The Journal of community and supportive oncology
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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J Community Support Oncol · May 2015
Health professionals' attitudes toward the detection and management of cancer-related anorexia-cachexia syndrome, and a proposal for standardized assessment.
The identification and management of patients with cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS) can be a challenge despite recent international consensus on the definition of the condition. ⋯ Most oncologists and nurses recognize the core criteria for the CACS, although there may be under-recognition of the condition's prevalence, particularly earlier in the course of treatment. There is considerable interest in adopting a brief assessment tool for screening, management, and referral of patients who are affected by or at-risk of CACS.