Homoeopathic Treatment as an Add-On for Minimizing After Effects of Conventionally Treated Cancer Patients: A Simple Randomized Pilot Study—Protocol from Northeast India Perspective

AbstractThe north-eastern region of India accounts for a total of 37,448 cancer cases reported from 11 population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) from 2012 to 2014. Studies suggest that with the holistic approach adopted by homoeopathy, not only the symptoms like cancer pain are alleviated, but also the overall well-being of the patient. Homoeopathy can be beneficial to minimize the treatment-induced adverse effects like radiation-induced mucositis, skin reactions, postoperative seroma, bleeding, and complications associated with the use of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. This study intends to provide homoeopathic services as an add-on to conventional treatment to the patients referred for homoeopathic treatment after their due consent. The primary objective is to study the usefulness of homoeopathic medicines for combating the suffering of cancer patients having complaints other than cancer. A sample size of 70 patients per group in two arms (Arm A: standard allopathic drug and Arm B: standard allopathic drug + homoeopathic treatment) will be recruited using simple random sampling without repetition. Cancer patients reporting complaints other than cancer itself and suffering from the after-effects of cancer treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy to any reputed cancer institute will be screened and will be recruited according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. After completion of the six months study duration, results will be able to predict the role of homoeopathic treatment as an add-on to conventionally treated cancer patients to minimize the suffering other than cancer and the after-effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If found significant, this could prove to be a contribution in the health care system in handling cancer cases that are very difficult to treat. Further, the cost-effectiveness of homoeopathy will enable developing countries to manage such a disease effectively.

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Management of Acute Radiodermatitis in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Patients Using Electrospun Nanofibrous Patches Loaded with Pinus halepensis Bark Extract

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13112596 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (11) ◽

pp. 2596

Author(s):

Aikaterini Kyritsi ◽

Stefanos Kikionis ◽

Anna Tagka ◽

Nikolaos Koliarakis ◽

Antonia Evangelatou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Radiation Therapy ◽

Skin Cancer ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Pinus Halepensis ◽

Radiation Therapy Oncology Group ◽

Bark Extract ◽

Skin Reactions ◽

Non Melanoma Skin Cancer ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Melanoma Skin

Acute radiodermatitis is the most common side effect in non-melanoma skin cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Nonetheless, despite the ongoing progress of clinical trials, no effective regimen has been found yet. In this study, a non-woven patch, comprised of electrospun polymeric micro/nanofibers loaded with an aqueous extract of Pinus halepensis bark (PHBE), was fabricated and clinically tested for its efficacy to prevent radiodermatitis. The bioactivity of the PHBE patch was evaluated in comparison with a medical cream indicated for acute radiodermatitis. Twelve volunteer patients were selected and randomly assigned to two groups, applying either the PHBE patch or the reference cream daily. Evaluation of radiation-induced skin reactions was performed during the radiotherapy period and 1 month afterwards according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grading scale, photo-documentation, patient-reported outcomes (Visual Analog Scale, questionnaire), biophysical measurements (hydration, transepidermal water loss, erythema, melanin), and image analysis. In contrast with the reference product, the PHBE patch showed significant anti-inflammatory activity and restored most skin parameters to normal levels 1 month after completion of radiation therapy. No adverse event was reported, indicating that the application of the PHBE patch can be considered as a safe medical device for prophylactic radiodermatitis treatment.

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‘Manifestations of Hope’ Shown by GI Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy, Maintaining Emotional Well-Being Even While Overall Quality of Life Deteriorates

Oncology Times ◽

10.1097/01.cot.0000398799.78063.69 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 33 (10) ◽

pp. 78-79

Author(s):

Ed Susman

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Radiation Therapy ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Well Being ◽

Gi Cancer

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Development, Validation and Verification of a Self-Assessment Tool to Estimate Sadhaka Pitta (Mental Strength)

International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences ◽

10.26452/ijrps.v11i4.3249 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 5912-5921

Author(s):

Vijay Laxmi Gautam ◽

Singh T B ◽

Sangeeta Gehlot ◽

Hari Hridaya Awasthi

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Normal Population ◽

Age Groups ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Holistic Approach ◽

