On June 15, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to glofitamab-gxbm (Columvi™) for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, or large B-cell lymphoma arising from follicular lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy.
On June 14, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that the Harvard Drug Group, LLC, conducting business as Major Pharmaceuticals and Rugby Laboratories, issued a voluntary recall of a single lot of dronabinol capsules, USP, 2.5 mg, and ziprasidone hydrochloride capsules, 20 mg, after receiving a report that some unit dose cartons labeled as ziprasidone hydrochloride capsules, 20 mg, contained blister packages labeled as and containing dronabinol capsules, USP, 2.5 mg.
The COVID-19 pandemic crushed supply chains and caused the global trading system to falter. Although many industries have rebounded, pharma is still experiencing its effects. Drug shortages directly limit healthcare providers’ ability to provide patient-centered oncology care.
Prepare for the silver tsunami—experts predict that the number of older adults with cancer, those aged 65 and older, will double by 2035. Oncology APRNs have a pivotal role in their care, understanding patients’ values and preferences to facilitate informed decision-making. But communication can be difficult when patients have comorbid geriatric syndromes such as cognitive deficits, delirium, and depression.
A battalion of trained nurse reinforcements is waiting just outside the U.S. borders, eager to help alleviate the nursing shortage, but the system that lets international nurses enter and work in the United States is heavily congested. And according to the U.S. State Department’s June 2023 Visa Bulletin, the backlog is only worsening.
More than two-thirds of patients who identify as LGBTQ+ lack at least one vital health education resource tailored to their identity, researchers reported in study findings presented at the 15th American Association for Cancer Research Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved. Additionally, nearly three-quarters of those patients desire posttreatment plans that include LGBTQ+ specific information.
Most people are versed in the flu, measles, and chicken pox vaccines, but fewer know the importance of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. HPV can cause six different cancers, but early vaccination in younger individuals helps prevent those cancers later in life.
Less than 20% of National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program practices routinely report collecting sexual orientation and gender identity data, limiting the available evidence to support recommendations for oncology nursing care of a vulnerable LGBTQ+ population that faces biases, stigma, cultural insensitivity, inequities, and disparities. In a 2022 Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing article, ONS member Georgina T.
Cancer affects millions of people worldwide, and certain populations face a disproportionate burden of incidence, mortality, access to care, and representation in clinical trials. Oncology nurses can be a voice for their patients and an advocate for vulnerable individuals.
The physical and emotional side effects of cancer treatments can force patients to make undesired lifestyle changes. After treatment ends, their friends and family may expect them to resume their former roles and activities, yet long-term effects can leave patients discouraged. When compared with healthy peers, cancer survivors experience higher levels of pain, depression, and anxiety, which can decrease their motivation to make healthy choices. Culture, coping style, and socioeconomic status may further compound the issue.