The Preliminary Effects of Massage and Inhalation Aromatherapy on Chemotherapy-Induced Acute Nausea and Vomiting: A Quasi-Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Effect of peppermint inhalation versus Swedish massage on chemotherapy induced-nausea and vomiting in children with leukemia: Multi-arm randomised trial design

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy is the foremost treatment for children with leukemia, while causing different serious side-effects. Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting are the most common deliberating side effects and critical concerns of pediatric oncology nurses among those children.

AIM

To investigate the effect of peppermint inhalation versus Swedish massage on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in children with leukemia.

DESIGN

A multi-arm randomised trial design with three parallel groups.

SETTING

This study was conducted at outpatient and inpatient Hematology/leukemia Units at Alexandria University Children's Hospital at Smouha.

METHODS

Seventy-five children with leukemia received the first chemotherapy session. They were randomly allocated into three equal groups, 25 children in each group (control, peppermint inhalation, and Swedish massage groups). Every child is assessed for nausea and vomiting before chemotherapy administration and after for three days for consecutive three sessions of treatment.

RESULTS

Study findings revealed that children in peppermint inhalation and Swedish massage groups showed significant reduction in mean total score of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting among peppermint inhalation and Swedish groups (15.120 ± 4.585 and 14.680 ± 3.158, respectively) was observed on third chemotherapy session than in control group (45.680 ± 5.793) (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that Swedish massage and peppermint inhalation therapies may have significant antiemetic effects as alleviating the chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting for children with leukemia.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

This study directs the pediatric oncology nurses to incorporate peppermint inhalation and Swedish massage therapies besides antiemetic drugs in pediatric oncology unit protocols for management of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting.

Effects of Aromatherapy on Physical and Mental Health of Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy and/or Chemotherapy: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUP

Currently, aromatherapy is being increasingly utilized in clinical practice, particularly in managing the side effects associated with radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy. However, it remains to be established whether aromatherapy can effectively alleviate these symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of aromatherapy on the physical and mental health of patients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

METHODS

Seven databases were researched from inception until September 29, 2023, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, China Biology Medicine disc and VIP Chinese Medical Journal Database. Review Manager version 5.3 was utilized for data analysis. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool RoB2 was employed to evaluate the quality of the literature included in the study. Evidence quality rating was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach through the GRADEpro GDT online tool.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies involving 1,541 patients were included. Aromatherapy can alleviate nausea [relative risk (RR)=0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.53 to 0.78, P<0.05, I2=46%; standardized mean difference (SMD)=-0.86, 95% CI: -1.21 to -0.51, P<0.05, I2=64%] and vomiting (RR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.69, P<0.05, I2=35%; SMD=-1.28, 95% CI: -1.52 to -1.03, P<0.05, I2=92%), improve sleep disorders [mean difference (MD)=-3.39, 95% CI: -3.95 to -2.84, P<0.05, I2=0%], relieve pain (SMD=-1.58, 95% CI: -1.96 to -1.21, P<0.05, I2=0%), mitigate fatigue (SMD=-1.28, 95% CI: -2.44 to -0.11, P<0.05, I2=93%) and enhance quality of life (SMD=0.50, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.79, P<0.05, I2=0%) in cancer patients after radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but it may not have a significant effect on anxiety. The risk of bias was high in the included studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool RoB2, and no studies were considered to be of high grade according to the GRADE system.

CONCLUSIONS

Aromatherapy is an efficacious, safe and economic adjunctive therapy for cancer patients, which can mend the physical symptoms and mental health of cancer patients. However, more high-quality studies are needed to verify it. (PROSPERO registration No. CRD42023390171).

Nonpharmacological Nursing Interventions in Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

This study aims to assess the impact of nonpharmacological nursing interventions on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

DESIGN

This is a systematic review.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Tübitak-ULAKBİM, and TRDizin databases were searched for the following search terms, including "Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting," "Nurse," "Nursing," and "Nonpharmacological Interventions" to identify nonpharmacological nursing interventions for PONV. A systematic review of English and Turkish articles published in the period between January 1, 2012 and June 1, 2023 was conducted. The PICOT-SD method was used to determine the compatibility of the pieces with the eligibility criteria.

