Antiemetic effect of ginger in gynecologic oncology patients receiving cisplatin

To determine whether ginger had antiemetic effect in cisplatin-induced emesis, we conducted a randomized, double-blinded crossover study in 48 gynecologic cancer patients receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Subjects were randomly allocated to regimen A or regimen B in their first cycle of the study. All patients received standard antiemetics in the first day of cisplatin administration. In regimen A, capsules of ginger root powder were given orally 1 g /day for 5 days, starting on the first day of chemotherapy. In regimen B, placebo was given on the first day and metoclopramide was given orally thereafter for 4 days. The patients were then crossed over to receive the other antiemetic regimen in their next cycle of chemotherapy. Among 43 evaluable patients who received both cycles of treatment, success in controls of nausea and emesis were not significantly different between the two regimens in both acute and delayed phases. Restlessness, as a side effect, occurred more often in metoclopramide arm compared to ginger arm (P=0.109). In conclusion, addition of ginger to standard antiemetic regimen has no advantage in reducing nausea or vomiting in acute phase of cisplatin-induced emesis. In delayed phase, ginger and metoclopramide have no statistically significant difference in efficacy.     

Percutaneous nephrostomy in gynecologic oncology patients

Percutaneous nephrostomies were used in 34 patients with ureteral obstruction caused by gynecologic diseases. Group 1 consisted of 12 patients with untreated cervical carcinoma; group 2 consisted of six patients with recurrent cervical carcinoma; group 3 consisted of seven patients with complications of urinary conduits, and group 4 consisted of eight patients with a variety of malignant and benign gynecologic diseases causing ureteral obstruction. One perinephric hematoma and one perinephric abscess (4%) occurred during primary percutaneous nephrostomy diversion of 53 renal units. One (3%) percutaneous nephrostomy-related death caused by sepsis was observed in 34 patients. Only four (12%) patients with significant intrinsic renal disease did not have effective normalization of renal function by percutaneous nephrostomy. Percutaneous nephrostomies allow rapid and reliable urinary diversion without the morbidity and mortality of operative techniques. Percutaneous nephrostomy should be considered for relief of ureteral obstruction in patients with untreated cervical carcinoma who may enjoy prolonged palliation or cure, in patients with complications of previous urinary conduits as a temporizing method of urinary diversion, and in patients with benign or chemotherapy-sensitive pelvic malignancies causing ureteral obstruction. The use of percutaneous nephrostomy in patients with recurrent carcinoma of the cervix should be individualized on the basis of expectations for prolonged functional palliation.     

The revolving door: hospital readmissions of gynecologic oncology patients

Objective

Rehospitalization within 30 days of discharge was identified by the Obama Administration as a target for reducing health care spending. We examined readmissions to our gynecologic oncology service to determine: 1) rates of readmission, 2) indication for readmissions, 3) whether the admission was planned, and 4) costs.

Methods

IRB approval was obtained for this 5-year retrospective review (2004-2008). Gynecologic oncology patients were included if they were readmitted within 30 days of discharge at a single academic hospital. Abstracted data included: demographics, dates of hospitalizations, cancer history, indication for admission, and cost. A series of admissions was any number of admissions that occurred within 30 days of discharge. An index admission was the first admission in a series.

Results

In the study period, 2455 unique patients were admitted to Gynecologic Oncology. 324 unique patients (13.2%) were readmitted within 30 days, with 37 experiencing > 1 series of admission. 87.3% were readmitted to Gynecologic Oncology. Within a series of admissions, patients were admitted on average 1.5 times following the index admission, up to 9 admissions. The median cost of index admission was $9820; for readmissions, $8059. The total cost of readmissions over 5 years was $6,421,733. Unplanned readmissions accounted for the majority of this cost.

Conclusions

Hospital readmissions affect the cost of care, but also the quality of care delivered to our patients. When extrapolated across institutions and across the country, unplanned readmissions are a costly expenditure to patients and the health system, deserving of attention.     

The role of hysteroscopy in gynecologic oncology

Based on personal experience in 80 performed hysteroscopies, the clinical applicability of this technique is discussed, and found useful in the diagnosis of the early stages of endometrial cancer, in differentiation between endocervical and endometrial adenocarcinoma, and in evaluation of the results of radiotherapy.     

The effect of art therapy on the quality of life in patients with a gynecologic cancer receiving chemotherapy

Objectives

Most art therapy research has involved patients with malignancies other than gynecologic cancer. The current study aimed to assess the impact of an art therapy intervention on the quality of life (QOL) in patients with gynecologic cancer who were receiving chemotherapy.

