Oncology nurse pride How Have Your Family Experiences With Cancer Impacted Your Decision to Become an Oncology Nurse? June 09, 2017
Genetics & genomics The Story of Henrietta Lacks Sheds Light on Ethical Considerations in Genetic Testing April 28, 2017
Topic Cancer treatments Immunotherapy How the Evolution of Immunotherapy Will Impact Oncology Nurses Immunotherapy is one of the fastest-evolving areas of oncology to date. Previously, it could take years for some cancers to see new treatment options; today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is approving new immuno-oncology agents or new indications for those agents every few weeks. It’s a boon and a challenge to medical professionals. On the one hand, potentially life-changing treatments are making way to patients who need them—patients who have exhausted first-line treatments and now have limited options. On the other hand, healthcare professionals may struggle to stay current with the emerging trends, cutting-edge science, and evolving treatment plans for their patients. June 01, 2017 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) FDA Approves Midostaurin for FLT3-Positive Adult AML, Advanced Systemic Mastocytosis On April 28, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved midostaurin for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are FLT3 mutation-positive (FLT3+), as detected by an FDA-approved test, in combination with standard cytarabine and daunorubicin induction and cytarabine consolidation. April 28, 2017 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) FDA Issues Warnings to Fraudulent Cancer Treatment Companies On April 25, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warning letters to 14 companies that were selling fraudulently marketed products claiming to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure cancer. In total, the companies produced more than 65 products that have been sold in the United States without FDA approval. April 26, 2017 Cancer treatments FDA Approves Nivolumab for Advanced or Metastatic Bladder Cancer On February 2, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to nivolumab for treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with a platinum-containing chemotherapy. February 02, 2017 Cancer treatments Combination Therapy Shows Promise for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia According to the results of a new study published in Science Translational Medicine, a combination regimen consisting of a BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor and a B-cell lymphoma 2 inhibitor may one day result in a cure for chronic myeloid leukemia. January 03, 2017 Cancer treatments FDA Approves Nivolumab for Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma On November 10, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved nivolumab (Opdivo® injection, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company), for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck with disease progression on or after a platinum-based therapy. November 10, 2016 Cancer treatments FDA Approves Pembrolizumab for Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer On October 24, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pembrolizumab (Keytruda®, Merck & Co., Inc.) for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer whose tumors express PD-L1 as determined by an FDA-approved test. October 25, 2016 Breast cancer Sentinel Node Dissection Sufficient for Localized Breast Cancer Researchers have found no significant difference in five-year locoregional recurrence or survival in women with T1/2N0M0 breast cancer who received sentinel node dissection and axillary lymph node dissection compared to sentinel node dissection only. October 25, 2016 Cancer treatments FDA Approves Olaratumab for Soft Tissue Sarcoma On October 19, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to olaratumab (Lartruvo™, Eli Lilly and Company) for the treatment of patients with soft tissue sarcoma not amenable to curative treatment with radiotherapy or surgery and with a histologic subtype for which an anthracycline-containing regimen is appropriate. October 20, 2016 Cancer treatments FDA Approves Atezolizumab for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer On October 18, 2016, FDA approved atezolizumab (TECENTRIQ, Genentech Oncology) for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose disease progressed during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving atezolizumab. October 19, 2016 Cancer treatments FDA Modifies Use of Erlotinib in NSCLC, Used Only in Patients With EGFR Tumor Mutations On October 18, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration modified the indication for erlotinib (TARCEVA, Astellas Pharm Global Development Inc.) for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to limit use to patients whose tumors have specific epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. October 19, 2016 Cancer treatments Is Scalp Cooling the Right Decision for Your Patients? Because chemotherapy-induced alopecia is one of the most distressing side effect of chemotherapy, nurses are integral to preparing patients to confront it. In the past, patients didn’t have many options for hair-loss prevention. With new advances in scalp cooling technology for patients with breast cancer, hair loss prevention may be a possibility. September 21, 2016 Cancer treatments Inotuzumab Ozogamicin May Improve Survival in ALL Researchers have found that a monoclonal antibody called inotuzumab ozogamicin may help more patients with refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) proceed to stem cell transplantation. The findings were reported in the New England Journal of Medicine. September 20, 2016 Cancer treatments Does the Sequence of Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Agents Matter? Sequencing of cancer treatment regimens is based on multiple factors, including the pharmacokinetic properties of the agents in the regimen and their effectiveness based on cell-cycle specificity. Because of potential interactions and effects, some regimens have critically important administration sequencing. August 18, 2016 Cancer treatments Poliovirus May Be Key to Treating Glioblastoma A phase I study has shown that a small group of patients with recurrent glioblastoma who received treatment with a modified form of poliovirus showed survival improvement over historical controls. The findings, which were not peer reviewed, were presented at the 2016 American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting. August 16, 2016 Cancer treatments Pembrolizumab Associated With Long-Term Survival in Advanced Melanoma A new study has shown that 40% of patients with previously treated advanced melanoma were alive at three years’ follow-up after initiating treatment with pembrolizumab. The results were presented at the 2016 American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting. August 09, 2016 Cancer treatments FDA Approves Pembrolizumab for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma On August 5, 2016, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA® injection, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.) for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. August 08, 2016 Cancer treatments Radiotherapy Optimizes Outcomes and Quality of Life Through Interdisciplinary Care As the complexity of cancer treatment plans evolves, radiotherapy continues to be an integral part of many antineoplastic regimens. Not only is radiotherapy used as definitive treatment for malignant conditions, but it is also commonly used to improve the effects of surgery or chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings or as part of a combination regimen. August 02, 2016 Cancer treatments FDA Offers Expanded Access to Patients in Need of Treatment Patients who are seriously ill and have exhausted their treatment options often turn to drugs that have yet to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These investigational drugs can offer alternatives to patients who have physician approval. July 27, 2016 Cancer treatments FDA Allows Marketing for First Nucleic Acid-Based Quantitation Test for Use During Treatment CML On July 22, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed marketing of the first nucleic acid-based quantitation test for use during treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. July 25, 2016 Cancer treatments CDC Advises Against Using Oral Liquid Docusate In an update released on July 8, 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended against using oral liquid docusate for patients because it was linked an outbreak of infections caused by Burkholderia cepacia complex. As of July 18, 2016, 49 confirmed cases have been confirmed in five different states. July 25, 2016 Cancer prevention Promote Cancer Prevention in the Face of Cancer Treatment Maintaining and restoring health through the promotion of disease screening and early detection is a vital part of nursing. That role becomes no less important after a cancer diagnosis. Patients with cancer remain at risk for other malignancies, and that risk may even increase depending on treatment regimens. July 05, 2016 Cancer treatments Checkpoint Inhibitors May Cause Pseudoprogression and Dose-Limiting Side Effects Immunotherapy agents, such as checkpoint inhibitors, are gaining popularity and press in cancer care. The agents block pathways used to slow immune activity, taking the brakes off the immune system so killer T cells stay in action and increase cancer cell death. Side effects often mimic autoimmune activity as the immune system stays in overdrive. July 05, 2016 Cancer treatments Radiation Plus Chemotherapy Improves Survival From Low-Grade Gliomas A new study has shown that patients with grade 2 gliomas who are treated with radiation therapy plus a combination of chemotherapy have better survival than patients treated with radiation alone. The findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. June 01, 2016 Cancer treatments Proteins Targeting Tumor Microenviroment May Block Metastatic Ovarian Cancer Growth Although some patients can be treated with surgery and chemotherapy, eventually most metastatic ovarian cancers become resistant to treatment. New options are needed for patients with advanced ovarian cancer. May 24, 2016 Cancer treatments FDA Approves Atezolizumab in Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma On May 18, 2016, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration gave accelerated approval to atezolizumab injection (Tecentriq™, Genentech, Inc.) for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. Atezolizumab is a programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blocking antibody. May 18, 2016 Cancer treatments Low-Dose Metformin May Reduce Risk of Colorectal Adenomas In patients who have undergone endoscopic polypectomy, subsequent treatment with low-dose metaformin, a diabetes drug, may reduce the risk of metachronous colorectal adenomas and polyps, according to a new study reported in Lancet Oncology. May 03, 2016 Cancer treatments