Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
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Support Care Cancer · Dec 2011
Randomized Controlled TrialBurden of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy--a cross-sectional study.
Neuropathy is a common adverse effect of chemotherapy. However, the both the prevalence and the burden of this adverse effect have been poorly documented. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and discomfort caused by neuropathic symptoms in relation to other adverse effects of chemotherapy. ⋯ Neuropathy is a common and troublesome adverse effect of chemotherapy, even though the intensity of the symptoms is mild. Thus, the intensity and inconvenience does not correlate to each other.
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Support Care Cancer · Dec 2011
Clinical TrialDyspnoea associated with anxiety--symptomatic therapy with opioids in combination with lorazepam and its effect on ventilation in palliative care patients.
Opioids are used for symptomatic therapy of dyspnoea, and benzodiazepines if dyspnoea is associated with anxiety. When given at the same time, the risk of respiratory depression will increase. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of this treatment regimen in palliative care patients. ⋯ Our results showed that the use of O + A was a safe and effective treatment option in this patient group. Signs of respiratory depression were not found.
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Support Care Cancer · Dec 2011
Breakthrough pain: a qualitative study involving patients with advanced cancer.
Breakthrough cancer pain is associated with a high burden of physical, psychological and social problems in quantitative studies. Individual experiences of living with breakthrough pain have not been studied. ⋯ Recognising the impact of breakthrough pain and the issues expressed by patients regarding communication and medication gives the clinician a framework for assessment and intervention.
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Support Care Cancer · Dec 2011
Complementary therapy and support services for formal and informal caregivers in Italian palliative care hospices: an exploratory and descriptive study.
The present study is aimed to assess the availability and use of complementary medicine (CM) therapies in Italian palliative care hospices, and the support services available to caregivers and hospice staff. ⋯ Despite limited empirical support, CM has become an important part of palliative care for end-of-life patients in Italy, as in many other countries.