Advanced Cancer Research
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Study Finds Disparities in Access to Opioids for Cancer Pain at End of LifePosted:
Black and Hispanic patients nearing the end of life are less likely than White patients to get opioids needed to control their cancer pain, a new study shows. Black patients were also more likely than White patients to undergo urine tests that screen for drugs.
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For People with Cancer, Are Steroids the Best Treatment for Breathing Problems?Posted:
Results from a large NCI-funded clinical trial show that steroids were no more effective than a placebo for treating breathing problems in people with advanced cancer. And people treated with steroids were more likely to have serious side effects.
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Aided by Community Health Workers, People with Advanced Cancer Need Fewer Hospital VisitsPosted:
Regular visits and calls from community health workers showed many benefits for those with advanced cancers, from greater use of palliative care to improved quality of life, a new study has shown.
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Even If Insured, People with Advanced Cancer Often Face Financial ProblemsPosted:
Financial hardship caused by cancer care was common and occurred early in treatment, even for patients with insurance, a recent study found. The investigators believe financial hardship should be addressed like any other complication of cancer care.
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For Older Adults, Geriatric Assessment Reduces Cancer Treatment Side EffectsPosted:
For older adults with advanced cancer, a geriatric assessment can help direct their treatment, a new study shows. In the study, patients whose care was guided by a geriatric assessment experienced fewer serious side effects and falls in their homes.
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Opioid Use Drops among Cancer Patients at End of LifePosted:
According to a new study, among people with cancer in the last month of their lives, filled prescriptions for opioids to control pain have dropped and emergency room visits for pain have increased dramatically.
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Olanzapine Reduces Nausea and Vomiting Caused by Advanced CancerPosted:
Many advanced cancer patients suffer from chronic nausea and vomiting and there aren’t many good treatments available. But a small study suggests that the drug olanzapine (Zyprexa) may fill that gap.
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Telephone-Based Rehab Program Helps People with Advanced Cancer Maintain IndependencePosted:
A physical rehabilitation program delivered by telephone improved function and reduced pain for people with advanced cancer, a clinical trial shows. The program also reduced the time patients spent in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
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Tailored Psychotherapy Eases Depression in People with Advanced CancerPosted:
Just three to six sessions of a tailored psychotherapy approach called CALM helped to lessen symptoms of depression in people recently diagnosed with advanced cancer, results from a clinical trial show. The approach also may help prevent depression, researchers found.