Kohara, H., Ueoka, H., Takeyama, H., Murakami, T., & Morita, T. (2005). Sedation for terminally ill patients with cancer with uncontrollable physical distress. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 8(1), 20-25.
The objective of this study was to investigate the influence on consciousness of sedative drugs to relieve severe physical distress refractory to standard interventions.
The study was a retrospective review of medical records of 124 consecutive patients admitted to a single palliative care unit between January and December 1999 to evaluate the use of sedation, defined as “a medical procedure to palliate patient symptoms refractory to standard therapy by intentionally dimming consciousness.\" Nocturnal sedation was excluded.
This single-site study was conducted in an inpatient setting in Japan.
This study contributes descriptive information about the use of terminal sedation (midazolam and opioids) for symptom control and the influence sedation has on the level of consciousness during the last days of life. In this study, patients receiving sedation were significantly drowsier and less responsive only during the last three days of life. What is not known from this study, although it is implied, is the degree of symptom control achieved by this intervention.
Limitations of this study included
This is helpful, descriptive, and low-level evidence about the use of terminal sedation to control symptoms. No measurement of dyspnea relief was included in the report, although it implies that sedated patients were not in distress.
Kohara, H., Ueoka, H., Aoe, K., Maeda, T., Takeyama, H., Saito, R., . . . Uchitomi, Y. (2003). Effect of nebulized furosemide in terminally ill cancer patients with dyspnea. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 26(4), 962–967.
The objective of the study is to assess the effect of nebulized furosemide (20 mg) on dyspnea uncontrolled by standard therapy in patients with terminal cancer.
Patients inhaled 20 mg of furosemide diluted with 3 ml of normal saline through an ultrasonic nebulizer over 10 minutes.
The study reported on a sample of 15 patients in a palliative care unit with histologic diagnosis of malignant disease and the presence of dyspnea that resists standard treatments.
Uncontrolled, open study
Initial severity of dyspnea was grade 4, assessed with the Hugh-Jones 0–4 classification. Effects were evaluated using the Cancer Dyspnea Scale before treatment and 60 minutes following treatment. Hemoglobin oxygen saturation and heart rate (HR) were measured with a pulse oximeter. Respiratory rate (RR), HR, and arterial blood gas parameters also were determined before and 60 minutes after use of nebulized furosemide. In addition, patients were asked whether they felt relief with the treatment and whether they hoped to continue the treatment.
The study showed that the inhalation of nebulized furosemide alleviated the sensation of dyspnea according to decreased Cancer Dyspnea Scale scores for sense of effort, sense of anxiety, and total dyspnea. However, objective data such as arterial oxygenation (PaO2), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), oxygen saturation, HR, and RR did not change with treatment.
The study had several limitations. It was an uncontrolled, open study and, thus, the results may include a placebo effect from the intervention itself. The assessment of dyspnea was conducted on only two occasions—before and after administration of a single dose. Finally, the sample size was small.
Knols, R., Aaronson, N. K., Uebelhart, D., Fransen, J., & Aufdemkampe, G. (2005). Physical exercise in cancer patients during and after medical treatment: a systematic review of randomized and controlled clinical trials. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 23, 3830–3842.
Databases searched were MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, CANCERLIT, and PEDro through June 2004 to identify randomized, controlled trials and controlled trials (those with a comparison group but without explicit use of randomization for purposes of group allocation).
To be included in the review, the trials had to have examined the effects of physical exercise after surgery or during or after chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or hormonal therapy. Only exercise interventions designed to improve endurance or muscular strength were included.
Studies of relaxing exercises (e.g., yoga or tai-chi) were excluded.
The methodologic quality (using the Delphi criteria list—a set of nine criteria for quality assessment of clinical trials) and substantive results of 34 randomized, controlled trials and controlled trials was examined. Of the 34 studies examined, 22 examined the effectiveness of physical exercise during medical treatment, whereas 12 focused on the period after medical treatment.
