Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
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Support Care Cancer · Feb 2010
Multicenter StudyConstruction of a new, objective prognostic score for terminally ill cancer patients: a multicenter study.
The goal of this study was to develop a new, objective prognostic score (OPS) for terminally ill cancer patients based on an integrated model that includes novel objective prognostic factors. ⋯ We developed the new OPS, without clinician's survival estimates but including a new prognostic factor (LDH). This new instrument demonstrated accurate prediction of the 3-week survival. The OPS had acceptable accuracy in this study population (training set). Further validation is required on an independent population (testing set).
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Support Care Cancer · Feb 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialGP-led melanoma follow-up: views and feelings of patient recipients.
The aim of this study was to explore the practical experiences and feelings of people with cutaneous malignant melanoma about receiving structured melanoma follow-up from their general practitioner (GP) as an alternative to traditional hospital-based follow-up. ⋯ GP-led melanoma follow-up is feasible and is generally viewed positively by those patients that have experienced it.
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Support Care Cancer · Feb 2010
Multicenter StudyThe dosing frequency of sustained-release opioids and the prevalence of end-of-dose failure in cancer pain control: a Korean multicenter study.
End-of-dose failure is commonly observed as therapeutic levels of sustained-release opioids fall. However, little is known about using these medications for cancer pain control. To determine the dosing frequency of sustained-release opioids (morphine, oxycodone, and transdermal fentanyl) and the prevalence of end-of-dose failure in clinical practice, a patient-reported survey was performed. ⋯ This survey demonstrated that sustained-release opioids are used by patients in a manner that is inconsistent with standard recommendations. End-of-dose failure is suggested to explain increased dosing frequency, and patients reported that adequate pain relief lasted for less time than was stated in the manufacturers' prescription recommendation.
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Support Care Cancer · Feb 2010
Review Comparative StudyIntraspinal techniques for pain management in cancer patients: a systematic review.
This systematic review outlines current evidence regarding the effectiveness of intraspinal techniques for cancer pain and addresses practical implementation issues. ⋯ Intraspinal techniques monitored by an interprofessional health care team should be included as part of a comprehensive cancer pain management program.
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Support Care Cancer · Feb 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialPilot study of Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) to improve cancer-related fatigue: a randomized, double-blind, dose-finding evaluation: NCCTG trial N03CA.
This pilot trial sought to investigate whether any of three doses of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) might help cancer-related fatigue. A secondary aim was to evaluate toxicity. ⋯ There appears to be some activity and tolerable toxicity at 1,000-2,000 mg/day doses of American ginseng with regard to cancer-related fatigue. Thus, further study of American ginseng is warranted.