From the Editor

TON May 2016 Vol 9 No 3
Beth Faiman, PhD, APRN-BC, AOCN
Founding Editor in Chief

In the May issue of The Oncology Nurse-APN/PA, we feature a profile of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, a top-ranking, Ohio-based cancer center that provides a wide range of services and expertise to get patients with cancer the treatment and support they need.

Also featured is a perspective article on the practical benefits of pursuing a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree. “DNPs’ strengths come from increasing knowledge, years of observational experience, and confidence in their abilities to lead,” explained Gary Shelton, DNP, NP, ANP-BC, AOCNP. “The DNP assures a viable healthcare setting for organizational growth and improved patient outcomes.”

We also provide highlights from notable studies that were presented at the recent Cancer Survivorship Symposium, San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, and Genitourinary Cancers Symposium. Of note, one particular study highlighted 4 pivotal conversations that all cancer care providers must face, offering the requisite communication skills for helping patients cope with their disease. These include conversations regarding ending anticancer treatment, dealing with recurrence scares, making decisions with uncertainty, and experiencing posttraumatic stress.

Preliminary results from another prospective study suggest that assessing psychological factors in patients with cancer prior to initiating therapy can identify those who are most at risk for emotional distress, and in need of psychosocial support. “Survivors often experience psychological stress that impacts their quality of life and disease-related mortality,” stated Sara J. Walker, PhD, Neurospsychologist, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, and lead author of the study. “If you can assess state and trait correlates prior to initiating treatment, you can predict declines in quality of life post-treatment.”

In addition to coverage from recent conferences, we provide valuable insight on US Food and Drug Administration news updates, the evolving phenotype of Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and a scalp cooling system protects against chemotherapy-induced hair loss in breast cancer patients, in addition to contributing to their well-being.

In this issue’s reader poll, we ask you whether you use any electronic tools or systems to enhance monitoring of your patients receiving oral chemotherapy. Please visit our website, TheOncologyNurse.com, and let us know whether this is a technique you have used or observed in your everyday practice. We hope you enjoy this issue, and sincerely look forward to receiving your feedback.

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