Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
-
Support Care Cancer · Jan 2009
Prevalence of burnout among Swiss cancer clinicians, paediatricians and general practitioners: who are most at risk?
Increasing economical and administrative constraints and changes in health-care systems constitute a risk for burnout, especially for cancer physicians. However, little is known about differences across medical specialties and the importance of work characteristics. ⋯ In this Swiss sample, cancer clinicians had a significant lower risk of burnout, despite a more important workload. Among possible explanations, involvement in research and teaching activities and access to continuing education may have protected them.
-
Support Care Cancer · Jan 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyThe efficacy and safety of palonosetron compared with granisetron in preventing highly emetogenic chemotherapy-induced vomiting in the Chinese cancer patients: a phase II, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel, comparative clinical trial.
This clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Palonosetron in preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting (CIV) among the Chinese cancer patients. ⋯ A single dose (0.25 mg) of palonosetron is not inferior to a single dose (3 mg) of granisetron in preventing CIV and possesses an acceptable safety profile in the Chinese population.
-
Support Care Cancer · Jan 2009
ReviewThe cognitive effects of opioids in cancer: a systematic review.
In order to better understand the effects of opioids on the cognitive function in cancer pain patients, a literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL and Lilacs databases. Ten controlled trials were selected and classified according to the study design, the level of evidence, and opioid regimen. ⋯ These cognitive deficits were captured with neuropsychological tests; however, their clinical relevance is still uncertain.
-
Support Care Cancer · Jan 2009
Use of palliative sedation for intractable symptoms in the palliative care unit of a comprehensive cancer center.
There is wide variation in the frequency of reported use of palliative sedation (PS) to control intractable and refractory symptoms in terminally ill patients. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and outcomes of PS use and examine patterns of practice after establishment of a policy for the administration of midazolam for PS in our palliative care unit (PCU). ⋯ PS was required in 15% of PCU admissions, and 23% of PS patients were discharged alive. Our findings suggest a potential for significant underreporting of overall PS. If our institution's policy on midazolam use for PS were less restrictive, midazolam use might increase. More research is needed to define the optimal agent for inducing rapid, effective, and easily reversible PS.