Yuen, K.K., Shelley, M., Sze, W.M., Wilt, T., & Mason, M.D. (2010). Bisphosphonates for advanced prostate cancer. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010(2).
To determine the effectiveness of bisphosphonates in relieving the bone pain of patients with bone metastases from prostate cancer
The final sample of 10 studies included placebo-controlled and active controlled studies of patients with prostate cancer and confirmed bone metastases.
Compared to patients receiving placebo, a higher proportion of patients receiving bisphosphonates reported a decrease in skeletal events. Use of bisphosphonates was associated with increased nausea. Findings supported the use bisphosphonates for reduction of the bone pain associated with prostate cancer. However, findings did not show that bisphosphonates made any difference in analgesic use or consumption.
This review was limited to prostate cancer patients with bone metastases. Authors noted that findings were influenced by the way in which studies were analyzed. In general, analysis of the number of evaluable patients favored bisphosphonates, but intention-to-treat analysis revealed no difference between treatments. Invesigators also saw that results differed according to how data from active study arms were handled. In one key study, when data from study arms were analyzed individually, meta-analysis was significant; however when data from active arms were combined, investigators noted no statistical difference relating to bisphosphonate use.
Bisphosphonate appears to have a role in decreasing pain and skeletal complications in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Nausea appears to be the most frequent side effect associated with bisphosphate use. Data are insufficient to allow researchers to determine the most appropriate bisphosphonate choice, dose, or route of administration. More research is needed to determine the most effective treatment schedules and cost-effectiveness.
Yue, T., Zhuang, D., Zhou, P., Zheng, L., Fan, Z., Zhu, J., ... & He, Q. (2015). A prospective study to assess the feasibility of axillary reverse mapping and evaluate its effect on preventing lymphedema in breast cancer patients. Clinical Breast Cancer, 15, 301–306.
To determine if lymphedema prevention is affected by the use of the axillary reverse mapping (ARM) procedure
Two groups of patients with breast cancer receiving modified radical mastectomies were randomized to a standard axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) or ALND with ARM.
PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment
Randomized, controlled trial
Between the experimental and the control group, there was a significant difference (p < 0.001) for both areas of circumference measurement in postoperative lymphedema evaluations. The experimental ARM group had less occurrence of lymphedema.
Based on the data presented by the investigators the incidence of lymphedema and the severity of lymphedema can be reduced by evaluating which lymph nodes really need to be removed to allow for the best lymphatic flow.
Although this intervention doesn't change what staff nurses may do for patients on a day to day basis, it does allow nurses to educate patients about options as well as to open discussion with the oncology team as to the use of this newer intervention.
Yuan, D.M., Li, Q., Zhang, Q., Xiao, X.W., Yao, Y.W., Zhang, Y., . . . Song, Y. (2016). Efficacy and safety of neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 17, 1661–1675.
STUDY PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists (NK1s) for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) among children and adolescents
TYPE OF STUDY: Meta-analysis and systematic review
PHASE OF CARE: Multiple phases of care
APPLICATIONS: Pediatrics, elder care
Overall: Those with NK1 had 71% CR, and those with out NK1 (control group) had 56% CR (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that aprepitant had significantly higher CR than the control (64% versus 51%, p < 0.001), but fosaprepitant had no difference (p = 0.311).
Acute Phase: Those with NK1 had 85% CR, and those without NK1 had 79.6% CR (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that those with oral or IV NK1 had significantly better CR (p < 0.001 for both groups) than those without NK1, but no significant difference occurred if NK1 was used intravenously on day 1 followed with oral NK1 (p = 0.685). NK1 used in combination with 5-HT3 alone or 5-HT3 plus dexamethasone had higher CR (p = 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively), but no difference occurred if NK1 was used with dexamethasone alone (p = 0.274).
Delayed Phase: Those with NK1 had 71% CR, and those without NK1 had 58% CR (p < 0.001). Children or Adolescents: NK1 had increased CR in the overall phase (p < 0.001), acute phase (p = 0.012), and delayed phase (p < 0.001).
Other Outcomes: Compared to the control group, NK1 showed less incidence of nausea (45.2% versus 45.9%, p < 0.001), less vomiting (22.6% versus 38.9%, p < 0.001), and less use of rescue drugs (23.5% versus 34.1%, p < 0.001).
