Biglia, N., Sgandurra, P., Peano, E., Marenco, D., Moggio, G., Bounous, V., … Sismondi, P. (2009). Non-hormonal treatment of hot flushes in breast cancer survivors: Gabapentin vs. vitamin E. Climacteric, 12, 310–318.
Patients were randomized to gabapentin 900 mg/day or vitamin E 800 IU/day for 12 weeks.
The study population included 115 adult postmenopausal women with history of breast cancer experiencing eight or more hot flushes per day. Sixty women completed the study.
Oncology Department University of Turin, Italy
Non–placebo-controlled, non-blinded trial
Hot flush frequency and score decreased by 57.05% and 66.87%, respectively (p < 0.05) in the gabapentin group. Hot flush frequency and score were reduced by 10.02% and 7.28% respectively (p > 0.05) in the vitamin E group. Gabapentin improved the quality of sleep (PSQI score reduction: 21.33%, p < 0.05).
Biffi, R., Fattori, L., Bertani, E., Radice, D., Rotmensz, N., Misitano, P., . . . Nespoli, A. (2012). Surgical site infections following colorectal cancer surgery: A randomized prospective trial comparing common and advanced antimicrobial dressing containing ionic silver. World Journal of Surgical Oncology, 10, 94.
To determine if ionic silver surgical dressings could reduce the incidence of surgical site infection in adult patients undergoing elective laparotomy for colorectal cancer
Subjects randomly were assigned to have their surgical wound covered with either an ionic silver dressing (AQUACEL® Ag Hydrofiber®) or a common dressing. To achieve blinding for patients, nurses, and medical staff, both groups had an additional layer of a common dressing applied by scrub nurses over the main dressing. Patients were monitored for surgical site infection for 30 days postoperatively.
The authors evaluated the primary outcome of surgical wound infection. Patient characteristics were similar across the two study arms. Surgical wound infection rates were lower in the arm receiving the antimicrobial dressing. This was true with respect to grade 1 versus grade 2 and 3, and grade 1 and 2 versus grade 3. However, the difference in infection rates was not great enough to be of statistical significance (p = 0.623).
Infection rates were slightly lower in the experimental group, but not enough to be statistically significant.
Patients having rectal surgery for cancer are at higher risk for surgical wound infection compared to colon surgery. Novel antimicrobial dressings may help reduce infection rates, but further study is needed.
Biehl, L.M., Huth, A., Panse, J., Kramer, C., Hentrich, M., Engelhardt, M., . . . Vehreschild, M.J. (2016). A randomized trial on chlorhexidine dressings for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections in neutropenic patients. Annals of Oncology, 27, 1916–1922.
To compare the effects of chlorhexidine-containing dressings and nonchlorhexidine dressing on catheter-related infections (CRIs) in neutropenic patients
Patients were randomized to receive either a transparent central venous catheter (CVC) dressing with a chlorhexidine gel pad or the transparent dressing without the gel pad. All catheters were nontunneled and placed in the subclavian or internal jugular vein with strict aseptic technique. Dressings were changed every 3–4 days. In the case of neutropenic fever, blood cultures were drawn, and if central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) were suspected, the catheter was removed and the tip was sent for culture. Patients were followed for 14 days.
PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment
The study was discontinued early because the interim analysis did not show a significant difference in the primary endpoint of the study (definitive CLABSI) and further enrollment was not expected to make a difference. The incidence of probable bloodstream infection was less frequent in the study group (p = 0.014). No differences existed in sepsis, infection-related mortality. More unscheduled dressing changes occurred in the control group. Patients with coated CVCs had higher rates of catheter-related colonization and bloodstream infection (p = 0.007).
The use of a chlorhexidine gel pad CVC dressing was associated with a lower incidence of probable CLABSI but did not demonstrate a significant effect on definite catheter-related bloodstream infection within 14 days of CVC placement.
Although this study did not show an effect of chlorhexidine gel pad CVC dressings on definitive CLABSI within 14 days, the gel pad dressing was associated with a lower incidence of probable catheter-related infection. This study had a large sample but was underpowered because of an overall low incidence of definitive CLABSI. The findings suggest that the use of a dressing with a chlorhexidine pad may be beneficial in reducing catheter-related infections.
Bicego, D., Brown, K., Ruddick, M., Storey, D., Wong, C., & Harris, S.R. (2006). Exercise for women with or at risk for breast cancer-related lymphedema. Physical Therapy, 86(10), 1398–1405.
To question: (a) Does aerobic or resistance exercise lead to lymphedema in women who are at risk? and (b) Does aerobic or resistance exercise reduce or exacerbate preexisting lymphedema?
Databases searched were in CINAHL, EMBASE ,MEDLINE PEDro, and PubMed.
Eight studies were reviewed; five were Sackett level V and three studies were level ll.
