Actions of the Symptom Control Research Group (SCORE-G) in the Palliative Care Field in Japan: Report 3

Abstract

The Symptom Control Research Group (SCORE-G) is an independent, not-for-profit group in the palliative care field in Japan. The Group was established in July 2003 by volunteer medical staff (physicians, pharmacists, and nurses) struggling to relieve the distressing symptoms of cancer patients. In March 2013, SCORE-G became a general incorporated association with 34 members (medical professionals and basic medical scientists). The constitution of the association states that the aims of SCORE-G are to conduct practical studies into palliative therapy for cancer, and to provide easy-to-understand and useful information for both medical staff and the general public. In this session of the 11th Annual Meeting of this Society we report on the achievements of SCORE-G since 2008, following on from Report 2, which documented its activities up until 2007. Our major achievements in recent years are as follows. 1. Clinical research into cancer pain, which resulted in a change, in 2011, in the approved dose of acetaminophen; these data were published, in part, in the journal Pain Clinic in 2007. 2. A clinical study that supported the approval of oxycodone for use as an intravenous or subcutaneous injection (in 2012). These data were presented, in part, at the 12th Congress of the European Association for Palliative Care in 2011. 3. With the aim of providing information to the general public, we held an open lecture in Sapporo in January 2008. In addition, we have established a website (http://www.itaminai.net/; in Japanese) for the general public. 4. After the Great East Japan Earthquake, we have collaborated significantly with medical staff in the affected areas, particularly Iwate Prefecture, to provide those in need with appropriate care. 5. Although the need for and concerns regarding palliative care have increased since the enactment of the Cancer Control Act in 2007, there is still a long way to go in terms of providing the necessary information to medical staff, patients, and the general public. To achieve its aims, SCORE-G needs to disseminate its products more widely. Following on from our presentation to the Society, we look forward to receiving feedback from Society members and further discussion to improve our products.