Differences In Quality Of Life Research Articles

Effects of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Psychological Resilience, Social Adaptation and Clinical Efficacy of Patients with Bone Tumors.

To evaluate the effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy on psychological resilience, social adaptation and clinical efficacy in patients with bone tumors. This is a retrospective study. Eighty patients with bone tumor admitted to Baoding No.1 Central Hospital were included and randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group, with 40 cases in each group from March 2020 to February 2022. Patients in the control group were given conventional specialist care, while those in the experimental group were given cognitive-behavioral therapy on top of the treatment in the control group. The differences in quality of life before and after treatment between the two groups were compared and analyzed. The levels of SAS and SDS were significantly lower in the experimental group compared to the control group, with statistically significant differences (p<0.05). The satisfaction level in the experimental group was higher than in the control group, with statistically significant difference (p=0.04). In addition, the psychological resilience scores of adaptability, toughness, control and goal achievement in the experimental group were significantly improved compared with those in the control group, with statistically significant differences (p<0.05); The cognitive scores in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, with statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective regimen for patients suffering from bone tumors, boasting various benefits such as significantly enhanced patient compliance with treatment, improved quality of life, increased resilience, ameliorated anxiety and depressive states, and improved treatment efficacy and patient satisfaction.

Current status of transcatheter mitral valve replacement: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mitral Regurgitation (MR) has a strong impact on quality of life and on mid-term survival. Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) is rapidly expanding and a growing number of studies have been published recently. A systematic review of studies reporting on clinical data for patients with symptomatic severe MR undergoing TMVR was performed. Early- and mid-term outcomes (clinical and echocardiographic) were evaluated. Overall weighted means and rates were calculated. Risk ratios or mean differences were calculated for pre- and post-procedural comparisons. A total of 12 studies and 347 patients who underwent TMVR with devices clinically available or under clinical evaluation were included. Thirty-day mortality, stroke and major bleeding rates were 8.4%, 2.6%, and 15.6%, respectively. Pooled random-effects demonstrated a significant reduction of ≥ grade 3+ MR (RR: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.02-0.11; p < 0.001) and in the rates of patients in NYHA class 3-4 after the intervention (RR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.22-0.34; p < 0.001). Additionally, the pooled fixed-effect mean difference for quality of life based on the KCCQ score yielded an improvement in 12.9 points (95% CI:7.4-18.4, p < 0.001), and exercise capacity improved by a pooled fixed-effect mean difference of 56.8 meters in the 6-minute walk test (95% CI 32.2-81.3, p < 0.001). Among 12 studies and 347 patients comprising the updated evidence with current TMVR systems there was a statistically significant reduction in ≥ grade 3+ MR and in the number of patients exhibiting poor functional class (NYHA 3 or 4) after the intervention. Overall rate of major bleeding was the main shortcoming of this technique.

Quality of life and survival outcomes of patients with inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after definitive radiation therapy: A multicenter retrospective observational study in China from 2015 to 2016

ObjectivesTo investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of long-term survivors of inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated with definitive radiation therapy, the real-world trends in the use of advanced radiation techniques, and their impact on the survival outcomes of ESCC patients. MethodsIn this multicenter retrospective observational study, the medical records related to demographics and treatment of ESCC patients who were treated with definitive radiation therapy at 14 provincial hospitals in China from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2016 were analyzed. A HRQL questionnaire was completed by survivors and collected by doctors at the final follow-up. The difference in quality of life between patients with or without recurrence was compared using the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and the group differences were assessed by unstratified log-rank test. The Cox proportional hazards model with Efron's method of tie handling was used to calculate the risk factors for OS. ResultsThe data of a total of 3,308 patients were collected for this study, 248 were excluded because of missing data, and a final of 3,060 patients were included in the analysis. Most patients (2,901; 94.8%) received intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)/volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT)/tomotherapy (TOMO). The 5-year OS rate was 30%. Patients who received either two-dimensional radiotherapy (2DRT; HR, 2.43 [95% CI, 1.70–3.47]; P < 0.001) or three-dimensional radiotherapy (3DRT; HR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.14–1.84]; P = 0.003) had a significantly increased risk of death compared to those who received IMRT/VMAT/TOMO. Of the 716 (23.4%) long-term survivors who completed the HRQL questionnaire, nearly 70% patients were still able to swallow normally or almost normally, and >80% patients did not experience weight loss. Nearly 80% patients found life very enjoyable or were fairly enjoying life. ConclusionsThis large, multicenter retrospective study on ESCC patients who received definitive radiation therapy found that most ESCC survivors are satisfied with their quality of life. Most patients received advanced radiation technology. Patients who received either 2DRT or 3DRT had a significantly increased risk of death compared to those who received advanced radiation technology.

