Bulletin du cancer
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The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness and potential indications of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in medical cancer patients. A retrospective analysis of the records of patients admitted between November 1985 and January 1992 in the medical ICU of a cancer hospital and having had cardiac arrest was performed. ⋯ CPR was successful in all eight patients in which cardiac arrest was the consequence of an acute cardiovascular drug toxicity, even if cancer was metastatic and treatment intent not curative, while it was effective in only 25% of those in which cardiac arrest was an ultimate complication of various problems, like septic shock or respiratory failure complicating the neoplastic disease. In cancer as in other types of disease, CPR is mainly indicated when cardiac arrest is the consequence of and acute insult.
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Catharanthus alkaloids are antitumoral drugs widely used in the treatment of malignant diseases. This review summarizes different aspects of their pharmacology (mechanism of action, resistance, clinical pharmacokinetics) as well as information on their uses in the clinical setting.
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Review Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
[Efficacy of ondansetron in acute and delayed cisplatin-induced nausea and vomiting].
Nausea and vomiting have always been associated with anti-cancer agents in patients' minds because these effects were the main ones to occur during chemotherapy. Since 1990, a novel class of antiemetic agents has been available: the 5-HT3 serotonin receptors antagonists. ⋯ A complete control (0 emetic episode) reached at the first course allows the maintenance of the efficacy over repeated courses for the majority of patients. In delayed emesis (24 hours after the start of chemotherapy), it is believed that the serotonin is not the only neuromediator involved in the mechanism.
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Delirium is a complication related with the treatment and the evolution of cancer diseases. This disorder occurs more often among patients who are under treatment (chemo or radiotherapy) and among those who are terminally ill. Estimates of prevalence of delirium range from 4% to 40%. ⋯ Management of delirium has to be symptomatic and etiological, including support of the family. Education of the caregivers, for a better detection, treatment and control of these disorders, should be more systematic in order to improve the quality of the care given to patients with cancer. The present work reviews literature concerning these different aspects.