A comparison of thromboembolic prophylaxis in gynecologic oncology patients

Abstract. Ailawadi M, Del Priore G. A comparison of thromboembolic prophylaxis in gynecologic oncology patients.
The objective of this study was to compare two methods of thromboembolic prophylaxis: sequential compression devices alone (SCDs) vs. SCDs with subcutaneous low-dose unfractionated heparin (UH). A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 168 patients who had undergone surgery for suspected gynecological malignancies. These patients were examined for associated risk factors, method of prophylaxis, and incidence of clinically significant thromboembolic events. Of these patients, 94 (56%) received perioperative and postoperative sequential compression devices alone, while 74 (44%) received both SCDs and subcutaneous low-dose UH. The postoperative course of these patients, while in the hospital and after discharge, was followed for clinically evident thromboembolic complications. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The two groups were comparable in terms of most risk factors, including age, stage, height, weight, body surface area, estimated blood loss, total anesthesia time, and nodal disease. Six of 94 patients (6.4%) in the SCDs group suffered from venous thromboembolism, while four of 74 patients (5.4%) who received both SCDs and low-dose UH had a thromboembolic event (χ² P = 0.79). There was no difference in postoperative changes in platelet counts between the two groups. Heparin added additional cost, 105 extra minutes of nursing time per patient per admission, and additional pain for the patient. In conclusion, the addition of subcutaneous low-dose unfractionated heparin to SCDs for prophylaxis against deep venous thrombosis in women undergoing surgery for gynecologic malignancies does not improve the outcome. Adding heparin was more expensive, time consuming, and painful. Heparin should not be used with SCDs unless an additional benefit can be demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial.     

Screening in gynecologic oncology

Practical value of screening depends on various characteristics of cancers themselves, suitable tests and programs being able to cover a sufficient part of the population. Cancers favourable for screening are those with a high prevalence in the population screened, a detectable preclinical stage and better treatment results if detected by screening than detected by symptoms. Suitable screening tests have to be highly sensitive and specific, simple, cheap and without any risk. Before the widespread application of a screening program as a public health measure scientific basis and rational organization should be well known and the benefit has to be evident. Cytological screening is the most effective measure in cervical cancer control. Screening also promises a reduction in mortality from breast cancer, but further evaluation is necessary before decisions can be made about the application as a public health measure. Selective screening is probably connected with an improved health care for high risk persons of endometrial cancer. Follow up with HCG-RIA after hydatidiform mole improves early detection and prognosis of trophoblastic neoplasias significantly.     

Outpatient implantation of a central venous access system in gynecologic oncology patients

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility, accuracy, complications and cost of implantation of the PORT-A-CATH II Fluoro-Free venous access system (SIMS Deltec Inc., St. Paul, Minnesota) in the procedure room setting. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study of 49 consecutive gynecologic oncology patients who underwent 53 PORT-A-CATH II System implantations was conducted. Local anesthesia and conscious sedation were used for the procedure. To localize and position the catheter tip, the CATH-FINDER (SIMS Deltec) electronic catheter sensing device was utilized. Demographic characteristics, operative data, complication rates, failure rates and itemized costs were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: For the 53 ports implanted, the mean operative time was 54 minutes (range, 39-74) and mean estimated blood loss was 17 mL (range, 7-50). Immediate complications included failure to thread the catheter or guidewire past the left subclavian vein (4 patients), pneumothorax (1) and electronic wire fracture (1). All catheter tips were positioned accurately, as confirmed by chest radiography. The procedural charge ranged from $1,946 to $2,042. The CATH-FINDER obviated the need for, and expenses of, fluoroscopy, operating room and anesthesia services, resulting in savings of approximately $2,000 per procedure. CONCLUSION: Implantation of the PORT-A-CATH II System was performed safely, accurately and cost effectively in the procedure room setting. The advantages of functional longevity, low complication rates and reduced cost of this port system offer an excellent option for long-term central venous access.     

The use of LHRH analogs in gynecologic oncology

The use of LHRH analogues in gynecological oncology is related to the capacity of these compounds to determine pharmacological sterilisation which represents an alternative to surgical ovariectomy in the treatment of hormone-sensitive carcinoma. The modes of administration, metabolism and mechanisms of action of these drugs are illustrated. A section of the action of these drugs are illustrated. A section of the work is dedicated to the side-effects; they are divided into adverse effects, in the accepted meaning of the term, and the consequences of secondary hypoestrogenism. The paper concludes with the presentation of experimental data, both in animal studies and in vitro, which are the basis for the use of analogue therapy in the treatment of advanced stage breast cancer.     

