Article
Oncology
Alexandra S. Bercow, Roni Nitecki, Hilary Haber, Allison A. Gockley, Emily Hinchcliff, Kaitlyn James, Alexander Melamed, Elisabeth Diver, Mihir M. Kamdar, Sarah Feldman, Whitfield B. Growdon
Summary: The study investigated the impact of palliative care referral on women who died from cervical cancer in two tertiary care centers. Less than half of cervical cancer decedents received palliative care consultations, and those referred to palliative care were often evaluated late in their disease course. Palliative care utilization was associated with a lower incidence of poor-quality end-of-life care.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Bridget L. Nicholson, Linda Flynn, Beth Savage, Peijia Zha, Elissa Kozlov
Summary: Cancer is a leading cause of death in the US, and patients with metastatic cancer have a high symptom burden. Palliative care services are recommended to improve quality of life for these patients. This study aimed to identify predictors of palliative care use in patients with metastatic cancer, and found that pain and certain demographic factors influenced its use.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Adrienne Y. L. Chan, Mengqin Ge, Emily Harrop, Margaret Johnson, Kate Oulton, Simon S. Skene, Ian C. K. Wong, Liz Jamieson, Richard F. Howard, Christina Liossi
Summary: The study systematically reviewed and evaluated the psychometric properties of pain assessment tools in pediatric palliative care, recommending FPS-R for self-assessment, and FLACC scale/FLACC Revised and PPP for observational use in their respective age groups.
PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Philip D. Austin, Philip J. Siddall, Melanie R. Lovell
Summary: This study investigated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of 3D head-mounted virtual reality (VR) for managing cancer pain in adults. The results showed that both 3D and 2D virtual applications provide pain relief for people receiving palliative care, with 3D VR having higher levels of perceived presence.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2022)
Review
Biology
Per Furst
Summary: The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of low-dose methadone treatment in palliative cancer care. Methadone is commonly used in Sweden for pain management in specialized palliative care. It can be introduced safely by starting with low doses and gradually increasing. The effectiveness of methadone as an analgesic compared to other opioids is still uncertain.
Article
Oncology
Andrew Jeong, Kevin Wade
Summary: This study investigates the dexamethasone prescriptions of palliative care physicians and radiation oncologists for cancer pain and their prescription rationales. The findings show that dexamethasone prescriptions are habit-based and that prescribing habits are different between these two specialties. Interventions based on these findings could potentially prevent unequal patient care.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Isabeau S. L. van Brakel, Martijn M. Stuiver, Sjoerd M. Euser, Gerty J. de Klerk, Karlijn J. van Stralen
Summary: The study found that patients with metastasized colon or BL cancer receive a large amount of in-hospital medical care, despite the incurable disease status. Specialized palliative care was initiated relatively late. Factors associated with more procedures included BL neoplasms, age between 50 and 70, and male gender.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Alicia Castelo-Loureiro, Andrea Perez-de-Acha, Ana Cristina Torres-Perez, Vanessa Cunha, Paola Garcia-Valdes, Paula Cardenas-Reyes, Enrique Soto-Perez-de-Celis
Summary: Advanced cancer is the leading cause of palliative care need for older adults worldwide. However, barriers such as a lack of data and limited geriatric expertise hinder the provision of high-quality care. Tailoring therapy to address age-related changes and integrating geriatrics and palliative care can improve outcomes for older patients. This review emphasizes the importance of palliative care and geriatric evaluations in managing older adults with cancer.
Review
Pediatrics
Simonetta Papa, Anna Mercante, Luca Giacomelli, Franca Benini
Summary: The assessment of needs and outcomes in pediatric palliative care (PPC) is challenging due to its multidimensional nature, low patient population, heterogeneity of diseases, cognitive impairment in patients, and physiological development of children. Standardized and validated tools are needed to assess needs, symptom severity, and PPC service quality. This review discusses current tools used in PPC and proposes a classification into eligibility tools, patient and family needs assessment tools, and care assessment tools.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Anna Zasowska-Nowak, Piotr Jan Nowak, Aleksandra Cialkowska-Rysz
Summary: Carotenoids, as a group of natural compounds, may have potential benefits in relieving cancer-related symptoms, such as neuropathic pain and cancer-related cachexia, in patients receiving palliative care.
