Sexual dysfunction is common in patients with advanced cancer, although it is frequently belittled, and thus consistently underdiagnosed and untreated. Opioid analgesics remain fundamental and are widely used in cancer pain treatment. However, they affect sexual functions primarily due to their action on the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis. Other mechanisms such as the impact on the central and peripheral nervous systems are also possible. The opioid-induced sexual dysfunction includes erectile dysfunction, lack of desire and arousal, orgasmic disorder, and lowered overall sexual satisfaction. Around half of the individuals taking opioids chronically may be affected by sexual dysfunction. The relative risk of sexual dysfunction in patients on chronic opioid therapy and opioid addicts increased two-fold in a large meta-analysis. Opioids differ in their potential to induce sexual dysfunctions. Partial agonists and short-acting opioids may likely cause sexual dysfunction to a lesser extent. Few pharmaceutical therapies proved effective: testosterone replacement therapy, PDE5 inhibitors, bupropion, trazodone, opioid antagonists, and plant-derived medicines such as Rosa damascena and ginseng. Non-pharmacological options, such as psychosexual or physical therapies, should also be considered. However, the evidence is scarce and projected primarily from non-cancer populations, including opioid addicts. Further research is necessary to explore the problem of sexuality in cancer patients and the role of opioids in inducing sexual dysfunction.

Palliative care patients are an immunocompromised population, so the cocooning strategy of vaccinating those around them is a suitable protective strategy against infections. This is especially significant for infectious diseases such as influenza and COVID-19, which pose a challenge to the healthcare system. In order to improve the patient’s quality of life, it is necessary to develop research-based, defined strategies. This questionnaire-based study was conducted to determine the level of knowledge about influenza and SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus vaccination among the factual caregivers and medical staff in the palliative care setting. The survey revealed that the sources of knowledge about vaccination varied and depended on one’s role. Doctors and nurses used professional literature, while other medical professionals relied on the Internet, mass media, and information from family and friends. The study also showed that adherence to vaccination guidelines was not associated with COVID-19 incidence. The overall opinion on vaccination was positive, but the degree of acceptance varied by the role. Palliative care nurses and caregivers were the groups that were the least accepting of vaccination. To improve the acceptance of vaccinations, a remedial program based on professional education should be implemented using the sources declared by the respondents. It may help improve the quality of life for palliative care patients and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has become a challenge for the entire healthcare system. Treatment for COVID-19 includes casual and symptomatic management in the acute phase of the disease and focuses on the treating early complications of the disease. Long-term health consequences of the infection have not yet been fully identified. A special group of patients with comorbidities, including neoplastic disease for whom the interpretation and management of symptoms is a major challenge. Case presentation: In this case report, we present a 73-year-old woman with recently diagnosed gastric adenocarcinoma in whom we diagnosed orthostatic hypotonia in the aftermath of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We administered thiethylperazine maleate 6.5 mg daily. Additionally, we advised the patient to slowly lift from the recumbent position, raise the headboard, take meals in small portions, and increase fluid intake. These pharmacological and nonpharmacological measures resulted in sustained relief of dizziness and nausea. Conclusions: The occurrence of orthostatic hypotonia seems a possible late sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and simple measures appeared sufficient to achieve sustained symptom control.

Trigeminal neuralgia is one of the most painful conditions a person can experience. Depending on the aetiology, 3 types of neuralgia can be distinguished: classic, secondary, and idiopathic. It can be a challenge in palliative care, especially in patients with multiple sclerosis, in whom...