Analysis of physical activity and plasma levels of soluble CD40 and CD40L in older people with gastrointestinal tract cancer.

Regular physical activity prevents and treats cancer patients by assisting and improving the immune system. Co-stimulatory molecules that activate the immune system have been studied in cancer, such as immune checkpoint molecules of the CD40/CD40L pathway. This study aimed to characterize plasma levels of soluble CD40 (sCD40) and CD40 ligand (sCD40L) in older people with gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancer and associate results with physical activity. This prospective and exploratory cohort study was performed with 24 older people with GIT cancer and 23 healthy elderly individuals as controls. Physical activity level was classified as active or sedentary according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Plasma levels of sCD40 and sCD40L were determined using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Plasma levels of sCD40 were higher, while sCD40L were lower (p = 0.0171) in older people with GIT cancer than controls (p = 0.0038). Regarding physical activity, active older people with GIT cancer presented lower plasma levels of sCD40 and sCD40L than those sedentary with GIT cancer (p = 0.0228 and p = 0.0236), respectively. Our findings suggest that GIT cancer stimulates the immune system in older people, elevates levels of sCD40, and reduces levels of sCD40L. Physical activity may be a protective factor for the immune system of these patients since it acts on sCD40/sCD40L pathway.

Impact of age in health-related quality of life in older adults with cancer / Impacto da idade na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em idosos com câncer

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of age in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults with cancer. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 608 older adults diagnosed with cancer. Age groups were considered an independent variable. For the analysis of HRQoL, the mean scores of age groups were compared by analysis of variance and the Scheffé comparison test. For measuring the association between age and HRQoL, we used simple and multiple linear regression analyses. RESULTS: Cognitive function showed the highest scores (average 87.94 ± 26.87), while physical function showed the lowest ones (68.04 ± 28.63). The highest symptom score was observed for financial difficulties (34.21 ± 39.06), followed by pain (29.47 ± 33.92) and insomnia (28.51 ± 37.03). After adjustment, we observed a decrease in physical function (p = 0.028) and an improvement in emotional function (p = 0.003) with increasing age. CONCLUSIONS: In older patients with cancer, age negatively impacted physical function and positively impacted emotional function.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto da idade na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS) em idosos com câncer. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal envolvendo 608 idosos diagnosticados com câncer. Os grupos etários foram considerados uma variável independente. Para a análise da QVRS, os escores médios dos grupos etários foram comparados utilizando a análise de variância e o teste de Scheffé. Para medir a associação entre idade e QVRS, foram utilizadas análises de regressão linear simples e múltipla. RESULTADOS: A função cognitiva apresentou os maiores escores (média 87,94 ± 26,87), enquanto a função física apresentou os menores (68,04 ± 28,63). O maior escore de sintomas foi observado em dificuldades financeiras (34,21 ± 39,06), seguido por dor (29,47 ± 33,92) e insônia (28,51 ± 37,03). Após o ajuste, observamos diminuição da função física (p = 0,028) e melhora da função emocional (p = 0,003) com o aumento da idade. CONCLUSÕES: Em pacientes idosos com câncer, a idade impactou negativamente a função física e positivamente a função emocional.

Prioritization to ensure care in COVID-19 pandemic / Priorização para garantir cuidado na pandemia COVID-19

Abstract Objectives: to develop a flow to ensure care for all people with severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2, offering from intensive care to palliative care, in an equitable and fair manner. Methods: the modified Delphi methodology was used to reach consensus on a flow and a prioritization index among specialists, the regional council of medicine, members of the healthcare system and the local judicial sector. Results: the score was incorporated into the flow as the final phase for building the list of patients who will be referred to intensive care, whenever a ventilator is available. Patients with lower scores should have priority access to the ICU. Patients with higher scores should receive palliative care associated with available curative measures. However, curative measures must be proportionate to the severity of the overall clinical situation and the prognosis. Conclusions: this tool could and will prevent patients from being excluded from access to the necessary health care so that their demands are assessed, their suffering is reduced, and their illnesses are cured, when possible.

