Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2013
The identification of plasma proteins associated with cancer-related fatigue syndrome (CRFS) in disease-free breast cancer patients using proteomic analysis.
Cancer-related fatigue syndrome (CRFS) affects a significant minority of women successfully treated for breast cancer, with symptoms lasting up to several years after finishing therapy. ⋯ These novel results (using a technique not previously used in fatigue research) add further weight to the hypothesis that CRFS may be precipitated and prolonged by a nonspecific sustained inflammatory response. Importantly, this has been identified from a global analysis of plasma, which was conducted with no prior assumptions. Although these results need confirmation, we would suggest that future treatments for CRFS should consider focusing on the modulation of this presumed prolonged immune response.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2013
Both maintaining hope and preparing for death: effects of physicians' and nurses' behaviors from bereaved family members' perspectives.
Both maintaining hope and preparing for the patient's death are important for families of terminally ill cancer patients. ⋯ About 20% of family members reported that they could neither "maintain hope nor prepare for death." A recommended care strategy for medical professionals could include 1) discussing achievable goals and preparing for the future and pacing explanation with the family's preparation, 2) willingness to discuss alternative medicine, 3) maximizing efforts to maintain the patient's physical strength, and 4) avoid saying they could do nothing further for the patient.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2013
The effect of severe androgen deficiency on physical function in male patients with cancer.
Low circulating testosterone concentrations are commonly observed in male patients with cancer and have been shown to be associated with weight loss and increased severity of many symptoms, including fatigue and weakness. ⋯ The present study shows that in male patients with cancer, an extremely low serum free testosterone concentration is independently associated with 6-MWD but not maximal gait speed. Hence, a severe testosterone deficiency may impair their ability to perform sustained activity, but to a lesser degree, short bursts of activity.