Mirtazapine to alleviate severe breathlessness in patients with COPD or interstitial lung diseases (BETTER-B): an international, multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 mixed-method trial.

Background: Breathlessness frequently becomes severe among people with respiratory disease. Mirtazapine, a widely used antidepressant, has shown promise in the modulation of respiratory sensation and the response to it, as well as reducing feelings of panic, which often accompanies breathlessness. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of mirtazapine to alleviate severe persisting breathlessness.

Practice review: Pharmacological management of severe chronic breathlessness in adults with advanced life-limiting diseases.

Background: Severe and refractory chronic breathlessness is a common and burdensome symptom in patients with advanced life-limiting disease. Its clinical management is challenging because of the lack of effective interventions.

Aim: To provide practice recommendations on the safe use of pharmacological therapies for severe chronic breathlessness.

Patient and carer experiences of cancer cachexia and its management.

Purpose Of Review: To explore the contributions of recent qualitative literature in progressing understanding of the experiences of cancer cachexia, and its management, from the perspectives of patients and unpaid/family carers.

Recent Findings: Challenges with conducting everyday activities, maintaining independence, and continuing usual roles within the family are sources of distress. Patients and carers value individualization, flexibility, and carer involvement in physical activity/exercise interventions.