Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
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Support Care Cancer · Jul 2018
Changes in upper extremity function, ADL, and HRQoL in colorectal cancer patients after the first chemotherapy cycle with oxaliplatin: a prospective single-center observational study.
Oxaliplatin, an important chemotherapeutic agent in colorectal cancer, causes chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), for which prophylactic or therapeutic interventions are lacking. We aimed to investigate changes in upper extremities, activities of daily living (ADL), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) parameters after the first chemotherapy cycle. ⋯ Our results suggest that light touch sensation may worsen even in the absence of multiple chemotherapy cycles. Even if arm and hand function (muscular strength and manual dexterity) is apparently intact, patients may experience dysfunction and decreased HRQoL. For preserving or improving patients' ADL and HRQoL, it is imperative to provide support at chemotherapy initiation.
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Cancer is a major public health problem, and cancer patients and survivors face many physical and emotional challenges after the initial diagnosis, through treatment, and in the post-treatment period. Different integrative medicine (IM) modalities can be used to mitigate some of the physical issues that originate from the cancer itself or the treatment and to promote well-being and emotional health. Here, we discuss how an IM Department can function in a hospital system, particularly with regard to oncology patients, the modalities appropriate for oncology patients, how these modalities can benefit this patient population, and the role of IM in cancer survivorship. ⋯ These different modalities work together to reduce pain, anxiety, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and peripheral neuropathy, while promoting immune function and improving sleep, range of motion, and an overall sense of well-being. However, each modality has different contraindications for the oncology patient, and proper training is required for safe and effective care. We illustrate how IM can be a valuable component of the care of the oncology patient.
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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
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.