It is acknowledged that cancer patients have a higher risk of developing pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) than the rest of the population due to the over-secretion and activation of thrombotic chemicals such as thrombin, tissue factor and factor VIIa1. The risk increases as the disease progresses. The Department of Health risk…
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The MHRA has repeated its concerns about overuse of opioids based on a set of recommendations from its Opioid Expert Working Group of the Commission on Human Medicines. The first step taken was to put safety warnings on packs of medicines containing opioids. They now want to ensure people are supplied with consistent information on…
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We observe that people have a reduced oral intake at the end of life due to their symptoms or general weakness and level of consciousness. There is inconclusive evidence that artificial hydration is beneficial, with arguments against being the chance of it increasing the likelihood of oedema, ascites and death rattle. Arguments for are that it may alleviate feelings of thirst and reduce the risk of agitation.
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This article is largely inspired by a presentation given by Dr Chris Kane, consultant in palliative medicine at Sue Ryder Hospice and the NHS Trust in Leeds, at the The Association of Supportive and Palliative Care Pharmacy annual conference in November 2018. It offered a thought-provoking view on a difficult…
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Much of the content of this article is taken from a talk given by Dr Paul Farquhar-Smith (Consultant in Pain Management and Anaesthetics, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust) at the ASPCP annual conference in November 2018. Cannabis has been used as pain relief in many ancient cultures including China…
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This relatively new approach to the treatment of cancer makes use of the body’s immune system to destroy cancer cells. There are four main mechanisms used for immunotherapy treatments:
Boosting the immune system. Making use of antibodies that attach to cancer cell surface proteins. Drugs are called monoclonal antibodies and…