Jennings, A.L., Davies, A.N., Higgins, J.P., Gibbs, J.S., & Broadley, K.E. (2002). A systematic review of the use of opioids in the management of dyspnoea. Thorax, 57(11), 939–944.
This systematic review included trials of opioids for the treatment of dyspnea secondary to any cause.
Eighteen randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trials were evaluated. Meta-analyses were performed on all included studies and on various subgroups (e.g., nebulized opioids).
Patient populations were mixed, with 2 of the 18 trials including patients with a cancer diagnosis only and one of the 18 trials including patients with cancer with other advanced diseases.
A strong effect of non-nebulized opioids relative to placebo in reducing breathlessness was found. The subgroup analysis failed to show a positive effect of nebulized opioids on the sensation of breathlessness. Evidence supports the use of oral and parenteral opioids to treat dyspnea and argues against the use of nebulized opioids.
All but one study had a small sample size (n = 6–18 subjects); cancer-related dyspnea was included but was not a main focus of the research.
Jeffs, E., & Wiseman, T. (2012). Randomised controlled trial to determine the benefit of daily home-based exercise in addition to self-care in the management of breast cancer-related lymphoedema: A feasibility study. Supportive Care in Cancer, 21, 1013–1023.
To compare a home-based exercise program plus standard lymphedema self-care with self-care alone in the management of breast cancer-related lymphedema
Women were randomly assigned to self-care alone or self-care plus exercise groups. Self-care consisted of compression hosiery, skin care, and general activity. Regular hand pumping during any activity involving a closed handgrip was included as standard care. The exercise program combined a series of gravity resistive isotonic arm exercises in a specific sequence to simulate manual lymphatic drainage. Patients were assessed at baseline and at 4,12, and 26 weeks. Patients were instructed to do exercises taught daily for 10–15 minutes and provided pictures and written directions for the exercises.
Out of 85 potential participants, only 23 consented to participate. Analysis showed significant arm volume reduction in the intervention group, no significant reduction in the control group, and no significant arm volume changes between groups by the end of the study. There was no improvement in quality of life or range of motion. Both groups reported high adherence to usual self care measures. Fifty-five percent of the intervention group reported adherence to daily exercise use.
The exercise intervention appeared to have a positive effect in terms of limb volume lymphedema reduction. The study sample was likely too small to detect significant differences between groups at the end of the study. Adherence to the exercise regimen was moderate.
Findings suggest that the exercise intervention used here in combination with standard lymphedema self-care may be beneficial in reducing arm lymphedema. This group of patients had long standing lymphedema, which can be more difficult to impact, so the approach may have promise. Findings suggest, however, that not a lot of patients wanted to participate in this, and that only about half actually completed the exercise as prescribed. Findings point to the challenge of maintaining patient adherence to such regimens and the need to develop effective strategies to support and facilitate patient adherence.
Jeffs, E. (2006). Treating breast cancer-related lymphoedema at the London Haven: Clinical audit results. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 10(1), 71–79.
To treat breast cancer-related lymphedema based on clinical audit results
Clinical audit of effective and ineffective treatment programs Inform the decision-making process regarding focus of care and funding efforts. The study surveyed three years of treatment data on onset and duration of swelling, severity (size and extent), lymphedema treatment received, and changes in severity over time. of 2,486 treatment sessions, 65% (1608) were manual lymph drainage (MLD) optimal intensive offered to all with moderate to severe lymphedema. Only 19 patients were willing to commit to the program. This was followed by MLD and compression garments. All patients with moderate to severe lymphedema were taught daily skin care, exercise,
The study took place at London Haven.
Of patients with mild, uncomplicated lymphedema, 75% (39/52) received standard self-care regimen of hosiery, exercise, and skin care. Those patients had a mean reduction of 30% ELV was achieved by 13 patients for whom 12-month data were available. Thirteen (25%) received a short course of MLD (six sessions over two weeks). Mean reduction was 20% ELV, which is less than that achieved by self-care measures alone. Some patients in self-care group had stopped wearing their hosiery because at three and six months they had such improvement. Thirty-nine patients presented with breast or trunk edema and were treated with MLD and also taught self-massage. Of the 20 patients for whom 12-month data were available, 14 had complete resolution of edema. Moderate-to-severe lymphedema Intensive therapy was offered to 77 patients. Only 19 (25%) underwent one or more courses of intensive therapy. Twelve-month data was available on only 16 patients. At 12 months, swelling had reduced by 40% and six patients had little or no remaining edema. For those patients unable to do intensive therapy, mean reduction was 25%.
