Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
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Support Care Cancer · Sep 2003
Multicenter StudyPain and its treatment in hospitalized patients with metastatic cancer.
The aim of this prospective study was to assess the quality of pain management hospitalized cancer patients. ⋯ Pain control in hospitalized cancer patients is not completely satisfactory. The physician's attitude is to underestimate and undertreat pain, while nurses are not adequately trained for timely intervention despite published guidelines for pain management. The findings of this study support the concern of inadequate knowledge and inappropriate attitudes regarding pain management, even in cancer patients hospitalized in medical oncology divisions.
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Support Care Cancer · Sep 2003
Acute respiratory distress syndrome after chemotherapy for lung metastases from non-seminomatous germ-cell tumors.
To describe an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occurring after chemotherapy for non-seminomatous germ-cell tumors (NSGCT) with diffuse lung metastases, we conducted a retrospective study in a 15-bed intensive care unit (ICU) in a comprehensive cancer center. ⋯ Acute respiratory distress in patients with lung metastases from NSGCT is a rare cause of ARDS. Chemotherapy could be responsible for triggering the respiratory worsening. Patients with severe respiratory insufficiency (PaO2 <70 mmHg on room air) on admission to hospital should be promptly transferred to the ICU for the first chemotherapy course.