Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
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Support Care Cancer · Feb 2007
ReviewThe treatment of depression in cancer patients: a systematic review.
To evaluate the efficacy of pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments for depression in cancer populations. ⋯ There is limited evidence for the effectiveness of pharmacological and psychosocial interventions in the treatment of cancer patients with depressive disorders, and no evidence for the superiority of one treatment modality over another. Based on evidence from the general population and other medically ill populations, combined approaches to the treatment of depression may be the most effective. Further research is necessary in cancer patients to determine the relative effectiveness of psychosocial, pharmacological, and combined treatments.
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Support Care Cancer · Feb 2007
Fluctuating awareness of treatment goals among patients and their caregivers: a longitudinal study of a dynamic process.
Because increasing numbers of people now survive for months or years with advanced cancer, communication between patients, service providers, and family caregivers often continues over long periods. Hence, understanding of the goals of medical treatment may develop and change as time elapses and disease progresses. This understanding is closely related to the "awareness of dying," which has been studied in both qualitative and quantitative research. However, when both a patient and family caregiver are involved, the question of "awareness" becomes more complex. A recent longitudinal study reported on patient and caregiver knowledge of treatment goals, but no comparison of such knowledge using matched interview schedules and paired data analysis has been provided. This report examines patterns of awareness and factors associated with these patterns. ⋯ Discrepancies between patients and their caregivers may complicate the delivery of effective care when patients are seriously ill. Misunderstanding or uncertainty about treatment goals will obstruct proper informed consent. Health professionals providing care for families dealing with advanced cancer must recognize that the discussion of treatment goals is a dynamic process, which may require them to extend their communication skills.
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Support Care Cancer · Feb 2007
Life review interviews on the spiritual well-being of terminally ill cancer patients.
The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the treatment efficacy of life review interviews on the spiritual well-being of terminally ill cancer patients, and (2) to explore any differences in the responses of patients who obtained clinical benefits and those who did not. ⋯ Life review interviews may be effective in improving the spiritual well-being of terminally ill cancer patients. The potential predictors of treatment success are "positive view of life," "pleasure in daily activities and good human relationships," and a "balanced evaluation of life," while those of treatment failure are "worries about future caused by disease," "conflicts in family relationships," and "confrontation of practical problems." Further intervention trials on patients with predictors of treatment success are promising.
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Support Care Cancer · Jan 2007
Review Case ReportsThe emerging role of cannabinoid neuromodulators in symptom management.
The cannabinoids nabilone (Cesamet) and dronabinol (Marinol) are indicated for the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in cancer patients who have failed to respond adequately to conventional antiemetic therapy. ⋯ The benefits of this novel class of medications in cancer may extend beyond CINV, as indicated by data from preclinical studies and animal models.
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Support Care Cancer · Jan 2007
Multicenter StudyThe cost of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in Italy.
The aim of this paper is to analyze the costs of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in Italy. ⋯ Costs of CINV for the Italian NHS could be reduced if hospitals furnished antiemetic prophylaxis directly to patients. Better control of both acute and delayed CINV would improve patient well-being as well as reduce the budgetary impact of CINV in Italy.