Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
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Support Care Cancer · Jul 2014
Screening for substance abuse risk in cancer patients using the Opioid Risk Tool and urine drug screen.
The use of opioids for management of cancer-related pain has increased significantly and has been associated with a substantial rise in rates of substance abuse and diversion. There is a paucity of data not only on the prevalence of substance abuse in cancer patients, but also for issues of drug use and diversion in family caregivers. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of risk factors for substance abuse and diversion, and abnormal urine drug screens in cancer patients receiving palliative care. ⋯ Opioids are an effective treatment for cancer-related pain, yet substantial risk for substance abuse exits in the cancer population. Screening tools, such as the Opioid Risk Tool, should be used as part of a complete patient assessment to balance risk with appropriate relief of suffering.
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Support Care Cancer · Jul 2014
Fatigue scores in patients with brain metastases receiving whole brain radiotherapy.
Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is a treatment strategy used commonly to relieve burdensome symptoms and improve quality of life (QOL) in patients with multiple brain metastases. The purpose of this study is to determine changes in fatigue score following WBRT as it is a common symptom experienced in this population. ⋯ Fatigue was significantly increased from baseline to month 1 in all patients, and most patients experienced no difference in fatigue if they were receiving Dx. Increased fatigue was significantly related with decreased overall QOL.
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Support Care Cancer · Jul 2014
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyA phase III randomized, placebo-controlled study of topical amitriptyline and ketamine for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN): a University of Rochester CCOP study of 462 cancer survivors.
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) occurs in as high as 70% of patients receiving certain types of chemotherapy agents. The FDA has yet to approve a therapy for CIPN. The aim of this multicenter, phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to investigate the efficacy of 2% ketamine plus 4% amitriptyline (KA) cream for reducing CIPN. ⋯ This study suggests that KA cream does not decrease CIPN symptoms in cancer survivors.
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Support Care Cancer · Jul 2014
ReviewA systematic review on chronic oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy and the relation with oxaliplatin administration.
The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on the influence of oxaliplatin administration (e.g. cumulative dose, dose intensity, number of cycles and combination regimen) on the long-term prevalence of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (O-IPN) at least 12 months after termination of chemotherapy. ⋯ O-IPN is still present in a great amount of patients in ≥12 months after termination of therapy. A higher cumulative dose is likely to have an influence on the development of long-term O-IPN. More studies are needed that assess long-term neuropathy and oxaliplatin administration by means of validated neuropathy assessments.
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Support Care Cancer · Jul 2014
ReviewPatient-centred care: making cancer treatment centres accountable.
Patient-centred care is argued to be an essential component in the delivery of quality health and cancer care. This manuscript discusses the need to generate credible data which indicates the quality of patient-centred care provided by cancer treatment centres. Patient-centred care covers six domains including physical comfort; emotional support; respect for patients' preferences and values; integration and coordination; involvement of family and friends; and the provision of information, communication and education to enable patients to understand and make informed decisions about their care. ⋯ Second, if the answer from the patient suggests that they would like assistance, then it would be expected that this would be offered. Thirdly, if the patient indicates that they would like such assistance and it is provided, then it might be expected that the patient would report that the provided assistance did relieve their suffering, or the assistance provided was consistent with their preferences, needs and values. Regular measurement and reporting of these aspects of patient-centred cancer care has the potential to identify deficits and inequities in care delivery, allow for comparisons across treatment centres and stimulate an improvement in the patient-centred care provided to cancer patients.