New breathlessness guideline published!

Professor David Currow of the University of Technology Sydney assisted the American Society of Clinical Oncology in issuing a new guideline on the clinical management of dyspnea in adult patients with advanced cancer.

Based on the available evidence, the guideline recommends a hierarchical approach to dyspnea management starting with assessment. To help resolve dyspnea, the guideline recommends first attempting available nonpharmacologic interventions (airflow interventions, standard supplemental oxygen, breathing techniques, posture, relaxation, distraction, meditation, or acupressure/reflexology). If the patient has severe dyspnea then pharmacologic interventions are addressed (systemic opioids, short-acting benzodiazepines, and systemic corticosteroids).