Eduardo Bruera
@brueraeduardo.bsky.social
Chair, Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
The study of 240 Korean advanced cancer patients found current smokers used higher opioid doses, had more positive alcohol screening (CAGE),and showed greater physician-assessed risk of chemical coping, indicating need for monitoring non-medical opioid use.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41643565/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41643565/
Associations between Smoking, Opioid Analgesic Use, and Risk For Chemical Coping in Korean Patients with Advanced Cancer - PubMed
Among Korean patients with advanced cancer, current smokers were more likely to use higher doses of opioids, have positive CAGE results, and drink more coffee. Close monitoring and appropriate management for the possibility of chemical coping or non-medical opioid use will be important in these pati …
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
February 6, 2026 at 11:31 AM
The study of 240 Korean advanced cancer patients found current smokers used higher opioid doses, had more positive alcohol screening (CAGE),and showed greater physician-assessed risk of chemical coping, indicating need for monitoring non-medical opioid use.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41643565/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41643565/
AnAcute Palliative and Supportive Care Unit (APSCU) delivered tailored, interdisciplinary care for a patient with advanced colon cancer who survived a critical event, improved with aggressive symptom management, and transitioned to hospice at home.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41555657/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41555657/
Acute palliative and supportive care units provide unique and tailored care: A case report - PubMed
The case report demonstrates that an APSCU, with its skilled interdisciplinary team in the acute care hospital, is an ideal setting to provide patient-centered care for seriously ill patients and their families.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
February 5, 2026 at 11:51 AM
AnAcute Palliative and Supportive Care Unit (APSCU) delivered tailored, interdisciplinary care for a patient with advanced colon cancer who survived a critical event, improved with aggressive symptom management, and transitioned to hospice at home.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41555657/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41555657/
survey of respiratory therapists showed that 58% said comfort-focused goals influence HFNC management in end-of-life care. 50% feel distress about prolonging suffering or dying. Findings highlight the need for clearer guidance and support in EOL HFNC care.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41478421/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41478421/
Respiratory Therapists' Attitudes and Beliefs Regarding High Flow Nasal Cannula Use at End-of-Life - PubMed
Only 58% of RTs agreed that goals for comfort-focused care at end-of-life affect their HFNC management. Almost half reported distress regarding HFNC use at EOL. Our findings underscore opportunities for guidance and support for RTs involved in EOL dyspnea management and the delivery of goal-concorda …
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
February 3, 2026 at 10:34 AM
survey of respiratory therapists showed that 58% said comfort-focused goals influence HFNC management in end-of-life care. 50% feel distress about prolonging suffering or dying. Findings highlight the need for clearer guidance and support in EOL HFNC care.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41478421/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41478421/
Academic and clinical leaders who invest with biomedical and /or financial benchmarks ignore the burden of disease on the person and their loved ones. Failure to consider the value of love in health care turns us into an intellectual elite
February 1, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Academic and clinical leaders who invest with biomedical and /or financial benchmarks ignore the burden of disease on the person and their loved ones. Failure to consider the value of love in health care turns us into an intellectual elite
Health executives: “no margin, no mission”. Obsessive search for margin also kills the mission and leads to patient and clinician suffering
January 31, 2026 at 7:09 PM
Health executives: “no margin, no mission”. Obsessive search for margin also kills the mission and leads to patient and clinician suffering
Medical marihuana laws may have reduced opioid dose and increased adverse hospital events among patients with cancer and surgery.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41031641/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41031641/
Medical marijuana policies, opioid prescriptions, and adverse events among patients undergoing cancer resection surgery - PubMed
MML policies may have affected the type of opioid prescribed and increased adverse hospital events among patients with cancer and resection surgery. Additional investigation of medical marijuana's impact on cancer pain management is warranted.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
January 28, 2026 at 10:45 AM
Medical marihuana laws may have reduced opioid dose and increased adverse hospital events among patients with cancer and surgery.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41031641/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41031641/
Relative to other analgesics, tramadol is neither superior nor inferior as an initial opioid.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41324745/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41324745/
The use of tramadol for cancer-associated pain-a systematic review - PubMed
Relative to other analgesics, tramadol is neither superior nor inferior. There may exist a different safety profile and therefore an opportunity to provide individualized patient-centered treatment strategies focused on safety and quality of life.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
January 27, 2026 at 10:54 AM
Relative to other analgesics, tramadol is neither superior nor inferior as an initial opioid.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41324745/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41324745/
The feeling of being a burden by pts or perceived burden for caregivers were key factors contributing to psychological distress, underlining the need for specific interventions in palliative care