A Study of 179 Patients with Degenerative Stenosis of the Lumbosacral Spine to Evaluate Differences in Quality of Life and Disability Outcomes at 12 Months, Between Conservative Treatment and Surgical Decompression.

BACKGROUND This prospective study included 179 patients with degenerative stenosis of the lumbosacral spine and aimed to evaluate the outcomes of conservative treatment and surgical decompression on quality of life and disability over 12 months. MATERIAL AND METHODS The surgery group consisted of 96 patients with degenerative stenosis of the lumbosacral spine who qualified for surgical decompression, while the conservative-treatment group included 83 patients who qualified for conservative treatment. We used the Satisfaction with Life Scale questionnaire, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) questionnaire, the Visual Analog Scale to assess the severity of pain, the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire to assess the degree of disability, and the Sexual Satisfaction Scale at 0, 1, 6, and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS Statistical analysis showed a positive relationship between conservative and surgical treatment and quality of life (P<0.05). A significant reduction in the severity of pain (P<0.05) and the degree of disability (P<0.05) were both recorded during the 12-month followup period in both groups. Women of both groups declared significantly lower satisfaction than men at every time point (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Most patients in both groups declared an improvement in their quality of life, with the surgery group showing a higher percentage of responses that their quality of life had improved. Based on the results obtained from the FACIT-F questionnaire, degenerative stenosis of the lumbosacral spine had a non-root effect on the patients' lives in the surgery group.

Patient education interventions for the management of inflammatory bowel disease.

Patient education interventions for the management of inflammatory bowel disease.

Remote Patient Monitoring: What Have We Learned and Where Are We Going?

Remote monitoring (RM) of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) is an important part of patient follow-up. The increasing number of patients with CIEDs and the recent pandemic pose several challenges for already limited device clinic resources. This review focuses on recent evolutions in RM and identifies future needs to improve RM. RM has been associated with multiple clinical benefits, including improved survival, early detection of actionable events, reduction in inappropriate shocks, longer battery lives, and more efficient healthcare utilization. The survival benefit was driven by studies using alert-based continuous RM with daily transmissions and fast reaction times. Patients report a high satisfaction rate without significant differences in quality of life between RM and in-office follow-up.The increasing workload, due to the increasing number of CIEDs implanted with daily remote transmissions, results in several challenges for the future of RM. RM requires appropriate reimbursement for RM device clinics to optimize patient/staff ratios, including sufficient non-clinical and administrative support. Universal alert programming and data processing may minimize inter-manufacturer differences, improve the signal-to-noise ratio, and allow the development of standard operating protocols and workflows. In the future, programming by remote control and true remote programming may further improve remote CIED management, patient quality of life, and device clinic workflows. RM should be considered standard of care in management of patients with CIEDs. The clinical benefits of RM can be maximized by an alert-based continuous RM model. Adapted healthcare policies are required to keep RM manageable for the future.

Pazopanib in Locally Advanced or Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Results of a Randomized Phase III Trial.

