Secola, R., Lewis, M. A., Pike, N., Needleman, J., & Doering, L. (2012). "Targeting to zero" in pediatric oncology: a review of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections. Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing, 29, 14–27.
To summarize existing adult and pediatric data on central venous catheter (CVC)-related bloodstream infections (BSIs) and identify models of care that can improve pediatric oncology outcomes.
Databases searched were PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar (1998–2010).
Keywords searched were CVC, BSI, and pediatric oncology.
Patients were included if they
No exclusion criteria were specified.
Strategies to reduce CVC-related BSIs reported were summarized. In regard to insertion site selection and catheter type, some data supported the use of an externalized catheter versus a port in children. Use of impregnated catheters in children is controversial. Evidence-based guidelines (CVC “bundles”) have been shown to be effective to reduce BSI rates.
Bundles include
For CVC education, studies showed that annual education enhanced adherence to policy.
Findings suggested that the implementation of CVC care bundles was effective in reducing CVC-related BSI rates.
Most studies involved critical care patients and not necessarily those with cancer who would be more immunocompromised. There was limited research information on pediatric oncology cases.
This review supported the use of CVC care bundles to reduce rates of CVC-related BSIs. Findings suggested that regular and repeated education on CVC care can improve adherence to care protocols.
Sebban, C., Lefranc, A., Perrier, L., Moreau, P., Espinouse, D., Schmidt, A., . . . Quittet, P. (2012). A randomised phase II study of the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of pegfilgrastim and filgrastim after autologous stem cell transplant for lymphoma and myeloma (PALM study). European Journal of Cancer (Oxford, England: 1990), 48, 713–720.
To compare the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a single dose of pegfilgrastim to daily injections of filgrastim after peripheral blood stem cell transplant (PBSCT).
Patients were randomized to receive either a single 6-mg dose of pegfilgrastim five days after PBSCT reinfusion or daily 5-µg/kg doses of filgrastim from day 5 posttransplantation until the resolution of neutropenia. Patients were followed for 100 days after transplantation. Complete blood cell counts were obtained daily during hospitalization and every two weeks thereafter.
Patients were undergoing the active antitumor treatment phase of care.
This was a randomized, unblinded, open-label study.
Patients on pegfilgrastim had a shorter duration of ANC <1 g/l, fewer days with fever, shorter hospital stay, and fewer days of antibiotic therapy. Significant differences for individual outcomes were not analyzed but were incorporated in the cost-effectiveness analysis. Severe mucositis was observed in 25% of patients taking pegfilgrastim versus 20% of those taking filgrastim. Mean total cost with pegfilgrastim was $32,326 compared to $35,373 with filgrastim. Cost-effectiveness analysis showed that the probability that pegfilgrastim is less costly and more effective than filgrastim is 62%.
Findings suggested that there is no substantial cost difference between a single dose of pegfilgrastim versus daily filgrastim in patients undergoing PBSCT and that the pegfilgrastim regimen may be more cost-effective.
* Although the costs of antifungals and antibiotics were provided, no information was provided regarding whether routine prophylaxis was also provided to patients in the sample.
Both of these colony-stimulating factor preparations have been shown to be effective. This study provided some initial information that the single dose regimen of pegfilgrastim is more cost-effective. The need to give fewer injections to achieve the same result can be of benefit to patients. Further evidence to confirm the findings of this study would be beneficial. Additional study regarding the most cost-effective formulations and schedules of these agents is warranted.
Seaman, S. (2006). Management of malignant fungating wounds in advanced cancer. Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 22, 185–193.
PURPOSE: To review an article from a non-peer-reviewed journal on the control of bleeding in malignant fungating wounds in advanced cancer
Scotté, F., Tourani, J.M., Banu, E., Peyromaure, M., Levy, E., Marsan, S., . . . Oudard, S. (2005). Multicenter study of a frozen glove to prevent docetaxel-induced onycholysis and cutaneous toxicity of the hand. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 23, 4424–4429.
To determine if frozen glove (FG) treatment prevents docetaxel-induced onycholysis and skin toxicity
PHASE OF CARE: Active treatment
The findings suggest that regional cooling may be of benefit to prevent nail toxicity associated with docetaxel treatment.
Regional cooling may have some benefit to reduce the incidence of nail and skin toxicities associated with chemotherapy. Nurses need to be aware of patients who have cold intolerance because of peripheral neuropathies or other reasons, but this appears to be a low-risk intervention that can be helpful.
