Cancer
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The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of delirium on the survival of advanced cancer patients also assessed with a validated prognostic score (the palliative prognostic [PaP] score). ⋯ The diagnosis of delirium significantly worsens life expectancy prognosticated with the PaP score. By using the PaP score together with the assessment of cognitive status, physicians can correctly predict patients 30-day survival in greater than 70% of cases.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Correlation of toxicity with pharmacokinetics of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil) in metastatic breast carcinoma.
Doxil (ALZA Corp., Mountain View, CA) is a formulation of doxorubicin in polyethylene-glycol coated liposomes with a prolonged circulation time and unique toxicity profile. As yet, the effect of the dose schedule on toxicity and the correlation of toxicity with pharmacokinetics have not been directly addressed. ⋯ The toxicity of Doxil is dose and schedule dependent and well correlated with pharmacokinetic parameters. Pharmacokinetic guidance of Doxil dosing may be a useful tool.
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The Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale Short Form (MSAS-SF), an abbreviated version of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, measures each of 32 symptoms with respect to distress or frequency alone. A physical symptom subscale (PHYS), psychologic symptom subscale (PSYCH), and global distress index (GDI) can be derived from the Short Form. We validated the MSAS-SF in a population of cancer patients. ⋯ The MSAS-SF is a valid and easy to use instrument for symptom assessment.