Turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa, is a common spice native to India and other tropical regions. It is frequently used in Asian cooking. The active ingredient, curcumin, is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa, is a common spice native to India and other tropical regions. It is frequently used in Asian cooking. The active ingredient, curcumin, is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A cream containing turmeric and sandalwood oil has been examined for its efficacy in the management of radiodermatitis.
Administration of vaccination against meningococcal and pneumococcal bacterial strains has been identified by several professional groups as an intervention for patients at risk. Individuals who are asplenic, such as those who had radiation to the spleen, and patients who are severely immunocompromised, such as those who have undergone transplantations, are at greatest risk for infection from these types of bacteria.
A pneumatic compression pump is a basic component of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC), a widely used technique that involves attaching an electrical air compression pump to an inflatable plastic garment that is placed over the affected limb. The garment is inflated and deflated cyclically for a set period, usually about 30–120 minutes. The pressure produced by the garment can be varied.
Pleural effusion, the buildup of fluid surrounding the lung, can occur in patients with cancer, resulting in acute dyspnea. Pleurodesis is a procedure used to make the layers of the pleura stick together, eliminating the space for fluid buildup. In this procedure, a chemical or medication is inserted into the space between the pleura. The resulting inflammation causes these layers to stick together. Various medications such as antibiotics, povidone iodine, or a slurry of talc have been used.
The insertion of an indwelling pleural catheter into the pleural space to drain fluid is an approach to relieve dyspnea due to pleural effusion. With an indwelling catheter, the patient/caregiver performs catheter care and drainage. One consideration in the decision to use an indwelling catheter to drain fluid in the pleural space is the patient/caregiver’s ability to perform ongoing catheter care. Catheter-related infection is a complication of this approach.
Two types of platelet growth factors are substances that stimulate bone marrow to produce platelets, and substances that are growth factors derived from platelets that are associated with healing processes. In patients with cancer, growth factors that stimulate the production of platelets have been evaluated for the prevention and management of bleeding. The agent used has been recombinant human interleukin 11, a cytokine that is produced by bone marrow stromal cells.
Use of platelet-rich plasma to create a plastic and adhesive gel that can be used for local treatment of damaged tissue was examined for effect in management of radiodermatitis.
Capilen® cream is a topical phytotherapic product that has been tested for its efficacy in the prevention and management of radiodermatitis.
Pimecrolimus is a topical immunomodulating agent that decreases inflammation. It has been used to treat eczema and tested in patients with cancer for its effect on skin reactions to chemotherapy.