Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
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Support Care Cancer · Feb 2014
Performance of the Family Satisfaction with the End-of-Life Care (FAMCARE) measure in an ethnically diverse cohort: psychometric analyses using item response theory.
The Family Satisfaction with End-of-Life Care (FAMCARE) has been used widely among caregivers to individuals with cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of this measure using item response theory (IRT). ⋯ These analyses support the use of fewer response categories and provide item parameters that form a basis for developing shorter-form scales. Such a revision has the potential to reduce respondent burden.
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Support Care Cancer · Feb 2014
Comparison of two chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy measurement approaches in children.
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect of cancer treatment in children; however, measurement of CIPN has been hampered by limitations in available tools, which may impact prevalence estimates. The purpose of this study was to assess the relative ability of the Common Terminology Criteria (CTCAE) rating process to detect sensory and motor neuropathy as compared to administration of the pediatric modified Total Neuropathy Score (peds-mTNS). ⋯ Prospective measures of CIPN using the ped-mTNS identified a far greater proportion of subjects with peripheral neurotoxicity as compared to CTCAE v3.0 sensory and motor neuropathy ratings, and thus we recommend the use of a specific measure of CIPN such as the ped-mTNS.
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Support Care Cancer · Feb 2014
Should the dosage of controlled-release oxycodone in advanced cancer be modified on the basis of patient characteristics?
This study aimed to investigate whether the characteristics of patients with advanced cancer explain the variability in oxycodone clearance, with the potential for this information to determine maintenance dosing. ⋯ Oxycodone clearance was similar to that reported previously for healthy adults. Despite reports that patient characteristics significantly affect oxycodone pharmacokinetics, our results do not support alteration of current prescribing practices for maintenance dosing of Oxycontin® in most patients with advanced cancer. The influence of marked liver dysfunction on oxycodone clearance requires further investigation.