Gilbert, C.R., Lee, H.J., Akulian, J.A., Hayes, M., Ortiz, R., Hashemi, D., . . . Yarmus, L.B. (2015). A quality improvement intervention to reduce indwelling tunneled pleural catheter infection rates. Annals of the American Thoracic Society, 12, 847–853.
To evaluate the effects of an organizational intervention to reduce pleural catheter infections
Medical records of patients receiving indwelling pleural catheters (IPC) for malignant effusions were reviewed to describe the overall findings and practices from 2009 to 2014. The protocol was then updated to include changes so that all placements occurred within a single location, all patients received perioperative antibiotics within 60 minutes prior to IPC insertion, and full body sterile draping was conducted. A review of all cases was done after six months of follow-up.
Overall, the IPC infection rate was 8.2% prior to the intervention and decreased to 2.2% after the intervention (p = 0.049).
The quality improvement interventions implemented were associated with a significant reduction in overall IPC infection rates.
This study showed that a quality improvement intervention involving a review of practices and related outcomes and an implementation of protocol changes aimed at reducing IPC infection rates was successful because of the overall reduction of infection rates. Principles related to surgical site infection and catheter infection prevention were incorporated into the organizational protocol changes that were made.
Gielissen, M. F., Verhagen, S., Witjes, F., & Bleijenberg, G. (2006). Effects of cognitive behavior therapy in severely fatigued disease-free cancer patients compared with patients waiting for cognitive behavior therapy: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 24, 4882–4887.
Intervention treatments were individualized based on patient scores on specific questionnaires that measured the six modules (perpetuating factors) of postcancer fatigue. These included:
If a patient had a score on a questionnaire that indicated problems in a specific module, the accessory module became part of the treatment. Therapy only varied in the number of modules, but within each module, the therapy was standardized. The intervention was delivered by three therapists with previous experience with patients with chronic fatigue. Therapy sessions ranged between five and 26 sessions (mean = 12.5 sessions [standard deviation = 4.7 sessions]), with a duration of one hour during a six-month period. Cognitive and behavioral techniques used in therapy addressed the six modules of postcancer fatigue. Patient outcomes were assessed at baseline and six months after enrollment.
Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.
The study was a randomized, controlled trial with a
Checklist Individual Strength (CIS)
Patients in the CBT intervention group experienced a statistically significant decline in fatigue severity (difference, 13.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] [8.6, 18.1]), as well as functional impairment (difference, 21.6; 95% CI [12.7, 30.4]) compared with patients in the waiting list condition (p < 0.001). The proportion of patients with significant improvements in fatigue severity and functional impairment was significantly higher than the intervention condition compared with the waiting list condition, indicating clinical significance (p < 0.001).
Gibson, R.J., Keefe, D.M., Lalla, R.V., Bateman, E., Blijlevens, N., Fijlstra, M., … Mucositis Study Group of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer/International Society of Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO). (2013). Systematic review of agents for the management of gastrointestinal mucositis in cancer patients. Supportive Care in Cancer, 21(1), 313–326.
To systematically review current evidence for prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) mucositis in adults and children receiving cancer treatment and to update relevant Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) guidelines
This was an evidence-based guideline developed based on a systematic review of the literature with rating of levels of evidence and identification of study flaws.
Database searched was MEDLINE.
Search keywords were numerous and included all known possible interventions tested.
Inclusion and exclusion criteria were not stated in this article but provided elsewhere in the journal.
A total of 1,336 papers were initially retrieved; of these, 146 were reviewed for development of the guidelines.
This review had a limited search strategy, as only one database was searched. In addition, most of the suggestions and recommendations provided were based on low-level evidence by the rating system used.
These guidelines provide some suggestions for management of oral mucositis and diarrhea in patients with cancer. They also provide information regarding evidence for mucositis in the entire GI tract.
Giacomelli, I., Scartoni, D., Fiammetta, M., Baki, M., Zei, G., Muntoni, C., . . . Livi, L. (2015). Oral lapacho-based medication: An easy, safe, and feasible support to prevent and/or reduce oral mucositis during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Nutrition and Cancer, 67, 1249–1254.
To demonstrate the benefits and tolerance of a multicomponent herbal oral agent for mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiation or combination therapy
Orasol plus solution (a mixture of lapacho, hyaluronic acid, green tea, calendula, erisiom, propolis, marigold, plantain, and mauve) was administered to patients from the first day of radiotherapy until the end of therapy. It was given at a dose of 10 ml three times daily. The authors indicated that it can be swallowed, but did not state how patients were instructed to use it.
