The Journal of community and supportive oncology
-
Pain management with opioids is an integral part of palliative medicine. As the doses and durations of opioid therapy increase, the inherent risks of opioid therapy rise. Although opioids are effective analgesics, they bring with them complex medical and psychological side effects. ⋯ This article will review the background behind a structured strategy for opioid risk assessment using the Opioid Risk Tool, SOAPP-R, and DIRE tools. In addition, example aberrant behaviors and follow-up strategies will be reviewed. It will be demonstrated that careful screening and follow-up allow risk factors to be recognized and addressed early.
-
J Community Support Oncol · Nov 2015
Difference in the timing of cessation of palliative chemotherapy between patients with incurable cancer receiving therapy only in a local hospital and those transitioned from a tertiary medical center to a local hospital.
It is important to know when to decide to end palliative chemotherapy (PC) for the quality of life of patients. However, there is currently no clear agreement on when to terminate PC. ⋯ These data showed that more patients in Group A wanted to continue PC and had a shorter interval between last PC and death. Change in the hospital where the patients are given supportive care might contribute to the cessation of futile PC at an appropriate time.
-
J Community Support Oncol · Jul 2015
Health care expenditures associated with depression in adults with cancer.
The rates of depression in adults with cancer have been reported as high as 38%-58%. How depression affects overall health care expenditures in individuals with cancer is an under-researched area. ⋯ One author was partially supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, U54GM104942.
-
J Community Support Oncol · Jun 2015
Comparison of antiemetic efficacy and safety of palonosetron vs ondansetron in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in children.
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in children is a major side effect despite the use of combination antiemetic drugs. ⋯ A single dose of palonosetron is noninferior to ondansetron in the prevention of CINV in children and can be considered as an alternative antiemetic drug. There was no significant difference in adverse effects between the palonosetron and ondansetron group.
-
J Community Support Oncol · May 2015
Significant response to lacosamide in a patient with severe chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major dose-limiting toxicity of potentially curative cancer therapy regimens. Cisplatin is the class of chemotherapy agent that has a broad spectrum of activity against several solid tumors, but it induces sensory neuropathy of upper and lower extremities. Cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy is usually in a "gloves and socks" distribution that can persist for months or years after completion of chemotherapy treatment. ⋯ Here we report a case in which lacosamide alleviated painful CIPN symptoms. Lacosamide is an anticonvulsant drug that blocks the voltage-gated sodium channels in the neurons and may also be a promising novel candidate for the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Preclinical data support the role of lacosamide protective effect in a rat model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, randomized clinical trial is needed.