Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
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Support Care Cancer · Nov 2006
Can patient satisfaction with quality of life predict survival in advanced colorectal cancer?
The goal of this study was to evaluate the association between patient satisfaction with quality of life (QoL) and survival in colorectal cancer patients undergoing care in a community hospital comprehensive cancer center. ⋯ We found that baseline patient satisfaction with QoL, as measured by the QLI, provides useful prognostic information in patients with colorectal cancer independent of tumor stage at diagnosis and treatment history. While these findings require further investigation in large patient cohorts, they may have important implications for patient stratification in clinical trials and aid in clinical decision-making.
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Support Care Cancer · Nov 2006
Financial and family burden associated with cancer treatment in Ontario, Canada.
To determine the financial and family resources burden associated with the treatment of cancer. A questionnaire was developed to determine the direct monthly "out-of-pocket costs" (OOPC), the indirect costs, and the associated perceived family burden. ⋯ These results suggest the financial burden is problematic for 20% of this sample. The caregivers' lost time from work influence this burden, and for 36% of this sample, it amounts to one third of their working days in any given month. Policies and programs to address these gaps are needed.
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Support Care Cancer · Nov 2006
Implantation of central venous ports with catheter insertion via the right internal jugular vein in oncology patients: single center experience.
Evaluation of suitability and safety of venous port implantation with catheter insertion via the right internal jugular vein in oncology patients. ⋯ The placement of totally implantable venous ports with catheter insertion via the right internal jugular vein has a high success rate without any early complications. Follow-up also demonstrates a low incidence of late complications requiring port removal.
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Support Care Cancer · Nov 2006
Long-term, tunneled, noncuffed central venous catheter in cancer patients (Vygon): safety, efficacy, and complications.
Totally implantable or partially cuffed central venous catheters (CVC) are commonly used in cancer patients, but they are often expensive and may produce complications. To minimize costs, we have been using a low-cost, partially tunneled, silicone elastomer catheter with no Dacron cuff or antireflux valve (Vygon) since 2001. This study is a retrospective investigation of our experience using the Vygon catheter as a long-term CVC in patients with malignancy. ⋯ Vygon catheters do not seem to induce more early and late complications as compared with other more expensive devices, except for disadvantage of the high incidence rate of accidental losses.
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Some patients with cancer suffer cognitive impairment after chemotherapy. A brief, sensitive instrument is required to screen patients for cognitive impairment. In this study, we compare three possible screening instruments. ⋯ CogHealth and Headminder were suitable for NESB patients. The HSCS is not recommended for longitudinal studies with short intervals between testing due to practice effect. There is poor correlation between the patients' perception of their cognitive impairment and the objective tests.