The use of percutaneous nephrostomy in gynecologic oncology

Two patients presented with cervical cancer causing renal failure secondary to ureteral obstruction. Percutaneous ureteral stents were placed allowing restoration of renal function, while radiotherapy was administered. This methodology may offer a temporary means of bypassing obstructed ureters, and is associated with low morbidity and minimal surgical risk.     

CA125 regression in ovarian cancer patients treated with intravenous versus intraperitoneal platinum-based chemotherapy: a gynecologic oncology group study

Objective

CA125 is a non-specific marker of peritoneal irritation which has the potential for false elevation during intraperitoneal treatment. The purpose of this study is to identify the rate of CA125 regression during intraperitoneal (IP) versus intravenous (IV) chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.

Methods

GOG 114, a randomized control trial evaluating IP and IV treatment, includes an intensive CA125 measurement schema with weekly CA125 levels until ≤ 35 units/ml for both IP- and IV-treated patients. Rate of CA125 normalization, median CA125 values for each treatment cycle, as well as clinical and pathologic features were compared between the treatment groups. Baseline CA125 levels and rate of CA125 decline were evaluated with respect to overall survival.

Results

CA125 data were available for 223 patients who received IV cisplatin/paclitaxel and for 231 patients who received IV carboplatin followed by IP cisplatin/paclitaxel. Standard prognostic criteria and baseline CA125 values were similar between the treatment groups. For treatment cycles in which IP-treatment was administered, there was no statistically significant difference in CA125 levels between IV- and IP-treated patients. The rate of CA125 normalization was similar between IV- and IP-treated patients (p = 0.55). Patients with low pre-chemotherapy CA125 levels which rapidly declined during treatment demonstrated a survival advantage (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

No difference in CA125 decline was identified between IP- and IV-treated patients undergoing a weekly CA125 monitoring schedule. This data supports the utilization of standard CA125 response criteria in the therapeutic monitoring for patients receiving IP treatment.     

The role of percutaneous nephrostomy in gynecologic oncology

Percutaneous nephrostomy can provide rapid relief of renal failure due to ureteral obstruction by contiguous spread of cervical malignancy. A series of 26 percutaneous nephrostomies placed in 14 patients with cervical cancer, using only local anesthesia and ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance is presented. Twelve patients experienced no complications, one developed pyelonephritis which cleared rapidly with antibiotics, and one suffered a hematoma managed by surgical nephrostomy. Three of six previously untreated patients and one of eight patients with recurrent disease survived over a year. A single exenterated patient was stented when anuria developed after surgery to correct a conduit leak. This patient survives at 1.5 years with no evidence of recurrence. Indications for percutaneous nephrostomy, anticipated benefits, and the decision-making process involved in determining who to stent is reviewed.     

Continuous postoperative epidural analgesia for gynecologic oncology patients

The efficacy of continuous postoperative epidural analgesia (CPEA) was assessed in 193 patients who collectively underwent 254 gynecologic oncology procedures. Seventy-five patients elected to receive CPEA; 118 did not. The CPEA patients received an epidural catheter the morning of surgery. Postoperatively, a bolus of meperidine was placed in each catheter. An IVAC pump continued to deliver meperidine at the rate of 14 to 20 mg per hour. The 193 patients also received a total of 655 postoperative intramuscular narcotic injections. CPEA patients were three times less likely to request injections, and those who did required an average of 6.58 compared with 12.42 for non-CPEA patients. The presence or absence of CPEA was the only significant variable. The use of CPEA led to no secondary complications, and it greatly enhanced mood and ability to participate in postoperative care. We conclude that CPEA provides excellent postoperative analgesia for such high-risk patients.     

Tumor board in gynecologic oncology

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the influence of a weekly tumor conference on the management of patient care in a gynecologic oncology service. METHODS: The study utilizes all patients discussed in the gyncologic oncology tumor conference at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) from January 1, 1998, to January 1, 2001. Patient's information (age, race, cancer site, stage, new cancer versus recurrent) was abstracted from the minutes and attendant log of the tumor board. We compared the pathology and diagnosis for each patient as stated both before and after presentation at the tumor board. A discrepancy is defined as a change in tumor site, stage, or treatment, resulting from findings discussed at tumor board meetings. Major discrepancy is defined as changes that affect patient care. Minor discrepancy is defined as changes that do not affect patient care. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 459 cases were discussed (391 new cancer, 68 recurrent cancer). At each tumor conference, we discussed a mean of 3.7 cases (range 1-9, standard deviation 1.68). Thirty-two cases (6.9%) showed discrepancies with 23 major discrepancies and nine minor discrepancies. As a result of the tumor board, the two most common therapeutic changes were the addition of chemotherapy and surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, a gynecologic oncology tumor board added clinical information available to pathologists, thereby alters final diagnosis and affects patient medical care.