Ridner, S.H., Poage-Hooper, E., Kanar, C., Doersam, J.K., Bond, S.M., & Dietrich, M.S. (2013). A pilot randomized trial evaluating low-level laser therapy as an alternative treatment to manual lymphatic drainage for breast cancer-related lymphedema. Oncology Nursing Forum, 40, 383–393.
To examine the impact of advanced practice nurse (APN)-administered low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as a stand-alone and complementary treatment for arm volume, symptoms, and quality of life (QOL) in women with breast cancer–related lymphedema
Three interventions were used, including LLLT alone, manual lympatic drainage (MLD) alone, and combined MLD and LLLT. LLLT alone used a RianCorp LTU 904, FAD-approved, class I laser. Grids for the areas to be treated were identified. The laser was applied, and exposure was limited to 20–30 seconds per point in each grid. Time for each session using this procedure was about 20 minutes. MLD alone included treatment that followed international standards. A standard number of strokes was used at each anatomical location. Each MLD session took about 40 minutes. Combined MLD and LLLT included participants receiving 20 minutes of LLLT, followed by 20 minutes of MLD. In addition, compression bandaging was applied after each treatment regardless of group assignment. Baseline and outcome data were collected pretreatment and on the last day of treatment after therapy was concluded.
All groups had clinically and statistically significant reduction in volume (p < 0.05); however, no statistically significant between-group differences were found in volume reduction. Treatment-related improvements were noted in symptom burden within all groups; however, no group differences were noted in psychological and physical symptoms or QOL. Skin improvement was noted in each group that received LLLT.
LLLT with compression bandaging may offer a time-saving therapeutic option to conventional MLD.
The study demonstrates that a trained APN could implement lymphedema therapy in clinical practice. LLLT with bandaging may offer a time-saving therapeutic option to conventional MLD. Studies with a larger sample size are needed to compare MLD and LLLT.
Ridner, S.H., Murphy, B., Deng, J., Kidd, N., Galford, E., & Dietrich, M.S. (2010). Advanced pneumatic therapy in self-care of chronic lymphedema of the trunk. Lymphatic Research and Biology, 8(4), 209–215.
To examine potential efficacy of the Flexitouch system (compression garment) for self-care home use in patients with breast cancer who had truncal lymphedema
The system examined includes compression garments for the trunk, chest, and arm and applies variable dynamic pressure to affected areas, controlled by software programming. It uses multi-chambered inflatable and stretchable fabric garments. Patients were fitted for the garments. Patients completed one-hour daily treatments for 10 days. Patient symptoms and cirumferential measurements were done at baseline, after the fifth treatment, and at the end of the study. Patients were trained in use and, after the initial treatment, were instructed in use for home treatment. Research staff observed the first home treatment, then patients completed the rest on their own at home.
The study took place in home settings in the United States.
The study has clinical applicability for late effects and survivorship.
The study used a quasi-experimental pre-post design.
There were significant reductions in symptoms of truncal heaviness (x2 = 15.07, p = 0.0001), swelling (x2=14.73, p = 0.0001), tightness (x2 = 12.63, p = 0.0002) and itchiness (x2= 12.0, p = 0.0002). There were no significant changes in truncal measurements; however, there was a general non-significant trend of reduced circumference in all areas measured. There was also significant reduction in difficulty sleeping (p = 0.008). All significant changes occurred after the fifth treatment and then remained stable at the end of the study. There was a general trend of increasing reports of skin conditions over the course of the study.
The system may be an effective device to relieve lymphedema symptoms with home self-care treatment.
The device may be helpful to reduce symptoms of lymphedema with an approach that patients can use at home for self-care. Larger controlled studies are warranted and longer term use should be evaluated.
Ridgway, D., Sopata, M., Burneckis, A., Jespersen, L., & Andersen, C. (2010). Clinical efficacy and safety of once-daily dosing of a novel, prolonged-release oral morphine tablet compared with twice-daily dosing of a standard controlled-release morphine tablet in patients with cancer pain: A randomized, double-blind, exploratory crossover study. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 39(4), 712–720.
To compare the safety and efficacy of a once-daily dose of a new formulation of morphine sulfate—abuse-deterrent, prolonged-release erodible-matrix (ADPREM) morphine sulfate—to the safety and efficacy of a twice-daily dose of standard controlled-release morphine
During a run-in period of three days, clinicians determined each patient's effective dose of the study drug. Throughout the study, immediate-release morphine was available for breakthrough pain. The study drug was titrated to provide a level of pain relief characterized by four or fewer episodes of breakthrough pain per day and a level of pain intensity that was acceptable (this level was undefined). Treatment periods were two weeks long. In a crossover trial, patients received either the study drug, once daily, or controlled-release morphine twice daily. In diaries patients recorded daily all medications used, number of breakthrough episodes, and pain ratings. Clinicians evaluated adverse events.
Randomized phase 2 double-blind crossover study
The pattern of treatment-related adverse events was the same for both treatments. The fixed dose determined during the run-in period was 30–210 mg/day. Authors noted no differences between treatments in regard to breakthrough pain episodes or use of rescue medication. Average pain intensity ratings were similar for both treatments.
