Rave Reviews

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Correa-Morales JE, Mantilla-Manosalva N, Rodríguez-Cardona X, et al. Guided imagery for symptom management of patients with life-limiting illnesses: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. J Palliat Med. 2024;27(6):802-812. doi:10.1089/jpm.2023.0445.

This systematic review is geared toward evidence to use guided imagery for symptomatic cancer patients. The authors’ conclusion is that guided imagery therapy has shown promising results regarding symptom management in palliative care patients with life-limiting illnesses at different stages. Patients who received guided imagery experienced relief from anxiety, depression, pain, sleep disturbances, and fatigue.

Tavares T, Almeida J, Gonçalves E, Abelha F. Dexmedetomidine in palliative care: a versatile new weapon against delirium and pain—systematic review [online ahead of print May 21, 2024]. J Palliat Med. doi:10.1089/jpm.2023.0609.

This is a first systematic review of use of dexmedetomidine for delirium and pain in palliative care. This agent is a promising option for refractory pain and delirium and may contribute to a reduction in opioid administration to control pain.

Tomy M, Alexander W, Gupta S, Schaefer D, Case AA. Adjunctive intranasal esketamine for comorbid treatment-resistant depression with suicidal ideation in patients receiving palliative care at a comprehensive cancer center: a case series [online ahead of print August 7, 2024]. J Palliat Med. doi:10.1089/jpm.2024.0040.

The authors describe a case series of palliative care patients with major depression and suicidal ideation who were treated with intranasal esketamine with substantial reduction in depression severity and no further suicidal ideation. These improvements were maintained for up to a year. No serious adverse events occurred. The authors are adding to scarce literature of collective evidence of use of intranasal ketamine for depression in palliative care.