Article
Oncology
Eran Ben-Arye, Dana Elly, Noah Samuels, Orit Gressel, Katerina Shulman, Elad Schiff, Ofer Lavie, Amir Minerbi
Summary: The study found that high adherence to integrative care was associated with greater pain relief at 6 weeks, but not at 12 weeks, in patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or palliative care.
JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Jordan Hill, Mohannad Alhumaid, Sunita Ghosh, Alexander Le, Sharon M. Watanabe, Alysa Fairchild
Summary: Assessment for palliative radiotherapy (PRT) by a dedicated multidisciplinary team provides a comprehensive picture of patient needs and streamlines PRT delivery.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Michael Tang, Akhila Reddy
Summary: The emergence of the global pandemic COVID-19 has significantly changed the healthcare delivery model, particularly in the provision of palliative care to advanced cancer patients through the adoption of telemedicine. Telemedicine offers various benefits but also presents challenges in healthcare disparities, reimbursement, and monitoring opioids in high-risk populations.
Article
Oncology
William E. Rosa, Meghan Mcdarby, Haley Buller, Betty R. Ferrell
Summary: The aim of this study was to explore interdisciplinary clinicians' perspectives on priorities in serious illness communication and shared decision-making with racially and culturally minoritized individuals at end of life. The findings indicated that clinicians should provide person-centered, authentic, and culturally-sensitive care, focus on pain control, employ approaches to build trust and connection, and understand communication challenges related to racial differences. This study is important for improving clinicians' cultural inclusive communication skills and enhancing the quality of end-of-life care for minoritized groups of cancer patients.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ying Yu, Panpan Zhang, Danxia Chen, Sun Fang Jiang
Summary: This study found that general practitioners (GPs) providing palliative care in Shanghai have insufficient knowledge and inappropriate behaviors in the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP). There is an urgent need to improve BTcP management among GPs in Shanghai.
Article
Anesthesiology
Morena Shkodra, Cinzia Brunelli, Ernesto Zecca, Fabio Formaglio, Paola Bracchi, Silvia Lo Dico, Mariangela Caputo, Stein Kaasa, Augusto Caraceni
Summary: The study highlights the lack of standardized clinical diagnosis for Neuropathic cancer pain (NcP), leading to disagreements in classification among clinicians. Discordance was particularly high for specific pain syndromes.
Article
Oncology
Marco Fiore, Augusto Caraceni, Alessandro Gronchi
ANNALS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Sara Alfieri, Cinzia Brunelli, Giuseppe Capri, Augusto Caraceni, Giulia V. Bianchi, Claudia Borreani
Summary: The study aims to understand the needs of patients with metastatic breast cancer, and identified four themes through thematic analysis: the need for clinical recognition, more attention from healthcare professionals, more and better services available at the hospital, and specific public health policies. The findings suggest that changes in attitudes and multidisciplinary practices are needed to meet these needs in the metastatic phase of breast cancer.
JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Stefano De Santis, Maria Domenica Simone, Sebastiano Mercadante, Rocco Domenico Mediati, Renato Vellucci, Paolo Marchetti, Giuseppe Tonini, Arturo Cuomo, Augusto Caraceni, Silvia Natoli, Grazia Armento, Livio Blasi, Massimo Mammucari
Summary: This study evaluated the effectiveness of the immediate-release fixed combination of oxycodone/acetaminophen for cancer patients with background and breakthrough pain. The results showed that the combination provided adequate analgesia for moderate-severe background cancer pain. The characteristics of breakthrough cancer pain differed between the two groups, with group A showing lower intensity and faster onset compared to group B.
CANCER MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Oncology
A. M. Frezza, A. Napolitano, R. Miceli, G. Badalamenti, A. Brunello, C. Buonomenna, P. G. Casali, A. Caraceni, G. Grignani, A. Gronchi, G. Infante, C. Morosi, L. Saita, N. Simeone, N. Zaffaroni, B. Vincenzi, S. Stacchiotti
Summary: This multicentric, retrospective study investigated clinical features and possible prognostic relevance in advanced EHE patients on surveillance. Symptoms like tumor-related pain, temperature, fatigue, and serosal effusion were associated with progression-free survival and overall survival, suggesting upfront treatment in this subgroup could be beneficial.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Roberto De Giorgio, Furio Massimino Zucco, Giuseppe Chiarioni, Sebastiano Mercadante, Enrico Stefano Corazziari, Augusto Caraceni, Patrizio Odetti, Raffaele Giusti, Franco Marinangeli, Carmine Pinto
Summary: The prescribing and use of opioid analgesics are increasing in Italy due to a wider variety of available products and the prevalence of conditions associated with severe pain. An Italian multidisciplinary panel provides expert opinions on the management of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) and bowel dysfunction, recommending a comprehensive strategy that includes various interventions to prevent and manage OIC.
