Lai, W., Chao, C., Chantal, Yang, W., & Chen, C. (2010). Efficacy of guided imagery with theta music for advanced cancer patients with dyspnea: A pilot study. Biological Research for Nursing, 12(2), 188-197.
The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of guided imagery with theta music on dyspnea in patients with advanced cancer.
The intervention consisted of four periods.
Theta music was provided by a recording designed to stimulate brain waves in the theta range of 4–8 Hz. Music was provided by a standard audio CD with headphones. Dyspnea rating was done in the first and last periods of the intervention, while resting quietly. Physiologic parameters of respiratory rate, heart rate, end tidal CO2, and pulse oxygen saturation were collected at each of the four segments of the intervention. Physiologic parameters were continuously measured using a Tidal Wave 715 capnograph/pulse oximeter, using a finger probe. Patients were interviewed at the end of the session via open-ended questions to elicit how they felt.
The study was conducted in a multi-site, inpatient setting in Taiwan.
Single group repeated measures
Findings support the hypothesis that subjects who receive the guided imagery and theta music intervention experience reduction in heart and respiratory rate and subjective intensity of dyspnea.
Lai, T.K., Cheung, M.C., Lo, C.K., Ng, K.L., Fung, Y.H., Tong, M., & Yau, C.C. (2011). Effectiveness of aroma massage on advanced cancer patients with constipation: A pilot study. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 17, 37–43.
To evaluate the effectiveness of aroma massage in the treatment of constipation, as well as its impact on quality of life (QOL).
Patients were randomized to one of three groups: aroma abdominal massage, plain abdominal massage, or control. Fifteen- to 20-minute massages were offered daily for five consecutive days by the principal investigator and four other trained investigators. Patients completed questionnaires on days 1 and 5. Patients were withdrawn from the study if they required increased use of laxatives, had symptoms such as shortness of breath or fatigue, or were transferred or discharged from the hospital.
This was a randomized controlled trial.
Constipation is a common, preventable problem in patients with cancer. Nurses should have knowledge of alternative nonpharmacologic approaches to help patients manage this side effect.
Nurses play a vital role in the treatment and prevention of constipation.
Lai, H.L., Li, Y.M., & Lee, L.H. (2012). Effects of music intervention with nursing presence and recorded music on psycho-physiological indices of cancer patient caregivers. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 21, 745–756.
To compare the effects of music intervention with nursing presence (MINP) and the effects of recorded music (RM) on various psychological and physiologic indices among caregivers of patients with cancer. The recorded indices included the incidence of depression and anxiety, sleep, blood volume pulse (BVP) amplitude, and the low/high frequency ratio component of heart rate variability (HRV).
Participants were seated on a comfortable chair in their own homes. A photoplethysmograph was worn on the left-hand middle finger to continuously monitor BVP amplitude and HRV.
The intervention groups were MINP versus RM. Interventions were alternated between MINP and RM with an interval of one week between each intervention. Each intervention took place in the participant’s home for 30 minutes and generally after dinner according to participant preference. In the MINP intervention, participants were told to imagine they were attending a concert. During MINP, the primary researcher was present and played music on the erhu (Chinese violin) and recorder without any verbal communication or interruption. The live music included diverse pieces such as Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese, English, and Czech music. Music selections were well known by participants and expected to create immediate enjoyment, and all had similar musical characteristics and quality. Rhythm ranged from 60–80 beats, and the tempo was slow. In the RM intervention, participants were left alone to listen to 30 minutes of the same music selections prerecorded on a CD. The music volume was adjusted to a comfortable level before the session. Study measurement was obtained pre and post each intervention.
A randomized, crossover, controlled trial design was used.
Both MINP and RM interventions had significant beneficial effects on anxiety, depression, and BVP amplitude (p < 0.0001). A treatment effect across different time points was observed in BVP amplitude and LF/HF ratio in both groups, indicating that MINP and RM both have beneficial effects on BVP and LF/HF ratio. There were no significant differences between the two music interventions in terms of participant evaluation of enjoyment and peacefulness, but participants evaluated RM as being more harmonious than live music, and MINP with live music and nurse presence as more friendly. Participants preferred Chinese music, then followed mostly by Czech music. Regarding the four aspects of sleep measured, MINP was found to affect only \"ease of getting to sleep” (p < 0.0007).
Both music interventions were beneficial on psychological indices, with a reduction in anxiety and depression scores and a long-term dose effect on BVP. Intervention worked well for a sample having moderate degrees of anxiety and, in some cases, clinical depression in prestudy assessment and for a sample of women who liked Chinese and folk music.
Music, either live with the nurse present or recorded for 30 minutes, may be beneficial in reducing anxiety and depression in women with cancer as well as their caregivers. Nurses can encourage the use of music as a way of reducing stress throughout the cancer journey. Listening to music appreciated by the caregiver may enhance coping early in the caregiving cycle and prevent negative effects during challenges of cancer treatment and survivorship. Music prescription is an inexpensive intervention and useful for caregivers who prioritize music as part of their culture.
