Dupuis, L., Roscoe, J., Olver, I., Aapro, M., Molassiotis, A., Dupuis, L.L., & Roscoe, J.A. (2017). 2016 updated MASCC/ESMO consensus recommendations: Anticipatory nausea and vomiting in children and adults receiving chemotherapy. Supportive Care in Cancer, 25, 317–321.
RESOURCE TYPE: Evidence-based guideline
Best approach to control ANV is to control acute and delayed nausea and vomiting (level of evidence: MASCC moderate, high consensus; ESMO: III, grade of recommendation A). Benzodiazepines can reduce the occurrence of ANV (level of evidence: MASCC moderate, moderate consensus; ESMO: II, grade of recommendation A). Behavioral therapies (progressive muscle relaxation training, systematic desensitization, and hypnosis) (level of evidence: MASCC moderate, moderate consensus; ESMO: II, grade of recommendation B).
Limitation of the pediatric studies; the behavioral therapies methods applied in the studies differ in their methods.
The best approach to controlling ANV is by controlling acute and delayed nausea and vomiting. Some pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical treatment modalities are used for the prevention and treatment of ANV.
Dupuis, L.L., Boodhan, S., Holdsworth, M., Robinson, P.D., Hain, R., Portwine, C., ... Sung, L. (2013). Guideline for the prevention of acute nausea and vomiting due to antineoplastic medication in pediatric cancer patients. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, 60(7), 1073–1082.
Table of antiemetic recommendations and strength of evidence of recommendations
Limited evidence exists for the prevention of CINV in pediatric populations making conclusions and guidelines difficult to establish.
When managing acute CINV in pediatric patients, nurses can make informed decisions by consulting evidence-based guidelines.
Dupuis, L., Robinson, P.D., Boodhan, S., Holdsworth, M., Portwine, C., Gibson, P., . . . Sung, L. (2014). Guideline for the prevention and treatment of anticipatory nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy in pediatric cancer patients. Pediatric Blood and Cancer, 61, 1506–1512.
PURPOSE: To provide evidence to optimize the control of anticipatory chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in children receiving chemotherapy
TYPES OF PATIENTS ADDRESSED: Pediatric patients
693 practice guideline publications were retrieved. Nine guidelines were included and scored, including those from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, European Society for Medical Oncology, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network. None were directly adapted because they were aimed at adult patients. 1,586 references were retrieved from database searches, and 11 studies met the inclusion criteria.
Evidence was weak, and the optimal dosing of medications for pediatric patients was not clear.
The strongest recommendation for anticipatory CINV was prevention, which necessitated maximum prevention and control of CINV when first initiated. Although newer antiemetics improved CINV outcomes, anticipatory nausea remains a problem. In general, the timeframe for evaluating anticipatory CINV is prior to the first chemotherapy administration although it also may occur daily with multiday treatment. The authors pointed to evidence from longitudinal studies that with administration of 5HT3 and dexamethasone, about a third of adults had anticipatory nausea and 6%–11% had anticipatory vomiting. Maximum CINV control initially needs to be the goal, and patients should be evaluated on an ongoing basis for anticipatory nausea prior to each chemotherapy administration as part of the assessment of adequate CINV control. More studies of pediatric patients for CINV are needed.
Duijts, S.F., Faber, M.M., Oldenburg, H.S., van Beurden, M., & Aaronson, N.K. (2011). Effectiveness of behavioral techniques and physical exercise on psychosocial functioning and health-related quality of life in breast cancer patients and survivors—A meta-analysis. Psycho-Oncology, 20, 115–126.
STUDY PURPOSE: To examine the effects of behavioral techniques (e.g., behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, mind-body and relaxation techniques, counseling, social support, hypnosis, biofeedback, exercise, physical exercise (PhysEx), aerobic exercise, physical activity, motor activity) on psychosocial functioning outcome measures, such as fatigue, depression, anxiety, body image, and stress, and on health-related quality of life
TYPE OF STUDY: Meta-analysis and systematic review
PHASE OF CARE: Multiple phases of care
APPLICATIONS: Elder care, palliative care
Behavioral techniques affect specific aspects of psychosocial functioning but have a minor, insignificant effect on health-related quality of life. PhysEx has a positive effect on health-related quality of life. Behavioral techniques demonstrated a moderately significant effect on anxiety and depression and showed a significant but small effect on fatigue. PhysEx was effective for fatigue and showed a positive effect for depression.
