Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 27, 2026
Non-Invasive PET/MR Imaging in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published on: August 31, 2022
Effective Management of Breathlessness in Advanced Cancer Patients With a Program-Based, Multidisciplinary Approach:
Wing-lok Chan1, Cheuk-wah Ng1, Connie Lee2
1Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.
Background:
Breathlessness is common in patients with advanced cancer. Using a multidisciplinary approach for relieving this challenging symptom was believed to be just a theory. The "SOB Program" was implemented in our institution in March 2013.
Measures:
An audit of medical records before and after implementation of the "SOB Program" was performed to identify any changes in practice after implementation, specifically in the use of nonpharmacologic interventions.
Intervention:
The "SOB Program" is a multidisciplinary service in our department, using both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions for all patients with advanced cancer who have dyspnea.
Outcomes:
There was a marked increase in the use of nonpharmacologic interventions after the "SOB Program" (26.86% preimplementation vs. 89.35% postimplementation). Patients joining the program also had satisfactory improvement in breathlessness.
Conclusions/Lessons Learned:
A multidisciplinary approach for breathlessness control is both feasible and practical. Similar services can be promoted in other palliative care centers.