ADVANCES IN THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Chiara Pellegrini, Augusto T. Caraceni, Maura Massimino, Annarita De Vivo, Maria Grazia Blandini, Beatrice Simoncini, Marco Chisari, Livia I. E. Bedodi, Raffaella Sensi, Cinzia Brunelli
Summary: This paper describes the development process and outcomes of a DNPM multidimensional assessment grid for children with CNS tumors. The tool was found to be clinically useful for planning neuro-oncology rehabilitation treatment and feasible for use in both preschool and school-age children.
PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Flaminia Coluzzi, Domenico Alvaro, Augusto Tommaso Caraceni, Walter Gianni, Franco Marinangeli, Giuseppe Massazza, Carmine Pinto, Giustino Varrassi, Fabio Lugoboni
Summary: Despite general interest in the topic, a survey in Italy found that most physicians prescribing opioids felt inadequately educated about opioid-induced constipation (OIC). The study revealed differences in clinical practices across physician specialties, with a preference for macrogol prophylaxis and treatment of OIC symptoms. However, the use of peripheral-acting mu opioid receptor antagonists (PAMORAs) was limited among physicians surveyed.
JOURNAL OF PAIN RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Cinzia Brunelli, Emanuela Zito, Sara Alfieri, Claudia Borreani, Anna Roli, Augusto Caraceni, Giovanni Apolone
Summary: The survey revealed that HCPs have a moderate level of knowledge about common PROM tools but they are underutilized in practice. Despite a generally positive attitude towards PROMs, the implementation of ePROMs would require adequate resources and training.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Tamsin McGlinchey, Stephen R. Mason, Ruthmarijke Smeding, Anne Goosensen, Inmaculada Ruiz-Torreras, Dagny Faksvag Haugen, Misa Bakan, John E. Ellershaw
Summary: The study aimed to develop a European Core Curriculum for hospital end-of-life-care volunteer services through a Delphi Process and Nominal Group Meeting. Key training issues and implementation measures were agreed upon through multiple rounds of discussion, providing a reference for integrating volunteer services into hospitals.
PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Hartwig Korner, Marianne G. Guren, Inger Kristin Larsen, Dagny Faksvag Haugen, Kjetil Soreide, Leif Roland Korner, Jon Arne Soreide
Summary: This study analyzed data from the Norwegian Colorectal Cancer Registry to describe treatment pathways and survival of rectal cancer patients not eligible for curative treatment. The study found that almost 40% of patients did not receive curative-intent treatment, and there were significant variations in treatment journeys and outcomes.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Catriona R. Mayland, Anju D. Keetharuth, Clara Mukuria, Dagny Faksvag Haugen
Summary: CODE (TM) has been found to be valid and reliable in evaluating the quality of care provided in the last days of life within an international context.
JOURNAL OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Christina Gerlach, Miriam Baus, Emilio Gianicolo, Oliver Bayer, Dagny Faksvag Haugen, Martin Weber, Catriona Mayland, ERANet LAC CODE Core Sci Grp
Summary: This study conducted an international survey to assess and improve the quality of care for bereaved relatives of cancer patients. The findings from free-text comments highlighted the importance of human interaction and personal meaningful interactions in healthcare.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2023)
Review
Pediatrics
Viviana Fusetti, Luca Re, Alessandra Pigni, Antonino Tallarita, Silvia Cilluffo, Augusto Tommaso Caraceni, Maura Lusignani
Summary: Clown therapy appears to be effective in reducing procedural pain in children, particularly for older age groups. However, caution should be exercised when interpreting the results due to the poor quality and high risk of bias in the included studies.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Gursharan Sohi, Nicholas Lao, Augusto Caraceni, Dwight E. Moulin, Camilla Zimmermann, Leonie Herx, Ian Gilron
Summary: Pain is common in cancer patients, and the use of opioids for treatment is limited by various factors. Therefore, evaluating the efficacy of nonopioid combinations for cancer-related pain is important. Limited evidence suggests that combining nonopioid drugs may be promising, but more high-quality trials are needed.