A range of behavioral techniques may be effective for patients with breast cancer and fatigue, depression, and depressed body image. PhysEx was shown to improve health-related quality of life, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Recognizing the symptoms of patients with breast cancer was emphasized as having positive effects (e.g., feeling relieved, hearing helpful strategies addressing quality of life and psychosocial problems).
Duijts, S.F., van Beurden, M., Oldenburg, H.S., Hunter, M.S., Kieffer, J.M., Stuiver, M.M., . . . Aaronson, N.K. (2012). Efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy and physical exercise in alleviating treatment-induced menopausal symptoms in patients with breast cancer: Results of a randomized, controlled, multicenter trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 30, 4124–4133.
To evaluate the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and physical exercise (PE) for management of menopausal symptoms
Patients were randomized into four groups: wait list control, CBT alone, PE alone, or combined CBT and PE. The CBT interventions consisted of six weekly group sessions focusing on hot flashes and night sweats as well as other symptoms, with a booster session six weeks after completion of the program. The PE intervention was a 12-week individually tailored program of 2.5–3 weeks exercise of a type selected by the patient with assistance of a physiotherapist. Women were provided with heart rate monitors and instructed to achieve target hear rates. In weeks 4 and 8, women were contacted by phone for any need to adjust the program. Women in the combined group received both interventions concurrently. Study data were obtained at baseline, at 12 weeks, and six months later.
Randomized controlled trial
Overall effects showed group differences in hot flash symptoms (p < .001) and perceived burden of hot flashes and night sweats (p < .001), but not for the frequency of these symptoms. Effect sizes for study groups were 0.4 for CBT (p < 0.001), 0.31 for PE (p = .007), and 0.36 for the combined intervention (p = .001). Perceived problem rating was only seen in the CBT groups compared to controls at both 12 weeks and six months (p < 0.001). These effect sizes ranged from 0.39 to 0.56. Fifty eight percent of the CBT group were deemed noncompliant, as were 64% of the PE group and 70% of the combined intervention group. To be deemed compliant, subjects had to attend at least four of six CBT sessions and have a minimum of 25 PE training sessions with a specified level of caloric expenditure.
Both physical exercise and CBT interventions were associated with reduced hot flash symptoms, though not the frequency of those symptoms. CBT was helpful to reduce the degree to which patients perceived hot flashes as a problem. Adherence to these programs was low.
Findings suggest that both CBT and PE can be helpful in managing hot flash symptoms in women with breast cancer. CBT appears to be more helpful in assisting women to reduce the perceived level of problem created by the symptom. Participation in scheduled group sessions appeared to be difficult for subjects in this study, and many were currently employed, suggesting that this approach may not be practical for many patients. Alternative methods of delivery to achieve results that are practical for patients need to be explored.
Duggleby, W., Williams, A., Holstlander, L., Cooper, D., Ghosh, S., Hallstrom, L. K., . . . Hampton, M. (2013). Evaluation of the living with hope program for rural women caregivers of persons with advanced cancer. BMC Palliative Care, 12(1), 36.
To investigate the results of a Living With Hope Program on rural female caregivers‘ self-efficacy, hope, quality of life, and loss and grief when caring for persons with advanced cancer
Components of the Living With Hope Program included caregiver viewing of a Living With Hope video and journaling centered on “Stories of the Present” over a two-week period. Journaling focused on caregiving challenges and experiences supportive of hope in the caregiving experience. Measures assessing caregiver demographic data, hope, self-efficacy, quality of life, grief, and journaling time were collected at baseline, one week, two weeks, and 3, 6, and 12 months. Trained RNs collected baseline and one- and two-week data in caregiver homes and then by telephone at 3, 6, and 12 months. Convenience sampling produced an initial N of 36 but because of attrition based on uncontrolled factors dropped to 22 by the 12-month measurement time.
