0000000001142688
AUTHOR
Marianna Ricci
The Role of Religiosity in Symptom Expression of Advanced Cancer Patients
Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the religious pattern and its impact on symptom expression in patients with advanced cancer. Methods: A consecutive sample of advanced cancer patients screened at admission to palliative care. Standard epidemiological data were recorded. Patients were asked about their religious beliefs, the degree of social relationship to existing religions, the role of religion in their life, and the frequency of their prayer. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and Hospital Anxiety Depression scale (HADS) were assessed. Results: Two-hundred-eighty-three patients were screened. Age and gender were found to be independently correlated with religious belief…
Methadone as First-line Opioid for the Management of Cancer Pain
Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and adverse effects of methadone when used as first-line therapy in patients that are either receiving low doses of opioids or none. Methods Patients with advanced cancer were prospectively assessed. Opioid-naive patients (L-group) were started with methadone at 6 mg/day. Patients receiving weak or other opioids in doses of <60 mg/day of OME (H-group) were started with methadone at 9 mg/day. Methadone doses were changed according to the clinical needs to obtain the most favorable balance between analgesia and adverse effects. Edmonton Symptom Asssement Score (ESAS), Memorial Delirium Assessment Score (MDAS), doses of metha…