Lai, N.M., Lai, N.A., O'Riordan, E., Chaiyakunapruk, N., Taylor, J.E., & Tan, K. (2016). Skin antisepsis for reducing central venous catheter-related infections. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 7, CD010140.
STUDY PURPOSE: To evaluate skin antisepsis in reducing catheter-related bloodstream infections (BSIs), catheter colonization, morbidities, and mortality
TYPE OF STUDY: Meta-analysis and systematic review
PHASE OF CARE: Not specified or not applicable
Analysis of chlorhexidine versus povidone iodine showed a relative risk of 0.064 (p = 0.05) in favor of chlorhexidine for the outcome of BSI. No significant difference existed between these two methods for all-cause mortality. Chlorhexidine was associated with less catheter colonization (RR = –0.08, p = 0.0003). Few studies compared the use of alcohol, octenidine, hydrogen peroxide, and silver.
The findings suggest that skin antisepsis with chlorhexidine is most effective in reducing BSI; however, the overall quality of the evidence is very low to moderate.
Mostly low quality/high risk of bias studies
Chlorhexidine is generally more effective than povidone iodine or alcohol for skin antisepsis as part of catheter care for reducing catheter-related BSIs and catheter colonization.
Laffin, N., Smyth, W., Heyer, E., Fasugba, O., Abernethy, G., & Gardner, A. (2015). Effectiveness and acceptability of a moisturizing cream and a barrier cream during radiation therapy for breast cancer in the tropics. Cancer Nursing, 38, 205–214.
To compare the effectiveness of Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream (Cavilon) and 100% Pure Sorbolene Cream (Sorbolene) for the prevention of moist desquamation in patients with breast cancer receiving radiation in a tropical setting, and to explore patient preference of the two products
Patients applied Cavilon or Sorbalene to intact skin at least twice daily from day 1 of treatment until 4 weeks post completion of treatment. Nurse assessment of skin reactions occurred weekly during treatment, with final skin assessment via telephone one month after completion of the treatment. If moist desquamation occurred, cream was stopped and dressings were applied, which was standard practice.
PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment
Patients were stratified by breast or chest wall radiation with random allocation to barrier (Cavilon) or moisturizing (Sorbolene) cream.
Skin type was determined by using the validated Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale. Weekly skin assessment was completed using the Common Terminology Criteria and Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 4, scoring criteria. Acceptability of cream was determined by a five-question acceptability survey.
Cavalon was found to significantly reduce moist desquamation during treatment in patients with chest wall radiation (p = 0.047). Participants preferred Cavalon over Sorbolene during treatment (p = 0.02), but no statistical difference in preference of cream existed at follow-up. At the end of treatment, 15% of patients had moist desquamation, and 26% of patients self-reported moist desquamation at telephone follow-up. With pooled data of breast and chest wall treatment, no significant difference existed between skin treatment groups experiencing moist desquamation during treatment and at follow-up. Statistically significant risk factors for moist desquamation were larger breast cup size, i.e., larger than a C cup (p = 0.003); higher BMI (p = 0.01); and prior chemotherapy (p = 0.04). No statistical significance existed with skin type, smoking, or effects of tropical weather measured by the Fitzpatrick scale.
A high incidence for moist desquamation existed in patients receiving radiation for breast cancer, particularly in patients receiving radiation to the chest wall.
Nurses should discuss risk factors that pertain to patients when educating on the skin effects of radiation. As many patients develop moist desquamation following completion of treatment, discharge information and management plans are needed.
Lacouture, M.E., Mitchell, E.P., Piperdi, B., Pillai, M.V., Shearer, H., Iannotti, N., . . . Yassine, M. (2010). Skin toxicity evaluation protocol with panitumumab (STEPP), a phase II, open-label, randomized trial evaluating the impact of a pre-emptive skin treatment regimen on skin toxicities and quality of life in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 28, 1351–1357.
To examine the difference in incidence of specific grade 2 or higher skin toxicities of interest between patients with metastatic colorectal cancer in preemptive and reactive skin treatment groups during a six-week treatment period that included epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFR-Is).
Eligible patients were randomly assigned to preemptive or reactive skin treatment arms. The chemotherapy regimen schedule was a random assignment stratification factor.
The preemptive skin treatment regimen was administered beginning on day –1 (one day before the administration of the first panitumumab dose) and continued through weeks 1 to 6.
Clinical and experimental data suggest that four major alterations occur in the skin of patients treated with EGFR-Is: follicular and interfollicular inflammation, bacterial superinfection, dry skin, and sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The rationale for selection of the preemptive skin regimen was based on those four alterations. The preemptive skin treatment regimen comprised the following.
