Adhesive capsaicin 8% patch for improved control of pain caused by chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with multiple myeloma: A single-centre, seven-case series.

BACKGROUND: Capsaicin is a highly selective agonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1. The adhesive capsaicin patch provides a high capsaicin concentration (8%) directly in the painful area - its efficacy in benign peripheral neuropathic pain (diabetic neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia) has recently been described in the literature. However, there is scant evidence of its efficacy in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). This is a concern for patients with multiple myeloma, who suffer from peripheral neuropathic pain induced by first-line treatments (bortezomib or thalidomide). AIM: To describe improved control of CIPN in patients with multiple myeloma using adhesive capsaicin 8% patch. METHODS: We opted for a retrospective observational case series. Between October 2017 and October 2020, we collected clinical data from adult multiple myeloma patients affected by CIPN who were administered the capsaicin 8% patch in our palliative care outpatient clinic. We compiled Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) scores, patients' medication needs and performance status before and after patch application. RESULTS: Two women and five men with an average age of 62.85 years received bortezomib. Two patients (28.57% of the sample) also received thalidomide. The average NPRS score before patch application was 6.42/10. Five of the seven patients (71.42%) received a mean daily oral morphine dose of 52.85 mg/day, five (71.42%) received gabapentinoids and one (14.28%) received antidepressants. The average NPRS score decreased to 4/10 seven days after patch application, while the mean daily oral morphine dose remained stable. Performance status improved slightly in two patients (28.57%) and remained stable in the rest. One patient (14.28%) required an extra analgesic dose during patch application. CONCLUSIONS: Capsaicin 8% patch application appears to reduce pain intensity in patients with multiple myeloma suffering from CIPN.

Antitumoral Agent-Induced Constipation: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Constipation is a common symptom in patients receiving antitumoral treatment. The mechanisms underlying antitumoral agent-induced constipation (ATAIC) are poorly defined. This systematic review aimed to analyze and synthesize the available information related to the prevalence, etiology, and treatment of ATAIC. METHODS: A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted. The review included human studies written in English, French, or Spanish involving patients with cancer and containing information about the prevalence, etiology, and treatment of ATAIC. RESULTS: A total of 73 articles were included. The reported prevalence ranged from 0.8% to 86.6%. Six studies reported an ATAIC prevalence of over 50%. The prevalence rates of constipation of grades 3 and 4 ranged between 0 and 11%. The importance of enteric neuronal integrity in gastrointestinal function was reported. The articles with the highest levels of evidence in relation to ATAIC treatment obtained in this systematic review studied treatments with acupuncture, sweet potato, osteopath, probiotics, and moxibustion. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of constipation in patients undergoing antitumoral treatment is very diverse. Studies specifically designed to report the prevalence of antineoplastic treatment-induced constipation are needed. The importance of enteric neuronal integrity in gastrointestinal function was described. Thus, neuroprotection could be an area of research for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal disorders.

Switching Ratio from Parenteral to Oral Methadone 1:1.2 Is Safer Compared with Ratio 1:2 in Patients with Controlled Cancer Pain: A Multicenter Randomized-Controlled Trial (RATIOMTD-010810).

Background: The most commonly used switching ratio from parenteral to oral methadone is 1:2. Methadone is highly bioavailable and a lower ratio might result in similar analgesia with less toxicity. Objective: To compare success and side effects with two ratios from parenteral to oral methadone: 1:2 versus 1:1.2 in hospitalized patients with cancer pain. Design: A multicenter double-blind randomized clinical trial. Settings/Particiants: Inpatients with well-controlled cancer pain with parenteral methadone requiring rotation to the oral route. Measurements: Outcomes included pain intensity (Brief Inventory Pain), opioid toxicity (Common Toxicology Criteria for Adverse Events), and methadone dose. Success was defined as no toxicity with good pain control at 72 hours. Results: Thirty-nine of forty-four randomized patients were evaluable: 21 in ratio 1:2 and 18 in ratio 1:1.2. Seventy-one percent male. Median age 65 years. No significant differences in basal clinical characteristics between both groups. Median methadone dose pre/post switching was 24.5 mg ±13.5 and 49 mg ±27.3 for ratio 1:2, versus 23.3 mg ±9.4 (p: not significant) and 28 mg ±11.3 (p < 0.01) for ratio 1:1.2. Pain was well controlled without differences between both ratios. Drowsiness at day +1 (p < 0.017) and myoclonus at day +3 (p < 0.019) were more prevalent in group 1:2. Success was observed in 12 patients in ratio 1:2 versus 18 in ratio 1:1.2 (p < 0.001). Methadone side effects were observed in 12 patients in ratio 1:2 (mainly neurotoxicity symptoms) versus 2 in ratio 1:1.2 (p < 0.005). Conclusion: Ratio 1:1.2 when changing from parenteral to oral methadone resulted in lower toxicity and no difference in analgesia. More conservative dose adjustment during methadone route change should be considered. European Clinical Trials Register (EudraCT No. 2010-024092-39).