It has long been believed that aerobic exercise and UE resistance should be avoided for women at risk of or who have lymphedema; however, recent studies suggest that it may be safe.
Additional research with larger randomized controls is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of exercise for women with breast cancer-related lymphedema.
Bianchi, G., Vitali, A., Caraceni, A., Ravaglia, S., Capri, G., Cundari, S., . . . Gianni, L. (2005). Symptomatic and neurophysiological responses of paclitaxel or cisplatin-induced neuropathy to oral acetyl-L-carnitine. European Journal of Cancer, 41(12), 1746–1750.
Oral acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) was given at 1 g three times per day for eight weeks.
The study had a non-randomized clinical trial design.
Twenty patients had neuropathy attributed to paclitaxel and five from cisplatin. Six of the 25 were receiving a taxane at enrollment; the remaining 18 patients has persistent neuropathy at enrollment. Sensory neuropathy improved in 15 patients and motor neuropathy improved in 11. In addition, sensory and motor action potentials (SNAP and CMAP) improved significantly in 21 patients and CMAP improved in 12 patients (non-significant). Twenty-three patients had amelioration of the TNS score, and one patient (receiving concomitant vinorelbine) worsened. Patients showed improved bulbar and limb muscle weakness and sensory disturbance scores after eight weeks of ALC. No change in autonomic symptoms was observed. All patients had normalization of motor strength, deep tendon reflexes, and vibration.
Bhatt, V., Vendrell, N., Nau, K., Crumb, D., & Roy, V. (2010). Implementation of a standardized protocol for prevention and management of oral mucositis in patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation. Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice, 16(3), 195–204.
To develop a mucositis oral care protocol and evaluate the impact of its implementation in the prevention and management of mucositis in the patient with hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT)
A standard protocol was developed. After development, the physician and nursing staff were educated about the protocol and effects of medications included in the protocol. Following education for three months, every patient admitted to the HCT service was managed according to the protocol. Retrospective review of the electronic medical record of mucositis management was done in cases during the three months prior to protocol use. The new protocol was included in the electronic order set used for HCT admissions.
The protocol included daily evaluation, brushing twice daily, ice chips 30 minutes prior to and throughout melphalan infusion, chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash 15 ml 4 times daily, normal saline mouthwash 30 ml four times daily, calcium phosphate rinse 30 ml four times daily, magic mouthwash 15 ml four times daily as needed for oral pain, and phenol losenges every two hours as needed for oral pain. Palifermin was used at the physician’s discretion.
This was a single-site study conducted in an inpatient transplant unit at the Mayo Clinic in Florida.
The study used an exploratory descriptive design with historical controls.
This study does not significantly add to our understanding for the management of mucositis but suggests that use of a standardized protocol increases attention to mucositis management. This study also raises questions about the use of the criteria as receiving TPN as a measure of mucositis grade, as use of TPN may not only be a result of mucositis. This area of limitation also may indicate issues of reliability in the documentation of mucositis grade, as data here were solely obtained from the electronic medical record.
Bhattacharya, S., Vijayasekar, C., Worlding, J., & Mathew, G. (2009). Octreotide in chemotherapy induced diarrhoea in colorectal cancer: A review article. Acta Gastro-Enterologica Belgica, 72(3), 289–295.
To assess the role of octreotide in the management of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID) in patients with colorectal cancer
Databases searched were Pubmed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Database (1984–2009).
Search keywords were ocreotide in chemotherapy-induced diarrhea, octerotide CID, colorectal cancer CID, and octreotide.
Studies were included in the review if they
Studies were excluded if they
The authors did not describe the literature review and evaluation process. The article did incorporate information on relevant clinical guidelines.
The authors reviewed two randomized trials; four nonrandomized, controlled studies; and two case series, involving a total of 169 patients.
Octreotide has been shown to be effective and safe for short-term treatment of severe CID.
Few studies have been done with the long-acting formulation and for prophylactic use. Further studies in these areas would be useful.
Nurses should be aware of potential side effects with long-term use as seen in other than cancer cases.
Bhatnagar, S., Devi, S., Vinod, N.K., Jain, P.N., Durgaprasad, G., Maroo, S.H., & Patel, K.R. (2014). Safety and efficacy of oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate compared to morphine sulphate immediate release tablet in management of breakthrough cancer pain. Indian Journal of Palliative Care, 20, 182–187.
To compare the efficacy and safety of transmucosal fentanyl and oral morphine for breakthrough pain
Patients were randomized to receive 200 mcg of transmucosal fentanyl or 10 mg immediate-release oral morphine when needed for breakthrough pain for three days. Patients were hospitalized during the study for monitoring. The intensity of breakthrough pain was assessed at time 0 and at 5, 15, 30, and 60 minutes after receiving the study drugs.