Scotte, F., Banu, E., Medioni, J., Levy, E., Ebenezer, C., Marsan, S., . . . Oudard, S. (2008). Matched case-control phase 2 study to evaluate the use of a frozen sock to prevent docetaxel-induced onycholysis and cutaneous toxicity of the foot. Cancer, 112, 1625–1631.
To assess the efficacy and safety of cold therapy in the prevention of docetaxel-induced onycholysis and skin toxicity of the foot
Patients wore an Elasto-Gel (Akromed, France) flexible frozen sock (FS) containing glycerin, which has thermal properties that allow its use in cold or hot therapies. The FS covered participants' right foot up to the ankle. The FS was refrigerated for at least three hours at –250 C to –300 C. The FS was worn at each docetaxel infusion for a total of 90 minutes (from 15 minutes before administration to 15 minutes postdocetaxel hourly infusion). Two FSs were used successively (45 minutes each) to maintain coolness. The left foot was not protected and acted as the control.
Prospective, convenience, case-controlled, phase II study of 50 consecutive patients (unblinded)
The FSs led to a significant reduction in nail toxicity with 0% versus 21% (p = 0.002). Overall skin toxicity existed in 2% of FS-protected feet but only 6% of others, which was insignificant (p = 0.18). Time until nail toxicity occurrence for an unprotected foot was associated with the number of cycles (HR of 0.36, 95% confidence interval [0.17, 0.77], p = 0.008). Fifty-eight percent were satisfied and even very satisfied (19%) with the FS protection. Only 2% of patients were dissatisfied because of FS-related cold intolerance.
Cold therapy using FSs significantly reduced the incidence of docetaxel-induced foot nail toxicity, as previously demonstrated on hands using frozen gloves.
Greater than half (58%) the patients were satisfied with wearing the FS, with 19% being very satisfied. This would assist nursing education for the intervention. This intervention is easy to apply with no major side effects. Because the use of FSs did not significantly affect skin toxicity, a study using a type of FS that only covers toes and nails should be tested. This intervention should also be tested with patients receiving other chemotherapy agents associated with nail and skin toxicities.
Scott, A. (2014). Polymeric membrane dressings for radiotherapy-induced skin damage. British Journal of Nursing, 23, S24–S31.
To determine whether a polymeric membrane dressing is effective for radiation skin reactions in patients who scored between 1-2.5 on the Radiation Treatment Oncology Group's (RTOG's) acute radiation morbidity scoring criteria over a four-week period
Observational, quasiexperimental trial
In this setting, because of the results of this small study, Polymem dressings have replaced paraffin gauze and aqueous creams for patients with head and neck cancer. Polymem dressings reduced pain and inflammation, improved sleep patterns, and improved healing rates and quality of life. However, there were many limitations.
Polymeric dressings may reduce the severity of radiodermatitis, promote healing, and reduce associated pain. This report had numerous limitations and does not provide strong evidence for the efficacy of these dressings. Additional, well designed research is warranted.
Scott, D.A., Mills, M., Black, A., Cantwell, M., Campbell, A., Cardwell, C.R., . . . Donnelly, M. (2013). Multidimensional rehabilitation programmes for adult cancer survivors. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 3, CD007730.
STUDY PURPOSE: To conduct a systematic review of studies examining the impact of multidimensional rehab programs
TYPE OF STUDY: Meta-analysis and systematic review
DATABASES USED: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL through February 2012, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)
KEYWORDS: Extensive listing of search terms per database is provided.
INCLUSION CRITERIA: RCT or quasi RCT, interventions included a physical and psychological component, sample is adults who have completed cancer treatment, at least two treatments of the intervention were provided
EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Not specified
TOTAL REFERENCES RETRIEVED: 25,824
EVALUATION METHOD AND COMMENTS ON LITERATURE USED: Used a checklist of study characteristics for risk of bias. Nine studies had insufficient information to evaluate risk of bias.
Two studies showed no benefit of the intervention, seven showed benefit in one domain, and three reported significant improvement in physical and psychosocial domains. Three studies specifically reported fatigue outcomes with combinations of CBT or psychoeducational and exercise interventions. All of these had moderate-to-high risk of bias. Duration of interventions that was longer than 12 weeks showed no additional improvement over interventions delivered up to 12 weeks. Interventions delivered face-to-face appeared to be more effective, and additional telephone follow-up “boosters\" improved results. Meta-analysis of physical and mental components of SF36 measures showed no statistically significant overall effect of the intervention. The nature, timing, and duration of interventions varied substantially across studies.
There is insufficient evidence to assess the efficacy of multidimensional rehab programs to improve fatigue in individuals with cancer. Programs with a single focus may be more successful in improving outcomes that are the focus of the intervention. Face-to-face delivery with follow-up boosters appear to be most effective. Beneficial effects seen appear to plateau after about six months.
