Petroleum-Based Topical Agents
Petroleum-based topical agents are chemical agents or ointments for application to the skin that contain a mixture of hydrocarbons, available as over-the-counter skin protectants. Petroleum-based products have been used in the management of skin reactions associated with cancer therapies.
Perioperative Drug Combinations
Researchers have assessed several drug combinations, administered in the preoperative and perioperative periods, in regard to management of the acute pain of patients with cancer. Drug combinations assessed include morphine + acetaminophen + ketoprofen + naproxen and acetaminophen + dexamethasone + dextromethorphan + celecoxib + gabapentin.
Pentoxifylline
Pentoxifylline is a methylxanthine derivative approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of intermittent claudication. It can inhibit tumor necrosis factor alpha production, reducing plasma levels of this cytokine, which is thought to be a mediator in cancer-associated anorexia and cachexia (Goldberg et al., 1995). Pentoxifylline was evaluated in anorexia.
Pentosan Polysulfate
Pentosan polysulfate is a medication that is similar to low-molecular-weight heparin, which has been used in the treatment of interstitial cystitis. In this condition, it reduces bladder pain, apparently by reducing irritation of the bladder wall. Pentosan polysulfate has been evaluated in patients with cancer for treatment of radiation-induced diarrhea.
Peer Counseling
Peer counseling is support and guidance provided by a trained nonprofessional who has a similar symptom or health problem (Schover et al., 2006). Peer counseling was examined as an intervention for hot flashes and depression. Aspects of peer counseling may also be incorporated into a broader range of supportive and psychoeducational interventions that have been tested in multiple topic areas.
Payayor
Payayor is an herb that has been used in Thailand for burns, insect bites, rashes, herpes simplex and herpes zoster wounds, and varicella zoster infection. The scientific name is Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. f.). Payayor was evaluated for use in managing mucositis in patients with cancer.
Patient Education
Patient education is the process by which healthcare providers impart information to patients. Through patient education, health professionals help patients gain increased knowledge, a skill, or a value or attitude about a health problem or health promotion.
Patient Controlled Lorazepam and Diphenhydramine
Lorazepam is a type of benzodiazepine, which is an antianxiety medication, that is metabolized more rapidly than many other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam is mainly used for the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety associated with depression, and it is used to treat insomnia, nausea, vomiting. Lorazepam was evaluated as an adjunct medication for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients with cancer. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that has been used to treat motion sickness.
Patient-Caregiver Education: Behaviors to Avoid Opportunistic Infection
Patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation are at greatly increased risk for infection. Infections that have been seen to occur with increased frequency or severity among these patients are considered opportunistic infections. Several professional groups have outlined recommended behaviors to reduce potential exposure to such infections, such as hand washing, avoiding contact with individuals with respiratory, varicella, pneumocystis, and other known infections, following general food safety practices, using condoms during sexual intercourse, avoiding shari
Paroxetine
Paroxetine is a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) type of antidepressant. Paroxetine tablets, suspension, and extended-release tablets are used to treat depression, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Paroxetine tablets and suspension also are used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. SSRIs and antidepressants in general have been evaluated for use in treating pain and peripheral neuropathy.