Construcción de un instrumento de screening sobre la priorización de la evaluación de trabajo social sanitario en una unidad de cuidados paliativos de agudos / Development of a screening tool for prioritization of health-social work assessment in an acute palliative care unit

OBJETIVO: Construir un instrumento de screening de priorización en base a la complejidad en la intervención del trabajador social (TS) en una unidad de cuidados paliativos de agudos (UCPA). MÉTODO: Se construyó un cuestionario ad hoc de evaluación social con 16 variables (independientes) agrupadas en siete dimensiones. Cada variable se puntuaba con valores de 0, 3, o 5, siendo 0 la situación menos compleja y 5 la situación más compleja. Asimismo, se adjudicó un tiempo promedio a diferentes intervenciones en TS sanitario (variable dependiente). La variable tiempo (invertido por TS) se ha categorizó a partir del valor de su mediana. Se ha realizado una regresión logística multivariante con la variable tiempo y variables explicativas (preguntas del cuestionario), a fin de identificar las variables que incrementaban el riesgo de mayor consumo de tiempo de TS (complejidad) para atender las necesidades de paciente-familia. RESULTADOS: Se evaluaron 200 cuidadores. La mediana de tiempo medio invertido por TS fue de 140 minutos. Las preguntas que definen complejidad en TS son: "En estos momentos se siente apoyado por su entorno (familiar, social)" y "El/los cuidador/es, ¿se ven con ánimos y posibilidad de cuidar al enfermo en casa y con las limitaciones actualmente previsibles?". Cualquier respuesta desfavorable incrementa el riesgo de complejidad 3 veces. CONCLUSIONES: El uso de dos preguntas sencillas de forma proactiva permiten identificar aquellos casos que van a consumir más tiempo de trabajo social sanitario (complejidad) tras ingresar en una UCP

AIM: To develop a social work (SW) assessment prioritization screening tool base on social complexity in an Acute Palliative Care Unit (APCU). METHOD: We developed an ad hoc questionnaire which assessed 16 variables (independent) grouped into 7 dimensions. Each variable was scored 0,3 or 5, where 0 was the less complex situation and 5 the more complex one. An average time was allocated for each of the SW interventions usually undertaken in the APCU. The variable time (used by the SW) was categorised using its median value. It was used a multivariable logistic regression analysis with the variable time and the explicative variables (questions in the questionnaire) in order to identify those questions that increased the risk of time consumption (complexity). RESULTS: Two hundred main-careers were assessed. The median time used by the SW was 140 minutes. The questions that defined SW complexity were: "Currently, do you feel supported by your social network?", and "Caregivers are looking forward to being able to take care of the patient at home with the currently foreseeable limitations". Any unfavourable answer to any of the questions increases the risk of being a complex case by three. CONCLUSIONS: The use of two easy questions proactively allows identifying those cases that will consume more health SW time at the APCU

Cuidados paliativos en hematología clínica: experiencia de una consulta integrativa en pacientes con mieloma múltiple / Palliative care in clinical haematology: Experience of an integrative outpatient clinic in patients with multiple myeloma