Open-label, randomized trial with an active control
Oral transmucosal fentanyl had a more rapid onset with better pain relief at 15 minutes. 56% of breakthrough episodes treated with fentanyl had a greater than 33% reduction in pain intensity at 15 minutes compared to 39% of episodes treated with morphine (p < 0.0001). Rescue medication was needed in 2.1% of patients receiving fentanyl and no patients using morphine. This difference was not significant. No adverse events were reported in either group. At all assessment time points, those receiving fentanyl had a lower pain intensity.
Oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate was effective in reducing the intensity of breakthrough pain more quickly than oral morphine sulfate with no adverse events.
Oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate was shown to be safe and more effective for short-duration episodes of breakthrough pain than immediate-release oral morphine sulfate. Because this was a brief study, the long-term efficacy or differences in outcomes is not known. For patients with breakthrough cancer-related pain, nurses can advocate for those medications that are shown to provide the most rapid-onset reduction in pain intensity. Fentanyl has a relatively short duration of action, so it may be most appropriate for use with the acute onset and short duration of breakthrough pain.
Bharti, N., Bala, I., Narayan, V., & Singh, G. (2013). Effect of gabapentin pretreatment on propofol consumption, hemodynamic variables, and postoperative pain relief in breast cancer surgery. Acta Anaesthesiologica Taiwanica, 51, 10–13.
To evaluate the effects of preoperative gabapentin on anesthesia requirements and postoperative pain
Patients were randomized to receive either 600 mg gabapentin or placebo two hours prior to surgery for breast cancer. Patients were followed for 24 hours after surgery. Postoperative analgesia was provided with intramuscular diclofenac sodium 1.5 mg every eight hours and IV morphine 3 mg on demand or when the pain score was 4 or higher.
Propofol requirements for induction (p = .02) and maintenance of anesthesia (p = .009) was significantly lower in the gabapentin group. Patients in the gabapentin group had significantly lower pain scores up to two hours postoperatively (p < .001). More patients in the control group required rescue analgesics (p = .03). There were no significant differences between groups in duration of surgery or intraoperative analgesics.
Preoperative gabapentin may reduce anesthesia dose requirements and short-term postoperative pain.
Preoperative gabapentin may reduce anesthesia dose needs and postoperative pain.
Bhana, N. (2007). Granulocyte colony-stimulating factors in the management of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia: Evidence based review. Current Opinion in Oncology, 19, 328–335.
The purpose of this study was to review the best current evidence for the efficacy of G-CSFs (filgrastim, pegfilgrastim, and lenograstim) for the primary and secondary prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, specifically for the primary outcomes of incidence and risk of neutropenia, infections, and infection-induced mortality. Secondary aims include review of the best and current evidence for the efficacy of G-CSFs for the outcomes of duration of neutropenia, hospitalizations, and antibiotic therapy.
MEDLINE (1966 to date), EMBASE (1980 to date), the Cochrane Library, and the Odyssey databases were searched.
Key words included colony-stimulating factors, filgrastim, nuepogen, pegfilrastim, neulasta, lenograstim, granocyte, neutropenia, fever
Inclusion criteria:
Exclusion criteria:
Initially, 11 RCTs, two study overviews, four meta-analyses, and three economic analyses were reviewed. One RCT was excluded to bring the total to 10.
The inclusion criteria state that RCTs included in this review needed to have more than 80 participants, yet one study included had 49. In addition, the inclusion of three economic studies did not match the study aim of efficacy of use of G-CSFs for reduction of neutropenia and related complications. Two of these economic studies were analyses of two of the RCTs being evaluated for efficacy in neutropenia prevention/reduction. The third economic study did not have details about the trial disclosed.
The use of G-CSF is overall effective for the reduction of neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, associated infections, antibiotic use, and hospitalizations in various populations of adult patients with cancer. The use of pegfilgrastin is more effective than filgrastin in reducing the risk of febrile neutropenia and pegfilgrastin is as effective as filgrastin in reducing the duration of severe neutropenia.
In the pediatric population with cancer, use of G-CSFs is effective in reducing the risk of febrile neutropenia and associated hospitalizations, but is not effective in reducing infections.In older adult populations, G-CSFs were effective for reduced use of antibiotics but not for risk of febrile neutropenia.
Current trials show that G-CSFs are overall effective in reducing the risk of neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and associated infections, hospitalizations, and antibiotic use for various populations of patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapeutic treatments.
Current American Society of Clinical Oncology recommendations promote the use of G-CSFs for patients receiving chemotherapeutic treatments that have a greater than 20% risk of inducing febrile neutropenia. Although this review found mixed results within the studies evaluated and the criteria for this review stated was not completely followed; overall findings do indicate that G-CSF continues to be an effective therapy in the reduction of neutropenic events and related sequelae.
Implications for nursing practice include understanding the use and effectiveness of administration of G-CSF, promoting its use, and continued monitoring for neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and infections.