FINDINGS

Fifty-eight of 3,874 articles obtained from databases fulfilled the eligibility criteria. This study demonstrated that acupuncture, aromatherapy, the oral intake of ginger, listening to music, education, and visits to patients decreased the incidence of nausea and vomiting and increased the quality of life. Additionally, it was found that patients' quality of life tended to improve along with reductions in postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study support previous findings in the literature and demonstrate that nonpharmacological nursing interventions help reduce and prevent PONV. Based on our results, we suggest that nonpharmacological nursing interventions can be employed for the management of PONV in patients undergoing surgery.

Effect of aromatherapy with rose essential oil on the nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients: a randomized controlled trial

Background

The present study aims to determine the effect of aromatherapy with rose essential oil on the rate of nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients.

Materials and methods

This randomized controlled trial included 66 cancer patients who were randomly divided: the rose essential oil aromatherapy group (n=33) and the control group (n=33). The sampling period ranged from November 2022 to March 2023. The state of nausea and vomiting was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale.

Results

The average scores of nausea and vomiting of both the second and third cycle in three time periods after chemotherapy (first, second, and third six hours) were significantly lower in the intervention group than the control group (P<0.001). Also, in the second cycle of chemotherapy, unlike the third cycle of chemotherapy, there was a significant interaction between group and time (ηp2=0.100, P=0.001, F (84.70, 1.37) = 6.91). In other words, the amount of difference between the mean scores of nausea and vomiting of the two control and intervention groups depended on the variable levels of time and vice versa.

Conclusion

The results indicate the reducing effect of aromatherapy with rose essential oil on the severity of nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy in cancer patients. Therefore, it is recommended to be used in chemotherapy to reduce the severity of nausea and vomiting according to the patient's condition.

Effects of foot-massage in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum on severity of nausea-vomiting and anxiety

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to determine the effects of foot massage performed on pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum on the severity of nausea and vomiting and pregnancy-related anxiety.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This randomised controlled study was conducted between February and November 2020 with 104 pregnant women hospitalised in the pregnant women follow-up service ward of a public hospital in eastern Turkey with the diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum. Data were obtained from the pregnant women who were given a 'Personal Information Form' and before and after each application by using the Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea (PUQE) Test and the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Scale-Revision 2 (PRAQ-R2).

RESULTS

Before foot massage, the pre-test mean PUQE total, PRAQR-2 total, and PRAQR2 fear of childbirth and concerns about physical appearance dimension scores of the participants in the experimental and control groups were similar (p > 0.05), It was determined that the PRAQR2 fear of having a disabled child control group had significantly higher pre-test scores compared to the massage group (p < 0.05). After foot massage, the severity of nausea and vomiting was significantly lower in the participants in the experimental group compared to those in the control group (p < 0.001). Additionally, the mean PRAQR2 total and dimension scores of the participants in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These findings support the use of the foot massage is an effective intervention in reducing the severity of nausea and vomiting and pregnancy-related anxiety.

Effect of peppermint-lemon aromatherapy on nausea-vomiting and quality of life in pediatric patients with leukemia: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Nausea and vomiting, frequently induced by chemotherapy, can delay treatment protocols and the healing process.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to determine how aromatherapy inhalation with peppermint and lemon using a diffuser affects nausea-vomiting management and quality of life in 2-12-year-old children undergoing chemotherapy.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The study utilized a pretest-posttest control group experimental design with randomized groups. A total of 90 children who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The experimental group received Mentha Piperita and Citrus Lemon essential oils through a diffuser, while the placebo group received water through a diffuser. The control group did not receive any intervention.

RESULTS

Pulse and respiratory rates of children treated with aromatherapy were found to be significantly lower than the other groups. After aromatherapy application, quality of life of the children in the experimental group was significantly higher than the other groups. The change in the Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching scores of the experimental group on the 4th chemotherapy cycle compared to the 1st chemotherapy cycle was significantly higher than the change in the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Consequently, it was determined that inhalation aromatherapy with peppermint-lemon was effective in the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea-vomiting symptoms and quality of life compared to the placebo and control groups.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Inhalation aromatherapy with mint-lemon can be used as an alternative method to improve the quality of life in children with leukemia who suffer from chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Effect of music therapy on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in gastrointestinal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer, but it has many adverse reactions, particularly nausea and vomiting. Music therapy can reduce anxiety symptoms, avoid the response to the human body under various stress conditions through psychological adjustment, and improve the adverse reactions of chemotherapy.

