Management of Concurrent Symptoms
Management of concurrent symptoms involves assessment, intervention, and ongoing monitoring and management of multiple patient symptoms that are experienced at the same time, rather than interventions focused on a single problem. Many concurrent symptoms may be seen as a symptom cluster, often occurring together. Studies have been done to examine the effect of managing multiple symptoms on the patients' experience of a variety of individual patient outcomes.
"Magic" Mouthwash (Mixed Medication Mouthwash)
Magic mouthwash is used to treat oral mucositis associated with chemotherapy or radiation. The composition of magic mouthwash varies widely and may include antibiotics, antihistamines, local anesthetics, antifungals, corticosteroids, or antacids. The majority of magic mouthwash formulations are intended to be held in the mouth for one to two minutes and then spit or swallowed.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin used in the human body for the synthesis of proteins for blood coagulation and the binding of calcium ions. A form of vitamin K, vitamin K1, is synthesized by plants and is found in a high concentration in green, leafy vegetables. Vitamin K1-based creams have been investigated in mitigating skin toxicities caused by cancer treatment.
Vitamin E and C
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in seeds, nuts, leafy vegetables, and vegetable oils that has antioxidant properties. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that also has antioxidant properties. The combination of these two vitamins has been evaluated in patients with cancer for the treatment of radiation-induced diarrhea.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in seeds, nuts, leafy vegetables, and vegetable oils. It is a type of antioxidant and helps prevent cell damage caused by free radicals (highly reactive chemicals). It is being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer. Vitamin E has been used as an oral or parenteral supplement and as a solution for topical application. Vitamin E has been examined in management of diarrhea, mucositis, peripheral neuropathy, skin effects, cognitive impairment, and hot flashes.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that cannot be made by the body and must be obtained from foods or other sources. Vitamin C is found in abundance in citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruit, and lemons, as well as in green leafy vegetables, potatoes, strawberries, bell peppers, and cantaloupe. Its scientific or medical name is ascorbic acid or ascorbate. Vitamin C supplements are available in powder or chewable pill form.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality refers to a computer-simulated environment with sensual stimuli and interactive software and hardware that can create the feeling of physical presence in an imaginary environment. Virtual reality has been evaluated as a distractive intervention to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients with cancer and for its effect on anxiety.
Venlafaxine
Venlafaxine is used to treat depression and also sometimes is used to treat hot flashes in women who have experienced menopause or who are taking medication to treat breast cancer. Venlafaxine is in a class of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Venlafaxine comes as a tablet or extended-release capsule to take by mouth.
Valerian
Valerian is a perennial herb. Extracts from the root of the valerian plant have been used in herbal medicine for anxiety and as a sleep aid. Valerian has been studied in patients with cancer for sleep and fatigue.
Withania Somnifera
Withania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha or Indian ginseng, is a plant that contains multiple chemical components that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. It has been used as part of traditional Indian medicine for centuries to improve general well-being. A withania somnifera root extract was tested among patients with cancer for its effect on fatigue, anorexia, sleep-wake disturbances, and quality of life.