Bracarda, S., Ruggeri, E.M., Monti, M., Merlano, M., D'Angelo, A., Ferrau, F., ... Sorafenib Working Group. (2012). Early detection, prevention, and management of cutaneous adverse events due to sorafenib: Recommendations from the Sorafenib Working Group. Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology, 82, 378–386.
RESOURCE TYPE: Expert opinion
PROCESS OF DEVELOPMENT: The SWG was a multidisciplinary team of experts in the field who were closely involved in the sorafenib clinical development program. The group was established with the objective of developing recommendations to allow the early detection, prevention, and management of cutaneous adverse events in everyday clinical practice.
PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment
The SWG aims to collect the experience of each clinician in order to develop detailed, practical guidelines for the prevention and management of dermatological adverse events associated with sorafenib.
For grade 1 HFSR on the hands, apply zinc oxide and magnesium silicate lenitive cream without Vaseline. For feet, wear comfortable shoes with a latex insole if possible. Wash with non-foaming cleansing creams, apply same cream as hands, and wear perspiring socks without seams. For grades 2–3 HFSR, aspirate fluid inside blister and then medicate with a PEG-based cicatrizing ointment. Avoid antibiotics. General erythema should be treated also with zinc oxide and magnesium silicate lenitive cream. For follicular rash, apply a cold compress of potassium permanganate 0.0125% solution followed by 2% sulfosalicylic cream without Vaseline. No antibiotics recommended.
Nurses should consider these recommendations, especially for HFSR. Certainly, the preventative measures are worthy. However, one also needs to be familiar with any trials using the products that are recommended from this expert group.
Boztug, H., Muhlegger, N., Potschger, U., Attarbaschi, A., Peters, C., Mann, G., & Dworzak, M. (2017). Antibiotic prophylaxis with teicoplanin on alternate days reduces rate of viridans sepsis and febrile neutropenia in pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Annals of Hematology, 96, 99–106.
Report results from using prophylactic outpatient use of teicoplanin or vancomycin for hospitalized patients on febrile neutropenia and bacterial sepsis for cases from 2005–2015. Prior to 2008, no routine antibiotic prophylaxis was used and antibiotics for prophylaxis when used varied. In 2009, a regimen with teicoplanin 15–20 mg/kg IV was instituted, starting at the onset of severe neutropenia on alternate days until the absolute neutrophil count was more than 400/mcl. In hospitalized cases, vancomycin was used. All patients received Pneumocystis jirovecii and systemic antifungal prophylaxis. Colony-stimulating factors were not used.
Data were collected from retrospective chart review for the use of antibiotics and the incidence and severity of infection.
Retrospective cohort comparison
In 98 chemotherapy cycles with teicoplanin or vancomycin prophylaxis, no patients developed viridians sepsis compared to 12 cases of viridians sepsis in patients without prophylaxis (p < 0.0001). Episodes of febrile neutropenia were also fewer in the teicoplanin/vancomycin group (44% versus 82%, p < 0.0001). No appreciable rise in vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) incidence was observed since the regimen had begun.
The findings showed improved outcomes with antibiotic prophylaxis and no apparent rise in VRE isolates with the use of teicoplanin/vancomycin for prophylaxis.
The findings provide support for the benefit of antibiotic prophylaxis in general. Additional research is needed to determine the effects of routine vancomcin/teicoplanin use on the emergence of resistant organisms. Although no such increase was observed in this study, it has been identified in others.
Bozkurt, M., Palmer, L.J., & Guo, Y. (2016). Effectiveness of decongestive lymphatic therapy in patients with lymphedema resulting from breast cancer treatment regardless of previous lymphedema treatment. The Breast Journal, 23, 154–158.
To compare the effects of decongestive therapy in patients who did and did not receive previous treatment for lymphedema
Data were obtained retrospectively from medical records. Patient were grouped according to having received lymphedema treatment or not. Patients had undergoing assessment and 4–12 lymphedema treatments for four to six weeks. Consecutive patients referred for lymphedema treatment were included in the analysis. The intervention included MLD and compression, as well as teaching about good skin care, limb exercises, and deep breathing.
Retrospective cohort comparison
Both groups had a reduction in limb volume.
Complete decongestive therapy was effective in reducing lymphedema for both patients who had prior treatment for lymphedema and those who did not.
The findings add to the body of knowledge that complete decongestive therapy is effective in reducing lymphedema volume whether or not patients had undergone previous treatment for lymphedema.