Resumo Objetivos: desenvolver um fluxo para garantir o atendimento a todas as pessoas com Síndrome da Angústia Respiratória Aguda de forma equitativa e justa. Métodos: a metodologia Delphi modificada foi utilizada para obter um consenso sobre um fluxo e um escore de priorização entre especialistas do Conselho Regional de Medicina, membros gestores do sistema de saúde e setor judiciário local. Resultados: a priorização foi baseada na insuficiência aguda de órgãos, comorbidades, fragilidade e funcionalidade. O escore foi incorporado ao fluxo como fase final para construção da lista ordenada de pacientes que serão encaminhados para terapia intensiva, sempre que houver ventilador disponível. Pacientes com pontuações mais baixas devem ter prioridade de acesso à UTI. Pacientes com pontuações mais altas devem receber cuidados paliativos associados às medidas curativas disponíveis. No entanto, medidas curativas devem ser proporcionais à gravidade da situação clínica global e ao prognóstico. Conclusão: esta ferramenta pôde e poderá evitar que pacientes sejam excluídos do acesso aos cuidados de saúde necessários para que suas demandas sejam avaliadas, seu sofrimento diminuído e suas doenças curadas, quando possível.

Quality of life in a phase 2 trial of short-course hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) at interval debulking surgery for high tumor burden ovarian cancer.

INTRODUCTION: to evaluate the effect of short-course (i.e.: 30 minutes) HIPEC on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in our feasibility study; NCT02249013. METHODS: a prespecified secondary end-point of our open-label, multicenter, single-arm, phase 2 trial on safety and efficacy was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30, version 3.0). Patients were required to complete the HRQoL questionnaire at baseline, after HIPEC, and after the end of the treatment. Changes of HRQoL over time were assessed by median scores for each domain and analyzed by Friedman`s test at a significant two-sided level of 0.05. RESULTS: fifteen patients with high tumor burden EOC were recruited from our public health system between February 2015 and July 2019. A baseline EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire and at least one follow-up questionnaire was received from all of the patients. No significant difference over time in the QLQC30 summary scores was observed (p>0.05). The transitory impairment on patients HRQoL immediately after the short-course HIPEC trended to return to baseline at the end of the multimodal treatment. CONCLUSIONS: we found no significant impairment of short-course HIPEC on patients HRQoL into the context of our comprehensive treatment protocol.

Prospective Analysis of Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults With Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) changes at 6 to 12 months after cancer diagnosis and to assess the impact of age in older adults with cancer. METHODS: A cohort study using patients ≥60 years old diagnosed with cancer. Health-related quality of life scores were calculated according to the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaire. Student's t tests for paired samples and a binomial logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: The study included 241 patients. At diagnosis, the affected HRQoL functions were physical and emotional functions, financial difficulties, pain, and insomnia. At follow-up, cognitive function (P < .001) and dyspnea (P = .004) worsened, while emotional function improved (P = .003). DISCUSSION: At the 6 to 12 months of follow-up, older adult cancer patients showed worsening cognitive function and dyspnea and improved emotional function. These HRQoL changes were not associated with age.

Quality of life in a phase 2 trial of short-course hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) at interval debulking surgery for high tumor burden ovarian cancer / Avaliação da qualidade de vida em ensaio clínico de fase 2 envolvendo quimioterapia intraperitoneal hipertérmica (HIPEC) de curta duração no momento da citorredução de intervalo em pacientes com câncer de ovário de grande volume tumoral

