Pain Medicine News – Management of Opioid-Induced Constipation in Patients With Advanced Illness

This Special Report discusses the management of OIC in patients with advanced illness, including RELISTOR (methylnaltrexone bromide), a second-line therapeutic option that inhibits opioids from binding to target receptors within the GI tract and does not cross the blood-brain barrier.

via Pain Medicine News – Management of Opioid-Induced Constipation in Patients With Advanced Illness.

Thoughts at 39,000 feet | hairforhospices

I am writing this as I return from a UN-based meeting in the USA following up on the meeting at which I was invited to talk about the first Hair for Hospices in 2012.  Many remembered my presentation and had participated last year and plan to do so again this year.  However, I was very touched by a small number of colleagues who spoke to me privately to tell me of serious and terminal illness that had been diagnosed in their family members since last year.

via Thoughts at 39,000 feet | hairforhospices.

Contraindicated Use of Bevacizumab and Toxicity in Elderly Patients With Cancer

Conclusion Our study demonstrates widespread use of bevacizumab among patients who had contraindications. Black patients were less likely to receive the drug, but those who did were more likely to have a contraindication. Efforts to understand toxicity and efficacy in populations excluded from clinical trials are needed.

via Contraindicated Use of Bevacizumab and Toxicity in Elderly Patients With Cancer.

American College of Cardiology Foundation | Journal of the American College of Cardiology | Enalapril and Carvedilol to prevent chemotherapy-induced left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with malignant hemopathies

Enalapril and Carvedilol to prevent chemotherapy-induced left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with malignant hemopathies ONLINE FIRST

via American College of Cardiology Foundation | Journal of the American College of Cardiology | Enalapril and Carvedilol to prevent chemotherapy-induced left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with malignant hemopathies.

Pain in chemotherapy-induced neuropathy – more than neuropathic?

The detrimental effect of chemotherapy on large fibers failed to differentiate painful from painless CIN. Patients stratified for musculoskeletal or neuropathic pain, however, differed in psychological and somatosensory parameters. This stratification might allow for the application of a more specific therapy.

via Pain in chemotherapy-induced neuropathy – more than neuropathic?.

Very Low-Dose-Methadone for the Prevention of Opioid Hyperalgesia | Abstract

Very Low-Dose-Methadone for the Prevention of Opioid Hyperalgesia | Abstract.

Kidney International – No difference in bleeding risk between subcutaneous enoxaparin and heparin for thromboprophylaxis in end-stage renal disease

Thus, in dialysis patients, daily enoxaparin for thromboprophylaxis was not associated with increased serious bleeding or less effective compared to subcutaneous heparin.

via Kidney International – No difference in bleeding risk between subcutaneous enoxaparin and heparin for thromboprophylaxis in end-stage renal disease.

Hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid dysfunction induced by intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for adult patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma – Springer

At the era of IMRT, a high rate of endocrine deficiency was still seen. Hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid dysfunction is more common in NPC patients. Regular monitoring is needed.

via Hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid dysfunction induced by intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for adult patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma – Springer.

Development and initial evaluation of electronic Children’s International Mucositis Evaluation Scale (eChIMES) for children with cancer – Online First – Springer

We found that eChIMES was easy to use, understandable, and suitable for monitoring mucositis among children with cancer. Incorporation into clinical trials may improve the ability to compare and evaluate interventions for mucositis.

via Development and initial evaluation of electronic Children’s International Mucositis Evaluation Scale (eChIMES) for children with cancer – Online First – Springer.

Dermatologic Adverse Events to Targeted Therapies in Lower GI Cancers: Clinical Presentation and Management – Online First – Springer

Rapid advances in drug discovery and the regulatory approval of a number of novel anticancer agents during the past decade pose unique challenges to the oncology community. While the benefits of such therapies receive most attention, adverse events (AEs), especially those pertaining to subspecialties (e.g., dermatology), often are underemphasized. To ensure best clinical outcomes, it would be important to bridge the gap between approval of a new drug and devising effective management strategies for the AEs.

via Dermatologic Adverse Events to Targeted Therapies in Lower GI Cancers: Clinical Presentation and Management – Online First – Springer.