AIM

To investigate the impact of music therapy on relieving gastrointestinal adverse reactions in chemotherapy for patients with digestive tract cancer by meta-analysis.

METHODS

EMBASE, PubMed, OVID, WoS, CNKI, CBM, and VIP database were all used for searching relevant literature, and the efficacy after treatment was combined for analysis and evaluation.

RESULTS

This study included seven articles. The results of meta-analysis indicated that music therapy could reduce the nausea symptom score of patients after chemotherapy [mean difference (MD) = -3.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): -4.62 to -1.68, Z = -4.20, P < 0.0001]. Music therapy could reduce the vomiting symptom score of patients after chemotherapy (MD = -2.28, 95%CI: -2.46 to -2.11, Z = -25.15, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, music therapy could minimize the incidence of grade I and above nausea or vomiting in patients after chemotherapy (odds ratio = 0.38, 95%CI: 0.26-0.56, Z = -4.88, P < 0.0001). Meta-regression analysis found that publication year was not a specific factor affecting the combined results. There was no significant publication bias (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Music therapy can significantly improve the scores of nausea and vomiting symptoms in patients with digestive system cancer during chemotherapy and reduce the incidence of grade I and above nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy, making it an effective psychological intervention method worthy of clinical promotion.

Non-pharmacological management for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer: a scoping review†

Objective

This review aimed to map and summarize published studies that tested non-pharmacological management for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).

Methods

We searched for eligible studies in 5 electronic databases and screened the retrieved studies using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were then collated according to the types of interventions, measurement tool, and outcomes.

Results

The search yielded 2343 records, of which 11 were included. Four categories of non-pharmacological CINV management were made; manipulative and body-based therapy (n = 5 studies); mind–body therapy (n = 3 studies); biologically based practice (n = 1 study), and energy therapy (n = 2 studies). Seven different scales were used to measure CINV. Nine studies reported improvement in CINV.

Conclusions

This scoping review demonstrates the breadth of non-pharmacological management to address CINV. Various types of CINV scales were used to measure CINV severity. The management and scale can be utilized to improve nursing care, particularly in cancer care.

A Status Review on Health-Promoting Properties and Global Regulation of Essential Oils

Since ancient times, essential oils (EOs) have been known for their therapeutic potential against many health issues. Recent studies suggest that EOs may contribute to the regulation and modulation of various biomarkers and cellular pathways responsible for metabolic health as well as the development of many diseases, including cancer, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and bacterial infections. During metabolic dysfunction and even infections, the immune system becomes compromised and releases pro-inflammatory cytokines that lead to serious health consequences. The bioactive compounds present in EOs (especially terpenoids and phenylpropanoids) with different chemical compositions from fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants confer protection against these metabolic and infectious diseases through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties. In this review, we have highlighted some targeted physiological and cellular actions through which EOs may exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties. In addition, it has been observed that EOs from specific plant sources may play a significant role in the prevention of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, microbial infections, and increasing breast milk production, along with improvements in heart, liver, and brain health. The current status of the bioactive activities of EOs and their therapeutic effects are covered in this review. However, with respect to the health benefits of EOs, it is very important to regulate the dose and usage of EOs to reduce their adverse health effects. Therefore, we specified that some countries have their own regulatory bodies while others follow WHO and FAO standards and legislation for the use of EOs.

"Like one part of a puzzle" - individualized aromatherapy for women with gynecological cancers in aftercare: results from a qualitative-focused mixed-methods study

BACKGROUND

Gynecological cancer(s), including breast cancer patients in aftercare and survivors, need supportive strategies to cope with symptoms that are adapted to their individual needs and circumstances. Aromatherapy has potential to be such strategy, but (qualitative) empirical research taking users' own views into consideration about the potential and challenge of aromatherapy is lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study is to gain insights from individualized aromatherapy as a supportive care treatment, regarding their use and evaluation by women with gynecological cancers in aftercare.

METHODS

We conducted a study with a mixed-methods design, focused on qualitative research. Five essential oil products were given to 18 participants to apply individually over a 4-week period. After the intervention, qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted. Further, we documented and assessed symptomatic burdens of the women (MYMOP2) before and after intervention quantitatively.