New Treatment Approach May Be Effective for Aggressive Ovarian Cancer Approximately 80% of ovarian cancers are classified as a high-grade serous subtype. Because of this, long-term survival rates are usually low. Researchers in a new study have found a treatment approach that may offer promise for this form of ovarian cancer. April 26, 2016 Cancer treatments FDA Approves Venetoclax for CLL On April 11, 2016, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration approved venetoclax (VENCLEXTA™ tablets, marketed by AbbVie, Inc. and Genentech USA, Inc.) for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with 17p deletion, as detected by an FDA-approved test, who have received at least one prior therapy. April 11, 2016 Cancer treatments Multiple Myeloma Is Incurable but Treatable This content was developed by ONS, Beth Faiman, PhD, CNP, and Kimberly Noonan, NP, and is sponsored by Amgen. Faiman and Noonan received no payment for their participation. April 05, 2016 Biotherapy Biosimilar Treatments Have Practice Implications As biosimilars continue to gain popularity in cancer care, healthcare workers should be prepared to see them in their practice. Here’s what you need to know about this newer drug product. April 05, 2016 Cancer treatments FDA Approves Defibrotide Sodium for Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease On March 30, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Defitelio® (defibrotide sodium, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with hepatic veno-occlusive disease, also known as sinusoidal obstructive syndrome, with renal or pulmonary dysfunction following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. March 31, 2016 Breast cancer More Women Are Having Double Mastectomies, AHRQ Finds In a February blog post, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) posed and answered some serious questions about breast cancer treatment and national trends. March 15, 2016 Cancer treatments FDA Approves Crizotinib for ROS1-Positive Lung Cancer On March 11, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved crizotinib capsules (Xalkori®, Pfizer, Inc.) for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors are ROS1-positive. Crizotinib was first approved in 2011 for the treatment of patients whose tumors are anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive. March 11, 2016 Cancer treatments FDA Approves New Indication for Everolimus On February 26, 2016, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration approved everolimus (Afinitor® , Novartis) for the treatment of adult patients with progressive, well-differentiated non-functional, neuroendocrine tumors (NET) of gastrointestinal (GI) or lung origin with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic disease. February 26, 2016 Cancer treatments FDA Approves New Indication for Obinutuzumab On February 26, 2016, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration approved obinutuzumab (Gazyva® Injection, Genentech, Inc.) for use in combination with bendamustine followed by obinutuzumab monotherapy for the treatment of patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) who relapsed after, or are refractory to, a rituximab-containing regimen. Obinutuzumab was previously approved for use in combination with chlorambucil for the treatment of patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia. February 26, 2016 Cancer treatments FDA Approves New Indication for Palbociclib On February 19, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved palbociclib (Ibrance® capsules, Pfizer, Inc.) in combination with fulvestrant for the treatment of women with hormone receptor- (HR-) positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2- (HER2-) negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer with disease progression following endocrine therapy. February 22, 2016 Cancer treatments Oral BRAF Inhibitor Effective for Refractory Hairy Cell Leukemia A new study has reported that the oral BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib is effective in treating patients with relapsed or refractory hairy cell leukemia. February 09, 2016 Cancer treatments FDA Approves Eribulin for Advanced or Metastatic Liposarcoma On January 28, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved eribulin (Halaven® injection, Eisai Co., Ltd.) for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic liposarcoma who have received a prior anthracycline-containing regimen. January 28, 2016 Cancer treatments Aspirin Post-Diagnosis for Gastrointestinal Cancer Linked to Improved Survival Researchers studying 14,000 patients with gastrointestinal cancer in the Netherlands have found that patients who took aspirin following their diagnosis were twice as likely to be alive after four years as those who did not take the drug. January 26, 2016 Cancer treatments FDA Approves New Ofatumumab Indication On January 19, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved ofatumumab (Arzerra® Injection, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation) for extended treatment of patients who are in complete or partial response after at least two lines of therapy for recurrent or progressive chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Ofatumumab was previously approved for the treatment of previously untreated patients with CLL for whom fludarabine-based therapy was considered inappropriate and also for patients with CLL refractory to fludarabine and alemtuzumab. January 19, 2016 Cancer treatments Understand Medication Adherence to Oral Oncology Agents More