The journal of supportive oncology
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The febrile response is a complex physiologic reaction to disease involving a cytokine-mediated rise in body temperature, generation of acute-phase reactants, and activation of numerous endocrinologic and immunologic systems. Understanding the basic mechanisms underlying this phenomenon helps to formulate rational approaches to treatment and interventions. In this article, the authors review the basic pathophysiology of fever, its contributing etiologies, and management approaches based on current evidence.
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Review Case Reports
Domestic violence against women with cancer: examples and review of the literature.
Over a recent 3-month period in our oncology practice, we became aware of multiple patients reporting domestic abuse. We present three selected cases, review the literature on domestic violence, and explore issues of diagnosis and management in a cancer population. Domestic violence against cancer patients may be more common than initially appreciated, and further awareness and research are indicated.
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Comparative Study
Measuring the maintenance of daily life activities using the functional living index-emesis (FLIE) in patients receiving moderately emetogenic chemotherapy.
Healthcare providers believe they have a positive impact on controlling chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), yet patients still consider CINV to be one of the most distressing side effects of chemotherapy. The effect of CINV on daily activities has been measured using the Functional Living Index-Emesis (FLIE) scale, a validated, nausea- and vomiting-specific, patient-reported outcome instrument comprising nine items in each of two domains. ⋯ Significantly more patients given palonosetron had FLIE scores that reflected lessened impact of nausea on daily life during the acute period (0-24 hours) and of nausea/vomiting during both the acute and delayed periods (days 2-4). These findings strongly suggest that better antiemetic prevention allows patients to maintain their functional status for up to 5 days after chemotherapy.