ABSTRACT Introduction: to evaluate the effect of short-course (i.e.: 30 minutes) HIPEC on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in our feasibility study; NCT02249013. Methods: a prespecified secondary end-point of our open-label, multicenter, single-arm, phase 2 trial on safety and efficacy was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30, version 3.0). Patients were required to complete the HRQoL questionnaire at baseline, after HIPEC, and after the end of the treatment. Changes of HRQoL over time were assessed by median scores for each domain and analyzed by Friedman`s test at a significant two-sided level of 0.05. Results: fifteen patients with high tumor burden EOC were recruited from our public health system between February 2015 and July 2019. A baseline EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire and at least one follow-up questionnaire was received from all of the patients. No significant difference over time in the QLQC30 summary scores was observed (p>0.05). The transitory impairment on patients HRQoL immediately after the short-course HIPEC trended to return to baseline at the end of the multimodal treatment. Conclusions: we found no significant impairment of short-course HIPEC on patients HRQoL into the context of our comprehensive treatment protocol.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o impacto da quimioterapia intraperitoneal hipertérmica (HIPEC) de curta duração (i.e.: 30 minutos) na qualidade de vida (QoL) relacionada à saúde (HRQoL) no contexto de ensaio clínico terapêutico piloto; NCT02249013. Métodos: avaliou-se o desfecho secundário predeterminado de HRQoL em ensaio clínico de fase 2 de segurança e eficácia, aberto, multicêntrico, de braço único, utilizando-se o questionário European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life (EORTC QLQ-C30, versão 3.0). As pacientes foram solicitadas a responder o questionário de HRQoL antes do tratamento, após a HIPEC, e ao fim do tratamento interdisciplinar. As variações da HRQoL ao longo do tempo foram avaliadas pelas medianas dos escores de cada domínio e analisadas pelo teste de Friedman, considerando-se nível de significância estatística bicaudal de 5%. Resultados: quinze pacientes com câncer de ovário de grande volume tumoral foram recrutadas do sistema de saúde pública (i.e.: SUS) entre fevereiro de 2015 e julho 2019. Um questionário basal e pelo menos um questionário de acompanhamento foram coletados de todas as pacientes. Não se observou diferença significativa ao longo do tempo na HRQoL em nenhum dos domínios ou sintomas estudados (p> 0,05). O comprometimento transitório da HRQoL imediatamente após a HIPEC de curta duração tendeu a retornar à linha de base ao final do tratamento multimodal. Conclusões: não se observou impacto significativo da HIPEC de curta duração sobre a HRQoL no contexto deste protocolo de tratamento interdisciplinar.

Repetibilidade e reprodutibilidade de um manual de exercícios físicos domiciliares / Repetibilidad y reproducibilidad de un manual de ejercicios físicos domiciliarios / Repeatability and reproducibility of a home physical exercise manual

RESUMO Verificou-se a reprodutibilidade e repetibilidade de um manual de exercícios físicos domiciliares em diferentes níveis de escolaridade em idosas com câncer de mama. Estudo seccional realizado entre agosto e novembro de 2016 no Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira (Imip), região metropolitana de Recife, Pernambuco. Vinte e duas idosas (idade 66.2±3.5 anos) diagnosticadas com câncer de mama em uso de hormonioterapia receberam um manual instrucional composto por 12 exercícios, a serem realizados de forma autônoma e independente em domicílio para melhoria das aptidões físicas. O manual foi entregue na primeira consulta e após seis semanas verificou-se sua reprodutibilidade por meio da avaliação de concordância em "certo" ou "errado" dos movimentos por um profissional de educação física e um fisioterapeuta. Os resultados foram analisados pelo coeficiente kappa de Cohen (k). Verificou-se uma relação interavaliadores de concordância "quase perfeita" (superior a 0,88) entre todos os 12 exercícios. Considerando a execução "certa" dos movimentos, verificou-se que seis exercícios apresentaram concordância interavaliadores com variação entre 68,2% e 90,9%; por outro lado, quando considerada a execução "errada", observou-se variação entre 54,4% e 68,2%. Além disso, dois exercícios resultaram em 50% para "certo" e "errado". Quanto ao nível de escolaridade, apenas o exercício 6 apresentou significância estatística (p-valor=0,03). O manual de exercícios físicos domiciliares parece ser reprodutível em idosas com câncer de mama em todos os níveis de escolaridade, para melhorar a aptidão física e promover o autocuidado funcional.

RESUMEN Se verificó la reproducibilidad y repetibilidad de un manual de ejercicios físicos domiciliarios en diferentes niveles de escolaridad en ancianas con cáncer de mama. Métodos: Investigación seccional realizada entre agosto y noviembre de 2016 en el Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP), del área metropolitana de Recife, Pernambuco. Veinte y dos ancianas (66.2±3,5 años) diagnosticadas con cáncer de mama en uso de terapia hormonal recibieron un manual instructivo compuesto por 12 ejercicios para realizar de forma autónoma e independiente a domicilio, mejorando las aptitudes físicas. Se entregó el manual en la primera consulta y después de seis semanas se verificó su reproducibilidad a través de la evaluación de concordancia en «correcto¼ o «incorrecto¼ de los movimientos, por un profesional de educación física y un fisioterapeuta. Resultados: Los resultados fueron analizados por el coeficiente kappa de Cohen (k). Se verificó una relación interevaluadores de concordancia «casi perfecta¼ (superior a 0,88) entre los 12 ejercicios. Considerando la ejecución «correcta¼ de los movimientos, se verificó que seis ejercicios presentaron concordancia interevaluadores con variación entre el 68,2% al 90,9%; por otro lado cuando se considera la ejecución «incorrecta¼, se observó variación entre el 54,4% al 68,2%. Además, dos ejercicios resultaron en un 50% para «correcto¼ y «incorrecto¼. En cuanto al nivel de escolaridad, sólo el ejercicio 6 presentó significancia estadística (p-valor = 0,03). Conclusiones: El manual de ejercicios físicos domiciliarios parece ser reproducible en ancianas con cáncer de mama en todos los niveles de escolaridad, para mejorar la aptitud física y promover el autocuidado funcional.