than half of new cancer treatment regimens involve an oral route of administration because oral drugs are more manageable and convenient for patients. However, oral medications pose challenges with regard to patient adherence. April 25, 2015 Cancer treatments Outpatient Oncology Drug Series: Don't Forget Leucovorin Calcium, the Superhero Sidekick I think it's helpful to be able to educate your patients on the reasons for receiving each individual drug in a combination regimen. Although leucovorin is not a chemotherapy agent or generally used as a stand-alone drug, it certainly is important. Leucovorin has a specific function, and you should be able to explain its purpose. March 16, 2015 Cancer treatments Outpatient Oncology Drug Series: Confidently Administer 5-Fluorouracil 5-Fluorouracil, or most commonly referred to as simply 5-FU, is a cytotoxic chemotherapy drug that is classified as an antimetabolite and, within that class, belongs to the pyrimidine analogue family. February 23, 2015 Cancer treatments When Should Appetite Stimulants Be Discussed With Patients With Unintended Weight Loss From Cancer Treatment? Unintended weight loss and anorexia in patients with cancer is associated with decreased performance status, reduced response and tolerance to treatment, decreased survival, and reduced quality of life. January 20, 2015 Cancer treatments Yes, There’s a Saline Shortage, but Here’s What You Can Do About It Saline shortages that began late last year are now expected to continue throughout the remainder of 2014. July 17, 2014 Cancer treatments Stop Medication Errors Before They Happen I saw something recently that made my alarms go off screaming "Med error! Med error!" I was about to get medication for my patient when a nurse jumped in front of me. I didn't mind; I had enough time and figured that he must be in a hurry. I saw him get medication out for his patient. Then, I saw him get medication out for a second patient. April 14, 2014 Cancer treatments ASH Recommends Wise Choices for Five Hematologic Tests and Treatments A new list of evidence-based recommendations from the American Society of Hematology helps patients and providers understand which hematology-related tests and treatments pose significant harm and cost if overused and therefore should be avoided. February 18, 2014 Cancer treatments Intestinal Bacteria Increases Effectiveness of Chemotherapy A new study reported in Science suggests that some chemotherapy works more effectively with the help of intestinal bacteria. February 04, 2014 Cancer treatments Several Promising New Cancer Drugs Could Come to Market by 2015 Many promising studies presented at the 2013 American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting involved new cancer drugs that empower the body’s defense system. August 27, 2013 Current page 1 Page 2 Next page Last page Last » Trending Topics Safety Research Standards Treatments ONS Congress Clinical Practice Immunotherapy U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Cancer research Nursing education View All Topics
Immunotherapy How the Evolution of Immunotherapy Will Impact Oncology Nurses Immunotherapy is one of the fastest-evolving areas of oncology to date. Previously, it could take years for some cancers to see new treatment options; today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is approving new immuno-oncology agents or new indications for those agents every few weeks. It’s a boon and a challenge to medical professionals. On the one hand, potentially life-changing treatments are making way to patients who need them—patients who have exhausted first-line treatments and now have limited options. On the other hand, healthcare professionals may struggle to stay current with the emerging trends, cutting-edge science, and evolving treatment plans for their patients. June 01, 2017
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) FDA Approves Midostaurin for FLT3-Positive Adult AML, Advanced Systemic Mastocytosis On April 28, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved midostaurin for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are FLT3 mutation-positive (FLT3+), as detected by an FDA-approved test, in combination with standard cytarabine and daunorubicin induction and cytarabine consolidation. April 28, 2017
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) FDA Issues Warnings to Fraudulent Cancer Treatment Companies On April 25, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warning letters to 14 companies that were selling fraudulently marketed products claiming to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure cancer. In total, the companies produced more than 65 products that have been sold in the United States without FDA approval. April 26, 2017
Cancer treatments FDA Approves Nivolumab for Advanced or Metastatic Bladder Cancer On February 2, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to nivolumab for treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with a platinum-containing chemotherapy. February 02, 2017
Cancer treatments Combination Therapy Shows Promise for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia According to the results of a new study published in Science Translational Medicine, a combination regimen consisting of a BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor and a B-cell lymphoma 2 inhibitor may one day result in a cure for chronic myeloid leukemia. January 03, 2017
