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.
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.
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.
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.
Capilen® cream is a topical phytotherapic product that has been tested for its efficacy in the prevention and management of radiodermatitis.
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 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.
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 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.
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.