ABSTRACT The reproducibility and repeatability of a manual of home physical exercises at different levels of schooling in elderly women with breast cancer was investigated. Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out between August and November, 2016 at the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP), in the metropolitan area of Recife, Pernambuco. Twenty-two elderly women (aged 66.2±3.5 years) diagnosed with breast cancer using hormone therapy received an instructional manual composed of 12 exercises, to be performed independently and at home to improve physical fitness. The manual was delivered at the first consultation and after six weeks its reproducibility was checked by a physical education professional and a physiotherapist who assessed the "right" or "wrong" execution of the movements. Results: The results were analyzed by Cohen's kappa coefficient (k). There was an "almost perfect" inter-rater relationship (higher than 0.88) across all 12 exercises. As regards the "right" execution of movements, six exercises presented inter-rater agreement with variation between 68.2% and 90.9%; on the other hand, as regards the "wrong" execution, the variation was between 54.4% and 68.2%. In addition, two exercises resulted in 50% for "right" and "wrong". Regarding schooling, only exercise 6 had statistical significance (p-value=0.03). Conclusions: The manual of home physical exercises seems to be reproducible in elderly women with breast cancer at all levels of schooling, to improve physical fitness and promote functional self-care.

Sobrevida e fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de eventos adversos precoces em pacientes oncológicos idosos / Survival and prognostic factors for the development of adverse events in old oncological patients

Introdução: Idosos correspondem hoje à maior parte da população oncológica. Entretanto, são menos incluídos nos estudos clínicos e se beneficiam menos dos avanços atuais da terapia oncológica. A avaliação geriátrica ampla (AGA), ainda pouco utilizada na prática clínica, pode contribuir para melhorar o cuidado oncológico do idoso. Objetivo: Determinar os fatores preditivos para a ocorrência de eventos adversos precoces (infecção, hospitalização e morte) em pacientes oncológicos idosos e desenvolver um escore clínico prático baseado na AGA para predizer o óbito precoce (até 180 dias) em pacientes idosos com câncer. Métodos: Coorte prospectiva envolvendo idosos (≥ 60 anos) com diagnóstico recente de câncer admitidos entre janeiro de 2015 e julho de 2016. Na admissão, foram avaliadas variáveis sociodemográficas,clínico-laboratoriais e 12 testes que compõem a AGA, incluindo a mini avaliação nutricional versão completa (MAN) e reduzida (MAN-VR). O período de seguimento foi de seis meses. Os desfechos estudados foram óbito, hospitalização e primeira infecção relacionada à assistência à saúde (IRAS). Foram realizados análise descritiva, estudo de sobrevida pelo método de Kaplan-Meier e análise multivariada de riscos proporcionais de Cox. Desenvolveu-se um escore prognóstico para óbito precoce de acordo com as alterações observadas em uma ou duas ou três escalas da AGA (Artigo 1) e um modelo utilizando o risco de desnutrição (MAN-VR<12) controlado pela idade, topografia e estadiamento tumoral para a ocorrência de eventos adversos precoces (Artigo 2). Resultados: Foram incluídos 608 participantes , média de idade de 71,9 anos (DP ± 7,4), 29,4% dos pacientes desenvolveram IRAS, 35,5% foram hospitalizados e 16,4% morreram...