Cancer treatments FDA Approves Nivolumab for Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma On November 10, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved nivolumab (Opdivo® injection, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company), for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck with disease progression on or after a platinum-based therapy. November 10, 2016
Cancer treatments FDA Approves Pembrolizumab for Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer On October 24, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pembrolizumab (Keytruda®, Merck & Co., Inc.) for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer whose tumors express PD-L1 as determined by an FDA-approved test. October 25, 2016
Breast cancer Sentinel Node Dissection Sufficient for Localized Breast Cancer Researchers have found no significant difference in five-year locoregional recurrence or survival in women with T1/2N0M0 breast cancer who received sentinel node dissection and axillary lymph node dissection compared to sentinel node dissection only. October 25, 2016
Cancer treatments FDA Approves Olaratumab for Soft Tissue Sarcoma On October 19, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to olaratumab (Lartruvo™, Eli Lilly and Company) for the treatment of patients with soft tissue sarcoma not amenable to curative treatment with radiotherapy or surgery and with a histologic subtype for which an anthracycline-containing regimen is appropriate. October 20, 2016
Cancer treatments FDA Approves Atezolizumab for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer On October 18, 2016, FDA approved atezolizumab (TECENTRIQ, Genentech Oncology) for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose disease progressed during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving atezolizumab. October 19, 2016
Cancer treatments FDA Modifies Use of Erlotinib in NSCLC, Used Only in Patients With EGFR Tumor Mutations On October 18, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration modified the indication for erlotinib (TARCEVA, Astellas Pharm Global Development Inc.) for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to limit use to patients whose tumors have specific epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. October 19, 2016
Cancer treatments Is Scalp Cooling the Right Decision for Your Patients? Because chemotherapy-induced alopecia is one of the most distressing side effect of chemotherapy, nurses are integral to preparing patients to confront it. In the past, patients didn’t have many options for hair-loss prevention. With new advances in scalp cooling technology for patients with breast cancer, hair loss prevention may be a possibility. September 21, 2016
Cancer treatments Inotuzumab Ozogamicin May Improve Survival in ALL Researchers have found that a monoclonal antibody called inotuzumab ozogamicin may help more patients with refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) proceed to stem cell transplantation. The findings were reported in the New England Journal of Medicine. September 20, 2016
Cancer treatments Does the Sequence of Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Agents Matter? Sequencing of cancer treatment regimens is based on multiple factors, including the pharmacokinetic properties of the agents in the regimen and their effectiveness based on cell-cycle specificity. Because of potential interactions and effects, some regimens have critically important administration sequencing. August 18, 2016
Cancer treatments Poliovirus May Be Key to Treating Glioblastoma A phase I study has shown that a small group of patients with recurrent glioblastoma who received treatment with a modified form of poliovirus showed survival improvement over historical controls. The findings, which were not peer reviewed, were presented at the 2016 American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting. August 16, 2016
Cancer treatments Pembrolizumab Associated With Long-Term Survival in Advanced Melanoma A new study has shown that 40% of patients with previously treated advanced melanoma were alive at three years’ follow-up after initiating treatment with pembrolizumab. The results were presented at the 2016 American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting. August 09, 2016
Cancer treatments FDA Approves Pembrolizumab for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma On August 5, 2016, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA® injection, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.) for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. August 08, 2016
Cancer treatments Radiotherapy Optimizes Outcomes and Quality of Life Through Interdisciplinary Care As the complexity of cancer treatment plans evolves, radiotherapy continues to be an integral part of many antineoplastic regimens. Not only is radiotherapy used as definitive treatment for malignant conditions, but it is also commonly used to improve the effects of surgery or chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings or as part of a combination regimen. August 02, 2016
Cancer treatments FDA Offers Expanded Access to Patients in Need of Treatment Patients who are seriously ill and have exhausted their treatment options often turn to drugs that have yet to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These investigational drugs can offer alternatives to patients who have physician approval. July 27, 2016
Cancer treatments FDA Allows Marketing for First Nucleic Acid-Based Quantitation Test for Use During Treatment CML On July 22, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed marketing of the first nucleic acid-based quantitation test for use during treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. July 25, 2016