Bozcuk, H., Artac, M., Kara, A., Ozdogan, M., Sualp, Y., Topcu, Z., . . . Savas, B. (2006). Does music exposure during chemotherapy improve quality of life in early breast cancer patients? A pilot study. Medical Science Monitor, 12, CR200–CR205.
Patients were exposed to the same kind of music played from a music set located within the chemotherapy unit while their chemotherapies were administered. Music included pieces from the album “Love Songs” by James Galway, distributed by BMG music, 2001 of which were instrumental pieces of international classical music. Patient outcomes were evaluated before and after a baseline cycle of chemotherapy and before and after a chemotherapy cycle with the musical intervention.
Outpatient clinics
This was a pilot study.
European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30)
The music intervention did not demonstrate improvement in fatigue outcomes.
Future studies may want to account for personal preferences of the patients for the type of music listened to during chemotherapy.
Boyden, J.Y., Connor, S.R., Otolorin, L., Nathan, S.D., Fine, P.G., Davis, M.S., & Muir, J.C. (2015). Nebulized medications for the treatment of dyspnea: A literature review. Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery, 28, 1–19.
STUDY PURPOSE: To complete a thorough systematic review of the evidence available in the literature regarding the use of nebulized medications in the treatment of dyspnea in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer, interstitial lung disease (ILD), and cystic fibrosis
TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic review
PHASE OF CARE: Multiple phases of care
APPLICATIONS: Pediatrics, elder care, palliative care
Results delineated by disease populations.
Although many studies evaluated nebulized medications, this review included a wide variety of studies with varied goals, including systemic reviews, evaluation of opioids and furosemide, and delivery via ultrasound versus jet nebulizer across many disease processes and populations. The authors of this review suggested considering the use of nebulized medications on a case-by-case basis. No broader recommendations can be made at this point.
The oncology nurse should be aware of the use of nebulized medications as a delivery method for dyspnea but that there has not been any high-quality evidence to support the use of any specific medication. Although the delivery method may be more acceptable, the increased cost and lack of evidence do not support its use at this time.
Boyd, K.J., & Kelly, M. (1997). Oral morphine as symptomatic treatment of dyspnoea in patients with advanced cancer. Palliative Medicine, 11, 277–281.
To assess the effect of regularly administered extended-release morphine for dyspnea in patients receiving standard hospice care
Decline in dyspnea VAS scores for six patients was not statistically significant (p = 0.06). No clinically significant decline was found in respiratory function. No change was seen in anxiety, but actual scores were not reported. The authors stated that the high incidence of sedation and dizziness was of concern and indicated a need to monitor patients carefully. The authors also stated that the use of immediate-release morphine on an as-needed basis might be effective and cause less sedation.
Although the authors claimed that morphine should be trialed in patients, the evidence from this study does not support that. The problem may be the use of modified-release morphine 10 mg opposed to immediate release.
Boyages, J., Kastanias, K., Koelmeyer, L.A., Winch, C.J., Lam, T.C., Sherman, K.A., . . . Mackie, H. (2015). Liposuction for advanced lymphedema: A multidisciplinary approach for complete reduction of arm and leg swelling. Annals of Surgical Oncology, 22, 1263–1270.
To evaluate a liposuction surgery and multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach for advanced lymphedema of the upper and lower extremities
Liposuction was performed under general anesthesia following limb exsanguination and tourniquet application. Using specialized Helixed Tri-Port III cannulas (22 and 30 cm long, 4–5 mm wide) connected to a vacuum pump, subcutaneous tissue was removed through multiple small incisions along the limb. Presurgical limb volume determined how much tissue was removed to equalize volume relative to the unaffected limb. Compression garments were applied to the affected limb immediately postsurgery prior to tourniquet release (custom-made 30 mmHg JOBST® Elvarex for arms, or Ready Wraps® [Solaris] for legs). From one week postsurgery, all leg patients wore JOBST Elvarex custom-made compression garments 50–80 mmHg. Initial postsurgical garments were measured using the circumference of the unaffected limb. Subsequent measurements were obtained from the operated limb by a trained garment fitter. Every order consisted of two garments, allowing one to be worn while the other was washed. Throughout follow-up, compression garments alone were used in areas where liposuction was performed. However, decongestive lymphatic therapy was used when indicated in areas where liposuction was not performed (hands or feet) or areas that could not be adequately compressed (shoulder or hip).
Prospective clinical study, one arm, pre and post measures
Liposuction was safe and may be an effective option for carefully selected patients with advanced lymphedema. Assessment, treatment, and follow-up by a multidisciplinary team is essential.