The reactive skin treatment regimen comprised any treatments the investigator deemed necessary for the management of emergent skin toxicity and could be administered anytime during weeks 1 to 6. Patients randomly assigned to the reactive skin treatment group were not prohibited from using skin moisturizer or sunscreen at any time during the treatment if they chose to do so.
All patients were monitored weekly from weeks 1 to 7 for compliance with the randomized skin treatment regimen and for skin toxicity assessment.
Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.
This was a phase 2, multicenter, open-label, randomized clinical trial.
The preemptive skin treatment regimen was well tolerated. The incidence of specific grade 2 or higher skin toxicities during the six-week skin treatment period was lower in the preemptive skin treatment group compared with the reactive skin treatment group.
The findings supported the importance of establishing a preemptive, comprehensive skin treatment regimen in patients treated with panitumumab to decrease skin toxicities and improve QOL. The skin toxicities are considered a class-based effect; therefore, these results may be generalized to other EGFR-Is.
Lacouture, M.E., Anadkat, M.J., Bensadoun, R.-J., Bryce, J., Chan, A., Epstein, J.B., Eaby-Sandy, B., . . . MASCC Skin Toxicity Study Group. (2011). Clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of EGFR inhibitor-associated dermatologic toxicities. Supportive Care in Cancer, 19, 1079–1095.
To develop first-generation, evidence-based recommendations for eight epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (EGFRI)-associated dermatologic toxicities: papulopustular (acneform) rash, hair changes, radiation dermatitis, pruritus, mucositis, xerosis, fissures, and paronychia.
The type of patients addressed was those receiving EGFRIs.
In this guideline, topic review committees were formed according to expertise to review the literature and develop guidelines for each dermatologic toxicity. Each review committee comprised three members, with a primary reviewer to present the findings of the committee to the Skin Toxicity Study Group. Each committee reviewed from 17 to 35 articles to formulate the recommended guidelines. Randomized clinical trials were considered the best source. The level of evidence and grade of the recommendation were considered. In the absence of experimental evidence, pertinent studies and case reports were presented in conjunction with expert opinion derived from clinical practice. When available, data were extrapolated from other dermatologic conditions with similar clinical or pathologic characteristics (e.g., xerosis, alopecia, hirsutism, pruritus, paronychia, radiation dermatitis).
Databases searched were Ovid, MEDLINE, and Embase.
Search keywords were rash, hair changes, radiation dermatitis, pruritus, mucositis, xerosis, fissures, paronychia, EGFR inhibitors, and recommendations (this information was not stated directly in the article).
Studies were included in the review if they were published before December 2010.
Studies were excluded if they were published during or after December 2010.
Eight tables outlining prophylactic and reactive recommendations were included for papulopustular (acneform) rash, hair changes, radiation dermatitis, pruritus, oral complications, xerosis, fissures, and paronychia.
Papulopustular (Acneform) Rash
Preventive (Weeks 1–6 and 8 of EGFRI Initiation):
Treatment:
Hair Changes (Hair Loss)
Preventive:
Treatment:
Hair Changes (Increased Hair)
Preventive:
Radiation Dermatitis
Preventive:
Treatment:
Pruritus
Preventive:
Treatment:
Mucositis
Preventive:
Treatment:
Xerosis
Preventive:
Treatment:
Fissures
Preventive:
Treatment:
Paronychia
Preventive:
Treatment:
Recommendations were based on randomized clinical trials with control groups when possible. However, because of the lack of high-quality studies investigating EGFRI-associated dermatologic changes, many recommendations were based on expert opinion and consensus.
The authors developed first-generation, evidence-based recommendations for eight EGFRI-associated dermatologic toxicities: papulopustular (acneform) rash, hair changes, radiation dermatitis, pruritus, mucositis, xerosis, fissures, and paronychia. In addition, the authors rated each intervention according to the level of evidence (I–V) and the recommendation grade (A–D).
The authors proposed that multidisciplinary teams, including radiation and medical oncologists, nurses, dermatologists, pharmacists, oral healthcare providers, and wound care specialists, should assess the occurrence and management of EGFRI-associated dermatologic toxicities. In addition, the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) EGFRI Skin Toxicity Tool (MESTT) should be used in clinical trials and practice.
Nurses should provide patient education prior to EGFRI therapy to ensure patients can expect, prepare for, and use preventive and treatment approaches to manage the eight toxicities described. In addition, nurses should encourage the multidisciplinary team to collaborate on management of EGFRI-associated dermatologic toxicities.
Lacouture, M.E., Wolchok, J.D., Yosipovitch, G., Kähler, K.C., Busam, K.J., & Hauschild, A. (2014). Ipilimumab in patients with cancer and the management of dermatologic adverse events. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 71, 161–169.
