Articles

By assigning weight to health outcomes and calculating the benefits from raloxifene compared with placebo and from tamoxifen compared with placebo, researchers developed a benefit/risk index for the use of these agents as chemo preventives in postmenopausal women at high risk for breast cancer. As seen in the indices in the article, the researchers found raloxifene better than tamoxifen for women with a uterus; for women without a uterus, the profiles were similar. Read More ›

Using the recommended dose of 1.3 mg/m²administered as a 3- to 5-second bolus intravenous (IV) injection on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 of 21-day cycles, patients with relapsed multiple myeloma (MM) after 1 to 3 previous lines of therapy achieved noninferior efficacy with subcutaneous versus IV delivery of the drug when receiving up to eight 21-day cycles. In addition, those in the SQ arm experienced improvement in their systemic safety profile.

By sequencing, then comparing the whole genomes of tumors with those of the patient’s healthy cells in 50 women with breast cancer, researchers found more than 1700 mutations, most of which were unique to the individual. They identified 8 significantly mutated genes: PIK3CA, TP53, ATR, RUNX1, MYST3, PRSS8, ZNHIT2, and MAP3K1. Of these, PIK3CA (43%), TP53 (15.2%), and MAP3K1 (9.3%) were found to have the highest rates of incidence.

BOSTON—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, said Jane Armer, PhD, RN, FAAN, Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, in her poster presentation. Approximately 15% of nonbreast cancer patients also develop lymphedema. This chronic condition is optimally managed by a lymphedema therapist.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved levoleucovorin (Fusilev, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals) for use in patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) in combination with 5-fluororacil (5FU). Levoleucovorin was approved in 2008 for rescue after high-dose methotrexate therapy in osteosarcoma. It is also indicated to diminish the toxicity and counteract the effects of impaired methotrexate elimination, and of inadvertent overdosage of folic acid antagonists.

BOSTON—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 (BMD). “As nurses, we have a very significant role to play in both prevention and management of [bone loss] problems,” said Carrie Tompkins Stricker, PhD, RN, oncology nurse practitioner, Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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BOSTON—The national discourse on cancer screening has come a long way since 1988, when Ronald Reagan became the first president to say “breast cancer” in public, noted Alec Stone, MA, MPA, Health Policy Director, Oncology Nursing Society (ONS). In 2009, after the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended mammography screening every 2 years instead of annually, beginning at 50 years of age instead of 40, the public outcry was widespread and loud. Controversy has also been swirling about prostate cancer screening recommendations.

BOSTON—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.

BOSTON—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.