Cutaneous Stimulation
Cutaneous stimulation involves stimulation of nerves via skin contact in an effort to reduce pain impulses to the brain, based on the "gate control" theory of pain. A device used to provide electrocutaneous nerve stimulation was studied for its effect on symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
Cryotherapy
The use of ice chips or ice-cold water has been studied for its efficacy in the prevention of oral mucositis. Patients suck on ice or hold ice-cold water in their mouths prior to, during, and after rapid infusions of mucotoxic agents with short half-lives. Cryotherapy is based on the theory that vasoconstriction caused by cold temperatures decreases the exposure of the oral cavity mucous membranes to mucotoxic agents. Thirty minutes of oral cryotherapy is suggested for patients receiving bolus 5-fluorouracil. Cryotherapy also has been used in patients receiving high-dose melphalan.
Cryoablation
Cryoablation or cryosurgery is the use of extreme cold, generally produced by liquid nitrogen or argon gas, to destroy abnormal tissue. It has been used to treat some types of cancer as an alternative to surgery. Cryoablation has been studied for its effect on chronic, cancer-related pain.
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice contains chemicals with antioxidant properties and has been used as a home remedy for prevention of bladder infections. Cranberry juice was examined for its effectiveness in preventing urinary tract infections in patients with cancer undergoing pelvic radiation therapy.
COX-2 Inhibitors
COX-2 inhibitors are a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that directly affects COX-2, an enzyme involved in inflammation and associated pain. The use of COX-2 inhibitors was evaluated in patients with cancer related to the development of palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) skin effects and as a potential treatment for oral mucositis. Celecoxib, a type of COX-2 inhibitor, has also been studied for its impact on symptoms of depression in patients with cancer.
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy involves the provision of professional psychological counseling with focus on interpersonal processes and interactions to enhance relationship quality and intimacy. The intervention is provided to couples rather than to each individual separately. Couples therapy has been examined for its effects on caregiver strain and burden.
Corticosteroids, Topical
Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex. They are involved in a wide range of physiologic systems such as the stress and immune responses, the regulation of inflammation, carbohydrate metabolism, and protein catabolism. Corticosteroids can be administered orally, intravenously, or topically and are used to treat a variety of conditions. Drugs in this class include dexamethasone, methylprednisone, prednisone, hydrocortisone, mometasone, betamethasone, and fludrocortisones.
Corticosteroids, Systemic
Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex. They are involved in a wide range of physiologic systems such as the stress and immune responses, the regulation of inflammation, carbohydrate metabolism, and protein catabolism. Corticosteroids can be administered orally, intravenously, or topically and are used to treat a variety of conditions. Drugs in this class include dexamethasone, methylprednisone, prednisone, hydrocortisone, mometasone, betamethasone, and fludrocortisones.
Cool Pad Pillow Topper
A cool pad pillow topper is a commercially available device that is designed to keep the head cool during sleep. They may be made of gel or other materials. The use of cool pad pillow toppers was tested for its effect on hot flashes in patients with cancer.
Contact Precautions for Resistant Organisms
Full-contact precautions in working with patients with known resistant organisms were studied in patients with and without cancer for their effect on incidence of resistant organisms in hospital units. Full-contact precautions included gowning and gloving. This approach was evaluated in relation to prevention of infection.