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41459620/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41459620/
Exploring the anxiety, depression and perceived burden in advanced cancer: A longitudinal view on patients and caregivers - PubMed
The perceived burden experienced by patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers over time were factors relevant in the disease process. The feeling of being a burden and poor health perception were key factors contributing to psychological distress, underlining the need for specific in …
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
January 27, 2026 at 10:49 AM
The feeling of being a burden by pts or perceived burden for caregivers were key factors contributing to psychological distress, underlining the need for specific interventions in palliative care
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41459620/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41459620/
American hospital and “health system” executives have reduced and protected clinical practice, large academic and administrative support, and unclear productivity measures. More accountability will improve morale
January 25, 2026 at 8:19 PM
American hospital and “health system” executives have reduced and protected clinical practice, large academic and administrative support, and unclear productivity measures. More accountability will improve morale
video monitoring improves detection of agitation episodes in palliative care patients with agitated delirium compared to in-person assessments, offering higher resolution and more accurate assessment patterns.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41580250/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41580250/
Video Monitoring for Agitated Delirium in Palliative Care: Secondary Analysis of the RECORD Trial - PubMed
Our preliminary findings highlight the level of interrater agreement of video monitoring with in-person assessments and its potential advantage to provide higher resolution data and patterns of agitation.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
January 25, 2026 at 3:40 PM
video monitoring improves detection of agitation episodes in palliative care patients with agitated delirium compared to in-person assessments, offering higher resolution and more accurate assessment patterns.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41580250/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41580250/
Acute Palliative and Supportive Care Units provide intensive interdisciplinary palliative care in acute hospitals. a case of advanced colon cancer with cardiac arrest, APSCU care improved symptoms allowed hospice discharge, highlighting patient-centered care.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41555657/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41555657/
Acute palliative and supportive care units provide unique and tailored care: A case report - PubMed
The case report demonstrates that an APSCU, with its skilled interdisciplinary team in the acute care hospital, is an ideal setting to provide patient-centered care for seriously ill patients and their families.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
January 23, 2026 at 11:16 AM
Acute Palliative and Supportive Care Units provide intensive interdisciplinary palliative care in acute hospitals. a case of advanced colon cancer with cardiac arrest, APSCU care improved symptoms allowed hospice discharge, highlighting patient-centered care.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41555657/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41555657/
A 7-year study at a comprehensive cancer center examined trends in outpatient palliative care (PC) referrals among 700 advanced cancer patients. Timely referral (≥6 months before death) increased over time showing earlier PC integration is feasible.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41557969/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41557969/
Timing of Specialist Palliative Care Consultation at a Comprehensive Cancer Center: A 7-Year Longitudinal Study - PubMed
This study reveals a gradual and consistent shift toward earlier PC referral at a comprehensive cancer center, demonstrating that timely referral to PC with a follow-up of 30+ months is possible.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
January 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM
A 7-year study at a comprehensive cancer center examined trends in outpatient palliative care (PC) referrals among 700 advanced cancer patients. Timely referral (≥6 months before death) increased over time showing earlier PC integration is feasible.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41557969/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41557969/
Structural gaps in language accessibility cause distress and threaten safety. Interpreter services alone are insufficient;validated multilingual tools into EMRs, translated discharge instructions, and expanded access to in-person interpreters are critical
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41549344/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41549344/
"Language barriers and patient safety in supportive care: Two case reports bridging system-level gaps" - PubMed
Structural gaps in language accessibility compound distress, reduce autonomy, and threaten safety. These cases underscore that interpreter services alone are insufficient. Integrating validated multilingual tools into EMRs, standardizing translated discharge instructions, and expanding access to in- …
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
January 19, 2026 at 11:43 AM
Structural gaps in language accessibility cause distress and threaten safety. Interpreter services alone are insufficient;validated multilingual tools into EMRs, translated discharge instructions, and expanded access to in-person interpreters are critical
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41549344/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41549344/
Prolonged zinc supplementation for dysgeusia caused copper deficiency in a 70-something with multiple myeloma. Hypocupremia caused fatigue, anemia, neuropathy. Symptoms improved with IV copper. Clinicians should watch for copper deficiency in long-term zinc use.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41539972/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41539972/
Prolonged zinc use for dysgeusia causing copper deficiency - PubMed