RESULTS

Aromatherapy was customized by the participants according to their needs. It showed potential for relief of symptomatic burdens - especially nausea, peripheral neuropathy, pain, and sleep. Additionally, opportunities emerged to indirectly affect symptomatic burdens. These developed out of new coping strategies (e.g., sleep routines) or by combining with existing strategies (e.g., meditation). Furthermore, aromatherapy was successfully used to promote well-being and encourage mindfulness.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrated the potential of aromatherapy as a supportive treatment modality that can be used as a kind of toolbox. Challenges, such as individual odor aversions and intolerances, and limitations due to medication or illness should be considered in future aromatherapy research.

Study of the Mechanism of Antiemetic Effect of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Essential Oil Based on Ca2+/CaMKII/ERK1/2 Pathway

Purpose

To investigate the effective components and possible mechanism of action of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil (LEO) in preventing vomiting through the olfactory pathway.

Materials and Methods

A new network pharmacology–based method was established to analyze main components and pathways of LEO involved in antiemetic effects by introducing component content; biological activities of key proteins of the olfactory pathway and their corresponding compounds were verified by molecular docking technique; and finally pica in a rat model was established to verify the molecular mechanism of antiemetic effects of LEO by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine the serum 5-HT, substance P, and DA levels in each group and by immunohistochemistry to determine the contents of 5-HT₃R, CaMKII and ERK1/2 proteins in the medulla oblongata tissue.

Results

Network pharmacology combined with molecular docking analysis showed that the mechanism of the antiemetic effect of LEO may be related to (2Z)-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienyl acetate, linalyl acetate, butanoic acid, hexyl ester, 4-hexen-1-ol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl)-, acetate, .tau.-cadinol and other active ingredients, which regulate the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway and the expression of BRAF, PDE and other targets on the pathway. An ELISA revealed that LEO reduced the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), substance P, and dopamine in serum compared with the model group (P <0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that LEO decreased the expression of 5-HT₃R, CaMKII, and ERK1/2 proteins in the medulla oblongata of rats compared with the model group (P <0.01).

Conclusion

LEO may achieve the antiemetic effect by reducing the content of 5-HT and inhibiting its related receptors, thereby regulating downstream Ca²⁺/CaMKII/ERK1/2 pathway of the cAMP signaling pathway.

Plant Fragrances Are Like Music for Our Senses: A Scoping Review of Aromatherapy in Gynecologic Cancers and Breast Cancer Care

Introduction: Essential oil (EO) applications via inhalation and/or absorption through the skin-often referred to as aromatherapy-have particular relevance as complementary to cancer treatment and follow-up care. Aromatherapy is of particular interest for controlling symptoms and enhancing the general well-being of people with cancer. This is indicated by the increasing number of empirical studies on this topic. Although numerous reviews have summarized the extensive primary research about aromatherapy and cancer, no review on aromatherapy use targeting women with gynecologic and breast cancers currently exists. Our scoping review aims at giving an overview of the state of research about aromatherapy in this specific target group. By summarizing and describing study characteristics, based on methodological decisions and content, we intend to offer implications for future research, focused on the use of EO in women with gynecologic and breast cancers. Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted, based on the literature, and using the extension of the PRISMA statement for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The databases PubMed and CINHAHL were searched in a multi-stage, iterative process taking the most relevant terms under consideration, given our research interest and Boolean operators. The included studies were analyzed and summarized through (1) a table matrix including categories of interest and (2) qualitative content analysis. Results: One hundred seventy studies were examined, and 10 were included in this review. They show high heterogeneity in how the term aromatherapy is defined, in content, research design, EO used, application, and outcomes. However, all 10 studies exclusively targeted women with breast cancer in different states of cancer treatment. Conclusions: Challenges of research within this field point to the heterogeneous use and classification of the term aromatherapy, the differentiation of the principle of action of EO, the lack of transparency in how EO are reported and described (e.g., botanical names, company, dosage, mixing ratios), and the need to include subjective perceptions. Ten implications for future research based on these challenges are given.

Effect of inhalation aromatherapy on physical and psychological problems in cancer patients: Systematic review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of inhalation aromatherapy on physical and psychological problems in cancer patients.

METHODS

We searched relevant randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, CINHAL, CNKI, CBM, Wan Fang, and VIP databases, and then evaluated the quality and extracted data from these studies. The publication date was from the establishment of each database until May 2021.