OBJETIVO: Describir la experiencia tras el primer año de funcionamiento de una consulta integrativa de cuidados paliativos en pacientes con mieloma múltiple. Materiales y MÉTODOS: Se revisaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes visitados por primera vez en la consulta de cuidados paliativos en pacientes con mieloma múltiple. Durante la primera y las 3 siguientes visitas se evaluaron: dolor, anorexia, estreñimiento, insomnio, náuseas y vómitos, disnea, ansiedad y tristeza; mediante una escala visual numérica [0-10]. Se calculó la carga sintomática de los síntomas físicos y emocionales mediante el sumatorio de las puntuaciones de sus escalas visuales numéricas. La intensidad del dolor y su interferencia se evaluó mediante la versión española del Brief Pain Inventory modificada ad hoc. RESULTADOS: De febrero a diciembre 2013, se visitaron 67 pacientes (mediana desde el diagnóstico 355 días), y tras 3 visitas de seguimiento (mediana 60 días) la proporción de pacientes con dolor moderado-severo (escala visual numérica≥5) se redujo para el «dolor máximo» (57 vs.18%; p < 0,0001) y el «dolor promedio» (24 vs.2%; p < 0,0001). La proporción de pacientes sin interferencia por el dolor mejoró: actividad general (52 vs.82%; p = 0,0001), sueño (73 vs.91%; p = 0,01), estado de ánimo (52 vs.87,5%; p = 0,0001). La carga sintomática física y emocional, y la proporción de pacientes deprimidos (13 vs.5%; p = 0,001) mejoraron. CONCLUSIONES: La integración de los cuidados paliativos en la atención de los pacientes con mieloma múltiple no solo es posible, sino que mejora de forma significativa los síntomas emocionales y físicos

AIM: To describe the experience after the first year of operation of an integrative palliative care clinic for patients with multiple myeloma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records were reviewed of patients seen for the first time in the integrative palliative care clinic for patients with multiple myeloma. During the first, and the next 3 visits, pain, anorexia, constipation, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, dyspnoea, anxiety, and sadness were evaluated using a visual numeric scale [0-10]. The symptomatic burden of physical and emotional symptoms was calculated by summing the scores of their visual numeric scale. The pain intensity and its interference were assessed using the Spanish version of the Brief Pain Inventory modified ad hoc. RESULTS: From February to December 2013, 67 patients (median 355 days from diagnosis) were seen, and after 3 follow up visits (median 60 days from the first visit) the proportion of patients with moderate-severe pain (visual numeric scale ≥ 5) was reduced for 'worst pain' (57% vs.18%; P < .0001) and 'average pain' (24% vs.2%; P < .0001). The proportion of patients without interference from pain improved in, general activity (52% vs.82%; P=.0001), sleep (73% vs.91%; P =.01), and mood (52% vs.87.5%; P = .0001). There was also improvement in the physical and emotional symptom burden, and the proportion of depressed patients (13% vs.5%; P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: The integration of palliative care in the care of patients with multiple myeloma is not only possible, but also significantly improves the emotional and physical symptoms

Evidence on the analgesic role of bisphosphonates and denosumab in the treatment of pain due to bone metastases: A systematic review within the European Association for Palliative Care guidelines project.

BACKGROUND: Bisphosphonates and denosumab are well-established therapies to reduce the frequency and severity of skeletal-related events in patients with bone metastasis. However, the analgesic effect of these medications on bone pain is uncertain. AIM: To identify, critically appraise and synthesize existing evidence to answer the following questions: 'In adult patients with metastatic bone pain, what is the evidence that bisphosphonates and denosumab are effective and safe in controlling pain?' and 'What is the most appropriate schedule of bisphosphonate/denosumab administration to control bone pain?'. This review also updates the 2002 Cochrane review 'Bisphosphonates for the relief of pain secondary to bone metastases'. DESIGN: Standard systematic review and narrative synthesis. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched for relevant articles published through 31 January 2014. A manual search was also performed. Study inclusion criteria were: a) conducted in adult patients; b) randomized controlled trial or meta-analisys; c) reported efficacy of bisphosphonates or denosumab on pain and/or decribed side effects versus placebo or other bisphosphonate; and d) English language. RESULTS: The database search yielded 1585 studies, of which 43 (enrolling 8595 and 7590 patients, respectively, in bisphosphonate and denosumab trials) met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-two (79%) of the 28 placebo-controlled trials found no analgesic benefit for bisphosphonates. None of the denosumab studies assessed direct pain relief. CONCLUSION: Evidence to support an analgesic role for bisphosphonates and denosumab is weak. Bisphosphonates and denosumab appear to be beneficial in preventing pain by delaying the onset of bone pain rather than by producing an analgesic effect per se.

