Fenig, E., Brenner, B., Katz, A., Sulkes, J., Lapidot, M., Schachter, J., … Gutman, H. (2001). Topical Biafine and Lipiderm for the prevention of radiation dermatitis: a randomized prospective trial. Oncology Reports, 8, 305–309.
To evaluate the use of Biafine or Lipiderm to prevent radiodermatitis.
Participants were randomized to one of three trial arms: (a) Biafine, (b) Lipiderm, or the (c) control (no prophylactic treatment).
Study preparations were applied twice daily, staring 10 days prior to the beginning of radiation therapy (RT) and continuing until 10 days after treatment. Skin treatment was upgraded if necessary to steroids for grade 3 reaction antibiotics for grade 4 reactions or pause in therapy for grade 5 reactions.
Single site
The study was a randomized, controlled trial.
The study neither refutes nor supports use of these products for existing reactions. These products did not show radioprotective effects.
Feng, Y., Wang, X. Y., Li, S. D., Zhang, Y., Wang, H. M., Li, M., . . . Zhang, Z. (2011). Clinical research of acupuncture on malignant tumor patients for improving depression and sleep quality. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 31, 199–202.
To study the effect of acupuncture on depression and insomnia in patients with malignant tumors.
One time per day for 20 to 30 minutes, over a course of 30 days, patients in the intervention group received acupuncture on these acupoints: Fenglon (ST-40), Yinlingquan (SP-9), Xuehai (SP-10), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), Yintant (EX-HN3), Baihui (DU-20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Neiguan (PC-6), and Shenmen (TF-4). Patients in the control group received fluoxetine, 20 mg/day. Depression scores and sleep ratings were collected before and after the three-day treatment.
Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.
The study was a randomized, controlled trial with intervention and control groups.
Pretreatment SDS scores of the treatment and control groups were 64.12 (SD = 5.34) and 64.24 (SD = 4.98), respectively, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). After treatment, SDS scores of the treatment and control groups were 43.64 (SD = 5.28) and 50.76 (SD = 5.42), which showed significant difference (p < 0.05). HRSD scores of both groups showed no significant difference before treatment (p > 0.05); however, after-treatment scores were 9.88 (SD = 1.27) in the treatment group and 13.72 (SD = 2.05) in the control group (p < 0.05). These results indicate that both acupuncture and fluoxetine were effective in reducing depression scores in these patients, with acupuncture showing greater effectiveness. PSQI scores of the treatment group, before and after treatment, were 14.48 (SD = 1.71) and 7.92 (SD = 1.22), respectively, with a significant difference (p < 0.001). The control group's PSQI scores, 13.92 (SD = 2.59) and 11.44 (SD = 1.89), did not reach significance (p > 0.05). Results indicate that acupuncture improved sleep quality in more patients than did fluoxetine.
Both acupuncture and fluoxetine were associated with reduced depression scores and some improvement in sleep. Due to the lack of a real control group and no control over cancer type and treatment phase, drawing a conclusion about the effectiveness of the intervention is difficult.
Acupuncture is a nonpharmacologic intervention that shows promise in reducing depression and improving sleep quality in patients with cancer and depression.
Feng, X., Ruan, Y., He, Y., Zhang, Y., Wu, X., Liu, H., . . . Li, C. (2014). Prophylactic first-line antibiotics reduce infectious fever and shorten hospital stay during chemotherapy-induced agranulocytosis in childhood acute myeloid leukemia. Acta Haematologica, 132, 112–117.
To study the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics in pediatric patients with agranulocytosis and to investigate the efficacy and safety of different prophylactic protocols
Antibiotics included the combination of vancomycin and cefepime or single-use piperacillin/tazobactam. Control patients did not receive antibiotics prophylactically. Both groups were given oral voriconazole to prevent invasive fungal infections.
Nonrandomized, observational trial
There were no differences found between the two preventive protocols used. The prophylactic group had less frequent fever (p < .001), a longer interval to fever (p = .007), and an average of seven fewer hospital days (p < .001). Pulmonary and oral infection were most common. In the prophylactic group, three patients had diarrhea and one patient developed a rash. There were no other antibiotic-related side effects.
There were no differences found between the two preventive protocols used. The prophylactic group had less frequent fever (p < .001), a longer interval to fever (p = .007), and an average of seven fewer hospital days (p < .001). Pulmonary and oral infection were most common. In the prophylactic group, three patients had diarrhea and one patient developed a rash. There were no other antibiotic-related side effects.
