Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
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Support Care Cancer · Jan 2014
Bone health issues in breast cancer survivors: a Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) study.
Breast cancer treatments (chemotherapy and hormone therapy) can cause a rapid loss in bone mineral density, leading to osteoporosis and fractures later in life. Fortunately, preventative measures (vitamin D, exercise, etc.) can delay bone loss if employed early enough. This study compares the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteoporosis-related discussions with physicians among female breast cancer survivors and females with no cancer history to determine if breast cancer patients are being correctly advised on their high risk of bone loss. ⋯ A breast cancer diagnosis was associated with an increased prevalence of osteoporosis and falls. Nevertheless, breast cancer respondents were not more likely to discuss osteoporosis with their physician nor were they more likely to be considered high risk for osteoporosis. Increased dialogue between physician and breast cancer patient pertaining to bone loss is needed.
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Support Care Cancer · Jan 2014
Impact of symptom burden in post-surgical non-small cell lung cancer survivors.
Pain, fatigue, dyspnea, and distress are commonly reported cancer-related symptoms, but few studies have examined the effects of multiple concurrent symptoms in longer-term cancer survivors. We examined the impact of varying degrees of symptom burden on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and performance status in surgically treated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) survivors. ⋯ Two or more clinically significant symptoms are identified as the "tipping point" for showing adverse effects on HRQOL and functioning. This highlights the need for incorporating multiple-symptom assessment into routine clinical practice. Comprehensive symptom management remains an important target of intervention for improved post-treatment HRQOL and functioning among lung cancer survivors.
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Support Care Cancer · Jan 2014
Multicenter StudyDevelopment and validation of a prognostic scale for hospitalized patients with terminally ill cancer in China.
The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a scale prognostic of survival in hospitalized, terminally ill cancer patients in China. ⋯ We identified eight indicators predictive of poor survival in Chinese patients hospitalized with terminal cancer. A prognostic scale that includes these indicators may help in making decisions about end-of-life care.
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Support Care Cancer · Jan 2014
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyComparison of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC) versus subcutaneously implanted port-chamber catheters by complication and cost for patients receiving chemotherapy for non-haematological malignancies.
Indwelling central venous catheters (CVCs) have been increasingly used to enable delivery of intravenous chemotherapy. We aimed to compare the safety and cost of two commonly used CVCs, peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICCs) and ports, in the delivery of chemotherapy in patients with non-haematological malignancies. ⋯ Port devices are associated with a lower risk of complications, with no difference in cost, compared to PICC lines in patients with non-haematological malignancies receiving intravenous chemotherapy.
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Support Care Cancer · Jan 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialMultimodal exercise training during myeloablative chemotherapy: a prospective randomized pilot trial.
Cancer and its treatment-related side effects induce loss of physical performance. This study evaluated the effects of multimodal aerobic and strength exercises on physical performance in hospitalized cancer patients while receiving myeloablative chemotherapy. ⋯ Multimodal exercise has beneficial effects on physical performance, physical functioning, and treatment-related symptoms even during myeloablative chemotherapy. We suggest an enhanced physical activity intervention program during hospitalization of cancer patients.