European journal of cancer care
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Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · Jul 2005
Gastrointestinal and cutaneous AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma: different activity of liposomal doxorubicin according to location of lesions.
Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) continues to be a frequent neoplasm in third world AIDS patients. We carried out a prospective study to evaluate the effectiveness of liposomal doxorubicin (LD) in gastrointestinal KS patients as well as its differential clinical activity depending on the location of the lesions. The study included 15 male AIDS patients aged between 25 and 35 years (mean: 27 years) with more than 25 cutaneous lesions and extensive gastrointestinal KS. ⋯ Regarding cutaneous lesions, only two (13%) of the patients reached a complete response, six (40%) a partial response and seven (47%) stabilized their disease. By applying Fisher's test we found a significant difference (P < 0.00035) when comparing the effectiveness of LD in gastrointestinal lesions in relation to cutaneous lesions. We conclude that LD is more effective in gastrointestinal KS and can be recommended in patients in third world countries with extensive gastrointestinal lesions.
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Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · May 2005
Case ReportsSimultaneous bilateral trochanteric fractures during squatting in a patient with multiple myeloma.
Pathologic bone fractures are usually confined to the trunk in multiple myeloma (MM). But bilateral trochanteric fractures have not been reported in patients with MM before. Radiographic, histological and immunoelectrophoresis revealed typical features of MM. This report points out the importance of physical rehabilitation of patients in addition to chemotherapy in adaptation to the activities of daily living.
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Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · May 2005
Case ReportsUse of a Port-a-Cath system in the home setting for the treatment of symptomatic recurrent malignant pleural effusion.
Symptomatic malignant pleural effusions represent a common problem in metastatic cancers and are associated with a significant morbidity. Pleurodesis still remains the primary therapy of choice. ⋯ We describe two cases where an implantable PORT-A-CATH system is used for regular drainage of the pleural effusion. The main advantage of this technique is the fact that the procedure of drainage can be performed by a nurse in the home setting.
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Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · Dec 2004
Early detection and prevention of delirium in older patients with cancer.
Delirium poses a common and multifactorial complication in older patients with cancer. Delirium independently contributes to poorer clinical outcomes and impedes communication between patients with cancer, their family and health care providers. Because of its clinical impact and potential reversibility, efforts for prevention, early recognition or prompt treatment are critical. ⋯ Yet, failure to determine an individual's risk for delirium can initiate the cascade of negative events causing additional distress for patients, family and health care providers alike. Therefore, parameters for determining an individual's risk for delirium and guidelines for the routine and systematic assessment of cognitive functioning are provided to form a basis for the prompt and accurate diagnosis of delirium. Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of delirium are also discussed.
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Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · Sep 2004
The association of cigarette smoking and anxiety, depression and fears of recurrence in patients following treatment of oral and oropharyngeal malignancy.
Psychological factors, including distress and fears of recurrence, may be implicated in explaining why head and neck oncology patients continue or refrain from smoking. The aim was to determine the role of psychological factors in understanding smoking behaviour in a consecutive group of cancer patients attending a Regional Maxillofacial Unit over an assessment period of 12 months. A consecutive sample (n = 87) was assessed at 3, 7, 11 and 15 months following initial treatment. ⋯ Previous duration of tobacco consumption prior to illness predicted psychological distress in abstainers (standardized coefficient = 0.29, n = 30, P < 0.036). In conclusion, past and current smoking behaviour is associated with psychological distress in patients with oral and oropharyngeal malignancy in their first 15 months of recovery following initial treatment. This behaviour successfully identified a psychologically at-risk group.