Efficacy and Safety of Methadone as a Second-Line Opioid for Cancer Pain in an Outpatient Clinic: A Prospective Open-Label Study.

INTRODUCTION: Most clinical reports on methadone rotation describe outcomes in hospitalized patients. The few studies that have included outpatients are retrospective. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of methadone as a second-line opioid in adult patients with advanced cancer after rotation in routine clinical practice at a palliative care outpatient clinic. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, open-label study of 145 patients whose treatment was rotated from other opioids to methadone. Informed consent was obtained in all cases. The main outcome measure was change in the variable "worst pain" at day 28. Pain and pain interference were assessed with the Brief Pain Inventory, with side effects evaluated according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0. Pain levels were evaluated at study entry and at days 3, 7, 9, 14, 21, and 28. RESULTS: Rotation to methadone was performed for the following reasons: poor pain control (77.9%), opioid side effects (2.1%), or both (20%). The mean daily oral morphine equivalent dose before rotation was 193.7 mg. The median worst and average pain scores decreased significantly (p < .0001) from baseline to day 28: The median worst pain score decreased from 9 (interquartile range [IQR]: 8-10) to 6 (IQR: 3-8), and the median average pain score decreased from 6 (IQR: 5-7) to 4 (IQR: 2-5). The proportions of patients with moderate to severe worst and average pain decreased by 30.3% and 47.5%, respectively, by day 28. No increase in opioid toxicity was observed during the study. CONCLUSION: In outpatients with advanced cancer, rotation to methadone as a second-line opioid was efficacious and safe when using a tiered scheme with close follow-up by experienced health professionals. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The results of this study, conducted prospectively under real clinical conditions, support the efficacy and safety of oral methadone as a second-line opioid in ambulatory patients with cancer. Moreover, these findings corroborate previously reported outcomes in retrospective outpatient studies and prospective studies that evaluated inpatient populations. Although more research into methadone rotation strategies is still needed, this study describes a successful tiered scheme of oral methadone rotation that was proven safe and effective during follow-up.

Enfermedad tromboembólica en el paciente oncológico avanzado: incidencia, complicaciones, tromboprofilaxis primaria y percepción del paciente / Thromboembolic disease in the advanced cancer patient: Incidence, complications, primary thrombo-prophylaxis and patient perception

JUSTIFICACIÓN: La enfermedad tromboembólica (ETE) venosa en el paciente avanzado es una complicación seria no siempre bien documentada. El objetivo principal es determinar la frecuencia de ETE en el paciente avanzado que ingresa en la Unidad de Agudos de Cuidados Paliativos. Los objetivos secundarios son analizar la frecuencia de tromboprofilaxis (TP) realizada durante la hospitalización, complicaciones asociadas y aceptación por parte del paciente. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo donde se recogieron datos sociodemográficos de los pacientes incluidos, factores de riesgo asociados a ETE, incidencia de la misma durante la hospitalización y a los 15 días postalta, y complicaciones asociadas con el tratamiento con heparina de bajo peso molecular (HBPM). El conocimiento de los pacientes sobre la TP y la satisfacción fueron evaluados mediante una escala simple ordinal. RESULTADOS: Entre marzo y junio de 2010 fueron incluidos 140 pacientes que ingresaron de forma consecutiva en la Unidad de Agudos de Cuidados Paliativos. Episodios de ETE ocurrieron en 10 pacientes (7,1%); en 4 de ellos (2,9%) fue la causa del ingreso y en 6 (4,3%) ocurrió durante la hospitalización o en los 15 días postalta. El tromboembolismo pulmonar fue más frecuente que la trombosis venosa profunda de miembros inferiores. Las complicaciones asociadas a la TP fueron menores (6% de sangrado y ningún caso de trombocitopenia). Se observó una mayor estancia media en el grupo de pacientes que desarrollaron ETE o fue la causa de ingreso (17,6 vs. 11,4 días; p < 0,05). Los objetivos de la TP primaria eran bien conocidos para el 30% de los pacientes. La mayoría (92%) afirmaron que la administración subcutánea de HBPM no ocasionó malestar. CONCLUSIONES: La frecuencia de ETE durante la hospitalización es relativamente baja pero asociada a mayor número de complicaciones y estancia prolongada. Los efectos secundarios asociados al empleo de HBPM fueron poco frecuentes y leves. La aceptación de la profilaxis fue muy buena (92%) a pesar de que el conocimiento preciso de su indicación fue bajo (30%). Son necesarios estudios controlados, aleatorizados para evitar factores de confusión y poder extraer conclusiones definitivas

