The construction of support system by medical team: support by telephone call or interview to the patients receiving capecitabine therapy

This study was performed by the purpose of early detection of Hand－Foot Syndrome (HFS) in patients receiving capecitabine therapy. Ten patients receiving chemotherapy with capecitabine after resection of colon cancer were included in this study. Surgeons decided the reduction or suspension of capecitabine when adverse effects were found. Pharmacists instructed the patients of the way of intake and side effects. Nurses instructed the patients how to make skin care with brochure and DVD. We called to or made an interview to the patients once a week in the first eight weeks of administration by evaluating the symptoms of HFS. Finally, a questionnaire was taken to evaluate the degree patients’ satisfaction. All of the ten patients continued the skin care in the study. HFS above grade 2 appeared in three cases, and early decision of reduction or suspension of capecitabine was achieved as the result of support by telephone call or interview. Support by either telephone call or interview by nurses in the medical team of chemotherapy can contribute to the completion of chemotherapy by capecitabine by detecting the HFS in the early stage which leads to the early decision of reduction or suspension and by reduce the anxiety of the patients. We also suggest the necessity of the construction of individualized support system to the patients in the future.

A case of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy successfully treated with <i>l</i>-menthol ointment

<b>Introduction</b>: Oxaliplatin is a platinum anticancer drug effective for colorectal cancer. However, it causes acute and cumulative peripheral neuropathy in more than half of colorectal cancer patients, enormously impacting their daily lives. While it is important to manage peripheral neuropathy, no management method has yet been established. <b>Case Report</b>: A woman in her 60s underwent SOX therapy for recurrent colorectal cancer and experienced the onset of peripheral neuropathy in early stage of treatment. She did not respond to continuous administration of pyridoxal phosphate hydrate and goshajinkigan. She was thus instructed at the pharmacy to apply ointment containing 1.35% <i>l</i>-menthol 3 times a day at a dose of approximately 0.5 to 1 g to the affected sites on both feet. The symptoms started to show alleviation from the first day of application. She continued applying the ointment for one month until the end of SOX therapy and had no recurrence of symptoms. <b>Conclusion</b>: It was suggested that the application of ointment containing 1.35% <i>l</i>-menthol was effective for ameliorating peripheral neuropathy.

Concerns of cancer patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy and positive aspects of treatment

<b>Purpose</b>: This study was to identify the concerns of cancer patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy and perceived positive aspects of their treatment. <b>Methods</b>: We conducted self-administered questionnaire based on Cancer-chemotherapy Concerns Rating Scale (CCRS) among 62 cancer patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy, and who have agreed to participate in the study. <b>Results</b>: The CCRS score was significantly higher among those unemployed or on leave of absence, compared to those with job, and. also significantly higher among those with such adverse effects as fatigue, anorexia and hair loss. More than 90% of the participants answered that they have become more concerned about their health than they were prior to developing their disease, and have felt preciousness of their friends and families. <b>Conclusion</b>: Our results suggested to the necessity in attending to the adverse effects of the treatment, and utilizing social resources in order to address the various concerns of the cancer patients.

Risk factor for occlusion of central venous access port system in colon cancer patients

<b>Purpose</b>: It is critical to reduce complications associated with the central venous access port (CV-port) system for patients who were treated with chemotherapy or palliative care. <b>Methods</b>: From October 2006 to December 2011, 68 colon cancer patients who were treated with outpatient chemotherapy via a CV-port in the Center for Clinical Oncology, Okayama University Hospital, were analyzed retrospectively. <b>Results</b>: CV-port related complications occurred in 20 (29.4%) patients. No blood could be aspirated in 15 patients when treated via a CV-port. Among the patients with no blood aspiration from their CV-port, ten cases had no complications other than failure of blood aspiration, and anticancer agents have been successfully administered. However, the other five patients had their CV-port system replaced due to complications. Subclavian and left side insertions were the risk factors for catheter occlusion or inability to aspirate blood. <b>Conclusion</b>: Medical staffs should be aware that approximately one-third of the cases with no blood aspiration potentially have troubles with their CV-ports that need to be replaced.