Outcomes were fatigue, health-related quality of life, symptom distress, psychological distress, body composition, physical exercise capacity (maximal oxygen consumption [VO2] max), self-reported exercise/physical activity level, and other physical performance measures, such as walk time. Various physical exercise modalities were used, differing in type (walking, cycling, swimming, resistive exercises, or combined exercises), intensity (with most programs at 50% to 90% of the estimated VO2 maximum heart rate), frequency (ranging from two times per week to up to two times daily), and duration (ranging from two weeks up to one year). In some studies, the experimental group was compared with a group that received some form of training of a lesser intensity, frequency, and/or duration (e.g., stretching, self-directed exercises, strength exercises, aerobic exercise of a lesser intensity, swimming, behavioral therapy). In other studies, the comparison group did not receive any exercise program or advice, was on a waiting list, or participated in a cross-over trial.
The studies during medical treatment were divided into three subcategories: (1) exercise during breast cancer treatment, (2) exercise during bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, and (3) exercise during medical treatment for mixed solid tumors. The studies after medical treatment were divided into those involving exercise after breast cancer treatment and exercise after medical treatment for other solid tumors. The authors used this strategy to reflect not only differences in cancer diagnosis and the timing of physical exercise programs, but also possible differences in motivation, safety, feasibility and efficacy of exercise. The sample sizes for the intervention groups ranged from 12 to 188 participants.
A clinically significant or statistically significant positive effect of physical activity specifically on fatigue was noted during breast cancer treatment (three studies) or after breast cancer treatment (two studies), and during treatment (three studies) or after treatment (one study) in a mixed solid tumor population. The median quality criteria score on the Delphi list (range 1–7) was four for studies of exercise during and after cancer treatment. Twenty-five of the trials satisfied more than three criteria on the Delphi criteria list. The most commonly observed methodologic problems were with concealment of treatment allocation, blinding of the outcome assessor, and failure to use an intention-to-treat data analysis strategy.
Overall, the authors concluded that the included trials were of moderate methodologic quality, with a trend toward more methodologic rigor in more recent studies.
Knijn N., Tol, J., Koopman, M., Werter M.J., Imholz, A.L., Valster, F.A., . . . Punt C.J. (2011). The effect of prophylactic calcium and magnesium infusions on the incidence of neurotoxicity and clinical outcome of oxaliplatin-based systemic treatment in advanced colorectal cancer patients. European Journal of Cancer, 47, 369–374.
The purpose was to assess the effect of calcium and magnesium infusions on incidence of neurotoxicity and clinical outcomes in patients treated in a phase III trial (CAIRO2) with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.
Patients who had been treated in an randomized clinical trial for advanced colorectal cancer with either capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab or the same regimen with the addition of cetuximab were retrospectively divided into two groups: those who had received calcium and magnesium infusion at least during the first oxaliplatin cycle and those who did not receive calcium and magnesium during cycle 1. To evaluate the impact on prevention, incidence of neurotoxicity was defined as early (occurring during the first six cycles) or late (present at the last cycle).
The study was conducted in multiple outpatient facilities in Norway.
The study was a retrospective analysis of trial data.
Sample sizes were varied between groups, with 551 having received calcium and magnesium and 181 who did not. Incidence of any grade neurotoxicity was 85% in those who received calcium and magnesium and 92% in those who did not (p = 0.02), and incidence of grade 2 or higher was not significantly different between groups. Early neurotoxicity of any grade occurred more often in those who did not receive calcium and magnesium (91% versus 81%, p = 0.0002). In addition, no significant difference were noted between groups in incidence of grade 2 or higher early toxicity. All grade late neurotoxicity was lower in those who were in the calcium and magnesium group; however, incidence of grade 2or higher late toxicity was no different between groups. No difference was noted in survival or response rates between study groups.
Findings suggest that calcium and magnesium infusion may be helpful in the prevention of neurotoxicity with oxaliplatin; however, findings do not show a clear difference in more severe toxicity of grade 2 or higher.
The findings suggest the potential effect of calcium and magnesium infusions in the prevention of neurotoxicity; however, the findings do not show any difference in terms of prevalence of higher grade neurotoxicity. Additional research in this area is needed with more definitive outcome measures.