The efficacy and side effects associated with a once-daily dose of ADPREM morphine sulfate were similar to those associated with twice-daily doses of controlled-release morphine. Studies that include larger samples are warranted.
For some patients, the ability to control pain by using fewer pills daily may be a significant consideration. This study provides evidence that supports the efficacy and safety of a once-daily ADPREM formulation of morphine.
Riechelmann, R.P., Burman, D., Tannock, I.F., Rodin, G., & Zimmermann, C. (2010). Phase II trial of mirtazapine for cancer-related cachexia and anorexia. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care, 27, 106–110.
To determine the proportion of patients who gained at least 1 kg at the end of week 4. Secondary endpoints were the proportion of patients whose appetite or health-related quality of life (HRQOL) improved at week 4.
Patients received the starting dose of 15 mg of mirtazapine orally at bedtime for three days. Thereafter they received 30 mg daily provided they tolerated the medication. Patients were weighed on a mechanical scale and were assessed for appetite change and side effects prior to starting the mirtazapine and at weeks 2, 4, and 8. HQOL was measured at baseline and at weeks 4 and 8. Demographics (age, gender, concurrent medications, disease site, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status) were also assessed. Toxicity was assessed at every visit.
The study was an eight-week, open-label, noncomparative phase II trial.
At week 4, 4 of 17 patients (24%) had weight gain of 1 kg or more (range: 1–3.6 kg). One patient maintained weight, and two patients lost weight. Of the patients who gained weight, all improved by 2 or more points on the ESAS for appetite (range = 2–6 points). One of the responding patients demonstrated improved HQOL by 16 points, and three maintained HQOL. Mirtazapine was well tolerated, but two patients withdrew from the study due to side effects.
Nearly a quarter of patients in this study gained at least 1 kg after four weeks of therapy. Another quarter maintained their weight. While the results of the study indicate that mirtazapine appears to be a potentially useful agent in the management of cancer-related cachexia and anorexia, this study was small, with only four patients in each group.
The pathophysiology of cachexia is complex. There is currently no standard treatment for managing cancer-related cachexia. Mirtazapine may be a potential agent useful in the management of cachexia; however, additional research is necessary.
Richardson, J., Smith, J.E., McCall, G., & Pilkington, K. (2006). Hypnosis for procedure-related pain and distress in pediatric cancer patients: A systematic review of effectiveness and methodology related to hypnosis interventions. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 31(1), 7084.
To evaluate the evidence, from controlled clinical trials, relating to the effectiveness of hypnosis for reducing procedure-related pain and distress in pediatric cancer patients
Using rating scales in the pediatric population is a useful and valid procedure. Some studies included observations of procedure-related behavior, and these observations showed that the intervention yielded some benefit, although the observer's criteria are unspecified. Some studies showed that the level of hypnotizability, as measured by the Stanford Hypnotic Clinical Scale for Children, was related to analgesic effect, but this finding was invalid. Studies that noted and stratified for the sex of the pediatric patient reported that the child's sex was related to level of distress. Self-hypnosis was not evaluated but has been shown to have an effect on management of symptoms.
Studies reported that using hypnosis as specified had positive effects, resulting in statistically significant reductions in pain and anxiety or distress.
Work remains to be done in this area. Researchers should focus on age, developmental stage, and the association between the sex of the child and the effectiveness of the intervention.
Richardson, J., Smith, J.E., McCall, G., Richardson, A., Pilkington, K., & Kirsch, I. (2007). Hypnosis for nausea and vomiting in cancer chemotherapy: A systematic review of the research evidence. European Journal of Cancer Care, 16, 402–412.
STUDY PURPOSE: To systematically review the research evidence on the effectiveness of hypnosis for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)
TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic review
All the studies that focused on pediatrics were consistent in that hypnosis was a better treatment option than standard or controlled care. The weighted mean effect sizes indicated that hypnosis was even more effective when followed by therapist contact (D = 0.43) and cognitive behavior therapy (D = 0.18).
Hypnotherapy could be a clinically valuable intervention for anticipatory and acute CINV in children with cancer, but this older systemic review did not show the same results with adults.
Limited number of studies included
Nurses caring for pediatric patients should understand that hypnosis should be part of the toolbox for children who suffer from acute and anticipatory CINV.
Richard, P.O., Fleshner, N.E., Bhatt, J.R., Hersey, K.M., Chahin, R., & Alibhai, S.M. (2014). A phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of methylphenidate for reduction of fatigue in prostate cancer patients receiving LHRH-agonist therapy. BJU International. Advance online publication.
To determine if a 10-week regimen of methylphenidate could alleviate fatigue and improve quality of life in men with prostate cancer being treated with luteinizing hormone-
Subjects were randomized to receive either methylphenidate or a placebo for up to 12 weeks. Methylphenidate was given at a dose of 5 mg daily for two weeks followed by 5 mg twice daily for eight weeks. The dose was tapered back to 5 mg per day for the last two weeks. Patients were contacted by phone at week 2 for reminders to take the medication and to assess drug tolerance. Assessments were done when patients were seen in-clinic at weeks 6, 10, and 12.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial
FACIT scores improved significantly over the course of the study in all patients, but improvement was only statistically significant in the methylphenidate group (p = .008). The between-group difference in improvement was significant (p = .02). BFS scores also showed improvement in the methylphenidate group over time (p = .0006) but differences between study groups were not statistically significant. One patient discontinued the medication due to side effects.