The findings showed that prophylactic antibiotics after high-intensity chemotherapy can be effective in children with minimal side effects. Findings should be considered with some caution given the study's limitations.
Fellowes, D., Barnes, K., & Wilkinson, S. (2004). Aromatherapy and massage for symptom relief in patients with cancer. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2004, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD002287.
DATABASES USED: MEDLINE, CINAHL, British Nursing Index, EMBASE, AMED, PsycINFO, SIGLE, and CancerLit were searched, as well as Dissertation Abstracts International.
COMMENTS ON LITERATURE USED: From 1966–2002
FINAL NUMBER STUDIES INCLUDED = 8 RCTs, 10 reports
The most consistent effect was on anxiety. Only one reported an effect on depression.
Insufficient evidence
Fellowes, D., Barnes, K., & Wilkinson, S. (2005). Aromatherapy and massage for symptom relief in patients with cancer. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, Art. No.: CD002287.
Databases searched were CENTRAL (Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2002), MEDLINE (1966-May 2002), CINAHL (1982-April 2002), British Nursing Index (1994-April 2002), EMBASE (1980-week 25, 2002), AMED (1985-April, 2002), PsycINFO (1887-April, 2002), SIGLE (1980-March, 2002), CancerLit (1975-April, 2002), and Dissertation Abstracts International (1861-March, 2002). Reference lists of relevant articles were searched for additional studies.
Reviews were included if they
Two studies assessed the symptom of nausea. Both studies showed a reduction in nausea in hospitalized patients.
Fellowes, D., Barnes, K., & Wilkinson, S. (2004). Aromatherapy and massage for symptom relief in patients with cancer. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD002287.
To evaluate the effectiveness of massage and aromatherapy for symptom relief in patients with cancer
The search used the following sources from 1966–2002: MEDLINE, CINAHL, British Nursing Index, EMBASE, AMED, PsycINFO, and CancerLit.
Ten reports met the inclusion criteria; eight randomized controlled trials that included 357 patients were reviewed.
While there is sufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of massage in decreasing anxiety in patients with cancer, there is insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of aromatherapy massage for patients with cancer. Further research is needed.
Feldstain, A., Lebel, S., & Chasen, M.R. (2016). An interdisciplinary palliative rehabilitation intervention bolstering general self-efficacy to attenuate symptoms of depression in patients living with advanced cancer. Supportive Care in Cancer, 24, 109–117.
To examine the effects of a palliative rehabilitation program on depression, and explore the impacts and interactions between depression, inflammation, exercise, and self-efficacy.
All patients received group physiotherapy twice a week; all patients also received as treatment plan based on assessment of individual functioning and goals that was implemented during the course of the study, including support, encouragement, feedback, and guidance to motivate patients and encourage positive change. The program was provided during an eight-week period. Study measures were obtained at baseline and at the completion of the program.
Completion rate for sessions was 69%. There was no change in CRP. Performance on the 6MWT increased (p < 0.001). Self-efficacy scores increased from a mean of 27.86 to 31.23 (p < 0.01). Depression scores decreased on average from 7.14 to 5.95 (p = 0.002). Analysis showed that exercise results and self-efficacy were significant predictors of change in depression scores. Changes in the 6MWT explained 3% of the change in depression and self-efficacy explained 11%.
The multicomponent rehabilitative intervention tested here was associated with reduced depression scores. Exercise and self-efficacy were shown to be significant predictors of depression scores.
Participation in exercise has been associated with improvement in depressive symptoms, and exercising in a group setting may enhance support and its effects on self-efficacy and mood. Findings of this study, however, showed statistically significant changes in depression, but the size of these changes on the measures used was not clinically significant. Research in this area should be aimed at individuals who have clinically relevant depressive symptoms.
Fekrazad, R., & Chiniforush, N. (2014). Oral mucositis prevention and management by therapeutic laser in head and neck cancers. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, 5, 1–7.
STUDY PURPOSE: To assess the effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) for oral mucositis
TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic review
PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment
APPLICATIONS: Pediatrics
Most evidence showed a positive effect of LLLT on oral mucositis in delayed time of onset, lower peak severity, and shortened duration. One study in children showed no benefit of LLLT when optimal dental and oral care were provided.
