Updated Systematic Literature Review Research Articles

Evaluation and management of small-bowel obstruction

Small-bowel obstruction (SBO) represents as many as 16% of surgical admissions and more than 300,000 operations annually in the United States. The optimal strategies for the diagnosis and management of SBO continue to evolve secondary to advances in imaging techniques, critical care, and surgical techniques. This updated systematic literature review was developed by the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma to provide up-to-date evidence-based recommendations for SBO. A search of the National Library of Medicine MEDLINE database was performed using PubMed interface for articles published from 2007 to 2011. The search identified 53 new articles that were then combined with the 131 studies previously reviewed by the 2007 guidelines. The updated guidelines were then presented at the 2012 annual EAST meeting. Level I evidence now exists to recommend the use of computed tomographic scan, especially multidetector computed tomography with multiplanar reconstructions, in the evaluation of patients with SBO because it can provide incremental clinically relevant information over plains films that may lead to changes in management. Patients with evidence of generalized peritonitis, other evidence of clinical deterioration, such as fever, leukocytosis, tachycardia, metabolic acidosis, and continuous pain, or patients with evidence of ischemia on imaging should undergo timely exploration. The remainder of patients can safely undergo initial nonoperative management for both partial and complete SBO. Water-soluble contrast studies should be considered in patients who do not clinically resolve after 48 to 72 hours for both diagnostic and potential therapeutic purposes. Laparoscopic treatment of SBO has been demonstrated to be a viable alternative to laparotomy in selected cases.

Recent Evidence for Colorectal Cancer Prevention Through Healthy Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity: Implications for Recommendations

The aim of this paper is to present results from the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) Continuous Update Project on colorectal cancer and food, nutrition, and physical activity, an updated systematic literature review on evidence forming part of the 2007 WCRF/AICR Second Expert Report. Convincing evidence indicates that physical activity protects against colon cancer and that foods containing dietary fiber protect against colorectal cancer. Consumption of red meat and processed meat, ethanol from alcoholic drinks (by men and probably by women), as well as body fatness and abdominal fatness and the factors that lead to greater adult-attained height or its consequences are convincing causes of colorectal cancer. Consumption of garlic, milk, and calcium probably protects against this cancer. The updated evidence shows that food, nutrition, and physical activity have an important role in the causation and prevention of colorectal cancer.

P45 Clinical impact and QoL in older colon cancer patients after chemotherapy

P45 Clinical impact and QoL in older colon cancer patients after chemotherapy

Der Beitrag der Onkologiepflege zur Swiss Research Agenda for Nursing – SRAN

Worldwide, cancer remains the second most frequent cause of death in adults and children. A cancer diagnosis often marks the beginning of therapies that may continue over months and years. These therapies frequently consist in surgical interventions in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. For all healthcare professionals involved, cancer also signifies a very complex illness with high demands. It is therefore important to identify research priorities in order to successfully and comprehensively address these demands and to provide high quality patient care. In order to identify research priorities in oncology care in Switzerland, a systematic review of literature was conducted. A total of 30 research priorities emerged from the literature. In accordance with SRAN guidelines, 25 were passed on to the SRAN. The systematic identification of research priorities in oncology nursing has, for the first time, resulted in a list of topics in need of investigation in Switzerland. Completing the list of research priorities for oncology nursing with an updated systematic review of literature and presenting it to a larger and more representative group of oncology nurses, experts, and nurse scientists with oncology nursing experience for assessment and valuation, will be crucial for any future revision of the SRAN. In the future, it will be indispensable to include patients and their families in the process.

Initial Hormonal Management of Androgen-Sensitive Metastatic, Recurrent, or Progressive Prostate Cancer: 2007 Update of an American Society of Clinical Oncology Practice Guideline

To update the 2004 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guideline on initial hormonal management of androgen-sensitive, metastatic, recurrent, or progressive prostate cancer (PCa). The writing committee based its recommendations on an updated systematic literature review. Recommendations were approved by the Expert Panel, the ASCO Health Services Committee, and the ASCO Board of Directors. Seven randomized controlled trials (four new), one systematic review, one meta-analysis (new), one Markov model, and one delta-method 95% CI procedure for active controlled trials (new) informed the guideline update. Bilateral orchiectomy or luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists are recommended initial androgen-deprivation treatments (ADTs). Nonsteroidal antiandrogen monotherapy merits discussion as an alternative; steroidal antiandrogen monotherapy should not be offered. Combined androgen blockade should be considered. In metastatic or progressive PCa, immediate versus symptom-onset institution of ADT results in a moderate decrease (17%) in relative risk (RR) for PCa-specific mortality, a moderate increase (15%) in RR for non-PCa-specific mortality, and no overall survival advantage. Therefore, the Panel cannot make a strong recommendation for early ADT initiation. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics and other metrics allow identification of populations at high risk for PCa-specific and overall mortality. Further studies must be completed to assess whether patients with adverse prognostic factors gain a survival advantage from immediate ADT. For patients electing to wait until symptoms for ADT, regular monitoring visits are indicated. For patients with recurrence, clinical trials should be considered if available. Currently, data are insufficient to support use of intermittent androgen blockade outside clinical trials

EORTC guidelines for the use of erythropoietic proteins in anaemic patients with cancer: 2006 update

EORTC guidelines for the use of erythropoietic proteins in anaemic patients with cancer: 2006 update