Kmetec, A., & Hajdinjak, T. (2013). Evaluation of safety and analgesic consumption in patients with advanced cancer treated with zoledronic acid. Radiology and Oncology, 47, 289–295.
To evaluate zoledronic acid treatment in patients with advanced cancer and metastases to bone, in regards to safety and effectiveness (as measured by serum value of calcium, concurrent analgesic use, reported bone pain, and pathological bone fractures)
An observational clinical study was conducted that monitored patients with cancer receiving monthly zoledronic acid treatment for 12 months. At each visit, pain status was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS), as well as by monitoring prescribed analgesics. Lab values were obtained, and skeletal events (pathological bone fractures, spinal cord compression, or concurrent therapy to palliate bone lesions) were recorded. Monthly doses of zoledronic acid were prescribed and infused according to each disease’s treatment guidelines.
At each monthly visit, measurements were taken as follows.
The percentage of patients on analgesics decreased in the multiple myeloma group from 57%–24%. In the group with prostate cancer, this percentage increased from 70%–88%. Pain VAS scores decreased by 22% in the patients with prostate cancer and by 97% in those with multiple myeloma. Hypocalcemia was recorded in 4% of all participants. Thirty-one skeletal events were reported by 10 patients (rate of 8%).
Zoledronic acid as treatment for patients with multiple myeloma may account for diminished concurrent use of analgesics for the same group over the annual period observed. Patients receiving zoledronic acid treatment concurrently with analgesics experienced a reduction in all types of skeletal events. This does appear to be an effective treatment for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer, specifically in terms of prophylactic treatment with bone metastases, as it has shown a decrease in skeletal events and pathological fractures. It is not effective for palliation of pain symptoms for patients with pancreatic cancer, as analgesic use increased for this group of patients.
Nurses work with patients to identify and communicate concerns to treatment providers at the earliest possible onset. The results of this study indicate a need for nurses to continue to evaluate, educate, and assist patients to communicate concerns to providers for the purpose of pursuing earliest possible interventions that provide the maximum effectiveness and best possible outcome for quality of care provided and quality of life resulting from that care for each patient. These findings reiterate an area for nursing attention when evaluating patients with pain issues at all stages of disease from initial diagnosis to progression, end-stage, and palliative care.
Kloke, M., Cherny, N., & ESMO Guidelines Committee. (2015). Treatment of dyspnoea in advanced cancer patients: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines. Annals of Oncology, 26(Suppl. 5), v169–v173.
RESOURCE TYPE: Consensus-based guideline
PROCESS OF DEVELOPMENT: Relevant literature was selected by the authors; not based on a systematic review
Not specified
Provides very basic recommendations for dyspnea management in patients with advanced disease.
Kligler, B., Homel, P., Harrison, L. B., Sackett, E., Levenson, H., Kenney, J., . . . Merrell, W. (2011). Impact of the Urban Zen Initiative on patients' experience of admission to an inpatient oncology floor: a mixed-methods analysis. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17, 729–734.
To evaluate the impact of the Urban Zen Initiative (UZI) on quantitative and qualitative measures of the experiences of patients admitted for inpatient oncology care.
The UZI model consists of five focus points: the physical space surrounding patients, holistic nursing techniques, yoga with trained therapists, a navigator for patients, and audiovisual yoga materials at the bedside. All patients received the intervention; therefore, the investigators collected preintervention information about patients who were receiving standard care prior to the UZI intervention. Preintervention data were the basis of the control comparison. The investigators measured the outcomes immediately after admission and immediately before discharge.
Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.
The study used a quasiexperimental design with historical control groups.
UZI may improve components of mood in an inpatient oncology setting. More work is needed to assess the real impact.
Providing a multifaceted healing environment, such as the UZI, within inpatient oncology settings could improve mood and perceived health status in patients with cancer. To facilitate the care process, nurses should assess patients' physical spaces; promote relaxation techniques, such as yoga breathing; and support patients.