Breast edema treatment showed most improvement with MLD, self-care
The audit reinforced the need for programs to offer full-service intensive therapy for patients with moderate to severe lymphedema. For patients unable or unwilling to commit to multilayer bandaging, MLD and self-care hosiery provided 25% reduction in ELV and warrants further investigation. Early treatment is advocated because almost 60% of patients developed symptoms within the first year postsurgery; only half had sought assistance from a lymphedema specialist within three months of onset of symptoms.
Jeba, J., George, R., & Pease, N. (2013). Nebulised furosemide in the palliation of dyspnoea in cancer: A systematic review. BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care, 4, 132–139.
In the two studies included in this review, neither study showed any benefit to nebulized furosemide for dyspnea when compared to controls. Both studies used different doses of nebulized furosemide. Neither study reported adverse effects.
Nebulized furosemide was not beneficial for the relief of dyspnea in patients with cancer.
Many patients with cancer experience feelings of dyspnea. Nurses should assess patients for the underlying causes of dyspnea and use appropriate interventions to treat these causes. In both intervention studies and in systematic reviews, nebulized furosemide has not been shown to be beneficial for patients with cancer who experience dyspnea.
Jean-Pierre, P., Morrow, G. R., Roscoe, J. A., Heckler, C., Mohile, S., Janelsins, M., . . . Hopkins, J. O. (2010). A phase 3 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical trial of the effect of modafinil on cancer-related fatigue among 631 patients receiving chemotherapy: a University of Rochester Cancer Center Community Clinical Oncology Program Research base study. Cancer, 116, 3513–3520.
To examine the effect of modafinil on patient-reported fatigue in patients with cancer who were undergoing chemotherapy.
Assessments were conducted at baseline after randomization and shortly after cycle two of therapy. Modafinil or placebo was started at 100 mg on day 10 or day five of study cycle two, then increased to a full dose of 200 mg after three days. This regimen then was continued until day seven of treatment cycle four, at which time all patients discontinued medication.
This multisite study was set in 23 geographical areas across the United States among University of Rochester Cancer Center Community Clinical Oncology Program (URCC CCOP) affiliates.
This was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.
ANCOVA for BFI fatigue score showed an interaction between treatment effects and baseline BFI score (p = 0.017). A significant difference existed between the study groups for those who had severe fatigue at baseline (BFI of 7 or greater), with average score in the modafinil group. No differences in fatigue were observed between the study groups for those who had mild or moderate baseline fatigue. Daytime sleepiness on ESS showed significant improvement in the modafinil group (p = 0.002). No significant differences existed in depression outcomes between the groups. In the modafinil group, 11% of patients experienced adverse events, and in the placebo group, 9% had adverse events. Only three adverse events were judged to be definitely associated with treatment with modafinil: allergic reaction, dyspnea, and headaches.
The findings supported the use of 200 mg of modafinil as an effective treatment for severe cancer-related fatigue in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Modfinil was not effective for patients with less severe fatigue.
Jayachandran, S., & Balaji, N. (2012). Evaluating the effectiveness of topical application of natural honey and benzydamine hydrochloride in the management of radiation mucositis. Indian Journal of Palliative Care, 18(3), 190–195.
To evaluate the effect of honey and 0.15% benzydamine hydrochloride on the onset and severity of radiation mucositis when compared to 0.9% normal saline
This was a single site, outpatient study conducted in Chennai, India.
Patients were undergoing the active antitumor treatment phase of care.
This was a three-group, randomized, controlled trial.
Patients were assess via clinical exam.
The onset of mucositis and progression to grades 2, 3, and 4 were noted for each group. Group I had a later onset of grades 1, 2, 3, and 4 mucositis compared to Groups II and III. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001).
Honey can be an effective agent in managing radiation-induced oral mucositis. It is simple, inexpensive, and readily available. Further randomized studies are essential to validate the findings.
Mucositis during RT for oral malignancy is a continuing challenge for patients. Further testing of honey is needed. The availability and cost are benefits. The treatment is not complex or impractical.
Jatoi, A., Dakhil, S.R., Sloan, J.A., Kugler, J.W., Rowland, K.M., Jr., Schaefer, P.L., . . . Loprinzi, C.L. (2011). Prophylactic tetracycline does not diminish the severity of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor-induced rash: Results from the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (Supplementary N03CB). Supportive Care in Cancer, 19, 1601–1607.
To attempt to confirm the benefit of the antibiotic tetracycline in decreasing the severity of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–inhibitor-induced rash.
Eligible patients who were starting an EGFR inhibitor and were rash free were randomly assigned to tetracycline 500 mg orally BID for 28 days, versus placebo. Rash development and severity, quality of life, and adverse events were monitored during the four-week intervention and for an additional four weeks. The primary objective was to compare the incidence of grade 2 or worse rash between the study arms.
Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.
This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study did not find that tetracycline decreased rash incidence or severity in patients who were taking EGFR inhibitors.
The sample size was small (fewer than 100 patients).