Adverse Events: NK1 did not increase the incidence of adverse events (69% versus 65%, p = 0.204), and no difference was noted among the three pediatric studies (80% versus 77%, p = 0.497).
The review confirms that the addition of NK1 to 5-HT3 alone or 5-HT3 plus dexamethasone is effective in achieving complete remission of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in the acute and delayed phases with no significant increase in adverse events. The addition of NK1 is also effective for children and adolescents in the acute and delayed phases with no significant increase in adverse events.
A NK1, specifically aprepitant, is effective in preventing CINV during the acute or delayed phases of treatment, but the medication should be administered consistently either orally or intravenously. Changing the IV route to oral is not effective.
You, W. C., Hsieh, C. C., & Huang, J. T. (2009). Effect of extracts from indigowood root (isatis indigotica fort.) on immune responses in radiation-induced mucositis. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.), 15(7), 771-778.
To evaluate the effect of indigowood root on acute mucositis induced by radiation
Patients gargled with 30 mL of double distilled water with 0.5g indigowood root (IR) powder for three minutes and then swallowed before meals daily. Control group did same with 30 mL of NS.
The study was comprised of 20 patients; tx group N = 11, control group N = 9
Age Information: IR group mean age was 56.45 (SD = 10.57).
Control group mean was 57.89 (SD+ 13.11) P = 0.789. There were two females in the IR group and 0 in the control group. There were nine males in the IR group and nine in the control group.
Diagnosis Information: Nasopharyngeal cancer
Oropharyngeal, salivary gland
Single site Outpatient Tian Sheng Memorial Hospital Taiwan
Randomized controlled trial
IR group had reduced severity of mucositis (p = 0.01). anorexia (p = 0.002), and swallowing difficulty (p = 0.002). Serum interleukin-6 was significantly lower in the IR group during the first, fifth, and seventh weeks. Resting days were fewer in the IR group but not statistically significant; body weight decreased less in IR group (p = 0.06).
IR may be effective to reduce the severity of maximal mucositis and improved anorexia and swallowing ability. Indirubin may play a pharmaceutical role in improvement of radiation mucositis, anorexia, and difficulty in swallowing.
Small sample <30
Did not look at pain outcomes.
No information regarding adherence.
While this treatment may have some effect, the authors did not explore how the treatment was tolerated; patient adherence and side effects or medication interactions. Further research with this agent is warranted.
Younus, J., Lock, M., Vujovic, O., Yu, E., Malec, J., D'Souza, D., & Stitt, L. (2015). A case-control, mono-center, open-label, pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of therapeutic touch in preventing radiation dermatitis in women with breast cancer receiving adjuvant radiation therapy. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 23, 612–616.
To evaluate the feasibility of therapeutic touch (TT) in preventing radiation-induced dermatitis in patients with breast cancer who are receiving radiation treatment
Women with stage I and II breast cancer who had received conservative surgery and were receiving adjuvant radiation therapy were recruited for the study. TT treatment was administered three times a week following radiation therapy. Feasibility was defined as a threshold of 15 of 17 patients completing all TT treatment. The preventive effectiveness evaluation was conducted by documenting the “time to develop” and “worst grade of radiodermatitis.” Patients were followed weekly while on treatment and for one week post-treatment.
PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment
Prospective case cohort study with two arms: The control arm received the TT treatment and the experimental arm received no treatment.
Forty-nine patients participated in the study (17 in the TT and 32 in the control). A comparison of the two groups for the worst grade of radiodermatitis showed no difference (p = 0.661). The control group median time to develop the worst toxicity was 31 days (95% confidence interval [CI] [23, 35], standard error = 1.3767); in the TT group, it took 22 days to develop the worst toxicity (95% CI [18, 24], standard error = 1.769, p < 0.001). In the control cohort, the worst grade of radiation dermatitis was grade 3 noted in one patient; in the TT cohort, the worst grade was grade 2 noted in nine patients (53%). The most common toxicity grade in 15 patients was grade 2, and three patients did not develop toxicity. There was no difference between the cohort for overall EORTC cosmetic score and no significant difference before or after the study in quality of life, mood, or fatigue scores.
This study was the first evaluation of TT in patients with breast cancer using objective measures and, although it was feasible for the management of radiation induced dermatitis, it was not able to detect any significant benefit on the CTCAE toxicity grade. It also did not show any improvement in outcomes for fatigue, quality of life, or mood.