Well Being ◽

Primary Objective ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Self Assessment

The holistic approach of Ayurveda, treating the patient as a whole, meaning intervention targeted toward complete physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. Sadhaka Pitta is the factor responsible for mental health and mental strength (weak and strong Sadhaka Pitta functions) assattva. It is the sub-dosha of pitta among the five types. The primary objective of the study was to develop and validate a self-assessment tool to estimate Sadhaka Pitta. The developed tool was evaluated for its reliability and validity by administering to 50 healthy volunteers of either gender belonging to 21 to 50 year age groups. Besides confirming the statistical validity and reliability, the applied utility of the newly developed tool was evaluated by mental health based on Sadhaka Pitta functions parameters of all the volunteers. The results show that the mental functions controlled by brain, vary significantly according to functions of Sadhaka Pitta. The tool therefore can be used to screen normal population to look for possible susceptibility to certain behaviours.

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Design assessment of the mobile application “AMOR Mama” for women with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.24865 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Flávia Oliveira de Almeida Marques da Cruz ◽

Edison Tostes Faria ◽

Pabblo Cardelino Ghobad ◽

Leandro Yukio Mano Alves ◽

Paula Elaine Diniz dos Reis

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Radiation Therapy ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Mobile Application ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Well Being ◽

Concordance Index ◽

Breast Cancer Patients ◽

Evaluation Tool ◽

Design Assessment

BACKGROUND Mobile applications targeting women with breast cancer can facilitate access to information, improve well-being, and reports of treatment-related symptoms. However, it is important to confirm the benefits of these applications before they are inserted as a tool in clinical care. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the functionality and the usability of a mobile application created to guide and monitor breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. METHODS Methodological research. The evaluation process took place in two steps, with eight professionals, including nurses, physician, medical physicists and communication networks engineer. The first step was the focus group, which allowed obtaining the suggestions proposed by the participants regarding the improvement of the mobile application. The second step was the individual filling in of an evaluation tool to obtain objective measures about the mobile application. A minimum Concordance Index of 80% was considered to ensure the adequacy of the material. RESULTS After the mobile application was evaluated by eight professionals, only one item of the evaluation tool, concerning the capability of the application to be used by users of different educational levels, obtained a Concordance Index <80%. CONCLUSIONS The mobile application titled “AMOR Mama” was considered appropriate, which suggests its contribution to an educational health technology to guide and monitor breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. More studies with this target population should be carried out to assess the performance and quality of the mobile application during its use. CLINICALTRIAL

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“QUALITY OF LIFE ASSESSMENT AT VARIOUS STAGES OF TREATMENT OF BREAST CANCER PATIENTS IN INDIAN DEMOGRAPHICS”

10.36106/ijar/7402492 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 66-68

Author(s):

Shivakumari Devi ◽

Uday Pratap Shahi ◽

Purnima Awasthi ◽

Ganeshkumar Patel

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Radiation Therapy ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Coming Out ◽

Well Being ◽

Demographic Characteristics ◽

Sexual Life ◽

Breast Cancer Patients

AIM: - The aim of this study is to assess the QOL in breast cancer patients during different stages, mastectomy surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy. To evaluate quality of life of females after mastectomy and factors affecting the same in various domain of life MATERIAL AND METHOD:-60 breast cancer patients (mastectomy=20, chemotherapy=20, radiotherapy=20) from May 2019 to Nov 2020. Translated version of a customized questionnaire based on the Royal College of surgeons, quality of life Instrument- Breast cancer patient version (QOL-BC), self-designed questionnaire. Questionnaire is used assess quality of life these patients. Prospective study after whole breast radiation therapy (50Gy plus a 10Gy boost). Patient data collected before beginning of cancer treatment, and at every stage of treatment surgery, chemo and radiation and 3 months after complete treatment. During the interview, we collected information on demographic characteristics, treatment method for breast cancer patient's mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy social well-being and quality of life chemotherapy & radiotherapy patients. Statistical analysis performed for the demographic characteristics of social well-being quality of life of mastectomy, chemo therapy and radiotherapy status were summarized using frequency and percentage for categorical variables, means and standard deviation (SD) for continuous variables. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare mean of the total QOL scores in three study groups. Data analyses was done using SPSS version 16.0 software. RESULT:- For mastectomy surgery body image, pain, activity daily living, treatment, the mean QOL score coming out to be above the 50 percent of total QOL score, psychological aspect almost 50 percent score and sexual life less than 50 percent score .QOL chemotherapy total score coming out almost 50 percent and radiotherapy less than 50 percent score. CONCLUSION: Adequate social support from family members, friends and neighbors, and higher scores of social well-beings, were associated with signicantly improved quality of life Breast cancer patients.

