Journal of pain and symptom management
-
J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2010
Symptom cluster patterns during the first year after diagnosis with cancer.
Research about clusters of symptoms in oncology is an emerging field of study. However, there is still conceptual confusion about clusters of symptoms and little agreement across studies. ⋯ We propose attention to symptom clusters that are stable across time and include core or defining symptoms within the cluster, and we further discuss the usefulness and applicability of conceptual and methodological criteria used in this study for future symptom cluster research.
-
J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2010
Cancer-related symptom clusters, eosinophils, and survival in hepatobiliary cancer: an exploratory study.
The study of symptom clusters is gaining increased attention in the field of oncology in an attempt to improve the quality of life of patients diagnosed with cancer. ⋯ Cancer-related symptoms, particularly pain and depression, were associated with increased percentages of eosinophils. The presence of symptoms may reflect tumor cell death and be indicative of response to treatment, or other processes, in patients with HBC.
-
J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2010
Case ReportsBilateral open thoracic cordotomy for refractory cancer pain: a neglected technique?
At least 10% of patients with cancer have pain that is refractory to systemic analgesics. For most of these patients, interventional techniques may be of benefit but are often not considered or are difficult to access. ⋯ We describe a case illustrating the successful use of bilateral open thoracic cordotomy in a patient with refractory mixed nociceptive and neuropathic pain secondary to a lumbosacral tumor. We discuss the various interventional options and review the recent literature regarding the use of both percutaneous and open cordotomy for cancer pain.
-
J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2010
Iyengar yoga for young adults with rheumatoid arthritis: results from a mixed-methods pilot study.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that often impacts patient's quality of life. For young people with RA, there is a need for rehabilitative approaches that have been shown to be safe and to lead to improved functioning. ⋯ These preliminary findings indicate that IY is a feasible complementary approach for young people with RA, although larger clinical trials are needed to demonstrate safety and efficacy.
-
J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2010
Case ReportsChallenges associated with spinal opioid therapy for pain in patients with advanced cancer: a report of three cases.
Intraspinal opioid therapy has been increasingly used for the management of cancer pain refractory to traditional treatment. However, this approach may present challenges in patients with advanced cancer. Three cases are presented that highlight the challenges associated with using neuraxial analgesia to manage cancer pain that was felt to be "refractory" to conventional treatment. Before an invasive procedure, such as placement of a permanent intrathecal opioid delivery system, a rigorous assessment and treatment of total pain (physical, psychological, spiritual, social, and practical) by an interdisciplinary team would be prudent.