Of the patients, 47.5% developed grade 1, 27.5% developed grade 2, and 10% developed grade 3 mucositis. Median Gy doses to the oral mucosa were lowest in those with grade 1 mucositis. Six patients did not develop mucositis. None of these patients was receiving radiation and chemotherapy. The prevalence of grade 2 or greater mucositis was higher among smokers (p < 0.02). One patient developed itching and one developed glossitis. Twenty-five percent needed an increase in dosage or additional analgesic therapy.
The herbal nutritional supplement tested here may have some benefit for the prevention of severe mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer during therapy. Additional research is needed to establish any benefit.
Very few interventions have been shown to be effective for the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis in patients receiving cancer treatment. The substance tested here appeared safe, and findings suggest that it may be beneficial; however, numerous study design limitations exist. Further research with this agent is needed to determine efficacy.
Ghosh, S., & Dey, S. (2010). Comparing different antiemetic regimens for chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. International Journal of Collaborative Research on Internal Medicine and Public Health, 2, 142–156.
To compare the efficacy and safety of ondansetron, granisetron, and palonosetron used with equal dosage of dexamethasone with moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC) to highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC)
The study was conducted in a single outpatient setting at Bankura Smmilani Medical College and Hospital in India.
All patients were in active treatment.
This was a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.
Study findings suggest that palonosetron may be more effective for CINV prevention and control with MEC. Palonosetron, as pointed out in this article, is much more expensive than the other medications used, so considering its use in the type of chemotherapy treatment where it appears to be more effective makes sense. Differences in efficacy seen over time suggest that the same drug may have the same efficacy in a patient over the course of therapy. Consideration might be given to studying this issue and the potential of switching drugs at various points.
Ghoreishi, Z., Esfahani, A., Djazayeri, A., Djalali, M., Golestan, B., Ayromlou, H., . . . Darabi, M. (2012). Omega-3 fatty acids are protective against paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy: A randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial. BMC Cancer, 12, 355.
Investigate omega 3 fatty acids in reducing the incidence and severity of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy
Patients were randomly assigned to receive omega 3 fatty acid supplements at a dose of 640 mg three times daily, or an identical gelatin placebo capsule. All patients received the intervention throughout treatment and for one month after chemotherapy treatment. Patients were evaluated prior to chemotherapy and one month after completion of chemotherapy. Evaluations were done by a single neurologist.
PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial
70% of patients receiving omega 3 fatty acid supplements did not develop peripheral neuropathy, compared to 40% in the placebo group (odds ratio = 0.3, .95% CI = 0.10–0.88, p = .029). There was a non-significant trend toward lower severity of symptoms in those receiving omega 3 fatty acids. No significant differences existed between groups in individual nerve conduction study results. Significant differences did exist between groups in serum EPA and DHA concentrations (p < .005) with higher levels in the experimental group. No relationship existed between serum concentrations and peripheral neuropathy scores.
Findings suggest that oral supplementation with omega 3 fatty acids may have a protective effect for development of peripheral neuropathy in patients receiving paclitaxel.
Findings suggest a neuroprotective effect of omega 3 fatty acid supplementation. These are promising results, which warrant further research in well-powered studies and in the context of other types of neurotoxic chemotherapeutic agents.
Gholizadeh, N., Mehdipoor, M., Sajadi, H., & Moosavi, M.S. (2016). Palifermin and chlorhexidine mouthwashes in prevention of chemotherapy-induced mucositis in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Dentistry, 17, 343–347. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5136413/pdf/JDS-17-343.pdf
To assess the effectiveness of palifermin in preventing mucositis in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) undergoing chemotherapy
A clinical trial of 90 children with ALL who were randomized to receive chlorhexidine or palifermin. One group received 60 mcg/kg palifermin as an IV bolus once daily three days before and three days after chemotherapy. The other group received chlorhexidine mouthwash administered once daily three days before and three days after chemotherapy.
Randomized, controlled trial
The World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Toxicity Scale was used for grading mucositis. The data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA.
The group that used the palifermin had a decreased incidence and severity of chemotherapy-induced mucositis.
Palifermin reduced oral mucositis in children with ALL.
In this study, palifermin has reduced the severity of mucositis in children with ALL who received induction and intensification chemotherapy.
Ghalayani, P., Emami, H., Pakravan, F., & Nasr Isfahani, M. (2014). Comparison of triamcinolone acetonide mucoadhesive film with licorice mucoadhesive film on radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis: A randomized double-blinded clinical trial. Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology. Advance online publication.
To determine whether improved pain control and/or ulcer management of oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer receiving postoperative radiation therapy can be achieved with licorice mucoadhesive film or triamcinolone acetonide mucoadhesive film
When patients reached a World Health Organization (WHO) grade 2 or 3 mucositis rating, they were randomized according to a balanced block randomization to receive either triamcinolone (T) (.5 mg triamcinolone acetonide in film) or licorice (L) (.18 mg polyphenols as pyrogallol extracted from licorice root) in addition to the standard of care. The standard of care included frequent mouth rinses using boiled water, regular brushing and flossing, scaling, and the removal of plaque and tartar during radiation therapy. The films were applied to the upper lip four times per day. The intervention continued for four weeks or until the cessation of mucositis. The use of analgesics was not permitted before or during the study. Two investigators rated the severity of the mucositis, and data were collected on a weekly basis. Compliance was measured by counting unused films.