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StatBite: Radiation Therapy Plus Cetuximab: skin Reactions from 71 Head and Neck Cancer Patients from 11 Institutions in Europe

JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute ◽

10.1093/jnci/djp532 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 102 (2) ◽

pp. 75-75 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Keyword(s):

Radiation Therapy ◽

Head And Neck Cancer ◽

Head And Neck ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Neck Cancer ◽

Skin Reactions

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Use of Art-Making Intervention for Pain and Quality of Life Among Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

Journal of Holistic Nursing ◽

10.1177/0898010117726633 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 36 (4) ◽

pp. 341-353 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Kyung Soo Kim ◽

Sarah Loring ◽

Kristine Kwekkeboom

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Holistic Approach ◽

Well Being ◽

Art Making ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Randomized Controlled Studies ◽

Cancer Tumor

Background: Although pain is one of the most prevalent symptoms among cancer patients, medications do not always result in sufficient pain relief. Furthermore, these medications only address the physical component of pain. Art making, a holistic approach, may distract the user’s attention from pain and allow expression of the nonphysical (e.g., psychological, spiritual) components of pain. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate evidence for the efficacy of art-making interventions in reducing pain and improving health-related quality of life (QoL) among cancer patients. Method: PubMed, Academic Search Premier, ProQuest, and CINAHL were searched from database inception to September 2016 using the following search terms: neoplasm, cancer, tumor, pain, pain management, quality of life (QoL), well-being, art therapy, painting, and drawing. Results: Fourteen articles reporting 13 studies were reviewed. Some studies reported beneficial effects of art making on pain and QoL, but the evidence was weakened by poor study quality ratings, heterogeneity in art-making interventions and outcome measures, interventions including non–art-making components, and few randomized controlled studies. Conclusion: More rigorous research is needed to demonstrate the efficacy of art making in relieving cancer-related pain and improving QoL.

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Predictors of radiation-induced skin toxicity in nasopharyngeal cancer patients treated by intensity-modulated radiation therapy: a prospective study

Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice ◽

10.1017/s1460396916000108 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 15 (3) ◽

pp. 276-282 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Khaldoon M. Radaideh ◽

Laila M. Matalqah

Keyword(s):

Radiation Therapy ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Nasopharyngeal Cancer ◽

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy ◽

Skin Toxicity ◽

Skin Dose ◽

Skin Reactions ◽

Intensity Modulated ◽

Skin Doses ◽

A Prospective Study

AbstractPurposesExposure of skin to high doses of radiation may lead to the development of erythematous skin changes. The aims of this study were to measure skin doses and to identify potential factors that may contribute to skin reactions in nasopharyngeal cancer patients undergoing intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).Material and methodsThis study was a prospective study with 21 nasopharyngeal cancer patients treated by IMRT. Personal data were collected and in vivo skin dose measurements were performed using Thermoluminescent dosimeters. All patients were monitored clinically and skin reactions were classified according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Software to identify skin toxicity risk factors.ResultsGrade 1 toxicity was observed in eight patients, Grade 2 in 11 patients and Grade 3 in two patients towards the end of treatment. It was found that accumulative skin doses >7 Gy (p<0·05) was a risk factor for skin toxicity. However, previous or concomitant chemotherapy with radiotherapy and stage of cancer were not significant factors for the severity of skin reactions.ConclusionThe neck skin should be identified as a sensitive structure for dose optimisation. Skin dose measurement and skin-sparing techniques are highly recommended for head and neck patients treated with IMRT.

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