Pneumatic Compression
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.
Pleurodesis
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.
Pleural Catheter
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.
Platelet Growth Factors
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.
Platelet Gel
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.
Plant Extract Cream (Capilen®)
Capilen® cream is a topical phytotherapic product that has been tested for its efficacy in the prevention and management of radiodermatitis.
Pimecrolimus
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.
Pilocarpine
Pilocarpine is a cholinergic agonist. It works by increasing the amount of saliva in the mouth. It is used to treat dry mouth and mucositis caused by radiotherapy in people with head and neck cancer. Pilocarpine comes as a tablet to take by mouth.
Phenylbutyrate Mouthwash
Phenylbutarate is a chemical compound that is a type of gene modulator that can reduce oxidative stress induced tissue damage and is currently an approved drug for urea cycle disorder. A mouth rinse containing phenylbutarate was studied for its effects on mitigating oral mucositis in patients with cancer.
PG2
PG2 is an investigational drug extracted from Astragalus membranaceus, which appear to have an effect on the hematopoiesis system. PG2 was studied in patients with cancer for its effect on fatigue.