Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
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Support Care Cancer · Mar 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialLong-term safety and efficacy of oxycodone/naloxone prolonged-release tablets in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic cancer pain.
To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of prolonged-release oxycodone/naloxone (OXN PR) and its impact on quality of life (QoL), in patients with moderate-to-severe cancer pain. ⋯ In patients with moderate-to-severe cancer pain, long-term use of OXN PR is well tolerated and effective, resulting in sustained analgesia, improved bowel function and improved symptoms of constipation.
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Support Care Cancer · Mar 2015
Correlates of a good death and the impact of hospice involvement: findings from the national survey of households affected by cancer.
Knowing how to improve the dying experience for patients with end-stage cancer is essential for cancer professionals. However, there is little evidence on the relationship between clinically relevant factors and quality of death. Also, while hospice has been linked with improved outcomes, our understanding of factors that contribute to a "good death" when hospice is involved remains limited. This study (1) identified correlates of a good death and (2) provided evidence on the impact of hospice on quality of death. ⋯ Enhanced provider training/communication, referrals to hospice and greater attention to symptom management may facilitate improved quality of dying. Additionally, the cultural relevance of the concept of a "good death" warrants further research.
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Support Care Cancer · Mar 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialRebuilding self-confidence after cancer: a feasibility study of life-coaching.
Cancer survivors often experience decreased self-confidence which impacts negatively on their ability to self-manage the practical, social and emotional problems frequently faced as they emerge from end of treatment. This was a feasibility study of a life-coaching intervention, designed to rebuild confidence of survivors and support transition to life after cancer treatment. ⋯ Life-coaching has a potential to enable cancer survivors to manage the transition to life beyond cancer and effect change on a range of outcomes. The intervention was feasible to deliver and acceptable to survivors at a time when many struggle to make sense of life. It merits further evaluation through a randomised controlled trial.
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Support Care Cancer · Mar 2015
Relationships among symptoms, psychosocial factors, and health-related quality of life in hematopoietic stem cell transplant survivors.
The study aims to evaluate the mediating effect of depressive symptoms on the relationship between physical symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) survivors and to test a conceptual model of psychosocial factors, in addition to physical and psychological symptoms, that might contribute to HRQOL. ⋯ Physical symptoms are most strongly associated with physical HRQOL, while depressive symptoms and psychosocial factors impact mental HRQOL more than physical HRQOL. Interventions addressing psychosocial factors as well as symptoms may improve the HRQOL of HSCT survivors.
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Support Care Cancer · Mar 2015
Observational StudyLate effects of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (LEON)--cross-sectional cohort study of patients with colorectal cancer surviving at least 2 years.
Oxaliplatin accumulates in dorsal root ganglia, causing an axonal neuronopathy. Symptoms include numbness, pain and gait disturbance which may persist and impact on quality of life (QOL). Despite widespread use of this drug, its late effects and patient satisfaction outcomes have not been widely reported. Furthermore, there has been limited qualitative research published in this area. The objectives of this study were to establish the incidence and clinical impact of chronic peripheral neuropathy. ⋯ Many patients objectively demonstrated mild to moderate oxaliplatin neuropathy >2 years post-treatment. The majority of patients did not recall being warned of the risks of chronic peripheral neuropathy. Many of those who recall being warned did not feel sufficient emphasis was placed on the issue. Despite a varying burden of neuropathic symptoms, the majority of patients were highly satisfied with their decision to receive oxaliplatin.