RESULTS

We ultimately included 16 publications that examined 636 patients and 636 controls. Inhalation of aromatherapy had no effect on pain and depression; mixed results on nausea and vomiting; reduced sleep disorders and anxiety; and improved quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Although inhalation aromatherapy may benefit cancer patients, more high-quality evidence is needed to support its clinical usefulness.

Effect of Abdominal Massage with and without Salvia officinalis on Nausea and Vomiting in Patients with Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of abdominal massage with and without Salvia officinalis on nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods

In this randomized clinical trial, 60 patients undergoing chemotherapy were placed in one of two intervention groups or in a control group. Abdominal massage with and without Salvia officinalis was performed for 15 minutes twice a day for 3 consecutive days by the patient's companion. The rate of nausea and vomiting was measured with a Visual Analog Scale.

Results

Findings showed that immediately after the intervention, the mean score of nausea in abdominal massage with Salvia officinalis group was lower than that of the control group. The mean score of nausea was not different between abdominal massage and control groups. One week after the intervention, the mean score of nausea was not different among the three groups. In addition, the frequency of vomiting was not different among the three groups.

Conclusion

Abdominal massage with/without Salvia officinalis as a complementary medicine has not considerable effect on reducing nausea and vomiting in patient with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. More studies are needed to achieve better and more accurate results.

Effectiveness of Inhaled Aromatherapy on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review

Background: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are among the most common and feared side effects of cancer treatments. Their presence has a negative impact on the quality of life and morbidity associated with the disease. Despite increasingly effective antiemetic treatments, 40% of cancer patients experience CINV during the acute or delayed phase of their treatment. This distressing experience lived through by a large number of people makes it a priority in the improvement of cancer patients and a daily concern for nurses in cancer care units. In an attempt to alleviate this problem, the idea of using aromatherapy as supportive care has led the authors to research the knowledge available on this subject. Objective: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the existing scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of respiratory aromatherapy on CINV in addition to standard treatment compared with their recommended management in people with cancer. Design: Systematic review. Methods: This review was conducted according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines and queried six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Database, Embase, CINAHL, and Google Scholar). An analysis of the risk of bias using the Cochrane "Risks of Bias" tools and a qualitative synthesis of the results of the studies were carried out. Results: Eleven studies were included, nine in adults and two in children. Seven out of nine studies showed statistically significant results in adults with either direct or dry inhalation. Four out of seven alleviated both nausea and vomiting thanks to peppermint, ginger essential oil; three decreased nausea only with chamomilla, ginger or cardamom essential oil. Atmospheric diffusion and the use of inhaled aromatherapy in children did not show any benefit. Conclusions: Results appear promising for the use of direct inhaled aromatherapy in the management of CINV. However, most of the studies found the women concerned suffered from gynecologic cancers and had certain methodological limitations. Indeed, small samples and a wide variety of interventions were studied (different essential oils, number of drops of essential oils used, method of administration, etc.), making it impossible so far to generalize these results. Studies with a more robust methodology and larger samples will make it possible to confirm the potential usefulness of this complementary treatment.

Exploring the Potential of Aromatherapy as an Adjuvant Therapy in Cancer and its Complications: A Comprehensive Update

BACKGROUND

Aromatherapy is a traditional practice of employing essential oils for the therapeutic purposes, currently headed under the category of complementary and adjuvant medicine.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review article is to summarize the potential health benefits of aromatic essential oil from traditional times till the present. It also proposed some mechanisms which can be utilized as basis for using aromatherapy in cancer and cancer linked complications.

METHODS

To find out the relevant and authentic data, several search engines like Science direct, Pubmed, research gate, etc. were thoroughly checked by inserting key words like aromatherapy, complementary, adjuvant therapy etc. to collect the relevant material in context of article. Also, the chemical components of essential oil were classified based on the presence of functional groups, which are further explored for their cytotoxic potential.

RESULTS

The result depicted the anti-cancer potential of chemical constituents of essential oil against different types of cancer. Moreover, the essential oils show promising anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and anti-mutagenic potential in several studies, which collectively can form the basis for initiation of its anti-cancer utility.

CONCLUSION

Aromatherapy can serve as adjuvant economic therapy in cancer after the standardization of protocol.

