Celiac plexus radiosurgery for pain management in advanced cancer: a multicentre, single-arm, phase 2 trial.

Background: Refractory upper abdominal pain or lower back pain (retroperitoneal pain syndrome) related to celiac plexus involvement characterises pancreatic and other upper gastrointestinal malignancies and is an unmet need. We hypothesised that ablative radiation delivered to the celiac plexus would decrease pain.

Methods: This multicentre, single-arm, phase 2 study was done at eight hospitals in five countries (Israel, Poland, Canada, the USA, and Portugal).

Coeliac plexus radiosurgery for pain management in patients with advanced cancer : study protocol for a phase II clinical trial.

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer is characterised by severe mid-back and epigastric pain caused by tumour invasion of the coeliac nerve plexus. This pain is often poorly managed with standard treatments. This clinical trial investigates a novel approach in which high-dose radiation (radiosurgery) is targeted to the retroperitoneal coeliac plexus nerve bundle.

How skilled do Israeli nurses perceive themselves to be in providing palliative care? Results of a national survey.

Background: In Israel, palliative care (PC) services are limited. This study assessed Israeli nurses' perceived competencies and educational needs in providing PC.

Design: Online administration of the End-of-Life Professional Caregiver Survey (EPCS).