Hologram Bracelet
A hologram bracelet, also termed an energy bracelet, is a small rubber wristband that is filled with a hologram. Theories suggest that the bracelet attracts special charges into the body, which affect the brain. Another theory is that a hologram has the ability to reflect infrared rays into the body, which stimulate the secretion of some chemical substances and neurotransmitters that may affect sensations like nausea and vomiting. Hologram bracelets were studied for their effect on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).
High-Dose Steroids for Severe Diarrhea
Steroids are a type of compound that contains a characteristic chemical structure. Steroid drugs have anti-inflammatory activity. High-dose systemic steroids have been suggested for patients with severe (grade 3–4) diarrhea related to immunotherapy.
Healthcare Provider Interventions
Healthcare provider interventions involve the provision of education, support, and/or consultative counseling to the healthcare provider in an attempt to indirectly influence patient or caregiver outcomes. This type of intervention aims to determine if focused interventions with the healthcare provider can result in demonstrated improvement in the patient or caregiver outcomes/symptoms that are being addressed through counseling and educating providers.
Focused Ultrasound
Focused ultrasound is a procedure in which sonic ultrasound waves are aimed at targeted areas. This approach was examined in patients with bone metastases with magnetic resonance imaging guidance to target sound waves at metastatic lesions. This was studied for its effect on pain from bone metastases.
Erythropoietin
Erythropoietin (EPO) is an essential hormone that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties, and helps control red blood cell production. An EPO-based mouthwash was examined for its effect on the prevention and management of mucositis in patients with cancer undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation.
Emu Oil
Emu oil is extracted from the emu, a flightless bird. This oil is used as a skin moisturizer and has been used to treat inflammatory skin effects, burns, scars, and eczema.
Disinfecting IV Catheter Caps
Disinfecting IV catheter caps contain an antiseptic barrier that is expected to provide passive and continuous disinfection of the catheter hub. The addition of this type of device to other elements of catheter maintenance have been examined for its effects on IV catheter-related infections.
Discontinuation of Limb Constriction Avoidance
A number of strategies have been proposed to minimize potential stress to the lymphatic system of an at-risk limb (the limb on the same side of the body as the surgical removal of lymph nodes) among women who have had surgery for breast cancer. One of the common recommendations has been the avoidance of arm constriction by blood pressure cuffs or tourniquets on the affected side. Increased venous pressure as a result of excessive constriction may contribute to increased lymph production and precipitate swelling of the affected limb.
Diathermy and Interferential Therapy
Diathermy is a therapy using high frequency electric current to stimulate heat generation in tissue. Interferential therapy involves the use of two different frequencies of alternating currents, creating an electric field in a painful area with electrodes placed on the skin. This is aimed at improving blood circulation and relieving pain through the inhibition of pain signals in small diameter nerve fibers according to the gate control theory.
Cognitive Behavioral Interventions/Approach for Sleep
Cognitive behavioral interventions are designed to reflect concepts from cognitive behavioral therapy, which examines the association among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Cognitive behavioral interventions do not involve full cognitive behavorial psychotherapy; however, they do assist patients in identifying negative or unhelpful thoughts and beliefs to change them.