Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is the young grass of the wheat plant, and it is a source of vitamins A, E, and B12 and minerals, such as calcium, selenium, iron, and magnesium. Topical use of wheatgrass extract was examined for its effect on radiodermatitis. Wheatgrass extract appears to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Weight Management
Weight management involves the use of programmatic or informal strategies in which patients implement behaviors to lose weight or maintain an appropriate body weight. This is generally accomplished through diet and activity. Weight management has been evaluated in patients with cancer related to prevention and management of lymphedema.
Footbath
Soaking the feet in warm water has been examined for its effect on sleep disturbances in patients with cancer, due to the potential for a warm water foot bath to facilitate relaxation.
Yoga
Yoga is an ancient Eastern science that incorporates stress-reduction techniques such as regulated breathing, visual imagery, and meditation, as well as various postures. Hatha yoga is one type of yoga.
Zen Initiative
An urban “Zen initiative” was examined in patients with cancer for its impact on symptoms of depression and fatigue. The initiative involved remodeling of the physical space with attention to lighting and color use, incorporation of holistic interventions such as relaxation therapies, images, provision of yoga therapy, and related patient education materials.
Ziconotide
Ziconotide is a nonopioid analgesic isolated from the venom of marine snails that has been used for severe chronic pain. Ziconotide has been studied in patients with cancer who have refractory pain.
Zinc Oxide and Magnesium Silicate Cream
Zinc oxide is used topically to form a barrier on the skin to protect the skin from irritation. It is primarily used to treat diaper rash but can also be used to treat minor skin irritations such as cuts, burns, scrapes, or poison ivy. Magnesium silicate is a primary ingredient in talc. This combination cream has been investigated for its effects on skin toxicities associated with cancer treatment.
Zinc/Zinc Supplements
Zinc is an essential trace element that has been associated with immune system function and has been used topically for the treatment of acne, burns, ulcers, and wounds. Zinc as a systemic dietary supplement and oral rinse has been evaluated in patients with cancer regarding its effect in the management of mucositis. As a topical treatment, zinc/zinc sulfate has been examined for the prevention and management of radiodermatitis.
Zolpidem
Classified as a sedative-hypnotic drug, zolpidem slows brain activity to allow sleep and is used to treat insomnia. It is taken once per day at bedtime. The drug is available as a generic and can be administered as a tablet by mouth, as a sublingual tablet, as an oral spray, and as an extended-release tablet.
Lymphatic Venous Anastomosis
One of the surgical techniques being examined for its effect on lymphedema development is lymphatic venous anastomosis. This involves the surgical creation of a local connection between the lymphatic vessels and veins in an attempt to facilitate drainage of lymphatic fluid into the circulatory system, thereby reducing lymphedema development.