Klemm, P. (2012). Effects of online support group format (moderated vs peer-led) on depressive symptoms and extent of participation in women with breast cancer. Computers, Informatics, Nursing: CIN, 30(1), 9–18.
To evaluate the effects, in women with breast cancer, of moderated and peer-led online support group format on symptoms of depression and degree of participation
Investigator distributed recruitment material via postal mail, online, or through nonprofit organizations or the media. Interested women contacted the investigator after receiving or seeing recruitment material. Participants were placed into a moderated or peer-led group, in groups of 15 according to time of recruitment. All online support was accessed via a university-owned web page devoted to the work. Participants could not access groups to which they were not assigned. Moderators were master's-prepared social workers with experience with online and telephone help for people with cancer and their caregivers. Investigators obtained study measures at baseline and at 6, 12, and 16 weeks. The group was maintained for 12 weeks.
Longitudinal two-group design
Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD)
At the end of the study, findings revealed no significant effects, on symptoms of depression, in regard to group, time, or time by group format. CESD scores in peer-led groups declined slightly at all study time points but were not significantly different from the scores of moderator-led groups. In both groups, symptoms of depression were mild. More messages were posted and read in moderated groups than in peer-led groups.
The study showed no effect of peer- or moderator-led online support groups on symptoms of depression in women with breast cancer.
This study does not provide strong support for the effectiveness of either peer-led or moderated online support groups on symptoms of depression; however, at baseline the depression scores of most participants were fairly low, and study groups were not balanced on baseline depression symptoms. It is not clear if such support efforts are beneficial to individuals who do not have a high level of depression symptoms. This finding could have influenced study results. Research in this area should stratify samples on the basis of the level of symptoms at baseline.
Klein, P.J., Schneider, R., & Rhoads, C.J. (2016). Qigong in cancer care: A systematic review and construct analysis of effective Qigong therapy. Supportive Care in Cancer, 24, 3209–3222.
STUDY PURPOSE: To assess the strength of evidence addressing qigong therapy in supportive cancer care and describe the definition of effective qigong therapy in supportive cancer care
TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic review
PHASE OF CARE: Multiple phases of care
APPLICATIONS: Elder care
For the purpose of the reviewer’s comments, results were limited to the primary symptom of fatigue and two common concurrent symptoms, depression and fatigue. Five of the 11 studies included fatigue as an outcome measure. Measures improved significantly in groups using some form of qigong or tai chi intervention in four studies and showed no difference in the fifth study. Mixed benefits on depression were reported. No significant differences in sleep were reported. Constructs of qigong therapy were identified as slow, gentle, repetitious, flowing, weight-bearing movements, breath regulation, mindfulness, meditation, energy cultivation, and relaxation.
The authors reported growing research evidence that the practice of qigong has benefits for managing fatigue and improving quality of life in individuals with cancer. However, outcomes on mediation of inflammation/immune support, depression, anxiety, stress, mood, sleep, systolic blood pressure, and survival rate were reported as mixed, and, as only 4 or the 11 studies included samples from the U.S. (N = 389 of 831 participants included in the review [47%]), the validity of the conclusion is questionable for a broader to application to general supportive care across all populations with cancer.
Logically consistent operational and conceptual definitions of qigong are needed for future research. Additional evidence is needed prior to recommending qigong to be integrated into cancer care. Access to trained qigong practitioners is needed for application to research across broad populations of patients with cancer.
Klein, J., & Griffiths, P. (2004). Acupressure for nausea and vomiting in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. British Journal of Community Nursing, 9, 383-387.
Databases searched were MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, the Cochrane Database, Cancerlit, and CINAHL.
Search keywords were adult patients receiving chemotherapy, with nausea and vomiting duration or intensity measured as outcomes.
Two randomized controlled trials were identified involving 482 patients. The studies compared acupressure to no intervention control. However, the second study did not meet inclusion criteria, as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) of antiemetic point was used.
Results suggested that acupressure may decrease nausea in patients receiving chemotherapy, but further work is required before conclusively advising patients on the efficacy of acupressure in preventing and treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).