Supportive care for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma: symptom control and nutrition.
Pancreatic cancer is most frequently a fatal disease with many associated morbidities. Clinicians skilled in its treatment are adept at management of symptoms caused by local and systemic effects of the malignancy. Patients should be assured that there are many treatments that can be used aggressively to maintain their comfort and independence for as long as possible. Patients should be encouraged to inform their health care providers of any discomfort or medical or psychological problems they are experiencing. At times, referrals to specialists can be beneficial for consideration of specific symptom-improving interventions. Timely referral to a palliative medicine service and hospice can have significant beneficial impact on the total care of the patient and on home caregiver.
Ellison
Neil M
NM
Palliative Medicine Program, Department of Medical Oncology, Geisinger Medical Center, 100 North Academy Avenue, Danville, PA 17822-0140, USA. nellison@geisinger.edu
Chevlen
Eric
E
Still
Christopher D
CD
Dubagunta
Srinivastan
S
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017763:Autonomic Denervation; D002100:Cachexia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D005248:Feeding Methods; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D018529:Nutritional Support / Q000379:methods; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D059408:Pain Management; D010166:Palliative Care; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D013153:Splanchnic Nerves / Q000601:surgery; D015607:Stents
D000700:Analgesics; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D005395:Fish Oils