Relaxation and Visual Imagery
Visual imagery involves the mental visualization and imagination to enhance relaxation and alter specific experiences and may or may not include direct suggestion. It may differ from guided imagery in that the process may not be highly specific and aimed at imagining a relaxed setting or memory. Relaxation may involve breathing exercises but not the specific process of progressive muscle relaxation.
Reiki
Reiki (pronounced "RAY-kee") is a form of "energy healing" that uses vibration drawn through the practitioner into the recipient, in accordance with the recipient’s need. Proponents hypothesize that Reike re-establishes the energy balance in areas of the body associated with discomfort, thus promoting healing and increasing quality of life. Researchers have evaluated Reike in patients with cancer for its impact on anxiety, depression, pain, and fatigue.
Regional Cooling
Regional cooling involves the application of ice packs to the wrists and ankles during chemotherapy infusion. As with cryotherapy, cooling is theorized to cause vasoconstriction and decreased circulation of the chemotherapeutic drug in the regional area, less extravasation into surrounding tissue, and a resulting reduction in cutaneous toxicity.
Reflexology
Reflexology involves the application of pressure to specific zones, on the feet and hands, that reflect other areas of the body. Using the thumb, fingers, or hand on these zones creates a change in the related body part. In patients with cancer, researchers have evaluated the effect of reflexology on pain, anxiety, dyspnea, fatigue, and depression.
Rectal Steroid Administration
Steroids are a type of compound that contain a characteristic chemical structure. Steroid drugs have anti-inflammatory activity. The use of a steroid enema has been investigated for its effect on the prevention of bleeding in patients undergoing pelvic radiation.
Recombinant Factor VII
Factor VII is one of the clotting factors involved in the coagulation cascade that produces blood clotting. Recombinant factor VII is synthesized and produces the same effects as that which is plasma-derived. It is primarily used for prevention and control of hemorrhage in individuals with factor VII deficiency. Recombinant factor VII has been evaluated in patients with cancer for prevention and control of bleeding.
Recombinant Epidermal Growth Factor (RhEGF)
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) regulates epithelial cell proliferation, growth, and migration. In addition, it has an effect on angiogenesis for the nutritional support of tissues. Thus, EGF may have an effect on wound healing and tissue generation. Synthesized RehEGF has been studied as an intervention for mucositis.
ReCharge Ice Cream
ReCharge ice cream is processed to retain lactoferrin, a milk protein, and specific milk fats that may inhibit gut damage. This ice cream was examined for its effect on treatment-induced diarrhea in patients with cancer.
Rapid Diagnostic and Treatment Pathways
Rapid diagnostic and treatment pathways involve shortening the time for diagnosis and/or initiation of treatment of cancer. Receiving a diagnosis of cancer or awaiting results can be a major cause of distress and anxiety. Rapid pathways can shorten the period of uncertainty and have been examined for effects on anxiety.
Radiosurgery
Radiosurgery utilizes externally generated radiation beams that are precisely focused to deliver high doses to a target area. Stereotactic radiosurgery, which provides a high dose to a target area with minimal exposure to surrounding healthy tissue, has been examined for its effectiveness in reducing chronic pain in patients with cancer.