Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
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Support Care Cancer · Jan 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyThe efficacy and safety of palonosetron compared with granisetron in preventing highly emetogenic chemotherapy-induced vomiting in the Chinese cancer patients: a phase II, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel, comparative clinical trial.
This clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Palonosetron in preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting (CIV) among the Chinese cancer patients. ⋯ A single dose (0.25 mg) of palonosetron is not inferior to a single dose (3 mg) of granisetron in preventing CIV and possesses an acceptable safety profile in the Chinese population.
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Support Care Cancer · Jan 2009
ReviewThe cognitive effects of opioids in cancer: a systematic review.
In order to better understand the effects of opioids on the cognitive function in cancer pain patients, a literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL and Lilacs databases. Ten controlled trials were selected and classified according to the study design, the level of evidence, and opioid regimen. ⋯ These cognitive deficits were captured with neuropsychological tests; however, their clinical relevance is still uncertain.
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Support Care Cancer · Jan 2009
Use of palliative sedation for intractable symptoms in the palliative care unit of a comprehensive cancer center.
There is wide variation in the frequency of reported use of palliative sedation (PS) to control intractable and refractory symptoms in terminally ill patients. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and outcomes of PS use and examine patterns of practice after establishment of a policy for the administration of midazolam for PS in our palliative care unit (PCU). ⋯ PS was required in 15% of PCU admissions, and 23% of PS patients were discharged alive. Our findings suggest a potential for significant underreporting of overall PS. If our institution's policy on midazolam use for PS were less restrictive, midazolam use might increase. More research is needed to define the optimal agent for inducing rapid, effective, and easily reversible PS.
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Support Care Cancer · Dec 2008
General perceived self-efficacy: validation analysis in Greek cancer patients.
The present study aims to validate the General Perceived Self-efficacy Scale (GSE) in Greek cancer patients. ⋯ These psychometric properties of the Greek version of the GSE showed that it is a valid and reliable measured when administered to cancer patients.
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Support Care Cancer · Dec 2008
ReviewSurgical and other invasive approaches to recurrent pleural effusion with malignant etiology.
With an increasing number of cancer survivors, the annual incidence of malignant pleural effusions has been rising in recent decades worldwide. Many patients with various forms of cancer develop malignant pleural effusions at some point in their life. Patients most commonly present with progressive dyspnea. ⋯ Pleur-X catheter can reduce hospital stay and adds value to the treatment of patients with trapped lung, who are not appropriate candidates for pleurodesis. Furthermore, a mechanical pleurodesis has been shown to be effective particularly in pleural effusions with lower pH. This article reviews the surgical and other invasive options as well as their technical aspects in the management of recurrent malignant pleural effusions.