HHI scores at day 7 and 14 were significantly higher than baseline values (p = 0.013), and GSES scores were significantly higher at all data points compared to baseline values (p < 0.04). SF-12v2 physical summary scores were significantly lower at 12 months than at baseline (p = 0.04), but instrument mental scores at 3 and 12 months were significantly higher than at baseline (p < 0.03). A positive correlation between GSES and HHI scores (p < 0.001) and a negative correlation between NDRGEI and HHI scores (p = .0.01) was found. HHI and NDRGEI scores significantly predicted caregiver mental health summary scores (p = 0.01 or less) and similar physical health scores (p < 0.04). All caregivers completed the Living With Hope intervention with a mean 4.18 (SD = 4.07) journal entries per week and an average journal composition time of 9.12 minutes (SD = 8.89 minutes). Qualitative analysis data supported the value of journaling, social support, and faith and spirituality in responding to caregiver challenges with accessing care, financial issues, and caregiver health.
Study findings suggest that the Living With Hope Program may increase hope in rural female caregivers of people with advanced cancer who are receiving palliative care services. The study's small sample size, convenience sample, limited journaling exercise, and inherent threats to internal validity (e.g., history, selection, maturation) due to study design support further studies of the Living With Hope Program as an evidence-based psychosocial intervention for caregivers of patients with advanced cancer.
Clinicians benefit from examining interventions, such as the Living With Hope Program, that improve caregiver hope via increasing self-efficacy and minimizing feelings of loss and grief with advanced cancer family member care. Study results that rural caregivers experience poorer physical and mental health than the general population also support clinician attention to caregiver health issues during care encounters.
Duggin, K., Tickle, K., Norman, G., Yang, J., Wang, C., Cross, S.J., . . . Mandrell, B. (2014). Aprepitant reduces chemotherapy-induced vomiting in children and young adults with brain tumors. Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing, 31, 277–283.
To determine if a 5HT3 receptor antagonist and aprepitant, an NK1 antagonist, without a corticosteroid were effective in reducing vomiting in pediatric patients with brain tumors receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC)
This retrospective chart review investigated all patients (young adults and children) receiving the medulloblastoma protocol who were prescribed a 5HT3 antagonist plus aprepitant without a corticosteroid during their first course of HEC from September 9, 2003 to March 12, 2010. All cases were matched with two controls who received 5HT3 plus a corticosteroid.
Single-institution retrospective chart review
The control group experienced grade 2 or higher chemotherapy-induced vomiting when compared to aprepitant recipients. When controlling for variables such as risk, age, and gender, patients who did not receive aprepitant were significantly more likely to have grade 2 or higher vomiting during the first course of HEC than aprepitant recipients.
There is limited literature documenting chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting among pediatric patients, and this study provides helpful information to investigate the role of aprepitant. Prospective studies including patient-reported outcomes would be helpful in characterizing the benefits of aprepitant. The ability to better control chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting without the use of steroids is very beneficial.
Ducloux, D., Guisado, H., & Pautex, S. (2013). Promoting sleep for hospitalized patients with advanced cancer with relaxation therapy: experience of a randomized study. The American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care, 30, 536–540.
To measure the efficacy of relaxation training for hospitalized patients with advanced cancer.
Patients were randomized to receive an immediate or delayed intervention, on day 3 or day 6 of a nine-day study period. The intervention was a one-hour training session delivered by a specially trained registered nurse (RN) in deep breathing and somatic tension release, as well as instruction on maintaining a state of somatic relaxation. Patients were given a CD of the audio training to repeat at night after the training.
This was a pilot, randomized, controlled trial.
Only 11 patients were able to complete the treatment phase of the study. Both groups improved (not statistically) between the day of inclusion and day 2 of therapy. No improvement occurred between days 2 and 5, which was when the intervention occurred for half of the patients. No change occurred in the use of benzodiazepines during the nine-day study.