LLLT is beneficial for the management of oral mucositis; however, ideal wavelengths, timing, and frequency of treatment are unclear.
LLLT has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of oral mucositis in patients undergoing transplantation and those receiving treatment for head and neck cancer. The specifics for optimal LLLT timing, duration, and so forth have not been determined. Further research on these aspects is needed.
Feinberg, B., Gilmore, J., Haislip, S., Jackson, J., Jain, G., Balu, S., & Buchner, D. (2012). Impact of initiating antiemetic prophylaxis with palonosetron versus ondansetron on risk of uncontrolled chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with lung cancer receiving multi-day chemotherapy. Supportive Care in Cancer : Official Journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 20(3), 615–623.
To examine the risk of uncontrolled chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) among patients with lung cancer receiving multiday chemotherapy and ondansetron- or palonosetron-initiated prophylactic antiemetic regimens in a community oncology setting
The Georgia Cancer Specialists electronic medical records database was used to identify patients with lung cancer who received multiday cisplatin or carboplatin regimens with ondansetron or palonosetron on day 1 between April 1, 2006, and July 31, 2009. Uncontrolled CINV was identified. Risk for uncontrolled CINV, up to 7 days after last chemotherapy administration, was analyzed at cycle level using logistic regression.
This was a multi-site study based on electronic medical records data from Georgia Cancer Specialist, a community-based practice that included 30 offices and 46 medical oncologists throughout Georgia.
This was a retrospective descriptive study using data from an electronic medical records review.
The rate of uncontrolled CINV events measured from first chemotherapy agent administration of the cycle (start date) through 7 days after the last chemotherapy agent administration (end date) for
Rescue antiemetic after the first day chemotherapy or IV antiemetic after the last chemotherapy administration date were considered as nonprophylactic use.
Among patients with lung cancer receiving multiday chemotherapy cycles, administration of palonosetron on day 1 was associated with a significantly lower risk for uncontrolled CINV events versus ondansetron-initiated chemotherapy cycles.
For the patients receiving multiple day, platinum based chemotherapy for the treatment of lung cancer, every-other-day palonosetron would be an option to lower the risk of the incidence of uncontrolled CINV.
Fegg, M.J., Brandstatter, M., Kogler, M., Hauke, G., Rechenberg-Winter, P., Fensterer, V., . . . Borasio, G.D. (2013). Existential behavioural therapy for informal caregivers of palliative patients: A randomised controlled trial. Psycho-Oncology, 22, 2079–2086.
To evaluate the applicability and effectiveness of existential behavioral therapy (EBT) to informal caregivers of palliative care patients with regards to psychological distress and quality of life when compared with treatment as usual
The intervention was six group sessions totaling 22 hours. The sessions focused on introductions and mindfulness, death, bereavement and mindfulness, activating resources, finding meaning, self-care and stress management, personal values for (re-)orientation, and moving forward. Sessions were administered in small (10 participants or fewer), closed groups by a trained behavioral therapist following a study manual. Evaluations occurred at baseline, pre- and post-intervention, and at 3- and 12-month follow-up (five time points).
EBT showed medium effects at the pre-/immediate post-test evaluation with improvement in anxiety (p 0.006) and on all measures of quality of life (p 0.009, 0.007, < 0.001). At the three-month evaluation, EBT showed no significant effects, with only small effect sizes on one-third of the quality-of-life measure SWLS (p 0.04). However, at the 12-month evaluation, EBT demonstrated medium effects on depression (p 0.04) and QOL-NRS (p 0.002). Interestingly, similar patterns resulted when examining secondary outcomes of affect, with significantly less negative affect demonstrated at post-test (p 0.003), which then was not noted at the three-month evaluation, and at 12 months, significantly less negative affect was measured again (p 0.003). Positive affect, although never significant, always was trending more positive than when compared with controls. High level of satisfaction existed with the group, the therapist, information, mindfulness, and values.
EBT shows promise as an intervention to improve psychological distress and quality of life for carers of patients with cancer at end of life. The effect is greatest immediately following the intervention. Additional work is required with attentional control groups and outpatient patient populations to further support the benefits of this intervention.
Interventions such as EBT that target informal carers of patients with cancer have the potential to relieve distress and improve quality of life for the carer and the patient.