Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
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Support Care Cancer · Nov 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialAdjunct dipyrone in association with oral morphine for cancer-related pain: the sooner the better.
Adjunct nonopioid analgesics may improve pain control in patients with cancer needing morphine or its derivates. Dipyrone is a cheap nonopioid analgesic widely used in many countries. ⋯ We conclude that dipyrone adds significantly to the analgesic effect of morphine and, when given at the time of starting morphine, results in better pain scores even after dipyrone is discontinued.
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Support Care Cancer · Nov 2007
A phase II trial of olanzapine, dexamethasone, and palonosetron for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a Hoosier oncology group study.
The purpose of this study is to determine the control of acute and delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients receiving moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC) and highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) with the combined use of palonosetron and olanzapine, and dexamethasone with the dexamethasone given on day 1 only. ⋯ Olanzapine combined with a single dose of dexamethasone and a single dose of palonosetron was very effective in controlling acute and delayed CINV in patients receiving both HEC and MEC.
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Support Care Cancer · Nov 2007
Evaluation of the memorial delirium assessment scale (MDAS) for the screening of delirium by means of simulated cases by palliative care health professionals.
Delirium is among the most common neuropsychiatric complications of advanced cancer. The Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS) is a widely used and validated screening tool for delirium in cancer patients. ⋯ Our preliminary results suggest that adequate training and a guiding manual can enhance the application of MDAS by palliative care health professionals in the teaching settings. Clinical studies to assess the utility of the MDAS as a screening tool are justified to further confirm these findings.
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Support Care Cancer · Nov 2007
Meeting information needs on cancer-related fatigue: an exploration of views held by Italian patients and nurses.
Interest in cancer-related fatigue has been growing over the last two decades and efforts have been dedicated to investigate this topic. However, research addressing the adequacy of educational resources for patients with this distressing and common symptom is lacking. Only one study has been undertaken and this explored Swiss and British patients' views. ⋯ The study supported the view within the current literature that whilst cancer-related fatigue is recognised as a frequent and disruptive symptom, patient education about this symptom and its management still needs to be enhanced. The resources available to educate patients about cancer-related fatigue should be improved and made more accessible to patients who experience it.
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Support Care Cancer · Oct 2007
Nail changes due to docetaxel--a neglected side effect and nuisance for the patient.
The objective of this study is to estimate the frequency and severity of nail changes due to treatment with the cytotoxic drug docetaxel and, secondly, to estimate how the nail changes effects the patients cosmetically and functionally in their daily activities. Finally, we want to clarify whether fungal infection could contribute in causing the nail changes. ⋯ Nail changes occur more frequently than previous studies have shown. Furthermore, our study indicates that the nail changes are affecting a large proportion of the patients, both cosmetically and functionally, which may lead to a decrease in their quality of life. No significant association was found according to the possible relation between nail changes and fungal infection.