Quality of life was comparable and tetracycline was well tolerated, but the current results did not support what prior studies had suggested.
Jatoi, A., Rowland, K., Sloan, J.A., Gross, H.M., Fishkin, P.A., Kahanic, S.P., . . . Loprinzi, C.L. (2008). Tetracycline to prevent epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor-induced skin rashes: Results of a placebo-controlled trial from the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (N03CB). Cancer, 113, 847–853.
To compare the effectiveness of tetracycline 500 mg orally BID versus placebo for 28 days starting on day 1 of treatment with any epidermal growth factor receptor–inhibitor (EGFRI) agent to prevent or reduce EGFRI-induced rash in patients with cancer.
Patients were randomized to either the tetracycline arm (500 mg orally BID for 28 days) or the placebo arm.
This study was a collaborative effort of the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (including centers in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, and Ohio) and the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN).
This was a placebo-controlled, doubled-blind trial.
Three patient-reported assessments were used.
Those three questionnaires were completed at baseline and weekly for eight weeks after initiation of tetracycline or placebo. Oncologists performed an evaluation at the end of four weeks and eight weeks. The evaluation included a history and physical examination, an assessment of patient performance status, and an assessment of adverse events (e.g., gastrointestinal toxicity, rash development) as per the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 3.0.
Administration of tetracycline prophylactically did not significantly affect the incidence of rash development in patients receiving EGFRI drugs. Indicators suggest administration of tetracycline prophylactically may have a favorable influence with regard to rash severity in patients receiving EGFRI drugs. In addition, the results suggested these rashes bother patients, who must contend with itching, burning, and other types of skin irritation.
Jatoi, A., Kahanic, S.P., Frytak, S., Schaefer, P., Foote, R.L., Sloan, J., & Petersen, R.C. (2005). Donepezil and vitamin E for preventing cognitive dysfunction in small cell lung cancer patients: Preliminary results and suggestions for future study designs. Supportive Care in Cancer, 13(1), 66–69.
The study was conducted to test oral donepezil and oral vitamin E in patients with small-cell lung cancer after completion of all cancer therapy and prophylactic cranial irradiation.
A randomization procedure was conducted after participant stratification in the following ways.
The treatment group received 5 mg/day of oral donepezil, which increased to 10 mg/day after one month of therapy if tolerated well. Treatment group participants also received 1000 IU/day of oral vitamin E. The control group was given an identical oral placebo. Assessments were performed at study enrollment, one month, and every three months until cancer recurrence or treatment failure.
The study took place at the North Central Cancer Treatment Group and the Mayo Clinic.
The study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
There were no notable differences in cognitive stability, adverse events, or quality of life between treatment arms. Only one patient, who received donepezil and vitamin E, manifested a three-point drop in cognitive scores as measured by the MMSE. There was a slight trend of increased gastrointestinal side effects among patients treated with donepezil and vitamin E.
The median time spent in the study was 42 or 69 days for the treatment or control group, respectively.
Due to low enrollment and retention, the effect of oral doses of vitamin E and donepezil on cognitive function could not be determined.
Jatoi, A., Windschitl, H.E., Loprinzi, C.L., Sloan, J.A., Dakhil, S.R., Mailliard, J.A., . . . Christensen, B. (2002). Dronabinol versus megestrol acetate versus combination therapy for cancer associated anorexia: A North Central Cancer Treatment Group study. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 20, 567–573.
To evaluate the efficacy of megestrol acetate versus dronabinol, as well as a combination of these treatments
This was a randomized, controlled, three-arm trial using a double-blind procedure. The first arm evaluated the efficacy of 800 mg/day of oral megestrol acetate plus a capsule placebo; the second arm evaluated the efficacy of 2.5 mg of oral dronabinol twice daily plus a liquid placebo; and the third arm combined both medications. Evaluations were taken at noted doses.
The final sample included 469 patients. The sample was stratified for confounding factors, including age, gender, cancer type, estimate of survival, performance status, severity of weight loss, concomitant radiation therapy, treatment center, and planned or ongoing treatment. Sample size calculations included a power analysis and accounted for attrition.
All participants shared the following characteristics:
North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) trial involving 20 NCCTG institutions, including the Mayo Clinic
A double-blind, randomized controlled trial design was used.
No differences between groups at baseline were noted. A greater percentage of patients treated with megestrol acetate reported appetite improvement (75% versus 49%; p = 0.0001) and baseline weight gain (11% versus 3%, p = 0.02) for ≥ 10%) compared with dronabinol-treated patients. Combination treatment conferred no additional benefit.
FAACT demonstrated improved quality of life among megestrol acetate–treated and combination-treated patients. Uniscale scores were similar for both groups. Toxicity among groups was comparable, with the exception of a greater incidence of impotence among men who received megestrol acetate.