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolic (VTD) disease in advanced cancer patients is a serious, not always well documented, complication. Primary aim: to determine the frequency of VTD in advanced cancer patients admitted to an Acute Palliative Care Unit. Secondary aim: to assess the thromboprophylaxis (TP) used during hospitalisation, the associated complications, and patient acceptance of TP. METHODS: The following variables were recorded in this descriptive prospective study of advanced cancer patients: socio-demographic data, risk factors of VTD, occurrence of VTD on/during hospitalisation and at 15 days post-discharge from hospital, and complications associated with the use of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). Patient awareness and satisfaction with primary TP was evaluated using an ordinal scale questionnaire. RESULTS: Between March and June 2010, 140 consecutive patients were enrolled. VTD was noted in 10 patients (7.1%); in 4 (2.9%) it was the reason for admission, and in 6 (4.3%) it occurred during admission or 15 days after discharge. Pulmonary thromboembolism was more frequent than deep vein thrombosis. Complications associated with TP were minor (6% bleeding and no thrombocytopenia). A higher mean stay (17.6 vs. 11.4 days; P < .05) was observed in the VTD group. The aims of TP were well known to 30% of patients. The majority of patients (92%) noted that subcutaneous LMWH administration did not cause discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of VTD in advanced cancer patients admitted to a Palliative Care Unit is low, but associated to a longer stay and complications. Adverse effects related to the use of heparin were few, and mild. There was very good patient acceptance (92%) of subcutaneous LMWH use, despite the low awareness of TP (30%). Further randomised studies are necessary to avoid confounding factors and to draw a definitive conclusion

Utilidad y satisfacción de los pacientes de un instrumento educacional en dolor irruptivo oncológico: resultados preliminares / Usefulness and patient satisfaction with an educational tool on breakthrough cancer pain: preliminary results

JUSTIFICACIÓN: El dolor oncológico irruptivo se define como una exacerbación transitoria de dolor que aparece con un dolor basal adecuadamente controlado. Una nueva generación de fármacos (fentanilo) de absorción transmucosa mimetizan las características del dolor irruptivo, proporcionando un perfil analgésico ideal. Una correcta educación del paciente sobre las características del dolor y el modo de titulación de estos fármacos es esencial para un abordaje satisfactorio. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el grado de comprensión y utilidad que los pacientes otorgan a una hoja de información y soporte a la titulación (HIT) creada para facilitar la comprensión del empleo y titulación del fentanilo nasal en pectina. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Inclusión consecutiva de pacientes que ya habían completado el proceso de titulación y a los que se les había entregado la hoja informativa (HIT) para evaluar mediante encuesta su grado de comprensión y satisfacción. RESULTADOS: De los 20 pacientes incluidos, 2 no la habían utilizado como material de consulta. De los restantes, todos la consultaron al menos en una ocasión, el 85% la consideró muy útil y el 80% muy comprensible. El 33% sugirió modificaciones menores

JUSTIFICATION: Breakthrough cancer pain is defined as a transitory exacerbation of pain experienced by the patient who has relatively stable and adequately controlled baseline pain. Anew generation of drugs (fentanyl) with transmucosal absorption mimic the characteristics of breakthrough pain by providing an ideal analgesic profile. Good patient education on pain characteristics and the mode of titration of these drugs is essential for a successful approach. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the degree of understanding and usefulness that patients given to a titration sheet created to facilitate the use and titration of nasal fentanyl pectin. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients who had completed the titration and had received the titration sheet were included. A survey was used to assess their satisfaction. RESULTS: Of the 20 patients enrolled, 2 had not consulted the titration sheet because they were happy enough with the verbal instructions given. Of the rest, all had consulted it at least once, 85% considered it very useful and 80% very understandable and 33% suggested minormodifications