Double-blinded, prospective, randomized, controlled trial
There was a significant difference in the mean value of the mucositis scores for the T and L interventions when compared to the control group (p < .05) although there was no difference between the two intervention groups. No statistically significant difference was achieved (p > .05) between interventions in reducing pain during radiation therapy. However, each was statistically significant (p < .05) in reducing pain during radiation therapy when compared to the standard of care alone. A slight additional reduction in pain was noted in the L group, but it was not significant.
Both triamcinolone acetonide mucoadhesive film and licorice mucoadhesive film reduced the mean mucositis score and the pain associated with mucositis during radiation therapy when compared to the group that only received standard of care. However, there was no significant difference between the two interventions for mucositis scores or pain scores when compared to each other.
Although there is not enough evidence to recommended the use of this intervention, this study is a good starting point for nurse research to continue working toward finding additional, better ways to treat and prevent oral mucositis and its complications in patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Ghadiany, M., Rahimi, H., Rezvani, H., Mohammad Alizadeh, A., Zamani, N., Mehdizadeh, M., & Foratyazdi, M. (2016). Prophylaxis of neutropenic fever with ciprofloxacin in patients with acute myeloid leukemia treated with intensive chemotherapy. Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology, 12, e11–e15.
To compare outcomes between patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who did or did not receive prophylactic ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice per day for neutropenic fever
Administration of prophylactic ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice daily for the prevention of neutropenic fever
PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment
Retrospective, medical record, cross-sectional evaluation
Outcome measurements included rate of neutropenic fever episodes, microbiologic findings, patterns of resistance, and mortality. Independent variables included demographic data, type of AML, and administration or absence of the intervention (prophylactic ciprofloxacin). Administration of granulocyte–colony-stimulating factors were also included in the analyses.
No statistically significant differences were found in any of the outcome variables between patients who received prophylactic ciprofloxacin compared to patients who did not receive the prophylactic treatment. Specifically 80% of the treatment group and 82% of the control had neutropenic fevers. Although mortality rates were lower among those who received the prophylactic ciprofloxacin compared to those who did not, the differences were not statistically significant.
There is no benefit of prophylactic ciprofloxacin for the prevention of neutropenic fever among patients undergoing induction chemotherapy for AML. These findings aligned with other similar studies with the exception of one that the researchers found in the literature.
Understanding the ineffectiveness of prophylactic ciprofloxacin for the prevention of febrile neutropenia in patients undergoing induction chemotherapy for AML can aid in treatment decisions and promote the use of more effective interventions.
Gewandter, J.S., Mohile, S.G., Heckler, C.E., Ryan, J.L., Kirshner, J.J., Flynn, P.J., . . . Morrow, G.R. (2014). A phase III randomized, placebo-controlled study of topical amitriptyline and ketamine for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN): A University of Rochester CCOP study of 462 cancer survivors. Supportive Care in Cancer, 22, 1807–1814.
To determine the effectiveness and safety of the topical application of a combined 2% ketamine and 4% amitriptyline (KA) cream for reduction of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in patients who have completed chemotherapy
One week prior to enrollment, subjects completed a seven-day daily pain, numbness, and tingling diary over the past 24 hours. Subjects answered the question for any of the three symptoms in either their hands or feet. At enrollment, subjects were instructed to use a measuring device for application of 4 g of either KA or placebo cream twice daily to each area of hands or feet with any pain, numbness, or tingling. The seven-day daily pain, numbness, and tingling diary for pain over the past 24 hours, by numeric rating scale (NRS), was completed at three and six weeks after enrollment. A secondary analysis for pain using NRS was done at baseline, three, and six weeks.
No therapeutic effect was observed with the application of KA cream to the affected areas on hands or feet for reduction of pain, numbness, and tingling (p = 0.363). Secondary analysis for pain alone did not show a statistically significant difference between groups comparing means at 95% CI (KA cream, 4.64; placebo, 4.68). Patients in the treatment regimen group of prior taxanes, regardless of receiving study treatment with either KA or placebo, reported a reduction in pain, numbness, and tingling at six weeks (p = 0.042). No statistically significant adverse events were reported for the KA treatment group compared to the placebo group.
This study showed no therapeutic benefit for the topical application of KA cream for CIPN.
Further studies need to be done to investigate if any combination or separate topical compound targeting specific nociceptive pathways has a therapeutic benefit for CIPN.