Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
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Support Care Cancer · Jun 2018
Randomized Controlled TrialAcceptance and commitment therapy for symptom interference in metastatic breast cancer patients: a pilot randomized trial.
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide. With medical advances, metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients often live for years with many symptoms that interfere with activities. However, there is a paucity of efficacious interventions to address symptom-related suffering and functional interference. Thus, this study examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of telephone-based acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for symptom interference with functioning in MBC patients. ⋯ ACT shows feasibility and promise in improving fatigue and sleep-related outcomes in MBC patients and warrants further investigation.
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Support Care Cancer · Jun 2018
Efficacy of two types of palliative sedation therapy defined using intervention protocols: proportional vs. deep sedation.
This study investigated the effect of two types of palliative sedation defined using intervention protocols: proportional and deep sedation. ⋯ The two types of intervention protocol well reflected the treatment intention and expected outcomes. Further, large-scale cohort studies are promising.
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Support Care Cancer · Jun 2018
Predictors of analgesic efficacy of neurolytic celiac plexus block in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer: the importance of timing.
Neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB) is a safe and effective method for reducing abdominal cancer pain. However, the analgesic efficacy of NCPB is not always guaranteed. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify predictors for the analgesic efficacy of NCPB in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. ⋯ NCPB should be offered early to selected patients to improve its analgesic efficacy in advance of deterioration from disease and pain in this population.
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Support Care Cancer · Jun 2018
An investigation into the nutritional status of patients receiving an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol versus standard care following Oesophagectomy.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have been effectively expanded to various surgical specialities including oesophagectomy. Despite nutrition being a key component, actual nutrition outcomes and specific guidelines are lacking. This cohort comparison study aims to compare nutritional status and adherence during implementation of a standardised post-operative nutritional support protocol, as part of ERAS, compared to those who received usual care. ⋯ A standardised post-operative nutrition protocol, within an ERAS framework, results in earlier transition to oral intake; however, malnutrition remains prevalent post surgery. Further large-scale studies are warranted to examine individualised decision-making regarding nutrition support within an ERAS protocol.
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Support Care Cancer · Jun 2018
Attitudes towards end-of-life issues in intensive care unit among Italian anesthesiologists: a nation-wide survey.
The aim of this paper is to collect data on the practice of palliative care, withholding and withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies, and management of end of life (EOL) in Italian intensive care units (ICUs). ⋯ These data suggest that training in palliative care and its clinical application should be implemented in Italy. Efforts should be made to improve and homogenize the management of dying patients in ICU.