Cancer treatments CDC Advises Against Using Oral Liquid Docusate In an update released on July 8, 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended against using oral liquid docusate for patients because it was linked an outbreak of infections caused by Burkholderia cepacia complex. As of July 18, 2016, 49 confirmed cases have been confirmed in five different states. July 25, 2016
Cancer prevention Promote Cancer Prevention in the Face of Cancer Treatment Maintaining and restoring health through the promotion of disease screening and early detection is a vital part of nursing. That role becomes no less important after a cancer diagnosis. Patients with cancer remain at risk for other malignancies, and that risk may even increase depending on treatment regimens. July 05, 2016
Cancer treatments Checkpoint Inhibitors May Cause Pseudoprogression and Dose-Limiting Side Effects Immunotherapy agents, such as checkpoint inhibitors, are gaining popularity and press in cancer care. The agents block pathways used to slow immune activity, taking the brakes off the immune system so killer T cells stay in action and increase cancer cell death. Side effects often mimic autoimmune activity as the immune system stays in overdrive. July 05, 2016
Cancer treatments Radiation Plus Chemotherapy Improves Survival From Low-Grade Gliomas A new study has shown that patients with grade 2 gliomas who are treated with radiation therapy plus a combination of chemotherapy have better survival than patients treated with radiation alone. The findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. June 01, 2016
Cancer treatments Proteins Targeting Tumor Microenviroment May Block Metastatic Ovarian Cancer Growth Although some patients can be treated with surgery and chemotherapy, eventually most metastatic ovarian cancers become resistant to treatment. New options are needed for patients with advanced ovarian cancer. May 24, 2016
Cancer treatments FDA Approves Atezolizumab in Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma On May 18, 2016, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration gave accelerated approval to atezolizumab injection (Tecentriq™, Genentech, Inc.) for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. Atezolizumab is a programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blocking antibody. May 18, 2016
Cancer treatments Low-Dose Metformin May Reduce Risk of Colorectal Adenomas In patients who have undergone endoscopic polypectomy, subsequent treatment with low-dose metaformin, a diabetes drug, may reduce the risk of metachronous colorectal adenomas and polyps, according to a new study reported in Lancet Oncology. May 03, 2016
Cancer treatments New Treatment Approach May Be Effective for Aggressive Ovarian Cancer Approximately 80% of ovarian cancers are classified as a high-grade serous subtype. Because of this, long-term survival rates are usually low. Researchers in a new study have found a treatment approach that may offer promise for this form of ovarian cancer. April 26, 2016
Cancer treatments FDA Approves Venetoclax for CLL On April 11, 2016, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration approved venetoclax (VENCLEXTA™ tablets, marketed by AbbVie, Inc. and Genentech USA, Inc.) for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with 17p deletion, as detected by an FDA-approved test, who have received at least one prior therapy. April 11, 2016
Cancer treatments Multiple Myeloma Is Incurable but Treatable This content was developed by ONS, Beth Faiman, PhD, CNP, and Kimberly Noonan, NP, and is sponsored by Amgen. Faiman and Noonan received no payment for their participation. April 05, 2016
Biotherapy Biosimilar Treatments Have Practice Implications As biosimilars continue to gain popularity in cancer care, healthcare workers should be prepared to see them in their practice. Here’s what you need to know about this newer drug product. April 05, 2016
Cancer treatments FDA Approves Defibrotide Sodium for Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease On March 30, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Defitelio® (defibrotide sodium, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with hepatic veno-occlusive disease, also known as sinusoidal obstructive syndrome, with renal or pulmonary dysfunction following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. March 31, 2016
Breast cancer More Women Are Having Double Mastectomies, AHRQ Finds In a February blog post, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) posed and answered some serious questions about breast cancer treatment and national trends. March 15, 2016
Cancer treatments FDA Approves Crizotinib for ROS1-Positive Lung Cancer On March 11, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved crizotinib capsules (Xalkori®, Pfizer, Inc.) for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors are ROS1-positive. Crizotinib was first approved in 2011 for the treatment of patients whose tumors are anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive. March 11, 2016
Cancer treatments FDA Approves New Indication for Everolimus On February 26, 2016, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration approved everolimus (Afinitor® , Novartis) for the treatment of adult patients with progressive, well-differentiated non-functional, neuroendocrine tumors (NET) of gastrointestinal (GI) or lung origin with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic disease. February 26, 2016