Introduction: The elderly currently correspond to the majority of the oncological population, but they remain excluded from most clinical studies and benefit less from the scientific advances of oncological therapy. The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), still underutilised in oncological clinical practice, can be utilised to improve oncological care. Objective: The determination of predictive factors for the occurrence of early adverse events (infection, hospitalization and death) and the development of a practical prognostic score based on the CGA to predict early death (up to 180 days) in elderly oncological patients. Methods: A prospective cohort enrolled elderly patients (≥ 60 years) with a recent cancer diagnosis admitted between January 2015 and July 2016. At the moment of admission, sociodemographic and clinical-laboratory data were obtained. A multidisciplinary team also administered the CGA (12 standardised scales and tools,including the Mini Nutritional Assessment-MNA and MNA short form –MNA-SF). Patients were surveilled during a six-month period. The outcomes included healthcare-associated infection (HAI), hospitalization and early death. Survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier) and Cox proportional hazard regression was performed. A model utilising the risk for malnutrition (MAN-SF < 12) was developed to evaluate the risk factors for early adverse events (scientific paper #1). A prognostic score for early death was also developed based on observed alterations in one or two or three of the tests of the CGA (scientific paper #2). Results: 608 cancer patients, with mean age of 71.9 years (DP ± 7.4), were enrolled. During the six months of surveillance, 29.4% of the patients developed a HAI, 35.5% were hospitalized and 16.4% died...

Continuidade Assistencial a mulheres com câncer de colo de útero em redes de atenção à saúde: estudo de caso, Pernambuco / Care Continuity to women with cervical cancer in health care networks: case study, Pernambuco

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a continuidade da assistência a mulheres com câncer de colo uterino. Estudo de caso qualitativo, em redes de saúde. Realizaram-se entrevistas com roteiro semiestruturado e técnica de análise narrativa de conteúdo. As mulheres perceberam barreiras no diagnóstico, no tratamento e na acessibilidade entre níveis de atenção. Observaram comunicação informal entre especialistas; limitações na comunicação entre níveis de atenção; inexistência de contrarreferência; e que o vínculo paciente-serviço era maior na esfera da oncologia. A falta de contrarreferência dificultou a acumulação de conhecimento e a coordenação do cuidado pela Atenção Básica.

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to analyze the continuity of care for women with cervical cancer. Qualitative study of case, in health networks. Interviews were performed with semi-structured script and technique of content's narrative analysis. Women perceived barriers in the diagnosis, treatment and accessibility between levels of care. They observed informal communication between specialists; limitations in the communication between levels of care; absence of counter-reference; and that the patient-service relationship was greater in the oncology sphere. The lack of counter-reference hindered the accumulation of knowledge and coordination of care for Primary Care.

Cancer patients, emergencies service and provision of palliative care.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and sociodemographic profile of cancer patients admitted to the Emergency Center for High Complexity Oncologic Assistance, observing the coverage of palliative and home care. METHOD: Cross sectional study including adult cancer patients admitted to the emergency service (September-December/2011) with a minimum length of hospital stay of two hours. Student's t-test and Pearson chi-square test were used to compare the means. RESULTS: 191 patients were enrolled, 47.6% elderly, 64.4% women, 75.4% from the city of Recife and greater area. The symptom prevalent at admission was pain (46.6%). 4.2% of patients were linked to palliative care and 2.1% to home care. The most prevalent cancers: cervix (18.3%), breast (13.6%) and prostate (10.5%); 70.7% were in advanced stages (IV, 47.1%); 39.4% without any cancer therapy. CONCLUSION: Patients sought the emergency service on account of pain, probably due to the incipient coverage of palliative and home care. These actions should be included to oncologic therapy as soon as possible to minimize the suffering of the patient/family and integrate the skills of oncologists and emergency professionals.

Cancer patients, emergencies service and provision of palliative care / Pacientes oncológicos, serviço de urgência e oferta de cuidados paliativos

SUMMARY Objective: To describe the clinical and sociodemographic profile of cancer patients admitted to the Emergency Center for High Complexity Oncologic Assistance, observing the coverage of palliative and home care. Method: Cross sectional study including adult cancer patients admitted to the emergency service (September-December/2011) with a minimum length of hospital stay of two hours. Student’s t-test and Pearson chi-square test were used to compare the means. Results: 191 patients were enrolled, 47.6% elderly, 64.4% women, 75.4% from the city of Recife and greater area. The symptom prevalent at admission was pain (46.6%). 4.2% of patients were linked to palliative care and 2.1% to home care. The most prevalent cancers: cervix (18.3%), breast (13.6%) and prostate (10.5%); 70.7% were in advanced stages (IV, 47.1%); 39.4% without any cancer therapy. Conclusion: Patients sought the emergency service on account of pain, probably due to the incipient coverage of palliative and home care. These actions should be included to oncologic therapy as soon as possible to minimize the suffering of the patient/family and integrate the skills of oncologists and emergency professionals.

