An international multicentre validation study of a pain classification system for cancer patients.

Purpose: The study's primary objective was to assess predictive validity of the Edmonton Classification System for Cancer Pain (ECS-CP) in a diverse international sample of advanced cancer patients. We hypothesised that patients with problematic pain syndromes would require more time to achieve stable pain control, more complicated analgesic regimens and higher opioid doses than patients with less complex pain syndromes.

Methods: Patients with advanced cancer (n=1100) were recruited from 11 palliative care sites in Canada, USA, Ireland, Israel, Australia and New Zealand (100 per site).

Mini-Suffering State Examination: suffering and survival of end-of-life cancer patients in a hospice setting.

The objective of this study was to evaluate suffering of end-of-life cancer patients during their final hospice stay and the possible interrelations with survival. A cohort of consecutive patients hospitalized in an inpatient cancer hospice of a tertiary hospital was used for this study. Patients were evaluated upon admission and once weekly by the Mini-Suffering State Examination (MSSE).

The dying, those who care for them, and how they cope with loneliness.

This study compares the manner in which the dying, their caregivers, and the general population cope with loneliness. The patients were recruited in an oncological hospice in Israel and, despite being on their deathbed, agreed to participate. Thirty-seven cancer-stricken patients, 78 caregivers, and 128 participants From the general population volunteered to take part.

The loneliness experience of the dying and of those who care for them.

Objective: The study compared the qualitative aspects of the loneliness experience of the dying, their caregivers, and the general population.

Method: The patients were recruited in an oncological hospice in Israel, and, despite being on their deathbed, agreed to participate in the study. Thirty-seven cancer-stricken patients, 78 caregivers, and 128 participants from the general population volunteered to partake in the study.

High dose controlled-release oxycodone in hospice care.

Controlled-release oxycodone (OxyContin) is commonly used for pain relief in terminal cancer. This opioid may be considered as a treatment option for patients who prefer oral pain control, but who are unwilling to take oral morphine sulphate or cannot tolerate its side effects. However, little is documented about the use of high doses of this drug in terminal cancer patients.