Younus, J., Simpson, I., Collins, A., & Wang, X. (2003). Mind control of menopause. Women’s Health Issues, 13, 74–78.
The primary purpose was to observe the effect of hypnosis on hot flashes and overall QOL in symptomatic patients. A secondary objective was to observe the effect of hypnosis on fatigue.
Each participant had four, one-hour per week sessions of hypnosis. The same physician, with the help of a nurse, conducted every session.
Ten healthy volunteers and four patients with breast cancer (total 14 patients) with hot flashes were enrolled.
All participants recorded frequency, duration, and severity of hot flashes in a hot flash diary.
The frequency (p < 0.0001), duration (p < 0.0001), and severity (p < 0.0001) of hot flashes were significantly reduced. The overall QOL was also improved (p < 0.05). The participants enjoyed better sleep and had less insomnia (p < 0.012). There was a significant improvement on current fatigue level (p = 0.017), but reduction in the total fatigue level was not statistically significant.
Study limitations included pilot study nature with a very small sample size; mixed healthy participants and people with breast cancer.
Young-McCaughan, S., Mays, M. Z., Arzola, S. M., Yoder, L. H., Dramiga, S. A., Leclerc, K. M., . . . Nowlin, M. U. (2003). Research and commentary: change in exercise tolerance, activity and sleep patterns, and quality of life in patients with cancer participating in a structured exercise program. Oncology Nursing Forum, 30, 441–454; discussion 441–454.
Patients met twice a week for 12 weeks for exercise and education. Outcomes were exercise tolerance, activity, sleep, and quality of life (QOL).
Patients were either undergoing the active treatment or long-term follow-up phase of care.
This was a prospective, feasibility study with repeated measures.
No improvement was found in sleep patterns per actigraphy; improved subjective rating was noted.
Young-McCaughan, S., & Arzola, S.M. (2007). Exercise intervention research for patients with cancer on treatment. Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 23, 264–274.
To review research and guidelines regarding the use and potential benefits of exercise for patients with cancer undergoing treatment
Databases searched were Ovid, MEDLINE, and CINAHL (1980–2007).
Stage of Disease:
Types of exercise programs:
Most studies involved aerobic exercise, 11 studies included strength training, and 8 studies examined a combination of aerobic with strength training. None evaluated flexibility exclusively.
Outcomes:
Compared to controls, the exercise groups improved cardiovascular and muscular fitness, experienced less fatigue, and slept longer. Exercise has been shown to improve almost all aspects of physiologic and psychologic functioning, including immune status. Of all the measures affected, cancer fatigue was the most improved. Although cancer fatigue has been thought to prevent patients with cancer from exercising, evidence has demonstrated that those who exercise experience less fatigue.
Frequency, intensity and adherence to exercise programs:
Participants exercised anywhere from 3–7 days a week for 2–52 weeks, for 10–45 minutes per session at 50%–85% of heart rate reserve. Adherence to the exercise prescription of frequency, intensity, time, and type ranged from 66%–78%. Typically, subjects in control groups started their own exercise programs (39%), such that diffusion of treatment effects can be an issue.
Interest:
In 2005, 63% of 187 participants agreed to join an exercise study, whereas in 2003, only 19% agreed to participate. Many hospital, clinics, and health clubs now offer programs specifically for cancer survivors.
Concerns:
Concerns about exercise when undergoing cancer treatment have included bone metastasis, cardiac toxicities of therapies, and lymphedema. However, studies have shown that
Because of lack of research, the best mode of exercise for patients with cancer has not been determined. At the same time, no mode in any of the studies reviewed here have been determined to be harmful. Of all the nonpharmacologic interventions for cancer-related fatigue recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), exercise has the strongest evidence. Any exercise prescription should include the components of frequency, intensity, time, type, and progression. Issues regarding exercise prescription in patients with cancer relate more to the treatment side effects than to the cancer itself. Since recovery from cancer treatment is unpredictable and side effects are individual in nature, collaboration between experts in cancer care and experts in exercise physiology is essential. In general, however, frequency and duration goals should be met before intensity goals and progression should be slower and more gradual for the deconditioned patient or those who are experiencing severe side effects of treatment.
Nurses can encourage exercise as part of a patient’s therapy and guide the patient to a safe program.
