Dexamethasone with its anti inflammatory properties has been

Dexamethasone, with its anti-inflammatory properties, has been shown to be an effective medication in the treatment of pain flare and is hypothesized to prevent the phenomenon as well [12]. Despite a lack of literature investigating this hypothesis, currently published phase I and II trials have provided compelling preliminary evidence for its use as a prophylactic agent in both EBRT and SBRT treatment settings. Khan et al. [17] conducted the first and only study where patients receiving SBRT to the spine were prescribed either 4mg or 8mg dexamethasone once daily during treatment and four days post-treatment. Pain flare incidence was reported at 25% and 13% for each dose, respectively. This is significantly less than the previously reported 68% of patients at the same institution with similar patients who experienced pain flare without any prophylaxis [8]. Similar to the study conducted by Khan et al. [17], dexamethasone prophylaxis of varying regimens was used by Chow et al. [12] and Hird et al. [4] in patients treated with EBRT. Incidence of pain flare in these studies decreased from an average of 40% to 22–24% [12]. Despite the apparent benefit of prophylactic dexamethasone in decreasing the incidence of pain flare, there is a lack of consensus on dosage, frequency, and duration of intake. The majority of pain flare incidence occurs within days one to five following completion of purchase latrunculin treatment [2,4,16]. With a half life of 36–54h, theoretically dexamethasone prescribed for four days post-treatment should effectively prevent pain flare up to and including day five [4,12]. Results published by Khan et al. [17] confirm this hypothesis, as patients prescribed 8mg of dexamethasone during and four days post treatment had pain flare incidence of only 13%. The incidence of pain flare in EBRT studies after prophylactic dexamethasone use remains higher at approximately 22–24%, however, these studies prescribed dexamethasone only on the day of treatment, or on the day of treatment with three additional subsequent days [4,12]. The greater incidence of pain flare in these studies as compared to the study by Khan et al. [17] may be related to the shorter duration of dexamethasone. In determining the best possible dose of dexamethasone, megakarocytes is equally important to consider optimal prophylaxis as well as adverse events and contraindications related to the medication itself. For instance, dexamethasone has a role in immune-suppression, which may lead to increased susceptibility for infection [18]. In already vulnerable populations such as those with advanced cancer, this risk must be weighed appropriately. Dexamethasone may also increase blood sugar levels putting those with diabetes at risk, or activate and further complicate ulcers and other digestive problems [18]. Other common side effects of dexamethasone include an increased appetite, trouble sleeping, and excess fluid retention or swelling in the face, hands or feet [18]. Especially in palliative cancer patients, where the goal of treatment often focuses on maintenance or improvement of QOL, the dosage and duration of dexamethasone must be optimally suited to maximize the prevention of pain flare while minimizing further side effects from the medication itself. Although the use of dexamethasone appears to be protective against pain flare, some patients still endure the painful side effect. This occurs in approximately 13% of patients receiving spine SBRT, as reported by Khan et al. [17], and 22% of patients receiving EBRT, as reported by Hird et al. [4]. Why is it that these patients do not benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of dexamethasone as the majority of patients seem to? The answer to this question may be found in the analysis of biomarkers or DNA of the patient. Determining what these markers are and developing methods of prophylaxis for these patients should be objectives of future studies in order to provide the best possible care to all patients.