The study did not show that a simple relaxation therapy intervention improved satisfaction with sleep in patients with advanced cancer hospitalized on a palliative care unit.
Assessment and management of sleep disturbances should be integrated into patient care early in the disease process. Further work is needed to identify and test interventions that can be used to improve sleep in patients with advanced cancer. Further work is also needed to determine whether relaxation therapies have an effect on sleep satisfaction.
It is critical to assess and manage sleep disturbances in patients with cancer early in the disease process. Ongoing evaluation and research is required into effective interventions to promote sleep in patients with cancer; specifically, further work is needed to look at relaxation therapies and determine if they are effective and a means of improving patient satisfaction with sleep.
Dubenske, L.L., Gustafson, D.H., Namkoong, K., Hawkins, R.P., Atwood, A.K., Brown, R.L., . . . Cleary, J.F. (2014). CHESS improves cancer caregivers' burden and mood: Results of an eHealth RCT. Health Psychology, 33, 1261–1272
To compare the effects of Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (CHESS) access intervention versus provision of internet with recommended websites for lung care cancer care on informal caregivers’ burden, disruptiveness, and mood
Patients and their caregivers were provided with laptops with internet that allowed access to CHESS. CHESS is a home-based e-health system that helps users to appraise the controllability of cancer-related stressors and improves their cognitive, behavioral, and supportive coping skills by providing them with a variety of information, communication, and coaching services appropriate for cancer caregivers based on their need and preference. CHESS allows sharing critical information with clinicians via Clinician Report, where caregivers are able to communicate their needs, ask questions, and rate patients’ symptoms on a scale of 0–10. A score of 7 or more triggers an email alert to the patient’s treating clinician so he or she is aware of the patient’s and caregiver’s situation on the next patient visit. Patients randomly were assigned to internet use only or CHESS plus internet use. Internet users were provided with internet access and a list of high-quality websites for information.
Average use of CHESS among the intervention group was 14.6 logins, averaging browsing 293 pages and spending 177 minutes on the system (almost 50 minutes monthly). Statistically significant improvement was seen in the intervention group over the control group at six months follow-up in burden (p = .02) and negative mood (p = .006), but not in disruptiveness. These effects persisted even when patient symptom distress (on the ESAS) and other covariates were controlled. Analyses also show that these significant differences existed only at six-month follow-up, not at any other times.
Targeted electronic systems that are designed comprehensively to help caregivers can improve their experience of caregiving by minimizing their perceived burden and improving their mood.
Targeted e-health systems are more likely to be beneficial to caregivers of patients with cancer when they are self-directed and have a comprehensive approach to caregivers’ needs (e.g., information, communication, coaching, interaction with healthcare providers). The benefits of e-health vary among cancer caregivers and depend on how they use the tools offered by such systems. Which feature or combination of features would be most helpful to this group of caregivers remains to be determined.
Du, S., Hu, L., Dong, J., Xu, G., Jin, S., Zhang, H., & Yin, H. (2015). Patient education programs for cancer-related fatigue: A systematic review. Patient Education and Counseling, 98, 1308–1319.
Interventions included exercise in eight studies, sleep hygiene in seven, relaxation training in six, and nutritional guidance in six. Six studies included the use of a booklet as supplement material. Four studies included telephone follow-up, and one was provided via an Internet-based program. The program duration ranged from 1 week to 12 weeks. Attrition rates ranged from 7%–46.7%. Two studies demonstrated significant reduction of fatigue with ES ranging from –0.76 to –1.41 (p < 0.001). Six studies concluded achieving a limited positive effect, with a small effect size and no statistical significance. One study showed no effect, and one showed worse outcomes in the intervention group. High heterogeneity existed across trials, so no meta-analysis was deemed appropriate.
Inconsistent evidence of effects of patient education programs on cancer-related fatigue existed across all 10 studies.
Some mixed evidence exists regarding the effects of patient education programs on cancer-related fatigue, which are related to the variability in interventions that have been studied. More rigorous research is needed to sort out those program characteristics and populations of patients who can benefit most from educational interventions.