Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
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Support Care Cancer · Jul 2011
Pilot evaluation of a stellate ganglion block for the treatment of hot flashes.
Hot flashes are a significant problem in breast cancer patients, especially because the most effective therapy, estrogen, is often contraindicated. Based on recent pilot data from a single group supporting the use of a stellate ganglion block for the treatment of hot flashes, the present pilot trial was done to further evaluate the hypothesis that a stellate ganglion block may be a safe and effective therapy for hot flashes. ⋯ The results of this pilot trial support that stellate ganglion blocks may be a helpful therapy for hot flashes. A prospective placebo-controlled clinical trial should be done to more definitively determine this contention.
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Support Care Cancer · Jul 2011
Comparative StudyEconomic and patient-reported outcomes of outpatient home-based versus inpatient hospital-based chemotherapy for patients with colorectal cancer.
This study aims to compare the economic- and patient-reported outcomes between outpatient home-based and inpatient hospital-based chemotherapy in advanced colorectal cancer patients. ⋯ Higher satisfaction and lower economic cost for home-based chemotherapy suggests that home-based chemotherapy could be a popular and cost-effective treatment option for colorectal cancer patients who are eligible for home-based chemotherapy.
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Support Care Cancer · Jul 2011
A qualitative study of mindfulness-based meditation therapy in Japanese cancer patients.
The primary objective of the study was to examine mindfulness-based meditation therapy qualitatively. A secondary goal was to examine the differences in themes selected by Japanese and Western patients receiving this therapy. ⋯ Mindfulness-based meditation therapy may be effective for producing adapted coping, including positive recognition and changes for an adapted lifestyle. There were some common aspects and some differences in the themes selected by patients in this study and Western patients received mindfulness therapy in other studies.
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Support Care Cancer · Jul 2011
Sleep in children with cancer: case review of 70 children evaluated in a comprehensive pediatric sleep center.
The goal of this study was to characterize the sleep problems of children with cancer who were referred for a comprehensive sleep evaluation. ⋯ The sleep problems of children with cancer span the full spectrum of clinical sleep disorders (hypersomnia, sleep disordered breathing, insomnia, parasomnias, and circadian rhythm disorders) and are often present in combinations. Children with neoplasms involving the brainstem, thalamus, and hypothalamus were the most frequently referred for a sleep evaluation, and their sleep problems were most commonly EDS or SDB. Expertise in pediatric sleep disorders can be a valuable resource in the ongoing care of children with cancer.
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Support Care Cancer · Jul 2011
ReviewSystematic review: malfunction of totally implantable venous access devices in cancer patients.
Malfunction of totally implantable venous access devices is a common complication. The purpose was to identify definitions used to describe malfunction and to investigate the incidence of malfunction in different types of port and catheter designs. ⋯ Heterogeneity in the definitions used to describe device malfunction was evident. A broad range in the reported incidence of malfunction and in the kind of calculation and reporting methods was also found. Methodological quality of the studies was often poor. Standardization of definitions and accurate outcome measurement is needed. Calculation and report of malfunction incidence should be based on prospective data collected at the moment of an accession attempt.