Articles

As early as 3000 BC, descriptions can be found on Egyptian papyruses documenting reconstructive techniques used by priest doctors to restore altered appearances to normality. The upper echelons of Egyptian society placed great importance on appearance, and this seems to have been the stimulus for development of modern-day plastic surgery. Read More ›

After coping with the initial shock of a cancer diagnosis, many women decide to take a proactive approach and seek sound information and advice so that they can make informed decisions about their healthcare. The Oncology Nurse recently spoke with two young women who found that support groups were a valuable resource for obtaining information and forming bonds with other patients and survivors. One went on to create her own group to help women with specific needs she felt were not being met based on her own experience.

Cytotoxic chemotherapy is one of the cornerstones for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Read More ›

CHICAGO—Early initiation of palliative care (PC) in the management of metastatic non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) led to a longer survival time and better quality of life (QOL) than standard treatment, in a randomized phase 3 trial.

The study compared QOL and clinical outcomes for early PC versus standard oncology care in 150 patients with newly diagnosed metastatic NSCLC. 

Aresearch-based educational program aimed at enhancing communication between non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients and their healthcare providers has just been launched and is available for healthcare providers.

Framing Life With Lymphoma was developed by the Cancer Support Community, which unites The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club World wide, and was supported by a grant from Cephalon.

CHICAGO—Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) treated with hypomethylating agents (HMAs), especially decitabine, are more likely to achieve hematologic responses when treated with a greater number of cycles, investigators from Georgia Cancer Specialists in Marietta reported at the 2010 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Multiple professional and societal guidelines emphasize the importance of genetic counseling and testing for individuals at risk for hereditary breast cancer.^1,2 For a woman newly diagnosed with breast cancer, information gained from genetic counseling and testing can directly impact her surgical management and treatment plan. Of the syndromes known to have an elevated risk of breast cancer, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) is the most common. HBOC is associated with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Read More ›

CHICAGO—Gene-expression profiling, combined with a novel chemoradiation regimen, may predict pathologic complete response in patients with esophageal cancer, according to new data presented at the 46th annual meeting in specific cancer populations. of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. New studies presented at this meeting highlighted several new “genetic fingerprinting” techniques that may improve and guide chemo therapy.

With community cancer centers facing rising costs and declining revenues, finding more efficient ways to run a practice is critical. In this interview, Cathy Maxwell, RN, OCN, director of clinical operations at Advanced Medical Specialties in Miami, Florida, discusses how community cancer centers can make the most efficient use of chemotherapy nurses by efficient scheduling and how this not only increases nurse and patient satisfaction but also reduces costs.