Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
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Support Care Cancer · Feb 2010
Review Comparative StudyIntraspinal techniques for pain management in cancer patients: a systematic review.
This systematic review outlines current evidence regarding the effectiveness of intraspinal techniques for cancer pain and addresses practical implementation issues. ⋯ Intraspinal techniques monitored by an interprofessional health care team should be included as part of a comprehensive cancer pain management program.
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Support Care Cancer · Feb 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialPilot study of Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) to improve cancer-related fatigue: a randomized, double-blind, dose-finding evaluation: NCCTG trial N03CA.
This pilot trial sought to investigate whether any of three doses of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) might help cancer-related fatigue. A secondary aim was to evaluate toxicity. ⋯ There appears to be some activity and tolerable toxicity at 1,000-2,000 mg/day doses of American ginseng with regard to cancer-related fatigue. Thus, further study of American ginseng is warranted.
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Support Care Cancer · Feb 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialGP-led melanoma follow-up: views and feelings of patient recipients.
The aim of this study was to explore the practical experiences and feelings of people with cutaneous malignant melanoma about receiving structured melanoma follow-up from their general practitioner (GP) as an alternative to traditional hospital-based follow-up. ⋯ GP-led melanoma follow-up is feasible and is generally viewed positively by those patients that have experienced it.
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Support Care Cancer · Feb 2010
Multicenter StudyThe dosing frequency of sustained-release opioids and the prevalence of end-of-dose failure in cancer pain control: a Korean multicenter study.
End-of-dose failure is commonly observed as therapeutic levels of sustained-release opioids fall. However, little is known about using these medications for cancer pain control. To determine the dosing frequency of sustained-release opioids (morphine, oxycodone, and transdermal fentanyl) and the prevalence of end-of-dose failure in clinical practice, a patient-reported survey was performed. ⋯ This survey demonstrated that sustained-release opioids are used by patients in a manner that is inconsistent with standard recommendations. End-of-dose failure is suggested to explain increased dosing frequency, and patients reported that adequate pain relief lasted for less time than was stated in the manufacturers' prescription recommendation.
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Controversy exists as what constitutes the cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS), and whether it truly is a distinct clinical disorder. In this study, we aimed to: (1) assess if CACS is a distinct clinical disorder, (2) identify the symptoms characteristic of CACS, (3) evaluate CACS impact on patient outcomes (symptom burden and survival time from referral). ⋯ CACS appeared to be a distinct disorder with unique clinical characteristics in our advanced cancer population. Nine other symptoms constituted CACS. CACS independently predicted higher symptom burden. CACS absence predicted longer survival. More evidence is needed to better characterize this syndrome and generate a valid CACS consensus. A comprehensive validated CACS assessment instrument is required.