Articles: palliative-care.
-
Seminars in oncology · Apr 1996
ReviewPalliative and supportive care of patients with pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer tends to be diagnosed at a relatively late stage of disease and often secondary to significant complaints of pain. In addition there is evidence of higher rates of depressive symptoms at diagnosis in pancreatic cancer than in other forms of cancer. These factors, along with the specific tumor anatomy and pathophysiology of pancreatic cancer make palliative considerations central to the care of patients with the disease. ⋯ Depression should be treated with pharmacotherapy and supportive psychotherapy as indicated. Hospice should be considered early on in the treatment relationship and can provide pain and symptom management services as well as play an important role in providing emotional support to the patient and family. Attention to pain, mood, psychological distress, and other quality of life issues can often allow for successful treatment of symptoms and improvement in functioning even in the setting of late stage pancreatic cancer.
-
Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Apr 1996
Comparative StudyWallstents versus plastic stents in malignant biliary obstruction: effects of stent patency of the first and second stent on patient compliance and survival.
In prospective trials in patients with malignant biliary obstruction, it has been reported that Wallstents prolong stent patency, but this does not translate into a significant survival benefit. Compared with prospective trials, however, survival may be different in clinical practice because of differences in patient compliance. We report on a retrospective, long term analysis comparing Wallstents versus plastic stents. ⋯ Initial placement of a Wallstent results in an increase of stent patency of the first and second stent. Duration of stent patency appears to have a determinant effect on patient compliance. Increased stent patency and patient compliance seem to improve survival in clinical practice.
-
Oncology nursing forum · Apr 1996
The knowledge and attitudes of experience oncology nurses regarding the management of cancer-related pain.
To describe the knowledge and attitudes of North Carolina nurses toward the management of cancer-related pain. The analysis focused on knowledge, attitude, and perception of barriers to pain management. ⋯ Although nurses report increased knowledge of pain management in general, deficits continue to exist. Further research is needed to more fully understand the effect of educational and experience on practice.
-
Case Reports
Transient cranial neuropathy in prostatic cancer with bone metastases after rhenium-186-HEDP treatment.
Rhenium-186 (tin) hydroxyethylidene diphosphonate (186Re-HEDP), a bone-seeking radiopharmaceutical, has been successfully used in the treatment of patients with painful bone metastases. Toxicity is usually limited to reversible thrombocytopenia. ⋯ Both patients developed transient cranial neuropathy shortly after treatment with 186Re-HEDP. Transient neuropathy of cranial nerves needs to be distinguished from neurological abnormalities caused by disease progression.