Health services research in colorectal cancer: a quasi-experimental interventional pilot study on in- and outpatient oncology

Introduction

Due to frequent treatment side effects and weight loss, colorectal cancer patients require oncologic care and nutritional counseling both during and after hospitalization. The current study evaluated differences in discharge and side effects management and nutritional behavior between colorectal cancer patients of a control group without systematic counseling and of an intervention group with access to structured in- and outpatient oncology nurse and nutritional counseling.

Methods

The presented explorative, quantitative, single-center, interventional pilot study is a health services research project with a quasi-experimental design. Using a self-designed standardized questionnaire, data were collected from the control group (n = 75) before and from the intervention group (n = 114) after the introduction of in- and outpatient oncology nurse and structured systematic nutritional counseling. The in- and outpatient counseling services were developed and evaluated in the form of a structured nurse-led counseling concept.

Results

Intervention group patients profited significantly from inpatient oncology nurse counseling in seven different areas of discharge management. No differences were observed concerning patient-reported general and gastrointestinal side effects except for xerostomia and dysphagia, but of the patients participating in both in- and outpatient oncology nurse counseling, 90.0% were better able to cope with general side effects of treatment. Patients with in- and outpatient structured systematic nutritional counseling more frequently received nutritional information (p = 0.001), were better at gauging food intolerances (p = 0.023), and followed the dietician's advice in cases of gastrointestinal side effects significantly more often (p = 0.003) than control patients. Counselor-reported outcomes concerning gastrointestinal side effects showed improvement in most of the patients taking part in systematic in- and outpatient nutritional counseling, except for weight loss in 4 patients.

Conclusion

In- and outpatient counseling in discharge and side effects management and nutrition improve the outcomes of colorectal cancer patients. Outpatient counseling should be further developed and evaluated in future studies.

The Effect of Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Extract on the Severity of Nausea, Vomiting and Anorexia in Patients with Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Objective: Nausea, vomiting, and anorexia are the most common side effects reported in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The present study aimed to determine the effect of peppermint extract on the severity of nausea, vomiting, and anorexia in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Methods and Materials: In this randomized controlled trial, we selected 84 patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. They were then assigned to 2 groups of experimental and control (n = 42, each) using block randomization. Patients in the experimental group received 40 drops of peppermint extract mixed in 20 cc of tap water every 8 hours, while patients in the control group received 40 drops of distilled water mixed in 20 cc of tap water every 8 hours. The severity of nausea, vomiting, and anorexia was measured and recorded before the intervention, and immediately, 24 and 48 hours after the chemotherapy using the Visual Analogue Scale. Statistical analysis of the data was conducted using SPSS software version 21. Results: The results of the present study revealed that there was a significant difference between the 2 groups at 24 and 48 hours after the chemotherapy (P < .05), so that the mean score of the severity of nausea, vomiting, and anorexia in the experimental group was lower than in the control group (P < .05). Conclusion: The use of peppermint as a method in complementary medicine may improve nausea, vomiting, and anorexia in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Further studies with greater sample size and longer follow-up period are needed to confirm the current findings.

The Effects of Peppermint Oil on Nausea, Vomiting and Retching in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: An Open Label Quasi-Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

OBJECTIVES

The current study evaluated the effects of peppermint oil on the frequency of nausea, vomiting, retching, and the severity of nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

DESIGN

A quasi-randomized controlled study.

SETTING

Patients were recruited from the ambulatory chemotherapy unit of a public hospital located (Batman, Turkey) between September 2017 and September 2018.

INTERVENTIONS

The participants in the intervention group applied one drop the aromatic mixture on the spot between their upper lip and their nose, three times a day for the five days following chemotherapy administration, in addition to the routine antiemetic treatment. Participants in the control group underwent only the routine antiemetic treatment. Main outcome measures VAS-the severity of nausea and the Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching.

RESULTS

The VAS nausea score was significantly lower after peppermint oil applying in the patients receiving Folfirinox (treatment effect (mean dif.): 4.00±2.28; P<0.001), Paclitaxel-Trastuzumab (treatment effect (mean dif.): 1.70±0.90; P=0.014), Carboplatin-Paclitaxel (treatment effect (mean dif.): 3.71±1.41; P<0.001), and Cyclophosphamide-Adriamycin (treatment effect (mean dif.): 1.41±0.73; P=0.005) excluding cisplatin scedule (treatment effect (mean dif.): 0.56±2,18; P=0.642). We detected a statistical significant difference in the change in frequency of nausea, vomiting, retching in the other all schedules excluding cisplatin schedule (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The peppermint oil was significantly reduced the frequency of nausea, vomiting, retching and the severity of nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Therefore, usage of peppermint oil together with antiemetics after chemotherapy with moderate and low emetic risk may be recommended to cope with CINV.

Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on Quality of Sleep in the Palliative Care Ward: A Randomized Controlled Trial

CONTEXT

There is little evidence of the effectiveness of aromatherapy massage in palliative care despite its popularity.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 30-minute single session of aromatherapy massage at night time on quality of sleep and fatigue in palliative care.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial from January 2018 to March 2019. After being stratified by sex, participants were randomly assigned to an aromatherapy massage group and a control group. The effects of aromatherapy massage were evaluated on the massage day and the next day using the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire and the Brief Fatigue Inventory.

RESULTS

Of the 74 participants, data of 27 participants in the treatment group and 30 participants in the control group were analyzed. Analysis of covariance indicated that quality of sleep and fatigue did not improve owing to the aromatherapy massage, although usual fatigue in preceding 24 hours and enjoyment of life subscales of the Brief Fatigue Inventory showed signs of contribution (P = 0.07 and 0.09, respectively). Post hoc analyses indicated that higher age and performance status were factors with moderate correlation with better sleep (P = 0.03; r = 0.45 and P = 0.03; r = 0.40, respectively), and that older patients tended to experience greater improvement in fatigue (P = 0.02; r = -0.47).

CONCLUSION

A single aromatherapy massage session is no more effective than not having a massage in improving sleep quality in palliative care settings. However, older patients and those in poor health conditions may benefit from aromatherapy massage.

Comparison of the Effect of Inhalation Aromatherapy with 10% and 30% Peppermint Essential Oils on the Severity of Nausea in Abdominal Surgery Patients

Background

One of the most common surgical complications is nausea. Regarding the contradictory findings on the effect of aromatherapy with peppermint on the severity of nausea, in the present study, we aimed at comparing the effect of aromatherapy with 10% and 30% peppermint essential oils on the severity of nausea in surgical patients.

Methods

This single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted at the surgical ward of Imam Reza Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran. A total of 120 patients undergoing abdominal surgery were randomly divided into three groups of 10% peppermint, 30% peppermint, and control (40 patients in each group) using a random number table. In each of the intervention groups, 0.2 ml of 10% and 30% peppermint essential oil was inhaled. In the control group, the same amount of distilled water colored with green food coloring was inhaled. The severity of nausea was measured by nausea visual analog scale (NVAS) before and 10 minutes after the intervention.

Results

In the 10% peppermint group, the mean severity of nausea before the intervention was 52.3 ± 13.7 out of 100, which reduced to 40.5 ± 13.5 after the intervention (p < 0.001). In the 30% peppermint group, the mean severity scores of nausea before and after the intervention were 60.2 ± 15.0 and 39.7 ± 12.4, respectively (p < 0.001). In the control group, the mean severity scores of nausea before and after the intervention was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference between the two intervention groups in terms of the mean severity of nausea after the intervention.

Conclusions

It can be concluded that 10% and 30% peppermint essential oils are equally effective on the severity of nausea.

Use of Essential Oils by Health Care Professionals for Health Maintenance

This study explores essential oils' use by health care professionals for health maintenance. A qualitative, descriptive design was employed, and a convenience sample of 10 participants was interviewed. Four themes were identified: an essential oils' community, essential oils' use, essential oils' acceptance, and essential oils' benefits and harms.

Effect of aromatherapy on cancer complications: A systematic review

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of aromatherapy on cancer complications.

METHODS

In this systematic review, international (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE and CENTRAL) and national databases (SID and Magiran) were searched from inception of the databases to April 31, 2019. JBI and Jadad scales were used to assess the quality of the studies included.

RESULTS

of 43 Studies conducted on 3239 cancer patients in 13 countries from 1995 to 2019, entered the final stage. The results showed that the aromatherapy improves the various physical and psychological complications, although few studies have shown that aromatherapy had no effect on skin reactions.

CONCLUSION

Considering the various complications and costs in cancer patients, it seems that the aromatherapy can be used as a proper supplemental treatment to improve complications, although further studies are needed to determine the protocol and the standard dosage.