Clinical oncology : a journal of the Royal College of Radiologists
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Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) · Sep 2007
Worst, average or current pain in the Brief Pain Inventory: which should be used to calculate the response to palliative radiotherapy in patients with bone metastases?
To determine which pain intensity scale in the Brief Pain Inventory correlates best with functional interference and should be used to calculate the response to palliative radiotherapy. To determine the differences in functional interference scores for patients classified as responders and non-responders to palliative radiotherapy. ⋯ Worst pain intensity had higher correlations with all functional interference scores except relationships with others. Therefore, we recommend an 11-point scale measuring worst pain to evaluate response rates in future radiotherapy trials. The mean difference from baseline to follow-up in functional interference scores was significantly larger in patients who responded to radiotherapy treatment.
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Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) · Sep 2007
Detection of occult spinal cord compression with magnetic resonance imaging of the spine.
Spinal cord compression (SCC) is the most significant complication due to skeletal metastasis from prostate cancer. The early detection of SCC is essential as the neurological status before treatment is the major determinant influencing outcome. The aim of this investigation was to determine the role of magnetic resonance imaging of the spine in detecting SCC or occult SCC in patients with metastatic prostate cancer with no functional neurological deficit (FND). ⋯ A significant proportion (27.3%) of patients with metastatic prostate cancer may harbour overt or occult SCC in the absence of FND. MRI of the spine for the early diagnosis of SCC may be considered useful in patients with extensive skeletal metastasis and back pain.
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Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) · Sep 2007
Comparative StudyA comparison of Hickman line- and Port-a-Cath-associated complications in patients with solid tumours undergoing chemotherapy.
To compare the complication rates of Hickman lines and Port-a-Caths in patients undergoing infusional chemotherapy for solid tumours. ⋯ In this study, Port-a-Caths were shown to be both safer and cheaper than Hickman lines for patients requiring infusional chemotherapy.