Articles

A study based on patient-reported outcomes in a broad sample of cancer patients with bone metastases showed that single fraction radiation therapy (SFRT) was as effective as multiple fraction radiation therapy (MFRT) for alleviating pain and improving function and quality of life (QOL). This study has cost implications as well as implications for patient convenience, noted senior author Robert Olson, MD, a radiation oncologist at the British Columbia (BC) Cancer Agency Centre for the North, Canada. “We see variations in patterns of use of MFRT. No doubt some of the use of MFRT [in the United States] is driven by cost considerations,” he noted. Read More ›

It may be possible to preserve sexual function in men with prostate cancer undergoing curative radiation therapy (RT) by using a vessel-sparing radiation technique, according to a 5-year follow-up of a group of men who underwent vessel-sparing radiation therapy in this setting. The study included 90 men diagnosed with prostate cancer; about 50% underwent external beam RT alone and 50% had the external beam RT plus brachytherapy. No patient received androgen deprivation therapy. Read More ›

This issue of The Oncology Nurse-APN/PA (TON) is our final issue for 2014. We look forward to wrapping up the year on a high note and plan on pertinent and insightful coverage for 2015. Read More ›

With Ebola virus in the news, infection is a hot topic. At the recent National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) 9th Annual Congress: Hematologic Malignancies, Laura Zitella, MS, RN, ACNP-BC, AOCN, updated attendees on how to prevent and treat cancer-related infections.¹ Zitella is with the Stanford Cancer Institute in Stanford, California. Read More ›

A cancer diagnosis brings challenges for patients above and beyond undertaking a medical treatment regimen while managing their already demanding lives. It is a tidal wave that sucks away their time, energy, and money in its wake. Their supporters seek to ease these burdens for them, but these supporters are often at a loss as to just how or where to fill in. The modern world in “the cloud” is responding to these issues by developing websites, programs, and applications (apps) that cancer patients can use to help themselves in some very big ways. Read More ›

The annual meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) took place in San Francisco, California, on September 14-17, 2014. The meeting draws more than 11,000 attendees, bringing together clinicians, scientists, and researchers from all oncology disciplines. ASTRO highlights how technology and biology advance the field of radiation oncology and improve outcomes and quality of life for patients. As ASTRO’s needs statement for the annual meeting points out, nearly two-thirds of the estimated 1.6 million people who will be diagnosed with cancer this year will receive radiation therapy—this makes it imperative that all members of the multidisciplinary team be aware of best practices. Below are summaries of some highlights from the meeting. Read More ›

This second issue of Conquering the Cancer Care Continuum™ focuses on the serious nature of the problems associated with access to care. Whether it be access to cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, or follow-up care, it is an issue that remains unresolved. Read More ›

The state of healthcare in 2014 necessitates that patients play an active role in the management of their health. But who, among Americans, has access to healthcare? This access occurs when an individual is fortunate enough to have available the timely use of services, so he or she can achieve the best health possible. Read More ›

When I joined the faculty of the McWhorter School of Pharmacy (MSOP) at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, in July of 2008, I was excited to discover a corporate spirit and passion for involvement with underserved populations that were similar to that of my own. Read More ›