European Journal of Cancer: Highlights of Issue 40:15

ESO build a framework for palliative care

ESO's framework for palliative care

The European School of Oncology outline in this issue their definitions of basic and specialised palliative care. They propose a list of priorities that should be included for all cancer patients. These include the integration of palliative care services with primary care and oncology teams, the establishment of educational programmes for undergraduates, oncologists, primary care team members and specialists in palliative care and the removal of unnecessary restrictions on all drugs of proven benefit. "It is imperative that in order to offer truly patient-directed care, there has to be much more engagement by professionals and those involved in running palliative care services, with patients, their carers and their representatives", they concluded.

The European Cancer Anaemia Survey

"Anaemia prevalence and incidence in cancer patients are high. Anaemia significantly correlates with a poor performance status and many anaemic patients are not treated" according to Dr. Heinz Ludwig and colleagues reporting in this issue. Data were derived from the European Cancer Anaemia Survey (ECAS), an epidemiological, observational study from 748 cancer centres in 24 countries. As anaemia can be associated with a shorter survival and decreased quality of life, the optimal management of anaemia appears to be a critical component of cancer treatment, they said.

Risk factors for catheter-related complications

Cancer patients with arm ports are more likely to have catheter complications than patients with chest ports, according to authors reporting in this issue. Tesselaar and colleagues investigated complication rates in 243 patients with various malignancies. Although patients without anticoagulant therapy showed similar rates for arm and chest ports, those given anticoagulants had an increased risk if they had arm ports (Odds Ratio: 34.8; 95% Confidence Interval 7.3-165). Left-sided placements, catheters in the superior vena cava and elevated homocysteine levels were other factors associated with an increased risk of venous thrombosis. "Prophylaxis with anticoagulants is recommended for chest, but not for arm ports. Determination of plasma homocysteine levels may identify patients at an increased risk for thrombosis", they concluded.

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