Pazopanib is an oral angiogenesis inhibitor targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, and c-Kit. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III study evaluated efficacy and safety of pazopanib monotherapy in treatment-naive and cytokine-pretreated patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Adult patients with measurable, locally advanced, and/or metastatic RCC were randomly assigned 2:1 to receive oral pazopanib or placebo. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary end points included overall survival, tumor response rate (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors), and safety. Radiographic assessments of tumors were independently reviewed. Of 435 patients enrolled, 233 were treatment naive (54%) and 202 were cytokine pretreated (46%). PFS was significantly prolonged with pazopanib compared with placebo in the overall study population (median, PFS 9.2 v 4.2 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.46; 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.62; P < .0001), the treatment-naive subpopulation (median PFS 11.1 v 2.8 months; HR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.60; P < .0001), and the cytokine-pretreated subpopulation (median PFS, 7.4 v 4.2 months; HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.84; P < .001). The objective response rate was 30% with pazopanib compared with 3% with placebo (P < .001). The median duration of response was longer than 1 year. The most common adverse events were diarrhea, hypertension, hair color changes, nausea, anorexia, and vomiting. There was no evidence of clinically important differences in quality of life for pazopanib versus placebo. Pazopanib demonstrated significant improvement in PFS and tumor response compared with placebo in treatment-naive and cytokine-pretreated patients with advanced and/or metastatic RCC.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Psychiatric Morbidities and Quality of Life Differences Between Men and Women in Infertile Couples.

Infertility is often associated with diverse psychiatric morbidities and quality of life impairments. Hence, this meta-analysis aimed to compare stress, depression, anxiety and quality of life (QoL) among infertile men and women. We retrieved the relevant articles from multiple databases. For the statistical analyses, we used Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software v. 3.7 (Biostat Inc., Englewood, NJ). Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated and displayed in forest plots. Among the 4123 articles identified, 35 studies met the inclusion criteria. Our results revealed that stress, depression, and anxiety were higher in infertile women compared to men. Similarly, infertile women presented a lower QoL than infertile men. Subgroup analysis revealed that the assessment tool used, study design, and geographical origin were a source of heterogeneity. This meta-analysis showed that psychological disturbances were higher in infertile women compared to men. Physicians need to consider this difference to enable couples to better understand and support each other.

The effect of telemedicine plus application on the covid-19 patients’ quality of life

The covid-19 pandemic affects human life quality. The consultations between patients and health workers are carried out online using telemedicine to stop transmission. This research aimed to assign the effect of the Telemedicine Plus application on the Covid-19 patients’ quality of life. The study method was quasi-experimental with the pretest-posttest nonequivalent control group design. The participants were 60 patients who were confirmed positive for Covid-19 in the Ngoresan Region, Surakarta City. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. There were two types of subject criteria: the intervention group, given the Telemedicine Plus application and the control group, given standard therapy. The life quality of the Covid-19 patients was rated using the Short-Form 36 (SF 36) questionnaire. Participants who applied the Telemedicine Plus application experienced an increase in average life quality scores from 39.70 to 50.93, while respondents who received a standard therapy also experienced an increase from 39.93 to 41.67. The independent t-test indicated &lt;0.001 (&lt;0.05) for a p-value. It points out that there is a difference in life quality between the intervention group and the control group significantly. The Telemedicine Plus application improves the Covid-19 patients’ life quality more than patients who receive standard therapy.

Relationships Between Erectile Dysfunction, Depression, Anxiety, and Quality of Life in Young Japanese Men: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: It is generally assumed that erectile dysfunction (ED) under the age of 40 is primarily driven by psychosocial factors. Aims This cross-sectional study evaluated ED, depression, anxiety, and quality of life among young Japanese men. Materials and Methods: We used an online survey to gather data from a wide range of community samples. ED was assessed by the IIEF-5 questionnaire, while depression, anxiety, and quality of life were assessed by the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and LISAT-8 questionnaires, respectively. Categorical data were evaluated by chi-square test and numerical data were estimated by one-way ANOVA. Post-hoc tests were conducted using the Holm method, which was used to control for type I errors. Cohen’s d index was calculated as effect sizes. Results: Valid responses from 329 individuals (age 33.93 ± 6.41 years) were obtained. According to IIEF-5 scores, the distribution of various severities of ED was as follows: non-ED, 37.39%; mild ED, 18.24%; mild to moderate ED, 27.36%; and moderate and severe ED, 17.02%. There were no significant differences in depression and anxiety between non-ED and ED men. In contrast, there were significant differences in quality of life between non-ED and ED men ( P &lt; .01). Conclusions: We conclude that psychosocial factors may also be the cause of ED in young Japanese men besides depression and anxiety, and ED may reduce quality of life in various aspects. It is necessary to develop a Japanese version scale to measure ED-related psychosocial factors.

