RESUMO
PURPOSE: The main goal of palliative radiotherapy is to reduce patient's discomfort. But sometimes patients do not receive any benefits from this treatment because of rapid worsening of their general condition. This prospective monocentric study assessed the effective delivery of palliative radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1st December 2015 to 29th February 2016, all consecutive patients receiving palliative radiotherapy in our hospital were included. The primary endpoint was the effective delivery of palliative radiotherapy according to the initial prescription (total dose, overall treatment time and fractionation). The secondary endpoints were the number of treatment breaks, the clinical benefit, the number of deaths and the delays for admission in the palliative care unit. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients were included and 64 treatments were analysed. The treatment sites were: bone (70.3%) and brain (21.9%). The treatment goals were: pain control only (43.8%), decompression only (21.9%), pain control and decompression (32.8%), haemostatic aim (1.6%). Palliative treatment was achieved in 57 cases (89%). Temporary interruption of the radiotherapy treatment was necessary in six cases (9.4%; three for medical reason, three for logistic reason). The main reason of permanent interruption was worsening of performance status (seven cases). Palliation of symptoms (complete or partial responses) was obtained in 44 cases (68.8%). Seven patients (11.9%) died during the month after the end of the treatment. No delay or cancellation for admission in the palliative care unit were observed. CONCLUSION: Palliative radiotherapy was completed as originally planned in 51 cases (79.9%) with a clinical benefit for 44 cases (68.8%). Radiation therapy must not be neglected as a palliative treatment at the end-of-life.
Assuntos
Neoplasias Ósseas/secundário , Neoplasias Encefálicas/secundário , Cuidados Paliativos , Radioterapia Conformacional , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Neoplasias Ósseas/radioterapia , Neoplasias Encefálicas/radioterapia , Fracionamento da Dose de Radiação , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos Prospectivos , Dosagem Radioterapêutica , Radioterapia Conformacional/métodos , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
The authors relate a case of spasm occurring during cisplatin and 6-fluorouracil combination chemotherapy. The cardiotoxicity of 5-F.U., and namely the risk of coronary spasm, has been known since 1969. However, few cases have been reported in France. Referring themselves to the case of interest and to literature sources, the authors review current pathogenic hypotheses and specify the precautions commanded by the prescription of any protocol that includes 5-F.U.