Liposuction is a surgical approach to lymphedema. It should be noted that even with continuous compression therapy, postliposuction, patients’ lymph fluid level was elevated beyond normal. Nurses should continue observing the impact of liposuction on patients’ physiological, functional, and emotional aspects. Nurses should also advise patients according to current evidence.
Box, R.C., Reul-Hirsch, H.M., Bullock-Saxton, J.E., & Furnival, C.M. (2002). Physiotherapy after breast cancer surgery: Results of a randomised controlled study to minimise lymphoedema. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 75(1), 51–64.
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the incidence of lymphedema after axillary dissection to determine the effects of prospective monitoring and early physiotherapy intervention
The study sample (N = 65) was comprised of a treatment group and a control group.
The study used a randomized controlled trial design.
Both arms of patients were measured for circumference, volumetry, and multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis preoperatively and 5 days and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively.
A small number of women detected with clinically significant lymphedema (n =12); 91% of women completed measures at two years after surgery. Two women had bilateral surgeries within the first month after enrollment. At 24 months, three times as many women in the control group compared to treatment group showed secondary lymphedema (except for volume criteria). Using volume criteria, a trend toward increased lymphedema in patients with mastectomy complete with breast conservation therapy existed. Hand or arm dominance did not influence lymphedema by these measurements. Logistic regression used to determine risk factors for development of lymphedema included
Clinical incidence of lymphedema in the study was 21% at two years.
The study was very well done and well designed.
Nurses should advocate ongoing measurement to detect changes early and intervene.
Bower, J. E., Garet, D., Sternlieb, B., Ganz, P. A., Irwin, M. R., Olmstead, R., & Greendale, G. (2012). Yoga for persistent fatigue in breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial. Cancer, 118, 3766–3775.
To examine, relative to a health education control, the feasibility and efficacy of an Iyengar yoga intervention for breast cancer survivors with persistent posttreatment fatigue.
Outcome assessors of the performance tasks were blinded to group assignment. The intervention was briefly but fully described, and then participants were randomly assigned to a group that received a 12-week, Iyengar-based yoga intervention or a group that received 12 weeks of a health education (control group).
The study was a randomized, controlled trial.
Relative to the control group, fatigue severity in the intervention group declined significantly (p = 0.032) from baseline to posttreatment and over the three-month follow-up. In addition, relative to the control group, the yoga group had significant (p = 0.011) increases in vigor. Both groups had positive changes in symptoms of depression and perceived stress (p < 0.05). The authors noted no significant changes in sleep or physical performance.
One adverse protocol-related event occurred: a participant with a history of back problems experienced a back spasm in yoga class. After evaluation by her physician, she returned to class.
A targeted yoga intervention led to a significant reduction in fatigue and improvement in vigor among breast cancer survivors with persistent fatigue symptoms. This conclusion should be understood in the context of the study: participants were relatively healthy and without comorbid conditions found in the general population.
This study offered minimal conclusive data in support of the intervention. Preliminary findings indicated that the yoga intervention is feasible and safe and has a positive effect on fatigue. A larger trial that includes participants with common comorbid conditions—a study more representative of the general population of women with breast cancer posttreatment—is warranted. Secondary outcomes included vigor, symptoms of depression, sleep, perceived stress, and physical performance.
Bower, J.E., Bak, K., Berger, A., Breitbart, W., Escalante, C.P., Ganz, P.A., . . . American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2014). Screening, assessment, and management of fatigue in adult survivors of cancer: An American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical practice guideline adaptation. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 32, 1840–1850.
PHASE OF CARE: Late effects and survivorship
Adapted from three guidelines by multidisciplinary experts using supplementary evidence and clinical experience. Most recommendations listed verbatim but some modified to include updated evidence or current practice beliefs.
Recommendations focused on patients who have completed active treatment or are considered in clinical remission. Treat underlying causes, moderate physical activity after cancer treatment with PT and lymphedema referrals as needed (meta-analysis, systematic review, [randomized controlled trial [RCT]; 10 cited), cognitive behavioral therapy (meta-analysis, RCT, systematic reviews; 6 cited), psychoeducational therapies (systematic, RCT; 3 cited), psychosocial services, mindfulness-based interventions (RCT; 3 cited), yoga (RCT; 2 cited), acupuncture (RCT; 2 cited), psychostimulants/wakefulness agents (limited evidence in patients who are post-treatment disease-free). Additional areas in which research needed include biofield therapies, massage, music therapy, relaxation, Reiki, Qigong, ginseng, and vitamin D.
Guidelines were tailored to survivors with current evidence as not all evidence done is survivors.
Screening, assessment, and treatment guidelines summarized for use in cancer survivors.