From pooled analysis, 64.2% of patients experienced an IRAEs of any grade, and 17.8% were severe (grade 3 or 4). Dermatologic IRAEs were the most common (44.9% any grade). Most IRAEs develop within the first 12 weeks (five to nine weeks depending on the dose). Ipilimumab rash differs from that of targeted therapies, with ipilimumab rash more closely resembling maculopapular rash. Pruritus with or without rash and can have major impact on quality of life. Ipilimumab appearance, histology, time to onset of IRAEs, grading, and management of skin IRAEs were reviewed.
Guidelines are developed to aid providers to manage IRAEs by early intervention and vigilance. First, determine the severity of the rash or pruritis. For grade 1 or 2 rash, topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines may be useful. Resume ipilimumab with resolution of rash or with improvement if systemic steroid dose is 7.5 mg of prednisone or less. If grade 3 rash is present, hold ipilimumab and give oral corticosteroids at 1–2 mg/kg/day of prednisone or equivalent. If symptoms improve, healthcare professionals can re-challenge. If symptoms worsen or are evaluated as grade 4, permanently discontinue ipilimumab. Administer corticosteroids at a grade 3 dose and taper for one month if rash improves. For mild or localized pruritus, use topical corticosteroids and antipruritics. For intermittent intense or widespread pruritus, topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines are indicated. If pruritus is constant, limiting self-care or sleep, use oral antihistamines and corticosteroids and consider gabapentin, pregabalin, mirtazapine, and aprepitant.
These are expert opinion guidelines developed from pooled trial data of patients with metastatic melanoma and from evaluating other clinical trial results of ipilimumab. Interventions are not developed from randomized, controlled clinical trials. These guidelines do not differentiate disease type or dose-related IRAEs.
Quality of life and optimal therapy for patients receiving these new therapies are dependent on vigilance and early detection for interventions. Patient and healthcare providers need to be instructed to recognize findings for improved outcomes early. Mechanisms for patients to report their experiences should be outlined early.
Labourey, J. L. (2007). Physical activity in the management of cancer-related fatigue induced by oncological treatments. Annales de Réadaptation et de Médecine Physique, 50, 445–459.
PubMed was searched to identify English or French language reports of randomized or controlled studies and meta-analyses concerning the benefits of physical activity in patients receiving cancer treatment. The dates encompassed by the search process were not specified.
Eleven randomized or controlled studies that had evaluated the effects of physical exercise on cancer-related fatigue as one of their primary or secondary objectives were identified for analysis. Varied patient-reported outcome measures were used to evaluate fatigue, including the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), Piper Fatigue Scale, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Fatigue (FACT-F), or the Profile of Mood States (POMS) Fatigue-Inertia subscale. Studies evaluated aerobic exercise, strength training, or a combination of both. Supervised and home-based exercise interventions were studied, and the duration of exercise treatment ranged from only the duration of hospitalization to several months.
Of the seven studies of exercise during active cancer therapy, five studies (all with less than 25 patients) found no significant differences in fatigue across the treatment period. A sixth study in a highly selected population of patients hospitalized for stem cell transplant noted that fatigue increased significantly in the control group but remained steady in the exercise group. The seventh study of men with prostate adenocarcinoma on hormone therapy and receiving strength training noted a statistically significant improvement in fatigue in patients receiving the strength training intervention.
In the posttreatment setting, three studies with small samples suggested that exercise (aerobic exercise of low or moderate intensity) or a motivational counseling intervention to increase home-based exercise and a small study in patients with breast and colon cancer who were three to 15 months posttreatment showed significant improvement in fatigue as a result of either low- or moderate-intensity exercise, compared to controls. An additional study in patients who had completed chemotherapy or surgery within the past month showed an improvement in aerobic fitness in the intervention group but a statistically significant increase in fatigue.
Taken together, these results suggested that there is no clear evidence that exercise during active treatment improves fatigue outcomes, although it may have a favorable effect on cardiorespiratory conditioning. The results of this review point to the possibility that a minimum of rest or mild activity is needed to promote some initial recovery from treatment-related fatigue before residual fatigue is addressed, but current studies provide no guidance on how long the interval should be between the end of chemotherapy and the start of exercise for therapeutic purposes.
Kwong, K.K. (2004). Prevention and treatment of oropharyngeal mucositis following cancer therapy: Are there new approaches? Cancer Nursing, 27(3), 183–205.
Database searched was MEDLINE (1993–2003) for randomized, controlled trials evaluating mucositis interventions.
A total of 50 randomized controlled trials were presented. Other trials and papers were referenced.
The author concluded that most agents require more study.
The author noted the problem of variation in study protocols, insufficient sample sizes, and a lack of consensus regarding the scoring system for mucositis.
The author noted the need to include psychotherapeutic interventions and management and pointed out the lack of a quality-of-life tool for mucositis.