Clinicians should be vigilant about screening for copper deficiency symptoms in patients taking zinc supplementation and avoid prolonged courses or overprescribing of zinc. Hypocupremia should be promptly diagnosed and treated to prevent permanent neurological deficits.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
January 17, 2026 at 11:53 AM
Prolonged zinc supplementation for dysgeusia caused copper deficiency in a 70-something with multiple myeloma. Hypocupremia caused fatigue, anemia, neuropathy. Symptoms improved with IV copper. Clinicians should watch for copper deficiency in long-term zinc use.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41539972/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41539972/
patients with advanced cancer, the first unscheduled hospitalization may serve as a prognostic indicator of poor survival and a potential trigger for palliative care referral.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40715739/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40715739/
First unscheduled hospitalization in advanced cancer as a prognostic indicator of poor survival and trigger for palliative care referral - PubMed
In patients with advanced cancer, the first unscheduled hospitalization may serve as a prognostic indicator of poor survival and a potential trigger for palliative care referral.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
January 16, 2026 at 6:34 PM
patients with advanced cancer, the first unscheduled hospitalization may serve as a prognostic indicator of poor survival and a potential trigger for palliative care referral.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40715739/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40715739/
Only one in three patients with advanced cancer had an accurate understanding of their curability, with limited improvement over time. Systematic screening may provide opportunities to improve illness understanding and coping support.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40992638/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40992638/
Systematic Screening of Advanced Cancer Patients' Curability Perception: A Longitudinal Analysis - PubMed
Only one in three patients with advanced cancer had an accurate understanding of their curability, with limited improvement over time. Systematic screening may provide opportunities to improve illness understanding and coping support.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
January 16, 2026 at 6:31 PM
Only one in three patients with advanced cancer had an accurate understanding of their curability, with limited improvement over time. Systematic screening may provide opportunities to improve illness understanding and coping support.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40992638/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40992638/
Caregiver skill interventions are extremely important before patient discharges to improve self efficacy and reduce stress
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39006525/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39006525/
Simulation-based caregiving skills training for family members of high-grade glioma patients - PubMed
This novel supportive care program appears to be safe, feasible, acceptable, and perceived as useful for caregivers of patients with high-grade glioma. Based on feasibility indicators and a signal of intervention efficacy, a randomized controlled trial is warranted.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
January 15, 2026 at 11:25 AM
Caregiver skill interventions are extremely important before patient discharges to improve self efficacy and reduce stress
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39006525/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39006525/
Editorial by Eduardo Bruera discusses the persistent challenges facing palliative care interdisciplinary teams in acute care hospitals and cancer centers, describing their demanding work and systemic barriers that make sustained, integrated care difficult.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39008415/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39008415/
Palliative Care Interdisciplinary Teams in Acute Care Hospitals and Cancer Centers: A Job for Sisyphus - PubMed
Palliative Care Interdisciplinary Teams in Acute Care Hospitals and Cancer Centers: A Job for Sisyphus
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
January 15, 2026 at 11:20 AM
Editorial by Eduardo Bruera discusses the persistent challenges facing palliative care interdisciplinary teams in acute care hospitals and cancer centers, describing their demanding work and systemic barriers that make sustained, integrated care difficult.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39008415/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39008415/
Mandatory PDMP review as one more barrier to opioid prescription to patients who died of cancer
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41505672/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41505672/
Prescription Monitoring Program Mandates and Opioids Dispensed to Patients Dying of Cancer - PubMed
Comprehensive PDMP mandates were associated with modest reductions in opioid analgesics dispensed to Medicare patients dying of cancer. Non-Hispanic Black and Asian/Pacific Islander decedents experienced larger reductions.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
January 9, 2026 at 3:36 PM
Mandatory PDMP review as one more barrier to opioid prescription to patients who died of cancer
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41505672/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41505672/
A very nice summary of the amazing changes in oncology in the last 20 years.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39354161/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39354161/
Two decades of advances in clinical oncology - lessons learned and future directions - PubMed
Since the publication of the first issue of <i>Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology</i>, we have witnessed advances in multiple research areas that have culminated in improved outcomes for many cancer types, although substantial unmet needs remain for a majority of patients worldwide. Here, we have aske …
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
January 6, 2026 at 11:21 AM
A very nice summary of the amazing changes in oncology in the last 20 years.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39354161/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39354161/