Yoshimoto, N., Yamashita, T., Fujita, T., Hayashi, H., Tsunoda, N., Kimura, M., . . . Iwata, H. (2010). Impact of prophylactic pyridoxine on occurrence of hand-foot syndrome in patients receiving capecitabine for advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Breast Cancer, 17, 298–302.
To assess the impact of prophylactic pyridoxine on hand-foot syndrome (HFS). The impact of urea ointment on HFS also was assessed.
Patients who were prescribed capecitabine at two hospitals between November 1, 2006, and October 30, 2007, received prophylactic pyridoxine 60 mg per day. The results were compared to those of a control group that did not receive prophylactic pyridoxine when the patients were prescribed capecitabine. Information on the prescription of urea ointment was available for the research group; 18 were prescribed urea ointment before HFS occurred.
Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.
This was a retrospective study on patients treated with capecitabine with or without prophylactic pyridoxine.
Study findings did not support the effectiveness of pyridoxine in preventing HFS. Application of urea ointment may reduce the likelihood of developing HFS and prevent exacerbation to more severe HFS.
Because the data regarding prophylactic use of pyridoxine from this study contrasted with prospective data from a randomized phase 3 trial in patients with gastrointestinal disease, strongly recommending this approach is difficult. Evidence in this study is weak, and numerous limitations exist.
Yorke, J., Lloyd-Williams, M., Smith, J., Blackhall, F., Harle, A., Warden, J., . . . & Molassiotis, A. (2015). Management of the respiratory distress symptom cluster in lung cancer: A randomised controlled feasibility trial. Supportive Care in Cancer, 23, 3373–3384.
To test the feasibility of a new nonpharmacologic intervention to manage the symptom cluster of respiratory distress including breathlessness, cough, and fatigue in patients with lung cancer
Participants received psychoeducational counseling, which consisted of controlled breathing techniques, cough-easing techniques, acupressure, and supplementary information. Participants attended two one-hour face-to-face teaching sessions, the second session given one week after the first, and then received a telephone call two weeks after the second session. The interventions were delivered by a complementary therapy team. The training for the team consisted of one three-hour face-to-face session and a follow-up refresher at the half point of the trial. Participants were asked to complete a daily diary for the first four weeks and then weekly until week 12. Participants were also asked to assess and document the usefulness of each core component or intervention; and to practice breathing and calming techniques twice a day, use education for identifying warning signs of a cough, use a modified swallow technique and relaxed throat breathing, apply pressure to identified acupressure points for one minute at least twice a day, and review information in an information packet.
Participants were randomized to either the control arm or intervention (RDSI) arm. Outcome assessments were collected at baseline, week 4, and week 12 at the end of the study. Breathlessness was measured using numerical rating scales and the dyspnea-12 scale, cough was assessed using the Manchester Cough in Lung Cancer scale (MCLC), and fatigue was assessed using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Fatigue (FACIT-F). In addition, the EQ-5D-3L was used to describe the value of quality of life (QOL), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to measure anxiety and depression.
Numerical rating scales were scored lowest for ease of use and relevance, and EQ-5D-3L was scored best for ease of use and relevance. Patients rated dyspnea-12 better for ease of completion and relevance, and EQ-5D-3L and HADS demonstrated a positive pattern in improvement for the intervention group. Participants reported a high adherence to interventions with breathing exercises and acupressure, and the lower use of cough-easing techniques was likely related to the lower number of participants bothered by cough in the intervention group. The majority of participants responded favorably to breathing exercises in responses, stating that it was useful at least a little bit, and cough and acupuncture responses also were favorable but had a higher number of responses saying that it was not useful at all. No significant difference existed in breathlessness between groups.
This study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of nonpharmacologic interventions to manage symptoms of breathlessness, cough, and fatigue in patients with lung cancer. The study gave insight to the best tools/instruments to measure outcomes for larger trials that will determine improved patient outcomes with interventions. This study also revealed patients' willingness to learn new strategies and complete study requirements for data collection. The results trended better outcomes in the treatment group, but the trial was not large enough to draw conclusions.
Nurses play an important role in identifying and managing patients with the respiratory distress symptom cluster. The study suggests the potential role for nurses to educate patients or to refer patients to complementary practioners who will instruct them on breathing techniques, cough-easing techniques, and acupressure.