Measuring the Quality of Life Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at The North Pontianak Public Health Center and Kitamura Pontianak Clinic Using the Diabetes Quality of Life Clinical Trial Questionnaire (DQLCTQ) and Diabetes Distress Scale 17 (DDS 17)

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia. Patients with diabetes mellitus tend to experience distress related to their health problems, as well as self-acceptance of the disease and the various medical actions that must be taken. The stress felt by DM patients will affect the patient's quality of life. Poor quality of life can make metabolic disorders worse, either directly through hormonal stress or indirectly through complications that can arise. This study aims to analyze differences in quality of life and stress levels of patients type 2 DM patients at the North Pontianak Public Health Center and Pontianak Kitamura Clinic. This research used observational method with a cross sectional design. This research is prospective using the Diabetes Quality of Life Clinical Trial Questionnaire (DQLCTQ) and Diabetes Distress Scale 17 (DDS 17). The population in this study were all type 2 DM patients undergoing treatment at the North Pontianak Public Health Center and Kitamura Clinic. Data collection was carried out by accidental sampling and a sample of 150 patients was obtained, consisting of 100 Public Health Center’s patients and 50 Clinic’s patients. The results showed that the quality of life of type 2 DM patients at the Public Health Center was higher than the patients at the Kitamura Clinic and there was a significant difference between the quality of life of type 2 DM patients at the Public Health Center and Clinics with a sig value of 0.013 (p&lt;0.05). The stress indicator on the emotional burden of patients at the Clinic was higher compared to the patients at Public Health Center, but there was no significant difference between the stress levels of type 2 DM patients at the Public Health Center and the Kitamura Clinic with a sig value of 0.196 (p&gt;0.05).

Street Smart: Developing Relationships to Support Walkable Communities for All.

Background. Physical activity promotion is an essential intervention for the prevention of chronic disease by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancers, as well as improving brain health. Previous approaches that emphasized physical fitness did not meet the needs of the larger population due to not incorporating integration of movement into daily life. Changes that result in the addition of even small amounts of physical activity, such as through active transportation, can make a big difference in quality of life and longevity. Innovative Approach. To increase opportunities for active transportation, Utah agencies are working across sectors to incorporate physical activity into routine, day-to-day activities that may help to address this challenging public health problem. Human-powered travel is a key component of community design supporting health and healthy behaviors. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) built relationships with partners in order to promote active transportation. Lessons Learned & Recommendations. This article will demonstrate ways in which public health, transportation, and planning agencies can better engage to provide opportunities for all people to be physically active. DHHS addresses the importance of sharing public health data among state agencies, inclusion of under-represented populations in community feedback, and engaging in shared projects that will support the involvement of public health in transportation planning.

중고령자의 인구·사회·경제 특성별 삶의 질 차이 분석

The environment in which middle-aged and elderly people face fewer social activities and exchanges are not active. In particular, they are in a situation where they have no choice but to live on their assets due to insufficient economic activities.This indicates that the quality of life may vary by demographic, social, and economic characteristics. This study analyzed the difference in the quality of life of middle-aged and elderly people by demographic characteristics, social characteristics, and economic characteristics. As a result of the analysis, first, the difference in quality of life according to demographic characteristics showed significant differences in gender, age, and educational background, but there was no significant difference in gender, age, and educational background. Second, the difference in quality of life according to sociological characteristics was significantly different depending on the type of residence, residence area, subjective class consciousness, number of meetings, and participation in meetings (religion, fellowship, alumni association). Third, there was a significant difference in quality of life according to the general economic characteristics, such as the type of housing occupancy, the presence or absence of non-residential real estate, the presence or absence of economic activity, and individual gross income. The difference in quality of life according to asset holdings, which are economic power, showed significant differences in total real estate assets, total financial assets, other assets, total personal assets, and total personal liabilities, but there was no significant difference in self-purchased loans. These research results show that changes in the situation, such as population characteristics, sociological characteristics, and economic characteristics, are important variables that affect the quality of life. It can be said that it also mentions the need for efforts by the pan-government and society as a whole to improve factors that can be improved in these situations.

Duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection compared to pancreaticoduodenectomy: Asystematic review and network meta-analysis of surgical outcomes.

In this systemic review and network meta-analysis, we investigated pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD), and different modifications of duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (DPPHR) to evaluate the efficacy of different surgical procedures. A systemic search of six databases was conducted to identify studies comparing PD, PPPD, and DPPHR for treating pancreatic head benign and low-grade malignant lesions. Meta-analyses and network meta-analyses were performed to compare different surgical procedures. A total of 44 studies were enrolled in the final synthesis. Three categories of a total of 29 indexes were investigated. The DPPHR group had better working ability, physical status, less loss of body weight, and less postoperative discomfort than the Whipple group, while both groups had no differences inquality of life (QoL), pain scale scores, and other 11 indexes. Network meta-analysis of a single procedure found that DPPHR had a larger probability of best performance in seven of eight analyzed indexes than PD or PPPD. DPPHR and PD/PPPD have equal effects on improving QoL and pain relief, while PD/PPPD has more severe symptoms and more complications after surgery. PD, PPPD, and DPPHR procedures exhibit different strengths in treating pancreatic head benign and low-grade malignant lesions. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42022342427.

The Effect of Occupational Therapy on Quality of Life and Pain Self-Efficacy in Chronic Disease Patients

Background: The purpose of this research is to study the effect of occupational therapy on the quality of life and pain self-efficacy among chronic disease patients. In this context, differences in quality of life and pain self-efficacy were investigated between patients who have followed occupational therapy and patients who have not followed the program of occupational therapy. Methods: The sample consists of 63 people, all chronic disease patients. Of the above patients, according to the research design, half received occupational therapy services at a rate of 50.8% (32 patients), while the remaining 49.2% (31 patients) did not receive them. For the data collection MVQOLI-15 and PSEQ were used. Results: We found that those receiving occupational therapy services, on average, seem to have comparatively better pain self-efficacy and overall quality of life compared to those not receiving them, while this difference is statistically significant, with the level of statistical significance amounting to α = 5%. Conclusion: The effect of occupational therapy on quality of life and pain self-efficacy in chronic disease patients is crucial.

Effect of topical Zingiber cassumunar on painful diabetic neuropathy: a double-blind randomized-controlled trial

Background: Plai or Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. was registered into the Thai Traditional Medicine list since 2011. However, there is limited evidence regarding Plai as a treatment in painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of topical Zingiber cassumunar. Methods: A RCT was conducted in patients with PDN during February to March 2019. All participants received oral gabapentin 300 mg before bed as a standard regimen. The intervention group (n=16) received Plai balm 15%w/w 0.5 gram to apply on their feet three times a day and the control group (n=15) received placebo balm to similarly apply. Pain score at baseline, 2nd and 4th weeks were assessed and compared. Patients’ quality of life, and adverse events, were collected. Mean pain scores before and after treatment in each group and between groups were also analyzed. Results: At the end of week two and week four, the Plai group showed statistically significant lesser mean pain scores than the placebo group by -1.47 (95%CI: -1.96 to -1.30, p-value &lt; 0.001), and by -1.51 (95%CI: -1.92 to -0.13, p-value = 0.027), respectively. Moreover, the Plai group had more cases number/ percentages with at least 50% pain score reduction than the placebo group [12/16 (75%) vs 3/15 (20%), p-value = 0.004]. However, there was no statistically significant difference in quality of life between the two groups (overall p-value = 0.366). Adverse event was not found in any groups. Conclusions: Zingiber cassumunar balm (Plai) was efficacious for pain reduction in painful diabetic neuropathy. Registration: Registered with the Thai Clinical Trials Registry; TCTR20200221001.