Methylphenidate was shown in this small study to improve fatigue scores.
Methylphenidate may be helpful to some patients in managing fatigue during cancer treatment. Due mostly to sample size limitations, this study does not provide strong evidence for use of methylphenidate in men with prostate cancer.
Ricci, M., Pirotti, S., Scarpi, E., Burgio, M., Maltoni, M., Sansoni, E., & Amadori, D. (2012). Managing chronic pain: Results from an open-label study using MC5-A Calmare® device. Supportive Care in Cancer, 20, 405–412.
To assess the efficacy and acceptability of the MC5-A Calmare® device
The Calmare device produces electrical nerve stimulation that is transmitted to nociceptors in order to modulate the pain response. Electrodes were placed on the skin according to the area of pain to be treated. Patients could receive up to a maximum of four treatments per day. Ten 30-minute sessions of the stimulation therapy for two consecutive weeks were delivered Monday through Friday. Pre- and post-treatment assessments were done after the first week and after the tenth day of treatment. Patients continued their usual regimen of analgesics.
Patients were undergoing long-term follow-up care.
The study has clinical applicability for end-of-life and palliative care; and elderly care.
A prospective, exploratory, single-group, quasi-experimental design was used.
Numerical rating scale (NRS)
Participants had an overall decrease in pain. Mean value at the beginning of treatment was 5.4 for those with cancer and decreased to 1.4 at the end of the second week (p < 0.0001) and to 2.6 at the two-week poststudy follow-up (p < 0.0001). After the tenth day of treatment, mean value was 2.9 (p < 0.0001), and after the second week of follow-up, the mean one month of treatment pain reduction was 4.0 and 5.2 in patients with cancer and noncancer patients, respectively. No side effects were reported. Among those patients with cancer-related pain, 64% were deemed complete responders, and 7% achieved a partial response. No adverse effects were seen.
This pilot study demonstrated that cutaneous electrostimulation with the MC5-A Calmare® device was effective in chronic pain treatment.
Findings suggest that use of this device may provide benefit as adjunctive treatment for chronic pain control. Further well-designed research is needed to validate findings further.
Riblet, N., Larson, R., Watts, B.V., & Holtzheimer, P. (2014). Reevaluating the role of antidepressants in cancer-related depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. General Hospital Psychiatry, 36, 466–473.
PHASE OF CARE: Multiple phases of care
APPLICATIONS: Elder care, palliative care
The three effective antidepressants were mianserin, paroxetine, and fluoxetine. The mianserin group had a lower dropout rate than the placebo group, but with non-significant difference; higher depression response rate. Paroxetine group had higher dropout rate than placebo but with non-significant difference. The fluoxetine group had a significantly higher dropout rate when compared to a placebo. Paroxetine and fluoxetine were not associated with higher depression response rates when compared to a placebo. The evidence for the efficacy and tolerability of different antidepressants remains scarce for cancer-related depression, suggesting a great need for further randomized, controlled trials with placebo controls.
Opening database search dates varied. Heterogeneity among the studies complicated comparisons, causing small sample studies to be left out of at least two analyses. Only nine studies met the final criteria for inclusion, suggesting a need for research addressing the efficacy and tolerability of antidepressant use in patients with cancer and symptoms of depression.
Further research in patients with cancer and depression is needed to determine the best treatment guidelines. Mianserin showed the best results in these studies; however, it was reported that it is not available for sale in the United States. Research using other antidepressant drugs is needed. For example, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors should be studied. Paroxetine and desipramine did not show promising results in reducing depression in these studies.
Rinehart-Ayres, M., Fish, K., Lapp, K., Brown, C.N., & Rucker, B. (2010). Use of compression pumps for treatment of upper extremity lymphedema following treatment for breast cancer: A systematic review. Rehabilitation Oncology, 28(1), 10–18.
To assess if compression pumps decrease lymphedema compared with other treatments and to identify recommended parameters for use of compression pumps
Databases searched were MEDLINE, Ovid, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus through January 2007, and hand searching from article references. Key search words were breast cancer, lymphedema, pneumatic compression, compression pumps, intermittent compression, and sequential compression. Studies were included in the review if they
Exclusion criteria were not specified.
Eighty-five articles were retrieved initially. Studies were categorized using Sackett’s levels of evidence. Additional discussion of study information was done, though specific methods were not described.
Among highest level studies, there were no differences between pneumatic compression and no intervention or compression garments or bandages.
There is no evidence that suggests use of intermittent compression pumps is effective in management of lymphedema or is any better than education about arm care and hygiene. There is no consensus about pressures to be used with compression pumps.
Findings do not support the use of compression pumps for lymphedema management secondary to breast cancer treatment. There is no information to establish appropriate and safe pressure levels for use.