Meta-analysis was possible on only a few studies. Few studies used objective measures of physical component outcomes. Program adherence by patients was not often reported in studies.
Findings here do not show sufficient evidence to fully evaluate the effectiveness of multidimensional rehab programs to improve fatigue or physical and psychological outcomes for cancer survivors. Such programs may have short-term benefit for some patients, and it appears that interventions delivered face-to-face with follow-up may be more effective.
Scope, A., Lieb, J.A., Dusza, S.W., Phelan, D.L., Myskowski, P.L., Saltz, L., & Halpern, A.C. (2009). A prospective randomized trial of topical pimecrolimus for cetuximab-associated acnelike eruption. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 61, 614–620.
To determine the ability of topical pimecrolimus to reduce the severity of cetuximab-related facial rash.
Patients aged 18 years or older with metastatic colorectal cancer who were on cetuximab treatment and experienced a rash were eligible for randomization. Open-label pimecrolimus 1% cream was to be applied to one side of the face BID for five weeks. Patients completed a daily dairy. Physicians queried patients about side effects and compliance during study visits. Complete skin examinations were performed by dermatologists who were blinded to study applications. Digital photos were used for review. Patients were asked about the presence and perceived severity of rash-associated symptoms on either side of the face. Counts of facial lesions on both sides of the face were performed by blinded dermatologists at weeks 2, 5, and 7. The study took place over five weeks.
Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.
This was a single-blind, randomized, prospective clinical trial, with patients used as their own controls.
Pimecrolimus application did not translate into clinically significant benefit in patients with cetuximab-related facial rash.
Rash may improve without interventions.
Scope, A., Agero, A.L., Dusza, S.W., Myskowski, P.L., Lieb, J.A., Saltz, L., . . . Halpern, A.C. (2007). Randomized double-blind trial of prophylactic oral minocycline and topical tazarotene for cetuximab-associated acne-like eruption. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 25, 5390–5396.
To compare the effectiveness of placebo versus minocycline 100 mg every day for eight weeks, beginning on day 1 of cetuximab infusion, to prevent or reduce cetuximab-induced rash in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
To compare the effectiveness of receiving tazarotene cream BID for eight weeks on one side of the patient’s face versus not receiving the topical treatment on the other side of the patient’s face.
Twenty-four patients were randomized to the oral minocycline (100 mg per day) arm, and 24 patients were randomized to the oral placebo arm. Treatment was administered starting on day 1 of cetuximab therapy and continued for eight weeks.
All patients received open-label, topical tazarotene 0.05% cream (Tazorac®) application to one side of their face, starting on day 1 of cetuximab therapy and continuing for eight weeks.
This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Follow-up clinical assessment was completed at weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8, with questionnaires and skin examination, including skin lesion counts and digital photos.
Prophylactic treatment with minocycline appears to significantly decrease the severity of acneform rash during the first eight weeks of cetuximab therapy. Continuation of this therapy beyond eight weeks is not beneficial.
Results suggest that topical tazarotene has no role in the management of cetuximab-induced rash.
Scope, A., Agero, A.L., Dusza, S.W., Myskowski, P.L., Lieb, J.A., Saltz, L., . . . Halpern, A.C. (2007). Randomized double-blind trial of prophylactic oral minocycline and topical tazarotene for cetuximab-associated acne-like eruption. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 25, 5390–5396.
To compare the effectiveness of placebo versus minocycline 100 mg every day for eight weeks, beginning on day 1 of cetuximab infusion, to prevent or reduce cetuximab-induced rash in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
To compare the effectiveness of receiving tazarotene cream BID for eight weeks on one side of the patient’s face versus not receiving the topical treatment on the other side of the patient’s face.
Twenty-four patients were randomized to the oral minocycline (100 mg per day) arm, and 24 patients were randomized to the oral placebo arm. Treatment was administered starting on day 1 of cetuximab therapy and continued for eight weeks.
All patients received open-label, topical tazarotene 0.05% cream (Tazorac®) application to one side of their face, starting on day 1 of cetuximab therapy and continuing for eight weeks.
This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Follow-up clinical assessment was completed at weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8, with questionnaires and skin examination, including skin lesion counts and digital photos.
Prophylactic treatment with minocycline appears to significantly decrease the severity of acneform rash during the first eight weeks of cetuximab therapy. Continuation of this therapy beyond eight weeks is not beneficial.
Results suggest that topical tazarotene has no role in the management of cetuximab-induced rash.