Cancer treatments FDA Approves New Indication for Obinutuzumab On February 26, 2016, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration approved obinutuzumab (Gazyva® Injection, Genentech, Inc.) for use in combination with bendamustine followed by obinutuzumab monotherapy for the treatment of patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) who relapsed after, or are refractory to, a rituximab-containing regimen. Obinutuzumab was previously approved for use in combination with chlorambucil for the treatment of patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia. February 26, 2016
Cancer treatments FDA Approves New Indication for Palbociclib On February 19, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved palbociclib (Ibrance® capsules, Pfizer, Inc.) in combination with fulvestrant for the treatment of women with hormone receptor- (HR-) positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2- (HER2-) negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer with disease progression following endocrine therapy. February 22, 2016
Cancer treatments Oral BRAF Inhibitor Effective for Refractory Hairy Cell Leukemia A new study has reported that the oral BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib is effective in treating patients with relapsed or refractory hairy cell leukemia. February 09, 2016
Cancer treatments FDA Approves Eribulin for Advanced or Metastatic Liposarcoma On January 28, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved eribulin (Halaven® injection, Eisai Co., Ltd.) for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic liposarcoma who have received a prior anthracycline-containing regimen. January 28, 2016
Cancer treatments Aspirin Post-Diagnosis for Gastrointestinal Cancer Linked to Improved Survival Researchers studying 14,000 patients with gastrointestinal cancer in the Netherlands have found that patients who took aspirin following their diagnosis were twice as likely to be alive after four years as those who did not take the drug. January 26, 2016
Cancer treatments FDA Approves New Ofatumumab Indication On January 19, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved ofatumumab (Arzerra® Injection, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation) for extended treatment of patients who are in complete or partial response after at least two lines of therapy for recurrent or progressive chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Ofatumumab was previously approved for the treatment of previously untreated patients with CLL for whom fludarabine-based therapy was considered inappropriate and also for patients with CLL refractory to fludarabine and alemtuzumab. January 19, 2016
Cancer treatments Understand Medication Adherence to Oral Oncology Agents More than half of new cancer treatment regimens involve an oral route of administration because oral drugs are more manageable and convenient for patients. However, oral medications pose challenges with regard to patient adherence. April 25, 2015
Cancer treatments Outpatient Oncology Drug Series: Don't Forget Leucovorin Calcium, the Superhero Sidekick I think it's helpful to be able to educate your patients on the reasons for receiving each individual drug in a combination regimen. Although leucovorin is not a chemotherapy agent or generally used as a stand-alone drug, it certainly is important. Leucovorin has a specific function, and you should be able to explain its purpose. March 16, 2015
Cancer treatments Outpatient Oncology Drug Series: Confidently Administer 5-Fluorouracil 5-Fluorouracil, or most commonly referred to as simply 5-FU, is a cytotoxic chemotherapy drug that is classified as an antimetabolite and, within that class, belongs to the pyrimidine analogue family. February 23, 2015
Cancer treatments When Should Appetite Stimulants Be Discussed With Patients With Unintended Weight Loss From Cancer Treatment? Unintended weight loss and anorexia in patients with cancer is associated with decreased performance status, reduced response and tolerance to treatment, decreased survival, and reduced quality of life. January 20, 2015
Cancer treatments Yes, There’s a Saline Shortage, but Here’s What You Can Do About It Saline shortages that began late last year are now expected to continue throughout the remainder of 2014. July 17, 2014
Cancer treatments Stop Medication Errors Before They Happen I saw something recently that made my alarms go off screaming "Med error! Med error!" I was about to get medication for my patient when a nurse jumped in front of me. I didn't mind; I had enough time and figured that he must be in a hurry. I saw him get medication out for his patient. Then, I saw him get medication out for a second patient. April 14, 2014
Cancer treatments ASH Recommends Wise Choices for Five Hematologic Tests and Treatments A new list of evidence-based recommendations from the American Society of Hematology helps patients and providers understand which hematology-related tests and treatments pose significant harm and cost if overused and therefore should be avoided. February 18, 2014
Cancer treatments Intestinal Bacteria Increases Effectiveness of Chemotherapy A new study reported in Science suggests that some chemotherapy works more effectively with the help of intestinal bacteria. February 04, 2014
Cancer treatments Several Promising New Cancer Drugs Could Come to Market by 2015 Many promising studies presented at the 2013 American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting involved new cancer drugs that empower the body’s defense system. August 27, 2013