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever o perfil clínico e sociodemográfico de pacientes oncológicos atendidos na emergência de um Centro de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, observando a cobertura dos cuidados paliativos e assistência domiciliar. Método: estudo de corte transversal com adultos oncológicos atendidos na emergência (setembro a dezembro de 2011) e tempo de permanência superior a 2 horas. Usaram-se teste t-Student de comparação de médias e qui-quadrado. Resultados: participaram 191 pacientes, 47,6% idosos, 64,4% mulheres e 75,4% procedentes de Recife e região metropolitana. Dor (46,6%) foi o sintoma prevalente à admissão. Os pacientes sob cuidados paliativos eram 4,2% e sob atenção domiciliar, 2,1%. Os cânceres mais frequentes foram colo uterino (18,3%), mama (13,6%) e próstata (10,5%), sendo 70,7% em estadios avançados (IV, 47,1%) e 40% sem terapia oncológica. Conclusão: a procura da emergência por causa de dor deveu-se, provavelmente, à baixa cobertura de cuidados paliativos e atenção domiciliar, os quais precisam ser associados precocemente à terapia oncológica para minimização do sofrimento dos pacientes/familiares e integrar as competências de oncologistas e profissionais de emergências.

Avaliação da dor em pacientes oncológicos internados em um hospital escola do nordeste do Brasil / Pain evaluation in cancer patients admitted to a teaching hospital of the Northeastern region of Brazil

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor é uma das consequências do câncer, que gera sofrimento e diminuição na qualidade de vida.É um sintoma mal conduzido e negligenciado por médicos e outros profissionais de saúde em todo o mundo. O manuseio eficaz da dor é um dever de todos e um direito do paciente. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o controle da dor nos pacientes internados na Enfermaria da Oncologia Clínica. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo prospectivo do tipo corte transversal, no período de maio de 2010 a outubro de 2011. RESULTADOS: Foram estudados 150 pacientes, 65,3% eram do gênero feminino e 81% com idade acima de 40 anos. As neoplasias mais encontradas foram câncer do colo uterino (15,3%), e com doença avançada (80,6%). A dor foi classificada como visceral na maioria dos pacientes (46,7%). Para controle da dor foram utilizados fármacos analgésicos comuns (90,7%) e opioides fortes (51,3%), sedação paliativa (4%) e terapia não farmacológica (34,1%) dos pacientes. Houve alta taxa de pacientes com dor não controlada no momento inicial da internação (70%), e com controle adequado no ultimo dia (84%). A dor neuropática foi mais frequente em pacientes maiores de 60 anos e houve menor controle. CONCLUSÃO: Houve maior prevalência de pacientes do gênero feminino, com câncer de colo uterino, e com doença mais avançada. A dor mais encontrada foi nociceptiva, de caráter visceral, no entanto, a dor neuropática foi de mais difícil controle. Concluiu-se que houve um controle adequado da dor nos pacientes internados na enfermaria de oncologia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pain is a consequence of cancer generating distress and decreased quality of life. It is a poorly managed and neglected symptom by physicians and other health professionals worldwide. Effective pain management is everyone's duty and a patient's right. This study aimed at describing pain control in patients admitted to the Clinical Oncology Ward. METHODS: This is a prospective cross-sectional study carried out from May 2010 to October 2011. RESULTS: Participated in the study 150 patients, being 65.3% females and 81% aged above 40 years. Most common tumors were cervical cancer (15.3%) and advanced disease (80.6%). Pain was classified as visceral for most patients (46.7%). Common analgesics (90.7%), strong opioids (51.3%), palliative sedation (4%) and non-pharmacological therapy (34.1%) were used to control pain. There has been a high number of patients with uncontrolled pain at admission (70%) and with adequate control in the last day (84%). Neuropathic pain was more frequent among patients above 60 years of age where there has also been less control. CONCLUSION: There has been a higher prevalence of female patients with cervical cancer and with more advanced disease. Most frequent pain was nociceptive and visceral, however neuropathic pain was the most difficult to control. The conclusion was that there has been adequate pain control in patients admitted to the cancer ward.