Safety of subcutaneous clodronate and efficacy in hypercalcemia of malignancy: a novel route of administration.

Bisphosphonates have become standard treatment in management of malignancy-induced hypercalcemia and malignant bone pain. One obstacle to the routine use of bisphosphonates in palliative patients is that oral bisphosphonates have low bioavailability and a degree of gastrointestinal toxicity that may explain poor compliance. Intravenous administration can be cumbersome in patients admitted to long-term care settings or at home.

The uses of psychotropics in symptom management in advanced cancer.

Approximately 50% of patients diagnosed with cancer die because of progressive disease. Psychotropic drugs are frequently used for the management of physical and psychosocial symptoms in these patients. Thalidomide, cannabinoids and melatonin are emerging agents for the management of cachexia.

Baclofen, a treatment for chronic hiccup.

The efficacy of baclofen in the treatment of chronic hiccup is demonstrated in two cases. These cases highlight the present state of knowledge related to hiccup. This discussion focuses on the definition and classification of hiccup, etiologies, postulated theories to explain its function, the few studies performed to date, and non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment.