Feasibility and benefit of decompressive percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (dPEG) in advanced cancer patients with malignant bowel obstruction.

Bowel obstruction is a common complication in advanced cancer patients. Patients are restricted in quality of life (QOL) due to nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Prospective data on the feasibility and benefit of decompressive percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (dPEG) are scarce.

[Concept-dependent and -independent care effects of site-specific care concepts using "pain" as an example].

Background: Structures of palliative care, cross-sectoral transitions and care pathways of patients with palliative care needs were investigated at two sites. The systematic comparison of similarities and differences using the topic of 'pain' as an example is intended to provide information on the extent to which these are related to site-specific palliative care concepts (integrated and cooperative).

Methods: The study follows a mixed-methods design.

Systematic symptom screening in patients with advanced cancer treated in certified oncology centers: results of the prospective multicenter German KeSBa project.

Purpose: Guidelines recommend a structured symptom screening (SC) for especially advanced cancer patients (CPs). The aim of this multicenter German prospective quality assurance project KeSBa (Kennzahl Symptom- und Belastungserfassung) was to gain knowledge on SC procedures in Oncology Centers (OCs) for advanced cancer patients and a first impression on the consequences of SC.

Methods: The KeSBa project consisted of three phases: pilot, 3 months screening and feedback phase.

Predictive Value of F-FDG PET in Patients with Advanced Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Treated with Vandetanib.

Therapeutic options in advanced medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) have markedly improved since the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). We aimed to assess the role of metabolic imaging using F-FDG PET/CT shortly before and 3 mo after initiation of TKI treatment. Eighteen patients with advanced and progressive MTC scheduled for vandetanib treatment underwent baseline F-FDG PET/CT before and 3 mo after TKI treatment initiation.