Dimethyl Sulfoxide
Dimethyl sulfoxide, or DMSO, is an industrial solvent. DMSO often is used as a cream or ointment applied to the skin to reduce pain, decrease swelling, treat autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, and promote healing in wounds and burns. DMSO infusion has been studied for relief of intractable pain.
Dietary Supplements
Supplementation of the diet with various vitamins and other supplements has been studied in patients with cancer for its impact on a variety of symptoms. Individual study summaries should be reviewed for identification of the specific supplements used.
Dietary Restrictions (Fiber and Lactose)
Elimination of specific items from dietary intake, such as fiber and lactose, has been examined for management of diarrhea and constipation in patients with cancer.
Dexamphetamine
Dexamphetamine (dextroamphetamine) is a psychostimulant that causes pronounced stimulation of the cerebral cortex and respiratory and vasomotor centers, increasing motor activity, mental alertness, wakefulness, and euphoria. Dexamphetamine has been evaluated for fatigue.
Dexamethasone Sparing Regimen
Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids administered at specific intervals are part of recommended antiemetic regimens that are given daily with highly emetogenic chemotherapy during multiday courses. Alternate, less frequent doses of dexamethasone were studied in patients with cancer for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Dexamethasone Additive to IV Chemotherapy
Dexamethasone added to oxaliplatin for intravenous infusion was tested for its effect on venous pain from chemotherapy infusions. In one study, it was hypothesized that the addition of dexamethasone would adjust the pH of an oxaliplatin infusion, reducing venous pain and other complications with peripheral vein infusion (Hata et al., 2015).
Desmopressin/Vasopressin
Vasopressin is a hormone that stimulates contraction of muscle tissues of capillaries and arterioles, and exerts some influence on uterine contraction. It causes conservation of water and raises blood pressure. Desmopressin, a synthetic form of the human hormone vasopressin, limits the amount of water eliminated in the urine. It can be administered nasally, via IV, orally, or given as a sublingual tablet. Major uses of desmopressin include bed-wetting, nighttime urination, clotting disorders, and diabetes insipidus.
Dermatitis Control Protocol
Algorithmic protocols for the prevention and management of radiodermatitis have been tested for their efficacy. Protocols consist of gentle washing for all patients, the use of Vaseline® or dimethyl isopropylazulene-soaked gauze to cover irradiated skin for grade 2 reactions, and the addition of antibiotics for grades 3 or 4 radiodermatitis.
Decision Support/Decision Aids
Decision aids are seen as materials provided to facilitate the individual’s decision-making process through the provision of information and activities to work through the actual decision making process. Decision aids may take a number of different forms such as videos, workbooks, and decision-making tools. Decision support is the use of decision aids and/or counseling interactions to facilitate the decision-making process.
Date Palm Pollen
Date palm pollen is produced by flowers on male date palm trees. It has been investigated as a topically administered treatment for oral mucositis in patients with cancer.