2011 Congress Coverage

In an event that brought tears and laughter to those attending, CURE magazine recognized Marie Hayek, RN; Robert Martinez, LPN; and Rebecca Wojtecki, RN, BSN; as Extraordinary Healers. Nominees for the 5th annual Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing were selected based on essays submitted by patients, caregivers, and colleagues.

The growing use of oral oncolytics corresponds to a growing challenge with poor adherence to therapy. With more than 40 oral oncolytics available and dozens in the pipeline, “the issue is not going to fade away.”

As every oncology nurse knows, pain is no stranger to patients with advanced cancer. Even if background pain appears under control, studies show 23% to 89% of patients experience intermittent bouts of pain known as breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP). Variation in the incidence rates reflects variation in the definition of BTCP.

Bone loss and related complications are common in patients with cancer. And the problem is growing, with more patients with cancer aged 65 years and older and increased use of newer treatments that compromise bone mineral density. Nurses have a very significant role to play in both prevention and management of bone loss problems.

Practices, community cancer centers, and hospitals are looking at supplementing physicians’ services with nurse practitioners , who can handle many aspects of care. To demonstrate how this model can work, two NPs share their experiences in oncology nursing from different sides of the spectrum: in the outpatient and in an inpatient oncology NP unit.

Many patients are unaware of their risk of cancer-related lymphedema, and oncology nurses can be instrumental in raising consciousness about this debilitating adverse effect. Of breast cancer survivors, 22% to 66% develop lymphedema, which is optimally managed by a lymphedema therapist.

The role of a RadOnc APN is multifaceted. They provide patient education, participate in consultations and treatment visits, administer follow-up care and symptom management, handle inpatient admissions, mentor staff, and participate in research.

As more targeted therapies for non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) become available, experts are assessing which patients’ tumors should be genotyped and when. Whether to test prior to initiating therapy depends on each patient’s clinical situation.

Recognizing steroid-induced hyperglycemia early and addressing it promptly can prevent significant adverse effects associated with this complication. Educating patients on the importance of and methods for maintaining good blood glucose control helps mitigate damage to the vascular system and kidneys from hyperglycemia.

Through compassionate and competent psychical and psychosocial care, oncology nurses can be instrumental in brightening the darkest days for patients. Many patients and families crave the presence of another person as they deal with their grief, and the nurse’s presence is comforting even if she is unable to provide direct relief of the patient’s suffering.

With complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) becoming increasingly popular among patients with cancer, it is important for oncology nurses to familiarize themselves with the evidence for and against various CAM therapies. Shutting the door on dialogue about CAM therapies can hinder the nurse’s ability to provide patients with the best care.

The national discourse on cancer screening has come a long way since 1988, but controversy has also been swirling about prostate cancer screening recommendations.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology issued a provisional clinical opinion (PCO) that recommended genotype testing in patients with advanced NSCLC. Genotyping is becoming increasingly important in developing a treatment strategy for patients.