Alvimopan
Alvimopan is a peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor (PAM-OR) antagonist that has been studied for the treatment of opioid-induced bowel dysfunction. Alvimopan counteracts the effects of opioids on gastrointestinal motility and secretion. The drug is available as a capsule to take by mouth and has been evaluated in opioid-induced constipation.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that has been examined for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. Oral alpha-lipoic acid was studied for its effect on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a fleshy green cactus plant. A gel made from the plant is used as a complementary therapy for dry skin, cuts, and burns. Aloe vera gel may provide a protective effect on skin with increasing cumulative uses. It is described as having anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It may reduce vasoconstriction as well as leukocyte and platelet aggregation at the site of injury.
Allopurinol Mouthwash
Allopurinol is a medication that is primarily used to treat gout and reduce uric acid levels. It prevents uric acid production by blocking activity of an enzyme that converts purines to uric acid. Allopurinol is an antagonist of some chemotherapeutic agents, and, as such, may reduce some effects. Allopurinol mouthwash has been evaluated in patients with cancer for its potential local effects in the prevention and management of mucositis.
Allantoin Emulsion
Allantoin is a chemical compound present in botanical extracts and the urine of most mammals. It is used in dermatologic preparations, and it is reported to have moisturizing effects because it increases the water content of the extracellular matrix and enhances the desquamation of layers of dead skin cells. It also is reported to promote cell proliferation, aid wound healing, and modulate inflammatory response. Emulsions containing natural oils and allantoin have been examined for their effectiveness in the management of radiodermatitis.
AG1004
AG1004 is a preparation of mecamylamine, an antihypertensive agent, which also has been used as an agent for smoking cessation. Mecamylamine has been associated with constipation. AG1004 in a controlled-release transdermal patch has been tested for its effect in the management of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in patients with cancer.
Advance Care Planning
Advance care planning is making decisions about care that a patient would want to receive, or not receive, if that patient becomes unable to speak for him or herself. Advance care planning activities provide support in decision-making about potentially limiting some medical interventions and establishing advance directives. Advance care planning was examined for its effect in reducing anxiety and depression for patients with cancer.
Adherence to General Infection Control Recommendations
Numerous organizations and professional groups have published detailed recommendations for prevention and control of infection that apply to all types of patients receiving health care. It should be noted that all of these apply to patients with cancer and are of increased importance in this population due to immunodeficiency associated with various cancers and cancer treatments. Recommendations for infection prevention and control include specific patient care and environment of care recommendations.
Acustimulation
Acustimulation involves electrostimulation of acupressure points (most commonly, the P6 point) by transcutaneous, electrical stimulation through a wristband device. A wristband device currently available is the Reliefband®, a class-II device approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The device delivers slow, weak, electrical impulses to the P6 point via two metallic electrodes. Patients can adjust the electrical output to deliver 10-35 milliamps per pulse.
Acupuncture/Electroacupuncture
Acupuncture is a method of producing analgesia or altering the function of a body system by inserting fine, wire-thin needles (about the diameter of a strand of hair) into acupoints along a specific meridian (meridians are channels in the body that transport energy). Electroacupuncture involves the application of a pulsating electrical current to acupuncture needles to stimulate the acupoint via an electrode that is attached to the acupuncture needles. The electrical current substitutes for maneuvering the needles by hand.