TIO) on patients’ burden of disease. TIO is associated with a spectrum of signs and symptoms imposing a significant clinical burden, but the psychosocial impact of this rare disease has been poorly researched so far. Introduction To describe the signs, symptoms and impacts of tumour-induced osteomalacia (TIO) and summarise the state of research on the burden of disease of this ultra-rare condition.

Methods

A targeted literature review was conducted in PubMed using pre-defined search terms. Relevant articles published between 1980 and 2021 were screened for inclusion. Seventy records were selected for analysis. Data were extracted and grouped into categories and sub-categories to identify recurrent signs, symptoms and impacts of TIO and describe the burden on patients. Chord diagrams were created to analyse the relationships between different TIO outcomes and characterise the presentation of TIO.

Results

Although the number of articles on TIO published have been increasing over the past 20 years, most studies were case reports and case series (n = 65/70) and only few were studies with higher quality of evidence (n = 5/70). Most articles were based on data reported by clinicians (n = 67/70). Patients with TIO experienced a combination of outcomes including chronic pain, weakness, skeletal-related manifestations and limitations in mobility. Only a few studies (n = 2/70) analysed the burden of TIO on the emotional wellbeing and on the work life of the patient.

Conclusion

Patients with TIO present with a spectrum of signs and symptoms that impose a significant burden. The impact on the psychosocial wellbeing of patients should be further investigated, as this has been poorly researched so far. Studies with high quality of evidence should be designed to further the understanding of the burden of disease of TIO from the patient’s perspective.