The effect of a digital-assisted group rehabilitation on clinical and functional outcomes after total hip and knee arthroplasty—a prospective randomized controlled pilot study

BackgroundThe rising number of total hip and knee arthroplasties and the decreasing availability of physiotherapists require clinically and economically effective rehabilitation approaches. Therefore, the present pilot study investigated the effect of a novel digital-assisted individualized group rehabilitation program on clinical and functional outcomes after total hip and knee arthroplasty.MethodsIn this randomized controlled pilot study, 26 patients undergoing total knee or hip replacement were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (IG, novel digital-assisted group therapy) or the control group (CG, standard postoperative physiotherapy currently carried out in Germany). The IG received the novel digital-assisted group therapy twice per week for a six-months period, while the CG received individual outpatient therapy depending on the prescription of the supervising physician. The number of therapy sessions was recorded. Moreover, subjective outcomes (EuroQol-5Dimensions (EQ-5D) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)), functional outcome (30 s sit to stand test and timed up and go test (TUG)), as well as gait parameters were quantified preoperatively as well as at three and six months after surgery. Data were analyzed using an analysis of covariance with baseline-adjustment.ResultsNo patient-reported falls, pain, and hospital readmissions were recorded. On average, the IG received more therapy sessions. The clinical and functional outcomes were mainly not significantly different between groups at three- and six-months follow-up, but medium to large effect sizes for the differences in quality of life (EQ-5D) as well as pain, stiffness, and physical function (WOMAC), and TUG performance were observed in favor of the IG. However, the IG showed a higher variability of gait velocity after total joint replacement.ConclusionThe digital-assisted rehabilitation had positive effects on quality of life, pain, stiffness, physical function, and TUG performance. Nevertheless, the therapy concept may be improved by adding exercises focusing on gait performance to reduce gait variability. The results indicate that the digital-assisted therapy concept is effective and safe. Therefore, a consecutive full-scaled randomized controlled clinical trial is recommended.Trial registrationThis study was retrospectively registered on 14/02/2022 in the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS00027960).

Personally tailored activities for improving psychosocial outcomes for people with dementia in long-term care.

Personally tailored activities for improving psychosocial outcomes for people with dementia in long-term care.

Phase 1 Study to Evaluate the Safety of Reducing the Prophylactic Dose of Dexamethasone around Docetaxel Infusion in Patients with Prostate and Breast Cancer.

There is little evidence that supports the registered high dose of dexamethasone used around docetaxel. However, this high dose is associated with considerable side effects. This study evaluates the feasibility of reducing the prophylactic oral dosage of dexamethasone around docetaxel infusion. Eligible patients had a histologically confirmed diagnosis of prostate or breast cancer and had received at least three cycles of docetaxel as monotherapy or combination therapy. Prophylactic dexamethasone around docetaxel infusion was administered in a de-escalating order per cohort of patients. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of grade III/IV fluid retention and hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs). Of the 46 enrolled patients, 39 were evaluable (prostate cancer (n = 25), breast cancer (n = 14). In patients with prostate cancer, the dosage of dexamethasone was reduced to a single dose of 4 mg; in patients with breast cancer, the dosage was reduced to a 3-day schedule of 4 mg-8 mg-4 mg once daily, after which no further reduction has been tested. None of the 39 patients developed grade III/IV fluid retention or HSR. One patient (2.6%) had a grade 1 HSR, and there were six patients (15.4%) with grade I or II edema. There were no differences in quality of life (QoL) between cohorts. It seems that the prophylactic dose of dexamethasone around docetaxel infusion can be safely reduced with respect to the occurrence of grade III/IV HSRs or the fluid retention syndrome.

Dose-escalated radiotherapy for clinically localized and locally advanced prostate cancer.

Dose-escalated radiotherapy for clinically localized and locally advanced prostate cancer.