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Naproxen test for neoplastic fever may reduce suffering
Samy A Alsirafy1, Salah M El Mesidy, Enas N Abou-Elela
1Palliative Care Medicine Unit, Kasr Al-Aini Center of Clinical Oncology & Nuclear Medicine, Kasr Al-Aini School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. alsirafy@gmail.com
Journal of Palliative Medicine
|February 5, 2011
Summary
Neoplastic fever (NF), a cancer-related symptom, can cause prolonged suffering. Early trials of naproxen may effectively manage NF symptoms in cancer patients, avoiding unnecessary tests.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Neoplastic fever (NF) is a paraneoplastic syndrome common in cancer patients.
- It presents with fever and constitutional symptoms, often mimicking infection.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old female with metastatic renal transitional cell carcinoma presented with unexplained fever and declining performance status.
- Despite extensive workup, no infectious source was identified.
Findings:
- Naproxen administration led to complete resolution of fever and constitutional symptoms.
- The patient experienced improved performance status following naproxen treatment.
Implications:
- Early consideration of NF and a trial of NSAIDs like naproxen can prevent unnecessary investigations and prolonged hospitalization.
- This approach may improve quality of life for end-of-life cancer patients experiencing neoplastic fever.
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